Soldiers of God
Ever ready for the Charge
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Marriage Volume 1, Issue 4
A wife is called to "submit" to her own husband in our text below. In our society women have truly been conditioned not to even allow the word "submit" to be apart of their vocabulary. This was truly a well played moved by the enemy. Yes, there have been men that have not stepped up to the roles that they were suppose to play in their households. A result of this broken structure allowed women to raise their daughters with the belief that they did not need a man for anything in life. The empowerment of women has not been the issue, it was the simultaneous emasculation of men. While women found their voice in excelling in work and education, the identity of a man became stripped to the point that many men today do not know their proper roles in our society. The scripture says for a woman to be submitted to their "OWN" husband, which makes us want to take a look at why this distinction was made. Sadly, in our society women have found religion and in so doing they become submitted to their Pastors. When a husband hears; "Pastor Says", it turns them so far away from God. Wives your submission to your husband is not conditional to their relationship to God, and please do not let anyone tell you otherwise, 1 Corinthians 7:13-15. The only condition you had was when the question was asked "Do you take this man", if you said yes, God calls you to be submitted unto him. The grounds for divorce is were there has been a matter of adultery that could not be reconciled, a matter of abuse, or the unbelieving husband decides to leave. The world and the enemy has done an excellent job of tearing down men. If a wife continues to tear down her husband instead of building him up through respect and submission he will never come to the place were he would want to sacrificially love her and cover her as he ought to. God created a "help meet" for Adam in Genesis 2:15-25. Eve was created to help Adam fulfill the purpose that God created for. In a marriage that is healthy and according to God's Will, the wife is giving her all to help her husband become what God created him to be. To fulfill the purpose God created us for is the greatest accomplishment we can make in this life and husbands desperately need the help of the ONE woman God created for him. WIVES, show the world the submission that the Church has for it's Bride Groom which is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of enjoying Marriage on purpose!!!!! Ephesians 5 Marriage—Christ and the Church 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body,[d] of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”[e] 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Marriage Volume 1, Issue 3
A Husband has a responsibility to uphold according to our scripture passage below. In verses 25 and 26 we are called to love our wives just as Jesus Christ loved the church and sacrificed His life for her, we are also called to cleanse our wives with the washing of the Word of God. Many arguments arise from the scripture below because the husband wants their wife to submit to their authority as head of the house hold. Wives want husbands to love them as Christ love the Church in a sacrificial love. God did not lead us astray on this matter, like many debate over which came first, the chicken or the egg. Jesus Christ died for sinful man and resurrected so that His church could be formed. The body of Christ came after the His sacrifice on the cross. Just like in any other situation were someone is called to lead, they must make the first move in order to earn the trust of the people following. Now, if a woman got married to a man who was not a Christian or who was not already studying the Word of God, their expectation should not be that once they got married that her husband should fulfill this role. The husband once again must want Christ for himself and out of obedience to his Heavenly Father with the help of the Holy Spirit, he will fulfill this scripture. Husbands, Christ did not wait for man to get themselves together before he decided that they were worthy enough for Him to die for. When you married your wife, you made a covenant between her and God that you would love her with a love that is not based on performance but based on choice. You chose to love her until death do you part, it will take Christ dwelling in you to lead her properly and with Him all things are possible!!! Today, HUSBANDS stand up and show this world the beauty of Christ Loving the Church through your example of how you love your wife!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of enjoying Marriage on purpose!!!!!
Ephesians 5
Marriage—Christ and the Church
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body,[d] of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”[e] 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Ephesians 5
Marriage—Christ and the Church
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body,[d] of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”[e] 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Marriage Volume 1, Issue 2
One of the most devastating lies told by the enemy to mankind is that you can change your spouse in marriage. Many people enter the institute of marriage believing that the current state of their relationship will get better because they will have the time and access to their spouse, to mold them into the person they wish to become. Sadly, generational curses have been formed especially with the female gender as grandmothers, mothers, and daughters have heard that they will have to train their husbands. God, is His infinite Wisdom and Omnipotence does not try to change natural man. Natural man will always default to his evil and wicked heart. God knew the only way a man could change (be sanctified (made holy)) would be to infuse His Spirit into man. Then it would take a life long process to conform man into the image of Christ. Only God can sanctify a man or woman and if you are a husband or wife who has found Christ and wish for your spouse to do the same your job is to PRAY for them and have other saints PRAYING for them. That spouse HAS to want to come on their own to the Cross. If God gives us free Will and allows us to choose Him and His salvation, how can we then turn and force someone to conform to our will. The devil knows that a marriage founded on the basis of one or both spouses trying to change the other will not reflect Christ's love for the Church to the world. Ultimately in each one of our marriages just like with our personal walks with Christ, we will either encourage people to come to God or hinder people from coming to God. The two greatest decisions made in this life will be who you choose to serve, either God or Satan, and who you will enter into the covenant of marriage with. The first choice, you will live with for eternity, and the second, is meant until death separates you. The foundation of marriage has to be pure and built on the truth of Christ and God's Word!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of enjoying Marriage on purpose!!!!!
Ephesians 5
Marriage—Christ and the Church
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body,[d] of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”[e] 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Ephesians 5
Marriage—Christ and the Church
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body,[d] of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”[e] 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Marriage Volume 1, Issue 1
The institute of marriage was given by God to man in order to bring Him glory. The enemy has truly perverted this institution as he has everyone that God has ordained by telling man lies that we have adopted as truth. The lies that have been the foundation of so many marriages are, but not limited to; they make me happy, they fulfill me, I am getting too old to be alone, we have a baby together, all my friends are doing it, it's cheaper to live together, we have been together for so long, he/she needs me, and I want to have the most beautiful wedding day. All of these reasons fall short of the function of marriage and sad to say if the purpose does not change and the foundation be routed in truth, they may be subject to divorce. While God ordains marriage to bring Him glory, the enemy seeks to have marriage bring him glory as well by showing the world everything but the light of Christ. You would not go to the Motor Vehicle Association to buy groceries because the MVA has a specific function and going to it for any other reason is absurd, yet we see everyday people enter into the covenant of marriage to receive so many things that have nothing to do with showing the world the relationship between our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Church. God has to mold and shape each one of us to be able to become the vessels necessary to bring Him glory. Even if the marriage did not start in this manner, God has given us Grace to set the foundation of our marriage onto Christ. If we learned these lessons before marriage we had the opportunity to get started with the correct foundation. We are afforded so many privileges and blessings in marriage but they are the fruit, not our motive. Today, let us take a good hard look at our marriages and relationships that are leading to marriage to see if we are revealing to the world a love that Christ showed the church through His life of sacrifice for us!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of Marriage on purpose!!!!! Ephesians 5 Marriage—Christ and the Church 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body,[d] of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”[e] 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Spiritual Rest Volume 1, Issue 4
Once again, the rest we experience when we come to Christ, is to rest from trying to maintain a life of righteousness to please God. Knowing this, that Christ bore our sins on the cross and we have been washed with His blood which sets us righteous in God's eyes, we may rest. Since we have been freed from the law, our salvation then is no longer on a performance basis. What works then will we perform? Paul states in 2 Timothy 2:15 "to study to show thyself approved", as we study we will continue to learn the Father's Will and in doing so we can be obedient. Our works in this age of Grace, comes as a fruit of our relationship with God. As we walk in the light of God's grace, He will lead us as vessels and use His Holy Spirit to work through us. Please make no mistake, God will only reward/bless the works of His Will. The Son, Jesus Christ is now sitting on the right hand of God because He was perfectly obedient to the Will of His Father.
Jesus asks the disciples in the garden of Gethsemane to stay up and keep watch. We see that the disciples were not able to keep their eyes open as they continued to fall asleep when Jesus went off to pray. When Judas comes with the soldiers to betray Jesus we see Peter take out His sword and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant (Mark 14:32-47). Here is a great example of Christ asking for action and here is the man of flesh not being able to comply and then when Jesus's desire for the disciples is to be still the man of flesh decides to take action. In both instances we see Jesus Christ rebuke the disciples and show us the model that we are not to be wise in our own fleshly minds towards what will please our God. God's thoughts are not our thoughts and his ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8).
Storing up treasure in heaven depends on our ability to simply allow God to perform His Will through us. Our rest in Christ is key, so that we are not preoccupied with life when the Father wants us to be available. God seeks the glory for all that is performed in and through you and a perfect vessel is one that performs the function of it's creation!!! Our bodies were given to God for our reasonable act of worship, so today be the perfect vessel at rest, ready to be filled with the Lord and poured out to this thirsty world!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of Spiritual Rest on purpose!!!!!
Jeremiah 17
5 Thus says the LORD:
“ Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the LORD.
6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited.
7 “ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is the LORD.
8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear[b] when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
9 “ The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
10 I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.
11 “ As a partridge that broods but does not hatch,
So is he who gets riches, but not by right;
It will leave him in the midst of his days,
And at his end he will be a fool.”
12 A glorious high throne from the beginning
Is the place of our sanctuary.
13 O LORD, the hope of Israel,
All who forsake You shall be ashamed.
“ Those who depart from Me
Shall be written in the earth,
Because they have forsaken the LORD,
The fountain of living waters.”
Jesus asks the disciples in the garden of Gethsemane to stay up and keep watch. We see that the disciples were not able to keep their eyes open as they continued to fall asleep when Jesus went off to pray. When Judas comes with the soldiers to betray Jesus we see Peter take out His sword and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant (Mark 14:32-47). Here is a great example of Christ asking for action and here is the man of flesh not being able to comply and then when Jesus's desire for the disciples is to be still the man of flesh decides to take action. In both instances we see Jesus Christ rebuke the disciples and show us the model that we are not to be wise in our own fleshly minds towards what will please our God. God's thoughts are not our thoughts and his ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8).
Storing up treasure in heaven depends on our ability to simply allow God to perform His Will through us. Our rest in Christ is key, so that we are not preoccupied with life when the Father wants us to be available. God seeks the glory for all that is performed in and through you and a perfect vessel is one that performs the function of it's creation!!! Our bodies were given to God for our reasonable act of worship, so today be the perfect vessel at rest, ready to be filled with the Lord and poured out to this thirsty world!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of Spiritual Rest on purpose!!!!!
Jeremiah 17
5 Thus says the LORD:
“ Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the LORD.
6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited.
7 “ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is the LORD.
8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear[b] when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
9 “ The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
10 I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.
11 “ As a partridge that broods but does not hatch,
So is he who gets riches, but not by right;
It will leave him in the midst of his days,
And at his end he will be a fool.”
12 A glorious high throne from the beginning
Is the place of our sanctuary.
13 O LORD, the hope of Israel,
All who forsake You shall be ashamed.
“ Those who depart from Me
Shall be written in the earth,
Because they have forsaken the LORD,
The fountain of living waters.”
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Spiritual Rest Volume 1, Issue 3
The high mark of our race is not to be like Christ but to be conformed into His image. The Father wants nothing more than to see His Son when He looks upon us. He was so delighted in His Son that this is His joy, to have relationship with broken man and conform them into His first begotten Son. As we study scripture we can see how Christ lived His life and I believe as He being the model for our lives, we are to pursue the relationship with our Father in the same vain that He did. At a young age Christ told His mother Mary that he was about His Father's business as he sat in the temple learning scriptures and asking questions. Let's look at these scriptures:
Matthew 11:26-28
26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
When we see these scriptures, we now understand that as we come to Christ the Father accepts us into an eternal relationship. The more we study the Word of God which essentially from cover to cover reveals the majesty of His Son Jesus Christ, the more the Son Jesus Christ allows His Father to be revealed to us. The Father delights in us being conformed to His Son and the Son delights in revealing the Father to those who have accepted Him. Matthew 11:28 once again states that all those who are weary and burdened to come to the Son and He will give us REST!!! Imagine sitting in a place where at one end of the table the Father delights as He looks upon you reading His Word and being rooted in His Son through the work of the Holy Spirit, and on the other end of the table the Son is delighting in revealing the one and true Living God to you. That sounds like an indescribable place of peace, joy, and Rest!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of Spiritual Rest on purpose!!!!!
Jeremiah 17
5 Thus says the LORD:
“ Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the LORD.
6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited.
7 “ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is the LORD.
8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear[b] when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
9 “ The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
10 I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.
11 “ As a partridge that broods but does not hatch,
So is he who gets riches, but not by right;
It will leave him in the midst of his days,
And at his end he will be a fool.”
12 A glorious high throne from the beginning
Is the place of our sanctuary.
13 O LORD, the hope of Israel,
All who forsake You shall be ashamed.
“ Those who depart from Me
Shall be written in the earth,
Because they have forsaken the LORD,
The fountain of living waters.”
Matthew 11:26-28
26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
When we see these scriptures, we now understand that as we come to Christ the Father accepts us into an eternal relationship. The more we study the Word of God which essentially from cover to cover reveals the majesty of His Son Jesus Christ, the more the Son Jesus Christ allows His Father to be revealed to us. The Father delights in us being conformed to His Son and the Son delights in revealing the Father to those who have accepted Him. Matthew 11:28 once again states that all those who are weary and burdened to come to the Son and He will give us REST!!! Imagine sitting in a place where at one end of the table the Father delights as He looks upon you reading His Word and being rooted in His Son through the work of the Holy Spirit, and on the other end of the table the Son is delighting in revealing the one and true Living God to you. That sounds like an indescribable place of peace, joy, and Rest!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of Spiritual Rest on purpose!!!!!
Jeremiah 17
5 Thus says the LORD:
“ Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the LORD.
6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited.
7 “ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is the LORD.
8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear[b] when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
9 “ The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
10 I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.
11 “ As a partridge that broods but does not hatch,
So is he who gets riches, but not by right;
It will leave him in the midst of his days,
And at his end he will be a fool.”
12 A glorious high throne from the beginning
Is the place of our sanctuary.
13 O LORD, the hope of Israel,
All who forsake You shall be ashamed.
“ Those who depart from Me
Shall be written in the earth,
Because they have forsaken the LORD,
The fountain of living waters.”
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Spiritual Rest Volume 1, Issue 2
Paul was a man that God used greatly to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the children of Israel and to the gentiles. Paul was placed as the Apostle to the gentiles and dealt with many difficult challenges. We can wonder as the day is long what keep Paul maintaining through all the shipwrecks, beatings, starvation, imprisonment, stoning and more. Well we simply have to see what Paul's motive was in Christ, his one true desire.
Philippians 3
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit,[a] rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Paul's hope was to draw as close as he could to this risen Christ. He counted all things lose and rubbish to just know Him, and not just intellectually but to share in His sufferings and the power of His resurrection. It was God that keep Paul through those times and performed those miracles because Paul understood the Grace afforded Him and he pursued Christ with his all. Our motive is not to worry about how to serve God, it is to draw as deep as we desire to go into Christ!!! Abraham the Father of our faith, was counted as righteous based on believing God at His Word. David, the greatest King of Israel, was a man after God's own Heart. Job a man that God Himself told Satan was blameless and perfect and there was none like him in all the earth in Job 1:8. Job states that "I have esteemed the words of his mouth," Job said, "more than my necessary food", Job 23:12. All of these ordinary men decided to pursue their God with all their might and God used them mightily. Today, "seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you", Matthew 6:33!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of Spiritual Rest on purpose!!!!!
Jeremiah 17
Philippians 3
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit,[a] rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Paul's hope was to draw as close as he could to this risen Christ. He counted all things lose and rubbish to just know Him, and not just intellectually but to share in His sufferings and the power of His resurrection. It was God that keep Paul through those times and performed those miracles because Paul understood the Grace afforded Him and he pursued Christ with his all. Our motive is not to worry about how to serve God, it is to draw as deep as we desire to go into Christ!!! Abraham the Father of our faith, was counted as righteous based on believing God at His Word. David, the greatest King of Israel, was a man after God's own Heart. Job a man that God Himself told Satan was blameless and perfect and there was none like him in all the earth in Job 1:8. Job states that "I have esteemed the words of his mouth," Job said, "more than my necessary food", Job 23:12. All of these ordinary men decided to pursue their God with all their might and God used them mightily. Today, "seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you", Matthew 6:33!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of Spiritual Rest on purpose!!!!!
Jeremiah 17
5 Thus says the LORD:
“ Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the LORD.
6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited.
7 “ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is the LORD.
8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear[b] when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
9 “ The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked; Who can know it?
10 I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.
11 “ As a partridge that broods but does not hatch,
So is he who gets riches, but not by right;
It will leave him in the midst of his days,
And at his end he will be a fool.”
12 A glorious high throne from the beginning
Is the place of our sanctuary.
13 O LORD, the hope of Israel,
All who forsake You shall be ashamed.
“ Those who depart from Me
Shall be written in the earth,
Because they have forsaken the LORD,
The fountain of living waters.”
Monday, March 21, 2011
Spiritual Rest Volume 1, Issue 1
When we come to Christ we must understand the process that we will go through for the rest of our lives. We could do nothing to earn our salvation, so we can do nothing to keep it. Our eternal life was not for God's benefit, but it was for our own benefit. We could do nothing to earn God's love and therefore we can do nothing to lose it. Many believers today struggle with trying to earn or keep something that God gave us freely. Anything earned is no longer a gift but becomes a debt payed. We could not pay our debts so all we had to do was to accept the gift of eternal life. All of our efforts in natural works ended when we accepted the resurrected Christ as our Lord and Savior. Like the tree that is planted by the waters here in Jeremiah 17:8 we are called to be rooted in Jesus Christ and His teachings. This is the only part we have to play in this process. The deeper the roots grow truly determines how high the tree grows. When we see trees uprooted due to wind storms and hurricanes it's because the tree was top heavy and not deeply rooted. See our God is a gracious God and He will not put on us more than we can bare. So those believers that really want to glorify the true and living God must simply rest, pray to grow in intimacy, and study to show thyself approved. The deeper you study the scriptures and pray without ceasing, the more God will be able to allow His Holy Spirit to work through your vessel because you will be established and well rooted in His truths. Just like the scriptures says is verse 10 below; "I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind." Therefore our command comes from Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." We must rest in the Spirit and just soak up God's Word through reading and meditation, God will take care of the rest. God will bare the fruit of our trees in His season!!! Today, continue to rest from the works of the natural flesh and be still, enjoy the waters of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and deeply root yourself in Him!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of Spiritual Rest on purpose!!!!!
Jeremiah 17
5 Thus says the LORD:
“ Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the LORD.
6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited.
7 “ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is the LORD.
8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear[b] when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
9 “ The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
10 I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.
11 “ As a partridge that broods but does not hatch,
So is he who gets riches, but not by right;
It will leave him in the midst of his days,
And at his end he will be a fool.”
12 A glorious high throne from the beginning
Is the place of our sanctuary.
13 O LORD, the hope of Israel,
All who forsake You shall be ashamed.
“ Those who depart from Me
Shall be written in the earth,
Because they have forsaken the LORD,
The fountain of living waters.”
Jeremiah 17
5 Thus says the LORD:
“ Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the LORD.
6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited.
7 “ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is the LORD.
8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear[b] when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
9 “ The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
10 I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.
11 “ As a partridge that broods but does not hatch,
So is he who gets riches, but not by right;
It will leave him in the midst of his days,
And at his end he will be a fool.”
12 A glorious high throne from the beginning
Is the place of our sanctuary.
13 O LORD, the hope of Israel,
All who forsake You shall be ashamed.
“ Those who depart from Me
Shall be written in the earth,
Because they have forsaken the LORD,
The fountain of living waters.”
Friday, March 18, 2011
Fighting the Good Fight Volume 1, Issue 5
John 8:44 "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." Our enemy in this war is a liar as we see in this excerpt from John. In our armor we have the belt of truth which we gather from the Word of God. A belt in the natural allows us to hold up our pants which is very important. When we do not have our belts on, we either either have one of two options; first, we can stand still. We are afraid that if we walk our pants will fall and we will be exposed. The second option is with a false confidence in self, we can walk without the belt. We take a couple of steps and soon find out that we cannot move because we will trip and fall with our pants around our ankles. See the enemy feeds you lies constantly and without the Word of God to combat those lies, you are in a constant state of paralysis were you are not growing and maturing in Christ or you are constantly falling in to temptation or falling for the lies that hinder your relationship with Christ. The enemies voice; "You have no choice, you can't, you will not be able to, and you have to do it!!! God's voice; "You have the choice to follow my will or the devil's, I can in you, I will through you, I will carry you, I love you, you don't have to, and you have a choice!!! Here is a truth to hold onto in the midst of the battle; in the fruit of the spirit there is not one emotion; love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, long suffering, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. All of these are choices that we can make in the midst of a situation that we are going through. We must exercise love in the midst of fear. We must exercise gentleness in the midst of an attack. We must exercise self-control in the midst of temptation. All of these choices have been given by God and are being exercised in us by the Holy Spirit because we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior. The enemy's "weapon of mass destruction" is death and eternal life in hell, we have conquered death by being hide in Jesus Christ who over came death on the Cross. We are more than conquerors because not only have we defeated death in Christ Jesus but we also conquer this life when we choose daily to die to our flesh and allow the truth of God's Word to keep us from falling to the lies of the enemy. YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR, FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of fighting the good fight on purpose!!!!!
2 Corinthians 10
Paul’s Defense of His Ministry
1 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Ephesians 6
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
2 Corinthians 10
Paul’s Defense of His Ministry
1 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Ephesians 6
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Fighting the Good Fight Volume 1, Issue 4
As the children of God we have been called to march for His glory in the war that has been taking place here on earth since the fall of Adam. Whether we wished to be placed in this war or not the second we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we had a target placed on our back from the evil one. Our only offensive weapon in the armor of God is the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Many believers think that studying the scripture is just for the benefit of learning about Jesus Christ. That is a fact but it is also for the tearing down of strong holds. A Christian without a sound knowledge of the Holy Scriptures is a soldier on the battlefield without ammunition. Many times we find those around us who are hurting or unbelievers who are asking questions about salvation and we want to quote scripture but we can not remember the correct scripture that would apply to that situation. This phenomena is the parallel of being on the battle field and having the enemy in your sight but you have no bullets in your gun. We miss the opportunity to win a battle in that moment. Our study of God's Holy Word benefits us to be obedient to a Loving Father, to know the plan of our King, to have wisdom to guide us through this life as we rightly divide the Word, and to have ammunition for the battles that we face daily. The Bible is all too important to each one of our lives to just believe that the preacher should know the Word or to just want it hand feed to us on the big screens at church. We have to desire to study the Word of God, for it is truly our daily bread!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of fighting the good fight on purpose!!!!!
2 Corinthians 10
Paul’s Defense of His Ministry
1 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Ephesians 6
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
2 Corinthians 10
Paul’s Defense of His Ministry
1 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Ephesians 6
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Fighting the Good Fight Volume 1, Issue 3
If we take a look at our passage below we may find that in the armor of God there is no protection for your back. There are two significant reasons for this, the first is that as soldiers in the army of God we are always to be moving forward. We are to continue to grow and mature in Christ so that we can shine His light and glory in this dark and fallen world. We have our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. We are to spread hope to a hopeless generation with our testimonies of life and the saving power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His perfect completed work on Calvary. Salvation comes to everyman and they have to choose for themselves, that is not the challenge of our fight, our challenge is not to faint but to carry the gospel forward. The second reason for why we do not have any back protection is because we have other saints behind us watching our backs by praying for us constantly in our communities. This is another crucial reason for true biblical community. They can truly see with spiritual eyes were we are struggling through our fellowship with them and they will know what we are in need of in their prayers for us. Ephesians 6:18 "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Seeing how the enemy is attacking our brothers and sisters allows us to pray for them and cover them so that they will not have to stop or look back. The enemy wants you to look back at who you use to be, but you are a new creation and your past has past away, all things are new and you have to march forward in that newness of life in the spirit. Except for appreciation of the saving Grace of God and the application of your testimony to another for the hope of salvation, nothing good comes out of looking back, we can see this with Lot's wife!!! Today, march forward and do not faint, your brothers and sisters are praying for you and please continue to pray for them always!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of fighting the good fight on purpose!!!!!
2 Corinthians 10
Paul’s Defense of His Ministry
1 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Ephesians 6
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
2 Corinthians 10
Paul’s Defense of His Ministry
1 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Ephesians 6
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Fighting the Good Fight Volume 1, Issue 2
On the battle field our weapon of defense is the Shield of Faith to extinguish every fiery arrow of the enemy. Many times as we are going through this journey, we see so many difficult situations arise at one time. We get so bogged down by life and these situations and the first thing we naturally want to do is shut down because of the frustration and pain. This is the time for you to cry out against our situations to tell them just how great our God is!!! See once again the Devil uses scare tactics to freeze the believer in their tracks so they will not make any progress in the battle of spreading the good news and living with a Joy that brings our God glory. We see this in 1 Samuel 17 with Goliath, who stood there and had the army of Israel paralyzed for 40 days. When David arrived at the battle and heard this man he had the courage to rise up against him. Even after David's oldest brother rebukes him for pride and Saul tells him he is too small and inexperienced in war, David chose to believe the God that rescued him from the lion and the bear. David knew that this man would not fall by the sword but by the hands of his Almighty God and the world would know that there was a God in Israel. The enemy will use those closest to you to tell you what you can not do and place an unmovable obstacle in front of you just to keep you paralyzed, but God allows this so that His servant that is available to Him, will show the world His glory by allowing God to fight the battle through him. Today speak FAITH into every situation, trial, and thought that has keep you paralyzed from moving forward in showing the world the glory of our God. The enemy of our God has no authority over you and by Faith in the completed work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ you have been set free!!! Keep your eyes focused on Jesus Christ, let Faith extinguish the distractions, and fight the good fight!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of fighting the good fight on purpose!!!!!
2 Corinthians 10
Paul’s Defense of His Ministry
1 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Ephesians 6
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
2 Corinthians 10
Paul’s Defense of His Ministry
1 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Ephesians 6
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Fighting the Good Fight Volume 1, Issue 1
Once we become believers in the body of Christ we must understand that our fight is no longer in the natural. Our enemies are no longer physical bodies standing in front of us, but they are spirits and principalities that exalt themselves above the Word of God. Sadly most believers don't get to engage into this battle of setting unbelievers free from the gates of hell because they are still tied up with their own strong holds. The believer has to realize that the enemy's battleground is their mind. While the saint is trying to fight the people that seem to be against them in the world the enemy is constantly bombarding their minds with lies and with fiery arrows to keep them from being effective for the kingdom of God. Satan knows he cannot take your salvation once you have willingly given your life to Christ and have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. It's like once you willing sign on the dotted line to join the United States Army. No one can take away the fact that you are in the armed services now. The enemy now can only try to hinder you from receiving the proper training in order for you to be effective in that army. He will wish to have you so caught up in fighting as a civilian, but you are no longer a civilian and you have to realize you cannot be concerned with civilian matters. Knowing the Word of God allows you to cast down every thought the enemy throws at you to keep you shackled. Be free in Christ and fight the good fight!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of fighting the good fight on purpose!!!!!
2 Corinthians 10
Paul’s Defense of His Ministry
1 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Ephesians 6
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
2 Corinthians 10
Paul’s Defense of His Ministry
1 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Ephesians 6
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Through The Fire Volume 1, Issue 3
We have to remember that the lives we live are not our own. We gave them as a living sacrifice to a God whom we love and worship. When you give a possession away, you no longer have control over what is done with that possession. God is writing a story in each our of lives that will bring Him glory. Our obedience in allowing Him to have His perfect Will performed through us brings Him Glory by pointing others around us towards Him!!! Many times God does this by allowing us to go through tests which will then be used to strengthen our brothers and sisters as well as unbelievers. These tests are used to strengthen our own faith in a loving God, but then also used to strengthen our community. When we are going through the Fire we must keep in mind that we will come out as pure gold, give glory to God, strengthen our brothers and sisters, store up treasures in Heaven, and add to the testimony of our lives that may be used to save many from destruction. When we go through a hardship and come out on the other side Praising God with a joyful attitude we can inspire those around us. Many people will ask how can you have joy in the midst of this situation, we must respond in this manner; "This brings glory to the God I love, hope to the community around me, and I gave myself as a possession to the most High God and He did not sit me on a shelf to collect dust but He is delighting in our relationship enough to allow me to bring Him Glory"!!! Now we can count this as Joy, to be used by God!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing the fire on purpose!!!!!
James 1
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
James 1
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Through The Fire Volume 1, Issue 2
As the children of the most high God, we know that in this life we will face testing that will be by no fault of our own. It is apart of God's perfect Will. Now we will have trails and tribulations dealing with life and we will also deal with temptations that surface from our own sinful flesh and we will deal with the consequences of those as well. But let us focus on the hardships that we will face as being a disciple of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please make no mistake about it, you will have to stand at some point in your journey and decide to either go the way of the masses or stand on the Word of God. You may have to do this with strangers, co-workers, friends, family, or even with the people at your church. When you make that stand you will enter the fire of persecution and it can come in many forms. As we read this passage we can draw strength that in these times of persecution we will feel the hurt but at the end of the process we will be stronger in the Faith because Christ will carry us through and what a joy to come out of the furnace and not to even smell like smoke!!!
Daniel 3
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”
They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”
25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”
So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
Who is like our God!!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing the fire on purpose!!!!!
James 1
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Daniel 3
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”
They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”
25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”
So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
Who is like our God!!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing the fire on purpose!!!!!
James 1
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Through The Fire Volume 1, Issue 1
This life is a wonderful vehicle that our Father uses to perfect His children into the image of His Son Jesus Christ. We must remember one clear truth, that our lives does not end when we take our last breath on this side of glory. Everything that we face on this side is conforming us and shaping us for the purpose of our next lives in eternity. We many times forget that our journey did not end at salvation but truly began at that point. We did not make it to the finish line, we only just got out of the starting blocks. Every trial we face has been allowed in our lives in order to perfect the Spirit Man in all of us so that we would be lacking nothing. This is a marvelous truth that we can rest our joy in!!! Whether you are a believer or not you will face hardships in this life, but it is only the believer who knows through the promises of the Word of God that these hardships are all working together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Many times these trials feel like pure fire when we are going through them and it is very, very, very difficult to say the least when we are in the midst of the flames. Yet we have a High Priest in the name of Jesus Christ and an internal intercessor in the name of the Holy Spirit who prays for what we truly need in each season. Continue to remember these truths and you will be able to count it as pure Joy in the midst of the trial or hardship. Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing the fire on purpose!!!!!
James 1
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
James 1
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit Volume 1, Issue 4
Knowing that our nature that we were originally born into is truly opposite of our God, will now allow us to understand how we could never be in relationship with Him until his Son died on the cross for our sins. When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, we didn't just dip our head in water and all of a sudden came out with this new nature, a transplant happened. Our Father who is the master surgent transplanted the Holy Spirit inside of us and sealed us with him until the day of our Lord's return. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states "Therefore, if any one is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here". Our loving God transplanted the same nature in us that He shares with His Son and His Holy Spirit. We could not gain salvation on our own, nor could we produce the righteousness it takes to respond properly to this world's stimuli on our own. That old nature we once had is still alive with us in the flesh, but the new nature that was transplanted is alive with us also in the Spirit. That war that is taking place inside is the fact that these two natures cannot respond at the same time. One has to win in order to respond to any given stimuli. Our duty is to crucify the flesh daily with the reading of His Word and with a disciplined prayer life that surrender's our flesh unto His Will and allows the Spirit inside of us to grow and mature into the image of His Son Jesus Christ. God has done it ALL, we just have to allow the Spirit to mature until our last breath. We can rest and enjoy the ride of the Spirit perfecting us and allowing us to grow closer to God in our relationship and in our new nature!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing the fruit of the Spirit on purpose!!!!!
Galatians 5
Freedom in Christ
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
Life by the Spirit
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 5
Freedom in Christ
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
Life by the Spirit
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit Volume 1, Issue 3
We can be taught how to be kind and generous as a child. But God in his perfect wisdom inspired Paul to pen this list of the acts of the spirit by calling it the fruit of the Spirit. Fruit just by the look may seem very mature, ripe, and sweet to the taste. But any true produce shopper will tell you that in order to test to see if your fruit is mature and ripe you must apply pressure to it to see how firm it is. Many times we are very kind to our family, friends, and strangers when things are going our way and we have no pressures in our lives. It's not until we see ourselves placed in difficult situations and have to respond properly, do we have a chance to see whether or not the fruit is maturing. The responses of the Spirit can not be manufactured by man when under pressure because it is not in man's nature to respond in this manner. Only a vessel that has accepted the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and has become a new creation and who is submitted to the Holy Spirit can allow this fruit to be revealed. The nature of the Holy Spirit takes over in our bodies and the responses that come from the testing are not our own but from the Spirit Himself. God, is so gentle and loving, in that even when he tests us, it's not to crush us but to apply the right amount of pressure to see the level of desired maturity. Therefore He will never place on us more than we can bare!!! Just like those shoppers don't go into a store and drop a melon on the floor and stomp on it to see if it's ripe, they use a technique that applies just enough pressure with out destroying it. Their hope is that without damaging it, it will continue to grow and mature to ripen in it's due timing. Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing the fruit of the Spirit on purpose!!!!!
Galatians 5
Freedom in Christ
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
Life by the Spirit
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 5
Freedom in Christ
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
Life by the Spirit
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit Volume 1, Issue 2
The first question we then need to ask ourselves is what does this passage say about our GOD. First let's bring back something into a clear perspective, from this scripture in John 14:6-11, which clearly tells us that the Father and Son are one;
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.
Many times we as the children of God try to fit God and Jesus into this human box, as the disciple Philip did while Jesus walked with him. We take the scriptures and mix them just enough with our human logic to allow our minds to justify our actions or thought processes for a given situation. In other words when we read that we have a high priest who can sympathize with us because He was tempted in every measure that we are being tempted, we want to say "Jesus" is just like me. Jesus was flesh just like us but he had the nature of His Father. He was not made from man's seed, but from incorruptible seed. Jesus may have faced all that we are being tempted with but we will never face all that He was tempted with. Jesus Christ is not our homie and He is like no other human that walked the earth. Jesus never had to repent for one word spoken or action taken. We will never experience that in this life. If God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts, then Jesus had to be as well because He and the Father are one. No one, once again, had to teach Jesus love, joy, peace, kindness, etc.... because that was his nature just like the Father and the Holy Spirit. We do not serve a Savior that was made by human hands or human ideology, nor a God who rests in a temple made by human hands. Our God and Savior are so much more greater than we can ever think. Let us learn about them from their inspired Word and not from our own logic. We are making God and Jesus Christ Ideals because we simply think of them lower than who they are, when we place them into man's image!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing the fruit of the Spirit on purpose!!!!!
Galatians 5
Freedom in Christ
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
Life by the Spirit
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.
Many times we as the children of God try to fit God and Jesus into this human box, as the disciple Philip did while Jesus walked with him. We take the scriptures and mix them just enough with our human logic to allow our minds to justify our actions or thought processes for a given situation. In other words when we read that we have a high priest who can sympathize with us because He was tempted in every measure that we are being tempted, we want to say "Jesus" is just like me. Jesus was flesh just like us but he had the nature of His Father. He was not made from man's seed, but from incorruptible seed. Jesus may have faced all that we are being tempted with but we will never face all that He was tempted with. Jesus Christ is not our homie and He is like no other human that walked the earth. Jesus never had to repent for one word spoken or action taken. We will never experience that in this life. If God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts, then Jesus had to be as well because He and the Father are one. No one, once again, had to teach Jesus love, joy, peace, kindness, etc.... because that was his nature just like the Father and the Holy Spirit. We do not serve a Savior that was made by human hands or human ideology, nor a God who rests in a temple made by human hands. Our God and Savior are so much more greater than we can ever think. Let us learn about them from their inspired Word and not from our own logic. We are making God and Jesus Christ Ideals because we simply think of them lower than who they are, when we place them into man's image!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing the fruit of the Spirit on purpose!!!!!
Galatians 5
Freedom in Christ
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
Life by the Spirit
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit Volume 1, Issue 1
As children of God we may have read this passage in Galatians many times on the fruit of the Spirit. When we first saw this list we thought okay this is the check list I must abide by to please God. We wanted to make sure that people saw these fruits operating in our lives so that they would know that we were Christians. Paul uses an interesting line after stating the fruit of the Spirit which is "Against such things there is no law". Laws are rules established to keep certain outcomes from happening. I was at a conference recently when a man stood up to speak and made a point to prove to every parent in the crowd that their beautiful child was inherently evil by asking these questions, did you have to teach your child how to lie? Did you teach them how to be selfish? Did you teach them how to hit their siblings. Did you teach them how to covet their sibling's toys? No. But you did have to teach them how to say thank you. You taught them how to say, please forgive me. You taught them how to share. In other words without teaching a human child anything their nature will always default to the acts of the flesh from our passage below. Here is what is mind blowing, the Fruit of the Spirit is saying that this is the natural acts of the trinity which is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. No one had to teach them to act out of love, joy, peace, forbearance and the such. Their natural default actions comes from this list!!! These are not just 2 simple check lists of behaviors, these are 2 different natural states of behavior. Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of experiencing the fruit of the Spirit on purpose!!!!!
Galatians 5
Freedom in Christ
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
Life by the Spirit
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 5
Freedom in Christ
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
Life by the Spirit
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
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