Greetings to all
Why Should Christians Live on Mission?
Paul and Barnabas set the standard for the church’s mission work when they obeyed God’s call to go forth. The local body of believers—those left behind to share Christ with neighbors and friends—equipped the men for their journey. They did so for the same reasons that apply today:
The spiritual condition of mankind. Romans 1:21–32 describes this sinful world. Unchecked sin leads people down a slippery slope toward a depraved conscience and, ultimately, a darkened mind that cannot perceive what is right. Every unbelieving person is sliding on that treacherous path.
God’s spiritual provision. The Father responded to mankind’s plight with grace: He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to save the world. On the cross, Christ bore the sin of every person—living, no longer alive, and yet to be born. The offer of salvation is for all; God’s grace is blind to race, creed, and color (Romans 10:12). Those who believe in Jesus are forgiven their sin, and they will spend eternity with the Lord.
The commission from Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8 says we receive the Holy Spirit so we may bear effective witness to those who need salvation. Notice that we don’t simply begin at home and work steadily outward. People everywhere are waiting for the Good News. The word is to be carried far and fast.
The purpose of the church is to worship and witness. Some will go and some will send, but all are called to the work of spreading the gospel. This is not a suggestion; it is a command (Matthew 28:19).
I have come to believe that the CHRISTIAN CHURCH is God's mission field. He is equipping the saints to "go" and make disciples of men in their communities, and to the outer parts of this world.
Believers living in God’s will are all to be involved in missionary work --- first to God, Family, and Community.
WORSHIP - REFLECTION - AND - PRAYER
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
I will accept you with your sweet savour
Greetings to all...
"I will accept you with your sweet savour."
Ezekiel 20:41
The merits of our great Redeemer are as sweet savour to the Most High. Whether we speak of the active or passive righteousness of Christ, there is an equal fragrance. There was a sweet savour in his active life by which he honoured the law of God, and made every precept to glitter like a precious jewel in the pure setting of his own person.
Such, too, was his passive obedience, when he endured with unmurmuring submission, hunger and thirst, cold and nakedness, and at length sweat great drops of blood in Gethsemane, gave his back to the smiters, and his cheeks to them that plucked out the hair, and was fastened to the cruel wood, that he might suffer the wrath of God in our behalf. These two things are sweet before the Most High; and for the sake of his doing and his dying, his substitutionary sufferings and his vicarious obedience, the Lord our God accepts us.
What a preciousness must there be in him to overcome our want of preciousness! What a sweet savour to put away our ill savour! What a cleansing power in his blood to take away sin such as ours! and what glory in his righteousness to make such unacceptable creatures to be accepted in the Beloved! Mark, believer, how sure and unchanging must be our acceptance, since it is in him! Take care that you never doubt your acceptance in Jesus. You cannot be accepted without Christ; but, when you have received his merit, you cannot be unaccepted. Notwithstanding all your doubts, and fears, and sins, Jehovah's gracious eye never looks upon you in anger; though he sees sin in you, in yourself, yet when he looks at you through Christ, he sees no sin. You are always accepted in Christ, are always blessed and dear to the Father's heart.
Therefore lift up a song, and as you see the smoking incense of the merit of the Saviour coming up, this evening, before the sapphire throne, let the incense of your praise go up also.
Praise you Father!
"I will accept you with your sweet savour."
Ezekiel 20:41
The merits of our great Redeemer are as sweet savour to the Most High. Whether we speak of the active or passive righteousness of Christ, there is an equal fragrance. There was a sweet savour in his active life by which he honoured the law of God, and made every precept to glitter like a precious jewel in the pure setting of his own person.
Such, too, was his passive obedience, when he endured with unmurmuring submission, hunger and thirst, cold and nakedness, and at length sweat great drops of blood in Gethsemane, gave his back to the smiters, and his cheeks to them that plucked out the hair, and was fastened to the cruel wood, that he might suffer the wrath of God in our behalf. These two things are sweet before the Most High; and for the sake of his doing and his dying, his substitutionary sufferings and his vicarious obedience, the Lord our God accepts us.
What a preciousness must there be in him to overcome our want of preciousness! What a sweet savour to put away our ill savour! What a cleansing power in his blood to take away sin such as ours! and what glory in his righteousness to make such unacceptable creatures to be accepted in the Beloved! Mark, believer, how sure and unchanging must be our acceptance, since it is in him! Take care that you never doubt your acceptance in Jesus. You cannot be accepted without Christ; but, when you have received his merit, you cannot be unaccepted. Notwithstanding all your doubts, and fears, and sins, Jehovah's gracious eye never looks upon you in anger; though he sees sin in you, in yourself, yet when he looks at you through Christ, he sees no sin. You are always accepted in Christ, are always blessed and dear to the Father's heart.
Therefore lift up a song, and as you see the smoking incense of the merit of the Saviour coming up, this evening, before the sapphire throne, let the incense of your praise go up also.
Praise you Father!
The love of Christ
Greetings to all.
"The love of Christ which passes knowledge."
Ephesians 3:19
The love of Christ in its sweetness, its fulness, its greatness, its faithfulness, passes all human comprehension. Where shall language be found which shall describe his matchless, his unparalleled love towards the children of men? It is so vast and boundless that, as the swallow but skimmed the water, and dived not into its depths, so all descriptive words but touch the surface, while depths immeasurable lie beneath. Well might the poet say,
"O love, thou fathomless abyss!"
for this love of Christ is indeed measureless and fathomless; none can attain unto it. Before we can have any right idea of the love of Jesus, we must understand his previous glory in its height of majesty, and his incarnation upon the earth in all its depths of shame. But who can tell us the majesty of Christ? When he was enthroned in the highest heavens he was very God of very God; by him were the heavens made, and all the hosts thereof.
His own almighty arm upheld the spheres; the praises of cherubim and seraphim perpetually surrounded him; the full chorus of the hallelujahs of the universe unceasingly flowed to the foot of his throne: he reigned supreme above all his creatures, God over all, blessed forever. Who can tell his height of glory then? And who, on the other hand, can tell how low he descended?
To be a man was something, to be a man of sorrows was far more; to bleed, and die, and suffer, these were much for him who was the Son of God; but to suffer such unparalleled agony--to endure a death of shame and desertion by his Father, this is a depth of condescending love which the most inspired mind must utterly fail to fathom.
Herein is love! and truly it is love that "passes knowledge."
O let this love fill our hearts with adoring gratitude, and lead us to practical manifestations of its power.
Father I worship you in all my days....
"The love of Christ which passes knowledge."
Ephesians 3:19
The love of Christ in its sweetness, its fulness, its greatness, its faithfulness, passes all human comprehension. Where shall language be found which shall describe his matchless, his unparalleled love towards the children of men? It is so vast and boundless that, as the swallow but skimmed the water, and dived not into its depths, so all descriptive words but touch the surface, while depths immeasurable lie beneath. Well might the poet say,
"O love, thou fathomless abyss!"
for this love of Christ is indeed measureless and fathomless; none can attain unto it. Before we can have any right idea of the love of Jesus, we must understand his previous glory in its height of majesty, and his incarnation upon the earth in all its depths of shame. But who can tell us the majesty of Christ? When he was enthroned in the highest heavens he was very God of very God; by him were the heavens made, and all the hosts thereof.
His own almighty arm upheld the spheres; the praises of cherubim and seraphim perpetually surrounded him; the full chorus of the hallelujahs of the universe unceasingly flowed to the foot of his throne: he reigned supreme above all his creatures, God over all, blessed forever. Who can tell his height of glory then? And who, on the other hand, can tell how low he descended?
To be a man was something, to be a man of sorrows was far more; to bleed, and die, and suffer, these were much for him who was the Son of God; but to suffer such unparalleled agony--to endure a death of shame and desertion by his Father, this is a depth of condescending love which the most inspired mind must utterly fail to fathom.
Herein is love! and truly it is love that "passes knowledge."
O let this love fill our hearts with adoring gratitude, and lead us to practical manifestations of its power.
Father I worship you in all my days....
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Jesus: Exalted Worldwide
Greetings to all
Jesus: Exalted Worldwide
Genesis 41:34-57
"So Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.'"
(GENESIS 41:41)
As early as the twelfth chapter of Genesis, God promised salvation to the nations of the earth. Abram was a pagan idolater from Ur of the Chaldees. The promise of a universal blessing to all nations of the earth continues throughout the Old Testament. For instance, Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Egypt represents the worldwide Gentile nations as Joseph is exalted to a position of supreme authority in the land.
Jesus came to earth first for His own people - the Jews. But His own did not receive Him (John 1:11). In the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus ordered that disciples should be made of the peoples of all nations. He died for His elect from the four winds - from all the nations. "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth..." (Philippians 2:9-10).
INSIGHT
GOD HAS GIVEN CHRISTIANS EVERYWHERE THE PRIVILEGE OF EXALTING JESUS' NAME. WE DO SO IN OUR WORSHIP, OUR PRAYERS, AND IN OUR SERVICE TO OTHERS
Jesus: Exalted Worldwide
Genesis 41:34-57
"So Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.'"
(GENESIS 41:41)
As early as the twelfth chapter of Genesis, God promised salvation to the nations of the earth. Abram was a pagan idolater from Ur of the Chaldees. The promise of a universal blessing to all nations of the earth continues throughout the Old Testament. For instance, Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Egypt represents the worldwide Gentile nations as Joseph is exalted to a position of supreme authority in the land.
Jesus came to earth first for His own people - the Jews. But His own did not receive Him (John 1:11). In the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus ordered that disciples should be made of the peoples of all nations. He died for His elect from the four winds - from all the nations. "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth..." (Philippians 2:9-10).
INSIGHT
GOD HAS GIVEN CHRISTIANS EVERYWHERE THE PRIVILEGE OF EXALTING JESUS' NAME. WE DO SO IN OUR WORSHIP, OUR PRAYERS, AND IN OUR SERVICE TO OTHERS
Friday, March 25, 2011
It is time for a Spiritual Growth check up!
Greetings to all....
The world and the community you live in will know you are different (A Christian / Christ Believer) by the fruit in your life. (The Fruit of the Holy Spirit). Are you growing spiritually?
Spiritual Growth - What is it?
Spiritual growth is detailed in 2 Peter 1:3-8, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
So, spiritual growth includes: (1) increasing in your knowledge and understanding of God's Word, (2) decreasing in your frequency and severity of sin, (3) increasing in your practice of Christ-like qualities, and (4) increasing in your faith and trust in God. Perhaps the best summary of spiritual growth is becoming more like Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of what it truly means to be spiritual.
Spiritual Growth - How is it done?
In order for spiritual growth to occur, you first need to make sure you possess a true spiritual life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life" (1 John 5:11-12). When you believe in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit lives inside of you (John 14:16-17) and you are a new creation in Christ! 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" Your old nature, which is dominated by sin, is replaced with a new nature that is under the influence of God's Spirit (Romans 6-7). Spiritual growth can only occur in a person who knows the Lord Jesus Christ as his or her Savior.
Learning how to grow spiritually is a life-long journey which occurs as you read and apply God's Word to your life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches us, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." In order for spiritual growth to occur, we must be taught, rebuked, corrected, and trained by God's Word. Then we will be thoroughly equipped for every good work. This is the essence of spiritual growth.
Another key to Christian growth is walking in the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-18, 24-26 explains, "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law…Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."
Walking in the Spirit is allowing Him to fill you (Ephesians 5:18), control you, and guide you. This is brought about by consciously choosing by faith to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you in thought, word, and deed (Romans 6:11-14). Failure to rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance will result in a believer not living up to the calling and standing that salvation provides. Ephesians 4:1 says, "…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."
Spiritual Growth - What are the results?
Spiritual growth is a life-long process of manifesting the acts of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) less and less and producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) more and more. Notice that it is the Holy Spirit who produces the fruit in us. Yes, we must submit ourselves to the Spirit's leading, but it is the Spirit who produces the fruit of spiritual growth in our lives. What does spiritual growth look like? Galatians 5:22-23 has the answer, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." If you are becoming more loving, more joyful, more kind, more self-controlled, etc., then you can rest assured that spiritual growth is genuinely occurring in your life.
God works in different people in different ways. Some people grow rapidly, while others grow slowly, but steadily. Our focus should not be on comparing ourselves with others, but on comparing ourselves with God's Word. The Scriptures are the mirror to show us what we are like spiritually and to shine light on the areas that need to experience and learn spiritual growth. James 1:23-25 declares, "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does."
The world and the community you live in will know you are different (A Christian / Christ Believer) by the fruit in your life. (The Fruit of the Holy Spirit). Are you growing spiritually?
Spiritual Growth - What is it?
Spiritual growth is detailed in 2 Peter 1:3-8, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
So, spiritual growth includes: (1) increasing in your knowledge and understanding of God's Word, (2) decreasing in your frequency and severity of sin, (3) increasing in your practice of Christ-like qualities, and (4) increasing in your faith and trust in God. Perhaps the best summary of spiritual growth is becoming more like Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of what it truly means to be spiritual.
Spiritual Growth - How is it done?
In order for spiritual growth to occur, you first need to make sure you possess a true spiritual life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life" (1 John 5:11-12). When you believe in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit lives inside of you (John 14:16-17) and you are a new creation in Christ! 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" Your old nature, which is dominated by sin, is replaced with a new nature that is under the influence of God's Spirit (Romans 6-7). Spiritual growth can only occur in a person who knows the Lord Jesus Christ as his or her Savior.
Learning how to grow spiritually is a life-long journey which occurs as you read and apply God's Word to your life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches us, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." In order for spiritual growth to occur, we must be taught, rebuked, corrected, and trained by God's Word. Then we will be thoroughly equipped for every good work. This is the essence of spiritual growth.
Another key to Christian growth is walking in the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-18, 24-26 explains, "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law…Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."
Walking in the Spirit is allowing Him to fill you (Ephesians 5:18), control you, and guide you. This is brought about by consciously choosing by faith to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you in thought, word, and deed (Romans 6:11-14). Failure to rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance will result in a believer not living up to the calling and standing that salvation provides. Ephesians 4:1 says, "…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."
Spiritual Growth - What are the results?
Spiritual growth is a life-long process of manifesting the acts of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) less and less and producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) more and more. Notice that it is the Holy Spirit who produces the fruit in us. Yes, we must submit ourselves to the Spirit's leading, but it is the Spirit who produces the fruit of spiritual growth in our lives. What does spiritual growth look like? Galatians 5:22-23 has the answer, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." If you are becoming more loving, more joyful, more kind, more self-controlled, etc., then you can rest assured that spiritual growth is genuinely occurring in your life.
God works in different people in different ways. Some people grow rapidly, while others grow slowly, but steadily. Our focus should not be on comparing ourselves with others, but on comparing ourselves with God's Word. The Scriptures are the mirror to show us what we are like spiritually and to shine light on the areas that need to experience and learn spiritual growth. James 1:23-25 declares, "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does."
Thursday, March 24, 2011
LORD, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth
PSALM 8
"For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by a stringed instrument. O LORD, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and nursing infants to give you praise. They silence your enemies who were seeking revenge. When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers -- the moon and the stars you have set in place -- what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us? For you made us only a little lower than God, and you crowned us with glory and honor. You put us in charge of everything you made, giving us authority over all things -- the sheep and the cattle and all the wild animals, 8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.
O LORD, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth!"
"For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by a stringed instrument. O LORD, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and nursing infants to give you praise. They silence your enemies who were seeking revenge. When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers -- the moon and the stars you have set in place -- what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us? For you made us only a little lower than God, and you crowned us with glory and honor. You put us in charge of everything you made, giving us authority over all things -- the sheep and the cattle and all the wild animals, 8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.
O LORD, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth!"
Jesus: The Sinless Servant
Greetings to all ....
Jesus: The Sinless Servant
Genesis 39
"She caught him by his cloak and said, 'Come to bed with me!' But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house."
(GENESIS 39:12)
When sold as a slave, Joseph probably had to stand naked while potential buyers calculated his value. In much the same way, Jesus was stripped and nailed to a cross while onlookers mocked Him. Imagine being sold as a slave. You've lost your family and friends; life looks hopeless. Instead of adopting a victim's mentality, Joseph thrived as a faithful servant in Potiphar's household. Seduced by his master's wife, the young man might have rationalized sin. Rather, he said, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God" (Genesis 39:9)?
Jesus, too, was sorely tempted. Unlike the first Adam who sinned against God and His Word in the luxury of a garden, Jesus stood by God's Word in the wilderness of a desert (Matthew 4:1-11). Like Jesus, Joseph was falsely accused. Unwilling to sin against Potiphar or to defend himself, Joseph was found guilty and imprisoned. I've often wondered if Potiphar knew Joseph was innocent, just as Pontius Pilate said of Jesus, "I find no fault in this man" (Luke 23:4, KJV).
"GOD MADE HIM WHO HAD NO SIN TO BE SIN FOR US, SO THAT IN HIM WE MIGHT BECOME THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD"
(2 CORINTHIANS 5:21).
____________________________
PRAYER:
Father in heaven, Lord of lords, King of kings, it is you a praise, and bow down to. My heart is hungry for You and I pray for Your will in my life. Keep me from temptations and renew a right spirit within me --- I pray in Jesus Holy name. I pray for others who are suffering, hungry, hopeless, and in great need for Your love. Lord touch them, and meet their needs. Save them from this dark world. I too am hungry, weak, and beaten, but in YOU I have strength, hope and peace. Glory to God in the Highest, praise His Holy name...
Amen and Amen.
Jesus: The Sinless Servant
Genesis 39
"She caught him by his cloak and said, 'Come to bed with me!' But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house."
(GENESIS 39:12)
When sold as a slave, Joseph probably had to stand naked while potential buyers calculated his value. In much the same way, Jesus was stripped and nailed to a cross while onlookers mocked Him. Imagine being sold as a slave. You've lost your family and friends; life looks hopeless. Instead of adopting a victim's mentality, Joseph thrived as a faithful servant in Potiphar's household. Seduced by his master's wife, the young man might have rationalized sin. Rather, he said, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God" (Genesis 39:9)?
Jesus, too, was sorely tempted. Unlike the first Adam who sinned against God and His Word in the luxury of a garden, Jesus stood by God's Word in the wilderness of a desert (Matthew 4:1-11). Like Jesus, Joseph was falsely accused. Unwilling to sin against Potiphar or to defend himself, Joseph was found guilty and imprisoned. I've often wondered if Potiphar knew Joseph was innocent, just as Pontius Pilate said of Jesus, "I find no fault in this man" (Luke 23:4, KJV).
"GOD MADE HIM WHO HAD NO SIN TO BE SIN FOR US, SO THAT IN HIM WE MIGHT BECOME THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD"
(2 CORINTHIANS 5:21).
____________________________
PRAYER:
Father in heaven, Lord of lords, King of kings, it is you a praise, and bow down to. My heart is hungry for You and I pray for Your will in my life. Keep me from temptations and renew a right spirit within me --- I pray in Jesus Holy name. I pray for others who are suffering, hungry, hopeless, and in great need for Your love. Lord touch them, and meet their needs. Save them from this dark world. I too am hungry, weak, and beaten, but in YOU I have strength, hope and peace. Glory to God in the Highest, praise His Holy name...
Amen and Amen.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
"God's fruit" --- Taste and See --- "The value of the Redeemer"
Greetings To All
In the book of John 16 Verses 7-15
Christ's departure was necessary to the Comforter's coming.
Sending the Spirit was to be the fruit of Christ's death, which was his going away. His bodily presence could be only in one place at one time, but his Spirit is every where, in all places, at all times, wherever two or three are gathered together in his name. See here the office of the Spirit, first to reprove, or to convince.
Convincing work is the Spirit's work; he can do it effectually, and none but he. It is the method the Holy Spirit takes, first to convince, and then to comfort. The Spirit shall convince the world, of sin; not merely tell them of it.
The Spirit convinces of the fact of sin; of the fault of sin; of the folly of sin; of the filth of sin, that by it we are become hateful to God; of the fountain of sin, the corrupt nature; and lastly, of the fruit of sin, that the end thereof is death. The Holy Spirit proves that all the world is guilty before God. He convinces the world of righteousness; that Jesus of Nazareth was Christ the righteous. Also, of Christ's righteousness, imparted to us for justification and salvation.
He will show them where it is to be had, and how they may be accepted as righteous in God's sight. Christ's ascension proves the ransom was accepted, and the righteousness finished, through which believers were to be justified. Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. All will be well, when his power is broken, who made all the mischief.
As Satan is subdued by Christ, this gives us confidence, for no other power can stand before him. And of the day of judgment. The coming of the Spirit would be of unspeakable advantage to the disciples.
The Holy Spirit is our Guide, not only to show us the way, but to go with us by continued aids and influences. To be led into a truth is more than barely to know it; it is not only to have the notion of it in our heads, but the relish, and savour, and power of it in our hearts.
He shall teach all truth, and keep back nothing profitable, for he will show things to come. All the gifts and graces of the Spirit, all the preaching, and all the writing of the apostles, under the influence of the Spirit, all the tongues, and miracles, were to glorify Christ.
It behoves every one to ask, whether the Holy Spirit has begun a good work in his heart? Without clear discovery of our guilt and danger, we never shall understand the value of Christ's salvation; but when brought to know ourselves aright, we begin to see the value of the Redeemer.
We should have fuller views of the Redeemer, and more lively affections to him, if we more prayed for, and depended on the Holy Spirit.
Your WORSHIP to Him would be more intimate and reflecting His Fruit in you...
"COME LET US WORSHIP AND BOW DOWN"
______
Taste and see the Lord is Good....
If you don't know Jesus as Lord, Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. OR if you have been feeling like Jesus is not in your life and or you have been falling behind, not praying, going to church or loving your brother or sister ---- Commit your life fully to Him -- depend on the Holy Spirit to guide you in your thoughts, decisions, and everyday living.
May God Bless You and Keep You.
BE THE SALT AND THE LIGHT for Jesus Christ loves You.
In the book of John 16 Verses 7-15
Christ's departure was necessary to the Comforter's coming.
Sending the Spirit was to be the fruit of Christ's death, which was his going away. His bodily presence could be only in one place at one time, but his Spirit is every where, in all places, at all times, wherever two or three are gathered together in his name. See here the office of the Spirit, first to reprove, or to convince. Convincing work is the Spirit's work; he can do it effectually, and none but he. It is the method the Holy Spirit takes, first to convince, and then to comfort. The Spirit shall convince the world, of sin; not merely tell them of it.
The Spirit convinces of the fact of sin; of the fault of sin; of the folly of sin; of the filth of sin, that by it we are become hateful to God; of the fountain of sin, the corrupt nature; and lastly, of the fruit of sin, that the end thereof is death. The Holy Spirit proves that all the world is guilty before God. He convinces the world of righteousness; that Jesus of Nazareth was Christ the righteous. Also, of Christ's righteousness, imparted to us for justification and salvation.
He will show them where it is to be had, and how they may be accepted as righteous in God's sight. Christ's ascension proves the ransom was accepted, and the righteousness finished, through which believers were to be justified. Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. All will be well, when his power is broken, who made all the mischief.
As Satan is subdued by Christ, this gives us confidence, for no other power can stand before him. And of the day of judgment. The coming of the Spirit would be of unspeakable advantage to the disciples.
The Holy Spirit is our Guide, not only to show us the way, but to go with us by continued aids and influences. To be led into a truth is more than barely to know it; it is not only to have the notion of it in our heads, but the relish, and savour, and power of it in our hearts.
He shall teach all truth, and keep back nothing profitable, for he will show things to come. All the gifts and graces of the Spirit, all the preaching, and all the writing of the apostles, under the influence of the Spirit, all the tongues, and miracles, were to glorify Christ.
It behoves every one to ask, whether the Holy Spirit has begun a good work in his heart? Without clear discovery of our guilt and danger, we never shall understand the value of Christ's salvation; but when brought to know ourselves aright, we begin to see the value of the Redeemer.
We should have fuller views of the Redeemer, and more lively affections to him, if we more prayed for, and depended on the Holy Spirit.
Your WORSHIP to Him would be more intimate and reflecting His Fruit in you...
"COME LET US WORSHIP AND BOW DOWN"
______
Taste and see the Lord is Good....
If you don't know Jesus as Lord, Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. OR if you have been feeling like Jesus is not in your life and or you have been falling behind, not praying, going to church or loving your brother or sister ---- Commit your life fully to Him -- depend on the Holy Spirit to guide you in your thoughts, decisions, and everyday living.
May God Bless You and Keep You.
BE THE SALT AND THE LIGHT for Jesus Christ loves You.
Jesus: Rejected by His Brothers
Greetings to all...
Jesus: Rejected by His Brothers
Genesis 37:23-28
"So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt."
(GENESIS 37:28)
Jesus may be seen in the life of Joseph as in no other life in the Bible, save perhaps that of Moses. For several days we'll see ways in which Joseph foreshadowed our Lord. Joseph, the son of Jacob's beloved Rachel, was his father's favorite. His "coat of many colors" was probably a manager's tunic, indicating his apparent leadership in the family business, though he was younger than his brothers.
The coat provoked jealousy among his siblings, as did Joseph's dreams of his future elevation above them. They plotted to kill him, and would have, had not Reuben intervened. Jesus, too, was betrayed by the brothers He loved - the very people He came to save. Both Joseph and Jesus were shepherds, the former of sheep, the latter of souls. Both men opposed evil and were beloved of their fathers. They were each hated without a cause. Both foretold of their own future glory and sovereignty. They came forth out of the pit of death - Joseph into glory in Egypt, and Jesus into eternal glory in heaven and on earth.
INSIGHT
PERHAPS YOU HAVE BEEN REJECTED BY A LOVED ONE. JESUS UNDERSTANDS. HE SAID, "I DID NOT COME TO BRING PEACE, BUT A SWORD"
(MATTHEW 10:34).
Jesus: Rejected by His Brothers
Genesis 37:23-28
"So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt."
(GENESIS 37:28)
Jesus may be seen in the life of Joseph as in no other life in the Bible, save perhaps that of Moses. For several days we'll see ways in which Joseph foreshadowed our Lord. Joseph, the son of Jacob's beloved Rachel, was his father's favorite. His "coat of many colors" was probably a manager's tunic, indicating his apparent leadership in the family business, though he was younger than his brothers.
The coat provoked jealousy among his siblings, as did Joseph's dreams of his future elevation above them. They plotted to kill him, and would have, had not Reuben intervened. Jesus, too, was betrayed by the brothers He loved - the very people He came to save. Both Joseph and Jesus were shepherds, the former of sheep, the latter of souls. Both men opposed evil and were beloved of their fathers. They were each hated without a cause. Both foretold of their own future glory and sovereignty. They came forth out of the pit of death - Joseph into glory in Egypt, and Jesus into eternal glory in heaven and on earth.
INSIGHT
PERHAPS YOU HAVE BEEN REJECTED BY A LOVED ONE. JESUS UNDERSTANDS. HE SAID, "I DID NOT COME TO BRING PEACE, BUT A SWORD"
(MATTHEW 10:34).
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
A mature Christian "preaches" with his or her life
Greetings to All
A mature Christian "preaches" with his or her life.
Many times we try to talk people into accepting Jesus, but yet we fail to show them Jesus; we don't act any differently than the rest of the world, even though we claim to be saved. The world isn't looking for talk; it wants walk. Therefore, we, as Christians, must live differently: stop telling, and start showing.
Matthew 7:20 tells us how to recognize truly mature Christians: "by their fruit." Stop worrying about the outward show that you put on in front of your friends, and start developing the Fruit of the Spirit in your inner life (see Galatians 5:22-23). Then once you have learned to be kind, gentle, peaceful and joyful even during difficult circumstances, non-Christians will see you and say to themselves, "I want what you've got." Then, you will be able to share Jesus with them effectively.
We need to develop the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Interestingly, the first Fruit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 is "love." Furthermore, in John 13:35, Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." In other words, love ought to be the trademark of every believer.
It is by living a life of love that you make the world hungry and thirsty for the joy, kindness, patience, peace, and stability that you have. The world isn't reading the Bible; they're reading Christians like you. And if they don't like what they see in you, they're not going to want what you've got—Jesus.
A mature Christian "preaches" with his or her life.
Many times we try to talk people into accepting Jesus, but yet we fail to show them Jesus; we don't act any differently than the rest of the world, even though we claim to be saved. The world isn't looking for talk; it wants walk. Therefore, we, as Christians, must live differently: stop telling, and start showing.Matthew 7:20 tells us how to recognize truly mature Christians: "by their fruit." Stop worrying about the outward show that you put on in front of your friends, and start developing the Fruit of the Spirit in your inner life (see Galatians 5:22-23). Then once you have learned to be kind, gentle, peaceful and joyful even during difficult circumstances, non-Christians will see you and say to themselves, "I want what you've got." Then, you will be able to share Jesus with them effectively.
We need to develop the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Interestingly, the first Fruit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 is "love." Furthermore, in John 13:35, Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." In other words, love ought to be the trademark of every believer.
It is by living a life of love that you make the world hungry and thirsty for the joy, kindness, patience, peace, and stability that you have. The world isn't reading the Bible; they're reading Christians like you. And if they don't like what they see in you, they're not going to want what you've got—Jesus.
Be Rooted in God
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
"On Christ alone I stand, all else is sinking sand."
The storms of life won't harm you if you have deep roots in God.
In Matthew 13:3-6, Jesus told this parable: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root." One point Jesus makes in this parable is that people without deep roots in God will fall away from faith whenever persecution or trials come on account of the word (see Matthew 13:20-21).
Believers believe, as long as they have Jesus' words embedded in them, they can stand strong and not be shaken.
Similarly, Jesus encourages his followers to build their house (i.e. their life) on "the rock" (see Matthew 7:24-27). Even though the wind and storms beat against that house, it did not crumble because it was founded on the rock. If you have deep roots in God, your life will be built on the Rock—Christ. As one hymn says, "On Christ alone I stand, all else is sinking sand."
It is no surprise, then, that Paul encourages believers to be rooted and built up in Christ, strengthened in the faith (Colossians 2:6-7). If you are strengthened in faith, then you won't crack under the pressure of difficult situations because you will be able to dig deeply into the word of God on which you are firmly grounded. Unfortunately, too many Christians have a cracked foundation.
Make it a priority to have deep roots in God so that you will not wither under the heat of life. Invest time into reading and memorizing God's word, praying, and communing with God. Be rooted in God.
"On Christ alone I stand, all else is sinking sand."
The storms of life won't harm you if you have deep roots in God.
In Matthew 13:3-6, Jesus told this parable: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root." One point Jesus makes in this parable is that people without deep roots in God will fall away from faith whenever persecution or trials come on account of the word (see Matthew 13:20-21).
Believers believe, as long as they have Jesus' words embedded in them, they can stand strong and not be shaken.
Similarly, Jesus encourages his followers to build their house (i.e. their life) on "the rock" (see Matthew 7:24-27). Even though the wind and storms beat against that house, it did not crumble because it was founded on the rock. If you have deep roots in God, your life will be built on the Rock—Christ. As one hymn says, "On Christ alone I stand, all else is sinking sand."
It is no surprise, then, that Paul encourages believers to be rooted and built up in Christ, strengthened in the faith (Colossians 2:6-7). If you are strengthened in faith, then you won't crack under the pressure of difficult situations because you will be able to dig deeply into the word of God on which you are firmly grounded. Unfortunately, too many Christians have a cracked foundation.
Make it a priority to have deep roots in God so that you will not wither under the heat of life. Invest time into reading and memorizing God's word, praying, and communing with God. Be rooted in God.
Monday, March 21, 2011
“Standing in the Gap”
Greetings to the Men of God!
“Standing in the Gap”
In Ezekiel 22:30 NIV the LORD says,
“I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.”
Men let me ask, will we be the MAN that God can call on to ‘stand in the gap’ for Him? God is searching for faithful men – men who He can trust to live and lead for Him. God is looking for men He can trust with God-sized tasks; so will we be that man?
Will YOU Be That Man?
As a believer a disciple of Christ, a Christ-follower, who do you represent?
Let’s look at Jesus Christ (Son Of God) and who He represented.
If Jesus was the Son of God, why did He call Himself the Son of Man?
This sounds like some kind of contradiction at first glance, but in fact there is no contradiction. An examination of Scripture reveals that the phrase "Son of Man" carries broad significance.
First of all, even if the phrase “Son of Man” is a reference to Jesus' humanity, it is not a denial of His deity. By becoming a man, Jesus did not cease being God. The incarnation of Christ did not involve the subtraction of deity, but the addition of humanity. Jesus clearly claimed to be God on many occasions (Matthew 16:16,17; John 8:58; 10:30). But in addition to being divine, He was also human (see Philippians 2:6-8). He had two natures (divine and human) conjoined in one person.
Further, Scripture indicates that Jesus was not denying His deity by referring to Himself as the Son of Man. In fact, it is highly revealing that the term “Son of Man” is used in Scripture in contexts of Christ's deity. For example, the Bible says that only God can forgive sins (Isaiah 43:25; Mark 2:7). But as the “Son of Man,” Jesus had the power to forgive sins (Mark 2:10). Likewise, Christ will return to Earth as the “Son of Man” in clouds of glory to reign on Earth (Matthew 26:63-64). In this passage, Jesus is citing Daniel 7:13 where the Messiah is described as the "Ancient of Days," a phrase used to indicate His deity (cf. Daniel 7:9).
Further, when Jesus was asked by the high priest whether He was the “Son of God” (Matthew 26:63), He responded affirmatively, declaring that He was the “Son of Man” who would come in power and great glory (verse 64). This indicated that Jesus Himself used the phrase “Son of Man” to indicate His deity as the Son of God.
Finally, the phrase “Son of Man” also emphasizes who Jesus is in relation to His incarnation and His work of salvation.
In the Old Testament (Leviticus 25:25-26, 48-49; Ruth 2:20), the next of kin (one related by blood) always functioned as the "kinsman-redeemer" of a family member who needed redemption from jail.
Jesus became related to us “by blood” (that is, He became a man) so He could function as our Kinsman-Redeemer and rescue us from sin.
If you look around this room, we as man from various cultural backgrounds were a son and have an earthly Father who may have known Jesus Christ as Savior or may not know Jesus Christ as Savior, but we all had some male “Fatherly” type of figure, and importantly some, a Godly example growing up. Perhaps your mom played that role, and uncle, grandfather, or a friend. You can put that all away and cast it at the feet of Jesus Christ.
Today and forever --- God calls us to “stand in the gap” and represent Him, in our homes, community, and the world.
Will you be that Man?
Scriptures for all men to read as devotional, prayer, song, praise and worship.
1 Chronicles 29:17
I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity ... (NIV)
Deuteronomy 1:29-31
Then I said to you, "Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place." (NIV)
Joshua 1:9
...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
(NIV)
Malachi 4:6
He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse. (NIV)
Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; (NIV)
Proverbs 3:11-12
My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:32
For the LORD detests a perverse man
but takes the upright into his confidence. (NIV)
Proverbs 10:9
The man of integrity walks securely,
but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. (NIV)
Proverbs 17:24
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view,
but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth. (NIV)
Proverbs 17:27
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,
and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
(NIV)
Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old. (NIV)
Proverbs 23:24
The father of a righteous man has great joy;
he who has a wise son delights in him. (NIV)
Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (NIV)
Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. (NIV)
Hebrews 12:7
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? (NIV
“Standing in the Gap”
In Ezekiel 22:30 NIV the LORD says,
“I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.”
Men let me ask, will we be the MAN that God can call on to ‘stand in the gap’ for Him? God is searching for faithful men – men who He can trust to live and lead for Him. God is looking for men He can trust with God-sized tasks; so will we be that man?
"Who do you represent?"
Will YOU Be That Man?
As a believer a disciple of Christ, a Christ-follower, who do you represent?
Let’s look at Jesus Christ (Son Of God) and who He represented.
If Jesus was the Son of God, why did He call Himself the Son of Man?
This sounds like some kind of contradiction at first glance, but in fact there is no contradiction. An examination of Scripture reveals that the phrase "Son of Man" carries broad significance.
First of all, even if the phrase “Son of Man” is a reference to Jesus' humanity, it is not a denial of His deity. By becoming a man, Jesus did not cease being God. The incarnation of Christ did not involve the subtraction of deity, but the addition of humanity. Jesus clearly claimed to be God on many occasions (Matthew 16:16,17; John 8:58; 10:30). But in addition to being divine, He was also human (see Philippians 2:6-8). He had two natures (divine and human) conjoined in one person.
Further, Scripture indicates that Jesus was not denying His deity by referring to Himself as the Son of Man. In fact, it is highly revealing that the term “Son of Man” is used in Scripture in contexts of Christ's deity. For example, the Bible says that only God can forgive sins (Isaiah 43:25; Mark 2:7). But as the “Son of Man,” Jesus had the power to forgive sins (Mark 2:10). Likewise, Christ will return to Earth as the “Son of Man” in clouds of glory to reign on Earth (Matthew 26:63-64). In this passage, Jesus is citing Daniel 7:13 where the Messiah is described as the "Ancient of Days," a phrase used to indicate His deity (cf. Daniel 7:9).
Further, when Jesus was asked by the high priest whether He was the “Son of God” (Matthew 26:63), He responded affirmatively, declaring that He was the “Son of Man” who would come in power and great glory (verse 64). This indicated that Jesus Himself used the phrase “Son of Man” to indicate His deity as the Son of God.
Finally, the phrase “Son of Man” also emphasizes who Jesus is in relation to His incarnation and His work of salvation.
In the Old Testament (Leviticus 25:25-26, 48-49; Ruth 2:20), the next of kin (one related by blood) always functioned as the "kinsman-redeemer" of a family member who needed redemption from jail.
Jesus became related to us “by blood” (that is, He became a man) so He could function as our Kinsman-Redeemer and rescue us from sin.
If you look around this room, we as man from various cultural backgrounds were a son and have an earthly Father who may have known Jesus Christ as Savior or may not know Jesus Christ as Savior, but we all had some male “Fatherly” type of figure, and importantly some, a Godly example growing up. Perhaps your mom played that role, and uncle, grandfather, or a friend. You can put that all away and cast it at the feet of Jesus Christ.
Today and forever --- God calls us to “stand in the gap” and represent Him, in our homes, community, and the world.
Will you be that Man?
Scriptures for all men to read as devotional, prayer, song, praise and worship.
1 Chronicles 29:17
I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity ... (NIV)
Deuteronomy 1:29-31
Then I said to you, "Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place." (NIV)
Joshua 1:9
...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
(NIV)
Malachi 4:6
He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse. (NIV)
Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; (NIV)
Proverbs 3:11-12
My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:32
For the LORD detests a perverse man
but takes the upright into his confidence. (NIV)
Proverbs 10:9
The man of integrity walks securely,
but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. (NIV)
Proverbs 17:24
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view,
but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth. (NIV)
Proverbs 17:27
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,
and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
(NIV)
Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old. (NIV)
Proverbs 23:24
The father of a righteous man has great joy;
he who has a wise son delights in him. (NIV)
Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (NIV)
Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. (NIV)
Hebrews 12:7
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? (NIV
Jesus: Commander in Chief
Jesus: Commander in Chief
Genesis 32:22-32
"So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, 'It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.'"
(GENESIS 32:30)
Up until this time, Jacob had been winning life's battles by his deceit and cunning - using the ways of the world. He cheated Esau and deceived his father, Isaac. Jacob then tricked his father-in-law, Laban, and escaped as a very rich man. At Peniel, he was alone in the wilderness and met a visitor with whom he physically wrestled all night. The "man" crippled Jacob and then changed the patriarch's name to Israel.
Every human who was ever born wants, like Jacob, to be in control. We want to command our own lives and to be autonomous - having our own will be done. On this night in the ancient Near East, Jacob discovered the folly of his thinking. Only God is sovereign over the affairs of this world, and over our individual lives. It is with this God - the preincarnate Christ - that Jacob wrestled and was overcome. His life was changed forever. "Israel" means "God commands." For the rest of his life, Jacob would be reminded by his limp, and by his name, that only God's commands will ever be accomplished.
INSIGHT
Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." To love Jesus means to align your will to His.
God has a plan for you. The Harvest is plenty -- Go and make Disciples of men.
Genesis 32:22-32
"So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, 'It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.'"
(GENESIS 32:30)
Up until this time, Jacob had been winning life's battles by his deceit and cunning - using the ways of the world. He cheated Esau and deceived his father, Isaac. Jacob then tricked his father-in-law, Laban, and escaped as a very rich man. At Peniel, he was alone in the wilderness and met a visitor with whom he physically wrestled all night. The "man" crippled Jacob and then changed the patriarch's name to Israel.
Every human who was ever born wants, like Jacob, to be in control. We want to command our own lives and to be autonomous - having our own will be done. On this night in the ancient Near East, Jacob discovered the folly of his thinking. Only God is sovereign over the affairs of this world, and over our individual lives. It is with this God - the preincarnate Christ - that Jacob wrestled and was overcome. His life was changed forever. "Israel" means "God commands." For the rest of his life, Jacob would be reminded by his limp, and by his name, that only God's commands will ever be accomplished.
INSIGHT
Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." To love Jesus means to align your will to His.
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