Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV/NLT
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
12/24/06-12/26/06
We do nothing to earn salvation, we cannot even claim our saving faith as ours, but God gives it to us. Therefore, we can boast in nothing except God. “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”(1 Cor 1:31) We are recreated by God through Jesus Christ and have no hand in recreating ourselves. He made us and remade us and planned good deeds for us to do thus bringing glory to His name through us. For though we are saved by faith and not good deeds, true saving faith will lead to obedience and God deeds as the Holy Spirit in us begins to work in us conforming us to the likeness of Christ. Let us pray, “Father, thank You for making us a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). Thank You for calling us and giving us the faith that responds. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and move in us. Stir in us the desire to obey You and to do good deeds to bring glory to Your name. Lord, help us to boast in You alone – in what You have done for us, how You have claimed us as Yours, and triumphed over sin and death and the enemy. What an amazing God You are! God of justice and mercy, all powerful, all knowing, full of love vastly beyond our understanding. Lord that we would see You as You are and fall down at Your feet in awe and wonder, in worship and praise and thanksgiving. Keep a true and clear view of who You are ever before our eyes and keep the knowledge of all You have done ever on our minds. Be enthroned in our hearts! Amen.”
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
#31 Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV
Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV
Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of His glory.
12/21/06-12/23/06
Every Christian is sealed by God with the Holy Spirit. To be sealed is to be protected. In ancient times, seals were placed to show ownership and protect that which was sealed from thieves. A deed of ownership was sealed by the owner and he alone had the right to open it’s seal and he alone was the unquestioned owner. To be sealed by the Holy Spirit is to be protected as God’s possession for the seal not only protects, but proves ownership. For the Holy Spirit to be a deposit means that He is also a “down payment” proving the intent of God to complete the redemption of those who are His. This is all done for the glory of God. We pray, “Our Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who marks us as Your possession and keeps us safely Yours until our redemption is complete and we stand before You fully made perfect. You have made us Yours, mighty God, who can take us from Your hand? (John 10:28-29) for what You began You will complete. (Philippians 1:6) Lord, may we truly be Your possession, belonging to You alone. May we remember that we no longer even belong to ourselves. For we are not our own, we were bought with a price (1st Cor. 6:19-20) and that price was not mere silver and gold, but the precious blood of Christ , the spotless lamb (1st Peter 1:18-19). Father, help us to live truly holy lives, for only lives fully dedicated to You are the proper response to Your amazing grace and love You have poured out on us. May everything we do always be for Your glory alone! Amen.”
Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of His glory.
12/21/06-12/23/06
Every Christian is sealed by God with the Holy Spirit. To be sealed is to be protected. In ancient times, seals were placed to show ownership and protect that which was sealed from thieves. A deed of ownership was sealed by the owner and he alone had the right to open it’s seal and he alone was the unquestioned owner. To be sealed by the Holy Spirit is to be protected as God’s possession for the seal not only protects, but proves ownership. For the Holy Spirit to be a deposit means that He is also a “down payment” proving the intent of God to complete the redemption of those who are His. This is all done for the glory of God. We pray, “Our Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who marks us as Your possession and keeps us safely Yours until our redemption is complete and we stand before You fully made perfect. You have made us Yours, mighty God, who can take us from Your hand? (John 10:28-29) for what You began You will complete. (Philippians 1:6) Lord, may we truly be Your possession, belonging to You alone. May we remember that we no longer even belong to ourselves. For we are not our own, we were bought with a price (1st Cor. 6:19-20) and that price was not mere silver and gold, but the precious blood of Christ , the spotless lamb (1st Peter 1:18-19). Father, help us to live truly holy lives, for only lives fully dedicated to You are the proper response to Your amazing grace and love You have poured out on us. May everything we do always be for Your glory alone! Amen.”
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
#30 Ephesians 1:4-6 NLT
Ephesians 1:4-6 NLT
Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do and it gave Him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son.
12/18/06-12/20/06
Since God has known us, loved us, and chosen us even before the world was made, then we can be secure in our salvation if we are truly saved. From eternity past God knows all that will happen into eternity future and if He has already chosen you then there is nothing you can do to make Him unchose you. This does not give us excuse to sin. “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin how can we live in it any longer? … Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body… offer yourselves to God… as instruments of righteousness.” (Romans 6:1-3&11-13) If you do not show evidence of the fruit of salvation then you should question the reality of your salvation. We should praise God for the grace He has poured out on us and give thanks to Him by living for His glory alone. Let us remember that God saves us not only out of His mercy, but also in order to bring us to Himself because He wants to. He desires to present us faultless to Himself with exceeding great joy. (Jude 24-25). It is for His own joy as well as ours. Just the thought of fellowship with each one of us for all eternity, brings a smile to God’s face. It was for this purpose, ultimately, for which He created us and saved us, washed us clean in His blood. Let all who are God’s pray, “Thank You, our God and Savior, for loving us, choosing us, washing us, adopting us, and making us Yours alone. May we always remember that Your thoughts of us are filled with love and joy over us for no less reason than that we are Yours. May our hearts be filled with praise to You for all the grace You pour out on us. Fill us with Your presence and pour Your own love and joy into our hearts. To You be all glory because of who You are! Amen.”
Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do and it gave Him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son.
12/18/06-12/20/06
Since God has known us, loved us, and chosen us even before the world was made, then we can be secure in our salvation if we are truly saved. From eternity past God knows all that will happen into eternity future and if He has already chosen you then there is nothing you can do to make Him unchose you. This does not give us excuse to sin. “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin how can we live in it any longer? … Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body… offer yourselves to God… as instruments of righteousness.” (Romans 6:1-3&11-13) If you do not show evidence of the fruit of salvation then you should question the reality of your salvation. We should praise God for the grace He has poured out on us and give thanks to Him by living for His glory alone. Let us remember that God saves us not only out of His mercy, but also in order to bring us to Himself because He wants to. He desires to present us faultless to Himself with exceeding great joy. (Jude 24-25). It is for His own joy as well as ours. Just the thought of fellowship with each one of us for all eternity, brings a smile to God’s face. It was for this purpose, ultimately, for which He created us and saved us, washed us clean in His blood. Let all who are God’s pray, “Thank You, our God and Savior, for loving us, choosing us, washing us, adopting us, and making us Yours alone. May we always remember that Your thoughts of us are filled with love and joy over us for no less reason than that we are Yours. May our hearts be filled with praise to You for all the grace You pour out on us. Fill us with Your presence and pour Your own love and joy into our hearts. To You be all glory because of who You are! Amen.”
Monday, December 18, 2006
# 29 Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
12/15/06-12/17/06
This kind of fruit can only come from the Holy Spirit when we have surrendered our selves to God and His will. When we allow Him full control in our lives, He will begin this work in us. This fruit characterized Jesus Christ and His life on earth and should be manifesting itself in the heart and life of every believer. This list is so intertwined that you can have very little of any one of them without all the others. But the greatest of these is love (1st Cor. 13:12-13). We pray, “God, our Father in heaven, we surrender ourselves to You now. Help us to live each day fully surrendered to You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and may He work in us, producing abundant fruit in our hearts and lives. In this way, Father, make us more like Your Son, Jesus Christ, and conform us to His image.
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
12/15/06-12/17/06
This kind of fruit can only come from the Holy Spirit when we have surrendered our selves to God and His will. When we allow Him full control in our lives, He will begin this work in us. This fruit characterized Jesus Christ and His life on earth and should be manifesting itself in the heart and life of every believer. This list is so intertwined that you can have very little of any one of them without all the others. But the greatest of these is love (1st Cor. 13:12-13). We pray, “God, our Father in heaven, we surrender ourselves to You now. Help us to live each day fully surrendered to You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and may He work in us, producing abundant fruit in our hearts and lives. In this way, Father, make us more like Your Son, Jesus Christ, and conform us to His image.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
# 28 Galatians 2:20 NIV
Galatians 2:20 NIV
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
12/12/06-12/14/06
It is self will and the sinful nature that is crucified so that the spirit of self no longer lives in the believer, but the Spirit of Christ lives in us and through us. We are now dead to sin (Rom. 6:11-13) for it was that old, sinful self that lived for sin. We are now alive to God, for God Himself as the Holy Spirit – that is the Spirit of Christ – now lives in us. He has given us a new nature, the divine nature of Christ which is a nature of complete surrender and conformity to the will of God. Our life then becomes a life of faith in Jesus Christ as savior and Lord, knowing He lives and works in us and through us. Let us pray, “Our Lord Jesus Christ, help us to grab hold of what it means that we were crucified with You. May we no longer live for our selves, our ambitions. But help us to now live for You alone as You live in us. Amen.”
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
12/12/06-12/14/06
It is self will and the sinful nature that is crucified so that the spirit of self no longer lives in the believer, but the Spirit of Christ lives in us and through us. We are now dead to sin (Rom. 6:11-13) for it was that old, sinful self that lived for sin. We are now alive to God, for God Himself as the Holy Spirit – that is the Spirit of Christ – now lives in us. He has given us a new nature, the divine nature of Christ which is a nature of complete surrender and conformity to the will of God. Our life then becomes a life of faith in Jesus Christ as savior and Lord, knowing He lives and works in us and through us. Let us pray, “Our Lord Jesus Christ, help us to grab hold of what it means that we were crucified with You. May we no longer live for our selves, our ambitions. But help us to now live for You alone as You live in us. Amen.”
Monday, December 11, 2006
#27 2nd Corinthians 13:5 NLT
2nd Corinthians 13:5 NLT
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is in you, it means you have failed the test.
12/09/06-12/11/06
We must always examine everything we think, say, and do to see if it is in line with the faith we profess. If our faith is genuine, alive, and growing, then this will be evidenced by the things we do since faith without works – that is good deeds – is dead (James 2:18-20). The fruit of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:22-23) is an evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in us. Therefore, don’t just listen to the word of God, but absorb and follow what it says (James 1:22). If all you ever do is listen to the word of God but never take it into your heart and let it transform your life, then do not deceive yourself into thinking that you are really saved. For though we are saved by grace through faith and not by works, we are made new in Christ Jesus to do the good deeds God has planned for us to do in His name (Eph. 2:8-10). True faith will always lead to good deeds and a life seeking to conform to God’s moral standards. May we pray, “Lord Jesus, You know those who are Yours. Let us not deceive ourselves, but make us truly Yours and produce fruit in our lives by Your Holy Spirit that we may know with certainty that we are Yours. Search us and know us, oh God, and root out those things in us that keep us from all You want for us. Make our hearts good soil where Your word is planted and grows and flourishes. Father, may all of us, Your children, surrender our wills to Your will. May we seek to live every day in the center of Your perfect will and to live for Your glory alone. For we do not belong to ourselves, but to You. Transform us with ever-increasing glory into the likeness of Christ (2nd Cor. 3:18) for the sake of Your name. Holy are You, our God and alone worthy of all praise! Amen.
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is in you, it means you have failed the test.
12/09/06-12/11/06
We must always examine everything we think, say, and do to see if it is in line with the faith we profess. If our faith is genuine, alive, and growing, then this will be evidenced by the things we do since faith without works – that is good deeds – is dead (James 2:18-20). The fruit of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:22-23) is an evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in us. Therefore, don’t just listen to the word of God, but absorb and follow what it says (James 1:22). If all you ever do is listen to the word of God but never take it into your heart and let it transform your life, then do not deceive yourself into thinking that you are really saved. For though we are saved by grace through faith and not by works, we are made new in Christ Jesus to do the good deeds God has planned for us to do in His name (Eph. 2:8-10). True faith will always lead to good deeds and a life seeking to conform to God’s moral standards. May we pray, “Lord Jesus, You know those who are Yours. Let us not deceive ourselves, but make us truly Yours and produce fruit in our lives by Your Holy Spirit that we may know with certainty that we are Yours. Search us and know us, oh God, and root out those things in us that keep us from all You want for us. Make our hearts good soil where Your word is planted and grows and flourishes. Father, may all of us, Your children, surrender our wills to Your will. May we seek to live every day in the center of Your perfect will and to live for Your glory alone. For we do not belong to ourselves, but to You. Transform us with ever-increasing glory into the likeness of Christ (2nd Cor. 3:18) for the sake of Your name. Holy are You, our God and alone worthy of all praise! Amen.
Friday, December 08, 2006
#26 2nd Corinthians 6:16 NIV
2nd Corinthians 6:16 NIV
For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said, “I will live in them and walk with them, and I will be their God and they will be my people.”
12/06/06-12/08/06
We are the temple of God by the Holy Spirit who lives in us (1st Cor. 6:19). Since the start of creation, it has been God’s desire to live in His people and to walk among us and be with us. Right now He lives in us as the Holy Spirit and He walks among those who are in heaven as God incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ. One day all believers will be with Him at the end of all things and then He will live in us and walk among us forever. Amen! We are to worship Him day and night in His temple, that is our bodies, and do everything, even eating and drinking, to the glory of God. As His temple and priests, every part of our lives can and should be holy – set apart for Him and dedicated to His service. Let us pray, “Lord, thank You for living in us, making us Your dwelling and Your temple. Help us to do everything for Your glory and to live a life of worship and service to You. May we be set apart for You and dedicated to You and to following Your will for us. Lord Jesus, we long to see You, to be with You. Come, Lord, and establish Your kingdom and bring us all into Your presence that You may walk among the full number of Your people. You are our Lord and our God and we are Your people, belonging to You alone. Fill us to overflowing with Your love and grace to the praise of Your glory. Be glorified in Your saints and in Your church through Jesus Christ throughout all generations and all nations! Amen.”
For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said, “I will live in them and walk with them, and I will be their God and they will be my people.”
12/06/06-12/08/06
We are the temple of God by the Holy Spirit who lives in us (1st Cor. 6:19). Since the start of creation, it has been God’s desire to live in His people and to walk among us and be with us. Right now He lives in us as the Holy Spirit and He walks among those who are in heaven as God incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ. One day all believers will be with Him at the end of all things and then He will live in us and walk among us forever. Amen! We are to worship Him day and night in His temple, that is our bodies, and do everything, even eating and drinking, to the glory of God. As His temple and priests, every part of our lives can and should be holy – set apart for Him and dedicated to His service. Let us pray, “Lord, thank You for living in us, making us Your dwelling and Your temple. Help us to do everything for Your glory and to live a life of worship and service to You. May we be set apart for You and dedicated to You and to following Your will for us. Lord Jesus, we long to see You, to be with You. Come, Lord, and establish Your kingdom and bring us all into Your presence that You may walk among the full number of Your people. You are our Lord and our God and we are Your people, belonging to You alone. Fill us to overflowing with Your love and grace to the praise of Your glory. Be glorified in Your saints and in Your church through Jesus Christ throughout all generations and all nations! Amen.”
Thursday, December 07, 2006
#25 2nd Corinthians 5:17&21 NIV
2nd Corinthians 5:17&21 NIV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come! God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
12/03/06-12/05/06
To be in Christ is to be joined to Him in a deep and profound spiritual sense so that we were in some divine and mysterious way with Him and in Him when He died on the cross. We were crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20). If we died with Christ, we will also live with Him (Rom. 6:8). Yet even now it is not we who live but Christ living in us (Gal. 2:20). When we died with Christ, it was the old sinful self that died. We were made dead to sin but we are now made alive to God by Christ Jesus (Rom. 6:11-13). Jesus, the sinless lamb of God, took our sin on the cross and took the punishment in our place so that everyone who believes in Him might have His righteousness – the very righteousness of God. Let all God’s children pray, “Father, help us to know what it means that we are a new creation in You. May we grasp this: that we are dead to sin and now living for You alone. Lord, stir in our hearts a desire to be truly dead to sin and living for Your glory. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for taking our sins away and giving us Your righteousness. Fill our hearts with gratitude, humility, love, and adoration. You are our Lord. May all our lives be for Your glory. Help us to truly grasp the depth of Your love for us. May Your praises rise from our hearts and Your light shine from our lives, forever. Amen.”
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come! God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
12/03/06-12/05/06
To be in Christ is to be joined to Him in a deep and profound spiritual sense so that we were in some divine and mysterious way with Him and in Him when He died on the cross. We were crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20). If we died with Christ, we will also live with Him (Rom. 6:8). Yet even now it is not we who live but Christ living in us (Gal. 2:20). When we died with Christ, it was the old sinful self that died. We were made dead to sin but we are now made alive to God by Christ Jesus (Rom. 6:11-13). Jesus, the sinless lamb of God, took our sin on the cross and took the punishment in our place so that everyone who believes in Him might have His righteousness – the very righteousness of God. Let all God’s children pray, “Father, help us to know what it means that we are a new creation in You. May we grasp this: that we are dead to sin and now living for You alone. Lord, stir in our hearts a desire to be truly dead to sin and living for Your glory. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for taking our sins away and giving us Your righteousness. Fill our hearts with gratitude, humility, love, and adoration. You are our Lord. May all our lives be for Your glory. Help us to truly grasp the depth of Your love for us. May Your praises rise from our hearts and Your light shine from our lives, forever. Amen.”
Sunday, December 03, 2006
#24 2nd Corinthians 5:8-9 NIV
2nd Corinthians 5:8-9 NIV
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we aim to please Him always, whether in the body or not.
11/30/06-12/02/06
We as Christians are confident in God and in His promises. We can be confident even in the face of death knowing that He has promised us eternal life. The moment we leave this body, we will be in His full and immediate presence in a way we cannot now even imagine. Because this is true, we can ever prefer to leave this body to be at home in heaven with our Lord and Savior. Since we love our Lord so much that we prefer death so that we might be with Him, then our aim will be to please Him always in everything we do, here in this body and forever in eternity. Every true follower of Christ should desire to make his or her life count to the glory of God. Those who live with this desire will find that God has worked this out in their lives – even the lives unnoticed by the world. May we pray, “Lord, work in our hearts so that our greatest ambition in life is to please You. Fill our hearts with confidence in our relationship with You and confidence in the face of suffering and death. Father, may all of Your children live in such a way that we are not only confident in You, but that we also prefer to leave this body so that we may be at home with You. May Your name ever be glorified in us and through us. Help us to seek Your will and Your face every day. We thank You for Your Spirit living in us and working in us. May we live for You by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Unto You, Lord, be all glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we aim to please Him always, whether in the body or not.
11/30/06-12/02/06
We as Christians are confident in God and in His promises. We can be confident even in the face of death knowing that He has promised us eternal life. The moment we leave this body, we will be in His full and immediate presence in a way we cannot now even imagine. Because this is true, we can ever prefer to leave this body to be at home in heaven with our Lord and Savior. Since we love our Lord so much that we prefer death so that we might be with Him, then our aim will be to please Him always in everything we do, here in this body and forever in eternity. Every true follower of Christ should desire to make his or her life count to the glory of God. Those who live with this desire will find that God has worked this out in their lives – even the lives unnoticed by the world. May we pray, “Lord, work in our hearts so that our greatest ambition in life is to please You. Fill our hearts with confidence in our relationship with You and confidence in the face of suffering and death. Father, may all of Your children live in such a way that we are not only confident in You, but that we also prefer to leave this body so that we may be at home with You. May Your name ever be glorified in us and through us. Help us to seek Your will and Your face every day. We thank You for Your Spirit living in us and working in us. May we live for You by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Unto You, Lord, be all glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
#23 2nd Corinthians 5:1-5 NIV
2nd Corinthians 5:1-5 NIV
Now we know that if this earthly tent is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling…so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come.
11/27/06-11/29/06
This body we have now is fragile and dying, but God has promised us new bodies – perfect bodies. The bodies we live in now are full of pain and suffering and are burdened with sin, but the eternal bodies God will give us will be fully free from the power and presence of sin and death. There will be no more “death…or pain” (Rev. 21:3-5). God has promised this to us and it is this perfect eternal life with Him that He had planned from the very beginning and He confirms His promise to us by placing His Holy Spirit in us. We pray, “Father, thank You for freeing us from sin and death. May we long for the eternal perfection You will give to us in Your presence. Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit living in us through whom we can have certainty that we truly belong to You and that just as You have begun Your work in us, making us like Christ, so You will complete Your work in us, perfectly conforming us to His likeness and giving us a new body like His glorious body – imperishable, incorruptible, and immortal. May we live every day with Your eternal plan in mind, trusting You completely. Your name be praised in all creation forever! Amen.
Now we know that if this earthly tent is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling…so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come.
11/27/06-11/29/06
This body we have now is fragile and dying, but God has promised us new bodies – perfect bodies. The bodies we live in now are full of pain and suffering and are burdened with sin, but the eternal bodies God will give us will be fully free from the power and presence of sin and death. There will be no more “death…or pain” (Rev. 21:3-5). God has promised this to us and it is this perfect eternal life with Him that He had planned from the very beginning and He confirms His promise to us by placing His Holy Spirit in us. We pray, “Father, thank You for freeing us from sin and death. May we long for the eternal perfection You will give to us in Your presence. Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit living in us through whom we can have certainty that we truly belong to You and that just as You have begun Your work in us, making us like Christ, so You will complete Your work in us, perfectly conforming us to His likeness and giving us a new body like His glorious body – imperishable, incorruptible, and immortal. May we live every day with Your eternal plan in mind, trusting You completely. Your name be praised in all creation forever! Amen.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
#22 2nd Corinthians 3:18 NIV
2nd Corinthians 3:18 NIV
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.
11/24/06-11/26/06
We Christians are able by the Holy Spirit to view God’s glory as revealed in Scripture, in our circumstances as we trust Him and look to Him, and in our hearts as we spend intimate time alone with Him in prayer and worship. The more we focus on Him, the more we will become like Him as the Holy Spirit works in us. Christ likeness is nothing less than unwavering love, devotion, and commitment to God, perfect obedience, and complete surrender to the will of God. As we become more like Christ, the glory of God is reflected in us and in our lives. We become a beacon of light shinning in the darkness of this world. Let us pray, “Lord, open the eyes of our hearts that we may see You and behold Your glory. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, the author and perfecter of our faith. As we focus on You, Jesus, may Your Holy Sprit be at work in us making us ever more like You. Stir in our hearts a passionate desire to spend time in intimate fellowship with You and build in us a confident trust in You. Place Your desires in our hearts. May we love what You love and hate what You hate. May Your glory and Your grace be seen in our lives. May we so shine for You that those around us will see You in us and through us, and will desire You for themselves. Lord, fill us every day with an awesome sense of Your presence in us and with us. Amen.
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.
11/24/06-11/26/06
We Christians are able by the Holy Spirit to view God’s glory as revealed in Scripture, in our circumstances as we trust Him and look to Him, and in our hearts as we spend intimate time alone with Him in prayer and worship. The more we focus on Him, the more we will become like Him as the Holy Spirit works in us. Christ likeness is nothing less than unwavering love, devotion, and commitment to God, perfect obedience, and complete surrender to the will of God. As we become more like Christ, the glory of God is reflected in us and in our lives. We become a beacon of light shinning in the darkness of this world. Let us pray, “Lord, open the eyes of our hearts that we may see You and behold Your glory. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, the author and perfecter of our faith. As we focus on You, Jesus, may Your Holy Sprit be at work in us making us ever more like You. Stir in our hearts a passionate desire to spend time in intimate fellowship with You and build in us a confident trust in You. Place Your desires in our hearts. May we love what You love and hate what You hate. May Your glory and Your grace be seen in our lives. May we so shine for You that those around us will see You in us and through us, and will desire You for themselves. Lord, fill us every day with an awesome sense of Your presence in us and with us. Amen.
#21 1st Corinthians 13:12-13 NIV
1st Corinthians 13:12-13 NIV
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror, then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
11/21/06-11/23/06
Even the best mirrors back in Bible times were poor and unclear. Likewise, our view of God is dim and warped and it cannot be otherwise. Sin still lives in our bodies and is all around us twisting our view. We should always keep in mind that all our thoughts of God have been twisted and do not compare to His goodness and glory. But the time is coming when we, having been made perfect, will see Him with prefect clarity – face to face. We will finally be able to know and see Him as He really is. But for now, let us live in faith that He is truly righteous and good, in hope of the salvation He gives to us and the perfection we will receive, and in love toward Him who in His mercy and love toward us saved us and called us to be His own. Pray, “Lord, help us to see You as You truly are. And when things happen that we don’t understand, when our view of You becomes twisted, then strengthen our hearts with Faith, hope, and love in You. And Father, id there is any sin in our lives that we hold on to, help us to see it as it is and to understand that it only further distorts our view of You. Lord, help us to recognize and turn from the things in our lives that keep us from truly knowing You and drawing near to You. May we desire to live lives holy and pleasing to You and may we see that You are at work in us giving us the desire to obey and the power to do what pleases You (Philippians 2:13 NLT). May we do all things through Christ, our strength and life. Amen.
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror, then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
11/21/06-11/23/06
Even the best mirrors back in Bible times were poor and unclear. Likewise, our view of God is dim and warped and it cannot be otherwise. Sin still lives in our bodies and is all around us twisting our view. We should always keep in mind that all our thoughts of God have been twisted and do not compare to His goodness and glory. But the time is coming when we, having been made perfect, will see Him with prefect clarity – face to face. We will finally be able to know and see Him as He really is. But for now, let us live in faith that He is truly righteous and good, in hope of the salvation He gives to us and the perfection we will receive, and in love toward Him who in His mercy and love toward us saved us and called us to be His own. Pray, “Lord, help us to see You as You truly are. And when things happen that we don’t understand, when our view of You becomes twisted, then strengthen our hearts with Faith, hope, and love in You. And Father, id there is any sin in our lives that we hold on to, help us to see it as it is and to understand that it only further distorts our view of You. Lord, help us to recognize and turn from the things in our lives that keep us from truly knowing You and drawing near to You. May we desire to live lives holy and pleasing to You and may we see that You are at work in us giving us the desire to obey and the power to do what pleases You (Philippians 2:13 NLT). May we do all things through Christ, our strength and life. Amen.
#20 1st Corinthians 6:19&20 NIV
1st Corinthians 6:19&20 NIV
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you bought at a price. Therefore, honor God in your body and Spirit which are God’s.
11/18/06-11/20/06
Since your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, then you are always within God’s temple and always in the holiest of holies in His presence. If we could truly take hold of this truth, any sin would be unthinkable and most particularly the sins that harm the body, the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are no longer our own, we belong to God. Jesus Christ has bought us with His own precious blood. Because of this, we should always honor and glorify God in everything we think, say, and do. We once were slaves to sin, but He bought us and made us His own. He came to live within us – transforming this simple flesh into a temple for His glory. He has made us His priests and we are ever in His presence. Therefore, everything we do can and should be done as service to our great God. Let us pray, “Father, help us to remember that we are Your temple, for You live in us. May we live every day in an awesome awareness of Your presence. Let everything we think, say, and do be to Your glory – worthy of our position in You and worthy of Your name. thank You for rescuing us from sin and death. For making us so entirely Yours by living in us and being with us forever. Thank You, Jesus, for Your blood on the cross that washes us clean. Lord, may we truly be dedicated to You by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you bought at a price. Therefore, honor God in your body and Spirit which are God’s.
11/18/06-11/20/06
Since your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, then you are always within God’s temple and always in the holiest of holies in His presence. If we could truly take hold of this truth, any sin would be unthinkable and most particularly the sins that harm the body, the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are no longer our own, we belong to God. Jesus Christ has bought us with His own precious blood. Because of this, we should always honor and glorify God in everything we think, say, and do. We once were slaves to sin, but He bought us and made us His own. He came to live within us – transforming this simple flesh into a temple for His glory. He has made us His priests and we are ever in His presence. Therefore, everything we do can and should be done as service to our great God. Let us pray, “Father, help us to remember that we are Your temple, for You live in us. May we live every day in an awesome awareness of Your presence. Let everything we think, say, and do be to Your glory – worthy of our position in You and worthy of Your name. thank You for rescuing us from sin and death. For making us so entirely Yours by living in us and being with us forever. Thank You, Jesus, for Your blood on the cross that washes us clean. Lord, may we truly be dedicated to You by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
#19 Romans 12:1&2 NIV
Romans 12:1&2 NIV
Therefore, I urge you in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
11/15/06-11/17/06
Because all things are made by God and for God and to His glory and because of the great mercy and love He has poured out on us, we should give all ourselves completely over to Him. To be a living sacrifice you must surrender yourself daily, even several times a day. Complete surrender to God is the only way to live a life that is holy and pleasing to God and is the truest worship possible. Since worshiping God is to proclaim that He is worthy of all praise, obedience, love, and service – nothing says or does this better than giving all we have and all we are. Do not outwardly be like the world. We have been called out of the world and are called to be a light to the world. If they see no difference in us and in our lives they have no reason to be interested in the God we claim. But if we renew our minds and our spirits through prayer and intake of God’s word, we will find our lives transformed as the Spirit of God works in us. Then we will be a light for all the souls in darkness around us, and then we will find God’s will in our lives. Let us pray, “Lord, help us to surrender all our selves to You and to live every day as a living sacrifice that our lives may be holy and pleasing to You. Holy Spirit, work in us as we study scripture and transform us with ever-increasing glory into Christ likeness. Amen.”
Therefore, I urge you in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
11/15/06-11/17/06
Because all things are made by God and for God and to His glory and because of the great mercy and love He has poured out on us, we should give all ourselves completely over to Him. To be a living sacrifice you must surrender yourself daily, even several times a day. Complete surrender to God is the only way to live a life that is holy and pleasing to God and is the truest worship possible. Since worshiping God is to proclaim that He is worthy of all praise, obedience, love, and service – nothing says or does this better than giving all we have and all we are. Do not outwardly be like the world. We have been called out of the world and are called to be a light to the world. If they see no difference in us and in our lives they have no reason to be interested in the God we claim. But if we renew our minds and our spirits through prayer and intake of God’s word, we will find our lives transformed as the Spirit of God works in us. Then we will be a light for all the souls in darkness around us, and then we will find God’s will in our lives. Let us pray, “Lord, help us to surrender all our selves to You and to live every day as a living sacrifice that our lives may be holy and pleasing to You. Holy Spirit, work in us as we study scripture and transform us with ever-increasing glory into Christ likeness. Amen.”
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
#18 Romans 10:9 NIV
Romans 10:9 NIV
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
11/12/06-11/14/06
To confess “Jesus is Lord” is to acknowledge and claim the truth of God who proved the validity of all that Jesus said and set Him as Lord over all creation by raising Him from the dead – which is why belief in the resurrection is necessary for salvation. In not only acknowledge the truth of Jesus as Lord, but in also claiming that truth, you claim Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. You cannot do one without the other. Many people try to claim Him as their savior without claiming Him as Lord. Those who do this are trying to escape hell and judgment without entering into a true relationship with God and without ever turning from their sin. Such “faith” cannot save. God does not give us salvation apart from fellowship with Him. True faith in Jesus Christ as savior – as having paid the penalty for our sin must work in the believing heart a desire to draw near to the God who loved us so much and a desire to serve out of gratitude and a responding love. You who claim to trust Christ for your salvation but have no desire to engage in fellowship with Him, no desire to serve Him, no desire for true freedom from all sin – examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine (2nd Cor. 13:5). Pray to the Lord for firm assurance that your faith is genuine and ask Him to help you to surrender all yourself to Him and to stir your heart with love for Him and a desire to obey. He will answer, for this is His desire for you.
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
11/12/06-11/14/06
To confess “Jesus is Lord” is to acknowledge and claim the truth of God who proved the validity of all that Jesus said and set Him as Lord over all creation by raising Him from the dead – which is why belief in the resurrection is necessary for salvation. In not only acknowledge the truth of Jesus as Lord, but in also claiming that truth, you claim Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. You cannot do one without the other. Many people try to claim Him as their savior without claiming Him as Lord. Those who do this are trying to escape hell and judgment without entering into a true relationship with God and without ever turning from their sin. Such “faith” cannot save. God does not give us salvation apart from fellowship with Him. True faith in Jesus Christ as savior – as having paid the penalty for our sin must work in the believing heart a desire to draw near to the God who loved us so much and a desire to serve out of gratitude and a responding love. You who claim to trust Christ for your salvation but have no desire to engage in fellowship with Him, no desire to serve Him, no desire for true freedom from all sin – examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine (2nd Cor. 13:5). Pray to the Lord for firm assurance that your faith is genuine and ask Him to help you to surrender all yourself to Him and to stir your heart with love for Him and a desire to obey. He will answer, for this is His desire for you.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
#17 Romans 8:31-32 NIV
Romans 8:31-32 NIV
What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?
11/09/06-11/11/06
It is God Himself who called us, justified us, and promised us glory in Him. Who can undo what God has done? Who can stand against the purpose of God? The Father sent His only Son to die in our place to bring us back to Him. Having given the greatest sacrifice possible we can be sure that He will give us all we need. If we ask in His will for anything, He will answer. Knowing all He gives to us, we should be confident in His love, protection, and provision. Too many Christians tend to think (consciously or not) that God is reluctant to answer our prayers and provide what we need. And though others and even our own conscience point to our sins and declare us unworthy, we must remember that our sins are covered and removed from us. God has made us holy and blameless before Him. He has given us rights as His beloved children and among them is the right to ask with confidence and expectation, if we ask with the right attitude of the heart – not for selfish gain but for our real needs and for the advancement of His kingdom and for His glory.
What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?
11/09/06-11/11/06
It is God Himself who called us, justified us, and promised us glory in Him. Who can undo what God has done? Who can stand against the purpose of God? The Father sent His only Son to die in our place to bring us back to Him. Having given the greatest sacrifice possible we can be sure that He will give us all we need. If we ask in His will for anything, He will answer. Knowing all He gives to us, we should be confident in His love, protection, and provision. Too many Christians tend to think (consciously or not) that God is reluctant to answer our prayers and provide what we need. And though others and even our own conscience point to our sins and declare us unworthy, we must remember that our sins are covered and removed from us. God has made us holy and blameless before Him. He has given us rights as His beloved children and among them is the right to ask with confidence and expectation, if we ask with the right attitude of the heart – not for selfish gain but for our real needs and for the advancement of His kingdom and for His glory.
# 15 Romans 8:18-19&22-23 NLT
Romans 8:18-19&22-23 NLT
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will give us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future say when God will reveal who His children really are. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We to wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as His children including the new bodies He has promised us.
11/03/06-11/05/06
Even the best of our experiences with God here do not even compare with the joys that wait in the future when we will be free from sin and will stand fully perfected before our God and Savior. Just as the best here so far cannot compare, so the worst we experience here which must be temporary, had no comparison to the eternal glory which God through Christ will give to us. Therefore, lift up your heads all you children of God for though we wait it is with hope and eager expectation for every day brings us closer to the fulfillment of His promise. That promise is complete perfection of our hearts, souls, minds, and bodies. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain (Rev. 21:3-5).
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will give us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future say when God will reveal who His children really are. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We to wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as His children including the new bodies He has promised us.
11/03/06-11/05/06
Even the best of our experiences with God here do not even compare with the joys that wait in the future when we will be free from sin and will stand fully perfected before our God and Savior. Just as the best here so far cannot compare, so the worst we experience here which must be temporary, had no comparison to the eternal glory which God through Christ will give to us. Therefore, lift up your heads all you children of God for though we wait it is with hope and eager expectation for every day brings us closer to the fulfillment of His promise. That promise is complete perfection of our hearts, souls, minds, and bodies. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain (Rev. 21:3-5).
#16 Romans 8:28-30 NLT
Romans 8:28-30 NLT
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him, and He gave them right standing with Himself, and He promised them His glory.
11/06/06-11/08/06
We must always remember that all that God allows, (and if He did not allow it, it would never happen) whether good or bad will be turned to the good of God’s children. Sometimes we may never see in this life the good He brings out of trouble but we can have certainty that some eternal good for us or others will come out of any evil and out of all our suffering. Those who belong to God have been chosen by Him to become like Christ – perfect in righteousness, obedience, and love. He calls us to Himself and makes us able to come by justifying us and He promises us glory in Him, in being His, in being like Christ.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him, and He gave them right standing with Himself, and He promised them His glory.
11/06/06-11/08/06
We must always remember that all that God allows, (and if He did not allow it, it would never happen) whether good or bad will be turned to the good of God’s children. Sometimes we may never see in this life the good He brings out of trouble but we can have certainty that some eternal good for us or others will come out of any evil and out of all our suffering. Those who belong to God have been chosen by Him to become like Christ – perfect in righteousness, obedience, and love. He calls us to Himself and makes us able to come by justifying us and He promises us glory in Him, in being His, in being like Christ.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
#14 Romans 8:15&16 NIV
Romans 8:15&16 NIV
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, nut you received the Spirit of adoption. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our Spirit that we are children of God.
10/31/06-11/02/06
We have no reason to fear any longer. As God’s children we need not fear death since it is not final, we need not fear God and His judgment upon sin for we are now His children made righteous by the blood of the Lamb, and we need not fear what the future may bring for we know that God holds the future and us in His hands. He knows His plans for us and they are good, they are plans for our hope of the future. We have received God’s Holy Spirit and because of His Spirit in us we have an intimate and loving relationship with the Father. The Spirit confirms this to us by producing fruit in our lives – by working in and through us.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, nut you received the Spirit of adoption. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our Spirit that we are children of God.
10/31/06-11/02/06
We have no reason to fear any longer. As God’s children we need not fear death since it is not final, we need not fear God and His judgment upon sin for we are now His children made righteous by the blood of the Lamb, and we need not fear what the future may bring for we know that God holds the future and us in His hands. He knows His plans for us and they are good, they are plans for our hope of the future. We have received God’s Holy Spirit and because of His Spirit in us we have an intimate and loving relationship with the Father. The Spirit confirms this to us by producing fruit in our lives – by working in and through us.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
# 13 Romans 7:15&24-25 NLT
Romans 7:15&24-25 NLT
I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: in my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
10/28/06-10/30/06
As God’s children, we desire to obey Him but we still live with a sinful nature and so we must struggle against it daily. But God has put His Spirit in us and by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us we can overcome the sin nature. As we walk in close fellowship with God, we will be able to recognize sin and in His power we can resist temptation though now we battle daily against sin, the flesh, and the enemy and sometimes fall, yet we know that in the end we will fully and finally be free when we go home to be with the Lord forever.
I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: in my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
10/28/06-10/30/06
As God’s children, we desire to obey Him but we still live with a sinful nature and so we must struggle against it daily. But God has put His Spirit in us and by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us we can overcome the sin nature. As we walk in close fellowship with God, we will be able to recognize sin and in His power we can resist temptation though now we battle daily against sin, the flesh, and the enemy and sometimes fall, yet we know that in the end we will fully and finally be free when we go home to be with the Lord forever.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
#12 Romans 6:23 NIV
Romans 6:23 NIV
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
10/25/06-10/27/06
The consequence of sin death. We have all earned death since we have all sinned. But God offers us the gift of eternal life, of a right relationship with Him through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. It is a gift and not something we have earned, must earn, can earn, or will earn. A gift by it’s very nature is free and unearned. To attempt to repay someone who gives is an insult, it is to reject the gift as it was given.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
10/25/06-10/27/06
The consequence of sin death. We have all earned death since we have all sinned. But God offers us the gift of eternal life, of a right relationship with Him through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. It is a gift and not something we have earned, must earn, can earn, or will earn. A gift by it’s very nature is free and unearned. To attempt to repay someone who gives is an insult, it is to reject the gift as it was given.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
#11 Romans 6:11-13 NLT/NIV
Romans 6:11-13 NLT/NIV
So you should consider yourselves dead to sin and able to live for the glory of God through Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires…but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.
10/22/06-10/24/06
When we came to saving faith, embracing God’s gift of grace, we were then “crucified with Christ” (Gal. 2:20). It was then that we died to sin for the old, sinful nature was in that moment nailed to the cross and we became a “new creation” (2Cor. 5:17) in Christ. Since this is true, it follows that we should no longer live in sin. This does not mean that we will not fall on occasion, for though the old nature is crucified it is not entirely dead just yet. But now we, as an act of our will, offer our whole selves to God to perfect us into the image of Christ so that less and less often do we fall into sin. I pray, “Lord, may all Your children fully surrender them selves to You that You might work in us and through us every day to bring glory to Your name.”
So you should consider yourselves dead to sin and able to live for the glory of God through Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires…but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.
10/22/06-10/24/06
When we came to saving faith, embracing God’s gift of grace, we were then “crucified with Christ” (Gal. 2:20). It was then that we died to sin for the old, sinful nature was in that moment nailed to the cross and we became a “new creation” (2Cor. 5:17) in Christ. Since this is true, it follows that we should no longer live in sin. This does not mean that we will not fall on occasion, for though the old nature is crucified it is not entirely dead just yet. But now we, as an act of our will, offer our whole selves to God to perfect us into the image of Christ so that less and less often do we fall into sin. I pray, “Lord, may all Your children fully surrender them selves to You that You might work in us and through us every day to bring glory to Your name.”
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
# 10. Romans 3:22-24 NIV
Romans 3:22-24 NIV
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
10/19/06-10/21/06
True righteousness comes from God alone by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. This clearly precludes any merit or works on our part. Salvation is purely the gift of God. We are “justified freely by His grace” because the price of redemption – our ransom, the punishment of our sin – has already been paid by Jesus Christ in His suffering and death on the cross. The price for our sin having been paid, God is now able of His grace to freely justify all who believe. God placed our sin on Christ the sinless lamb and has placed the righteousness of His Son, Jesus, upon us – that we may be holy and blameless in His sight.
There is no difference between peoples when it comes to a need and the means of salvation. Since all have sinned and missed God’s perfect standard of righteousness then all are in need of salvation and there is only one way to be saved.
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
10/19/06-10/21/06
True righteousness comes from God alone by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. This clearly precludes any merit or works on our part. Salvation is purely the gift of God. We are “justified freely by His grace” because the price of redemption – our ransom, the punishment of our sin – has already been paid by Jesus Christ in His suffering and death on the cross. The price for our sin having been paid, God is now able of His grace to freely justify all who believe. God placed our sin on Christ the sinless lamb and has placed the righteousness of His Son, Jesus, upon us – that we may be holy and blameless in His sight.
There is no difference between peoples when it comes to a need and the means of salvation. Since all have sinned and missed God’s perfect standard of righteousness then all are in need of salvation and there is only one way to be saved.
# 9. Romans 1:16 NIV
Romans 1:16 NIV
I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
10/16/06-10/18/06
“The gospel” – the good news that forgiveness and true righteousness has been made available through the atoning work of Jesus Christ – “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” This “good news,” this divine truth works in the heart of everyone who will believe – granting them salvation.
“Salvation” – to be saved from the wrath of God upon sin, from the power and slavery of sin, from guilt, from the second death which is eternal separation from God. Therefore, no matter that the world may persecute and ridicule us for it. The gospel is the means by which God has decided to display the power of salvation through the inward work of the Holy Spirit. We cannot be ashamed of it for it is through this same gospel that we have been saved, set free of sin and judgment and made children of God. We ought to always be ready to give account of the hope in us. This hope is found in the saving work of Christ Jesus – the unshakeable hope of salvation through faith in God trusting in the gift of the Lamb.
I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
10/16/06-10/18/06
“The gospel” – the good news that forgiveness and true righteousness has been made available through the atoning work of Jesus Christ – “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” This “good news,” this divine truth works in the heart of everyone who will believe – granting them salvation.
“Salvation” – to be saved from the wrath of God upon sin, from the power and slavery of sin, from guilt, from the second death which is eternal separation from God. Therefore, no matter that the world may persecute and ridicule us for it. The gospel is the means by which God has decided to display the power of salvation through the inward work of the Holy Spirit. We cannot be ashamed of it for it is through this same gospel that we have been saved, set free of sin and judgment and made children of God. We ought to always be ready to give account of the hope in us. This hope is found in the saving work of Christ Jesus – the unshakeable hope of salvation through faith in God trusting in the gift of the Lamb.
# 8. Acts 4:10&12 NIV
Acts 4:10&12 NIV
“Then know this…it is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed… salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
10/13/06-10/15/06
“By or in the name of Jesus Christ” – in line with the will of and by the power of Jesus Christ that is the power of God. Demonstrating that all the apostles preached about Him is true. God did miracles to authenticate the messengers and their message as coming from Him.
Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It does not matter who your parents are or who your forefathers were. It does not matter what kind of religious rituals you engage in. it does not matter how “good” you are. Every person is in the same leaky boat – everyone is stuck in the same pit and it is God alone in the person of Jesus Christ who can save us. We are called to put all our faith and trust in Him alone and enter into relationship with Him. Everything that follows then will flow out of a grateful heart full of love and an eagerness to obey.
A name in ancient times meant much more than it does now. To speak of “the name” of Jesus Christ is to speak of who He is and all He does. The “name” we are given by which we must be saved is Christ Jesus Himself for salvation is found in no one else. He alone lived the perfect life we could not live and He alone died to take our sin away if we would only trust in Him for it.
“Then know this…it is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed… salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
10/13/06-10/15/06
“By or in the name of Jesus Christ” – in line with the will of and by the power of Jesus Christ that is the power of God. Demonstrating that all the apostles preached about Him is true. God did miracles to authenticate the messengers and their message as coming from Him.
Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It does not matter who your parents are or who your forefathers were. It does not matter what kind of religious rituals you engage in. it does not matter how “good” you are. Every person is in the same leaky boat – everyone is stuck in the same pit and it is God alone in the person of Jesus Christ who can save us. We are called to put all our faith and trust in Him alone and enter into relationship with Him. Everything that follows then will flow out of a grateful heart full of love and an eagerness to obey.
A name in ancient times meant much more than it does now. To speak of “the name” of Jesus Christ is to speak of who He is and all He does. The “name” we are given by which we must be saved is Christ Jesus Himself for salvation is found in no one else. He alone lived the perfect life we could not live and He alone died to take our sin away if we would only trust in Him for it.
# 7. John 14:21 & 23 NIV
John 14:21&23 NIV
“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him… If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
10/10/06-10/12/06
If you love someone, you will do what they ask of you in order to demonstrate your love. If you love someone who is in authority over you, you will obey – trusting that what they ask of you is good – thereby showing your love and trust. How much more does this apply to God – who alone is worthy of all our love and every bit of our faith and trust. For God to come to us, to make His home with us and in us forever – is there anything any better?
“Show my self to him” – to open our eyes and our hearts that we may truly know Him. By His Spirit in us, He teaches us about Himself from scripture and enables us to understand. He shows us who He is and reveals His will to us that we may obey. If we truly love and obey Him, He will reveal more of Himself and His will to us. If we do not obey what we do know, why should He show us more? Those who seek to know His will so that they may obey – whatever it is – will be shown. God does not hide from us, but He wants us to know Him. For this very reason He created us, became human like us, died for us, and gave scripture to us – that we might know Him. That knowing right now is imperfect. Sin distorts our view, but the day will come when we will “see face to face” and “know in full even as (we are) fully known” (1st Corinthians 13:12). We will have clear vision to “see Him as He (truly) is” (1st John 3:2-3) and then we will finally be fully like Christ.
“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him… If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
10/10/06-10/12/06
If you love someone, you will do what they ask of you in order to demonstrate your love. If you love someone who is in authority over you, you will obey – trusting that what they ask of you is good – thereby showing your love and trust. How much more does this apply to God – who alone is worthy of all our love and every bit of our faith and trust. For God to come to us, to make His home with us and in us forever – is there anything any better?
“Show my self to him” – to open our eyes and our hearts that we may truly know Him. By His Spirit in us, He teaches us about Himself from scripture and enables us to understand. He shows us who He is and reveals His will to us that we may obey. If we truly love and obey Him, He will reveal more of Himself and His will to us. If we do not obey what we do know, why should He show us more? Those who seek to know His will so that they may obey – whatever it is – will be shown. God does not hide from us, but He wants us to know Him. For this very reason He created us, became human like us, died for us, and gave scripture to us – that we might know Him. That knowing right now is imperfect. Sin distorts our view, but the day will come when we will “see face to face” and “know in full even as (we are) fully known” (1st Corinthians 13:12). We will have clear vision to “see Him as He (truly) is” (1st John 3:2-3) and then we will finally be fully like Christ.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
# 6. John 14:6
John 14:6 NLT
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
10/7/06-10/9/06
Coming to Jesus is the only way we can come to God. forgiveness of sins by Christ’s atoning work on the cross is the only way in which we can be reconciled to God, have fellowship with Him, and enter His heaven. Any other “way” is man’s attempt to “try harder” or “be better.” These are all part of the “broad road” leading to destruction. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth of God, there is no other truth apart from God. The lies of this world are many and convincing, but the word of God alone is truth. Those who keep the truth in their hearts and on their minds, will not be led astray by the lies that come to their ears. Test everything against the scriptures for that is the only standard. God alone gives and sustains life. “This is eternal life; that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” (John 17:3) to live as a willing servant of sin and an enemy of God is not living but the death of the soul/spirit. Sin will gradualy and finaly destroy all joy, real love, and any kind of lasting fulfillment – it corrupts the heart and twists the mind. If we could truly see sin as it really is, for what it realy does – even the “smallest” sin – we would hate it as God hates it. God has provided escape from the devistating effects of sin and ultimate freedom from it through the blood of Christ. God not only forgives us so that we may have eternal life after death, but He breathes in new life by His Spirit right now. “That you may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
10/7/06-10/9/06
Coming to Jesus is the only way we can come to God. forgiveness of sins by Christ’s atoning work on the cross is the only way in which we can be reconciled to God, have fellowship with Him, and enter His heaven. Any other “way” is man’s attempt to “try harder” or “be better.” These are all part of the “broad road” leading to destruction. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth of God, there is no other truth apart from God. The lies of this world are many and convincing, but the word of God alone is truth. Those who keep the truth in their hearts and on their minds, will not be led astray by the lies that come to their ears. Test everything against the scriptures for that is the only standard. God alone gives and sustains life. “This is eternal life; that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” (John 17:3) to live as a willing servant of sin and an enemy of God is not living but the death of the soul/spirit. Sin will gradualy and finaly destroy all joy, real love, and any kind of lasting fulfillment – it corrupts the heart and twists the mind. If we could truly see sin as it really is, for what it realy does – even the “smallest” sin – we would hate it as God hates it. God has provided escape from the devistating effects of sin and ultimate freedom from it through the blood of Christ. God not only forgives us so that we may have eternal life after death, but He breathes in new life by His Spirit right now. “That you may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
# 5.John 14:1-3 NLT
John 14:1-3 NLT
“Don’t be troubled. You trust in God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going there to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would have told you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
10/4/06-10/6/06
Trust in God is the cure for anxiety. In heaven, we will never be separated from Him, from His presence, ever again – even by the smallest degree. We will enjoy fellowship with Him to a depth and intimacy that we cannot now even imagine. All veils, all barriers, will be gone forever. The Lord will come and get us. “He is not slow in keeping His promise, as some count slowness. He is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2nd Peter 3:9). So perhaps a part of getting “everything ready” is drawing al those who will be saved before He comes to get us. He waits till all those who will come to Him have come. To have a room in the Father’s home speaks of belonging and a close family relationship. A home is an intimate and personal setting. Jesus prepares for us a place in His Father’s home bringing us in as His brothers and sisters, as children of the Father. He also brings us into the Father’s home as His beloved bride. So we are doubly God’s children – we are Jesus’ bride, thus His children through marriage to the Son, and we are His adopted sons and daughters.
“Don’t be troubled. You trust in God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going there to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would have told you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
10/4/06-10/6/06
Trust in God is the cure for anxiety. In heaven, we will never be separated from Him, from His presence, ever again – even by the smallest degree. We will enjoy fellowship with Him to a depth and intimacy that we cannot now even imagine. All veils, all barriers, will be gone forever. The Lord will come and get us. “He is not slow in keeping His promise, as some count slowness. He is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2nd Peter 3:9). So perhaps a part of getting “everything ready” is drawing al those who will be saved before He comes to get us. He waits till all those who will come to Him have come. To have a room in the Father’s home speaks of belonging and a close family relationship. A home is an intimate and personal setting. Jesus prepares for us a place in His Father’s home bringing us in as His brothers and sisters, as children of the Father. He also brings us into the Father’s home as His beloved bride. So we are doubly God’s children – we are Jesus’ bride, thus His children through marriage to the Son, and we are His adopted sons and daughters.
# 4. Mark 12:30-31 NIV
Mark 12:30-31 NIV
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this; love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these.”
10/1/06-10/ /06
God is the only one worthy of such love. If we do not give it all to Him then we will give it to something which will only disappoint us. So then, this command is made in part to protect us from the pain and disappointment of what could be called idolatry. To fall in love with God is the start of an eternal romance, one that will never disappoint but only get better, stronger, deeper – every day of forever. To truly love God and others will keep us from sin. It is only when we lose that love, even for a moment, that we fall into sin. The more truly we love, the more unattractive sin becomes, for how can we deliberately harm one we love so deeply. Yet who can stir their own heart to love? Therefore, God must pour His own love into our hearts. This He will and do and all the more as we ask it of Him. Let our prayer be every day, “Lord, pour Your love into me that I may love You in return and love those around me as You have commanded. Help me to love You and tem better every day. Amen.”
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this; love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these.”
10/1/06-10/ /06
God is the only one worthy of such love. If we do not give it all to Him then we will give it to something which will only disappoint us. So then, this command is made in part to protect us from the pain and disappointment of what could be called idolatry. To fall in love with God is the start of an eternal romance, one that will never disappoint but only get better, stronger, deeper – every day of forever. To truly love God and others will keep us from sin. It is only when we lose that love, even for a moment, that we fall into sin. The more truly we love, the more unattractive sin becomes, for how can we deliberately harm one we love so deeply. Yet who can stir their own heart to love? Therefore, God must pour His own love into our hearts. This He will and do and all the more as we ask it of Him. Let our prayer be every day, “Lord, pour Your love into me that I may love You in return and love those around me as You have commanded. Help me to love You and tem better every day. Amen.”
# 3. Matthew 16:24-26 NIV
Matthew 16:24-26 NIV
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. what good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?”
9/28/06-9/30/06
We are to follow the Lord with complete and whole hearted devotion, even to the point of physical suffering and death. Anything you gain in this world is left behind at Your death and then what good will it be to you? It will never save you from judgment and hell.
Deny self – to deny my natural (carnal) self in which there is no good and to deny that I can do anything to change or save myself – to deny that I am the rightful ruler of myself or my life. If we give up our natural and worldly lifestyle and ambition in order to follow Christ, we will find true life – a life of love, peace, and purpose, we will also find that this true kind of life – dedicated to God – is an eternal life continuing after death in heaven and at the resurrection. But those who seek to save their worldly life style and ambition instead of following Christ will not find love, peace, and purpose; either in this life or after death. When they have died, they will see how empty their life truly was and know that they have not only lost the life that they had worked for, but they have also lost any kind of life at all.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. what good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?”
9/28/06-9/30/06
We are to follow the Lord with complete and whole hearted devotion, even to the point of physical suffering and death. Anything you gain in this world is left behind at Your death and then what good will it be to you? It will never save you from judgment and hell.
Deny self – to deny my natural (carnal) self in which there is no good and to deny that I can do anything to change or save myself – to deny that I am the rightful ruler of myself or my life. If we give up our natural and worldly lifestyle and ambition in order to follow Christ, we will find true life – a life of love, peace, and purpose, we will also find that this true kind of life – dedicated to God – is an eternal life continuing after death in heaven and at the resurrection. But those who seek to save their worldly life style and ambition instead of following Christ will not find love, peace, and purpose; either in this life or after death. When they have died, they will see how empty their life truly was and know that they have not only lost the life that they had worked for, but they have also lost any kind of life at all.
# 2. Matthew 5:6&8 NIV
Matthew 5:6&8 NIV
“Blessed are those who hunger and thrist for righteousness for they will be filled.”
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God!”
9/25/06-9/27/06
We who desire perfect righteousness and obedience will have this desire fulfilled when we leave this world in this present age and step into God’s eternal presence. Then His grace which justified us, sanctified us, will glorify us also and we will never sin again. Amen! This righteousness comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe in Him (Romans 3:22). Lord, fill us with Your perfect righteousness! Make us like Christ, living in obedience and submission to Your will alone.
Pure in heart – in a right relationship with God. He creates in us a “clean heart”, He gives us a “new heart”.
Pure in heart – single purposed in devotion to God. Lord, set my heart on fire with a passion for You and for Your gospel.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thrist for righteousness for they will be filled.”
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God!”
9/25/06-9/27/06
We who desire perfect righteousness and obedience will have this desire fulfilled when we leave this world in this present age and step into God’s eternal presence. Then His grace which justified us, sanctified us, will glorify us also and we will never sin again. Amen! This righteousness comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe in Him (Romans 3:22). Lord, fill us with Your perfect righteousness! Make us like Christ, living in obedience and submission to Your will alone.
Pure in heart – in a right relationship with God. He creates in us a “clean heart”, He gives us a “new heart”.
Pure in heart – single purposed in devotion to God. Lord, set my heart on fire with a passion for You and for Your gospel.
# 1. Psalm 132:13-14 NIV
Psalm 132:13-14 NIV
For the Lord has chosen Zion, He has desired it for His dwelling: “This is my resting place for ever and ever – here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired.”
9/21/06-9/24/06
Zion – temple of God – those who belong to God.
We are God’s dwelling forever. Our hearts, our lives, are to be His throne because He desires it strongly. God has chosen us, so we can be sure that He will not reject us when we come to Him. He will remain in us and with us forever – He will never leave or abandon us. (Heb. 13:5)
Zion – city of God – new Jerusalem – new heavens and earth.
God has also chosen to live with His children. He deserves to be with us forever. We are united in Him and under Him. We are one people with one God and King, forever.
For the Lord has chosen Zion, He has desired it for His dwelling: “This is my resting place for ever and ever – here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired.”
9/21/06-9/24/06
Zion – temple of God – those who belong to God.
We are God’s dwelling forever. Our hearts, our lives, are to be His throne because He desires it strongly. God has chosen us, so we can be sure that He will not reject us when we come to Him. He will remain in us and with us forever – He will never leave or abandon us. (Heb. 13:5)
Zion – city of God – new Jerusalem – new heavens and earth.
God has also chosen to live with His children. He deserves to be with us forever. We are united in Him and under Him. We are one people with one God and King, forever.
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