1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV)
"9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous WILL NOT inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you. But you were washed (CLEANSED), you were SANCTIFIED, you were JUSTIFIED in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
The "Atkins Diet" has become more of a lifestyle change for me over the past months. I try to avoid an abundance of carbohydrates MOST of the time, although I do have an occasional Blue Bell craving that has to be quenched. Eating a large amount of meat is the most efficient way of staying on the diet. My desire is to lose down to what my weight was when I was about 30 years old.
While cooking my ground beef yesterday, I found my meat was a little too pink in one end of the hamburger pattie. I had not left the meat "IN THE FIRE" long enough to assure it was cooked enough. The meat needed to be put back "IN THE FIRE" to make sure I didn't get sick from the raw meat. Learning to have the patience to make sure the food says "IN THE FIRE" long enough is something I need to work on!
The lessons learned from this escapade of being "IN THE FIRE" can be great. GOD sometimes has to expose us being "IN THE FIRE" to get us to where HE can use us. Our HEAVENLY FATHER is not a novice baker and HE knows when we have been "IN THE FIRE" long enough, and when we still need to be cooked a little longer. HE is a Master Chef and will not let us be burned!
The act of SANCTIFICATION can be an uncomfortable experience. Regardless of what some people teach, we were not created for our glory! We are created for HIS glory! We might want to take our meat out of the fire before it has been cooked long enough? But GOD in HEAVEN knows just how long we need to stay "IN THE FIRE" to glorify HIS name! My prayer is that I will have FAITH in GOD, and that I will trust that HE will leave me "IN THE FIRE" until I can glorify HIM S NAME!
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
"HOLINESS!"
1 Thessalonians 4:2-7 (ESV)
"2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the WILL of GOD, "your sanctification": that you abstain from sexual immorality;
4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in "HOLINESS" and honor,
5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know GOD;
6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.
7 For GOD has not called us for impurity, but in "HOLINESS"."
The study of "sanctification" has been on my heart for the past number of days. In my research I have found numerous places where "sanctification" and "HOLINESS" are spoken of with the same meaning. One commentary says "The Greek word translated "sanctification" (hagiasmos [aJgiasmov"]) means "holiness." To sanctify, therefore, means "to make holy."
So do we just wake up one morning and decide that we want to live better and everything falls into place? Regrettably, that is not how GOD designed us. For us to live PROGRAMMED lives would not bring glory to the Father, as we would have no choice in matters. Having us struggle through the sanctification process is sometimes a humbling and teaching operation.
We were created "in HIS image" (Genesis 1:27) and JESUS said in John 4:24 "GOD is a Spirit". So GOD created us with a Spirit that lives within our bodies. HE puts into our Spirits a desire to search for the things of HIM, "HOLINESS"! That desire can either be squelched (resulting in bitterness and strife), or it can be nurtured and developed into a relationship with HIM. Even the desire for "HOLINESS" comes from GOD HIMSELF (verse three), so there is nothing to boast about.
Verse 7 above says "For GOD has not called us for impurity, but in "HOLINESS"." GOD knows we didn't have the capability for "impure" living. We must rely on the GRACE from the perfect sacrifice from JESUS CHRIST. The "HOLINESS" that Christ gave for our ransom is something we must strive for, but accept the fact we are flawed people depending on "HOLINESS" from HIM!
"2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the WILL of GOD, "your sanctification": that you abstain from sexual immorality;
4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in "HOLINESS" and honor,
5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know GOD;
6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.
7 For GOD has not called us for impurity, but in "HOLINESS"."
The study of "sanctification" has been on my heart for the past number of days. In my research I have found numerous places where "sanctification" and "HOLINESS" are spoken of with the same meaning. One commentary says "The Greek word translated "sanctification" (hagiasmos [aJgiasmov"]) means "holiness." To sanctify, therefore, means "to make holy."
So do we just wake up one morning and decide that we want to live better and everything falls into place? Regrettably, that is not how GOD designed us. For us to live PROGRAMMED lives would not bring glory to the Father, as we would have no choice in matters. Having us struggle through the sanctification process is sometimes a humbling and teaching operation.
We were created "in HIS image" (Genesis 1:27) and JESUS said in John 4:24 "GOD is a Spirit". So GOD created us with a Spirit that lives within our bodies. HE puts into our Spirits a desire to search for the things of HIM, "HOLINESS"! That desire can either be squelched (resulting in bitterness and strife), or it can be nurtured and developed into a relationship with HIM. Even the desire for "HOLINESS" comes from GOD HIMSELF (verse three), so there is nothing to boast about.
Verse 7 above says "For GOD has not called us for impurity, but in "HOLINESS"." GOD knows we didn't have the capability for "impure" living. We must rely on the GRACE from the perfect sacrifice from JESUS CHRIST. The "HOLINESS" that Christ gave for our ransom is something we must strive for, but accept the fact we are flawed people depending on "HOLINESS" from HIM!
Friday, August 29, 2014
"REFLECTIONS!"
1 Kings 11:1-6 (KJV)
"1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
2 Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his GOD, AS WAS THE HEART OF DAVID HIS FATHER.
5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father."
GOD blessed my wife and I with two sons. Both of my sons love the LORD and live their lives as examples of that LOVE. It is amazing that I can still see "REFLECTIONS" of my behavior, and thankfully my wife's behavior, in the two of them. When I see some not-so-flattering characteristics, I usually find myself shining through!
King Solomon had some "REFLECTIONS" of his father, King David, in his life. King David was a mighty warrior, but he let a strange woman, Bathsheba, catch his eye when he should have been on the battlefield. David tried to cover up his sin and it caused him great distress.
Solomon was a wise King, but like his father, he let his fleshly desires cause him trouble. One could see how he might have learned from his father's mistakes, but he didn't. If he could go back in time, I am sure Solomon not have chosen to have these "REFLECTIONS" from his father manifest themselves in his life? King David would certainly not have chosen to have his life display the "REFLECTIONS" for his son to follow!
For others to see a true "REFLECTION" of what we really are, we must remove all of the other gods that attract our desires. Solomon had MANY wives and concubines and they eventually turned his heart AFTER OTHER gods! We can let our surroundings infiltrate our heart to the point that our "REFLECTIONS" become something we don't desire. It is my desire to display the "REFLECTIONS" of my Heavenly FATHER!
"1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
2 Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his GOD, AS WAS THE HEART OF DAVID HIS FATHER.
5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father."
GOD blessed my wife and I with two sons. Both of my sons love the LORD and live their lives as examples of that LOVE. It is amazing that I can still see "REFLECTIONS" of my behavior, and thankfully my wife's behavior, in the two of them. When I see some not-so-flattering characteristics, I usually find myself shining through!
King Solomon had some "REFLECTIONS" of his father, King David, in his life. King David was a mighty warrior, but he let a strange woman, Bathsheba, catch his eye when he should have been on the battlefield. David tried to cover up his sin and it caused him great distress.
Solomon was a wise King, but like his father, he let his fleshly desires cause him trouble. One could see how he might have learned from his father's mistakes, but he didn't. If he could go back in time, I am sure Solomon not have chosen to have these "REFLECTIONS" from his father manifest themselves in his life? King David would certainly not have chosen to have his life display the "REFLECTIONS" for his son to follow!
For others to see a true "REFLECTION" of what we really are, we must remove all of the other gods that attract our desires. Solomon had MANY wives and concubines and they eventually turned his heart AFTER OTHER gods! We can let our surroundings infiltrate our heart to the point that our "REFLECTIONS" become something we don't desire. It is my desire to display the "REFLECTIONS" of my Heavenly FATHER!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
"ALS ICE-WATER CHALLENGE!!"
There are SO many people doing the "ALS Ice-Water Challenge" where they pour a container of ice-water over their head to raise funds for research and ultimately a cure for ALS. The fact that this terrible disease is having so much attention drawn to it is well worth ice being applied to a few heads in the cold winter time, much less during the heat of summer!
Compassionate people do not want to see anyone suffer with a disease or any hardship. But trials and tribulations are certain to visit each of us. John 16:33 says we "shall have tribulation"! I have had people VERY dear to me who have experienced debilitating illnesses. I have also seen people who never experienced any physical suffering, but slipped into eternity rather quickly.
But how many people are speeding into an eternity with no hope? When will your eternity begin? How will you spend your eternity! I choose not to dump ice water on my bald head, not because I think it is uncool or a bad thing. However, the REAL disease of ignoring a HOLY GOD is something I wish to draw attention to! If getting my head wet would draw attention to that...... it may he worth it!
Compassionate people do not want to see anyone suffer with a disease or any hardship. But trials and tribulations are certain to visit each of us. John 16:33 says we "shall have tribulation"! I have had people VERY dear to me who have experienced debilitating illnesses. I have also seen people who never experienced any physical suffering, but slipped into eternity rather quickly.
But how many people are speeding into an eternity with no hope? When will your eternity begin? How will you spend your eternity! I choose not to dump ice water on my bald head, not because I think it is uncool or a bad thing. However, the REAL disease of ignoring a HOLY GOD is something I wish to draw attention to! If getting my head wet would draw attention to that...... it may he worth it!
"WALK???"
Acts 3:1-6 (ESV)
"1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.
3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.
4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us."
5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.
6 But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and WALK!"
The recollection of Peter and John speaking to the lame man at the gate of the temple is one that has been taught to me since I was a child. But only recently has one word become so prevalent in my study. Peter and John could have used any number of words when delivering the message of healing to the lame man, but they used a word that I believe was Divinely set aside to be spoken at this precise moment, rise up and "WALK"!
Verse two tells us the lame man had been unable to "WALK" since he was born. It is not like he had previously walked and just had to remember how. Upon receiving the command from Peter, he had to "WALK" with no instruction or therapy! Peter and John told the man "Look at us." He looked at them and then Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and WALK!" GOD allowed this man to do something he had never done before!
The man was not instructed to jump up and start running. He was instructed to "WALK"! According to one version of the King James Bible, the word "WALK" is used 202 times. The word "run" is used 65 times. The Bible records in verse 8 the man began "walking and leaping and praising GOD"! Even though the man was instructed to "WALK", he couldn't help leaping and praising GOD also when he went into the temple with Peter and John. Peter and John didn't instruct him to "leap and praise GOD"! He couldn't help himself!
The enemy can, and does, insert so many seemingly important, maybe even good things, into our lives that we don't have time to "WALK" in the path that GOD has laid out for us. If we are so busy that we don't have time to develop a relationship with our CREATOR, who has caused that busyness? Mark 8:36 says "For what does it PROFIT a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?"
In Genesis 3:8 scripture records "And they heard the sound of the LORD God WALKing in the garden.....". Regardless of how busy we allow our lives to become, GOD does not get in a hurry, nor is HE moved by our time constraints. When we adjust our schedules to meet HIS schedule we may not be successful in the worlds eye, but we will have time to "WALK" and leap and praise HIM"! I
"1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.
3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.
4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us."
5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.
6 But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and WALK!"
The recollection of Peter and John speaking to the lame man at the gate of the temple is one that has been taught to me since I was a child. But only recently has one word become so prevalent in my study. Peter and John could have used any number of words when delivering the message of healing to the lame man, but they used a word that I believe was Divinely set aside to be spoken at this precise moment, rise up and "WALK"!
Verse two tells us the lame man had been unable to "WALK" since he was born. It is not like he had previously walked and just had to remember how. Upon receiving the command from Peter, he had to "WALK" with no instruction or therapy! Peter and John told the man "Look at us." He looked at them and then Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and WALK!" GOD allowed this man to do something he had never done before!
The man was not instructed to jump up and start running. He was instructed to "WALK"! According to one version of the King James Bible, the word "WALK" is used 202 times. The word "run" is used 65 times. The Bible records in verse 8 the man began "walking and leaping and praising GOD"! Even though the man was instructed to "WALK", he couldn't help leaping and praising GOD also when he went into the temple with Peter and John. Peter and John didn't instruct him to "leap and praise GOD"! He couldn't help himself!
The enemy can, and does, insert so many seemingly important, maybe even good things, into our lives that we don't have time to "WALK" in the path that GOD has laid out for us. If we are so busy that we don't have time to develop a relationship with our CREATOR, who has caused that busyness? Mark 8:36 says "For what does it PROFIT a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?"
In Genesis 3:8 scripture records "And they heard the sound of the LORD God WALKing in the garden.....". Regardless of how busy we allow our lives to become, GOD does not get in a hurry, nor is HE moved by our time constraints. When we adjust our schedules to meet HIS schedule we may not be successful in the worlds eye, but we will have time to "WALK" and leap and praise HIM"! I
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
"EVEN NOW!!"
1 Corinthians 2:14-16 to 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (ESV)
"14 The "natural person" does not accept the things of the SPIRIT of GOD, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
16 "For who has understood the mind of the LORD so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of CHRIST.
1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.
2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for YOU WERE NOT READY FOR IT. And EVEN NOW you are not yet ready,
3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not OF THE FLESH and BEHAVING only in a HUMAN WAY"?
There are a myriad of views and opinions on how we should live our lives. The Holy Bible gives us the Standard by which we SHOULD live. The opinions of some have to be accepted for what they are, opinions! You can judge a person against a human standard and they can look pretty decent. But when the same person is judged against the Spirit of GOD, they fail to measure up. No human has the capability of living a life that is "GOOD ENOUGH" to get them into Heaven. Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
We must continually regenerate our minds to be more like CHRIST. Romans 12:2 "DO NOT be conformed to this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWAL of YOUR MIND, that by testing you may discern what is the will of GOD, what is GOOD and ACCEPTABLE and PERFECT." I am not perfect, your pastor is not perfect, the President of the United States is not perfect, the Pope of the Catholic Church is not perfect, and no one else is perfect. The only way we can achieve that which is "GOOD and ACCEPTABLE and PERFECT" is to surrender to allowing the SPIRIT of GOD live through our lives.
The Apostle Paul was telling the church at Corinth that he could not even address them as spiritual people. Evidently they were so spiritually immature that they were not ready for solid food. They were still having to be fed milk! Paul wrote that "EVEN NOW" they were behaving in a human manner, in other words, they were NOT spiritual beings, their fleshly desires were still controlling their lives!
How many times do I allow my fleshly desires to manifest themselves in my life? Rather than act in a way that would glorify and edify the Body of CHRIST, I fall back into a selfish, worldly position where I do what I think is best for me. "EVEN NOW" I find myself lacking in my Spiritual life. "EVEN NOW" my actions are not what I desire for them to be. My prayer is that the HOLY SPIRIT will continue to mature me until I am used for HIS glory "EVEN NOW"!!
"14 The "natural person" does not accept the things of the SPIRIT of GOD, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
16 "For who has understood the mind of the LORD so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of CHRIST.
1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.
2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for YOU WERE NOT READY FOR IT. And EVEN NOW you are not yet ready,
3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not OF THE FLESH and BEHAVING only in a HUMAN WAY"?
There are a myriad of views and opinions on how we should live our lives. The Holy Bible gives us the Standard by which we SHOULD live. The opinions of some have to be accepted for what they are, opinions! You can judge a person against a human standard and they can look pretty decent. But when the same person is judged against the Spirit of GOD, they fail to measure up. No human has the capability of living a life that is "GOOD ENOUGH" to get them into Heaven. Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
We must continually regenerate our minds to be more like CHRIST. Romans 12:2 "DO NOT be conformed to this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWAL of YOUR MIND, that by testing you may discern what is the will of GOD, what is GOOD and ACCEPTABLE and PERFECT." I am not perfect, your pastor is not perfect, the President of the United States is not perfect, the Pope of the Catholic Church is not perfect, and no one else is perfect. The only way we can achieve that which is "GOOD and ACCEPTABLE and PERFECT" is to surrender to allowing the SPIRIT of GOD live through our lives.
The Apostle Paul was telling the church at Corinth that he could not even address them as spiritual people. Evidently they were so spiritually immature that they were not ready for solid food. They were still having to be fed milk! Paul wrote that "EVEN NOW" they were behaving in a human manner, in other words, they were NOT spiritual beings, their fleshly desires were still controlling their lives!
How many times do I allow my fleshly desires to manifest themselves in my life? Rather than act in a way that would glorify and edify the Body of CHRIST, I fall back into a selfish, worldly position where I do what I think is best for me. "EVEN NOW" I find myself lacking in my Spiritual life. "EVEN NOW" my actions are not what I desire for them to be. My prayer is that the HOLY SPIRIT will continue to mature me until I am used for HIS glory "EVEN NOW"!!
Monday, August 25, 2014
"THE CHRIST!"
John 3:26-30 (ESV)
"26 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, HE who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness-look, HE is baptizing, and all are going to HIM."
27 John answered, "A person cannot receive EVEN ONE THING unless it is given him from heaven.
28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not "THE CHRIST", but I have been sent before HIM.'
29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.
30 HE must increase, but I must decrease."
People can give other people honor and praise when those people don't deserve the attention. When I used to serve on a local school board, the employees of the school district would seemingly go out of their way to honor board members when we attended their school or function. School Board members were elected to a Non-Payed position "to serve" others, and wound up trying to be served by the school district! Keeping the perspective of who we really were was a challenge!
John the Baptist was being hailed as something more than he knew he was. John understood that every good thing comes from Heaven (James 1:17). John realized that THE CHRIST was someone whose "sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie" (Acts 13:25). The crowds were trying to elevate John to a position he knew he did not deserve. But John would not allow himself to draw any glory or praise away from "THE CHRIST", as he understood JESUS to be the Son of GOD (John 1:29-34).
John had to be a unique individual to deflect all the praise and attention people were trying to lavish upon him. He always wanted to make sure that the focus of the people remained on "THE CHRIST" and never migrated to him. "THE CHRIST" was GOD in the flesh and he didn't deserve or desire any attention to be upon himself.
The practice of elevating people is something we must be careful with. Appreciation and thankfulness for the actions of others can be, and should be given. "THE CHRIST" should be the ONE we honor and praise. HE performs miracles we are not even aware of. HE even performs miracles when others are given credit for them. Just as John the Baptist made certain "THE CHRIST" received the glory HE deserved, we need to make sure "THE CHRIST" is the only ONE glorified in our lives.
"26 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, HE who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness-look, HE is baptizing, and all are going to HIM."
27 John answered, "A person cannot receive EVEN ONE THING unless it is given him from heaven.
28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not "THE CHRIST", but I have been sent before HIM.'
29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.
30 HE must increase, but I must decrease."
People can give other people honor and praise when those people don't deserve the attention. When I used to serve on a local school board, the employees of the school district would seemingly go out of their way to honor board members when we attended their school or function. School Board members were elected to a Non-Payed position "to serve" others, and wound up trying to be served by the school district! Keeping the perspective of who we really were was a challenge!
John the Baptist was being hailed as something more than he knew he was. John understood that every good thing comes from Heaven (James 1:17). John realized that THE CHRIST was someone whose "sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie" (Acts 13:25). The crowds were trying to elevate John to a position he knew he did not deserve. But John would not allow himself to draw any glory or praise away from "THE CHRIST", as he understood JESUS to be the Son of GOD (John 1:29-34).
John had to be a unique individual to deflect all the praise and attention people were trying to lavish upon him. He always wanted to make sure that the focus of the people remained on "THE CHRIST" and never migrated to him. "THE CHRIST" was GOD in the flesh and he didn't deserve or desire any attention to be upon himself.
The practice of elevating people is something we must be careful with. Appreciation and thankfulness for the actions of others can be, and should be given. "THE CHRIST" should be the ONE we honor and praise. HE performs miracles we are not even aware of. HE even performs miracles when others are given credit for them. Just as John the Baptist made certain "THE CHRIST" received the glory HE deserved, we need to make sure "THE CHRIST" is the only ONE glorified in our lives.
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