Sunday, December 30, 2007
Confined to Church
I believe that church should not be confined to four walls and a specific day of the week. In the early church it seems to me that you would have a hard time distinguishing the actual services from the everyday living of the followers of Christ. Please don’t misunderstand me; I am not at all suggesting that we should not have a day set aside for church service and or a specific building set aside for the service. What I am saying is that the bible and the love of Christ should be so transparent in us that we should be in His service everyday and not just in a service just once a week. I look around this nation and there is certainly a remnant of people who have devoted their lives to loving the Lord, praying and serving others, although it’s definitely not commonplace or the norm.
Seek Him in the everyday and remember Christ lived servant-hood out.
John 13:12-17
12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
NKJV
Matt 23:11
11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.
NKJV
Matt 22:36-40
36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
NKJV
Remember loving and serving is active and participatory and not passive. May GOD bless you and fulfill His purpose in you through His love.
I believe that church should not be confined to four walls and a specific day of the week. In the early church it seems to me that you would have a hard time distinguishing the actual services from the everyday living of the followers of Christ. Please don’t misunderstand me; I am not at all suggesting that we should not have a day set aside for church service and or a specific building set aside for the service. What I am saying is that the bible and the love of Christ should be so transparent in us that we should be in His service everyday and not just in a service just once a week. I look around this nation and there is certainly a remnant of people who have devoted their lives to loving the Lord, praying and serving others, although it’s definitely not commonplace or the norm.
Seek Him in the everyday and remember Christ lived servant-hood out.
John 13:12-17
12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
NKJV
Matt 23:11
11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.
NKJV
Matt 22:36-40
36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
NKJV
Remember loving and serving is active and participatory and not passive. May GOD bless you and fulfill His purpose in you through His love.
Labels: Confined to Church
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Your Holy calling
Your holy calling is to love; what does it mean to be holy? Going to church, worshiping, fasting, being kind, telling the truth and etc… …but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct… (1 Peter 1:15)
When Jesus talked to Peter about his pending fall, first He encouraged him by letting him know that He was praying for him; then He said to Peter, when you have returned to Me strengthen the brethren. Luke 22:31-33 NKJV
31 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."
In all things we are called to love and all other things will fall into there proper places through love. His holiness is only possible in us through His love and nothing else.
Matt 22:35-40
36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
NKJV
It was finished with love. John 19:30 …”It is finished!”
Your holy calling is to love; what does it mean to be holy? Going to church, worshiping, fasting, being kind, telling the truth and etc… …but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct… (1 Peter 1:15)
When Jesus talked to Peter about his pending fall, first He encouraged him by letting him know that He was praying for him; then He said to Peter, when you have returned to Me strengthen the brethren. Luke 22:31-33 NKJV
31 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."
In all things we are called to love and all other things will fall into there proper places through love. His holiness is only possible in us through His love and nothing else.
Matt 22:35-40
36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
NKJV
It was finished with love. John 19:30 …”It is finished!”
Labels: Holy Calling
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
New Birth Right
How one lives their life says much about the value they place on their new birth right in Christ. Is your life indicative of one whom despises their birth right like Esau? (Gen 25:29-34) Or do you value Christ and the love given to you from the cross while you were yet a sinner. When you stand before Christ I wonder if you will weep bitterly like Esau did when his father did not have the blessing of the first born to give him (Gen 27:31-34); or will you rejoice as one whom has lived a life suiting of your calling?
I am reading a book by Joseph M. Stowell titled Following Christ and in it he quotes a reported conversation between Gandhi and a close friend. “If you admire Christ so much, why don’t you become a Christian?” Gandhi reportedly replied,” When I meet a Christian who is a follower of Christ, I may consider it.”
I believe Gandhi has a good point, how much of our life really reflects Christ? When you look in the mirror do you find a follower of Christ? We are all called to be part of the Christian church. (Eph 2:19-22) Today you need to decide whom you serve and what your life represents: Christ or the world.
Matt 6:24
24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
NKJV
Throughout scripture you will find people say critical things about GOD because of his stubborn and rebellious people; remember no one is critical of a sinner sinning, however they leap at the chance to point out Christians flawed lives. Choose this day to give honor to the most high GOD and pursue His holy calling to worship Him with your life.
How one lives their life says much about the value they place on their new birth right in Christ. Is your life indicative of one whom despises their birth right like Esau? (Gen 25:29-34) Or do you value Christ and the love given to you from the cross while you were yet a sinner. When you stand before Christ I wonder if you will weep bitterly like Esau did when his father did not have the blessing of the first born to give him (Gen 27:31-34); or will you rejoice as one whom has lived a life suiting of your calling?
I am reading a book by Joseph M. Stowell titled Following Christ and in it he quotes a reported conversation between Gandhi and a close friend. “If you admire Christ so much, why don’t you become a Christian?” Gandhi reportedly replied,” When I meet a Christian who is a follower of Christ, I may consider it.”
I believe Gandhi has a good point, how much of our life really reflects Christ? When you look in the mirror do you find a follower of Christ? We are all called to be part of the Christian church. (Eph 2:19-22) Today you need to decide whom you serve and what your life represents: Christ or the world.
Matt 6:24
24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
NKJV
Throughout scripture you will find people say critical things about GOD because of his stubborn and rebellious people; remember no one is critical of a sinner sinning, however they leap at the chance to point out Christians flawed lives. Choose this day to give honor to the most high GOD and pursue His holy calling to worship Him with your life.
Labels: New Birth Right
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Do you know Him?
I found myself meditating on knowing GOD; not only knowing about Him but truly knowing the Triune GOD. I believe much of Jesus ministry was restoring relationships with GOD and thus having fellowship with GOD. Many today want to know about GOD, Jesus and the Holy Spirit; how many want to know Him? We spend much energy on studying the miracles, mighty powers and we should; however I think we should spend most of our energy on knowing GOD. Throughout the Old Testament we certainly see people very impressed with GOD’s power; but how many really desired to know Him? Oh you will certainly find them; Moses, Abraham, Noah, Isaiah, Job, Israel (formally known as Jacob), Joseph, Daniel etc… There is certainly some key areas that GOD is going to bless with His fellowship; Bible time, prayer time, worship and fellowship with Himself and others.
You certainly should be impressed by the power of GOD; you should be far more impressed with His love and fellowship. I believe that is what I see in Jesus and His relationship with the Father. What a sweet fellowship the Father and the Son have, I believe we should spend our energy and time participating in that fellowship. To me the great mystery of GOD’s power is that He loved us while we where yet sinners. That realization is what continues to break me; the fact that He loves me in my current state, wow that just makes me cry.
Rom 5:8 NKJV
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
1 Cor 1:8-9 NKJV
9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
I found myself meditating on knowing GOD; not only knowing about Him but truly knowing the Triune GOD. I believe much of Jesus ministry was restoring relationships with GOD and thus having fellowship with GOD. Many today want to know about GOD, Jesus and the Holy Spirit; how many want to know Him? We spend much energy on studying the miracles, mighty powers and we should; however I think we should spend most of our energy on knowing GOD. Throughout the Old Testament we certainly see people very impressed with GOD’s power; but how many really desired to know Him? Oh you will certainly find them; Moses, Abraham, Noah, Isaiah, Job, Israel (formally known as Jacob), Joseph, Daniel etc… There is certainly some key areas that GOD is going to bless with His fellowship; Bible time, prayer time, worship and fellowship with Himself and others.
You certainly should be impressed by the power of GOD; you should be far more impressed with His love and fellowship. I believe that is what I see in Jesus and His relationship with the Father. What a sweet fellowship the Father and the Son have, I believe we should spend our energy and time participating in that fellowship. To me the great mystery of GOD’s power is that He loved us while we where yet sinners. That realization is what continues to break me; the fact that He loves me in my current state, wow that just makes me cry.
Rom 5:8 NKJV
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
1 Cor 1:8-9 NKJV
9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Labels: Do you know Him?
Thursday, December 06, 2007
One whom receives Jesus is of the household of GOD and His faith.
Eph 2:19-22 NKJV
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit
Christians really need each other as we are being built together for a dwelling place of GOD’s spirit. Most church’s are self interested more interested in themselves being the dwelling place instead of being part of something bigger. Thus a wicked and adulterous generations seek signs and wonders. Matt 16:4 NKJV
4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." And He left them and departed.
Job 1:10-11 NKJV
10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
Be encouraged, if there was a hedge around the household of Job there will even be a greater protection around the household of GOD through the chief cornerstone Jesus.
Matt 10:36-37 NKJV
36 and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.'
Enough said.
Gal 6:9-10 NKJV
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Again all that we do should be for the glory of GOD and His household.
Heb 11:7 NKJV
7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
GOD’s household’s ultimate delivery comes through faith in Christ.
Eph 2:19-22 NKJV
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit
Christians really need each other as we are being built together for a dwelling place of GOD’s spirit. Most church’s are self interested more interested in themselves being the dwelling place instead of being part of something bigger. Thus a wicked and adulterous generations seek signs and wonders. Matt 16:4 NKJV
4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." And He left them and departed.
Job 1:10-11 NKJV
10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
Be encouraged, if there was a hedge around the household of Job there will even be a greater protection around the household of GOD through the chief cornerstone Jesus.
Matt 10:36-37 NKJV
36 and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.'
Enough said.
Gal 6:9-10 NKJV
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Again all that we do should be for the glory of GOD and His household.
Heb 11:7 NKJV
7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
GOD’s household’s ultimate delivery comes through faith in Christ.
Labels: House of GOD
