August 14, 2012

 

“Worthy Callings”

Scripture:

Lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (Ephesians 4:1-2) NLT

Observation:

As Christians, we have been called by God to live our lives that not only bring honor to God, but to our calling as well—ways that bring glory to God—the glory and goodness that He has called us to receive (2Peter 1:3). And because the Lord has chosen His Church to be the beacon of light in this lost world covered in darkness, we must be transformed into the likeness of the Son of God—the true and everlasting “Light of the World” (John 8:12), if we are to fulfill our special calling from God. But because of our sinful, self-centered nature, a Christ-like transformation must take place; a process that cannot be accomplished on our own or without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Application:

We must have this transforming power of God working in us and for us (24/7), if we are to become a new creation…a new and holy person in Christ Jesus our Lord (2 Corinthians 5:17). Most of us who come into Gods Light and calling come lacking both humility and patience because this world is all about self-reliance and quicker is better, which in many cases ends up in failure and fear, which leads us even further away from the love, and the knowledge, and the protection of the Father, our Sovereign Creator. Without God’s help and direction we inevitably begin drifting dangerously closer to the decadence that ends in deeper darkness and death; the fate of all those who stubbornly follow the senseless paths that this lost world sets before us. Only when we are driven by the love of God do we humble ourselves before the Lord, allowing Him to soften our hardened hearts, so we can learn to be gentle rather than harsh, to be more understanding instead of condemning, and a willingness to love and help others in spite of our own circumstances. None of us are perfect and we all share many of the same weaknesses, but when we live for God and His calling, He will give us exactly what is needed, at the very moment it is needed, in order to fulfill His purposes through us (Psalm 37:5). We must step out in faith and trust that God is who He says He is and that He does what He says He will do. You can fully trust in our Infinite God, dear friends, and when you do He will transform your self-centered life in ways that will be worthy of this crucial life or death calling; a calling this condemned world so desperately needs!

Prayer:

Install in me, O LORD, the abilities to carry out Your calling for me. And not just me, dear Lord, but for Your Holy Church that is spreading throughout this fallen world. Help us unite in ways that are worthy of Your Calling.

Amen

August 11, 2012

 

“Infinite in Truth”

Scripture:

So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard,
or we may drift away from it. (Hebrews 2:1) NLT

Observation:

In our fallen state of sinfulness it can be really easy to let the voices of this busy world drown out the Truth of God—Truth that saves our eternal souls from eternal darkness—Truth that brings us into the very Presence of the Living God Himself.

Application:

In order to escape the seemingly harmless, yet deadly traps that Satan deliberately sets for God’s children, we must stay connected to the infinite Source of all Truth (Deuteronomy 32:4), least we find ourselves drifting aimlessly in an ocean of lies that promises our demise. It is absolutely dangerous to our spiritual health when we become so comfortable in our salvation that we become lazy or negligent in the things of God (Ecclesiastes 10:18)—things that protects us from the decadence that eats away at this world and everyone who belongs to it. If we, as God’s holy people, are to fulfill the Lord’s Commission, we must first and foremost listen very carefully and everyday for the Still Small Voice that speaks through God’s Word by the Holy Spirit. And we must do this consistently and faithfully with love as our motivation, for when we do it out of obligation or for any other reason other than pure love we are neither being loyal to God, nor are we being the salt and light that God calls us to be in this difficult life that cries out for God’s intervention. It is easy for us to get so rapped up in our own spiritual development that we either fail to recognize the urgency that spiritual warfare brings to this world, or we lack the confidence in God to act upon our mission in faith. Not everyone is destined to do great deeds of faith that catch the eyes of the world, but we are called to live our lives for God and others—to love our God and others, and to sacrifice for God and others, and do it one day, one soul at a time! It is never easy to live out God’s priorities for our lives, for we are both sinfully weak and handicapped by our finite humanness. But by trusting in Christ Jesus as our Redeemer and loyal Advocate; the One who is (at this very moment) sitting at the right hand of God in the current Heaven covering our sins with His righteousness, and by relying on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us into action, we can, indeed, do the work and the will that the Father calls His children to do. Listen carefully and listen often, my friends, for the Truth is not only eternal, but like God, is infinite as well ((John 1:14).

 

Prayer:

Thank You, O God, for the Spirit of Truth that makes the world’s truth sound foolish indeed. Help us to understand and remain steadfast in the things of God that is revealed by His Spirit in us. For when we do the Light of Christ shines brightly in this world that is covered in darkness.

Amen

August 4, 2012

“Sacrifice in Love”

Scripture:

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God—for God is Love.
(1 John 4:7-8) NLT

 

Observation:

Our Creator endowed us with the ability to love—an attribute of our gracious God that we should never take lightly and one that we should aspire to and try to live by. The Lord our God loved us first
(1 John 4:19) and because of His unconditional love, He took it upon Himself to save us from our own self-induced destruction (Romans 5:8). As finite, imperfect creatures we tend to search for love that makes us feel good, rather than seeking others that need our love. And most often, the love that we search for is not the kind of love that brings us closer to God.

Application:

When the Lord created us, He created us to love and honor Him first and above all else, but because of the first man’s disobedience to God, mankind fell into self-love instead. We live in a fallen state that screams: “this life is all about me and what makes me feel good about myself.” And these good feelings we are trained to attain can only come by loving ourselves first, because the world tells us that if we don’t love ourselves first how can we love anyone else? My dear friends, if we refuse to love the Lord our God above all else, we will never experience the greatest attribute of all—Godly Love (1 Corinthians 13:13). For love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Can anyone love this way on their own? The answer is empathically no! We are selfish by nature and self-centered by osmosis, so we tend to put ourselves in the first seat. It is only by the gracious power of the Holy Spirit and by our Lord Jesus’ example that we can truly love, for true love is characterized by humility, obedience to God, and sacrifice. I don’t believe it’s possible to find any joy in living if we don’t sacrifice ourselves for others. Happiness is better found when we are actively doing something good for someone else—focusing selflessly on others who are in need of God’s mercy and grace as well. To further the Kingdom of Jesus Christ our Everlasting King, we must first love God and then put to death our own self-centered love and be borne again of the Spirit. If you truly love the Lord, my friends, and you desire some peace and joy, you should begin by prioritizing your love life according to the riches of His grace, by humbly submitting to His Word, and then sacrifice in love!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, please help us, Your children, to love as You love. Fill our hearts with the kind of love that glorifies You and brings honor to Your people. For it is easy to love You, but not so easy to love those who are loveless. And thank You Father for teaching us by Your Perfect Example.

Amen

July 28, 2012

“No More”

Scripture:

Romans 8:23
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, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as His children, including the new bodies He has promised us. (NLT)

Observation:

Just about every person that has ever lived knows how difficult this life is; that no matter how much we have or how hard we try to enjoy our lives there is always something that eventually ruins it for us—things that can take away even the simplest pleasures of living the life that God has so graciously given us. And there are vast numbers of people living today who find very little pleasure in living; who will inevitably experience even more hardships that make living even harder to enjoy. Because of the fallen condition that sin brought into this world, the trials and tribulation, all the pain and sufferings, and the feelings of defeat and hopelessness that causes us to doubt God’s goodness, are just as a part of living in this fallen world as breathing is for our survival. Even those who seem to have everything, such as good looks or perfect health or great wealth—temporary things that tend to make one happy in this life—they, too, suffer from the effects of sin and the battles within; battles that leave us all with that same empty, hopeless feelings that feeds the fear and doubts that plague the world we live in. For when we are uncertain what lies beyond this short and difficult life it leaves us fearful, unprepared, and living in vain.

Application:

But for the time being we live in a fallen universe, on a fallen world, with a decaying body where Satan reigns and death is imminent—a condition that will remain until the Day of the Lord (Romans 8:21). And absolutely no one can escape the consequences of this sin-filled world. But there is Hope (1 Peter 1:21); there is Good News! That no matter what degree of suffering you are experiencing now, or are going to experience in the coming days, there is a true sense of joy and peace amidst this suffering life for everyone who belongs to Christ Jesus. You don’t have to experience your decadence alone or without hope, for there is One Savior who can help you face your sufferings with courage, and help you persevere in your discouragement with an incredible peace and joy while anxiously waiting for God’s amazing Promises of restoration. Our Messiah, Christ Jesus, the Savior of all creation, has defeated both sin and death so that we, too, can be victorious over this sin infected life. In His inspired Holy Words, God promises everyone who comes into His family, that whatever our sufferings may be in this life, they are nothing compared to the glory that is ours after this fallen state of existence is no more (Romans 8:18).

Prayer:

What amazing hope you bring to this troubled world, O God; hope that overcomes whatever our troubles may be. Thank You, O Lord, for Your sacrifice that saved believing mankind.

Amen

July 21, 2012

“Good is God”

Scripture:

Psalm 16:2
I said to the LORD, “You are my Master! All the good things I have are from You.” (NLT)

 

Observation:

In truth, whatever fills our minds is usually the driving force behind our actions, which in reality becomes our master and we become its slave (or servant if you will). Even though in our culture it is not politically correct but racist to label the master-slave relationship to anything, it is the reality of life and has been ever since God created mankind. In other words, the created is never greater than the creator and the creator is the one in charge. This type of life-relationship is a reality in everyone’s life and it’s not going away anytime soon. The Word of God says that everything good comes from God above (James 1:17). The Lord our God and Creator is not only the highest form of goodness, but the final standard as well.

Application:

Absolutely nothing unholy or unjust comes from our God in Heaven, for He is perfectly holy and just in all things. God’s character and attributes cannot be anything but perfect and just. So where then does all the bad and evil in our world come from if God is the Creator? It comes from the most powerful angel gone bad; the greatest enemy of God and everything good that flows graciously out of Heaven at God’s command. This dark world, filled with all its evil and trouble is orchestrated by Satan—the master of all evil and deceit and everything else that draws us away from the Truth of the Living God. The reality is, dear people, that everyone who refuses the Gospel of Jesus Christ is held in bondage to sin (John 8:34), which is everything this fallen world professes to be good and right, but is in reality both empty and deadly. Because of our sinful nature it is easy to fall into the traps that Satan sets for us--traps that can eventually lead to bondage and a state of hopelessness. The power that sin holds over our flesh belongs to Satan and goes against the very fibers of God’s being. For God’s mercy is His goodness to those who feel trapped in their sin, His grace is His goodness toward those who don’t deserve it, and His patience is His goodness toward those who continue to blatantly rebel against God and His standard of goodness, for He wants no one to perish in everlasting Hell. It is because of the LORD’S goodness that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die and take the punishment we all deserve, and who is now in the current Heaven above sitting at the right hand of the Father graciously pleading the cases for His flawed people on Earth (Hebrews 9:24), whom Satan (the destroyer) is trying to condemn. How good is God really? Perfectly good!

Prayer:

Thank You Lord, for Your goodness; for Your abundant mercy and grace that you pour out each and every day to all peoples world wide. Please help us, O God, to fight off the attacks of the Enemy so that we can sleep in peace knowing You are close by.

Amen

July 14, 2012

“One True God”

Scripture:

And we know that the Son of God has come, and He has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we are in God because we are in His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and He is eternal life. Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. (1 John 5:20-21) NLT

Observation:

There are many false gods in this world; some that we cannot see, but many that we can. There are many falsehoods that compete with God’s Truth and our loyalty—lies that all come from Satan our adversary, who wants only to deceive and destroy God’s creation (1 Peter 5:8). Because of our inherent nature to sin against the One True God, it is easy for people to follow the many paths that offer the lest resistance—ways that promise to satisfy our many self-indulgent fantasies—ways that cause us to slip slowly and comfortably into the darkness that this fallen world embraces.

Application:

The entire world is now infected with more lies than we can shake a stick at. Most of the mainstream media; the internet, television, radio, news papers, movies, books, music, magazines, computer games, advertisements, and even many Christian Churches are bombarding us with so much false information and garbage that is not only confusing, but is also extremely tempting and very believable as well. It can be so easy to fall into these traps set by Satan himself, for he is the prince of darkness and is directing much of what is happening in this fallen world today. His power is such a driving force behind all the events that are coloring our world in darkness (Colossians 2:8). The only hope anyone has to escape the deadly traps of the Enemy is through the power of the only True and Living God, Jesus Christ our Lord. It is only through His resurrection power that we can escape the death of our eternal soul in Hell. It is by His Spirit living in us that we can find truth and everlasting life. There is no other Way, my friends. Jesus is… the only Way! The world is doing its best to convince you otherwise, but do not listen. The world will do its best to draw you away from the Living God by taking advantage of your frail, human weaknesses. The only way to survive this onslaught of evil is to turn off your computer, or television, or radio and spend more time with the One True God; filling your heart with His life-giving words of truth. And once your heart is filled with God and His Truth there will be no more room for any other gods, and you will have secured your place in Heaven where you will walk and talk with God and spend an eternity discovering His awesome Glory (Psalm 138:5).

Prayer:

Thank You, Jesus, for the Truth that sets us free from the chains of this world and its leader; that is Satan. Help us, dear Lord, to discern Your Truth from the sly false truth of this world. Help us drown out the world’s voice so we can listen to Your Voice, so that we may live forever with You.

Amen

July 7, 2012

“Looking to Heaven”

Scripture:

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set you sights on the realities of Heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power. Let Heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. (Colossians 3:1-2) NLT

Observation:

When you really think about the brevity of human life on this earth, the amount of time spent from birth to death passes by rather quickly (Psalm 103:15-16); a reality everyone must face. Prophetically said, “this life is but a breath (Job 7:7), because our days are few when compared to the ages. This reality is absolute in its truth, and one that has motivated mankind since the beginning—one that dictates how we actually live our lives. So what lies beyond this life… if anything? Do our lives just simply cease to exist? Is there another life awaiting us after this one so quickly passes by? And if there is more life (more existence), are we held accountable for how we live this life? And if so, how do we live as we move through this life and into the next? These are very legitimate and crucial questions that need an answer, for the truth to these and similar questions, is what sets us free from living in doubt and fear. Knowing the truth about where you came from and why you are here, and where your human life-journey is headed is more than a matter of life and death; whether you will joyously live on with God in Heaven, or whether you suffer and exist in Hell forever. The Truth also brings us peace and hope for the future—A Truth that is neither hidden if asked for, nor is it difficult to find.

Application:

But beware of manmade, self-indulging truth, for it is not only bogus but deadly to boot. One must look to the True Source of Life—to the One who created it all. The Living God has graciously given us a clear and simple picture into the absolute realities and truths about this life and the one to follow. And once you know and understand God’s Truth it makes perfectly good sense to keep your focus on the longevity of God’s plan rather than on temporary plan of the here and now, because the LORD created man to be eternal creatures (Matthew 10:28). He created us living beings that are both physical and spiritual in nature. And so it would behoove us to keep our focus on Heaven and prepare ourselves for the next life rather than putting all our hope and energy into this short life that will eventually end in our body’s death and decay. The LORD has given us a wonderful gift called life, but because of one mans disobedience we all live in a sin-invested world that pulls us away from the Truth and into the deadly traps of Satan where we are easily deceived and become prey to the darkness that will eventually swallow us up forever. But there is a Way; there is Good News! Our Creator came into this world as a man and saved our souls from the grips of sin and sure destruction. Now, because of Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection, the atonement for the world’s sins is complete and final. Now every man, woman, and child is able to escape the second death in the pits of Hell to receive a new resurrected body that is perfect, which will live on a new resurrected earth that is even more perfect than the original one, which will take its place in the new resurrected universe. And when this renewed creation is complete, we will physically live with the physically resurrected King of the Universe, Jesus Christ our Lord. For the New Jerusalem and the New Heaven will come down to the New Earth where God’s redeemed people will live and reign with Him for the rest of our eternal life-journeys. Remember, my friends, that when you are truly heavenly minded and trusting in the Lord, you will bring hope to some of those lost souls who are desperately searching for answers that will bring them peace in their difficult life-journeys and satisfy the true longings of their heart for God.

 

Prayer:

Thank You for the Truth, dear LORD…the Truth that saves…the Truth that gives new life.

Amen