Living by faith! Living in complete surrender to Christ. This can be something that is very hard to do. Realizing and maintaining the attitude that Christ is sustaining us every moment. He is giving us grace to live!
Matt 6:26-27 For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, {as to} what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, {as to} what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and {yet} your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
God is allowing us to walk and move and accomplish what He wants in our life. But God is also most glorified in you and me when we are completely satisfied with him. When we can count loosing life or family or jobs or toys or health as gain because we are left with Christ, that makes him look Glorious. When our joy is in God, not in this world. Paul says he boast in weakness because in weakness he is strong. That is saying that in weakness Christ is most satisfying.
We as Christian should not only think of Gods grace as the Justification of our sins even though that is completely what it is, but also look Grace as Gods sustaining power in your life that is given to us moment by moment in order that we may live out our lives in service to God.
1st Cor 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.
Paul realized that everything he did was by the Power/Grace of God! we should do the same. God holds our future and will sustain us.
Lastly remember that Gods grace will not take away our pain or suffering but allow us to have joy in the middle of it! It is a supernatural Power enabling us to give thanks for what we have.
2nd Cor 8:1-3 Now, brethren, we {wish to} make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, {they gave} of their own accord,
Trust in God and may His grace sustain you!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Miracles
Miracles are a huge Topic in today’s charismatic movement. It seems to be all about miracles. So should we look for miracles? Why does it seem like miracles were more for the apostles than us? Let us look at some of these things together.
A big question today is, why do we see so many miracles back when the apostles were around and not today. First I’d like to say that they’re lots of miracles today. Every time someone gets saved that is the greatest miracle of all, but just for question sake ill go with the question being supernatural physical miracles. Acts 5:12-16 is a perfect place where we see lots of miracles being used by apostles. We do need to remember who the apostles were before going into miracles. The apostle where directly taught by Jesus and sent out to establish his church. With this in mind we can see that God would do extra ordinary things with them so they can testify to God and establish the church. Today we have all the teaching of Christ and every thing that God chose to reveal has been given to us. This is a reason we don’t see as many miracles today. We already have everything we need to be sustained by Christ. We don’t need miracles to know its God. (2nd Peter 1:3)
To go even further sometime supernatural things today can be to try and lead us away from God. Duet 13 talks about signs being used to lead us away from God. We need to be completely in love with Him so that these miracles don’t draw our attention to another teacher. Miracle from false teacher will be allowed by God to test the people to See if the love God or miracles.
So today should we seek miracles? This can be a good question. Many people would say yes. They would say that seeking miracles shows that God is real. But miracles are not the standard or the proof that God exist. All creation testifies that God is real. So we don’t need a miracle. I would tell you that we are not to seek after the miracles today. But we are to run after Jesus Christ and if a miracles to meet someone’s needs happens praise Jesus for it. Otherwise be fully in love with God. Be radical for him! Don’t chase after something you mite never see. But fallow the one who will satisfy your soul forever.
Providence
God’s providence is something I think everyone understands even if it’s to a small degree. If you say, “God is in control.” I think just about every Christian will agree with you. But as soon as you start going into what God being in control looks like that’s when people begin to disagree. I love the way Wayne Grudem describes Gods providence. His definition is, “God is continually involved with all created things in such a way that He… is preserving them, is in concurrence with them, and governs them.” This shows that God is in complete control over everything. The thing most people have a hard time with is Gods interaction with evil, and that’s what I’m going to talk about.
We must remember that even evil is included in to the definition above. Evil is not exempt from Gods control. But He uses it to bring about His glory in the world. He was not surprised that it came into the world but planned it so that He could show His divine Love through Jesus. But we must also realize that God never does evil. He also cannot be blamed for the evil that humans do. The perfect example for this is in Matt. 18:7. Jesus says, “It is necessary that temptation come, but woe to the man by whom temptation comes.” This shows us that evil is going to happen but it’s not Gods fault it’s ours even though God uses it for His glory. That’s how he can turn what was evil and use it for good. (Rom 8:28)
Another thing Grudem mentions is how God can Plan everything in the world and yet not be blamed for the bad that happens. He uses an example of a play writer who writes a play. The play writer knows all the actions that each character is going to make, but in the end it is not him who is doing the actions it’s the people in the play. This is a picture of how God works. It might not be exact but it is a good way of looking at the providence of God. It shows that God had created everything (even evil) and is the sustainer of events, yet he is not responsible for the actions that people do and doesn’t make them do evil and at the same time planned that that evil would happen.
To wrap it up, we as Christians or just people in general for that matter need to realize that God is in control of every action. But we are responsible for our actions. If we sin there is punishment, but if there is righteousness blessing is the reward. So in my life I want to act as God proclaims and commands. That way I get what he promises. But we also must remember that it is Him who even allows us to do those good things. Otherwise we might get puffed up and forget He is the only sustainer of all things.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Creation
Creation is a crucial topic when we are talking about doctrine. It is the beginning of the world. As Grudem points out, there are many different theories on creation but there are curtain points that must be in a biblical theory. Knowing what happened at the beginning is a must because it shows us how we came into existence and clarifies that God has always been and He is and forever was!
We must see that God created everything out of nothing. He spoke and the universe was. There was nothing except Him before He spoke the universe into existence. In Psalms 33:6, 9 it says,” He spoke and it came to be; He commanded and it stood forth.” This portrays the Idea that God spoke and things came into being.
Another point Grudem looks at is that Man must have been created directly from God. We are not allowed to hold to a view that man was at some point a lower life form and evolved into man. He also created Adam from the dirt (Gen 2:7) and Eve was created out of Adams Rib. (Gen 2:27) These are special creations of God. He made Man directly and formed Him out of dirt.
Grudem also goes into different theories of evolution and how people through out history tried to explain the gradual change in life. He points out that within a certain species there is small changes but there is never a change from one type of life form to another. Evolution tries to push the idea of random changes over a length of time. But we as Christians know that God is the one who formed the world and was directly involved in its making. There was never a moment that God allowed for something random out of his control to take place. He was never surprised. He created everything and called it good! (Gen 1)
To wrap things up, Grudem after his whole talk about the different theories says, “…the age of the earth is not directly taught in scripture.” Even though there are different theories, the age of the earth is not an explicitly taught in scripture. We have must stick to what the bible says and be faithful to the text.
God made the earth out of nothing and Man is the crown of His creation which God himself created for his pleasure. He was one hundred percent in control of creation and life. There was no random turn of events. He created as He saw fit to create and creation it self is evident to that. We must not take it lightly that God is the creator.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
God Works in Us!
CANON 9. Concerning the succor of God. It is a mark of divine favor when we are of a right purpose and keep our feet from hypocrisy and unrighteousness; for as often as we do good, God is at work in us and with us, in order that we may do so.
CANON 10. Concerning the succor of God. The succor of God is to be ever sought by the regenerate and converted also, so that they may be able to come to a successful end or persevere in good works. - Canons of The Council of Orange
Let us only boast of what Christ has done in us!
1Cr 1:31
so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD."
1Cr 3:21
So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you,
1Cr 4:7
For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
CANON 10. Concerning the succor of God. The succor of God is to be ever sought by the regenerate and converted also, so that they may be able to come to a successful end or persevere in good works. - Canons of The Council of Orange
Let us only boast of what Christ has done in us!
1Cr 1:31
so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD."
1Cr 3:21
So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you,
1Cr 4:7
For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Take Control
Dont let your thought life get out of Control!
"We are} destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and {we are} taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ," 2nd Corinthians 10:5
A lustful thought is from the same defiled puddle, as actually filthiness; and the thought is but passing to the action: it is but the same in its minority, tending to maturity.----Richard Baxter
"We are} destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and {we are} taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ," 2nd Corinthians 10:5
A lustful thought is from the same defiled puddle, as actually filthiness; and the thought is but passing to the action: it is but the same in its minority, tending to maturity.----Richard Baxter
Monday, August 3, 2009
It's Work
John 17:17 “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”
Christians are made Holy only through the word of God. When reading books and other material, we should be analyzing it and matching it up with Gods’ word. A book outside the bible should be bringing more questions to the Christian and push us to the bible. Even when the book is teaching what the bible teaches we should be taking the concepts and looking for them in the scriptures, not simply taking them for granted because we feel like its right!
Books are a great resource for study and I recommend reading lots, but as Christians the bible should be our main resource. It is our source of life and the only thing that sanctifies us, making us more like Him. But if we are wrong in our knowledge about God, how can we expect to be like Him? We can’t! And because we can’t, God will hold us accountable for what we believe. If we take in wrong doctrine and lies we will be judged.
2 Tim 2:16-17 talks about scripture being everything we need for “life and godliness.” But we also need to take into account the verse before that 2 Tim 2:15. This verse says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” If we are diligent and test what we read and hear judging it based on what the bible teaches, we can become “workmen unashamed” of what we believe before God.
This is a heavy responsibility, but it is also magnificent that we get to know the King of kings. So, don’t just take things in because you hear it or read it. Remember that the heart is deceitful and full of wickedness (Jeremiah 17:9) and the devil is out to distort. Our only trust is on what scripture has to say. It is the only defense against error we have. We serve an amazing God and He wants us to know Him.
Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek Me and find {Me} when you search for Me with all your heart.”
Christians are made Holy only through the word of God. When reading books and other material, we should be analyzing it and matching it up with Gods’ word. A book outside the bible should be bringing more questions to the Christian and push us to the bible. Even when the book is teaching what the bible teaches we should be taking the concepts and looking for them in the scriptures, not simply taking them for granted because we feel like its right!
Books are a great resource for study and I recommend reading lots, but as Christians the bible should be our main resource. It is our source of life and the only thing that sanctifies us, making us more like Him. But if we are wrong in our knowledge about God, how can we expect to be like Him? We can’t! And because we can’t, God will hold us accountable for what we believe. If we take in wrong doctrine and lies we will be judged.
2 Tim 2:16-17 talks about scripture being everything we need for “life and godliness.” But we also need to take into account the verse before that 2 Tim 2:15. This verse says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” If we are diligent and test what we read and hear judging it based on what the bible teaches, we can become “workmen unashamed” of what we believe before God.
This is a heavy responsibility, but it is also magnificent that we get to know the King of kings. So, don’t just take things in because you hear it or read it. Remember that the heart is deceitful and full of wickedness (Jeremiah 17:9) and the devil is out to distort. Our only trust is on what scripture has to say. It is the only defense against error we have. We serve an amazing God and He wants us to know Him.
Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek Me and find {Me} when you search for Me with all your heart.”
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The Fight for Truth!
Today many people, even so called "Christians" are promoting truth in a way that allows truth to vary. People are claiming truth to all kinds of things, but have no evidence for what they believe other than their own personal feelings about the matter at hand. Their feelings determine what is true. Even when they read scripture they read into the text based on what they previously believed, instead of letting the scripture speak for itself. What is the problem here? The problem is these people are not thinking rightly about God and His Word. They are letting their feelings determine truth. If they were thinking rightly then they would judge by the objective standards set in the Bible, not their own feelings. How then can we be sure not to judge by our feelings, but by Gods standard? If we will desire to think about God in the way He has revealed Himself then we would begin to look at what He communicates and then understand what truth is.
We definitely see this in our world, but sadly even within our congregations today. Many people have their own personal interpretation of the scriptures. They say that God is speaking to them in a personal way. These people do not understand that God had one intended purpose for writing scripture (2 Peter 1:20-21) and that means scripture only has one meaning, Not many!
The problem that has arisen has arisen because people put up with ungodly things in their life. They allow sin in their life based upon their wants and this begins to skew their view of God the Father & Jesus. Because people want to do there own thing and not fully give up everything, they become worldly. They become worldly because they allow a little bit of error or tolerance for evil for a long period of time and it blurs their vision of the truth. It makes these people centered on themselves and not God. Iain Murray says about worldliness, "Worldliness is departing from God. It is a man-centered way of thinking; it judges the importance of things by present and material results." This is correct. Thinking in a way that is all about me or you will blind us from the truth. Instead of thinking about ourselves and what we want, we need to think about God and find out what He wants. We do that by reading His Word and looking for what He wants. If we look to God we will always be pointed to Christ and His work for He accomplished on the cross for us, but if we don't look to Him, we will be worldly people not following God at all. Tim Challies says it this way,
“Where thinking rightly about God will always lead us to Jesus Christ, and to the cross, worldliness, a lack of discernment, will lead us to ourselves. It will judge the validity of teaching not by objective and unchanging standards of what scripture says to be true but by what is seen and understood here and now."
So how do we respond to this attitude in today’s culture? Paul addresses this issue and gives us direct instructions on how to deal with this type of attitude. He says in 2 timothy 4:1-3
"I solemnly charge {you} in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season {and} out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but {wanting} to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. "
So let us as Christians, followers of Jesus Christ take heed to this command by Paul to, "preach the word.” This task we must do as followers of Jesus. It may be hard but as Romans 8:18 says, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." "Suffer hardship" and do the work that God has called us to. He is watching and will judge us according to what we do!
Watch this Clip
Friday, June 12, 2009
Cal.vini.st First Anniversary Giveaway
Give away of Bibleworks 8 http://cal.vini.st/2009/06/cal-vini-st-first-anniversary-giveaway/
Great for Studying bible in Original Language!
Great for Studying bible in Original Language!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The Sign of the End
By Sola Dei Gloria Blog
"Signs of the Last Days – Violence and Hate
2009 June 11
tags: Hate, Lawlessness, Signs of the Last Days, The Second Coming, Violence
by pjmiller
Genesis 6: 5, 11-12 – And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually…Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways.
Matthew 24: 3-4, 37 – And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, “Take heed that no man deceive you….But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be”
Though violence has been around from the beginning, (Genesis 4) there can be no doubt in the mind of the average thinking person, the propensity toward violent behavior is increasing. Watching all the news reports this evening concerning today’s shooting at Washington’s Holocaust Museum, which is only the latest in a trio of recent incidents of violence which have made national headlines, Jesus’ words in Matthew 24 concerning the days leading up to his return came to mind; in particular his reference to the days of Noah.
According to Genesis 6, it was a time in the history of the world when wickedness and violence was paramount. In fact God’s word says man’s wickedness was “great”, and God saw that “the earth was corrupt and was full of violence”.
We look around and think its comparable today to Noah’s time. I don’t think its reached that place yet–but we are on an out of control speeding train, headed to that destination very quickly.
One thing struck me about all three recent violent incidents reported here in the US over the last 12 days,
The gunman who entered a military recruitment office, killing a recruiter in Little Rock; The abortion activist who entered a church killing a Doctor; and today’s murdering of a guard at the Holocaust Museum:
All three murderers believed they were ‘justified’ in their actions.
Justified in committing murder. What is that telling us about not only these acts but of what is to come?. I don’t know yet, but its something to think about, isn’t it? As is the truth, which is these so-called justified acts of domestic terrorism were fueled by hate: hatred toward the US Military, hatred toward the Doctor, and today, hatred toward not only our government & its leaders, but entire races of people.
If you look beyond the surface, into the spiritual, there is not anything really different in the three incidents, for all three project boldly the spirit of lawlessness:
Matthew 24: 3b, 12 ….what will be the sign of Your coming?…(and) Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold
2 Thess. 2:7 – The secret power of lawlessness is already at work.
Church, we need to become bold ourselves, and begin to unmask this spirit which produces hatred and violence, and call it what it is: the spirit of lawlessness. For if we don’t, more then just those Christians who have already been taken captive by it, will fall into this deception. Disagree with me if you want, but I’m here to tell you this evil spirit of hate (which can lead to violence, or at least our applauding it in others secretly) has infiltrated the body of Christ. Its part of the last day falling away. And I’ll tell you, I never saw it coming.
Years ago the Holy Spirit revealed to me that what I believed would be the signs of the last day apostasy, was in fact only a small part of a bigger picture. I accepted that, though I had no understanding of what he meant. And though my understanding is still limited today, I have no doubt whatsoever that the militant hate growing within the hearts of many believers, (which can masquerade as any number of the things: including righteous anger), is part of the apostasy.
Its a spiritual disease which is filling the world and especially this nation in the last year, (as is evident); and like other things of the ‘world’ which have been brought into the Church over the years, it too, is being carried into our Churches by those already infected, who are infecting others in the body of Christ.
I don’t have to go out on the internet to Christian boards to see the evidence (and its there, believe me) I have my own first-hand evidence in the sheer increase in comments left here at the blog over the last 12 months, which are hate filled, vile and in some instances, threatening: so much so, I can’t allow them to be posted. And friends, these are from professing Christians.
Anyway, this has just been a musing tonight. But it was something I felt to say…
Guard yourselves brothers and sisters. Now and in the coming days. Don’t allow this spirit of lawlessness which brings forth the rotten fruit of hate, malice, and even possibly violence, touch you. Where you’ll spend eternity depends on it.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6"
"Signs of the Last Days – Violence and Hate
2009 June 11
tags: Hate, Lawlessness, Signs of the Last Days, The Second Coming, Violence
by pjmiller
Genesis 6: 5, 11-12 – And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually…Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways.
Matthew 24: 3-4, 37 – And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, “Take heed that no man deceive you….But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be”
Though violence has been around from the beginning, (Genesis 4) there can be no doubt in the mind of the average thinking person, the propensity toward violent behavior is increasing. Watching all the news reports this evening concerning today’s shooting at Washington’s Holocaust Museum, which is only the latest in a trio of recent incidents of violence which have made national headlines, Jesus’ words in Matthew 24 concerning the days leading up to his return came to mind; in particular his reference to the days of Noah.
According to Genesis 6, it was a time in the history of the world when wickedness and violence was paramount. In fact God’s word says man’s wickedness was “great”, and God saw that “the earth was corrupt and was full of violence”.
We look around and think its comparable today to Noah’s time. I don’t think its reached that place yet–but we are on an out of control speeding train, headed to that destination very quickly.
One thing struck me about all three recent violent incidents reported here in the US over the last 12 days,
The gunman who entered a military recruitment office, killing a recruiter in Little Rock; The abortion activist who entered a church killing a Doctor; and today’s murdering of a guard at the Holocaust Museum:
All three murderers believed they were ‘justified’ in their actions.
Justified in committing murder. What is that telling us about not only these acts but of what is to come?. I don’t know yet, but its something to think about, isn’t it? As is the truth, which is these so-called justified acts of domestic terrorism were fueled by hate: hatred toward the US Military, hatred toward the Doctor, and today, hatred toward not only our government & its leaders, but entire races of people.
If you look beyond the surface, into the spiritual, there is not anything really different in the three incidents, for all three project boldly the spirit of lawlessness:
Matthew 24: 3b, 12 ….what will be the sign of Your coming?…(and) Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold
2 Thess. 2:7 – The secret power of lawlessness is already at work.
Church, we need to become bold ourselves, and begin to unmask this spirit which produces hatred and violence, and call it what it is: the spirit of lawlessness. For if we don’t, more then just those Christians who have already been taken captive by it, will fall into this deception. Disagree with me if you want, but I’m here to tell you this evil spirit of hate (which can lead to violence, or at least our applauding it in others secretly) has infiltrated the body of Christ. Its part of the last day falling away. And I’ll tell you, I never saw it coming.
Years ago the Holy Spirit revealed to me that what I believed would be the signs of the last day apostasy, was in fact only a small part of a bigger picture. I accepted that, though I had no understanding of what he meant. And though my understanding is still limited today, I have no doubt whatsoever that the militant hate growing within the hearts of many believers, (which can masquerade as any number of the things: including righteous anger), is part of the apostasy.
Its a spiritual disease which is filling the world and especially this nation in the last year, (as is evident); and like other things of the ‘world’ which have been brought into the Church over the years, it too, is being carried into our Churches by those already infected, who are infecting others in the body of Christ.
I don’t have to go out on the internet to Christian boards to see the evidence (and its there, believe me) I have my own first-hand evidence in the sheer increase in comments left here at the blog over the last 12 months, which are hate filled, vile and in some instances, threatening: so much so, I can’t allow them to be posted. And friends, these are from professing Christians.
Anyway, this has just been a musing tonight. But it was something I felt to say…
Guard yourselves brothers and sisters. Now and in the coming days. Don’t allow this spirit of lawlessness which brings forth the rotten fruit of hate, malice, and even possibly violence, touch you. Where you’ll spend eternity depends on it.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6"
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Transition / Joy
I believe this is a time when you can see in these times of change if a person is really trusting in the Lord. It can be easy to trust in our routine and our schedules. But we are to put all our trust in the Lord. The Bible says that, " Many are the plans in a mans heart, but the Lord directs his path." Proverbs 21:19 this goes to show us that our full trust should be in God because He directs us anyway. He is the one that is guiding us. In Phillipians 1:6 Paul says that Christ is faithfull to finish the good work which he started in us. This should be really encouraging to us to know that as we work out this life that God is working behind the scenes and directing us. He is the fuel to our fire! He is the reason we keep on moving.
I have just graduated from Christ For The Nations bible school and am moving on to the next phase in my life. it can be hard to trust in God for whats next 'cause i don't know exactly where i fit in in the large scheme of things. the one thing i do know is that He is in controll.
No matter what i decide to do and the direction that i choose to go, I know that God is with me and he will never leave or forsake me. He is with me till the end! and i will stay by his side, fully committed to Him.
The reason I think that so many christians start to loose there hope, joy, and passion for God is the start trying to run after happyness in there own personal dreams apart from Christ. Now don't get me wrong i think we are to do what we love to do, but do it for Christ. Don't try and find happiness apart from God. We are to serve God with all joy. it is suppose to be the things we do with overwhelming gladness. If WE seek to bring God glory in everything we do we will have joy. Serve God with the fullness of Joy, but remember that Joy is also a gift and God gives us that gift. Ask him for it. He wants you to be Full of joy with him. It is all about Him. If you are most satisfyed in Christ all the time it wont matter what your doing or where you go, He will be your treasure. Christ is suppose to be our treasure and nothing else! Also i think its important to say that we are to be even joyfull in the mits of suffering. It sounds like a weird things to say but it can be very easy to loose our joy when things go bad for us! Remember our hope is Christ! Look through your circumstances and see Christ in His Glory and the Hope he has given you for eternal life and living with Him. That is the supreme Joy!
Hebrews 12:1,2
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)