My Anchor

Be Still and Know That I Am God Ps 34:10

2011-04-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

Ps 34

v 1 God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble
v 2 Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
v 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
v 4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
v 5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
v 6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
v 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
v 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, who has made desolations in the earth.
v 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the low and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
v 10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
v 11 The LORD of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

I have a card next to my bed with the title of this post on it. I've been stirred by it, but also meditating on just what does it mean and what does it mean to me in my situations. The first thing that come to me is to know who God is and to be at peace in that knowledge. Does it mean that I don't have to do anything, that He will take care of everything? I don't think so. It may mean to refrain from certain things, my good ideas are never as good as His, but I think we are to obey whatever He has told us to do and trust that He has thing in control for our good. The trick is to know when an idea is from Him, inspired by Him and when it is just me spinning my wheels, trying to figure out a solution. I do that a lot. The Ps shows that we are to exalt Him and acknowledge who He is, God Almighty maker of heaven and earth. King of all kings, our Father and our Savior.

Linda

God Provides

2010-05-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

2 Cor 9:10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.

I am not doing anything alone. I can give what I'm able to give and God will give the increase. Think of the feeding of the 5000. This is a lesson I have to keep reminding myself of. I get into that I'm so limited frame of mind. I may have my limits but God doesn't. I can do anything He calls me to do because He will enable me to do it.

I had been writing about the diminishing faculties of aging and the need to spend so much time taking care of myself. I feel I have little left to give to others.

Linda

Prophecies and Fulfillment

2009-12-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

1-

Prophecy -Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed: He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.

Fulfilled-Gal 4:4-5 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

2-

Prophecy-Gen 12:3, 18:18 I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

Since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

Fulfilled-Acts 3:25-26 You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, "And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities."

3-

Prophecy-Jer 23:1-6 "Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!" says the LORD. Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people; "You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. "Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings," says the LORD. "But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking," says the LORD. "Behold, the days are coming," says the LORD, "that I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved; now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Fulfilled-Luke 1:32-33 "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His Father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."

4.

Prophecy-Gen 49:10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people.

Fulfilled-Matt 1:2, Luke 3:33 Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers.

the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah. (the genealogy of Jesus)

5-

Prophecy-Deut 18:15-19 The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, according to all you desired of the LORD your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, "Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, nor let me see this great fire anymore, lest I die." And the LORD said to me: What they have spoken is good. I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name , I will require it of him.

Fulfilled-Acts 3:22-23 For Moses truly said to the fathers, "The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people. (Peter preaching in Solomon's Portico)

6-

Prophecy-Is 7:13-14 Then he said, "Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Fulfilled-Matt 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-35 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary you wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call his name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying; "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end. Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will over-shadow you; therefore, also that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

7-

Prophecy fulled-Matt 3:17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Mark 1:11 Then a voice came from heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Expecting New Wine

2009-11-29T18:22:00.000-08:00

Matt 9:14-17 Then the disciples of John came to Him saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?" And Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away form them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse. Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskinss are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."

Jesus is saying I want you to respond differently because I am present. New vision can't survive with old attitudes that are hard and set. Old mindsets won't allow for new ideas. If you try to put new wine into an old wineskin both will be wasted. If though you put new wine into new wineskins they will both be able to be used.

When you are not in the right place and you hear something that you could rejoice in, you can't receive it, instead you are bound by your attitude and become even more bound in by it. So that which was meant to be a blessing instead becomes a curse to you, it is wasted and your opportunity is wasted.

2 K 2:9-10 And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?" Elisha said, "Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me," So he said, "You have asked a hard thing Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not , it shall not be so."

He is talking about expectation. "If you see me..." If you are paying attention and expecting a miracle it can happen, but if you are distracted and not watching it won't.

Being blessed is a matter of getting rid of old attitudes that may hinder you and of watching and waiting, expecting God to do something in your life. Being open to it, ready to receive it. God can't give you new manna if you are holding on to the old. Put on the new man and let go of the old and you will be ready to expand and hold that new wine.

This is part 2 of the Pastors sermon on The Wellspring of Gratitude and some of my notes.

The Wellspring of Gratitude

2009-11-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

Enjoyed the sermon this morning and wanted to record the highlights.

1 Thess 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Phil 4:10-13 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; through you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content; I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

The Pastor talked about how it's human nature to complain, but when we do we start to see our life as half empty. He pointed out that it says in 1 Thess 5:18 it says that it is God's will for us to rejoice, pray and give thanks. He know what is for our good and complaining isn't. It just brings us down.

When we don't live in gratitude we miss the oportunity to see that our glass isn't half empty, but half full. Paul's glass was empty and he still rejoiced, because he had the Lord. The Pastor said the glass was the Lord so even if our glass is empty or almost empty we have the glass or the Lord and that is a reason to rejoice.

I needed to hear this this morning and I'm going to stop see what I don't have and start seeing what I do have and be grateful. I'm also going to expect God's blessing in my life.

The Secret Place

2009-10-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

Ps 27:5 for in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

Ps 31:20 You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a Pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Ps 91:1 He who abides in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

"The secret place of Your presence" when I read this I thought back about how when I feel His presence nothing else seems to matter and I always thought it was just that His presence overwhelmed any other thoughts or feelings because I just felt so secure in Him and now I realize that His word says that place is a place of protection so even though I didn't know I was in a secret place of His protection somehow I responded to it. The question is how do we get into that place, we know that God never leaves us, but we can allow things to come between us.

In Ps 17 David calls out to God and in v8 he says, "Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings,

When we call out to Him He is there, when we trust Him He is trustworthy, when we draw near to Him He draws near to us. We need to keep our relationship with Him and stay in that secret place of His presence. When we walk away we walk into a place of vulnerability and a place on no protection.

Ps 16:11 In Your presence is fullness of joy
In Ps21:6 David says "you have made him (David) exceedingly glad in Your presence"

Spirit to spirit

2009-08-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

John 6:12 I still have many things to say to you but you cannot bear them now. v13 However when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

I Cor 2:9 Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. v10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes the deep things of God. v11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. v12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. v13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. v14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Rm 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and His ways past finding out! v34 For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?

Note-I Cor 2:11 As one's own inner thoughts are known only by himself, so the mind of God is known only by God's Spirit. God has chosen to make Himself known in Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit has brought this revelation of Christ to the church through the apostles.

Note-I Cor 2:13 Spiritual things with spiritual: Spirit answers to spirit, not spirit to mind. The Holy Spirit interprets spiritual things to spiritual people.

Me-We cannot understand the things of God without the Holy Spirit, that is why we need His guidance, that is why He was given to us. A Christian life is a Spirit led life. When we listen to our mind and think we know best we are not listening to God. If our thoughts are contrary to the Word of God we are listening to the flesh or the enemy. The Holy Spirit will not say anything that doesn't agree with the Word of God. We hear the Spirit in our spirit.

Led By The Holy Spirit

2009-08-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

Rm:12-14

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors-not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

v13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Ref. Gal 6:8

Gal 6:8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

V14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Ref Gal 5:18

Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Note: The person who is led by the Spirit will do what is right freely, and not by the compulsion of the law. Thus, he is not under the law's bondage and condemnation.

Note: Rm 8:13 See note on 6:16. Paul lays out two directions of life and shows their ultimate consequences. He implies that Christians have an ability to choose to do what is uncharacteristic of a Christian, namely, to walk "according to the flesh," and he warns them not to do it. If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body: A good summary of the process of sanctification (growth in holiness) in the Christian life. We are actively to work at growing in holiness and "putting to death" any sin in our hearts or minds, as well as in our words and deeds. Yet, in spite of the fact that we actively put forth effort, Paul reminds us that it is only "by the Spirit," that is, by the Holy Spirit's power, that we can succeed.

Rm6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slave whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness.
Note 6:16 A person is a slave of that to which he gives obedience or that which he recognizes as his master. If he obeys the commands of sin, then sin is his master and he is moving in the direction of eternal death, all the while experiencing a death like existence in life now. If he obeys the commands of righteousness, the righteousness is his master, and he experiences true life.

Notes Rm 8:14 The phrase as many as are led by the Spirit of God is more than a synonym for Christians. It describes the life-style of those who are sons of God. Paul is giving encouragement not to live according to the flesh but to put to death the deeds of the body (v13). Therefore, being "led by the Spirit of God" involves progressively putting to death the sinful appetites of the lower nature. This implies that, while all Christians are in some general sense being "led by the Spirit of God," there are increasing degrees of being led by the Spirit. The more fully people are led by the Holy Spirit, the more completely will they be obedient to God and be conformed to His holy standards.

Since the Greek word translated led is a present participle, it may be translated, "as many as are continually being led by the Spirit of God." This leading is not to be restricted to objective knowledge of the commands of Scripture and conscious effort to obey them (though it most certainly includes that). Rather, it more fully includes the subjective factor of being sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit throughout the day, promptings that if genuinely from the Holy Spirit will never encourage us to act contrary to Scripture.

What one perceives to be a subjective leading of the Holy Spirit, especially in major decisions or promptings for "unusual" actions, should be subjected to the confirmation of several counselors (Pro 11:14, 24:6) to help guard against mistakes and to help get a clear picture of Scripture's objective standards.

Me-The Holy Spirit prompts us throughout our day and we have the choice to follow those promptings or not. The more we choose not to, the more the flesh gets a hold on us, which leads to bondage. The more we choose not to follow the flesh, the stronger our spirit gets. I've noticed being tired, sick or depressed can lead to temptation. The enemy will take advantage of any opening he can. We especially need to strengthen our spirit at those times with the Word of God and prayer. We can't just wait for the Holy Spirit to mature us, we have to actively seek His wisdom and help to put down the flesh and grow in our Spirit led life.

The Law Cannot Keep Us From Sin

2009-07-31T17:46:00.001-07:00

Rm7:24-8:4 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?(v25)I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. (8:1)There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (v2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (v3) For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh. God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin. He condemned sin in the flesh, (v4) that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Note 8:1-11 Paul begins a description of life in the Spirit. He first declares that the Spirit assures death to sin and makes holiness possible.

Rm 7:14-23 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. (v15) For what I am doing, I do not understand,. For what i will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. (v16) If then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. (v17) But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. (v18) For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. (v19) For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. (v20) Now if i do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. (v21) I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. (v22) For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. (v23) But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Note 7:11-13 Sin, not the law, was to blame. God's Law, reflecting His righteous moral principles, in holy. It simply does not have the power to make us righteous.

Note 7:14-23 Throughout this life a conflict goes on between the new nature and the old, but there is a way to victory: Christ frees us to live in the power of the Holy Spirit (v25-8:11)

Me-The law reveals the truth to us but it cannot save us from sinning only Christ's death and resurrection can set us free to live, but we have a choice to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit or listen to the flesh. However the lose of peace and the knowledge that He loves us and did a beautiful and wonderful thing for us tugs at our heart and basically makes us miserable if we follow the flesh instead of the Spirit. He tells us to choose death or life. It is our choise. Sin leads to death. I think the enemy trys to get us to give up when we stumble and we have to know that God loves unconditionally and only wants the best for us. Sin is bondage. We are free we ought to live as free. It is not always easy to say no to enticements, but the more we give in the more we are bound by it and when we seek forgiveness and repent we break that bondage. We still have to build up our muscle by saying no. It's amazing when you feel God's love and acceptance it is so much easier to do the right thing. I think it is often the feelings of need that lead to sin, but God's love can fill every need. His blood covers every sin and washes us clean. God's forgiveness never runs out.

The Law Reveals The Truth About Our Sin

2009-07-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Rm 5:19-23 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also be one man's obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Notes-

V19 A summary of God's plan of representative heads for the human race Adam sinned (once), and all whom Adam represented were found guilty. Christ obeyed (through His whole life) and all whom Christ represented will be made righteous. Some object to this idea of representative leads for the human race. But if we do not think it fair that we were counted guilty for Adam's sin, then we also should not think it fair that we are counted righteous for Christ's obedience.

V20,21 The purpose of the law was to make sin obvious and thus to make more evident the need for redemption. See note 7.7.

Note Rm 7.7 Paul's declaration that "we have been delivered from the law" (v6) gives rise to the question is the law sin? His reaction is one of horror. Then he proceeds to show that the law of God is good, provided we understand its function, which is to reveal sin and to teach what is right. Powerless in itself to produce righteousness, it exposes sin for what it really is.

Me-Mankind didn't know what sin was. He didn't know what God expected because he had turned back to idols. The law is God's truth about sin and He wants to reveal to us that truth. The enemy is whispering in our ears deception and lies so we need to hear the truth. Our conscience also will show us what is right and wrong, but many things can confuse us and cause us not to listen to our conscience. When man sees the truth he know that he is a sinner and in need of salvation. The gospel is the story of that salvation offered to those who will receive it by accepting Jesus as their Lord and savior. Acts tells us about the Holy Spirit being release in us to give us the power to walk after Jesus and to grow in godliness and much more.

Walking according to the Spirit

2009-07-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

Rm 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Gal 5:16 I say than walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Note: "Walking in the Spirit" is an expression, which means living one's life in the power of the Spirit while being guided by the Spirit.

Rm 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
Note: "The law of the Spirit of life" the system of operation that the Holy Spirit carries out in our lives, breaking the dominion of the old law (principle) of sin and death.

Living Sacrifice

2009-07-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

Rm 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God which is your reasonable service.

Note: Therefore: In light of the great plan of salvation outlined in Romans 1-11, particularly all the mercies (benefits) it brings to us as Christians, let us respond appropriately.
A living sacrifice: Since Christians (both Jew and Gentiles) are the new people of God, the "New Israel", then should we not offer sacrifices to God, just as the OT Jew did? Yes, but not animal sacrifices at the temple in Jerusalem, rather we should offer our bodies (all that we are) as "living sacrifices" each day to God.
The Greek word translated service is used to refer to ceremonies of Jewish temple worship in Rm 9:4 & Heb 9:1,6.
The word translated reasonable can mean "pertaining to reason".
As such it suggests that a rational response to God's "mercies" is to commit ourselves in an act of worship. The word may also be understood as "spiritual" (see 1Pet 2:2, where it is translated "pure"). As such, our act of consecration is a supreme form of religious service: physical, in that our "bodies" are presented in worship; rational, in that our reasoning is responsive to His truth; emotional, in that His "mercies" are perceived and awaken our sensitivities to His loving kindness; and spiritual, in that this is all the fruit of His Spirit's reviving and renewing ours.

So what are the mercies (benefits) of the plan of salvation outlined in Rm 1 to 11?

From outline II D Once justified by faith, we triumph even in suffering Rm 5:1-11.

Rm 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Rm 5:2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

KD-Rm 5:1,2 The Grace of God
The dynamic of God's grace speaks these truths: 1) That God has been reconciled to the world through Christ's sacrifice, (v10); 2) the unmerited favor, the unconditional acceptance that we receive from God (Eph 1:6); and 3) an empowerment for a task (I Cor 15:10). Taken together, these truths bring believers to a place of genuine freedom, where we are free to obey God, not to obtain His favor but because He has already given us His favor. Within His unconditional acceptance given us because of what Christ has done, we are freed from the need to monitor our behavior and loosed into the joy of knowing His friendship. Focusing primarily on our righteousness only diverts our attention from His loveliness-which ultimately erodes our dependence on Him to produce in us the beauty of His character. Grace underscores the generosity of God's love, highlighting the truth that God does not coerce change by threatening us, but instead He conquers by lavishing His love upon us. His grace frees us from wearying, self-generated endeavors and releases us to allow His Holy Spirit within "to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Phil 2:13)

Scriptures referred to above-

v10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Eph 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us acceptable in the Beloved.

1 Cor 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Phil 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Also
Rm 5:3-5 We glory in tribulation knowing it produces perserverance, character and hope.
tribulation-pressure, pressing olives
perserverance-endurance

James 1:2-4 The testing of your faith produces patience. Let patience have it's perfect (mature) work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking no thing.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; he will recieve the crown of life, promised to those who love the Lord.

Righteousness Through Faith In Jesus Not the Law

2009-07-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

Rm 3:21-26
v21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
v22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
v23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
v24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
v25 Whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,
v26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Rm 6:1-12
v1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
v2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
v3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
v4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
v5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection.
v6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves on sin.
v7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.
v8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,
v9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.
v10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.
v11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
v12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that your should obey it in its lusts.

Rm8:1
v1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
v2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
v3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,
v4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Note v2 The law here does not refer to God's written moral commands in the OT, but to the system of operation that the Spirit of life, the Hole Spirit, carries out in our lives, breaking the dominion of the old law of sin and death.

Note v4 Paul presents two ways of life, and they are central to the whole discussion until v17. To walk according to the flesh is to follow the sinful desires of one's old life. To walk according to the Spirit is to follow the desires of the Holy Spirit, to live in a way pleasing to Him.

Help me Holy Spirit to walk according to the Spirit and live in a way pleasing to Him. In Jesus name I pray.

Truth Written On My Heart and Planted There

2009-07-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

Ps 16:11 You will show me the path of life, in Your presence is fulness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Ps 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Matt 7:14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way, which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Ps 119:165 Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.

Pro 3:3-4 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.

The Word of God buried in our hearts keeps us on the narrow path. It plants mercy and truth within us and the Holy Spirit is able to speak to us by bringing these truths to our remembrance. The more Word I plant in my spirit the more truth will be there to guide me and help me to know the LORD.

A Well Watered Tree

2009-07-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

Ps 1:2-3 His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.

I started a devotional time again today and this is some of what I was reading. My hope is that as I read the Word and meditate on it that I will be like that well watered tree. These are some of my favorite verses.

Ps 4

2009-07-10T15:57:00.001-07:00

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
How long, O you sons of men will you turn my glory to shame: How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood?
But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; the LORD will hear when I call to Him.
Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
There are many who say, "Who will show us any good?" LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

God does hear our prayer. He asks how long we will seek idols (things we put before or in place of God). The LORD has set apart those that follow Him and He hears when we call. Stay in faith and trust God. God looks on His followers with favor. How much better to know You than to be successful in the worlds eyes. You satisfy all my desires that are godly and in my best interest. I can sleep in peace knowing that You are taking care of me.

Eph 1

2009-07-09T22:37:00.000-07:00

Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom
v15-Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,
v16-do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:
v17-that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of
wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,
v18-the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
v19-and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
v20-which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
v21-far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
v22-And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,
v23-which is His body, the fulness of Him who fills all in all.

Notes-
1:15-23 Paul prays that all believers might progress toward maturity and fully appreciate the greatness and power of their salvation, a power which he asumes will be demonstrated both in and through Spirit-empowered believers.

1:17 Wisdom and revelation-The Holy Spirit is the divine and supernatural source of both.

1:18 Eyes of your understanding being enlightened literally means that your heart may receive the brightness of hope resulting when the wealth of God's investment in you is understood.

1:20 Christ's authority, which encompasses every age and exceeds every known power, is here and now.

1:21 Christ Himself and all who are in Christ are shown to be placed in authority above these powers, an authority that only spiritual warfare can assert, demonstrate, and sustain.

1:22,23 His body: The primary thrust of this letter is to show the church as the present, physical presence of Christ. The church is to be filled with Him by the Holy Spirit, and assigned by the Lord Jesus to represent Him to society to minister His life, love, and power.

I can assert authority throught the Holy Spirit against any power that tries to come against me, but I have to be under the authority of Christ. I don't have to give into those feelings of being down. I determined today that I was going to count my blessings and give thanks to God for all that He has done for me. I determined I was going to live in the knowledge of how blessed I am and not listen to worry or poor me thoughts. Also focusing on how blessed I am helps with that anxiety that creeps in. I don't have to live in fear or let it exist in my mind. I can kick it out when it shows up and say I am a child of God, I am blessed. My future is assured. The Holy Spirit is within me and He is my guide and the power of God that surrounds me. Also I am covered by the blood of Jesus. I am a threat and I shouldn't act like I'm powerless.

Ps 125

2009-07-08T22:05:00.000-07:00

Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.

I cannot be moved from where God wants me. God surrounds me forever. Lord I'm so grateful.

Ps 121 My help comes from the LORD

2009-07-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

I will lift up my eyes to the hills-from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.

I saw the LORD preserve L this week and her car situation. I don't know why we start to panic. We say God will take care of it, but a part of us is thinking, will He? How many time does He have to prove Himself to us. I guess a part of me always thinks do I deserve this. I need to remember that His love is unconditional. He may allow certain things to help me to grow, but it is all for my good. Growth is painful, but it is so good when you know you have victory in an area that you didn't before. No pain no gain, not always, but sometimes.

Wisdom Proverbs 2

2009-07-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

v6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
v7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
v8 He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints.
v9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path.
v10 When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
v11 discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you...

You have to want the wisdom of God. It may not be what everyone else is thinking or what is popular, so you have to be willing to accept that wisdom and let it guide you even if it makes you unpopular. If you reject His wisdom you will end up places you don't want to be. Wisdom isn't just the answers to questions you have about direction it's truth that you have to obey and may not be comfortable. It may test your commitment to God and the depth of your willingness to give up those things that aren't good for you or the will of God. We always think if I knew the will of God I would do it, but we all have areas that we haven't given over to Him yet. Asking for wisdom may challenge you and yet without it we are lost. Thankyou LORD that you are gentle with us and that You don't give us more than we can accept. You give us time to come up to speed, but eventually we have to move on. You love us too much to leave us where we are comfortable, You want us to grow. I pray that Your wisdom and knowledge are pleasant to my soul and that I am ready to grow and let go of the things I've been hanging on to.

Sunday Sermon- Pastor Joe, Small Beginnings

2009-07-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

Matt 13:31-33

Mustard see parable.
Jesus is changing the world by changing hearts.

sowing seed:

Don't under estimate the power of God. A mustard see may seem small and insignificant now but the potential with God's help can make it grow into unbelievable proportions. Great things begin with small beginnings. (our nation) Ezk- great nation, big tree
The power of God is in the seed. Given the right conditions the seed will always grow! (Rm 1:16) We need to look for people who's heart is ready.
The seed must be planted to grow. We can't do everything but we must do something. What is your field? (sphere of influence) Small acts change the world (Matt 10:42) Not a few followers doing hugh acts but all followers doing small acts. What is your cup of cold water?
Jesus is changing hearts to change the world. The yeast of Jesus in your heart infects all those you meet and are associated with. People become salt and light and mix into the culture for transformation.

So the question I have to ask myself is am I giving those cups of water and what is my sphere in influence. He gave an example of talking to someone (a stranger) when he really just wanted to be alone and how he realized that it really meant something to that person just to have someone listen to them. How often do I just listen? How often am I willing to give up what I want for the sake of someone else?

He talked about the parable of the sower and the mustard seed.

The Word is My Anchor

2009-07-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

The Word of God is my anchor. Without it I start to drift into rocky places. It holds me steady even in storms and winds of change. I'm not spending enough time in the Word and so I am making this place to encourage myself to dig deeper and more often. I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to use this but I just thought I would start and see what happens. I pray God will bless my time here and in His Word. In case anyone happens on my little place here I guess I should say I am a believer in Jesus Christ.

Linda