There are many ways to know for sure that we are in Christ, destined for heaven (1 John 5:13). When we see good fruit (Matthew 7:20), when we obey (John 14:21), when we love our brothers and sisters (John 13:34-35), and when we love God rather than the world (1 John 2:15) are just a few of the ways whereby we can know if we are saved. Yet there is another way that, as believers, we will all inevitably experience, though we don’t want to have to learn this way. When we let sin go unconfessed and continue to resist the conviction of the Spirit and the truth of the Word of God, we can expect to experience internal double-mindedness, instability, joylessness, and agony. David was a man after God’s own heart, yet he sinned, committing adultery and murder on one occasion. After he committed these grievous sins, he hardened his heart and covered up his sin, refusing to acknowledge it until he was confronted by the prophet Nathan. Perhaps he felt that he had gotten away with his sin in terms of keeping up his image and reputation, but deep down in his heart, he was in agony. His sin probably brought him some short-term pleasure, but the Spirit of God within his heart was working agony in him. Certainly, the sin was not worth the pain and the destructive results, including the punishment God would bring upon him and upon his newborn child who would die as a result of his sin (2 Samuel 12:10-14).
As Christians, we are ashamed of the sins that we used to take pleasure in (Romans 6:21), and unconfessed sin will bring shame and guilt once again. That said, it is possible that, when we let sin go unconfessed, we might not feel guilty because we have been deceived or because we have convinced ourselves that somehow our sin is justifiable. In these cases, we must believe that we are in sin because the Bible says so even if we don’t feel badly about it. We should pray for godly sorrow and a longing for righteousness (2 Corinthians 7:11), and we should repent and seek God’s forgiveness. The key is that we must remain humble, tender, sensitive, and open to the Spirit’s conviction. Whether we feel His conviction and the accompanying shame and guilt or not, we can be sure that if we are indeed in sin, the Spirit is working on our hearts. We must not grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30) or quench Him (1 Thessalonians 5:19) by ignoring and resisting Him, but we ought to pray for sensitivity to Him and a penitent, humble heart to respond to His ministry.
If we have sinned against God, we need to ask His forgiveness. If we have sinned against others as well, we also need to ask their forgiveness. If we do not do this, we risk continuing to be in a spiritually crippled state, being rendered ineffective in terms of a fruit-bearing ministry. Those whom we have offended may not accept our apology, but what matters is that we confess our sins to them. James 5:16a says, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed." Our sin can make us spiritually weary, infirm, feeble, and sick and sometimes physically as well. We waste away internally as David did and lose our joy. In such cases, healing is right around the corner if only we would confess our sin and receive the forgiveness of Christ. If we have sinned against others as well, we must confess our sin to them also.
God is in the business of restoration, forgiveness, compassion, and the giving of joy. Thus, in His mercy, He will work to lead us to brokenness over our sin, allowing us to experience the agony of guilt and shame in the face of a holy, loving God. The upside of this is that it reminds us that we are His and that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:39). The downside is that sin has consequences, and it does us and others great harm. So let us be spiritually healed this day, confessing our sins to God and to those who need our apologies so that we might be restored. Why continue in agony when God wants to replace our sorrow with gladness?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Keya's Lastest Devotional
Seven Last Words
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Context: To demonstrate His obedience to the will of the Father and to speak into existence His purpose: to forgive the world of their sin.
Spoken to: God the Father
Significance: This statement showed that Jesus was seeking forgiveness for the sins of men. His very act of dying on the Cross-, secures the forgiveness of men from all sin if they accept Christ as Lord and Savior of the earth.
“Truly I tell you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Context: Jesus is the ultimate divine example of compassion and love manifested in the flesh, saving souls to live with him in eternity even unto the very last moment of His time spent in an earthly vessel.
Spoken to: The thief crucified with Jesus
Significance: Showed that Jesus was returning to Heaven to reign with God the Father. Also that one can be saved without baptism and can accept Christ in the last hour.
“Woman, behold thy son”…”Behold thy mother!” (John 19:26-27)
Context: To show that Jesus wanted Mary taken care of after His death and subsequent ascension.
Spoken to: His mother Mary and “the disciple whom He loved”
Significance: That even though Jesus was fully God, He had earthly attributes (i.e. compassion) (Hebrews 4:15)
“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
Context: To show the human suffering of the excellent Son
Spoken to: God the Father
Significance: In order for Jesus to die for the sins of the world, His precious blood had to be shed. When this event took place, immediate victory was taken over shame, guilt, and death in the life of the believer. This resulting in His temporary separation from God the Father. God poured out his anguish on Christ, that we may experience no “true” anguish in Christ (eternal separation from the Father constitutes as true anguish)
“I thirst” (John 19:28)
Context: To show the hypostatic union present in Christ (referred to His human and divine natures which were complete and where there was no partiality)
To Whom Spoken: Spoken to all those present at the crucifixion
Significance: To display evidence of the humanity of Jesus Christ, that He too experienced human frailty, that He also hungered, wept, and slept. Fulfilled scripture prophesized in Psalm 22:15; 69:21
“It is finished” (John 19:30)
Context: To show that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. This was a victory cry; so to speak, it was a divine statement of success. On the cross, Christ defeated Satan! Each believer rests securely in the arms of eternal salvation because of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus.
To Whom Spoken: To all the earth and God the Father
Significance: Revealed that Jesus had a divine work to accomplish on earth and that He had completed. Also is revealed is the eternal extermination of Satan’s power.
“Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46)
Context: To let the Father know that His exalted purpose on earth was fulfilled
To Whom Spoken: God the Father
Significance: Symbolized that Jesus was taking His celestial place in heaven at the right hand of the Father; moreover, that He died willingly
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Context: To demonstrate His obedience to the will of the Father and to speak into existence His purpose: to forgive the world of their sin.
Spoken to: God the Father
Significance: This statement showed that Jesus was seeking forgiveness for the sins of men. His very act of dying on the Cross-, secures the forgiveness of men from all sin if they accept Christ as Lord and Savior of the earth.
“Truly I tell you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Context: Jesus is the ultimate divine example of compassion and love manifested in the flesh, saving souls to live with him in eternity even unto the very last moment of His time spent in an earthly vessel.
Spoken to: The thief crucified with Jesus
Significance: Showed that Jesus was returning to Heaven to reign with God the Father. Also that one can be saved without baptism and can accept Christ in the last hour.
“Woman, behold thy son”…”Behold thy mother!” (John 19:26-27)
Context: To show that Jesus wanted Mary taken care of after His death and subsequent ascension.
Spoken to: His mother Mary and “the disciple whom He loved”
Significance: That even though Jesus was fully God, He had earthly attributes (i.e. compassion) (Hebrews 4:15)
“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
Context: To show the human suffering of the excellent Son
Spoken to: God the Father
Significance: In order for Jesus to die for the sins of the world, His precious blood had to be shed. When this event took place, immediate victory was taken over shame, guilt, and death in the life of the believer. This resulting in His temporary separation from God the Father. God poured out his anguish on Christ, that we may experience no “true” anguish in Christ (eternal separation from the Father constitutes as true anguish)
“I thirst” (John 19:28)
Context: To show the hypostatic union present in Christ (referred to His human and divine natures which were complete and where there was no partiality)
To Whom Spoken: Spoken to all those present at the crucifixion
Significance: To display evidence of the humanity of Jesus Christ, that He too experienced human frailty, that He also hungered, wept, and slept. Fulfilled scripture prophesized in Psalm 22:15; 69:21
“It is finished” (John 19:30)
Context: To show that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. This was a victory cry; so to speak, it was a divine statement of success. On the cross, Christ defeated Satan! Each believer rests securely in the arms of eternal salvation because of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus.
To Whom Spoken: To all the earth and God the Father
Significance: Revealed that Jesus had a divine work to accomplish on earth and that He had completed. Also is revealed is the eternal extermination of Satan’s power.
“Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46)
Context: To let the Father know that His exalted purpose on earth was fulfilled
To Whom Spoken: God the Father
Significance: Symbolized that Jesus was taking His celestial place in heaven at the right hand of the Father; moreover, that He died willingly
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Unconditional Love (Romans 5:1-11;Ephesians 5:22-6:8
Wives are made to love, want to love, and expect love. Many husbands fail to deliver. Husbands are made to be respected, want respect, and expect respect. Many wives fail to deliver.
What is your worst fear in marriage? As a husband is not your worst fear that you put on love but your wife shows you disrespect? In response to your attempts to be close, open, understanding, peacemaking, loyal, and esteeming, she remains disrespectful...........As Jesus spoke of the trials and tribulations believers might have to go through for Him. He mentioned something so powerful and profound that it is often overlooked and underestimated He said "a man's enemies will be members of his household." (Matthew10:36) WOW!!!!! Let that sit in your spirit for a moment.
For some of us it may feel like that right now. So should we simply say, "This Love and Respect thing doesn't work"? When you love and respect unconditionally, you are following God and His will for you. Ultimately, your spouse and your marriage have nothing to do with it. Its not about US. You are simply demonstrating your obedience and trust in the face of an unlovable wife or a disrespecting husband. Unconditional Love and Unconditional Respect will be rewarded. Lets call this the Rewarded cycle. Jesus said, "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?" (Matthew 5:46). Jesus could have had your troubled relationship in mind when he said that.
I believe Paul also had our relationships in mind when he wrote Ephesians 6:7-8: "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free." In the immediate context, Paul refers to how slaves can serve their masters, but notice that he ends the passage by saying it applies to free persons as well. In other words, this idea is for all believers. If you trace his thinking back a couple verse, you find him mentioning this same principle concerning children and parents (Eph. 6:1-4) and also husbands and wives (Eph. 5:22-33).
Paul is saying whatever we do as to the Lord we receive back from the Lord. In marriage, everything you do counts, even if your spouse ignores you!!!!This is what the Rewarded Cycle is all about: His love blesses regardless of her respect: Her respect blesses regardless of his love. Make sure you play your part for Jesus and don't get played by the enemy!!!!!!!
What is your worst fear in marriage? As a husband is not your worst fear that you put on love but your wife shows you disrespect? In response to your attempts to be close, open, understanding, peacemaking, loyal, and esteeming, she remains disrespectful...........As Jesus spoke of the trials and tribulations believers might have to go through for Him. He mentioned something so powerful and profound that it is often overlooked and underestimated He said "a man's enemies will be members of his household." (Matthew10:36) WOW!!!!! Let that sit in your spirit for a moment.
For some of us it may feel like that right now. So should we simply say, "This Love and Respect thing doesn't work"? When you love and respect unconditionally, you are following God and His will for you. Ultimately, your spouse and your marriage have nothing to do with it. Its not about US. You are simply demonstrating your obedience and trust in the face of an unlovable wife or a disrespecting husband. Unconditional Love and Unconditional Respect will be rewarded. Lets call this the Rewarded cycle. Jesus said, "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?" (Matthew 5:46). Jesus could have had your troubled relationship in mind when he said that.
I believe Paul also had our relationships in mind when he wrote Ephesians 6:7-8: "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free." In the immediate context, Paul refers to how slaves can serve their masters, but notice that he ends the passage by saying it applies to free persons as well. In other words, this idea is for all believers. If you trace his thinking back a couple verse, you find him mentioning this same principle concerning children and parents (Eph. 6:1-4) and also husbands and wives (Eph. 5:22-33).
Paul is saying whatever we do as to the Lord we receive back from the Lord. In marriage, everything you do counts, even if your spouse ignores you!!!!This is what the Rewarded Cycle is all about: His love blesses regardless of her respect: Her respect blesses regardless of his love. Make sure you play your part for Jesus and don't get played by the enemy!!!!!!!
Friday, March 16, 2007
YOUR STEPS OUR ORDERED
You ever had a time in your life where you felt directionless. Where you feel like you need to move, and you just don't know how or where. You just feel it to your core that something has got to CHANGE!!!!!! Something has to be done. You feel all closed in, you may be wondering how did I get here or how did things close in around me so fast. How did things get so suffoccating? You know the feeling where your spirit is hot, it feels like FIRE!!!!! You know the feeling where you have been praying for a breakthrough and things have not broke yet. Now your not only frustrated with your situation your also frustrated with God. Hold on for a second somebody is shaking their head saying I have been frustrated with GOD, my advice would be to them is ............GET READY!!!!!!! I am talking about those "let this cup pass from me times". You have self examined your walk. You have looked deep and hard at your spirit, you have found somethings that you had to repent, so you sought repentence. Yet the breakthru has not taken place yet.
I am there right now. I am looking for a breakthru. I need a change. I know when I rely on myself I not only fail, I make it worse. I need understanding.
I stand here this morning to tell you all this, the problem is I was praying and looking, praying and looking. I get frustrated and say its taking to long so I am going to rely on myself. WRONG!!!!
Let me tell you this in the midst of all this I had to tell remember what God's says in
Proverbs 20:24
Man's steps are ordered by the Lord. How then can a man understand his way?
Rejoice don't you understand, don't you see thru all the tears and hurt. That YOUR STEPS HAVE BEEN ORDERED.
I am not talking about God calling ahead of time to make sure things were alright. I am talking about God created the steps, Jesus walked the steps before us, and the Holy Spirit walks with us. THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!!
We have got to remember that your not on this walk alone. Sometimes you have just got to walk out on faith. You are not alone.
I am there right now. I am looking for a breakthru. I need a change. I know when I rely on myself I not only fail, I make it worse. I need understanding.
I stand here this morning to tell you all this, the problem is I was praying and looking, praying and looking. I get frustrated and say its taking to long so I am going to rely on myself. WRONG!!!!
Let me tell you this in the midst of all this I had to tell remember what God's says in
Proverbs 20:24
Man's steps are ordered by the Lord. How then can a man understand his way?
Rejoice don't you understand, don't you see thru all the tears and hurt. That YOUR STEPS HAVE BEEN ORDERED.
I am not talking about God calling ahead of time to make sure things were alright. I am talking about God created the steps, Jesus walked the steps before us, and the Holy Spirit walks with us. THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!!
We have got to remember that your not on this walk alone. Sometimes you have just got to walk out on faith. You are not alone.
Monday, March 5, 2007
Existing in Anguish
Whether we realize it or not, we have all “existed in anguish”, these are moments when we feel like all is lost; times when we feel that the righteous have truly been forsaken. During these times of turmoil, the Holy Spirit has consistently lead me to the book of Job in the Old Testament.
And while many may describe the book of Job as unjust and unfair, it is in its simplicity one of the most beautiful and eloquent books of the Bible. It is one of love, devotion and divine restoration.
Job was a man “totally devoted to God and hated evil with a passion.”
(Job 1:1 MSG) However, God allowed Satan to test Job. Job not only lost great wealth but all ten of his children! In spite of this, Job maintained his faith and “did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing” (Job 1:22 NIV) Next came an attack on Job’s health. “So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores fro the soles of his feet to the top of his head.” (Job 2:7 NIV) Even Job’s wife told him to “Curse god and die!” (Job 2:9 NIV)
Like many of us have done in times of great grief, Job calls out to God and asks why? But unlike so many of us (myself included), Job remains true to God! Through this tumultuous time, Job asks God to respond to him and God answers him literally in the “midst of the storm.” (Job 38:1 NIV) During this exchange, God makes it clear that Job is not HIS equal and HE does not owe an explanation for HIS will. (Job 38) Instead, God humbles Job with tales of HIS majestic creations. (Job 38:5-30 NIV) God is not angry with Job but shows HIS infinite love by restoring all Job had lost with double measure. (Job 42:10 NIV)
Below, please find several points to help you. Remember seasons change and at some time in our lives we will experience the season of anguish. It is my continued prayer that you remain strong in the LORD and that the Holy Spirit will always bring to your remembrance who your FATHER is and what great things HE has done and continues to do even in the midst of our own disobedience and sin. BE BLESSED!
Trust in God! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
Don’t hide your feelings from God-call out to God in prayer. “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24 NIV)
Seek Godly counsel. “Blessed is the man who dies not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.”
(Psalm 1:1 NIV)
Remain faithful to God. “Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10 NIV)
Prayer of Strength
Lord, I ask that you give me strength to endure the race that is set before me. I know that when You created me and adopted me into Your family, You gave me what I need to stand in faith. Help me to resist the wiles of Satan by using Your Word as my sword. Please allow me to be sober and vigilant; humble and faithful. Let Your Word penetrate into my heart and begin to change me from the inside out. I love you so much and I want to stand for you Jesus. Thank you that through You, I already have the victory in everything. I love you! Amen
And while many may describe the book of Job as unjust and unfair, it is in its simplicity one of the most beautiful and eloquent books of the Bible. It is one of love, devotion and divine restoration.
Job was a man “totally devoted to God and hated evil with a passion.”
(Job 1:1 MSG) However, God allowed Satan to test Job. Job not only lost great wealth but all ten of his children! In spite of this, Job maintained his faith and “did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing” (Job 1:22 NIV) Next came an attack on Job’s health. “So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores fro the soles of his feet to the top of his head.” (Job 2:7 NIV) Even Job’s wife told him to “Curse god and die!” (Job 2:9 NIV)
Like many of us have done in times of great grief, Job calls out to God and asks why? But unlike so many of us (myself included), Job remains true to God! Through this tumultuous time, Job asks God to respond to him and God answers him literally in the “midst of the storm.” (Job 38:1 NIV) During this exchange, God makes it clear that Job is not HIS equal and HE does not owe an explanation for HIS will. (Job 38) Instead, God humbles Job with tales of HIS majestic creations. (Job 38:5-30 NIV) God is not angry with Job but shows HIS infinite love by restoring all Job had lost with double measure. (Job 42:10 NIV)
Below, please find several points to help you. Remember seasons change and at some time in our lives we will experience the season of anguish. It is my continued prayer that you remain strong in the LORD and that the Holy Spirit will always bring to your remembrance who your FATHER is and what great things HE has done and continues to do even in the midst of our own disobedience and sin. BE BLESSED!
Trust in God! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
Don’t hide your feelings from God-call out to God in prayer. “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24 NIV)
Seek Godly counsel. “Blessed is the man who dies not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.”
(Psalm 1:1 NIV)
Remain faithful to God. “Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10 NIV)
Prayer of Strength
Lord, I ask that you give me strength to endure the race that is set before me. I know that when You created me and adopted me into Your family, You gave me what I need to stand in faith. Help me to resist the wiles of Satan by using Your Word as my sword. Please allow me to be sober and vigilant; humble and faithful. Let Your Word penetrate into my heart and begin to change me from the inside out. I love you so much and I want to stand for you Jesus. Thank you that through You, I already have the victory in everything. I love you! Amen
Keya's Lastest Devotional
Jehovah-Tsidkenu
Psalm 148:13 (NIV) states “Let them praise the name of the Lord, for HIS name alone is exalted.” The names of God are of utmost importance to the believer because when we study the Names of God, we will better understand who God is. Also, by having various names ascribed to Him, God is able to reveal Himself and His will to us as individuals and as a body of believers.
The Name Jehovah-Tsidkenu means Jehovah our Righteousness. The word Tsidkenu is derived from tsedek, which means righteousness. In its original form, it means stiff or straight. Tsidkenu is one of the most significant words mentioned in the Old Testament. The Word is used hundreds of times in Scriptures and appears as right, righteous, righteousness and also as just. Although human language is not able to fully convey the idea of righteousness, we can see it clearly exhibited in God’s acts, nature and character.
God is Himself perfect righteousness as the psalmist states in Psalm 129:4. The Righteousness of God is everlasting. Furthermore, righteousness and justice are the very foundation of God’s throne. Because man is born into sin (Psalm 51:5), we are completely unrighteous. Therefore man is not capable of rising to God’s standard of Righteousness. God who is perfectly righteous cannot overlook the lack of righteousness in man. Man must have righteousness or God cannot accept Him. The manifestation and provision of that righteousness of Jehovah, which alone can make men acceptable to God, was fully realized in the Lord Jesus Christ our Jehovah-Tsidkenu.
Jesus Christ proved Himself to be a righteous substitute in His person, Character and work. Christ was able to identify Himself with us so that he could truly represent us before God. It is only through Jesus Christ that our obligations to god have been met. Because Jesus is our Jehovah-Tsidkenu (Our Righteousness), He is distinct from us and is not involved in our guilt. And because Christ is one with the Father, His righteousness is the perfect manifestation of the righteousness of God. What man was unable to do for Himself, Christ did it by paying the penalty for sin in His death for us upon the Cross. Jesus Christ became “the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.” (Romans 10:4)
God’s righteousness is freely given to everyone who believes and has faith. The effect of this free gift of righteousness to man should be that man is set on a path of righteousness “in conformity to His will whose ways are all righteousness, who loves righteousness and hates iniquity.” Believers are to put on the new man who is created in righteousness (Ephesians 4:24) and because we are made free from sin, we have become servants of righteousness. (Romans 6:18)
By shedding his precious blood on the cross, Jesus became our sin and gave us his righteousness, so in essence we can become his righteousness. Man alone is not righteous enough; the righteousness in which we must be clothed can be no other than the work of Jesus Christ. Therefore, man can come confidently into God’s presence clothed with the righteousness of Christ. The bondage of sin was broken by the pardoning righteousness of the cross.
Psalm 148:13 (NIV) states “Let them praise the name of the Lord, for HIS name alone is exalted.” The names of God are of utmost importance to the believer because when we study the Names of God, we will better understand who God is. Also, by having various names ascribed to Him, God is able to reveal Himself and His will to us as individuals and as a body of believers.
The Name Jehovah-Tsidkenu means Jehovah our Righteousness. The word Tsidkenu is derived from tsedek, which means righteousness. In its original form, it means stiff or straight. Tsidkenu is one of the most significant words mentioned in the Old Testament. The Word is used hundreds of times in Scriptures and appears as right, righteous, righteousness and also as just. Although human language is not able to fully convey the idea of righteousness, we can see it clearly exhibited in God’s acts, nature and character.
God is Himself perfect righteousness as the psalmist states in Psalm 129:4. The Righteousness of God is everlasting. Furthermore, righteousness and justice are the very foundation of God’s throne. Because man is born into sin (Psalm 51:5), we are completely unrighteous. Therefore man is not capable of rising to God’s standard of Righteousness. God who is perfectly righteous cannot overlook the lack of righteousness in man. Man must have righteousness or God cannot accept Him. The manifestation and provision of that righteousness of Jehovah, which alone can make men acceptable to God, was fully realized in the Lord Jesus Christ our Jehovah-Tsidkenu.
Jesus Christ proved Himself to be a righteous substitute in His person, Character and work. Christ was able to identify Himself with us so that he could truly represent us before God. It is only through Jesus Christ that our obligations to god have been met. Because Jesus is our Jehovah-Tsidkenu (Our Righteousness), He is distinct from us and is not involved in our guilt. And because Christ is one with the Father, His righteousness is the perfect manifestation of the righteousness of God. What man was unable to do for Himself, Christ did it by paying the penalty for sin in His death for us upon the Cross. Jesus Christ became “the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.” (Romans 10:4)
God’s righteousness is freely given to everyone who believes and has faith. The effect of this free gift of righteousness to man should be that man is set on a path of righteousness “in conformity to His will whose ways are all righteousness, who loves righteousness and hates iniquity.” Believers are to put on the new man who is created in righteousness (Ephesians 4:24) and because we are made free from sin, we have become servants of righteousness. (Romans 6:18)
By shedding his precious blood on the cross, Jesus became our sin and gave us his righteousness, so in essence we can become his righteousness. Man alone is not righteous enough; the righteousness in which we must be clothed can be no other than the work of Jesus Christ. Therefore, man can come confidently into God’s presence clothed with the righteousness of Christ. The bondage of sin was broken by the pardoning righteousness of the cross.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Candi's Devotional
Ezra 9:1-6
Nehemiah 1:1-4
In the verses above, Ezra and Nehemiah find themselves in distress. Ezra has just been told by the leaders that the people of Israel have intermarried with neighboring people (v1-2); something the Lord commanded them not to do. Meanwhile, Nehemiah has been told by his brother, Hanani, that those who survived exile, returned to Jerusalem to find broken walls and burnt gates (v3).
Everyone has at one point in time gotten bad news or been asked the proverbial question "are you sitting down?" One minute life is flowing and the next minute it's been turned upside down.
Bad news doesn't always come in the form of death or sickness. No. For some it’s family drama, job loss, economic struggles, or as many of us are accustomed to, being put on financial hold.
So bad news happens yes but as the quote says, "It's not the situation...It's your reaction to the situation."
How will you react when a bad news bear visits you? Let's look at how Ezra and Nehemiah reacted.
Ezra was so appalled at the actions of his people, that he not only tore his cloak but pulled hair from his head and beard (v3). Nehemiah sat and mourned for days over their disobedience (v4).
Now you may think that tearing your clothes, pulling out your hair and crying for days is a lil over the top. But we react similarly. We have slumps of depression fueled by our desire to sleep. We skip class/work and stay home. We find ourselves hitting the ignore button on our cell phones. Or you can't get us to stay off the phone, rehashing the events of our day to every sister-girl or homeboy that will listen.
Now ask yourself. Self, is this how God would wants me to react? I don't think so but at one point or another we've all been guilty of pouting and moping. How instead should we react to bad news?
We should instead do as Ezra did in verse 5, fall on our knees before the Lord. Or as Nehemiah did. He mourned, fasted and prayed for days before the God of heaven (v4). Both Ezra and Nehemiah realized that God was the solution to their problems. He's the solution to our problems as well, no matter how great or small. So talk to him.
Communication with the Father aka prayer, which is a form of worship, causes us to focus on who God is and focus less on our own issues, problems, questions and concerns.
I dare you to try Him. Taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34:8) Wake up, get outta bed, hang up with sister-girl or homeboy and fall on your knees before the Lord your God, the creator of heaven and earth and pray. He orders your steps, (Psalm 37:23) so the God who brought you to it, can certainly bring you through it.
Bad news happens...remember to talk to author of the Good News.
Nehemiah 1:1-4
In the verses above, Ezra and Nehemiah find themselves in distress. Ezra has just been told by the leaders that the people of Israel have intermarried with neighboring people (v1-2); something the Lord commanded them not to do. Meanwhile, Nehemiah has been told by his brother, Hanani, that those who survived exile, returned to Jerusalem to find broken walls and burnt gates (v3).
Everyone has at one point in time gotten bad news or been asked the proverbial question "are you sitting down?" One minute life is flowing and the next minute it's been turned upside down.
Bad news doesn't always come in the form of death or sickness. No. For some it’s family drama, job loss, economic struggles, or as many of us are accustomed to, being put on financial hold.
So bad news happens yes but as the quote says, "It's not the situation...It's your reaction to the situation."
How will you react when a bad news bear visits you? Let's look at how Ezra and Nehemiah reacted.
Ezra was so appalled at the actions of his people, that he not only tore his cloak but pulled hair from his head and beard (v3). Nehemiah sat and mourned for days over their disobedience (v4).
Now you may think that tearing your clothes, pulling out your hair and crying for days is a lil over the top. But we react similarly. We have slumps of depression fueled by our desire to sleep. We skip class/work and stay home. We find ourselves hitting the ignore button on our cell phones. Or you can't get us to stay off the phone, rehashing the events of our day to every sister-girl or homeboy that will listen.
Now ask yourself. Self, is this how God would wants me to react? I don't think so but at one point or another we've all been guilty of pouting and moping. How instead should we react to bad news?
We should instead do as Ezra did in verse 5, fall on our knees before the Lord. Or as Nehemiah did. He mourned, fasted and prayed for days before the God of heaven (v4). Both Ezra and Nehemiah realized that God was the solution to their problems. He's the solution to our problems as well, no matter how great or small. So talk to him.
Communication with the Father aka prayer, which is a form of worship, causes us to focus on who God is and focus less on our own issues, problems, questions and concerns.
I dare you to try Him. Taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34:8) Wake up, get outta bed, hang up with sister-girl or homeboy and fall on your knees before the Lord your God, the creator of heaven and earth and pray. He orders your steps, (Psalm 37:23) so the God who brought you to it, can certainly bring you through it.
Bad news happens...remember to talk to author of the Good News.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Devotional
False Prophets
“Then if anyone says to you, Look, here is the Christ! Or There! Do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.” (Matthew 24:23-25 NKJV) Amazingly, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said this to His disciples over 2,000 years ago and here in 2007, the truth has not changed.
This past week, I have been bombarded with the rhetoric of false prophets, those claiming to be Jesus Christ and those who use His divine teachings for their worldly gains. Lets examine two examples of false prophets more closely.
This past week, on the Oprah Winfrey show, which is syndicated nationally and internationally, she debuted a second show discussing “The Secret.” On the show, a group of people discuss how one can have the life that they want. One of the panelists on the show identifies himself as a “reverend” and even on this show Oprah identifies herself as a Christian, but says that she prescribes to the tenants of “The Secret.” (She is a false prophet in its purest form) Some false teachings of “The Secret” are listed below:
Involves the laws of the universe and they, in turn, describe the nature of how God works. (“Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.” I Corinthians 2:11b, NKJV)
Supports the great spiritual traditions of Jesus Christ “in a more modern form.”(“For I am the Lord, I do not change. Malachi 3:6 NKJV)
Instead of living a life preparing for some ultimate reward, you should live in the now. (“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 NKJV)
The “concepts” of heaven and hell are within us. (“It is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” Matthew 5:30, NKJV)
This brings us to the subject of one Dr. Jose Luis De Jesus. He is the founder and leader of Growing in Grace. These are some of things that he and his over one million reported followers believe:
They do not believe in sin, Satan or hell. (“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8, NKJV)
The Ten Commandments are good for society, but not for the church. (“Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes… Deuteronomy 8:11, NKJV)
The truth is not in the Gospels. (“Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6, NKJV)
Luis claims that he is the Christ and has done greater things than Christ. (“Jesus said to them, Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM. John 8:58, NKJV) (And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.” John 21:25, NKJV)
As Christians, we have to be diligent in studying the Word of God so that we are able to discern the so-called teachings of false prophets. (“Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.” Malachi 3:18, NKJV) There are three types of false prophets:
Heretics-they blatantly stand against the truth of God’s Word.
Apostates-they know the truth, but turn their back on it. These people will teach “anti-truths” with the full knowledge of God’s truth.
Deceivers-they will not acknowledge the truth of God. They many times are subtle in their “teachings” and can be described as “super religious.” Unfortunately, they themselves are deceived regarding the truth of Christ.
Below, please find some ways to counteract the teachings of false prophets:
Read your Bible! (“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV)
Pray! (“Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV)
Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment. (“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.” John 14:26, NKJV)
Surround yourself with like-minded believers-join a church! (“And we will not neglect the house of God.” Nehemiah 10:39, NKJV)
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (I Thessalonians 4:16-18, NKJV)
“Then if anyone says to you, Look, here is the Christ! Or There! Do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.” (Matthew 24:23-25 NKJV) Amazingly, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said this to His disciples over 2,000 years ago and here in 2007, the truth has not changed.
This past week, I have been bombarded with the rhetoric of false prophets, those claiming to be Jesus Christ and those who use His divine teachings for their worldly gains. Lets examine two examples of false prophets more closely.
This past week, on the Oprah Winfrey show, which is syndicated nationally and internationally, she debuted a second show discussing “The Secret.” On the show, a group of people discuss how one can have the life that they want. One of the panelists on the show identifies himself as a “reverend” and even on this show Oprah identifies herself as a Christian, but says that she prescribes to the tenants of “The Secret.” (She is a false prophet in its purest form) Some false teachings of “The Secret” are listed below:
Involves the laws of the universe and they, in turn, describe the nature of how God works. (“Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.” I Corinthians 2:11b, NKJV)
Supports the great spiritual traditions of Jesus Christ “in a more modern form.”(“For I am the Lord, I do not change. Malachi 3:6 NKJV)
Instead of living a life preparing for some ultimate reward, you should live in the now. (“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 NKJV)
The “concepts” of heaven and hell are within us. (“It is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” Matthew 5:30, NKJV)
This brings us to the subject of one Dr. Jose Luis De Jesus. He is the founder and leader of Growing in Grace. These are some of things that he and his over one million reported followers believe:
They do not believe in sin, Satan or hell. (“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8, NKJV)
The Ten Commandments are good for society, but not for the church. (“Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes… Deuteronomy 8:11, NKJV)
The truth is not in the Gospels. (“Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6, NKJV)
Luis claims that he is the Christ and has done greater things than Christ. (“Jesus said to them, Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM. John 8:58, NKJV) (And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.” John 21:25, NKJV)
As Christians, we have to be diligent in studying the Word of God so that we are able to discern the so-called teachings of false prophets. (“Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.” Malachi 3:18, NKJV) There are three types of false prophets:
Heretics-they blatantly stand against the truth of God’s Word.
Apostates-they know the truth, but turn their back on it. These people will teach “anti-truths” with the full knowledge of God’s truth.
Deceivers-they will not acknowledge the truth of God. They many times are subtle in their “teachings” and can be described as “super religious.” Unfortunately, they themselves are deceived regarding the truth of Christ.
Below, please find some ways to counteract the teachings of false prophets:
Read your Bible! (“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV)
Pray! (“Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV)
Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment. (“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.” John 14:26, NKJV)
Surround yourself with like-minded believers-join a church! (“And we will not neglect the house of God.” Nehemiah 10:39, NKJV)
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (I Thessalonians 4:16-18, NKJV)
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Reconcilialtion Part 2
We have been alienated from God ever since because all of us have sinned. God is omniscient; he is all knowing. Nobody else may know what your doing or what you have done God knows. (Spirit) God cannot say that he does not have knowledge of our sins, so he says that he chooses to forget them. His reaction would ordinarily be one of outrage, or the pouring out of his wrath. But instead of sending his wrath he sent his Son. Jesus birth was a miracle, oh thank you God for his birth. His birth was not enough. We needed more. God gave us something holy, something sinless, and something blameless, he gave us grace, and he gave us mercy. He gave us his Son Jesus. Jesus lived in fully in righteousness with God. God made Jesus “to be sin” even though he “knew no sin”. (Spirit) While Jesus was being crucified God treated Jesus as if he were sin itself, banishing Jesus from his own holy presence. On the Cross he bore the ultimate penalty for sin, not just a painful human death, but spiritual separation from God the father.
He didn’t just get spat upon, no he didn’t just get whipped and beaten, no he didn’t just get a crown of thorns placed upon his head, no he didn’t just get hammered to the cross. He had to become sin!!!!! His teachings were not enough, all of the miracles, all of the healings; his sinless life was not enough. From God’s perspective, it wouldn’t be enough. Sin is such an offense to God and his holiness that it can’t be ignored or overlooked. Sin demands justice. We tend to minimize the vileness of sin. God does not do this, and neither should we. Oh I love how the Message translation puts it in Romans 5:10 If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we're at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his resurrection life!
The great miracle of reconciliation is that God chose not to hold each of us accountable for our sin, but instead to lay the penalty for our sin on Jesus.
Have you ever been at a point in your relationships, that there is so much hurt, so much confusion, and so much bitterness that you just can’t see clearly. Every step you take is based on what you’re feeling. Everything is cloudy. You struggle with going home from work. You look forward to going to work. Or the communication is just out of wack. No matter what you say or do, you feel like your lighting a fuse. I am talking about struggling in your relationships. Oh you know what I am talking about, Or the flipside when everything is going smooth for a few weeks and everything is good. Things get rough then it gets smooth again. Then out of the blue it’s bad again. Its not out of the blue, yeah you may have forgiven each other. Yet things are still are not right, the same cycle takes place again and again. Then we start looking for different ways of fixing things. We search every avenue that we can think of from. Then we say its not me, I haven’t done nothing, they the ones who acting like they don’t know Jesus. Let me call so and so on the phone cause I need somebody to listen, (no what you want is somebody who is going to agree with you). We will call everybody and they Momma. If we don’t get the response we are looking for we keep looking. It is so difficult to reconcile with someone who is being stubborn, spiteful, disrespectful, rude, and selfish. It takes everything you have to do try to get things in where they are some what peaceful. We shouldn’t be surprised when our peace efforts fail us. We cannot expect our relationships down here on earth to go right if our relationship with God is not right. We have to look at our relationships upwards in order to have successful relationships down here.
He didn’t just get spat upon, no he didn’t just get whipped and beaten, no he didn’t just get a crown of thorns placed upon his head, no he didn’t just get hammered to the cross. He had to become sin!!!!! His teachings were not enough, all of the miracles, all of the healings; his sinless life was not enough. From God’s perspective, it wouldn’t be enough. Sin is such an offense to God and his holiness that it can’t be ignored or overlooked. Sin demands justice. We tend to minimize the vileness of sin. God does not do this, and neither should we. Oh I love how the Message translation puts it in Romans 5:10 If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we're at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his resurrection life!
The great miracle of reconciliation is that God chose not to hold each of us accountable for our sin, but instead to lay the penalty for our sin on Jesus.
Have you ever been at a point in your relationships, that there is so much hurt, so much confusion, and so much bitterness that you just can’t see clearly. Every step you take is based on what you’re feeling. Everything is cloudy. You struggle with going home from work. You look forward to going to work. Or the communication is just out of wack. No matter what you say or do, you feel like your lighting a fuse. I am talking about struggling in your relationships. Oh you know what I am talking about, Or the flipside when everything is going smooth for a few weeks and everything is good. Things get rough then it gets smooth again. Then out of the blue it’s bad again. Its not out of the blue, yeah you may have forgiven each other. Yet things are still are not right, the same cycle takes place again and again. Then we start looking for different ways of fixing things. We search every avenue that we can think of from. Then we say its not me, I haven’t done nothing, they the ones who acting like they don’t know Jesus. Let me call so and so on the phone cause I need somebody to listen, (no what you want is somebody who is going to agree with you). We will call everybody and they Momma. If we don’t get the response we are looking for we keep looking. It is so difficult to reconcile with someone who is being stubborn, spiteful, disrespectful, rude, and selfish. It takes everything you have to do try to get things in where they are some what peaceful. We shouldn’t be surprised when our peace efforts fail us. We cannot expect our relationships down here on earth to go right if our relationship with God is not right. We have to look at our relationships upwards in order to have successful relationships down here.
Friday, February 9, 2007
Reconciliation Part 1
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
When I was studying this scripture it took me back to my childhood. As a child growing up in North Philadelphia, I loved the holidays. I would mark each day on the calendar. See I would eager wait for Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. It was not the presents or the gifts I was looking forward too; it was not the new clothes; it was not seeing family I had not seen for along time; it was not the days off from school that had me so looking forward to these holidays. See I was not one of those kids who enjoyed missing school, because if I missed school I missed the breakfast and lunch. I loved these holidays simply for the food. See the holidays were the time of year where there was a guarantee of something to eat. We would all travel to some relative’s house whether it is a Grand mom’s or Aunt Pam’s. There would be tables of food all over the dining room. We would get our plates and go around to each table. Each table would have a group of a certain type of food; you would have a table with your greens, and string beans. Tables with different salads, potatoes, garden, coleslaw, you would have your table with all the breads and deserts. Then you would have the table with all my favorites…….. the meat. My plate would be full by this time so I would have to chose one meat and just come back later for some of the others.
Reconciliation
- As I was praying and asking God for a word, He gave me one, and only one that word was reconciliation. This morning as we look at our biblical text, I feel like I did on those holidays back in North Philadelphia, when I saw all of my favorite dishes. There is so much richness to this text that I simply can’t even begin to serve all of it to you. I am sure there is something here for you not only to chew on, but to also digest. I am going to skip the appetizers and get right to the main course. Jesus did not die just for our sins to be removed. According to the text we just read Jesus not only for the cleansing our sins, but also so that we may be reconciled to God. Reconciliation means the removal of hostility and the restoration of harmony in a relationship. It means that the wall separating the hostile parties has been broken down; the breach between them has been healed. Reconciliation is God’s way of bringing us back into right fellowship with him. Its God’s way of bringing us back to where we belong. We can say that when Adam sinned he declared WAR on God, because sin is rebellion and rebellion is like war. What was a relationship of harmony became a relationship of hostility.
When I was studying this scripture it took me back to my childhood. As a child growing up in North Philadelphia, I loved the holidays. I would mark each day on the calendar. See I would eager wait for Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. It was not the presents or the gifts I was looking forward too; it was not the new clothes; it was not seeing family I had not seen for along time; it was not the days off from school that had me so looking forward to these holidays. See I was not one of those kids who enjoyed missing school, because if I missed school I missed the breakfast and lunch. I loved these holidays simply for the food. See the holidays were the time of year where there was a guarantee of something to eat. We would all travel to some relative’s house whether it is a Grand mom’s or Aunt Pam’s. There would be tables of food all over the dining room. We would get our plates and go around to each table. Each table would have a group of a certain type of food; you would have a table with your greens, and string beans. Tables with different salads, potatoes, garden, coleslaw, you would have your table with all the breads and deserts. Then you would have the table with all my favorites…….. the meat. My plate would be full by this time so I would have to chose one meat and just come back later for some of the others.
Reconciliation
- As I was praying and asking God for a word, He gave me one, and only one that word was reconciliation. This morning as we look at our biblical text, I feel like I did on those holidays back in North Philadelphia, when I saw all of my favorite dishes. There is so much richness to this text that I simply can’t even begin to serve all of it to you. I am sure there is something here for you not only to chew on, but to also digest. I am going to skip the appetizers and get right to the main course. Jesus did not die just for our sins to be removed. According to the text we just read Jesus not only for the cleansing our sins, but also so that we may be reconciled to God. Reconciliation means the removal of hostility and the restoration of harmony in a relationship. It means that the wall separating the hostile parties has been broken down; the breach between them has been healed. Reconciliation is God’s way of bringing us back into right fellowship with him. Its God’s way of bringing us back to where we belong. We can say that when Adam sinned he declared WAR on God, because sin is rebellion and rebellion is like war. What was a relationship of harmony became a relationship of hostility.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Keya's Devotional
So many times in life, I have made many excuses as to why my praise has been limited. At times, I have even tried to confine God to fit my ideal of who I think He should be. Upon further reflection and through the illumination of the Holy Spirit, I realize the God simply is! Being outside the realm of space and time, God is not bound by anything or anyone. He is with us through every moment of our lives. In Exodus 3:14, God tells Moses "I AM THAT I AM!" This one statement sums up everything that God is. It speaks of His infinite being and lets us know that He has no restrictions. What will you believe God for today? He has promised that He is and will be all that we need. Still don't believe? Lets take a look...
I am alive for evermore (Revelation 1:18)
I am Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8, 21:6, 22:13)
I am for you (Ezekiel 36:9)
I am God (Genesis 26:24)
I am God Almighty (Genesis 17:1)
I am gracious (Exodus 22:27)
I am He that comforteth you (Isaiah 51:12)
I am He that doth speak (Isaiah 52:6)
I am holy (I Peter 1:16)
I am merciful (Jeremiah 3:12)
I am the Lord (Leviticus 18:2)
I am the Lord that healeth thee (Exodus 15:26)
I am the Lord that maketh all things (Isaiah 44:24)
I am thy exceeding great reward (Genesis 15:1)
Speak these names into your spirit and allow God to work in and through you. Remember all that you fail to be, HE IS!
I am with you always (Matthew 28:20)
I am alive for evermore (Revelation 1:18)
I am Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8, 21:6, 22:13)
I am for you (Ezekiel 36:9)
I am God (Genesis 26:24)
I am God Almighty (Genesis 17:1)
I am gracious (Exodus 22:27)
I am He that comforteth you (Isaiah 51:12)
I am He that doth speak (Isaiah 52:6)
I am holy (I Peter 1:16)
I am merciful (Jeremiah 3:12)
I am the Lord (Leviticus 18:2)
I am the Lord that healeth thee (Exodus 15:26)
I am the Lord that maketh all things (Isaiah 44:24)
I am thy exceeding great reward (Genesis 15:1)
Speak these names into your spirit and allow God to work in and through you. Remember all that you fail to be, HE IS!
I am with you always (Matthew 28:20)
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Mapping my Journey
What Am I deeply attracted to and why? I love to see God. We may look at something and see a pile of dirt. He looks at it as dirt that is ripe for something to be planted. Life for most of us is a puzzle; we scramble around looking for the pieces and wondering where I fit. The problem is not where do fit, the problem is that there is a piece missing. That center piece that connects all the other pieces together. Now this puzzle of life is sense. I have all the pieces. The piece that needs straightening out is me. I am attracted to how he works, it amazes me. How he puts it all together. Knowing in the midst of all things He is right there!!!!!
Romans 8:28 We are assured and know that [ God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. (Amplified Bible)
Where do I feel God is calling me to stretch and grow? Three places, a deeper prayer life, more discipline study habits (the Word), and faith. Let me explain this, first I feel my prayer life is not as strong as it should be. Even if it was I would think that it was not. He is calling me to spend more time in his presence, not so much as talk but to listen. Being more discipline on my study habits, making sure that I not read it but that I live it (James 1:23). That it becomes my sword, for I do believe we are in midst of a battle. Speaking of battle that when I am in the midst of one or several that I don’t rely on myself, that I rely on the mighty power of God (Hebrews 11:1)
What kind of balance do I need in my life? I have been in the ministry for almost two years now. Honestly I have failed at balance. Horribly. For sometime I thought I was in this alone, God called me to do this and I am going to run with it. Not realizing what I was leaving behind, my wife and kids. That’s not God. I would wonder why I was all by myself. It’s because of the wall I had built and the hole that I had dug. It’s been a hard climb out. I am on my way up.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Spiritual Warfare: Breastplate of Righteousness
Some People spend their whole lives going to church because they would feel guilty if they didn't. They give money not because they long to be involved in eternal work and to bless people but because they know they are supposed to.
Guilt plays out in our lives in very warped ways. It is often the root of dysfunctional families, eating disorders, sexual addiction, and addictions to drugs and alcohol.
More subtly, though, it's just a whisper from the enemy that says. "You call yourself a Christian, but if anyone knew all the things you do-those secret sins behind closed doors, the way you hide your insecurities with clothes and surgeries, the emotional dysfunction you inflict on others-they'd keep their distance from you. A Christian? You'd be exposed as a fraud! God isn't going to hear your prayers. He isn't even going to take you back. You've failed him too many times." Guilt is a killer.
It doesn't take long for us to be smothered in condemnation. Condemnation is REAL. But so is forgiveness, and God's grace is greater not only than all our sin but also than all our guilt. Satan's first mode of attack was deception, but he follows it up with heavy doses of condemnation. And the second piece of armor we need to put in place will protect us from it perfectly.
"Breastplate of Righteousness"
A Roman breastplate was usually made of bronze, or if you were a more affluent soldier, chain mail. It covered the midsection and then some, from just below the neck to the thighs. And they called it a heart protector-for obvious reasons. It guarder the vital organ that keeps us alive. Would you dare go into battle without your heart covered?
Does righteousness means you may be tempted to give up if you think it means you have to become perfect before you can be protected, but don't give up just yet. No it means "uprightness, right living, integrity in one's lifestyle and character." It is a matter of conforming our will to God's will.
We can immerse ourselves in Scripture and spiritual fellowship all we want to, but if those things don't transform the way we live, they are practically useless. when God works his truth into our hearts, we are called to live it out 24/7.
When we fall into sin, the Holy Spirit will convict us and draw us through repentance and forgiveness back into fellowship with the Father. But satan will counterfeit the conviction with accusations. The breastplate of righteousness is essential when we have been honest with God, accepted his revealed will (belt of truth), and then put into practice what he told us. The condemnation comes, and we stand our ground and say, "That's a lie, Satan. I'm complete in Christ."
1 John 1:9
If I confess my sins, God is faithful and just to forgive my sin and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.
Did you get that? ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS!!!!!!!! Stand you ground because you believe what God tells you.
God does not want you to try harder, he wants you to apply the truth now, rely on the power you presently possess, and by faith put on the breastplate of righteousness.
An unprotected heart is asking for deep, life-threatening wounds.
If we aren't wearing the breastplate of righteousness, our hearts are being condemned by the enemy and our minds are being deceived. Instead of our lives reflecting the supernatural, winsome love and holiness of Jesus, we are religious people working hard to please God and impress people in our own strength.
Guilt plays out in our lives in very warped ways. It is often the root of dysfunctional families, eating disorders, sexual addiction, and addictions to drugs and alcohol.
More subtly, though, it's just a whisper from the enemy that says. "You call yourself a Christian, but if anyone knew all the things you do-those secret sins behind closed doors, the way you hide your insecurities with clothes and surgeries, the emotional dysfunction you inflict on others-they'd keep their distance from you. A Christian? You'd be exposed as a fraud! God isn't going to hear your prayers. He isn't even going to take you back. You've failed him too many times." Guilt is a killer.
It doesn't take long for us to be smothered in condemnation. Condemnation is REAL. But so is forgiveness, and God's grace is greater not only than all our sin but also than all our guilt. Satan's first mode of attack was deception, but he follows it up with heavy doses of condemnation. And the second piece of armor we need to put in place will protect us from it perfectly.
"Breastplate of Righteousness"
A Roman breastplate was usually made of bronze, or if you were a more affluent soldier, chain mail. It covered the midsection and then some, from just below the neck to the thighs. And they called it a heart protector-for obvious reasons. It guarder the vital organ that keeps us alive. Would you dare go into battle without your heart covered?
Does righteousness means you may be tempted to give up if you think it means you have to become perfect before you can be protected, but don't give up just yet. No it means "uprightness, right living, integrity in one's lifestyle and character." It is a matter of conforming our will to God's will.
We can immerse ourselves in Scripture and spiritual fellowship all we want to, but if those things don't transform the way we live, they are practically useless. when God works his truth into our hearts, we are called to live it out 24/7.
When we fall into sin, the Holy Spirit will convict us and draw us through repentance and forgiveness back into fellowship with the Father. But satan will counterfeit the conviction with accusations. The breastplate of righteousness is essential when we have been honest with God, accepted his revealed will (belt of truth), and then put into practice what he told us. The condemnation comes, and we stand our ground and say, "That's a lie, Satan. I'm complete in Christ."
1 John 1:9
If I confess my sins, God is faithful and just to forgive my sin and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.
Did you get that? ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS!!!!!!!! Stand you ground because you believe what God tells you.
God does not want you to try harder, he wants you to apply the truth now, rely on the power you presently possess, and by faith put on the breastplate of righteousness.
An unprotected heart is asking for deep, life-threatening wounds.
If we aren't wearing the breastplate of righteousness, our hearts are being condemned by the enemy and our minds are being deceived. Instead of our lives reflecting the supernatural, winsome love and holiness of Jesus, we are religious people working hard to please God and impress people in our own strength.
James 4:17
"To the one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin."
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Dear Dad
I look in the mirror and I see you. I hear myself talk and I hear you. I am not you. I will never be like you. I may have some of your qualities and characteristics, some good some bad. I am not you. I have your first name. I am not you. When I was young I wanted to be you. Before the I found the needles, before you slapping my Mom. The pictures I saw of you playing basketball. All the awards, all the trophies, all that talent. Wasted. We never played ball or went to the park for you to work on my game, you never gave me any tips on my jump shot, or how to work the pick and roll. You gave me your responsibilities. I became the provider, the comforter, the protector I was the Man. With every bag of heroin, out went my dreams, with every knot you tied to make your veins pop up, so your high could pop off, my hopes popped like a needle to a balloon. You never knew me. You never knew what I was, or what I was to become. You killed my childhood. I don't know how to forgive you. Don't know if I can, don't know if I want to. I look at you life as a waste.
I used to dream of seeing you, the things I always said i was going to do to you. For the pain you caused us. Selfish. I am a better man then you. I guess for that I can say thank you. Because you showed me what not to be. Don't get me wrong your boy ain't perfect, Lord knows that I struggle.
You didn't come to my wedding. I got married because of YOU!!!! I didn't want my daughter to grow up like me. I wanted her life to be stable. I don't even know how to explain to you how hard it was, coming home from school not knowing what was going to be going on, praying to God to let somebody come down to the house so you could go by them drugs, and make a couple of dollars so we could eat. So I wouldn't have to go knock on my friends door, and ask for money or food. Man, praying to God to have people come and die in order for us to eat. I can't keep holding on to this though. Nah none of this was my fault. I shouldn't have to had those nightmares or struggles with alcohol or relationships issues. Having the ability to cut people off like a light switch. Feeling the need to when my heart is pricked by word or deed of others to want to rip their hearts out. Having trust issues even now.
I guess I still got issues with you huh.......till next time.
I used to dream of seeing you, the things I always said i was going to do to you. For the pain you caused us. Selfish. I am a better man then you. I guess for that I can say thank you. Because you showed me what not to be. Don't get me wrong your boy ain't perfect, Lord knows that I struggle.
You didn't come to my wedding. I got married because of YOU!!!! I didn't want my daughter to grow up like me. I wanted her life to be stable. I don't even know how to explain to you how hard it was, coming home from school not knowing what was going to be going on, praying to God to let somebody come down to the house so you could go by them drugs, and make a couple of dollars so we could eat. So I wouldn't have to go knock on my friends door, and ask for money or food. Man, praying to God to have people come and die in order for us to eat. I can't keep holding on to this though. Nah none of this was my fault. I shouldn't have to had those nightmares or struggles with alcohol or relationships issues. Having the ability to cut people off like a light switch. Feeling the need to when my heart is pricked by word or deed of others to want to rip their hearts out. Having trust issues even now.
I guess I still got issues with you huh.......till next time.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Its been a while
I hope everyone had a blessed Xmas and wish everyone a happy New Year. I am very excited I will starting school here in two weeks.......I will be a college student...again. I am majoring in youth and family ministry. I feel this is where my calling lies. Pray for me.
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