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Tag: Grace
Wisdom Vindicated
Wisdom Vindicated
I am old enough to understand the meaning of Wisdom. I, like many others have found wisdom in the mistakes we have made in our lifetime. Not that this is useful to anyone but you personally.
It’s like when you see your kids or a friend fixing to do something that in your experience was a mistake. Probably the same thing happened when you advised them of the possibilities that could come from their choice. Someone advised you against your decision and you did it anyway. After you cleaned up the mess you could say with confidence that you have embraced wisdom about that situation.
Wisdom comes from life events. Things we do, things that have been done to us. Every life event is a teaching tool. It can reveal good, or bad.
Knowing that, is defined as wisdom.
Wisdom in the New Testament is taken from the Greek word, sophia. It is defined broadly as, “full of intelligence, and the knowledge of very diverse matters.”
I want to just share a little on Jesus and His attempts to teach the religious community. He was trying by visible experiences to teach them the wisdom of God.
All of us have learned many of these Biblical principles the hard way.
Matthew 11:19
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
What is Jesus trying to say?
I believe He is saying just watch what happens when people embrace Me. When I open a door for the very ones that you reject.
How many times have you wondered how in the world that someone you knew ever changed their life and embraced Christ with everything they have. You may have believed that nothing could reach them.
What happened was an encounter that helped them understand God’s eternal love, and that He had a purpose for them. This was wisdom at it’s very best.
Here is the story that says it better than me.
Luke 5:29-32
29 And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a great crowd of tax collectors and other people who were reclining at the table with them.
30 The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?”
31 And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick.
32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Many religious folks, even today do not really understand the heart of Jesus. Yes if you have been in church for a while you have heard His word. You know who the sinners are and the failures of life.
Jesus tried to teach us that these folks were the reason He came.
Luke 5:32 Amplified
I did not come to call the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to repent], but sinners to repentance [to change their old way of thinking, to turn from sin and to seek God and His righteousness].”
Message
“Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting outsiders, not insiders—an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out.”
The wisdom that has been vindicated by the work of Jesus goes far beyond the rules and regulations the religious folks impose on people.
It is very important to the followers of Christ that we learn His heart. His love for the sinner, the afflicted, the sick, and the hopeless. It was His heart for them that moved Him beyond religion.
“Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
It’s All Very Simple
It’s All Very Simple
Well, the morning has started with some reruns of the Andy Griffith Show. I like to watch them on the Sundance channel because they show different cuts from the original episodes. Scenes that are usually not viewed.
Yes, this probably indicates that I am over 21 years old. It reminds me how things used to be. I can remember how simple life was. Things were sort of black or white, right or wrong. It didn’t take a Doctorate to understand all the relevant points when someone says, I am thirsty. I would like a glass of water.
Did they really mean glass, or would a Dixie cup do. Spring water, tap water, flavored water. A full glass, or just half full.
Cold water or room temp.
THIS MAKES ME TIRED.
The same thing has happened to the Gospel. I believe that most of the 41,000 different denominations and institutions believe that Jesus is the answer. It is the path to reach Him, and to embrace Him, that is all over the place.
I have a lot to say about Biblical principles and the Apostolic authority that has been passed on to the church. What was accomplished in the book of Acts and throughout the NT is relevant today.
Keep an eye on my blog posts. I address these things all the time. For now I am going to keep it simple.
John 12:32
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.
The word all, or a synonym is used in all the English translations of this verse. “All, Means All”
Luke 9:23-25
23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.
25 For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?”
What an amazing Savior. He died for all, called all. It’s all very simple.
Jesus suffered intense Roman persecution. The rejection of the very people He came for. People who should have known who He was. His crucifixion and death.
He went through this so all would have a path to Him.
That path requires us to give up our will and ways to follow Him, Our cross if you will. “It’s all very simple.” We lose who we are, to become who He has called us to be.
He even made the journey very simple when it comes to theological principles.
Luke 22:36-40
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
38 This is the great and foremost commandment.
39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
40 On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”
It’s All Very Simple.
John 1:12
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.
A Message not a Massage
A Message not a Massage
There has been an issue on my heart for weeks and I have finally found time to share some thoughts. I hear all too often how preachers are not addressing sin issues enough. They call it soft and compromising if you preach the love of God and His love for all people. Sinners and saints. I have heard said that some call it giving a massage, instead of preaching them a message about hell fire and eternal damnation.
The prophet Jeremiah addresses a similar issues in his 6th chapter verse 14. “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.”
Ministries often spend time preaching against things that no one in their congregation is dealing with. Social issues, sexual sins. Never addressing the value that love has to turn the heart of someone that has not embraced Christ.
When I share my thoughts on this subject, I often get a lot of criticism. I love that. In some small manner it puts me in the same situation Christ was in. The religious folks didn’t like His message either.
They often forget that it was the religious folks that hated Him because He loved the sinners. He forgave them, healed them, embraced them.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 Message
3 If our Message is obscure to anyone, it’s not because we’re holding back in any way. No, it’s because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention.
4 All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won’t have to bother believing a Truth they can’t see. They’re stone-blind to the day spring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we’ll ever get.
The religious folks were looking for the Messiah. Those in the temple knew every prophesy about Him, yet they could not recognize Him.
Much like to day many have a picture in their minds of what Christ should look like. How He would respond to sinners and saints. All too often that picture is a God with a sword, poised to kill those who are in sin.
It is a picture that is painted all too often when telling the story of Jesus.
In John chapter 4 Jesus had the longest conversation recorded in the Bible with a woman who had been married 5 times, and was currently living with another man.
History tells us a lot about this woman.
Sometime after this encounter she was baptized by the Apostles and given the name, Photine. Her name means, “the luminous one” or enlightened one.
History says that she was recognized by the church as equal to the Apostles because she won so many people to the Lord.
Look her up. It is an awesome story.
In reading the story in John chapter 4 Jesus pointed out her life issues.
John 4:15-18
15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.”
16 He said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.”
17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’;
18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.”
So where is the condemnation? He pointed out her issue and then opened the path to redemption. Seems like I read somewhere that if you have been forgiven much, you will love much.
I could go on and on so let me wrap this one up. Tell the story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Tell them why He did it. That must be the message. “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”
By the way Photine converted her 5 sisters and two sons. They won many to Christ. In 66AD they were all martyred under the persecution of Nero. Some say he threw her body in a dry well.
Let me know what you think. visitlivinghope@gmail.com
Remember When
Remember When
The fall season is trying to arrive but summer has resisted it’s coming.
It reminds me of us, broadly speaking mankind in general. We resist change. It is who we are.
Change has unknown elements to it. Just when we get comfortable with the season of life we are in, God moves us forward to a new season. Change begins.
Sometimes we will hold on to what God is through with. Because we are comfortable with it. When we become comfortable with ourselves, usually this is the very time that God will begin to shake things up. It becomes a season of change.
With all of that said, much of the Bible is about the past. Examples of His grace and love. Stories of people and the difficulties they faced. Revealing their faith and how God moved for them. Moved them forward in destiny.
I come to you this morning, in His name, to share some thoughts titled, “Remember When”
Genesis 30 is the story of the sons of Jacob.
Genesis 30:22-24
22 Then God remembered Rachel, and God gave heed to her and opened her womb.
23 So she conceived and bore a son and said, “God has taken away my reproach.”
24 She named him Joseph, saying, “May the Lord give me another son.”
From the Hebrew Joseph means, “Jehovah has added, from the root word which means, to add, increase, do again.”
Exodus the 2nd chapter begins with the birth of Moses. His people being persecuted in Egypt. Moses fleeing to Midian. He took a wife, had a son, and became a shepherd of his father in laws sheep. “Then This”
Exodus 2:23-25
23 Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God.
24 So God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
25 God saw the sons of Israel, and God took notice of them.
God remembered the cries of a single individual.
He remembered His promise to the fathers, when He heard the cries of a nation with millions of people.
(God remembered when, someone prayed, when someone cried, when He made a promise.)
God will remember you!!!
Let’s talk about us for a while.
Matthew 26:74-75
74 Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed.
75 And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.
How many remember a sin or failure?
(Let me fix this for you.)
Hebrews 10:14-18
14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.
15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying,
16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them After those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws upon their heart, And on their mind I will write them,” He then says,
17 “And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”
18 Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.
Mark 8:17-19
17 And Jesus, aware of this, *said to them, “Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet see or understand? Do you have a hardened heart?
18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember,
19 when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces you picked up?” They *said to Him, “Twelve.”
(Do you not remember His goodness? Everything He has brought you through. Every prayer answered, need met.)
Finally, In Romans 11 Paul was writing about the failure of the Jews to accept Christ. Explaining how that opened the door for the Gentiles to be saved.
In detail the Apostle was explaining the mystery of salvation and its quality of restoration.
He then said this.
Romans 11:17-18
17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree,
18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.
Remember who we are. It is not about us, it is all about Him, the Root.
Just so you know who the root is.
Isaiah 11:10 AMPC
And it shall be in that day that the Root of Jesse shall stand as a signal for the peoples; of Him shall the nations inquire and seek knowledge, and His dwelling shall be glory [His rest glorious]!
Romans 15:12
Again Isaiah says, “There shall come the root of Jesse, And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles, In Him shall the Gentiles hope.”
“Do you remember when?
#inHisname #hopelives
“Qualified”
Qualified
God is good. He is worthy of our praise, and our faithfulness to Him.
I love Him so much. I have always been in His hands, and I will always be in His hands.
There is something humbling to me, very humbling, in knowing that God has continually been with me. I have always known He was there. In every moment of my life. Protecting, leading, speaking, forgiving. God has kept me under His care.
When He called me to preach, and I remember the Sunday, even the shirt I was wearing. He called me not because of who I was at the time. He called me because of who I would become. I was not qualified, and I am still a work in progress.
I come today in His name, to share some thoughts titled, “Qualified”
I want to begin with a single passage that will set the tone for my message. The Apostle Paul had a very clear understanding of the love, grace, and the power of God.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
NLT
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
This is a proclamation of faith, but it is also referencing the action required to accomplish anything.
“ He said, I can do!!!”
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!
8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
“There are some things in 7-9 I want to talk about.”
Paul’s humility and His submission to the authority of Christ is amazing. He understood picking up his cross, and dying to himself. Putting on the life of Christ.
2 Corinthians 12:10 Amplified
So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].
Paul is sharing His example. Everything we do as confessing Christians, we are doing for Christ. There is a responsibility to reveal Jesus. To be His example of love, of mercy, of forgiveness, and of grace.
Paul was willing to give up everything He was to get what Christ wanted to do through him.
Weak, insulted, distressed, persecuted, life events. We all deal with most of these from time to time during our lives.
These things happen to make us strong. I taught in the servants class that we have to give up, to get. With God often promotion comes from the bottom up.
Losing our identity in favor of His. Giving up our ways, to embrace His ways.
I want to share 3 ways that we are taught, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” and how they are relevant to us and our life in Christ.
1st-Through trials.
James 1:2-4
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
2nd-Through Contentment.
Philippians 4:12
I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
3rd-Through His victory
1 Corinthians 15:57
but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amplified
but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.
What an awesome plan to rid ourselves of ourselves, and let God reign in us.
“Through trials, in contentment, and victory in Him.”
I will finish with this.
Colossians 1:9-14 NASB
9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,
14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Qualified in Him!!
The Good News Bible combines verse 11 and 12 into one verse. This is how it reads.
“May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience. And with joy give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the kingdom of light.”
Qualified, Fit to share in God’s promises. To share in His awesome love and grace. http://bit.ly/2whkP2g
#livinghope #inHisname
Let Them Go
Let Them Go
It has been an awesome week leading up to the Easter weekend. Before I get started with some thoughts that may be controversial to some, I want to wish everyone a blessed weekend.
Betty and I are praying that you find encouragement and strength in what this season represents.
I ran across a picture of some Minions the other day on Facebook. I will share it in this writing because it reminded me of something that all of us have dealt with.
The more you live. The more successful you become. As your ministry or purpose draws attention there will be people who come your way. Some for help and prayer. Others to join with you in your movement.
Still, and I say this from experience. There will be some who come that want to use you and your platform to validate themselves, or worse yet, for a springboard for their own thing.
I know this sounds negative but my goal in this blog is to help others, and share the wisdom that God has granted over the years.
You have to understand. People are people. Overcoming jealousy, arrogance, and pride, and all the other negative traits is a process. For some it takes longer than others.
This last group of people I mentioned will eventually leave you. LET THEM GO!
It is our duty to reach out to people and help them find their way. Understand their purpose and join in unity for the cause of Christ.
What you have to be cautious of are people who want you to be there for them, but they will not be there for you. You don’t hurt them if possible. Let them go.
Paul wrote a one sentence passage to the Corinthian church that has a huge message to us today.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Four Greek words need some attention.
The 1st is the Greek word, Kakos which is translated evil. It means, bad nature, mode of thinking, feeling, and acting.
2nd is the Greek word Homillia, translated communications. It means communion and companionship. 3rd is the Greek word Phtherio, translated corrupt. It means to lead away, to be destroyed, to perish. Lastly, the 4th Greek word Ethos, translated manners.
I find this one interesting. It means custom or character, but it also means dwelling place.
This one passage is telling us that the people we let in our lives, the words we speak, will affect every thing about us. Including the place where Christ lives. That place is us.
I think sometimes that Pastors are most vulnerable to these situations because of our desire to help. Sometimes it is because a Pastor needs help. People with experience. People who you can talk to.
One solution that will help you avoid what will become a negative influence, is prayer. Don’t let what sounds good confuse you. Get alone with the Father and bear witness before you allow someone in your life.
This works for all situations,and all people.
When you find yourself in one of these situations, pray. If you are a leader you will probably have to deal with an uncomfortable situation. Take responsibility, and as best you can, do it in love.
When they go, keep them in your prayers. Don’t be angry or embarrassed. Just keep moving forward. God has an amazing way of making all things right.
Once again I pray you have an amazing Easter weekend. Be blessed and encouraged in your walk with Christ.
#lovewins #hopelives
Grace has Appeared
Grace has Appeared
There is an old Hymn that came to my mind as I embraced this word that God has given me for today.
There’s a name above all others,Wonderful to hear, bringing hope and cheer. It’s the lovely name of Jesus,
Evermore the same, what a lovely name.
Chorus
What a lovely name, the name of Jesus. Reaching higher far, than the brightest star. Sweeter than the songs they sing in heaven. Let the world proclaim, what a lovely name.
There is no name more relevant for the times we live. For the season we are in. For the difficulties we face. The tragedies we endure. The joy we experience. The love that has embraced us. The blood that has cleansed us, and continues to cleanse all who follow Him.
What an awesome name, the name of Jesus.
I want to share some thoughts titled, “Grace has Appeared” (little history before I get started)
Titus, or Saint Titus as he is known today was a Greek convert of Paul, and a recipient of one of three Paul’s Pastoral Epistles. He was installed as the first Bishop of the island of Crete by Paul. This letter to him was one of instruction and encouragement in the ministry.
Something interesting about Titus that followed him to today. He is the Patron Saint of the United States Army Chaplain Corps. The order of Titus award is the only award presented by the chief chaplain to recognize outstanding ministry by chaplains and their associates.
Titus 2:11-15 NASB
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Titus 2:14 Amplified
who [willingly] gave Himself [to be crucified] on our behalf to redeem us and purchase our freedom from all wickedness, and to purify for Himself a chosen and very special people to be His own possession, who are enthusiastic for doing what is good.
From the Apostles, to the Bishops, to the Pastors, Evangelists, Teachers, and the prophets. There is no more faithful, and profound word of encouragement, than the story of Jesus.
The heart and soul of our Christian lives, ministries, and purpose, is Jesus and His story. Jesus said this to Thomas, when Thomas questioned how would we know the way.
John 14:6 NASB
Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
There is only one door to walk through that leads to redemption, restoration, and eternal life.
That door is Jesus.
Chapter 2 of Titus ended with verse 15 but the exhortation of Paul continued in chapter 3
Titus 3:1-8 NASB
1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,
2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,
5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
Titus 3:8 Amplified
This is a faithful and trustworthy saying; and concerning these things I want you to speak with great confidence, so that those who have believed God [that is, those who have trusted in, relied on, and accepted Christ Jesus as Savior,] will be careful to participate in doing good and honorable things. These things are excellent [in themselves] and profitable for the people.
The word translated good in this passage has a very broad and inclusive meaning. It comes from the Greek word, kal-os’, and it means, “beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, and admirable. Excellent in its nature and characteristics. Genuine and approved.
These passages are not referring to good deeds that earn salvation. “that’s impossible.”
It is referring to doing good deeds because of your salvation.
The church today must define its responsibility to the world. 1st,the world we live. 2nd , to our global community.
Why?
For the grace of God has appeared
#lovewins #hopelives
I’ve Been Sick
I’ve Been Sick
Well folks, this week has been a mess. Last Saturday night I ran fever all night. Felt good enough to preach so I did my best all the while trying to stay away from folks so I wouldn’t pass it on. Whatever it, is.
Fever continued the next couple of days along with a deep seated cough. Fever has subside but the cough has not. Although it is better.
I want to thank all of my church family, and friends that have been praying for me. I feel the strength of your prayers.
Please pray for Betty. To those who know me the reason is obvious. When I am sick I am a big baby.
This is not meant to be a special report on my illness. I mainly want to let everyone know I appreciate your prayers and comments.
I also want to address a couple of issues before I close this blog.
Yes I know, I am not as young as I used to be. Guess what? Nobody is as young as they used to be. LOL
Secondly, my kids in particular have wanted me to go to the Doctor. Probably should, and would if the over the counter stuff didn’t work.
Doctors are awesome. Their education and experience is a gift from God, and their dedication to help humanity is amazing.
When this stuff has come on in the past few years I have gone to the Doctor to get a shot. They wouldn’t give me a shot because they said my blood pressure was too high.
No kidding, the blood pressure machine was across the hall from the finance office. Just saying!!
I hope to return to my daily prayers and posts. Thanks so much for the prayers and the well wishes.
God is awesome and His comfort and peace has kept me focused.
God bless all of my friends and family with His favor and grace. In Jesus name.
#lovewins #hopelives
“Knock Knock”
Knock Knock
We are in a season of awesome opportunities. Hearts and minds within the church are coming to understand the power in the message that the Apostles built the church on. Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
I have been asked, what about the whole Bible. The answer is simple. Jesus is the whole Bible!!! In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The OT is all about how you can’t make it without Him. The NT is about embracing Him, accepting Him, and believing in the Kingdom authority He delivered to us.
Know Him, and you will know His word. Love Him, He first loved you. Follow Him, you will fear no evil.
Jesus used the words I am, to describe 7 different components of who He is. They are all found in the Gospel of John.
“I am, The bread of life. John 6:35. I am, the Light of the world. John 8:12. I am, the door. John 10:9. I am the Good Shepherd. John 10:11. I am, the Resurrection and the Life. John 11:25. I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6. Finally. I am, the True Vine. John 15:1.”
I Am The Door Interests me
John 10:1-11 NASB
1 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber.
2 But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep.
3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
4 When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.
5 A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”
6 This figure of speech Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand what those things were which He had been saying to them.
7 So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.
9 I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
“The word door in these passages literally means, an opening or entrance. It is used metaphorically to be the name of Him who brings salvation to those who follow Him. Also denotes the door to the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Verse 9-“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”
The word through from the Greek means, “by means of.” The word pasture is a great word. From the Greek it means, “fodder or food.” Figuratively it means, “we shall not want the needful supplies for the true life.”
Verse 10-“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
The word thief comes from the Greek word, “klep-tace.” It means, “embezzler or pilferer.” In the use of the Greek lexicon it means this. “The name is transferred to false teachers, who do not care to instruct men, but abuse their confidence for their own gain.”
The Apostle John finished the message from Christ to the seven churches in chapter 3. This followed.
Revelation 3:20-22 NASB
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
21 He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Jesus declared Himself to be the door. He was talking to His churches, and to us. Now He is knocking on a door. This is so awesome.
“If you don’t knock at His door. He will knock on yours. The door to your heart.”
Are you conscious of His appeals?
When He knocks and you open He becomes your guest. When He is your Savior, He is your host. Spreading a table before you filled with His goodness. Filled with everything that you will need to walk in victory. Walk in Kingdom authority.
What do you want today? What would you ask if you knocked, and He answered?
Matthew 7:7 NASB
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Luke 11:9 NASB
So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Today is your day. #lovewins #hopelives
“He’s Always There”
“He’s Always There”
God has been so awesome and faithful as this year has progressed. Each week His presence has been awesome. Humbled yet determined I find myself expecting more.
There is something frightening, at least to me, about being satisfied.
I look to Father everyday for revelation. Strength, and answers to prayer. He is the source of my breath, and the surety of my faith. I love Him always.
I want to begin with some passages from Isaiah. His writings are unique considering he often fails to distinguish intervals of time. In many of his writings he will begin with Israel being judged for their rebellion. Revealing God’s plan for their punishment or their demise. Then, in the same chapter begin to write prophetically about the Messiah that would deliver them and save them from sin.
Isaiah 59:19-21 NASB
19 So they will fear the name of the LORD from the west And His glory from the rising of the sun, For He will come like a rushing stream Which the wind of the LORD drives.
20 “A Redeemer will come to Zion, And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,” declares the LORD .
21 “As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the LORD : “My Spirit which is upon you, and My words
which I have put in your mouth shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your offspring, nor from the mouth of your offspring’s offspring,” says the LORD , “from now and forever.”
In this Messianic prophesy we find the promise of an eternal covenant. It has always been God’s purpose to reveal Himself to every generation. Eternally embracing the people of the world with His awesome love and grace.
Verse 21 NLT, “And this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children’s children forever. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
His plan has always been an eternal plan. From your 1st heartbeat, to your last, God’s plan for you was established. The plan for salvation. The plan for victory and peace. Every aspect of our lives He is aware of.
His love is eternal. He loves you in your rebellion, your failure, your doubt, your insecurity. He loves you in tragedy, in your fear. He loves you in obedience. When you follow Him and reveal Him to others. His love for you will never be diminished by your sin. I love Him because He first loved me.
Isaiah 62:10-12 NASB
10 Go through, go through the gates, Clear the way for the people; Build up, build up the highway, Remove the stones, lift up a standard over the peoples.
11 Behold, the L ORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth, Say to the daughter of Zion, “Lo, your salvation comes; Behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.”
12 And they will call them, “The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD ”; And you will be called, “Sought out, a city not forsaken.”
Isaiah 62:10-12 Message
Walk out of the gates. Get going! Get the road ready for the people. Build the highway. Get at it! Clear the debris, hoist high a flag, a signal to all peoples! Yes! G OD has broadcast to all the world: “Tell daughter Zion, ‘Look! Your Savior comes, Ready to do what he said he’d do, prepared to complete what he promised.’” Zion will be called new names: Holy People, G OD – Redeemed, Sought-Out, City-Not-Forsaken.
When God restores, He changes our name. From who we are to who He has destined us to be!!
These passages have a very clear meaning. His purpose is an eternal purpose. He is always with us. Forgiving, directing, speaking, and protection.
God comforted Abram about His promises.
Genesis 15:1 NASB
After these things the word of the L ORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”
The word shield in this passage is defined from the Hebrew, “defending, covering, surrounding.”
Not a promise has He ever made that He would not defend. To the giving of His only Son, in death for our sins.
Love this one. Psalms 91 is called a Psalm of protection. The author is unknown. Here is a very familiar verse.
Psalms 91:1 NASB
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
“Everlasting protection”
There are a couple of words need some attention. The word shelter from the Hebrew means, “covering, hiding place, protection,” I love that.
Dwells is an awesome word. From the Hebrew it means, “to be inhabited.”
It implies living in Him, but it means Him living in us!!!
2 Peter 1:3-4 NASB
3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
His promises are eternal. Eternal love, forgiveness, protection. “He’s always there”
Be blessed this week with His favor and grace.