Psalm 23 NASB
5a You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
This past spring in Michigan was our first in 30 years. The woods went through a gray period as the temperatures slowly began to rise each day. With the slow warm up, the woods also began to come alive with growth. It took some time but eventually the trees had leaves and the ferns were knee high.
It was also our dog Grace's first spring having lived in Arizona her whole life. We live away from paved roads and our house is surrounded by acres of trees. She's well behaved and sticks around so we weren't concerned with restraining her.
As the weather continued to warm we saw a decrease in Grace's energy. She has never liked the heat so at first we attributed her malaise to the rising temperatures. Soon she started vomiting. It seemed she could keep nothing down. Next were obvious signs of further internal distress. A trip to the vet was required.
After an exam, blood tests and ruling all known possibilities out, Grace was diagnosed with a "Gastrointestinal Incident". As near as anyone could figure, because of us allowing her to free range, in her excitement of her first spring, she had "tested" every growing thing from the ground and upset her GI tract.
We are not much different then this excited dog was with her first spring in Michigan. We want to test and try everything in our path. Even the things we know are not good for us we will test to see if we will somehow be the exception.
We have sexual relations outside of marriage. We try drugs with the confidence we will not become addicted. We go to the casino for fun. Later, down the road, when we are left with a fatherless child, lost our health to a drug addiction, end up broke because we gambled it all away, we wonder where we went wrong.
What went wrong was not following our Good Shepherd as He prepared the way ahead of us. It's through staying close to Jesus as He leads us to the table of blessings He has prepared for us that we can avoid being ensnared by the traps Satan set to destroy us.
Grace recovered. It took time. It took care. If you have eaten from a table not prepared by the Lord, push your chair back and stand up. The Good Shepherd is right behind you. Turn around and follow Him.
Blessings, Cecilia
Friday, September 30, 2016
2 Corinthians 6 And I will be a father to you.
16Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,
“I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM;
AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
17“Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord.
“AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN;
And I will welcome you.
18“And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty.
The moment we accept Christ the Holy Spirit comes into us and dwells in us and we become a temple of God. Need more proof? Reread this scripture! For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,
“I WILL DWELL IN THEM ".
He will always be with you: "AND WALK AMONG THEM".
We must separate ourselves from evil, bad company, unrighteous friends because He says: "COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord."
A promise: "And I will welcome you."
Was your earthly father loving? Was he part of your life? Teaching and guiding you? If not, remember you have become adopted as one of his children. Remember God's words and meditate on them:
"And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty."
In everything you do today remember: He is with you and you are His child.
Blessings, David
Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com
Thursday, September 29, 2016
See You At The Pole!
Matt10:32 “Therefore, the one who confesses and acknowledges Me before
men[as Lord and Savior, affirming a state of oneness with Me], that one I
will also confess and acknowledge before My Father who is in heaven.33 But
the one who denies and rejects Me before men, that one I will also deny and
reject before My Father who is in heaven. Ps24:6
This is the generation (description) of those who diligently seek Him and
require Him as their greatest need, Who seek Your face, even [as did]
Jacob.
men[as Lord and Savior, affirming a state of oneness with Me], that one I
will also confess and acknowledge before My Father who is in heaven.33 But
the one who denies and rejects Me before men, that one I will also deny and
reject before My Father who is in heaven. Ps24:6
This is the generation (description) of those who diligently seek Him and
require Him as their greatest need, Who seek Your face, even [as did]
Jacob.
I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world, than stand with
the world and be judged by God. -Grace Wesley-God's Not Dead II. Yesterday
in America was See You At The Pole. For the last 25 years, See You at the
Pole has been about one simple act—prayer. SYATP is about students uniting
themselves in prayer before God interceding for their generation. I wanted
to do this also. We have a flag pole at the shop I work at. One that stands
tall and the community can see. I ask some of my fellow employees if they
would stand with me, 2 of them hesitantly said yes, one said that "They
didn't want people to think they were crazy". Brethren, we must stand tall
and understand that our community, this generation needs to see the people
of God standing for the truth of the Bible and living right before Him.
Confessing God before men is not always easy and we must understand that
there are consequences in not doing so.
Douglas
The Good Shepherd. Psalm 23:4b
Psalm 23 NASB
4b For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Some people see God as a tyrant, angrily sitting on a throne, thumping people on the head with a rod when they get out of line. To them He uses the staff to stomp the ground when angry and pull people to Him for admonishment when they are bad.
I have to admit, with my Catholic upbringing, that's what I thought. It wasn't until I left the Catholic Church and began attending a "non denominational" Christian Church I discovered the truth of God's love.
And the truth of the rod and the staff? They are never used in an angry or abusive manner on the sheep.
The rod is a weapon used by the shepherd to protect the sheep. It is used to defend the flock when predators try to steal one away. It is sometimes thrown over the flock to move them quickly form an area where danger could exist.
The staff is used to guide the sheep to a direction the shepherd wants them to go. This is done by laying the staff on the side of the sheep and gently changing their course. The hook at the end is used to draw an individual sheep close to the shepherd for inspection or one on one time.
In the same way, Jesus as our Good Shepherd uses these tools to protect us and gently keep us on course. He also uses the hook to draw us close for inspection or one on one time.
God's tools are His word and the Holy Spirit. His word teaches us the way we should go, the life God wants from us, the relationship He wants with us. The Holy Spirit shows us the changes we need to make, He convicts us when we are wrong and helps us get back on the path Christ knows is best for us.
Just as a good shepherd has the safety and best interests of his flock at heart and only provides the best for them, The Lord as our Good Shepherd will protect us, have our best interest at heart and only provide the best for us.
We just have to trust Him as our Good Shepherd.
Blessings, Cecilia
4b For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Some people see God as a tyrant, angrily sitting on a throne, thumping people on the head with a rod when they get out of line. To them He uses the staff to stomp the ground when angry and pull people to Him for admonishment when they are bad.
I have to admit, with my Catholic upbringing, that's what I thought. It wasn't until I left the Catholic Church and began attending a "non denominational" Christian Church I discovered the truth of God's love.
And the truth of the rod and the staff? They are never used in an angry or abusive manner on the sheep.
The rod is a weapon used by the shepherd to protect the sheep. It is used to defend the flock when predators try to steal one away. It is sometimes thrown over the flock to move them quickly form an area where danger could exist.
The staff is used to guide the sheep to a direction the shepherd wants them to go. This is done by laying the staff on the side of the sheep and gently changing their course. The hook at the end is used to draw an individual sheep close to the shepherd for inspection or one on one time.
In the same way, Jesus as our Good Shepherd uses these tools to protect us and gently keep us on course. He also uses the hook to draw us close for inspection or one on one time.
God's tools are His word and the Holy Spirit. His word teaches us the way we should go, the life God wants from us, the relationship He wants with us. The Holy Spirit shows us the changes we need to make, He convicts us when we are wrong and helps us get back on the path Christ knows is best for us.
Just as a good shepherd has the safety and best interests of his flock at heart and only provides the best for them, The Lord as our Good Shepherd will protect us, have our best interest at heart and only provide the best for us.
We just have to trust Him as our Good Shepherd.
Blessings, Cecilia
2 Corinthians 6 What about you, are you treading where you shouldn't be?
11Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide. 12You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections. 13Now in a like exchange—I speak as to children—open wide to us also.
14Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?
Paul pours out his heart in the letter to the Corinthian church. He explains to them their restraining due to their affections and speaks to them as if they were children due to their infancy in Christ.
He warns them not to be bound with unbelievers or false gods, in partnership with lawlessness or darkness.
I repeat: "what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?"
What about you? Since you came to Christ, do you still hangout with the unbelieving? Still drinking or doing drugs? Still going places or surfing the Internet where you shouldn't?
How can you not heed the biblical warnings? God will not be fooled with folly.
Do you remember Lot's folly, how he ended up in Sodom? Was it not Abraham who rescued him with his continual pleading with the Lord? Yes Lot was righteous. Why then was he living in an evil city God was getting ready to destroy?
Genesis 18:23 Then Abraham approached him and said: "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?
What about you, are you treading where you shouldn't be?
Blessings, David
Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
"Everyone", should go to Hades.
John3:16 “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that
He[even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and
trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. Rom 3:10
As it is written and forever remains written,“There is none righteous [none
that meets God’s standard], not even one. 23 since all have sinned and
continually fall short of the glory of God (AMP)
He[even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and
trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. Rom 3:10
As it is written and forever remains written,“There is none righteous [none
that meets God’s standard], not even one. 23 since all have sinned and
continually fall short of the glory of God (AMP)
WHOSOEVER, David Berkowitz (son of Sam), Charles "Tex" Watson (follower of
Charles Manson), Jeffrey Dahmer (Milwaukee Cannibal), Douglas Blaser
(Sinner), Your Name. I have heard it said that if God will allow "that
person in heaven, than I don't want to go". There are not enough "good
works" to get someone to heaven. God's standards are impossible to meet by
human effort. I cannot speak for anyone else, but I know that I fall short
everyday. The only way to heaven according to the Bible, God's word, is by
accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. No one "deserves" to go to heaven.
"Everyone" should go to hell. I am very thankful that God has made a way to
get me to heaven, through the precious blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Dear
heavenly Father, please help all the "WHOSOEVERS" understand Your love and
Your ways, in Jesus name, amen.
Douglas
Why or What? Psalm 23:4a
Psalm 23 NASB
4a Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil
As a new Christian, when I first read this Psalm, I thought it literally referred to dying. Someone I loved dying or perhaps my own physical illness and eventual death. As I matured as a Christian, I began to understand its true meaning. The storms of life, the adversities we face.
As Christians, we need no longer fear the trials. We should embrace the time for spiritual growth. Instead of asking "why" we should ask "what". What do You want me to learn from this? What are You trying to teach me? What should I take away from this experience?
For me "I fear no evil" is about acceptance. It is knowing in my core God is with me carrying me through the valley, delivering me to the other side. I just have to give Him my anxiety, my fear, my desire to control and accept that He is in control and everything will be alright.
We all go through valleys. We all have difficulties we need to work through. Who do we lean on when we enter a valley? Where do we go for support? Our first stop should be the Lord.
Next time you find yourself at a valley, first ask God to show you what He wants you to learn as you go through the valley. Then thank Him for going with you through the valley so that you don't have to fear.
Blessings, Cecilia
4a Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil
As a new Christian, when I first read this Psalm, I thought it literally referred to dying. Someone I loved dying or perhaps my own physical illness and eventual death. As I matured as a Christian, I began to understand its true meaning. The storms of life, the adversities we face.
As Christians, we need no longer fear the trials. We should embrace the time for spiritual growth. Instead of asking "why" we should ask "what". What do You want me to learn from this? What are You trying to teach me? What should I take away from this experience?
For me "I fear no evil" is about acceptance. It is knowing in my core God is with me carrying me through the valley, delivering me to the other side. I just have to give Him my anxiety, my fear, my desire to control and accept that He is in control and everything will be alright.
We all go through valleys. We all have difficulties we need to work through. Who do we lean on when we enter a valley? Where do we go for support? Our first stop should be the Lord.
Next time you find yourself at a valley, first ask God to show you what He wants you to learn as you go through the valley. Then thank Him for going with you through the valley so that you don't have to fear.
Blessings, Cecilia
2 Corinthians 6 Trust God in everything.
3giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited, 4but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 5in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, 6in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, 7in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, 8by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; 9as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death, 10as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.
Paul expresses, no mater what your circumstances, as servants of God, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the word of truth by the power of God we live!
Yes, no mater what your circumstances!
When Joseph was sold into slavery, put into prison he didn't give up his faith in God.
When Job lost everything his faith didn't waver.
When Paul was imprisoned, he continued his love for Jesus and wrote about his faith making many rich.
What about you? Do you trust God completely in your life no matter what your circumstances are?
Be like Joseph, Job and Paul;
Trust God in everything and all circumstances, rejoice and make many rich teaching salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings, David
Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Jesus is my King, my Lord and my Savior. Is He yours?
Matt27:17 So when they had assembled [for this purpose], Pilate said to
them, “Whom do you want me to set free for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is
called Christ?”21...And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them,
“Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all replied,
“Let Him be crucified!” Luke 23:38 Now there was also an inscription above
Him: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
them, “Whom do you want me to set free for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is
called Christ?”21...And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them,
“Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all replied,
“Let Him be crucified!” Luke 23:38 Now there was also an inscription above
Him: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
Jesus is my King, my Lord and my Savior. Barabbas - i.e., son of Abba or of
a father. The people answered release Barabbas (son of a father), crucify
Christ (The true Son of the Father). There was a crowd praising Jesus a few
days earlier as He made His triumphant entrance and now the people are
asking for Barabbas to be released. It amazes me how fickle some people
are, and even myself sometimes. How devoted we can be to Christ one minute
and are dishonoring Him the next. Jesus was betrayed, deserted, beaten,
whipped, and then crucified. He was a King and yet His servants weren't
helping Him. Angels and time stood still. Jesus suffered for us. I know
that I will never be able to repay Jesus for what He did for me upon the
cross. I do declare, that I will make my stand to serve my King as much as
I can with all that I am for the rest of my life. Brethren, who else is
with me?
Douglas
I Am Third. Psalm 23:3b
Psalm 23 NASB
3b He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Sheep are creatures of habit. They will follow the same path until it is eroded into a gully. They will graze the same grass land until there is nothing left but a barren, impoverished field. They will not move on to better pasture until the shepherd directs them to.
We are creatures of habit too. We continue on the same path until it leads to our own destruction. That destruction usually involves taking those around us with us. We are short sighted and selfish looking out for our own interests.
When Jesus calls us out of this self centered life style into a life with Him, He calls us to choose a new path, adopt a new perspective of loving Him first, others second and ourselves third.
We put aside our interests for the interest of others. Its no longer what we want but what Jesus wants us to provide to those around us.
That's leading us on the paths of righteousness. We do it for His name, to share the Gospel, to show His love.
You may be the only Bible people ever see. You may be the only contact they ever have with Jesus. Leave a good impression.
Blessings, Cecilia
3b He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Sheep are creatures of habit. They will follow the same path until it is eroded into a gully. They will graze the same grass land until there is nothing left but a barren, impoverished field. They will not move on to better pasture until the shepherd directs them to.
We are creatures of habit too. We continue on the same path until it leads to our own destruction. That destruction usually involves taking those around us with us. We are short sighted and selfish looking out for our own interests.
When Jesus calls us out of this self centered life style into a life with Him, He calls us to choose a new path, adopt a new perspective of loving Him first, others second and ourselves third.
We put aside our interests for the interest of others. Its no longer what we want but what Jesus wants us to provide to those around us.
That's leading us on the paths of righteousness. We do it for His name, to share the Gospel, to show His love.
You may be the only Bible people ever see. You may be the only contact they ever have with Jesus. Leave a good impression.
Blessings, Cecilia
Genesis 9:11-16 God's Promise to you!
Genesis 9 NASB
11“I establish My covenant with you; and all flesh shall never again be cut off by the water of the flood, neither shall there again be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12God said, “This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; 13I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth. 14“It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, 15and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16“When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”
I deviated from the norm today to point out one of Gods promises. I've read and heard it mentioned before but it didn't sink in until today.
God has made a promise to Noah and us; "neither shall there again be a flood to destroy the earth."
I had to drive to another town yesterday in the rain, round trip was two hours. During the drive the rain became bad at times and on one occasion I saw God's promise. I saw a beautiful rainbow. A bow in the cloud.
The bible is full of promises for us, all you have to do is recognize them.
The rainbow promise was made to Noah and "for all successive generations;". Since God destroyed the earth with a great flood and Noah and his family were the only mankind to survive, it would be safe to say we are "successive generations".
Next time it rains look for His bow in the cloud and remember His promise to you! "When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”"
Thank you God for your promises to us! May we never forget them. Amen
Blessings, David
Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com
Monday, September 26, 2016
Restoration. Psalm 23:3a
Psalm 23 NASB
3a "He restores my soul"
"The biblical meaning of the word "restoration" is to receive back more than has been lost to the point where the final state is greater than the original condition. The main point is that someone or something is improved beyond measure."
From: www.reference.com
I believe sometimes God will unsettle us in order to refine us for His purpose. Metals require heat to become refined. Heating separates the impurities and produces a stronger, purer metal.
When we become complacent, we are no longer effective. That's when God heats things up to reveal the impurities and strengthen us for His use.
My soul has been unsettled lately. I'm not sure what all God is trying to show me. I know part of what He is showing me is obedience to His word. I know part of what He is showing me is my wanting to withhold forgiveness. I also know that is not all He is unsettling me about.
Whatever His reason for unsettling me, I know He will also restore my soul to that place of rest. When God has finished His refining of me, He will have restored my soul to a place better then before for His glory so He can use me in some way I have not imagined.
You can also rest assured, in whatever unsettling you are in the midst of, He will restore your soul back "to the point where the final state is greater than the original condition." Your soul will be "improved beyond measure."
Blessings, Cecilia
3a "He restores my soul"
"The biblical meaning of the word "restoration" is to receive back more than has been lost to the point where the final state is greater than the original condition. The main point is that someone or something is improved beyond measure."
From: www.reference.com
I believe sometimes God will unsettle us in order to refine us for His purpose. Metals require heat to become refined. Heating separates the impurities and produces a stronger, purer metal.
When we become complacent, we are no longer effective. That's when God heats things up to reveal the impurities and strengthen us for His use.
My soul has been unsettled lately. I'm not sure what all God is trying to show me. I know part of what He is showing me is obedience to His word. I know part of what He is showing me is my wanting to withhold forgiveness. I also know that is not all He is unsettling me about.
Whatever His reason for unsettling me, I know He will also restore my soul to that place of rest. When God has finished His refining of me, He will have restored my soul to a place better then before for His glory so He can use me in some way I have not imagined.
You can also rest assured, in whatever unsettling you are in the midst of, He will restore your soul back "to the point where the final state is greater than the original condition." Your soul will be "improved beyond measure."
Blessings, Cecilia
Is God's will the most important thing in your life?
Matt6:9...Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your
kingdom come, Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Acts20:24 But
I do not consider my life as something of value or dear to me, so that I
may [with joy] finish my course and the ministry which I received from the
Lord Jesus, to testify faithfully of the good news of God’s [precious,
undeserved] grace [which makes us free of the guilt of sin and grants us
eternal life]. Acts20:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the
Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God,
and that you are not your own [property]? 20 You were bought with a price
[you were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His
own]. So then, honor and glorify God with your body. (AMP)
kingdom come, Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Acts20:24 But
I do not consider my life as something of value or dear to me, so that I
may [with joy] finish my course and the ministry which I received from the
Lord Jesus, to testify faithfully of the good news of God’s [precious,
undeserved] grace [which makes us free of the guilt of sin and grants us
eternal life]. Acts20:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the
Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God,
and that you are not your own [property]? 20 You were bought with a price
[you were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His
own]. So then, honor and glorify God with your body. (AMP)
God's will is probably one of the most important things to find for your
life. Many people are looking for relationships, money, fame, or planning
for their future. For the believer, we must understand that this life is
passing by, and it seems that it is passing by quicker everyday. We were
bought with a price, the precious blood of Jesus. We are called to
something different than the rest of the world. We are called to testify of
the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone we come in contact with. What
will all of our accomplishments mean if there have been souls lost that we
could of helped along our journey. To say to God, Your will be done, is
easier than actually doing it. Dear heavenly Father, please help us, Your
children, surrender our lives, our will to You. Help us to honor and
glorify You in all that we do. Help us to stay focused on the race before
us and fulfill the ministry that You have entrusted to each of us. In Jesus
name, amen.
Douglas
2 Corinthians 6 "Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME"!
1And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain—
2for He says,
“AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU,
AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU.”
Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION”—
Again we see Paul has a way with words. Is it any wonder why Jesus stuck him on the road to Damascus?
God has offered us Grace through His Son whom took our place and died for our sins. Do you or anyone you know received Gods grace in vain?
Vain definition: producing no result; useless:
At times like today I feel like, or should I say, I think we raised our adopted son in vain. We raised him in a Christian home, offered him the best schools but he rejected it all because of his past, his birth family. His longing desire to be like them.
Behold verse 2 is a promise from God. "for He says, “AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU.”
Do you remember your day of salvation? The day you opened your heart and let all your sins pour out on to Jesus Christ? He does!
Have you not surrendered yet? For God says: "Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION”—".
Today is YOUR day says the Lord! Pour out your heart and surrender to Jesus and you will be set free. You will become righteous in Gods eye and become one of His adopted children. Don't receive the grace of God in vain! "Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME"!
Blessings, David
Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Put on the armor of God!
Eph6:10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him
and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His
[boundless] might. 11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are
like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be
able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies
and the deceits of the devil.
and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His
[boundless] might. 11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are
like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be
able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies
and the deceits of the devil.
The battle is fierce, the battle is raging and as a soldier of the Lord, we
need to learn how to stand for battle. Our battle manual is the word of
God, the Bible. There are many Christian's that only get their nutrition
when they go to church and have someone else read to them. It is like going
to the doctor to get a check-up and never reading the instructions that you
were given on how to get better. After the soldier has learned to stand,
they need to show others how to stand as well.The devil's desire is to have
the child of God bring shame to Jesus and if that does not happen, the
enemy will attack the family and friends of the soldier. Brethren, may we
take this battle seriously and put on the armor of God. There are souls
being lost everyday, we MUST help equip the weaker brethren.
Douglas
A Heart Puzzle. Psalm 23:2b
Psalm 23 NLT
2b He leads me beside peaceful streams.
Every living being needs water to survive. If we drink from impure water sources we will get sick, plain and simple. Yet as simple as it seems, so many people still drink from impure water sources every single day.
They drink from the well of anger and defile their heart with fear. They drink from the well of addiction and try to mask the pain inside. They drink from the well of greed and build false idols in their life.
I have a wooden heart shaped puzzle. It has three pieces to it. The heart has a jagged break through the middle. The word "Jesus" is inserted across the break and holds the puzzle together. The lesson of the puzzle is that only with Jesus can you mend a broken heart.
If your still drinking from impure water sources today, turn from them, ask Jesus to give you the pure clean water only He can provide.
John 7:37 "Anyone who is thirsty may come to Me! 38 Anyone who believes in Me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart."
Blessings, Cecilia
2b He leads me beside peaceful streams.
Every living being needs water to survive. If we drink from impure water sources we will get sick, plain and simple. Yet as simple as it seems, so many people still drink from impure water sources every single day.
They drink from the well of anger and defile their heart with fear. They drink from the well of addiction and try to mask the pain inside. They drink from the well of greed and build false idols in their life.
I have a wooden heart shaped puzzle. It has three pieces to it. The heart has a jagged break through the middle. The word "Jesus" is inserted across the break and holds the puzzle together. The lesson of the puzzle is that only with Jesus can you mend a broken heart.
If your still drinking from impure water sources today, turn from them, ask Jesus to give you the pure clean water only He can provide.
John 7:37 "Anyone who is thirsty may come to Me! 38 Anyone who believes in Me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart."
Blessings, Cecilia
2 Corinthians 5 You were made righteous in the sight of God.
20Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Are you an ambassador for Christ, allowing God to make an appeal through you?
Time is at hand! Beg them on behalf of Christ to be reconciled with God.
Let's reread this verse:
"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." God created the perfect lamb who knew no sin to be the perfect sacrifice. His body and blood took away your sins so you could become the righteousness of God in Him.
Barnes' Notes
That we might be made the righteousness of God - This is a Hebraism, meaning the same as divinely righteous. It means that we are made righteous in the sight of God; that is, that we are accepted as righteous, and treated as righteous by God on account of what the Lord Jesus has done.
Go deeper here:
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/2_corinthians/5.htm
Saturday, September 24, 2016
2 Corinthians 5 Pause..... and let this sink in.
16Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. 17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
"flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh,"
There are many views on these verses, some good and some regarded as mistaken but I think this sums it up:
"that at conversion, the views are essentially changed, and that the converted man has a view of the Saviour entirely different from what he had before."
Go deeper here:
Verse 17 to me signifies and symbolizes the command of Jesus to be baptized after accepting Him as your savior. The old person, before you came to Christ is buried, passed away, (under water). The new person in Christ, is raised from the dead, (up out of the water).
Paul here reminds us our old flesh is dead, our new flesh with Christ is alive, you spirit (soul) is now alive through the grace of God.
So act like it!
God has reconciled you through the blood of Jesus Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. God needed to reconcile the world to Himself because of sin. If He didn't, wouldn't Satan have won the rebellion? Pause..... and let this sink in.
Please remember, and don't let Satan convince you otherwise, that those in Christ are forgiven their trespasses! You have been reconciled through the blood of Christ! Be at peace with your old self and walk confidently as a adopted child of God. He loves you!
Blessings, David
Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com
Friday, September 23, 2016
Rest Equals Peace Psalm 23:2a
Psalm 23 NLT
2a He lets me rest in green meadows
In order for sheep to rest they must be at peace. Sheep have three requirements that must be met to be at peace. Abundant healthy grazing pasture, relief from pests and a feeling of safety and security.
Likewise, we have requirements to be at peace.
If we are always striving for more, more money, more stuff, more time, trying to keep up with the the guy next door, believing the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, we cannot be content and have peace.
If we are "bugged" by something, it is hard for us to be content and relax enough to get a good night's rest. We toss and turn at night mulling over the events that have caused this unrest in our life. We tell everyone who will listen what happened hoping to bring them to our side, giving us a feeling of support and sympathy. Each time we retell the story, we bring more stress and anxiety on ourselves.
If we feel unsafe, either physically or emotionally, it us hard to be at peace. If we are trying to rest in a physically unsafe locating, we lie awake all night listening for sounds that would require us to be on our feet defending ourselves.
Several times when camping we have camped in areas where bears were known to be active. Whether in a tent or camper, I could not sleep those nights listening for any sound of an approaching bear. None ever came.
If we feel emotionally unsafe we cannot have peace. We have a fight with our spouse or our future seems uncertain we can't shut our brain off with the worry of what could happen. Relationship issues, job discourse, illnesses, there are a lot of reasons to feel emotionally unsafe.
God wants us to be at peace. He is the Good Shepherd And a good shepherd provides the best for his flock. God, as our Good Shepherd wants to provide the best for us. When we turn our worries over to Him, give Him control of our lives, trust Him to provide for us what we need and protect us, we will have peace.
Blessings, Cecilia
2a He lets me rest in green meadows
In order for sheep to rest they must be at peace. Sheep have three requirements that must be met to be at peace. Abundant healthy grazing pasture, relief from pests and a feeling of safety and security.
Likewise, we have requirements to be at peace.
If we are always striving for more, more money, more stuff, more time, trying to keep up with the the guy next door, believing the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, we cannot be content and have peace.
If we are "bugged" by something, it is hard for us to be content and relax enough to get a good night's rest. We toss and turn at night mulling over the events that have caused this unrest in our life. We tell everyone who will listen what happened hoping to bring them to our side, giving us a feeling of support and sympathy. Each time we retell the story, we bring more stress and anxiety on ourselves.
If we feel unsafe, either physically or emotionally, it us hard to be at peace. If we are trying to rest in a physically unsafe locating, we lie awake all night listening for sounds that would require us to be on our feet defending ourselves.
Several times when camping we have camped in areas where bears were known to be active. Whether in a tent or camper, I could not sleep those nights listening for any sound of an approaching bear. None ever came.
If we feel emotionally unsafe we cannot have peace. We have a fight with our spouse or our future seems uncertain we can't shut our brain off with the worry of what could happen. Relationship issues, job discourse, illnesses, there are a lot of reasons to feel emotionally unsafe.
God wants us to be at peace. He is the Good Shepherd And a good shepherd provides the best for his flock. God, as our Good Shepherd wants to provide the best for us. When we turn our worries over to Him, give Him control of our lives, trust Him to provide for us what we need and protect us, we will have peace.
Blessings, Cecilia
2 Corinthians 5 Are you manifesting yourself unto God?
11Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.
We are reviewing this verse again today because I received a question:
What exactly does "but we are made manifest to God" mean?
Here is some commentary on manifest;
But we are made manifest unto God - The meaning of this is, probably, that God sees that we are sincere and upright in our aims and purposes. He is acquainted with our hearts. All our motives are known to him, and he sees that it is our aim to promote his glory, and to save the souls of people. This is probably said to counteract the charge which might have been brought against him by some of the disaffected in Corinth, that he was influenced by improper motives and aims. To meet this, Paul says, that God knew that he was endeavoring to save souls, and that he was actuated by a sincere desire to rescue them from the impending terrors of the day of judgment.
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/2_corinthians/5-11.htm
made manifest unto God; he knoweth what we are, and how we have behaved ourselves: and
I trust we have so behaved ourselves, that we are not only made manifest unto God, but we
are made manifest in your consciences; so as your consciences will bear us a testimony, how we have behaved ourselves amongst you.
Some followers thought Paul had improper motives and aims in promoting Jesus Christ. So he was explaining his motives and conscience.
I suspect it was due to his previous life before salvation? Or jealousy had sprung up in the disinfected church?
Paul was promoting Gods salvation through Jesus Christ everywhere he went. Manifesting unto God. His conscience and behavior was bearing a testimony.
Are you made to manifest unto God?
Is your conscience and behavior bearing a testimony?
When you become ashes to ashes, dust to dust, what will people say about you?
Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."
Blessings, David
Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com
Thursday, September 22, 2016
2 Corinthians 5 Are you beside yourself for God?
11Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. 12We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart. 13For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.
Beside yourself definition:
you are beside yourself with a particularfeeling or emotion, it is so strong that it makes you almost out of control:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/be-beside-yourself
Are you beside yourself for God?
Does the love of Christ control you?
I leave you with the last verse in this lesson, think deeply about it before you give yourself an answer!
Do you live for yourself or Him?
"and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf."
What say you?t
Read more here:
Blessings, David
Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Believers are to be different. Are you?
Matt18:2 He called a little child and set him before them, 3 and said, “I
assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change
your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become
like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the
kingdom of heaven. Ps19:12 Who can understand his errors or omissions?
Acquit me of hidden (unconscious, unintended) faults. Eph5:4 Let there be
no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because
such things are not appropriate [for believers]; but instead speak of your
thankfulness [to God]. (AMP)
assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change
your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become
like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the
kingdom of heaven. Ps19:12 Who can understand his errors or omissions?
Acquit me of hidden (unconscious, unintended) faults. Eph5:4 Let there be
no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because
such things are not appropriate [for believers]; but instead speak of your
thankfulness [to God]. (AMP)
Recently I was in a discussion with someone and the discussion got heated.
I dropped the "F" bomb without forethought. I felt horror-able. I find it
offensive and I know that many other do as well, and most of all I know
that it is offensive to God. Jesus said to get to heaven we must become
like little children. We all do things that we may not know are sins,
unconscious or unintended, and then there are some that do it knowingly and
don't really care who it offends. They find it funny. Paul wrote that the
believers are to be different, by language and attitude. Brethren, we are
to speak words of praise and thankfulness to our God. We are to be examples
of Jesus to our world. We must take a conscious effort to be different, to
be set apart, to be holy.
Douglas
Do Not Be Cut Down Psalm 23:1
Before we move on to verse 2, I wanted to share this excerpt from "A Shepherd's Look at Psalm 23" by W. Phillip Keller
Psalm 23 NLT
A psalm of David.
1The LORD is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
"I have become increasingly aware of one thing ... It is ... the Master in people's lives who makes the difference in their destiny. Despite an unparalleled wealth in material assets we are outstandingly insecure and unsure of ourselves and well nigh bankrupt in spiritual values. Always men are searching for safety beyond themselves. They are restless, unsettled, covetous, greedy for more -- wanting this and that, yet never really satisfied in spirit.
By contrast the simple Christian, the humble person, the Shepherd's sheep can stand up proudly and boast.
"The Lord is my Shepherd -- I shall not want."
I am completely satisfied with His management of my life. Why? Because He is the sheepman to whom no trouble is too great as He cares for His flock. He is the Rancher who is outstanding because of His fondness for sheep -- who loves them for their own sake as well as His personal pleasure in them. He will, if necessary, be on the job twenty-four hours a day to see that they are properly provided for in every detail. Above all, He is very jealous of His name and high reputation as “The Good Shepherd.”
He is the owner who delights in His flock. For Him there is no greater reward, no deeper satisfaction, than that of seeing His sheep contented, well fed, safe and flourishing under His care. This is indeed His very 'life.' He gives all He has to it. He literally lays Himself out for those who are His.
He will go to no end of trouble and labor to supply them with the finest grazing, the richest pasturage, ample winter feed, and clean water. He will spare Himself no pains to provide shelter from storms, protection from ruthless enemies and the diseases and parasites to which sheep are so susceptible.
No wonder Jesus said, "I am the Good Shepherd -- the Good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." And again, "I am come that ye might have life and that ye might have it more abundantly."
From early dawn until late at night this utterly self-less Shepherd is alert to the welfare of His flock. For the diligent sheepman rises early and goes out first thing every morning without fail to look over his flock. It is the initial, intimate contact of the day. With a practiced, searching, sympathetic eye he examines the sheep to see that they are fit and content and able to be on their feet. In an instant he can tell if they have been molested during the night -- whether any are ill or if there are some which require special attention.
Repeatedly throughout the day he casts his eye over the flock to make sure that all is well.
Nor even at night is he oblivious to their needs. He sleeps as it were 'with one eye and both ears open' ready at the least sign of trouble to leap up and protect his own.
This is a sublime picture of the care given to those whose lives are under Christ's control. He knows all about their lives from morning to night.
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits -- even the God of our salvation. "He that keepeth thee will not slumber or sleep." In spite of having such a master and owner, the fact remains that some Christians are still not content with His control. They are somewhat dissatisfied, always feeling that somehow the grass beyond the fence must be a little greener. These are carnal Christians -- one might almost call them 'fence crawlers' or 'half Christians' who want the best of both worlds.
I once owned an ewe whose conduct exactly typified this sort of person. She was one of the most attractive sheep that ever belonged to me. Her body was beautifully proportioned. She had a strong constitution and an excellent coat of wool. Her head was clean, alert, well-set with bright eyes. She bore sturdy lambs that matured rapidly. But in spite of all these attractive attributes she had one pronounced fault.
She was restless -- discontented -- a fence crawler.
So much so that I came to call her 'Mrs. Gad-about.'
This one ewe produced more problems for me than almost all the rest of the flock combined.
No matter what field or pasture the sheep were in, she would search all along the fences or shoreline (we lived by the sea) looking for a loophole she could crawl through and start to feed on the other side.
It was not that she lacked pasturage. My fields were my joy and delight. No sheep in the district had better grazing.
With 'Mrs. Gad-about' it as an ingrained habit. She was simply never contented with things as they were. Often when she had forced her way through some such spot in a fence or found a way through the end of the wire at low tide on the beaches, she would end up feeding on bare, brown, burned-up pasturage of a most inferior sort.
But she never learned her lesson and continued to fence crawl time after time.
Now it would have been bad enough if she was the only one that did this. It was a sufficient problem to find her and bring her back. But the further point was that she taught her lambs the same tricks. They simply followed her example and soon were as skilled at escaping as their mother.
Even worse, however, was the example she set the other sheep. In a short time she began to lead others through the same holes and over the same dangerous paths down by the sea.
After putting up with her perverseness for a summer, I finally came to the conclusion that to save the rest of the flock from being unsettled, she would have to go. ... it was a difficult decision ... I loved her in the same way I loved the rest. Her strength and beauty and alertness were a delight to the eye.
But one morning, I took the killing knife in hand and butchered her. It was the only solution to the dilemma.
She was a sheep, who in spite of all that I had done to give her the very best care -- still wanted something else.
She is not the one who said, 'The Lord is my Shepherd -- I shall not want.'
It is a solemn warning to the carnal Christians - the backslider - the one who wants the best of both worlds.
Sometimes in short order they can be cut down."
Something to think about.
Blessings, Cecilia
Psalm 23 NLT
A psalm of David.
1The LORD is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
"I have become increasingly aware of one thing ... It is ... the Master in people's lives who makes the difference in their destiny. Despite an unparalleled wealth in material assets we are outstandingly insecure and unsure of ourselves and well nigh bankrupt in spiritual values. Always men are searching for safety beyond themselves. They are restless, unsettled, covetous, greedy for more -- wanting this and that, yet never really satisfied in spirit.
By contrast the simple Christian, the humble person, the Shepherd's sheep can stand up proudly and boast.
"The Lord is my Shepherd -- I shall not want."
I am completely satisfied with His management of my life. Why? Because He is the sheepman to whom no trouble is too great as He cares for His flock. He is the Rancher who is outstanding because of His fondness for sheep -- who loves them for their own sake as well as His personal pleasure in them. He will, if necessary, be on the job twenty-four hours a day to see that they are properly provided for in every detail. Above all, He is very jealous of His name and high reputation as “The Good Shepherd.”
He is the owner who delights in His flock. For Him there is no greater reward, no deeper satisfaction, than that of seeing His sheep contented, well fed, safe and flourishing under His care. This is indeed His very 'life.' He gives all He has to it. He literally lays Himself out for those who are His.
He will go to no end of trouble and labor to supply them with the finest grazing, the richest pasturage, ample winter feed, and clean water. He will spare Himself no pains to provide shelter from storms, protection from ruthless enemies and the diseases and parasites to which sheep are so susceptible.
No wonder Jesus said, "I am the Good Shepherd -- the Good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." And again, "I am come that ye might have life and that ye might have it more abundantly."
From early dawn until late at night this utterly self-less Shepherd is alert to the welfare of His flock. For the diligent sheepman rises early and goes out first thing every morning without fail to look over his flock. It is the initial, intimate contact of the day. With a practiced, searching, sympathetic eye he examines the sheep to see that they are fit and content and able to be on their feet. In an instant he can tell if they have been molested during the night -- whether any are ill or if there are some which require special attention.
Repeatedly throughout the day he casts his eye over the flock to make sure that all is well.
Nor even at night is he oblivious to their needs. He sleeps as it were 'with one eye and both ears open' ready at the least sign of trouble to leap up and protect his own.
This is a sublime picture of the care given to those whose lives are under Christ's control. He knows all about their lives from morning to night.
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits -- even the God of our salvation. "He that keepeth thee will not slumber or sleep." In spite of having such a master and owner, the fact remains that some Christians are still not content with His control. They are somewhat dissatisfied, always feeling that somehow the grass beyond the fence must be a little greener. These are carnal Christians -- one might almost call them 'fence crawlers' or 'half Christians' who want the best of both worlds.
I once owned an ewe whose conduct exactly typified this sort of person. She was one of the most attractive sheep that ever belonged to me. Her body was beautifully proportioned. She had a strong constitution and an excellent coat of wool. Her head was clean, alert, well-set with bright eyes. She bore sturdy lambs that matured rapidly. But in spite of all these attractive attributes she had one pronounced fault.
She was restless -- discontented -- a fence crawler.
So much so that I came to call her 'Mrs. Gad-about.'
This one ewe produced more problems for me than almost all the rest of the flock combined.
No matter what field or pasture the sheep were in, she would search all along the fences or shoreline (we lived by the sea) looking for a loophole she could crawl through and start to feed on the other side.
It was not that she lacked pasturage. My fields were my joy and delight. No sheep in the district had better grazing.
With 'Mrs. Gad-about' it as an ingrained habit. She was simply never contented with things as they were. Often when she had forced her way through some such spot in a fence or found a way through the end of the wire at low tide on the beaches, she would end up feeding on bare, brown, burned-up pasturage of a most inferior sort.
But she never learned her lesson and continued to fence crawl time after time.
Now it would have been bad enough if she was the only one that did this. It was a sufficient problem to find her and bring her back. But the further point was that she taught her lambs the same tricks. They simply followed her example and soon were as skilled at escaping as their mother.
Even worse, however, was the example she set the other sheep. In a short time she began to lead others through the same holes and over the same dangerous paths down by the sea.
After putting up with her perverseness for a summer, I finally came to the conclusion that to save the rest of the flock from being unsettled, she would have to go. ... it was a difficult decision ... I loved her in the same way I loved the rest. Her strength and beauty and alertness were a delight to the eye.
But one morning, I took the killing knife in hand and butchered her. It was the only solution to the dilemma.
She was a sheep, who in spite of all that I had done to give her the very best care -- still wanted something else.
She is not the one who said, 'The Lord is my Shepherd -- I shall not want.'
It is a solemn warning to the carnal Christians - the backslider - the one who wants the best of both worlds.
Sometimes in short order they can be cut down."
Something to think about.
Blessings, Cecilia
2 Corinthians 5 All means ALL!
6Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— 7for we walk by faith, not by sight— 8we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. 9Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Paul reminds us of four important aspects in these verses.
"for we walk by faith, not by sight". Remember Doubting Thomas? Remembered throughout history as the one who wouldn't believe unless he saw Jesus!
What about you?
"I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord."
Me too! I'm tired of the pain this old retched body produces!
"our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him."
Is that your ambition, to be pleasing to Him?
"10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."
All means all! This is the scariest part! Our deeds will be shown for all to see, whether good or bad! I've done bad things in my lifetime and I am ashamed of them, but I hold on to His promise that;
Psalm 103:12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
So I hold on to my faith in Jesus Christ! I hold on the His promise!
What about you?
Blessings, David
Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Are your eyes fixed on Jesus?
Heb2:2 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes
on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for
our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy
[of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding
the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing
His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].
on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for
our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy
[of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding
the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing
His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].
There are many things that can distract the believer from what God has for
them to do. It is also so easy to get caught up in the business of life as
well. Pride and selfishness are 2 of the major causes of sin. Jesus went to
the cross for us, disregarded the shame, all because of love. Jesus is my
best friend, though many times, He is a better friend to me than I am to
Him. My heart is to share Jesus with everyone I come in contact with and
many times I fall short. For the believer, if we truly believe that hell is
as bad as the Bible says, we would not want our worst enemies to go.
Brethren, we MUST keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, and let our world know that
Jesus loves them and so do we, especially those we don't want to.
Douglas
All I Need Psalm 23:1b
Psalm 23 NLT
1b I have all that I need.
David is not talking about material needs. It's a relationship with his God that gives him this complete satisfaction in his life. Paul tells us in Philippines 4:12 "I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
The "secret" is being satisfied with what you have because you know God is providing exactly what you need. It's the "daily bread" He gives us.
If you are content with your relationship with Jesus, if you are content with the knowledge of your salvation, you have all you need. As a good shepherd will not allow his sheep to suffer and will provide for the flocks need, Jesus as our Good Shepherd will not allow us as His flock to go without our basic needs. That knowledge should be comforting to us. That knowledge should give us peace.
There a popular saying going around "Whoever dies with the most stuff wins". I don't find that humorous, I find it sad. I don't know what you win, but I know what you loose. With that mentality in life, your future is most certainly death, an eternal death that has no life. I would much rather live this life with nothing to gain an eternal life with Jesus. That is a life with everything.
Blessings, Cecilia
1b I have all that I need.
David is not talking about material needs. It's a relationship with his God that gives him this complete satisfaction in his life. Paul tells us in Philippines 4:12 "I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
The "secret" is being satisfied with what you have because you know God is providing exactly what you need. It's the "daily bread" He gives us.
If you are content with your relationship with Jesus, if you are content with the knowledge of your salvation, you have all you need. As a good shepherd will not allow his sheep to suffer and will provide for the flocks need, Jesus as our Good Shepherd will not allow us as His flock to go without our basic needs. That knowledge should be comforting to us. That knowledge should give us peace.
There a popular saying going around "Whoever dies with the most stuff wins". I don't find that humorous, I find it sad. I don't know what you win, but I know what you loose. With that mentality in life, your future is most certainly death, an eternal death that has no life. I would much rather live this life with nothing to gain an eternal life with Jesus. That is a life with everything.
Blessings, Cecilia
2 Corinthians 5 Thank Him for the pledge!
The Temporal and Eternal
1For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, 3inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. 4For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. 5Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.
Why do we groan daily? Because we are mortal and live where the rust and moth decay things.
Ever since we moved a year ago we have done nothing but work on our home, whipping it into shape getting it to our liking. It seems like one project after another. Never ceasing. One thing we noticed with all the trees is, if we stopped maintaining our home, everything mortal, mother nature would take over and swallow it up with life. The trees here send out roots and they continually sprout saplings engulfing everything! It is really evident when we drive to another town as you notice some homes being swallowed up by life, by nature. It makes me wonder. What happened to the owner, did they pass away?
So indeed, in this house we groan, we continually work to be clothed! I can't wait to go to heaven and see what Jesus has prepared for us!
But we have a pledge from God! He gave us the Spirit! So rejoice in everything you do, thank Him for your provisions, thank Him for getting you through the day, thank Him for the rest your weary bones receive at night. Thank Him for the pledge! Don't forget, Jesus is preparing a place for you, where rust and moth don't exist! What a place it will be! Holy Spirit, guide this decaying body through this day!
Blessings, David
Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com
Monday, September 19, 2016
A Shepherd And His Sheep. Psalm 23:1a
Psalm 23 NLT
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd
David, who is king of Israel at the time of writing this declares "The LORD is his shepherd". David knew what it was to be a shepherd. He had spent many nights alone with his flock in the hills surrounding Bethlehem. He had time to reflect on who God is and the importance of Him in his life.
The anthology of God as our shepherd first appears in Genesis and is carried through the New Testament.
A shepherd was considered one of the lowest "jobs" available. There was no glamour involved, no chance of advancement. Yet it was a very important and dangerous job. Sheep are very stupid animals. That doesn't say much for us as "the sheep" does it? Sheep are fearful, timid, stubborn, and instinctively go with the herd. They require meticulous care and endless attention. They cannot find food or water on their own. If one lamb runs off a cliff the rest will follow. If unprotected, wolves will kill them all because they don't have the sense to run. If they fall down, they cannot get back up without the shepherds help. Without a good shepherd, willing to sacrifice his own life for their well being, the sheep will die.
Oh, wait, that DOES sound exactly like us and our need for a Savior doesn't it?
Blessings, Cecilia
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd
David, who is king of Israel at the time of writing this declares "The LORD is his shepherd". David knew what it was to be a shepherd. He had spent many nights alone with his flock in the hills surrounding Bethlehem. He had time to reflect on who God is and the importance of Him in his life.
The anthology of God as our shepherd first appears in Genesis and is carried through the New Testament.
A shepherd was considered one of the lowest "jobs" available. There was no glamour involved, no chance of advancement. Yet it was a very important and dangerous job. Sheep are very stupid animals. That doesn't say much for us as "the sheep" does it? Sheep are fearful, timid, stubborn, and instinctively go with the herd. They require meticulous care and endless attention. They cannot find food or water on their own. If one lamb runs off a cliff the rest will follow. If unprotected, wolves will kill them all because they don't have the sense to run. If they fall down, they cannot get back up without the shepherds help. Without a good shepherd, willing to sacrifice his own life for their well being, the sheep will die.
Oh, wait, that DOES sound exactly like us and our need for a Savior doesn't it?
Blessings, Cecilia
2 Corinthians 4 Will you speak to others about Jesus today?
13But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, 14knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. 15For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.
16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Do you also believe, therefore you also speak?
"knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus"! What a promise!
"grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God." Abound the glory of God!
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. As we grow older we realize we can't do the things we use to do. We are proof our outer man is decaying!
Everything you see around you is temporal, it is going to burn up!
Store up your unseen riches in heaven.
Will you speak to others about Jesus today?
Blessings, David
Scripture blog; http://stanfordsancutaryscripturestudies.blogspot.com
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