A good friend of mine posted this and I wanted to share as the devotion today....thought provoking I thought!
WHO YOU LOVIN' ON?
So, we've passed yet another glorified holiday, better known as Valentine's Day that had retailers foaming at the mouth. Purchases of chocolate, cards, flowers and jewelry were making the cash registers sing louder than the Vienna Boys Choir. All of these things wrapped in pretty paper, red-tinted cellophane covered with decorations of hearts and love themed graphics....doesn't it make your heart thump wildly like the Energizer Bunny after a case of Red Bull?
As I sat in the second row at Second Baptist Church this past Sunday, I glanced down at my bulletin to notice that today's message was going to be on our love for Christ. Ok, nothing new as far as topics go, but what was going to be said today? Brother Eddie started into the message and perhaps it was a message spoken many times about our love of Jesus, but it stirred my mind a bit.
First off, I am not a fan of Valentine's Day. It should be every day that you tell your spouse that you love them, show them that you love them, do unexpected things for the love of them. That's my opinion on the purposed holiday of V-Day. But what am I doing on a daily basis for Jesus Christ? After all, he loves us every day, shows His love everyday and even does unexpected things for me every day. Do I necessarily see all of those things? No, but I don't need to. My heart is filled with the faith and love that I receive UNCONDITIONALLY every day. He doesn't get mad if I didn't do laundry last night or made a bad meal....that's why it's called unconditional! Ok, so how am I returning that love? Hmmm, let's see:
I do pray, yet not enough. I do read the Bible, yet not enough. I do believe in His words, but don't adhere enough. I am compassionate, but not enough. I think you see my point. Is what we are giving to Jesus Christ really enough? Or are we so focused on the world and all that it offers to us, to get what WE want? What is in the want category for you? For me? That's really for you to decide in your own time.
As another Valentine's Day passes, take time to look at your List of Love Priorities...who is on top? You? Your spouse? Or Jesus Christ, who gave His life for you and me? Hmmm...Oh, look! One of those somewhat less than appetizing NECCO candy hearts just fell into my lap. And what do you know...it says I LOVE YOU! Hmmm...wonder who sent THAT heart to me?
Blessings - Jason
Awesome Jason...thanks!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
It takes two to tango! #31
Check out these verses:
Philippians 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
This verse has always intrigued me. It almost sounds contradictory. In verse 12 Paul tells us to work out our own salvation but then turns around and says in verse 13 it is God who works in us! If you look at it it is not contradictory at all. It teaches us a simple truth that is throughout the Bible. That truth is this....God will work in us through the Holy Spirit but we have a responsibility to work also! Pretty simple huh? Could God force us to do His will....absolutely He could but that is not Love and God is Love! He has given us free will to do as we choose. Many times in my life I haved wished I didn't have this free will because I have blown it so many times. BUT that is where some more good news comes in....I serve a forgiving, loving God who when I fail picks me up, dusts me off, and tells me to get in there and try it again. As I was writing this I pictured learning to ride a bicycle. When dad or mom was teaching us we would fall and they would pick up, make sure we were ok, and encourage us to try again! Why? Because they love us!
So we see here this morning it does take two to tango. God works in us through the Spirit and we work out our Salvation by being obedient and doing God's will in our life. Let me tell you my friend this will be the most beutiful dance you will ever have!!!
Side note....we do not work to obtain Salvation but we do work to prove our Salvation....read James for more details!
Have a great weekend brothers and sisters!
Tom
Philippians 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
This verse has always intrigued me. It almost sounds contradictory. In verse 12 Paul tells us to work out our own salvation but then turns around and says in verse 13 it is God who works in us! If you look at it it is not contradictory at all. It teaches us a simple truth that is throughout the Bible. That truth is this....God will work in us through the Holy Spirit but we have a responsibility to work also! Pretty simple huh? Could God force us to do His will....absolutely He could but that is not Love and God is Love! He has given us free will to do as we choose. Many times in my life I haved wished I didn't have this free will because I have blown it so many times. BUT that is where some more good news comes in....I serve a forgiving, loving God who when I fail picks me up, dusts me off, and tells me to get in there and try it again. As I was writing this I pictured learning to ride a bicycle. When dad or mom was teaching us we would fall and they would pick up, make sure we were ok, and encourage us to try again! Why? Because they love us!
So we see here this morning it does take two to tango. God works in us through the Spirit and we work out our Salvation by being obedient and doing God's will in our life. Let me tell you my friend this will be the most beutiful dance you will ever have!!!
Side note....we do not work to obtain Salvation but we do work to prove our Salvation....read James for more details!
Have a great weekend brothers and sisters!
Tom
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Impossible to sin! #30
This is a very simple devotion today. Read this verse:
Galatians 5:16
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Did you know that if we are walking in the Spirit it is impossible to sin? That is exactly what this verse is telling us. If we are in tune with the Spirit, he will warn us of sin and we will be obedient. Now here is the rest of the story. We may have the Spirit in us but we may not listen to His counsel and choose to sin. Just stop for a moment and think about this simple teaching.
Again if we are in step with the Spirit we will listen and obey thus we will not sin. This does not mean that you are not a Christian if you sin, it does mean that you are ignoring or supressing the counsel of the Holy Spirit.
So here is the question this morning for each one of us....are we walking hand in hand with the Spirit or are we choosing when we want Him and when we don't????
I am praying for you today!
Tom
Galatians 5:16
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Did you know that if we are walking in the Spirit it is impossible to sin? That is exactly what this verse is telling us. If we are in tune with the Spirit, he will warn us of sin and we will be obedient. Now here is the rest of the story. We may have the Spirit in us but we may not listen to His counsel and choose to sin. Just stop for a moment and think about this simple teaching.
Again if we are in step with the Spirit we will listen and obey thus we will not sin. This does not mean that you are not a Christian if you sin, it does mean that you are ignoring or supressing the counsel of the Holy Spirit.
So here is the question this morning for each one of us....are we walking hand in hand with the Spirit or are we choosing when we want Him and when we don't????
I am praying for you today!
Tom
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Security #29
Praise God some more good news from His Word this morning! I want to ask you something this morning. Have you even been insercure in your faith? To be honest I have been from time to time. I tend to think the devil is good at placing things in our life to make us question our security in the Lord. Satan wants us to question if God is really with us in hard times. Satan wants us to question if Jesus really died for us. Satan wants us to question is God really does love humanity and the list can go on and on. BUT! God's word deals with that! Read the verses below:
Galatians 4:6-9
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?
God shows us in His Word we have no reason for insecurities! The Spirit cries out from our hearts "Father" showing us our close as you can get relationship with God. Stop and think about that for a moment. Then thank God for providing that fatherly love! Then verse 7 tells us we are no longer slaves but a son and an heir to God through Christ! Now if that don't take care of your insecurities I don't know what will!!!! An heir of God! That is beyond my comprehension to fully grasp the magnitude of that. Verse 8-9 basically say why in the world would we ever want to turn back to the weak elements of the world and be in bondage as slaves. That is a very good question!
So this morning I want us to realize and not forget we are secure in the mighty arms of God our Father! Doesn't that feel so good! Close oyur eyes and picture that! Now don't let Satan turn you back to being a slave!
Thank you Father for security. Help me to keep my eyes on you, for then I will not be turned!
Tom
Galatians 4:6-9
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?
God shows us in His Word we have no reason for insecurities! The Spirit cries out from our hearts "Father" showing us our close as you can get relationship with God. Stop and think about that for a moment. Then thank God for providing that fatherly love! Then verse 7 tells us we are no longer slaves but a son and an heir to God through Christ! Now if that don't take care of your insecurities I don't know what will!!!! An heir of God! That is beyond my comprehension to fully grasp the magnitude of that. Verse 8-9 basically say why in the world would we ever want to turn back to the weak elements of the world and be in bondage as slaves. That is a very good question!
So this morning I want us to realize and not forget we are secure in the mighty arms of God our Father! Doesn't that feel so good! Close oyur eyes and picture that! Now don't let Satan turn you back to being a slave!
Thank you Father for security. Help me to keep my eyes on you, for then I will not be turned!
Tom
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Spirit leads to love! #28
Can you imagine what this world would be like if the church would love like the Bible teaches? It would change the world! This morning though I want us to think about ourselves. We are a part of the church if we are saved. If each one of us would take care of me in the love compartment than the church and the whole world would be a better place. Look at these verses of how the leading of the Spirit and love are tied together.
Ephesians 3:16-19
16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
We know that as soon as we are saved God grants us with the strength of the Spirit as shown in verse 16 and I want you to catch this part in verse 17 "that you, being rooted and grounded in love." Now I don't know about you but I had to stop and ask myself...Have I allowed the Spirit to root and ground love into my life so I can bloom or share it into others lives? My answer was yes in some I have and no in others I haven't. By the way that is not the right answer....I should be loving all no excuses are accepted by God! Matter of fact He tells us to love our enemies! Now that brings me to the verses in Corinthians that pretty well sums up being led to love by the Spirit...check these out:
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Paul tells us point blank in these verses....we may have power in the Spirit....tounges of men and angles, prophetic powers, understanding all mysteries and all knowledge, so much faith one can move mountains, but if we don not have love, it is of no use!!! WOW!!! Stop and think about that! So many Christians wish they had this gift or that gift but God is telling us here if we don't have the one gift (love) all can have through the Spirit we have nothing!!!
So this morning remember the Spirit leads us to love. How are you doing in the love department? My friends let us make sure we desire the most important gift of the Spirit...love!
Tom
p.s. I just had a thought pop in my mind...I know that could be dangerous! haha I should have saved this devotion for Valentines Day!!!
Ephesians 3:16-19
16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
We know that as soon as we are saved God grants us with the strength of the Spirit as shown in verse 16 and I want you to catch this part in verse 17 "that you, being rooted and grounded in love." Now I don't know about you but I had to stop and ask myself...Have I allowed the Spirit to root and ground love into my life so I can bloom or share it into others lives? My answer was yes in some I have and no in others I haven't. By the way that is not the right answer....I should be loving all no excuses are accepted by God! Matter of fact He tells us to love our enemies! Now that brings me to the verses in Corinthians that pretty well sums up being led to love by the Spirit...check these out:
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Paul tells us point blank in these verses....we may have power in the Spirit....tounges of men and angles, prophetic powers, understanding all mysteries and all knowledge, so much faith one can move mountains, but if we don not have love, it is of no use!!! WOW!!! Stop and think about that! So many Christians wish they had this gift or that gift but God is telling us here if we don't have the one gift (love) all can have through the Spirit we have nothing!!!
So this morning remember the Spirit leads us to love. How are you doing in the love department? My friends let us make sure we desire the most important gift of the Spirit...love!
Tom
p.s. I just had a thought pop in my mind...I know that could be dangerous! haha I should have saved this devotion for Valentines Day!!!
Friday, February 5, 2010
A Battle! #27
Our life with the Holy Spirit guiding us is a battle. You see when we have the Spirit dwelling in us we still have the old flesh wanting us to fullfill it's desire at the same time. We must be on guard at all times. Look at this verse:
Galatians 5:17
17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
You see how Paul explains to us that weare in a battle? The works of the flesh are things like fighting, uncontrolled anger, back bitting, and idolatry. The works of the Spirit are love, self control, joy, faithfullness. You see how they are exact opposites?? Paul goes on to say in Galatians that those who belong to Christ overcome the flesh. Look at this verse:
Galatians 5:24
24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
You see the Spirit leads us to holiness and it is not easy but it is possible. Growing in holiness is a lifelong process and we must continually work twards holiness with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. So if we are in Christ we should be denying our fleshly deises and following the Spirt's fruits!
So how are you doing in this? Are you in the battle? Are you winning or losing? You can win! Let the Spirit lead and you will win!!! And when you win we are pleasing God with a life of holiness!
Have a great weekend!
Tom
Galatians 5:17
17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
You see how Paul explains to us that weare in a battle? The works of the flesh are things like fighting, uncontrolled anger, back bitting, and idolatry. The works of the Spirit are love, self control, joy, faithfullness. You see how they are exact opposites?? Paul goes on to say in Galatians that those who belong to Christ overcome the flesh. Look at this verse:
Galatians 5:24
24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
You see the Spirit leads us to holiness and it is not easy but it is possible. Growing in holiness is a lifelong process and we must continually work twards holiness with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. So if we are in Christ we should be denying our fleshly deises and following the Spirt's fruits!
So how are you doing in this? Are you in the battle? Are you winning or losing? You can win! Let the Spirit lead and you will win!!! And when you win we are pleasing God with a life of holiness!
Have a great weekend!
Tom
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Attention...I don't want it. #27
When the Holy Spirit is working in one's life there is something in his life that is clear to see .....humility! If anyone is claiming to be working in the Spirit but wants to be praised by man the Spirit is not working in him the devil is! Look at this verse:
Matthew 5:16 (New King James Version)
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
So as this verse teaches...who is to receive the glory of your good works? God!!! Not us! It really irritates me to see some of the T.V. preachers put on a show like they do and draw attention to themselves. It is a very dangerous thing to do as we serve a jealous God. Those who do such a thing will answer for it one day.
After I preach I usually will greet the people as they leave the church and they will tell me things like "you did a great job" and my response is "give God the glory". It really bothers me for people to tell me that. I know they do it out of kindness and to encourage me but I don't deserve any credit what so ever...for I am nothing and God is everything! Attention is something none of us should be after, and to use the Holy Spirit to try and get it makes it even worse!
So may all of us give God the glory in everything....for He alone is worthy. Proper use of the Spirit brings attention to God not us!
Praise the Lord today.....Tom
Matthew 5:16 (New King James Version)
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
So as this verse teaches...who is to receive the glory of your good works? God!!! Not us! It really irritates me to see some of the T.V. preachers put on a show like they do and draw attention to themselves. It is a very dangerous thing to do as we serve a jealous God. Those who do such a thing will answer for it one day.
After I preach I usually will greet the people as they leave the church and they will tell me things like "you did a great job" and my response is "give God the glory". It really bothers me for people to tell me that. I know they do it out of kindness and to encourage me but I don't deserve any credit what so ever...for I am nothing and God is everything! Attention is something none of us should be after, and to use the Holy Spirit to try and get it makes it even worse!
So may all of us give God the glory in everything....for He alone is worthy. Proper use of the Spirit brings attention to God not us!
Praise the Lord today.....Tom
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