I was doing some reading and come upon this question:
TO a missionary sharing Christ: "Do you want me to become a Christian because you love me, or do you love me so I will become a Christian?
I have read this over and over now and am trying to figure out the anwswer. So what would you say? I believe after much thought and consideration, it should be both! I believe from scriture we can see where both should be a part of our life. Let me show you.
The first question is fairly easy "Do you want me to become a Christian because you love me?" The answer to this is the second greatest commandment according to Christ. Love your neighbor as yourself. Because of our love for others it should be natural for us to want them to be a Christian and have eternal life.
The second question is a little more difficult to answer. "Do you love me so I will become a Christian?" I believe this question can be answered in 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a:
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.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails.
Now this don't directly answer the question, I believe it does in a round about way. Here is why I say this. You see in this passage that God's word tells us that love is the most important gift He gives us. God also tells us that love never fails. So what I pull from this scripture is when we love, God will do amazing work through the Holy Spirit through us. With that being said what is the greatest gift God wants to give? Salvation! When we show others love we should have in mind bringing them to Jesus so they can be a Christian!
Our desire in life as Christians should be for others to come to Him for a personal relationship no matter how you word it!!!!
Have a great weekend and worship the King!
Tom
Friday, February 19, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Now just do it!!!! #33 (Last of series)
Well my friends today's devotion will end this series on the Holy Spirit. Feel free to come back and look back over many of the thoughts shared on the Spirit. It has been a wonderful reminder and refresher to me and I hope and pray it has done the same for you.
James 4:17
17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
This verse is pretty simple huh? But when we apply it to the Holy Spirit and being obedient it becomes very difficult. I say this because when we review all the things we have learned about the Holy Spirit, it is work and takes effort to listen and obey with all of our lives. For example, remember the fruits of the Spirit?
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
We need to do these! If we don't God said in James it is sin! They should be very apparent to others. Ask yourself...am I more kind and faithful than a Mormon? Do you have more self-control than a Muslim. Do you have more peace than a Buddhist? More joty than an Atheist? If the Holy Spirit dwells in us we should be super naturallly charged up and this fruit shoud be evident to those we come in contact with daily!!! Notice in the verse it doesn't say fruits it says fruit meaningall theses characteristics of the Spirit should be all wraped up together as one. We don't pick which one we want to do we do them all as the Spirit leads!!!
You see my friends if we are in Christ, we have the power throught the Holy Spirit to be radically different for the Glory of God. It is time for the church to rise and quit trying to run the church on our strength which as we have seen brings the church to a slow death and put the church back in the hands of God where it belongs so the Spirit can move and change peoples lives! From what I read in the scriptures when we rely on God, the Spirit will do unexplainable things which in turn brings people to God in Worship.
So as the old slogan says it is time for us to just do it. Let go and let the Spirit of God lead us and transform us into God's children and worship God with everything we have! How about it are you ready for the adventure? I can promise you, you won't regret it!!!
Thank you Jesus for sending the Holy Spirit to help us, we would be lost with out Him!
Tom
James 4:17
17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
This verse is pretty simple huh? But when we apply it to the Holy Spirit and being obedient it becomes very difficult. I say this because when we review all the things we have learned about the Holy Spirit, it is work and takes effort to listen and obey with all of our lives. For example, remember the fruits of the Spirit?
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
We need to do these! If we don't God said in James it is sin! They should be very apparent to others. Ask yourself...am I more kind and faithful than a Mormon? Do you have more self-control than a Muslim. Do you have more peace than a Buddhist? More joty than an Atheist? If the Holy Spirit dwells in us we should be super naturallly charged up and this fruit shoud be evident to those we come in contact with daily!!! Notice in the verse it doesn't say fruits it says fruit meaningall theses characteristics of the Spirit should be all wraped up together as one. We don't pick which one we want to do we do them all as the Spirit leads!!!
You see my friends if we are in Christ, we have the power throught the Holy Spirit to be radically different for the Glory of God. It is time for the church to rise and quit trying to run the church on our strength which as we have seen brings the church to a slow death and put the church back in the hands of God where it belongs so the Spirit can move and change peoples lives! From what I read in the scriptures when we rely on God, the Spirit will do unexplainable things which in turn brings people to God in Worship.
So as the old slogan says it is time for us to just do it. Let go and let the Spirit of God lead us and transform us into God's children and worship God with everything we have! How about it are you ready for the adventure? I can promise you, you won't regret it!!!
Thank you Jesus for sending the Holy Spirit to help us, we would be lost with out Him!
Tom
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Spirit Filled Church #32
Let us think about our own church this morning. Well I guess we will have to think about other churches too some..haha. Can the things that take place on a typical Sunday morning at your church happen every Sunday or do some things that take place only happen because the Holy Spirit has done some super natural moving? Interesting question huh? I have been to some churches that I would say fall into both of what is asked here. You see we can be in a big danger of filling our churches with dynamic speakers and singers who are very talented and can draw a crowd but the Holy Spirit is no where to be found. I believe God would rather see 10 in chruch and the Spirit moving in a mighty way then 2,000 and the Spirit no where to be found, don't you?
I don't usually ask you to read a whole chapter but to grasp waht I want to say you may need to if you haven't read this story in some time:
1 Kings 18
1 And it came to pass after many days that the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.”
2 So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab; and there was a severe famine in Samaria. 3 And Ahab had called Obadiah, who was in charge of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly. 4 For so it was, while Jezebel massacred the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah had taken one hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty to a cave, and had fed them with bread and water.) 5 And Ahab had said to Obadiah, “Go into the land to all the springs of water and to all the brooks; perhaps we may find grass to keep the horses and mules alive, so that we will not have to kill any livestock.” 6 So they divided the land between them to explore it; Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
7 Now as Obadiah was on his way, suddenly Elijah met him; and he recognized him, and fell on his face, and said, “Is that you, my lord Elijah?”
8 And he answered him, “It is I. Go, tell your master, ‘Elijah is here.’”
9 So he said, “How have I sinned, that you are delivering your servant into the hand of Ahab, to kill me? 10 As the LORD your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my master has not sent someone to hunt for you; and when they said, ‘He is not here,’ he took an oath from the kingdom or nation that they could not find you. 11 And now you say, ‘Go, tell your master, “Elijah is here”’! 12 And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit of the LORD will carry you to a place I do not know; so when I go and tell Ahab, and he cannot find you, he will kill me. But I your servant have feared the LORD from my youth. 13 Was it not reported to my lord what I did when Jezebel killed the prophets of the LORD, how I hid one hundred men of the LORD’s prophets, fifty to a cave, and fed them with bread and water? 14 And now you say, ‘Go, tell your master, “Elijah is here.”’ He will kill me!”
15 Then Elijah said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely present myself to him today.”
16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
17 Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?”
18 And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals. 19 Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me on Mount Carmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”
Elijah’s Mount Carmel Victory
20 So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word. 22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I alone am left a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. 23 Therefore let them give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it. 24 Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD; and the God who answers by fire, He is God.”
So all the people answered and said, “It is well spoken.”
25 Now Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one bull for yourselves and prepare it first, for you are many; and call on the name of your god, but put no fire under it.”
26 So they took the bull which was given them, and they prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even till noon, saying, “O Baal, hear us!” But there was no voice; no one answered. Then they leaped about the altar which they had made.
27 And so it was, at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, “Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” 28 So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them. 29 And when midday was past, they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. But there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention.
30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down. 31 And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, “Israel shall be your name.” 32 Then with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD; and he made a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. 33 And he put the wood in order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood, and said, “Fill four waterpots with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice and on the wood.” 34 Then he said, “Do it a second time,” and they did it a second time; and he said, “Do it a third time,” and they did it a third time. 35 So the water ran all around the altar; and he also filled the trench with water.
36 And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. 37 Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.”
38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!”
40 And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let one of them escape!” So they seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the Brook Kishon and executed them there.
The Drought Ends
41 Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.” 42 So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, 43 and said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.”
So he went up and looked, and said, “There is nothing.” And seven times he said, “Go again.”
44 Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’”
45 Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. 46 Then the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
The prophets of Baal had some awesome worship..very passionate. They cried out, they prophesied from morning to evening, and maybe even had great time fo fellowship if you want to call it that BUT nothing happened! No Spirit moving.
Then Elijah prayed, The Spirit moved, God sent fire from heaven. Remember this....other than praying it is God who moved through the Spirit...nothing Elijah could have done to manipulate this situation. That is what we should be desiring ion our churches!!!!
Check out v39 Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!” I love this..the people arn't saying what a great message preacher!!! They are stunned by the movement of God and are praising Him!!! AWESOME!!!
So how about is God moving at your church or do people leave talking about the people who are charge? Let us make sure worship is about the moving of the Spirit of God not about us...amen?
Pray for each other!
Tom
I don't usually ask you to read a whole chapter but to grasp waht I want to say you may need to if you haven't read this story in some time:
1 Kings 18
1 And it came to pass after many days that the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.”
2 So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab; and there was a severe famine in Samaria. 3 And Ahab had called Obadiah, who was in charge of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly. 4 For so it was, while Jezebel massacred the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah had taken one hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty to a cave, and had fed them with bread and water.) 5 And Ahab had said to Obadiah, “Go into the land to all the springs of water and to all the brooks; perhaps we may find grass to keep the horses and mules alive, so that we will not have to kill any livestock.” 6 So they divided the land between them to explore it; Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
7 Now as Obadiah was on his way, suddenly Elijah met him; and he recognized him, and fell on his face, and said, “Is that you, my lord Elijah?”
8 And he answered him, “It is I. Go, tell your master, ‘Elijah is here.’”
9 So he said, “How have I sinned, that you are delivering your servant into the hand of Ahab, to kill me? 10 As the LORD your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my master has not sent someone to hunt for you; and when they said, ‘He is not here,’ he took an oath from the kingdom or nation that they could not find you. 11 And now you say, ‘Go, tell your master, “Elijah is here”’! 12 And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit of the LORD will carry you to a place I do not know; so when I go and tell Ahab, and he cannot find you, he will kill me. But I your servant have feared the LORD from my youth. 13 Was it not reported to my lord what I did when Jezebel killed the prophets of the LORD, how I hid one hundred men of the LORD’s prophets, fifty to a cave, and fed them with bread and water? 14 And now you say, ‘Go, tell your master, “Elijah is here.”’ He will kill me!”
15 Then Elijah said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely present myself to him today.”
16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah.
17 Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?”
18 And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals. 19 Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me on Mount Carmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”
Elijah’s Mount Carmel Victory
20 So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word. 22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I alone am left a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. 23 Therefore let them give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it. 24 Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD; and the God who answers by fire, He is God.”
So all the people answered and said, “It is well spoken.”
25 Now Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one bull for yourselves and prepare it first, for you are many; and call on the name of your god, but put no fire under it.”
26 So they took the bull which was given them, and they prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even till noon, saying, “O Baal, hear us!” But there was no voice; no one answered. Then they leaped about the altar which they had made.
27 And so it was, at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, “Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” 28 So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them. 29 And when midday was past, they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. But there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention.
30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down. 31 And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, “Israel shall be your name.” 32 Then with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD; and he made a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. 33 And he put the wood in order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood, and said, “Fill four waterpots with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice and on the wood.” 34 Then he said, “Do it a second time,” and they did it a second time; and he said, “Do it a third time,” and they did it a third time. 35 So the water ran all around the altar; and he also filled the trench with water.
36 And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. 37 Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.”
38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!”
40 And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let one of them escape!” So they seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the Brook Kishon and executed them there.
The Drought Ends
41 Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.” 42 So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, 43 and said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.”
So he went up and looked, and said, “There is nothing.” And seven times he said, “Go again.”
44 Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’”
45 Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. 46 Then the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
The prophets of Baal had some awesome worship..very passionate. They cried out, they prophesied from morning to evening, and maybe even had great time fo fellowship if you want to call it that BUT nothing happened! No Spirit moving.
Then Elijah prayed, The Spirit moved, God sent fire from heaven. Remember this....other than praying it is God who moved through the Spirit...nothing Elijah could have done to manipulate this situation. That is what we should be desiring ion our churches!!!!
Check out v39 Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!” I love this..the people arn't saying what a great message preacher!!! They are stunned by the movement of God and are praising Him!!! AWESOME!!!
So how about is God moving at your church or do people leave talking about the people who are charge? Let us make sure worship is about the moving of the Spirit of God not about us...amen?
Pray for each other!
Tom
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Sorry!!!!
Sorry for no devotion today...I been sick and will try to get back at it in a day or two. Thanks for your faithfulness of reading these!!!
Tom
Tom
Monday, February 15, 2010
WHO YOU LOVIN' ON?
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!
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!
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
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