Crucified with Christ
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
People sometimes will use the expression, "We all have our cross to bear." But our cross to bear is not whatever we find difficult in life. The cross to bear, so to speak, is the same for everyone: it is dying to self.
Dying to self means resisting the temptation to do what everyone else is doing when you know it is wrong. Dying to self means forgiving instead of harboring a grudge. Dying to self means putting down the remote control and picking up the Bible. Dying to self means praying when you would rather be sleeping. Dying to self means swallowing your pride and telling someone about Jesus Christ. Dying to self means doing what God wants you to do rather than doing what you want to do.
Jesus said, "Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:33). That does not mean you must take a vow of poverty and give every possession away to be a disciple of Jesus. "Forsake all" literally could be translated, "Surrender your claim to, say good-bye to." This means that true disciples of Jesus are not possessed by their possessions.
When you die to yourself and take up the cross, you will experience joy and an overflowing life. The apostle Paul put it this way: "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
Are you a fan or a follower/disciple (one who is learning,being trained,instructed, corrected & committed to lead others by example)of Jesus Christ? If you want to be a disciple, then you must love God more than anyone or anything else. You must deny yourself. And you must take up the cross and follow Jesus.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Friday, May 21, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
God's Economics For Tough Times
God's Economics For Tough Times (2)
Unless you lived through the Great Depression you've never experienced times like the present: bank failures, bailouts, housing repossessions, unemployment, etc. You can see fear on people's faces and sense it in their words. So, where do we turn? To politicians, economists, or our own resources? No human agency is capable of providing answers. So: know your source! The Bible predicted the shaking of human kingdoms and material entities: '[So] … that those things which cannot be shaken may remain' (Hebrews 12:27). But while bureaucracies, businesses and banks have been shaken to their very core, our King and His kingdom remain rock solid. The Bible says that '… God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work' (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV). Notice the 'alls' in this promise. What more could you ask for? Your family, health, spiritual, material, present and future security is guaranteed under the 'policies and resources' clause of God's unshakable kingdom! Man's economy is not your source. It's merely one conduit the King may, or may not use in providing what you need as a citizen of His kingdom. Relax, knowing God, your unfailing source, '… will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:19 NIV).
The answer is: choose the right economy!
As a believer you must choose between two economies. The first is the kingdom of God where He rules and reigns, owns all resources and dispenses them generously to meet His people's needs, independent of global economic conditions. The second is the kingdom of this world where men compete selfishly to be number one. In God's upside-down kingdom the rules are reversed. He says, '"… My ways [are] higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts"' (Isaiah 55:9 NIV). In this world's kingdom where the rule is, 'Get what you can and can what you get,' you're always vulnerable to greed and manipulation. So God told His people, '… Choose for yourselves… whom you will serve… ' (Joshua 24:15 NIV). Which economy will you choose? If you are wise, you will put your faith in God's economy, trust Him, and 'don't worry about tomorrow!'
God's Economics For Tough Times (2)
Unless you lived through the Great Depression you've never experienced times like the present: bank failures, bailouts, housing repossessions, unemployment, etc. You can see fear on people's faces and sense it in their words. So, where do we turn? To politicians, economists, or our own resources? No human agency is capable of providing answers. So: know your source! The Bible predicted the shaking of human kingdoms and material entities: '[So] … that those things which cannot be shaken may remain' (Hebrews 12:27). But while bureaucracies, businesses and banks have been shaken to their very core, our King and His kingdom remain rock solid. The Bible says that '… God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work' (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV). Notice the 'alls' in this promise. What more could you ask for? Your family, health, spiritual, material, present and future security is guaranteed under the 'policies and resources' clause of God's unshakable kingdom! Man's economy is not your source. It's merely one conduit the King may, or may not use in providing what you need as a citizen of His kingdom. Relax, knowing God, your unfailing source, '… will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:19 NIV).
God's Economics For Tough Times (3)
Fear makes us react emotionally, doing all the wrong things. We abandon the principles of Scripture and grab for all we can get, withholding and hoarding in case things get worse. Don't surrender to the fears rampant in our increasingly godless culture. Instead, faithfully follow God's economics for tough times. When Israel did this they enjoyed mega harvests. But when they withheld and hoarded what God provided, He said, '"You are under a curse-the whole nation of you…' (Malachi 3:9 NIV). Whether they experienced abundance or lack, depended on their attitude and actions towards God's economics. His principles required they '"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse,…' not a partial tithe (v. 10). If they'd 'Honour the Lord with… the firstfruits of all [their] crops,' their barns would 'overflow' and their vats 'brim over' (Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV). Jesus taught that if you '"give it will be given to you…' in an abundance determined by the '"… measure you use…' when giving (Luke 6:38 NIV). You, not the economy, determine the measure of your harvest by the measure of the seed you sow. The Bible says, '… He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6 NKJV)
The way it works in God's economy is, those who '… withhold unduly… come to poverty,' while those who '… give freely… gain even more… ' God promises, 'A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed' (Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV). Try it. God's principles work in any economy!
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The Transforming Grace of God
28)We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom he has called according to his plan. 29)This is true because he already knew his people and had already appointed them to have the same form as the image of his Son. Therefore, his Son is the firstborn among many children. 30)He also called those whom he had already appointed. He approved of those whom he had called, and he gave glory to those whom he had approved of. Rom. 8:28-30 (GWT)
God has predestined every believer to be conformed to the likeness of His Son Jesus Christ. The process begins at salvation and continues until we join Him in heaven. The apostle Paul is a good example of the Lord’s power to transform an unrighteous man into an image-bearer of Jesus.
God changed a sinner into a saint. Paul was deeply religious before his conversion, but he relied on good works and a pious nature to gain divine acceptance. When he met the Lord on the road to Damascus, the future apostle learned that all of his religious zeal meant nothing. The only way for people to be acceptable before God is to receive the saving grace of Christ—He replaces our sin nature with a righteous spirit. And even though saints will sometimes falter and make mistakes, our heavenly Father remains patient and loving toward His children. He uses our failures to teach us more about Himself and His ways.
God changed a servant of sin into a servant of the Lord (Rom. 6:16). Paul was welcomed into the kingdom in spite of his hostility toward the church. He’d promoted blasphemy, punished believers, and cast his vote against those being put to death (Acts 26:10-11). The lesson here is that no one can sin beyond the Lord’s capacity to forgive.
The Father shapes and chisels His children until they mirror His Son. He turned one of the early church’s enemies into a wise and repentant leader. Commit to obey the Lord, and see what He will do in your life. He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you (Phil. 1:6).
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
God has predestined every believer to be conformed to the likeness of His Son Jesus Christ. The process begins at salvation and continues until we join Him in heaven. The apostle Paul is a good example of the Lord’s power to transform an unrighteous man into an image-bearer of Jesus.
God changed a sinner into a saint. Paul was deeply religious before his conversion, but he relied on good works and a pious nature to gain divine acceptance. When he met the Lord on the road to Damascus, the future apostle learned that all of his religious zeal meant nothing. The only way for people to be acceptable before God is to receive the saving grace of Christ—He replaces our sin nature with a righteous spirit. And even though saints will sometimes falter and make mistakes, our heavenly Father remains patient and loving toward His children. He uses our failures to teach us more about Himself and His ways.
God changed a servant of sin into a servant of the Lord (Rom. 6:16). Paul was welcomed into the kingdom in spite of his hostility toward the church. He’d promoted blasphemy, punished believers, and cast his vote against those being put to death (Acts 26:10-11). The lesson here is that no one can sin beyond the Lord’s capacity to forgive.
The Father shapes and chisels His children until they mirror His Son. He turned one of the early church’s enemies into a wise and repentant leader. Commit to obey the Lord, and see what He will do in your life. He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you (Phil. 1:6).
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Monday, May 17, 2010
"God's Guaranteed Protection"
"Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, 'Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.'" - Revelation 11:1-2
God has made a commitment to protect His people. Nothing will thwart that. Now that's good news. It's a great thought to keep in mind when you are listening to all the bad news that's out there!
This word measure in Revelation 11:1 isn't about God finding out how big the temple is. God knows how big it is. That term measure is also used in Ezekiel 40 through 48. An angel there measured the temple with a ten-foot rod. It pictures God's intent to establish and protect His people. "Measure it" is a way of saying "All right. This is what belongs to Me. These are My people. This is what's on My heart." God was instructing John to mark the people under God's protection.
Revelation 11:1 also says, "...but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out...". In other words, God's not going to protect the heathen; God's going to protect His own people - the people within the household of faith. "...For it is given over to the nations and they will trample..." it. They will desecrate it.
We can see from elsewhere in Revelation and other prophecies that outsiders will trample and desecrate the City of Jerusalem for a time. But God's people, during that time of unparalleled darkness, will be totally protected. All that has been measured, God will protect.
If you're a blood-bought son or daughter of the Living God, through faith in Jesus Christ, there is a protection that extends to you that is hard to even calibrate. We know the Bible says that God has counted and knows the hair on my head, He saves my tears in a bottle, His eyes are always upon me, and my name is engraved upon His hand. I don't think we can begin to calculate the loving care and the protective interest that God has in our life. Even - no, not even - especially when difficult times come. God, far from backing off us, is moving toward us, rolling up His sleeves and saying, "I love you. I'm going to let you go through this. But I am on it! Measure the temple. Measure My people. Let's get the details down. I want My children to know I am taking care of them!"
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
God has made a commitment to protect His people. Nothing will thwart that. Now that's good news. It's a great thought to keep in mind when you are listening to all the bad news that's out there!
This word measure in Revelation 11:1 isn't about God finding out how big the temple is. God knows how big it is. That term measure is also used in Ezekiel 40 through 48. An angel there measured the temple with a ten-foot rod. It pictures God's intent to establish and protect His people. "Measure it" is a way of saying "All right. This is what belongs to Me. These are My people. This is what's on My heart." God was instructing John to mark the people under God's protection.
Revelation 11:1 also says, "...but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out...". In other words, God's not going to protect the heathen; God's going to protect His own people - the people within the household of faith. "...For it is given over to the nations and they will trample..." it. They will desecrate it.
We can see from elsewhere in Revelation and other prophecies that outsiders will trample and desecrate the City of Jerusalem for a time. But God's people, during that time of unparalleled darkness, will be totally protected. All that has been measured, God will protect.
If you're a blood-bought son or daughter of the Living God, through faith in Jesus Christ, there is a protection that extends to you that is hard to even calibrate. We know the Bible says that God has counted and knows the hair on my head, He saves my tears in a bottle, His eyes are always upon me, and my name is engraved upon His hand. I don't think we can begin to calculate the loving care and the protective interest that God has in our life. Even - no, not even - especially when difficult times come. God, far from backing off us, is moving toward us, rolling up His sleeves and saying, "I love you. I'm going to let you go through this. But I am on it! Measure the temple. Measure My people. Let's get the details down. I want My children to know I am taking care of them!"
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Friday, May 14, 2010
Deceiving Ourselves
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. — Psalm 139:23–24
Some people think they don't need forgiveness all that often. Yet Jesus taught us to pray, "And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us . . ." (Luke 11:4). In other words, Forgive us our shortcomings . . . our trespasses . . . what we owe to you . . . the wrong we have done.
If you want to see your prayers answered in the affirmative, then you must confess your personal sin. But sometimes we are not always conscious of the sins we commit, and there are different ways that sin can be defined. Sin is not merely breaking one of God's laws, however. Sin is also falling short of a mark. The Bible tells us, "For whatever is not from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23). So if I do something without the certainty it has the blessing of God, it can be sin. There are also sins of omission: "To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).
Have you ever noticed that when you wear white, you seem to get your clothes dirty a little faster? In reality, I think that stains and dirt are just more noticeable against a white background. That is what happens when we come into the presence of God. As we see Him for who He is, we see ourselves for who we are.
So whether we think we need it, we still need to pray, "Forgive me my sins, . . ." because the Bible says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:9). The more you have grown spiritually, the more aware you will become of your own sin.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Some people think they don't need forgiveness all that often. Yet Jesus taught us to pray, "And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us . . ." (Luke 11:4). In other words, Forgive us our shortcomings . . . our trespasses . . . what we owe to you . . . the wrong we have done.
If you want to see your prayers answered in the affirmative, then you must confess your personal sin. But sometimes we are not always conscious of the sins we commit, and there are different ways that sin can be defined. Sin is not merely breaking one of God's laws, however. Sin is also falling short of a mark. The Bible tells us, "For whatever is not from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23). So if I do something without the certainty it has the blessing of God, it can be sin. There are also sins of omission: "To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).
Have you ever noticed that when you wear white, you seem to get your clothes dirty a little faster? In reality, I think that stains and dirt are just more noticeable against a white background. That is what happens when we come into the presence of God. As we see Him for who He is, we see ourselves for who we are.
So whether we think we need it, we still need to pray, "Forgive me my sins, . . ." because the Bible says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:9). The more you have grown spiritually, the more aware you will become of your own sin.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Call for a Believer
20) But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21) Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 2Tim 2: 21-22 (NKJ)
Years ago, God temporarily allowed me to have such physical ailments that I could do nothing but lie in bed. At first, this felt frustrating, but eventually I began to realize His plan for this trial. Life had become too busy for me to hear something the Lord needed to tell me. He certainly managed to get my attention by stilling my physical body!
After leading us to salvation, God still has work to do in our lives. If we listen carefully, we’ll be able to hear our Father directing us in three ways.
First, the Lord calls us to sanctification, which means being set apart by Him and for Him. Through His Spirit, He continually reminds us to use His power and resources so we can obey and live righteously.
Second, He calls us to service. God has planned good works for us to accomplish (Eph. 2:10); He gives us abilities, time, and resources for that purpose.
Third, He calls us to accountability. Romans 14:12 teaches that one day we all will “give an account” of how we used the resources God placed at our disposal. This report will be based on two factors: the truth we’ve heard and the opportunities that were available. So we should be sure to listen daily as our heavenly Father reminds us to utilize everything we have for His glory.
Has life become so hectic that God’s voice is inaudible? Foster your own ability to listen by spending time in the Word and by waiting for answers when you pray. And teach your children to tune in so they can hear Him too. What a waste it would be to tackle life without guidance from above.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Years ago, God temporarily allowed me to have such physical ailments that I could do nothing but lie in bed. At first, this felt frustrating, but eventually I began to realize His plan for this trial. Life had become too busy for me to hear something the Lord needed to tell me. He certainly managed to get my attention by stilling my physical body!
After leading us to salvation, God still has work to do in our lives. If we listen carefully, we’ll be able to hear our Father directing us in three ways.
First, the Lord calls us to sanctification, which means being set apart by Him and for Him. Through His Spirit, He continually reminds us to use His power and resources so we can obey and live righteously.
Second, He calls us to service. God has planned good works for us to accomplish (Eph. 2:10); He gives us abilities, time, and resources for that purpose.
Third, He calls us to accountability. Romans 14:12 teaches that one day we all will “give an account” of how we used the resources God placed at our disposal. This report will be based on two factors: the truth we’ve heard and the opportunities that were available. So we should be sure to listen daily as our heavenly Father reminds us to utilize everything we have for His glory.
Has life become so hectic that God’s voice is inaudible? Foster your own ability to listen by spending time in the Word and by waiting for answers when you pray. And teach your children to tune in so they can hear Him too. What a waste it would be to tackle life without guidance from above.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Sunday, May 9, 2010
FROM MOM TO MOMMY TO MOTHER
MOTHERS
Real Mothers don't eat quiche; They don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils Are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, Filthy ovens and happy kids. Real Mothers know that dried play dough Doesn't come out of carpets. Real Mothers don't want to know what The vacuum just sucked up...
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' And get their answer when a little Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth Is not measured by height or years or grade...
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother.....
The Images of Mother
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't know everything!
14 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She wouldn't have a clue.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's so five minutes ago.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
50 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she Shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!
BE BLESSED & HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
DAWN
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
