Scripture Of The Day: "They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." - Matthew 2:11 (NLT)
When I asked the Lord, "What is it that YOU want to say this week?" He responded with, "The most important part of giving is worship."
Worship is the most important aspect of the Christian walk. It is through worship that we as believers draw near to God. It's not all about us, or our way of doing things, or seeing things our way. We have to forget about ourselves and bow down, because he's been better to us than we've been to ourselves and because he is God. Yes, we have day to day responsibilities and commitments that are a part of our lives, but we can still have a heart of worship that's a part of our lives too. He desires our worship. It’s important to him. He created us to worship him.
"They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11, NLT).
Here is a revelation of the scripture above that we can apply to our daily lives in this manner of giving. Just like the wise men opened their treasure chests, when the treasure chest in our earthen vessel (body) begins to open up, the gifts of the spirit of God that are within us will begin to flow out. If we will worship God with our whole heart, mind, body, spirit and soul, his presence and power will move in our lives and we will see miracles happen, souls will be saved, bodies will be healed, lives will be delivered and set free . . . great things will happen when we bow down and worship him.
Just as it was very important to the three wise men walking on their journey, to find where Jesus was so they could fall down before him and give their gifts, it should be important to us on our Christian journey today also. They worshiped the Lord by giving their presence and their presents: gold, frankincense and myrrh. As much as those gifts cost by themselves, they gained even greater value when they were given to Jesus.
We, too, can give our gifts to God and watch him multiply them for his glory. Let us learn from the example of these three men and make a special effort to get back to the most important part of giving, and that is worship.
(via Brenda Gittens) Be Blessed!
Dawn
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Unshakeable
35) Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36) (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”[a]) 37) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8: 35-37 (NLT)
Our world is a changing, uncertain place. Many people seek security in wealth, relationships, and power. These things, however, are not guaranteed from one day to the next. Watching the news provides enough proof that any of them can be taken away in a moment. No wonder there is such despair and fear.
For believers, thankfully, reality is not based in what we see. Nor is our foundation found in this world. We build our hope and trust on the Lord, and we believe the truth in His Word.
Even in chaotic times, our certainty is found in God's loving relationship with us as His children. Today's passage tells us that nothing can tear us away from our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Therefore, in the midst of turmoil and trials, we have assurance that our lives are in the grip of the almighty God. We can rely not only on His love and presence, but also on His uninterrupted attention, faithfulness, and perfect care.
When difficulty arises and circumstances seem overwhelming, we can respond with confidence and strength because of Jesus. Along with the psalmist, who also lived during times of war and stressful events, we can call the Lord "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust" (Ps. 91:2).
Consider where you find security. Is the foundation of your life built upon the solid rock of Jesus? Or is it planted in something as unstable as sand—like money or prestige? Placing hope and confidence in anything apart from the Lord will ultimately leave you feeling broken and defeated.
(Via Charles Stanley)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Our world is a changing, uncertain place. Many people seek security in wealth, relationships, and power. These things, however, are not guaranteed from one day to the next. Watching the news provides enough proof that any of them can be taken away in a moment. No wonder there is such despair and fear.
For believers, thankfully, reality is not based in what we see. Nor is our foundation found in this world. We build our hope and trust on the Lord, and we believe the truth in His Word.
Even in chaotic times, our certainty is found in God's loving relationship with us as His children. Today's passage tells us that nothing can tear us away from our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Therefore, in the midst of turmoil and trials, we have assurance that our lives are in the grip of the almighty God. We can rely not only on His love and presence, but also on His uninterrupted attention, faithfulness, and perfect care.
When difficulty arises and circumstances seem overwhelming, we can respond with confidence and strength because of Jesus. Along with the psalmist, who also lived during times of war and stressful events, we can call the Lord "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust" (Ps. 91:2).
Consider where you find security. Is the foundation of your life built upon the solid rock of Jesus? Or is it planted in something as unstable as sand—like money or prestige? Placing hope and confidence in anything apart from the Lord will ultimately leave you feeling broken and defeated.
(Via Charles Stanley)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Distracted by "Stuff"
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. — Matthew 6:21
Matthew 19 > records a conversation between Jesus and the rich young ruler, who may be the only man in the Gospels who came to Jesus and actually went away in worse condition than before. This was a man who had been raised in a very religious home. The Bible says he had great wealth. But something was missing. He wanted eternal life. So he came to Jesus with a question: "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16).
Jesus told him to keep the commandments. And when he wanted to know which ones, Jesus started reciting them. Why? Because if this rich young ruler had been honest and would have done some reflecting, he would have recognized that he wasn't as good as he thought he was. Jesus quoted the law, because the law is a moral mirror. The law wasn't given to make us righteous, but to show that we are not righteous.
But the rich young ruler didn't get that, so Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me" (verse 21).
So the story of the rich young ruler ended in sadness. Matthew tells us, "But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions" (verse 22).
Jesus was laying his finger on the primary sin in this man's life, which was the love of earthly things. Jesus was asking this man to dethrone his wealth and enthrone the Savior. But he wasn't willing to do so.
Like this man, we can easily get distracted by stuff (cash, cribs, cars and clothes) today. And far too often, we think only of the here and now and very rarely of the by-and-by.
(Via Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Matthew 19 > records a conversation between Jesus and the rich young ruler, who may be the only man in the Gospels who came to Jesus and actually went away in worse condition than before. This was a man who had been raised in a very religious home. The Bible says he had great wealth. But something was missing. He wanted eternal life. So he came to Jesus with a question: "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16).
Jesus told him to keep the commandments. And when he wanted to know which ones, Jesus started reciting them. Why? Because if this rich young ruler had been honest and would have done some reflecting, he would have recognized that he wasn't as good as he thought he was. Jesus quoted the law, because the law is a moral mirror. The law wasn't given to make us righteous, but to show that we are not righteous.
But the rich young ruler didn't get that, so Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me" (verse 21).
So the story of the rich young ruler ended in sadness. Matthew tells us, "But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions" (verse 22).
Jesus was laying his finger on the primary sin in this man's life, which was the love of earthly things. Jesus was asking this man to dethrone his wealth and enthrone the Savior. But he wasn't willing to do so.
Like this man, we can easily get distracted by stuff (cash, cribs, cars and clothes) today. And far too often, we think only of the here and now and very rarely of the by-and-by.
(Via Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Giving Ourselves to God
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. - Romans 12:1-2
The Bible tells us that, in light of all God has done for us, we should present ourselves to Him. If we do this, then we will know His will for our lives. What does that mean, to present our bodies? It means that you give your whole self to Christ, and Christ alone.
1. We need to present our minds. Fill your mind with the Word of God, not the filth and twisted worldview of our culture. A recent survey revealed that America's children and teenagers are now spending an average of more than 7.5 hours a day involved in electronic media (TV, video games, listening to music, surfing the Web, texting, and e-mailing). We need to think more about godly things! As Paul wrote to the Philippian church, "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise" (Philippians 4:8).
2. We need to present our tongues. This refers to how we use our words, what we say to others. We can do great harm or great good with our words. One word can either elevate, or devastate. The Bible tells us, "So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire" (James 3:5).
3. We need to present our hands and feet too. Among the seven things listed in Proverbs 16 that the Lord hates are "hands that kill the innocent . . . feet that race to do wrong" (Proverbs 6:16–18). How much more glorious is it to have our hands and feet take the gospel out to a lost and dying world. Romans 10:15 says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
I urge you to present your body to Him today and every day!
(Via Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
The Bible tells us that, in light of all God has done for us, we should present ourselves to Him. If we do this, then we will know His will for our lives. What does that mean, to present our bodies? It means that you give your whole self to Christ, and Christ alone.
1. We need to present our minds. Fill your mind with the Word of God, not the filth and twisted worldview of our culture. A recent survey revealed that America's children and teenagers are now spending an average of more than 7.5 hours a day involved in electronic media (TV, video games, listening to music, surfing the Web, texting, and e-mailing). We need to think more about godly things! As Paul wrote to the Philippian church, "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise" (Philippians 4:8).
2. We need to present our tongues. This refers to how we use our words, what we say to others. We can do great harm or great good with our words. One word can either elevate, or devastate. The Bible tells us, "So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire" (James 3:5).
3. We need to present our hands and feet too. Among the seven things listed in Proverbs 16 that the Lord hates are "hands that kill the innocent . . . feet that race to do wrong" (Proverbs 6:16–18). How much more glorious is it to have our hands and feet take the gospel out to a lost and dying world. Romans 10:15 says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
I urge you to present your body to Him today and every day!
(Via Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Monday, August 22, 2011
The Priority of Obedience
23) Jesus answered and said to him, “(A)If anyone loves Me, he will (B)keep My word; and (C)My Father will love him, and We (D)will come to him and make Our abode with him. 24) He who does not love Me (E)does not keep My words; and (F)the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me. 25) “These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. 26) But the (G)Helper, the Holy Spirit, (H)whom the Father will send in My name, (I)He will teach you all things, and (J)bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. [John 14:23-26]
The Creator gave two commands to Adam and Eve—first, to fill the earth and rule over it, and second, not to eat from a certain tree in the Garden (Gen. 1:28; 2:17). Because they chose to disobey, their relationship with God was broken, and they had to leave Eden.
The first couple’s rebellion not only impacted their own lives but also had far broader implications: all future generations have suffered. In Romans 5:12-19, the apostle Paul explained the reason. Through the trespass of one man, Adam, sin made its entrance into the world, and death resulted for all mankind. Because Adam was head of the human race, his actions affected everyone born after him. His disobedience resulted in each of us having a bent away from the Lord and a desire for self-rule.
By contrast, Jesus made conformity to the Lord’s will the priority of His life. He obeyed God in both word and deed (John 8:28-29). Having lived a perfect life—one entirely without sin—He qualified to be our Savior (2 Cor. 5:21). Through the death of one man, Christ Jesus, payment was made for the transgressions of all mankind. God’s acceptance of the Son’s sacrifice brought us forgiveness and freedom from sin’s power.
Adam’s disobedience brought judgment and death upon us, whereas Jesus’ obedience resulted in new life for all who believe in Him (Rom. 6:4). Our Savior calls us to deny selfish desires, live sacrificially, and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). A godly life will bring Jesus honor and influence others for Him.
(Via Charles Stanley)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
The Creator gave two commands to Adam and Eve—first, to fill the earth and rule over it, and second, not to eat from a certain tree in the Garden (Gen. 1:28; 2:17). Because they chose to disobey, their relationship with God was broken, and they had to leave Eden.
The first couple’s rebellion not only impacted their own lives but also had far broader implications: all future generations have suffered. In Romans 5:12-19, the apostle Paul explained the reason. Through the trespass of one man, Adam, sin made its entrance into the world, and death resulted for all mankind. Because Adam was head of the human race, his actions affected everyone born after him. His disobedience resulted in each of us having a bent away from the Lord and a desire for self-rule.
By contrast, Jesus made conformity to the Lord’s will the priority of His life. He obeyed God in both word and deed (John 8:28-29). Having lived a perfect life—one entirely without sin—He qualified to be our Savior (2 Cor. 5:21). Through the death of one man, Christ Jesus, payment was made for the transgressions of all mankind. God’s acceptance of the Son’s sacrifice brought us forgiveness and freedom from sin’s power.
Adam’s disobedience brought judgment and death upon us, whereas Jesus’ obedience resulted in new life for all who believe in Him (Rom. 6:4). Our Savior calls us to deny selfish desires, live sacrificially, and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). A godly life will bring Jesus honor and influence others for Him.
(Via Charles Stanley)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Thursday, August 11, 2011
A New Nature
21) but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22) Stay away from every kind of evil. 23) Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 1Thess. 5: 21-23 (NLT)
When we trust Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us. That is the moment of salvation, when we become a new creation. Yet until life in these earthly bodies ceases, there will continue to be a war between the old and new patterns of behavior.
To lead us to victory, the Lord may allow difficulty that brings about brokenness. His purpose is to rid us of our old “flesh” (a way of thinking/doing that is opposed to God's way) so that we can experience fullness of life in Christ.
Let’s examine this flesh. The following are indications that the sinful self still thrives: self-advancement, self-centeredness, self-will, self-dependency, and self-righteousness. These motives exist in all people to some extent, but over time our heavenly Father lovingly breaks them in His children ( those who trust in Christ).
At salvation, God gives us His nature, the evidence of which is fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal. 5:22). These qualities allow us to love and be loved. And people will be attracted to Jesus when they sense these characteristics in believers. On the other hand, if these attributes are missing, we can never truly experience life as God intended. The process of brokenness and restoration is unpleasant. But the end result is well worth the suffering that it requires.
What rules your actions, choices, and thoughts? Are they primarily influenced by the Holy Spirit or by your flesh? It takes courage to look at your heart and notice its true condition. Ask God to work in your life so that His Spirit can reign freely in your heart.
(via Charles Stanley)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
When we trust Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us. That is the moment of salvation, when we become a new creation. Yet until life in these earthly bodies ceases, there will continue to be a war between the old and new patterns of behavior.
To lead us to victory, the Lord may allow difficulty that brings about brokenness. His purpose is to rid us of our old “flesh” (a way of thinking/doing that is opposed to God's way) so that we can experience fullness of life in Christ.
Let’s examine this flesh. The following are indications that the sinful self still thrives: self-advancement, self-centeredness, self-will, self-dependency, and self-righteousness. These motives exist in all people to some extent, but over time our heavenly Father lovingly breaks them in His children ( those who trust in Christ).
At salvation, God gives us His nature, the evidence of which is fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal. 5:22). These qualities allow us to love and be loved. And people will be attracted to Jesus when they sense these characteristics in believers. On the other hand, if these attributes are missing, we can never truly experience life as God intended. The process of brokenness and restoration is unpleasant. But the end result is well worth the suffering that it requires.
What rules your actions, choices, and thoughts? Are they primarily influenced by the Holy Spirit or by your flesh? It takes courage to look at your heart and notice its true condition. Ask God to work in your life so that His Spirit can reign freely in your heart.
(via Charles Stanley)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
True Conversion
"And when people escape from the wicked ways of the world by learning about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up with sin and become its slave again, they are worse off than before." 2 Peter 2:20
Sometimes we hear about well-known people who claim to have made a commitment to Jesus Christ. Often, it is around election time. When they address Christians, they speak of their great faith in God. After the elections, we seldom hear about it again.
Then there are people who say they are believers, but a month or two later, they go back to their old ways again. They say, "I tried Christianity, but it didn't work for me." But in reality, they never really found Christ.
Others will turn to God when they hit hard times. Awhile later, you see them going back to their old ways, and you wonder what happened. I would suggest that many of these people never were converted at all. They went through the motions, but Jesus Christ never became a part of their lives. Often, they end up worse than before.
When Jesus Christ truly comes into our lives, He takes up residence. And He doesn't just do a basic housecleaning; He does a thorough one. There is real change. But when a house has only been swept, that is, when someone has made only moral changes, he or she is still vulnerable to the enemy. This is why we must recognize the futility of simply turning over a new leaf or making a few new resolutions. We must realize the problem is deeper than our moral sins. We must get to the heart of the matter and have Jesus Christ take residence in our lives and change us from the inside out.
(via Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Sometimes we hear about well-known people who claim to have made a commitment to Jesus Christ. Often, it is around election time. When they address Christians, they speak of their great faith in God. After the elections, we seldom hear about it again.
Then there are people who say they are believers, but a month or two later, they go back to their old ways again. They say, "I tried Christianity, but it didn't work for me." But in reality, they never really found Christ.
Others will turn to God when they hit hard times. Awhile later, you see them going back to their old ways, and you wonder what happened. I would suggest that many of these people never were converted at all. They went through the motions, but Jesus Christ never became a part of their lives. Often, they end up worse than before.
When Jesus Christ truly comes into our lives, He takes up residence. And He doesn't just do a basic housecleaning; He does a thorough one. There is real change. But when a house has only been swept, that is, when someone has made only moral changes, he or she is still vulnerable to the enemy. This is why we must recognize the futility of simply turning over a new leaf or making a few new resolutions. We must realize the problem is deeper than our moral sins. We must get to the heart of the matter and have Jesus Christ take residence in our lives and change us from the inside out.
(via Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
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