Glorious Saint Michael, Prince of the heavenly hosts, who stands always ready to give assistance to the people of God; who fought with the dragon, the old serpent, and cast him out of heaven, and now valiantly defends the Church of God that the gates of hell may never prevail against her, I earnestly entreat you to assist me also, in the painful and dangerous conflict which I sustain against the same formidable foe.
Be with me, O mighty Prince! that I may courageously fight and vanquish that proud spirit, whom you, by the Divine Power, gloriously overthrew, and whom our powerful King, Jesus Christ, has, in our nature, completely overcome; so having triumphed over the enemy of my salvation, I may with you and the holy angels, praise the clemency of God who, having refused mercy to the rebellious angels after their fall, has granted repentance and forgiveness to fallen man. Amen
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Thursday, December 31, 2009
"What is Fellowship?"
"And all the believers met together in one place and
shared everything they had. "
— Acts 2:44
"Fellowship" is a great word that Christians often use. But do we know what fellowship originally meant in the early church? The word "fellowship" used in Acts 2 is the Greek word koinonia. It is a difficult word to translate into English because of its many shades of meaning. It can be translated "fellowship," "communion," "community," "communal," and "friendship." The word encompasses so much that believers do together.
But fellowship is more than socializing. Anyone can socialize. The idea of fellowship is that we come together to commune with God and commune together. It is when we get together and talk about the things of God. And God loves it when we talk about Him with each other. Malachi 3:16 says, "Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name." The word "listened" could be translated, "to prick the ear, to bend down." When we speak of the things of God, He bends down to listen.
Fellowship is praying together, serving together, giving, and yes, even growing older together, dying, and going to heaven. It is what we do together as the family of God.
And fellowship with God and fellowship with others go together. When you are walking with God, then you will want to be with God's people. And if you don't want to be with God's people, then maybe you are not walking with God as you ought to. Because I have found that the closer I am to God, the more I want to be around godly people, and the more I want to influence others to live godly lives.
Remember, the will of God is NOT automatic. He loves us and has a plan for all of our lives. The question we should all ask ourselves: to what extent am I participating?
Our Heavenly Father longs to fellowship with His children. Why not bring in the New Year in a "new way" : attend a worship service tonite.
Grace & peace be multiplied to you in the New Year,
Dawn
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
"OUR TESTIMONY"
READ
Acts 6:1-6
A testimony is one person’s profession of faith in Jesus Christ. However, our declaration of belief is much more than the story we tell. A good witness for the Lord consists of three parts: character, conduct, and conversation.
As Christians, we rightly place great emphasis on crafting a solid personal account of the Lord’s work in our life. We also talk about the ways that we can “be Jesus Christ” to our friends, family, and co-workers through our actions. But character is the part of every believer’s testimony that underlies both Christ-like behavior and a good life story.
In general, what we do and say represents the kind of person that we are on the inside. We can tell a lot about Philip’s character by noticing his actions and words. From among many believers, Philip was chosen as one who was wise and full of the Spirit. But he wasn’t selected for a great ministry position—he was sent to serve food.
Philip went willingly to do this menial work and every other job the Lord gave him, which shows his obedient spirit (Acts 6:5; 8:5, 26). We can be certain that he was a sincere and trustworthy man, because when he spoke, people listened (Acts 8:6). Philip’s testimony shines forth in every way.
You can’t trick God into thinking your character is righteous if it isn’t. Nor can you fake moral conduct or conversation with people for very long. Sooner or later, a proud, bitter, or unkind spirit yields behavior and speech contrary to the Christian message. But godly character produces real spiritual fruit.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Acts 6:1-6
A testimony is one person’s profession of faith in Jesus Christ. However, our declaration of belief is much more than the story we tell. A good witness for the Lord consists of three parts: character, conduct, and conversation.
As Christians, we rightly place great emphasis on crafting a solid personal account of the Lord’s work in our life. We also talk about the ways that we can “be Jesus Christ” to our friends, family, and co-workers through our actions. But character is the part of every believer’s testimony that underlies both Christ-like behavior and a good life story.
In general, what we do and say represents the kind of person that we are on the inside. We can tell a lot about Philip’s character by noticing his actions and words. From among many believers, Philip was chosen as one who was wise and full of the Spirit. But he wasn’t selected for a great ministry position—he was sent to serve food.
Philip went willingly to do this menial work and every other job the Lord gave him, which shows his obedient spirit (Acts 6:5; 8:5, 26). We can be certain that he was a sincere and trustworthy man, because when he spoke, people listened (Acts 8:6). Philip’s testimony shines forth in every way.
You can’t trick God into thinking your character is righteous if it isn’t. Nor can you fake moral conduct or conversation with people for very long. Sooner or later, a proud, bitter, or unkind spirit yields behavior and speech contrary to the Christian message. But godly character produces real spiritual fruit.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
"A HEALTHY HEART"
(a) Examine me, O LORD, and try me;
(b)Test my [a]mind and my heart.
Psalm 26:2 (NLT)
Doctors recommend regular checkups to make sure that our bodies are functioning properly. Though we might not even realize something is wrong, an undetected problem could potentially cause other health issues. The same is true of our relationship with the heavenly Father. He desires that we seek His truth daily, allowing Him to shed light on anything that hinders our walk.
And, just as some people are nervous about seeing their physician, we might feel fearful of inviting the Holy Spirit to examine our lives. It can be frightening to realize the truth about our sin and see ourselves as we actually are. And furthermore, knowing that God will require our repentance and obedience may also cause discomfort in our lives.
But the rewards are great. First, our Father removes any spiritual “blockages” that impede a close walk with Him. Second, we gain greater intimacy with the Lord and with others. Third, our energy is renewed as resentment, fear, and other ungodly attitudes stop draining us; serving God becomes a joy instead of a duty. Fourth, regardless of circumstance, we experience spiritual freedom through forgiveness. All of these benefits lead to deeper fulfillment, peace, and joy.
Maturity is a lifelong process. The Father will continue to grow His children until He brings them home. Seek God’s wisdom and truth, and ask Him to reveal anything holding you back from a beautiful friendship with Him. He wants to walk closely with you all your days—and eternally.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Monday, December 28, 2009
"Your Spiritual Growth"
1 O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You know hat I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
17 How precious are your thoughts about me,[a] O God. They cannot be numbered! 18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:1-4, 17-18, 23-24 (NLT)
The moment of salvation marks the beginning of a relationship with God. Only at that point can a person begin to develop a deeper friendship with the Father, grow in knowledge of His Word, and serve Him. Whether an individual is a child or an adult when receiving Jesus, his or her life should be characterized by ongoing spiritual growth.
Ultimately, God develops the believer’s character and Christian walk. But you may wonder, What part does the person play in maturing spiritually?
David’s prayer in today’s psalm answers this question. He petitioned the Lord to examine his life and help him see it truthfully. David knew the consequences of sinful choices as well as the joy of walking closely with God, and he desired to rid himself of anything that was an obstacle.
We, too, can pray for the Lord to reveal any areas of our lives that are hindering our walk. Our hearts should be humble and honest before God, and courageously willing to look within. Of course, when our Father shows us something that needs work, we should resist rationalizing the behavior, as this stalls growth. What’s more, we should have patience; just as it takes decades to become an adult, spiritual maturity also takes time.
Maybe your spiritual growth has slowed or even stopped. Or perhaps you simply want to make sure your heart is clean before the Father. In either case, pray as David did—that God would reveal anything that blocks a close friendship with Him. Let today be the start of a fresh season of growth.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
17 How precious are your thoughts about me,[a] O God. They cannot be numbered! 18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:1-4, 17-18, 23-24 (NLT)
The moment of salvation marks the beginning of a relationship with God. Only at that point can a person begin to develop a deeper friendship with the Father, grow in knowledge of His Word, and serve Him. Whether an individual is a child or an adult when receiving Jesus, his or her life should be characterized by ongoing spiritual growth.
Ultimately, God develops the believer’s character and Christian walk. But you may wonder, What part does the person play in maturing spiritually?
David’s prayer in today’s psalm answers this question. He petitioned the Lord to examine his life and help him see it truthfully. David knew the consequences of sinful choices as well as the joy of walking closely with God, and he desired to rid himself of anything that was an obstacle.
We, too, can pray for the Lord to reveal any areas of our lives that are hindering our walk. Our hearts should be humble and honest before God, and courageously willing to look within. Of course, when our Father shows us something that needs work, we should resist rationalizing the behavior, as this stalls growth. What’s more, we should have patience; just as it takes decades to become an adult, spiritual maturity also takes time.
Maybe your spiritual growth has slowed or even stopped. Or perhaps you simply want to make sure your heart is clean before the Father. In either case, pray as David did—that God would reveal anything that blocks a close friendship with Him. Let today be the start of a fresh season of growth.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Sunday, December 27, 2009
"Spiritual Cruise Control"
One of the biggest trends in the automotive industry during the late 1990s and the first part of this century was the sport utility vehicle, or SUV. Maybe they became popular because we baby boomers didn't want to acknowledge that we had reached middle age or beyond, and we felt better driving some big, beefy vehicle with gnarly tires.
Most of these vehicles were built with four-wheel drive capability, but I've often wondered how many people actually use it. In fact, I would venture a guess that most people who have four-wheel drive capability on their SUVs wouldn't know how to use it if they had to. Essentially, these people have vehicles that were designed for one thing but are used for another.
In the Book of Ephesians, we learn a little bit about our spiritual horsepower: all that God has given to us and all that God has done for us. The problem is that a lot of us are in spiritual cruise control. We are not pursuing God. We are not following after righteousness. We have the four-wheel drive, but we are not moving forward.
We need to put what we have into gear and use it. There are mountains to climb. There is rugged terrain to navigate. There are opportunities for growth, but many of us are kicking back. The Christian life is like a greased pole: either you are climbing or slipping. How about you? Are you climbing? Are you growing? Are you maturing? Or are you going backward?
It is time for us to use what God has given so we can go out and do some serious spiritual four-wheeling.
One characteristic of the Bible is that whenever it tells us to not do one thing, it gives you another thing to do in its place. This is very important. We are told to not do certain things, but to do other things instead.
For example, in Ephesians 4 we read, "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need" (verse 28 NKJV). In other words, those who have stolen need to stop stealing and do something productive so they can give to others.
Then, in verse 29 we're told, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" (NKJV). Instead of foul things coming out of your mouth, let good things come out.
And 2 Timothy 2:22 tells us to "flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (NKJV). Flee and follow. Run from anything that stimulates lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do what is right.
Psalm 1:1 reminds us, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful . . . " (NKJV). That is what he doesn't do. But in contrast, "his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night" (verse 2 NKJV).
The best way to not go backward is to go forward. The best way to not lose ground is to gain ground. The best defense is a good offense. As we move forward spiritually, we won't do the things God tells us not to do.
This doesn't mean that we won't be tempted by those things. It doesn't mean they won't come knocking at the door of our hearts and imaginations, asking if they can come in. But it does mean that we will have a firmer resolve to resist them, because we are too busy doing the things of God.
As the hymn says, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."
If you will commit yourself to grow in your love for Jesus Christ and be enamored with Him and dedicated to Him, then you will see this world for what it is. God tells us what to stay away from for our own good, but He also tells us what to do for our own good as well. Our responsibility as followers of Christ, as those who have a guaranteed hope of heaven, is to do what we can to reach others with the Good News.
May God help us to do just that.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Most of these vehicles were built with four-wheel drive capability, but I've often wondered how many people actually use it. In fact, I would venture a guess that most people who have four-wheel drive capability on their SUVs wouldn't know how to use it if they had to. Essentially, these people have vehicles that were designed for one thing but are used for another.
In the Book of Ephesians, we learn a little bit about our spiritual horsepower: all that God has given to us and all that God has done for us. The problem is that a lot of us are in spiritual cruise control. We are not pursuing God. We are not following after righteousness. We have the four-wheel drive, but we are not moving forward.
We need to put what we have into gear and use it. There are mountains to climb. There is rugged terrain to navigate. There are opportunities for growth, but many of us are kicking back. The Christian life is like a greased pole: either you are climbing or slipping. How about you? Are you climbing? Are you growing? Are you maturing? Or are you going backward?
It is time for us to use what God has given so we can go out and do some serious spiritual four-wheeling.
One characteristic of the Bible is that whenever it tells us to not do one thing, it gives you another thing to do in its place. This is very important. We are told to not do certain things, but to do other things instead.
For example, in Ephesians 4 we read, "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need" (verse 28 NKJV). In other words, those who have stolen need to stop stealing and do something productive so they can give to others.
Then, in verse 29 we're told, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" (NKJV). Instead of foul things coming out of your mouth, let good things come out.
And 2 Timothy 2:22 tells us to "flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (NKJV). Flee and follow. Run from anything that stimulates lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do what is right.
Psalm 1:1 reminds us, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful . . . " (NKJV). That is what he doesn't do. But in contrast, "his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night" (verse 2 NKJV).
The best way to not go backward is to go forward. The best way to not lose ground is to gain ground. The best defense is a good offense. As we move forward spiritually, we won't do the things God tells us not to do.
This doesn't mean that we won't be tempted by those things. It doesn't mean they won't come knocking at the door of our hearts and imaginations, asking if they can come in. But it does mean that we will have a firmer resolve to resist them, because we are too busy doing the things of God.
As the hymn says, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."
If you will commit yourself to grow in your love for Jesus Christ and be enamored with Him and dedicated to Him, then you will see this world for what it is. God tells us what to stay away from for our own good, but He also tells us what to do for our own good as well. Our responsibility as followers of Christ, as those who have a guaranteed hope of heaven, is to do what we can to reach others with the Good News.
May God help us to do just that.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Saturday, December 26, 2009
"God Is with Us"
"Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people."
— Luke 1:68
Immanuel: God is with us—God came to us. What a staggering thought. It is really the essence of the Christian faith and the Christian life. All other religious ideologies essentially tell you that you must do something: Do this, and you will find inner peace. . . . Do this, and you will reach nirvana. . . . Do this, and maybe you will make it to heaven. But Christianity says it is done—done for you at the Cross, paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Being a Christian is not merely following a creed; it is having Christ himself live in you and through you, giving you the strength to be the man or woman He has called you to be. Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20) and "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).
The message of Christmas is God with us. That is important to know, especially during those times when we are going through great difficulty. The psalmist said, "If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me" (Psalm 139:9–10). It is great to know that God is with you wherever you go.
The Bible never teaches that we will have problem-free lives as followers of Christ. But the Bible does teach that we never will be alone. And because of that, we don't have to be afraid. As Ray Stedman said, "The chief mark of the Christian ought to be the absence of fear and the presence of joy."
That is the message that this sin-sick world needs to hear: Immanuel—God is with us.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
