....filled with the knowledge of His will....

Wouldn't it be great to have someone pray this prayer over each and every one of us everyday?  I've highlighted the things that stand out to me.


Colossians 1:9-13(NKJV)
⁹For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 
¹⁰that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 
¹¹strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 
¹²giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 
¹³He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 

Wow! 

Don't see any reason why we can't pray that for ourselves and each other!

With thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God

What a great verse!  It is a verse that I try to live by.  As with so many other cases in the Bible, we again see a conditional promise of God.  Have you ever noticed that?  Most of God's promises are conditional.

In other words,  God isn't Santa Claus.  This kind of goes along with Kumbaya Jesus.  There seem to be a lot of people who say since God loves everybody, that means we all get the goodies of God without the obligation. 

 

I don't believe that is true.  God's promise's come with conditions.  He tells us the proper way to do things.  This verse is a great example.  Do you want the peace of God that surpasses all understanding?  Then follow this process.

Philippians 4:6-7(NKJV)

6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 

7and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The first step is don't be anxious about stuff.  You might say 'that's not natural" and I'd say that you are probably right.  However I don't see anything in this Scripture, this message from God, saying anything about it having to be natural.

It actually takes discipline.  To recognize it, to take control through prayer and to banish it and replace it with faith.  Now is faith a big deal to God?  You bet it is!  By being anxious you are demonstrating fear instead of faith.  The Bible tells us that fear and faith can't co-exist.

Once we learn to control our fear or anxiety then we are told to bring all of our requests to God.  We are told however to do it in a very specific way.  How do we do it?  By prayer and supplication, WITH THANKSGIVING!  Scripture is very clear that if we follow this pattern we will experience the peace of God.

Why do you think the with thanksgiving part is in there?  I happen to think it is the most important part.  The reason is that I think it further demonstrates our faith to God. 

Think about it.  We wouldn't be anxious unless it was about something that wasn't going exactly right in our lives.  By approaching it in a thankful spirit I think we are saying to God "I trust that you've got this under control just like you have had everything else in my life under control.  You always make it work out in the end.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Now this all starts by having Jesus at the center of your life.  Have you asked Jesus into your life yet?  Why not do it right now?  Just have a talk with Jesus and ask Him to guide your life.  "Dear Jesus…."

Another Great Daily Prayer!

Psalms 19:14(NKJV)

14    Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart      Be acceptable in Your sight,     O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

If you can't think of anything else to pray about, I don't think you could go wrong starting everyday with this prayer!

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,

Psalms 33:18-19(NKJV)

18    Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,      On those who hope in His mercy,

19    To deliver their soul from death,     And to keep them alive in famine.

Does God look out for and take care of everybody?  Why do I ask you may wonder.  This has to do with the whole Kumbaya Jesus thing.  There are many out there that don't accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior but at the same time think that they should receive all the blessings of God. 

Based on the Scripture above how do you think that is going to work out?  :)

Parents for the children

2 Corinthians 12:14(NKJV)

14Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 

It always amazes me how the wealthy are attacked for saving, providing for their children, and then passing the wealth on to their kids.  Why am I amazed by that?  Because they are being attacked for doing what the Bible tells them to do. 

I think the thing that bugs me the most about this is that those who are attacking for the most part have not done the same for their kids.  In many cases they become a burden to their children in their old age because they didn't do what God's Word suggested.

Maybe if those doing the attacking paid more attention to following God's Word they would do a better job of providing for their own children and they would have a lot less time to be covetous of others. 

Just a thought!

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing

I ran across this Scripture and this story yesterday on the 1st running of the Boston Marathon since the bombing last year. 

So many times in life we see tragedy turned into triumph.  I personally believe that one of the major factors in those stories is faith.  Faith in God. 

God has a miraculous way of making things work out in ways we never could have imagined if we will just let Him.  Please enjoy the Scripture and the story.

Psalms 30:11(NKJV)

11    You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;      You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,

I think this story exemplifies the verse above.

http://www.newsmax.com/US/boston-marathon-dream-startup/2014/04/21/id/566641/

Wise vs. Unwise

It would seem to me that wise is better than unwise any day of the week.  I ran across these verses in Ephesians today.  Seems pretty simple to me.  Where does wisdom come from?  Read on.

Ephesians 5:15-17(NKJV)

15See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 

16redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 

It comes from understanding God's will in your life.  How do you do that?  Accept Jesus.  Receive the Holy Spirit.  Pray and be in the Word daily to build your relationship with Good.  Any questions?

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?

Psalms 22:1(NKJV)

1    My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?      Why are You so far from helping Me,     And from the words of My groaning?

I don't know why I've never noticed this before.  We've all heard the phrase above.  It is what Jesus said when He was hanging on the cross.  I thought it was original with Him.  Didn't realize He was quoting Psalms.

Here is what occurs to me about this verse.  It is from the OT.  Back when the relationship with God wasn't a personal relationship like it is through Jesus.  In the trials that King David went through you can see why he might have felt forsaken at the time. 

Now fast forward to Jesus saying it on the cross.  I find it interesting that Jesus utters that phrase for the last time in the Bible.  The reason is that after Jesus uttered that phrase He descended into hell to overcome death for us.  He then rose again and since the day He rose from the dead to today, no one has ever had to feel forsaken again if they have Jesus in their lives.  With the resurrection of Jesus the relationship with God changed from an impersonal relationship to a personal relationship.

What do I mean by that?  I can only share from my own experience but since I've accepted Jesus all those years ago I have never felt forsaken.  We've been through some tough times just like every person and every family has.  But through it all, I've always felt that Jesus was right there.

Would you like to have that type of relationship with God?  It starts by asking Jesus to step in and take over your life.  Why not do that right now?  Just have a good talk with Jesus.  Share with him what is on your mind and then ask Him to lead you and guide you, to come into your life as your personal Lord and Savior.  Then you'll never again have to feel separated from God.

"Dear Jesus…."

Exceedingly Abundantly

Wow, how quickly the time can get away.  I missed 3 days in a row.  Oh well, back on track now!

Today I'd like to just offer a quick testimony and praise to God. 

Ephesians 3:20-21(NKJV)

20Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 

21to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

We were dealing with some issues and deadlines recently.  Nothing horrible and earth shaking, just everyday life stuff.  What we have seen time after time and this time was no different, is that when you depend on God, things just always seems to work out right.  Things that if you looked at the "facts" you would think "no way!". 

But as the Scripture above says about God, "Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask ".  If you will trust God, even when maybe "common sense" says you shouldn't, you will be amazed at what He can do.  Exceedingly and abundantly more than we even know to ask for!

How do you tap in to the favor of God?  The first step is easy.  Just ask Jesus to come into your life as your Lord and Savior.  Ask Jesus to come into your life to guide you.  Just have a conversation with Jesus and let Him know what is on your heart.  "Dear Jesus…."

After that just follow where Jesus leads you.  Welcome to the family of God and enjoy the journey!

What Is Our Purpose Here?

Do you ever wonder that?  What is our purpose here?  Scripture gives us several answers to that question.  I ran across one of them today.

Ephesians 2:10(NKJV)

10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

We are who's workmanship?  God's.  God made us.  And why did he make us?  One of the reasons was for us to do good works that God had established needed to be done.  We are God's hands and feet here on earth.

Now this shouldn't be confused with salvation.  No work required there.  That is a faith issue.  We are saved by grace.  But once we are saved, I believe that one of the outward manifestations of our faith is how much work we do on God's behalf.  As I have written before, Scripture clearly tells us that our salvation is our guaranteed entry into Heaven.  Our reward in Heaven however is based on how effective we are at doing the work God assigns us. 

But it shouldn't be a duty thing, it should be a thing of love and gratitude.  The things we do for God should be because we are so extremely grateful for all that God has done for us in our lives.  As long as we keep that focus I have found that it is a joy to serve God.

"He Teaches my hands to make war." God did that?

Here is another example of what the casual observer would probably say is "unChristian".  How could a loving God teach war?  That just doesn't jibe with their view of the all loving God and Kumbaya Jesus who only love and never hold accountable.  They are accepting of everything because after all, God is love. 

As I've said over and over, the Bible is a book of balance.  One of the things that the Bible teaches us is that God and Jesus are always in agreement.  Because of that it is sometimes hard for people to reconcile the God of the OT with Jesus in the NT.  I think the following verses give a great example.

Psalms 18:31-34(NKJV)

31    For who is God, except the Lord?      And who is a rock, except our God?

32    It is God who arms me with strength,     And makes my way perfect.

33    He makes my feet like the feet of deer,     And sets me on my high places.

34    He teaches my hands to make war,     So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

Once God has taught war what did He expect and allow David to do with it?

Psalms 18:37-42(NKJV)

37    I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them;      Neither did I turn back again till they were destroyed.

38    I have wounded them,     So that they could not rise;     They have fallen under my feet.

39    For You have armed me with strength for the battle;     You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.

40    You have also given me the necks of my enemies,     So that I destroyed those who hated me.

41    They cried out, but there was none to save;     Even to the Lord, but He did not answer them.

42    Then I beat them as fine as the dust before the wind;     I cast them out like dirt in the streets.

David totally destroyed his enemies and God helped him do it.  Wow, how could a loving God do that?  David's enemies cried out to God for help and God ignored them and refused to help them.  How could a loving God do that?

I believe their confusion comes from their willfully ignoring parts of the Bible.  Here is what I believe is the distinction.  God's blessing and promises are reserved for His people.  Those who believe that Jesus Christ is God's son, that Jesus was crucified and on the third day arose from the dead and He now sits at God's right hand.  Those who believe that Jesus died for our sins.  When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we become heirs with Jesus.  We are welcomed with loving arms into God's family.

Those who chose not to accept Jesus the Bible tells us become enemies of God.  They have chosen to stand in opposition to God.  The OT shows us how God deals with His enemies.  Take note that God doesn't listen to their prayers and He doesn't come to their rescue.  Why?  Because THEY CHOSE to be enemies of God.

How can a loving God do that?  I see no contradiction here whatsoever.  Let's look at it through the lens of God the father.  When you discipline a child, do you love them any less?  Of course not.  Then why do you do it?  Because that child has chosen to challenge your authority in a way that isn't healthy and helpful for that child.  You discipline to correct that behavior.  The child is free to correct their poor behavior and then they find themselves back in the good graces of the parent. 

It's no different with God.  Any person who has declared themselves an enemy of God is free to change their mind at any time.  At the point that they accept Jesus they are welcomed back with open loving arms.  And the key here is that we always have the choice.  It's not forced on us.  As long has someone declares themselves to be an enemy of God, why would you expect God to deal with them any differently that what they have asked for?

What A Great Prayer!

What a great prayer to start every day with!

Psalms 25:4-5(NKJV)

4    Show me Your ways, O Lord;      Teach me Your paths.

5    Lead me in Your truth and teach me,     For You are the God of my salvation;     On You I wait all the day.

How Can You Tell If Someone Fears The Lord?

Psalms 22:23(NKJV)

23    You who fear the Lord, praise Him!     All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him,     And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!

Love simple things like this.  Listen to what people say.  Do you hear them praising God?  Tells you where there heart is at.  Don't hear them praising God, also tells you something.

In You I Put My Trust!

Psalms 16:1(NKJV)

1    Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.

For me, this is another one of those foundational things.  Simple and to the point.  In you (God) I put my trust.

Do I have questions sometimes?  Sure do! 

Do I doubt some of what is written in the Bible?  Sure do!

Do I find some of the stuff in the Bible confusing and nonsensical?  Sure do! 

But does any of that matter?  Not in the least.  Why?  Because "in you (God) I put my trust!". 

That is the foundation.  My experiences in life have proven to me that God is real, you can have a personal relationship with God, and that He guides my life.  He'll do the same for you.

The other stuff?  Minor esoteric BS.  Interesting to ponder.  But does absolutely nothing to shake the foundation.

"In you (God) I put my trust!"

It's a great way to live life.  Give it a try!  

Contradictions? In the Bible?

One of the things that drives me nuts is pretending that there are no contradictions in the Bible.  I think that just damages our credibility to claim that contradictions aren't there when they are. 

What I have found however is that many times we can learn from the contradictions.  As you know, when we accept Christ we receive the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is there to guide us.  One of the things He does is help us discern what we read in the Bible. 

Now if everything word in the Bible is 100% true, what is there for us to discern?  I think that is part of why there is some confusing and contradictory stuff in there.

Anyway here is what caught my attention.  In Psalms we have the following verse.

Psalms 19:7(NKJV)

7    The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;      The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;

But in Galatians it says this:

Galatians 3:13(NKJV)

13Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” £), 

Now one of the Scriptures is from the OT and the other is from the NT.  But remember that Scripture also tells us that God and Jesus are 100% in agreement. 
 

So how is it that God's law can be described as both perfect and a curse? 

If you read further in Galatians you will get a glimpse of the answer.  I'm not fully satisfied with the answer but I believe that is where patience and faith come in. 

I have no doubt whatsoever that when the time is right, God, through the Holy Spirit, will make sure I know what I need to know regarding this issue and I don't let it trouble my overall faith in the least!

Does God Show Favoritism?

Galatians 2:6(NKJV)

6But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 

I read that and thought to myself, really?  But doesn't the Gospel tell us that God will assign the honor of who sits on His left and who sits on His right?  Isn't that showing favoritism?

I love running across things like this because a lot of time it helps me discover deeper meanings.  I assumed I knew what favoritism meant but just to be safe I thought I ought to look it up.

fa·vor·it·ism

1. the favoring of one person or group over others with equal claims; partiality: to show favoritism toward the youngest child.
2. the state of being a favorite.

Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/favoritism>

An aha moment and confirmation of something I have long believed.  Here is the key difference.  Favoritism is when you favor one person over the other when both are equal or have equal claims.

In the case of Heaven Scripture tells us while we are saved by grace and salvation is guaranteed for all who accept Jesus, our rewards in Heaven will be commensurate with our service to God. 

In other words, our rewards in Heaven will be based on our performance for God.  It will be what we have earned.  It will not be a case of God favoring one person over another equal person to put them on the right hand or left.  If will be a case of that person having earned that honor.  Big difference!

How are we to know?

Galatians 1:6-9(NKJV)

6I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 

7which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 

8But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 

9As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

We all know people who try to twist the Gospel and pass it off as the real deal.  One of my favorites is Kumbaya Jesus but there are many other examples.  So how are we to know the difference?

We have one advantage that the Galatians didn't have.  We have the Bible and we can read.  People weren't nearly as literate back then as they are today.  In addition they didn't have the printing press back then so the printed word was very expensive.  Few people could afford their own books.

We have the Bible, either in print or on line.  We can go in and study the Gospel.  Not just read it but study it.  Pay attention to the nuances.  Pray for understanding, revelation, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we study God's word.  That is the only way we will be able to tell the difference.

Oh and by the way, if we are led astray, guess who God will hold partially responsible.  Us!  God tells us that if we listen to others over God, God will hold us responsible for that decision.

So enjoy the journey.  Dig into the Word daily.  It's a great way to start your day and also to live your life.  And the next time someone tries to pass off something as the Gospel when it isn't, you will be able to tell the difference!