II Timothy 1:7 ESV
7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
This verse talks of how God has equipped His children, His Saints, His loved ones, His Servants. A fear of man or evil would be a hindrance in the service of God, so the Holy Spirit moves us beyond that fear.
Rather the Holy Spirit equips our minds and hearts with power so that we are able to endure hardness like good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
As one of the mentioned fruits, the Holy Spirit also produces love in our hearts. This is a love of God, His Son and the fellow saints in the church. Those who have this love seek not their own ease and credit, but rather live for the Glory of God and the good of the saints and of mankind.
We are given a mind capable of learning the principles and doctrines of the Word. This mind is driven by God's wisdom and Word; not the passions of man which are often out of control. The evidence of a sound mind will show itself in how we live. Sound conduct and behaviour is sobriety, moderation, temperance, purity, and honesty. Equipped with a sound mind, we will not easily give ground to the enemies of our faith, or neglect our duty because of fear.
The Holy Spirit teaches us to fear God rather than to fear men. So take assessment of your mind and heart. Is fear of any kind ruling the roost? Or are you experiencing the power, love and sound mind installed and maintained by God's Holy Spirit?
God Bless You,
Dennis
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Security: I am a citizen of heaven
Philippians 3:20 ESV
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 2:6 ESV
6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
Ephesians 2:19 ESV
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
Christians must live a life of dual citizenship. Like all people on earth, they enjoy the benefits of citizenship in their own country. These include identity, community, protection, and some elements of provision. Even though these are benefits worthy of our gratitude, they will come mixed with problems and failings common to anything man undertakes.
Christians are called to live with their heavenly citizenship fresh on their mind, as well. Your first thought might be of citizenship when you leave this world and enter heaven. The Bible is very clear that believing Christians enjoy this heavenly citizenship now. In fact, it says that we are currently seated with Christ in the heavenly places. Of course, this is a spiritual truth beyond our comprehension, so we will just take God at His Word.
We are citizens of heaven - "the kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ." We enjoy fellowship with our God and membership with His community - the church. God is the governing authority and the command, rule, protection and provision needed by His church is always available.
Citizenship is another way that we can understand and enjoy our relationship with God. It is one of many and brings new perspectives to us as we compare with earthly citizenship.
God Bless You,
Dennis
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 2:6 ESV
6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
Ephesians 2:19 ESV
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
Christians must live a life of dual citizenship. Like all people on earth, they enjoy the benefits of citizenship in their own country. These include identity, community, protection, and some elements of provision. Even though these are benefits worthy of our gratitude, they will come mixed with problems and failings common to anything man undertakes.
Christians are called to live with their heavenly citizenship fresh on their mind, as well. Your first thought might be of citizenship when you leave this world and enter heaven. The Bible is very clear that believing Christians enjoy this heavenly citizenship now. In fact, it says that we are currently seated with Christ in the heavenly places. Of course, this is a spiritual truth beyond our comprehension, so we will just take God at His Word.
We are citizens of heaven - "the kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ." We enjoy fellowship with our God and membership with His community - the church. God is the governing authority and the command, rule, protection and provision needed by His church is always available.
Citizenship is another way that we can understand and enjoy our relationship with God. It is one of many and brings new perspectives to us as we compare with earthly citizenship.
God Bless You,
Dennis
Security: The Good Work will be Perfected
I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected.
Philippians 1:6 - ESV
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:10 - ESV
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
The good work is certainly God's work of grace in a believer. Actually the work begins with a non-believer, for all are dead in their trespasses and sins. Only God can start this work of grace. It is a wonderful blessing that we can be the workmanship of God, for God's work is perfect, He makes no mistakes and He leaves no job half done. The believer that understands the sinfulness of their own hearts is quick to realize that this work begun by God, must be carried on to completion by God. So we readily accept the fact that we are forever dependent on God for this good work, which is designed to bring the greatest good to our lives. God has chosen to do this work, He is more than willing and able to do it perfectly.
Let us then gladly spend time in prayer and the Word, seeking to understand our God and the work He is currently doing in our lives. May all of our thoughts, words and actions line up with God's blueprint.
God Bless You,
Dennis
Philippians 1:6 - ESV
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:10 - ESV
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
The good work is certainly God's work of grace in a believer. Actually the work begins with a non-believer, for all are dead in their trespasses and sins. Only God can start this work of grace. It is a wonderful blessing that we can be the workmanship of God, for God's work is perfect, He makes no mistakes and He leaves no job half done. The believer that understands the sinfulness of their own hearts is quick to realize that this work begun by God, must be carried on to completion by God. So we readily accept the fact that we are forever dependent on God for this good work, which is designed to bring the greatest good to our lives. God has chosen to do this work, He is more than willing and able to do it perfectly.
Let us then gladly spend time in prayer and the Word, seeking to understand our God and the work He is currently doing in our lives. May all of our thoughts, words and actions line up with God's blueprint.
God Bless You,
Dennis
Monday, December 18, 2006
Security: Hidden with Christ in God
Col 3:3 ESV
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
2Ti 1:12
12 ... But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
I Peter 1:3-4
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
There is much that can be said about our life in Christ, and about Christ who is one with the Father, being in the bosom of the Father. Our life with Christ is both present and eternal.
From the eternal side, our eternal life in Christ with God the Father is like a most valuable treasure. It was given to the faithful by God the Father and it is far too valuable for us to manage. So it is safely stored away with the Father. No one, absolutely no one can touch it. Thus we can be confident that someday we will lay our hands on it.
However, eternal life does not start after we die. Even now, today, the believer shares in that eternal life. The Holy Spirit within is eternal and living. The believer is in Christ who is living. Just as the branch draws life from the vine, so too we draw all that we need for our new, spiritually alive relationship with the Father from the Holy Spirit and our new life in Christ.
God's will is always accomplished. His will includes both the eternal life that we receive now by the Holy Spirit and the eternal life we will enjoy for eternity.
Live for God Almighty, not for yourself or things of this world. He has saved you and given you life for a purpose. Pray that His purposes will be accomplished in your life.
God Bless You,
Dennis
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
2Ti 1:12
12 ... But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
I Peter 1:3-4
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
There is much that can be said about our life in Christ, and about Christ who is one with the Father, being in the bosom of the Father. Our life with Christ is both present and eternal.
From the eternal side, our eternal life in Christ with God the Father is like a most valuable treasure. It was given to the faithful by God the Father and it is far too valuable for us to manage. So it is safely stored away with the Father. No one, absolutely no one can touch it. Thus we can be confident that someday we will lay our hands on it.
However, eternal life does not start after we die. Even now, today, the believer shares in that eternal life. The Holy Spirit within is eternal and living. The believer is in Christ who is living. Just as the branch draws life from the vine, so too we draw all that we need for our new, spiritually alive relationship with the Father from the Holy Spirit and our new life in Christ.
God's will is always accomplished. His will includes both the eternal life that we receive now by the Holy Spirit and the eternal life we will enjoy for eternity.
Live for God Almighty, not for yourself or things of this world. He has saved you and given you life for a purpose. Pray that His purposes will be accomplished in your life.
God Bless You,
Dennis
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Security: Established, Anointed, Sealed
I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
II Corinthians 1:21,22 ESV
21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us,
22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
As we think of our faith, we must remember that it is God who establishes our fatith and gives us this relationship in Christ. He gives us the ability to hope in Christ and He gives us grace to lean upon his promises.
Believers are anointed because the Holy Spirit has been poured out upon us. In addition any believer that is walking with the Lord will be living a life directly influenced by the Holy Spirit. In Him and this anointing, we live and move and have our being.
By definition, a guarantee is something you can trust for a desired outcome. That's just what it is. In our tainted world, we have come to believe that the trustworthiness of a guarantee is the exception, rather than the rule. Not so with God. He is not tainted in the least, and the sinfulness of man has no power over what God desires to accomplish. In addition, the surety for this promise is Jesus Christ Himself and He is Truth.
God Bless You as you consider your position in Christ.
Dennis
II Corinthians 1:21,22 ESV
21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us,
22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
As we think of our faith, we must remember that it is God who establishes our fatith and gives us this relationship in Christ. He gives us the ability to hope in Christ and He gives us grace to lean upon his promises.
Believers are anointed because the Holy Spirit has been poured out upon us. In addition any believer that is walking with the Lord will be living a life directly influenced by the Holy Spirit. In Him and this anointing, we live and move and have our being.
By definition, a guarantee is something you can trust for a desired outcome. That's just what it is. In our tainted world, we have come to believe that the trustworthiness of a guarantee is the exception, rather than the rule. Not so with God. He is not tainted in the least, and the sinfulness of man has no power over what God desires to accomplish. In addition, the surety for this promise is Jesus Christ Himself and He is Truth.
God Bless You as you consider your position in Christ.
Dennis
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Security: I Cannot Be Separated from the Love of God
Romans 8:35-39 ESV
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In verse 36 Paul gives the clear example of being in very difficult situations and yet knowing that he is more than a conqueror. He must state that by faith, but that faith is built on the firm bedrock of God's love for him. God's love, like God Himself, is perfect. There has never been a mistake. The 'Children of the Heavenly Father' have never been forsaken.
Think on God's love today. If you are one of His, then rejoice that nothing that happens in your life can tear you from His hand of provision and protection.
God Bless You,
Dennis
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In verse 36 Paul gives the clear example of being in very difficult situations and yet knowing that he is more than a conqueror. He must state that by faith, but that faith is built on the firm bedrock of God's love for him. God's love, like God Himself, is perfect. There has never been a mistake. The 'Children of the Heavenly Father' have never been forsaken.
Think on God's love today. If you are one of His, then rejoice that nothing that happens in your life can tear you from His hand of provision and protection.
God Bless You,
Dennis
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Security: No Condemning Charges Against Me
I am free from any condemning charges against me.
Romans 8:31-34 ESV
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
It is God who has justified the believer. The single highest authority that ever has or will exist has justified those who believe, so who can question it. To satisfy His own holiness, this justification was accomplished by Jesus Christ' death, burial and resurrection. Jesus Christ is now reigning at the right hand of God the Father and this shows that the work was perfectly accomplished.
So solid is our justification in reality that it cannot be touched. Yet we are in a battle while yet on earth. Satan and people will bring charges against us. They will question our faith. They will point out our failures over and over. They will attempt to discourage us, shame us and put us down. We must be able to recognize these attacks. Take what is told you and hold it up to the truth of God's word. If it doesn't match, throw it out! Remember what our Scripture says, "Who shall bring any charge against God's elect?"
Fellow member of the elect, be encouraged in your walk with the Lord. Our salvation is so great. It was accomplished by Him and no man can touch it. Truly a treasure for us now (even as works in progress) and a treasure stored up in Heaven.
God Bless You,
Dennis
Romans 8:31-34 ESV
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
It is God who has justified the believer. The single highest authority that ever has or will exist has justified those who believe, so who can question it. To satisfy His own holiness, this justification was accomplished by Jesus Christ' death, burial and resurrection. Jesus Christ is now reigning at the right hand of God the Father and this shows that the work was perfectly accomplished.
So solid is our justification in reality that it cannot be touched. Yet we are in a battle while yet on earth. Satan and people will bring charges against us. They will question our faith. They will point out our failures over and over. They will attempt to discourage us, shame us and put us down. We must be able to recognize these attacks. Take what is told you and hold it up to the truth of God's word. If it doesn't match, throw it out! Remember what our Scripture says, "Who shall bring any charge against God's elect?"
Fellow member of the elect, be encouraged in your walk with the Lord. Our salvation is so great. It was accomplished by Him and no man can touch it. Truly a treasure for us now (even as works in progress) and a treasure stored up in Heaven.
God Bless You,
Dennis
Monday, December 04, 2006
Security: All things work together for good.
Romans 8:28 ESV
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
This is one HUGE promise that can bring courage, faith, peace and joy in almost any situation. When a new believer begins to comprehend this verse, they have no option but to take it by faith. It is too big to reason out in our minds. After growing in our faith, and learning God's word, we gain more confidence in this promise. This confidence is not due to our being able to understand how it works. Rather, our confidence comes because His word has taught us who He is and what He is doing, and all this teaching only made possible by the Holy Spirit.
A short analysis of this verse:
We know - not wishful thinking, but knowing with no reason to doubt.
For those who love God - This is not just any person. They must be saved and have a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Romans 8:5 tells us that this 'love of God' is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. That is only for believers.
all things - Yes it means all things. Everything that comes into your life - blessings, opportunities, trials, sickness, poverty, friends, enemies, kind family, mean family, new life and death, little tiny disappointments, major life-crushing tragedies. Because of God and His love for His children, and the fact that He is Sovereign, we really can trust that He will use each of these things for our good. We will trust Him to define good because He knows us better than we know ourselves.
Another source makes this statement: God's providence rules in such a way as to ensure everything that happens to us is working for our ultimate good.
called for a purpose - God's children are called for a purpose - even more than one. We are called to love and worship God, to serve and obey Him, to glorify Him with our lives here on earth and to worship and glorify Him forever in heaven.
If you are a Christian - read this verse, meditate on it and think about it until you can rest in the security of such a promise. The things that God brings to your life are not just circumstance. These things are hand selected by God and allowed to reach you for a purpose. It is for your good. Rejoice!
God Bless You,
Dennis
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
This is one HUGE promise that can bring courage, faith, peace and joy in almost any situation. When a new believer begins to comprehend this verse, they have no option but to take it by faith. It is too big to reason out in our minds. After growing in our faith, and learning God's word, we gain more confidence in this promise. This confidence is not due to our being able to understand how it works. Rather, our confidence comes because His word has taught us who He is and what He is doing, and all this teaching only made possible by the Holy Spirit.
A short analysis of this verse:
We know - not wishful thinking, but knowing with no reason to doubt.
For those who love God - This is not just any person. They must be saved and have a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Romans 8:5 tells us that this 'love of God' is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. That is only for believers.
all things - Yes it means all things. Everything that comes into your life - blessings, opportunities, trials, sickness, poverty, friends, enemies, kind family, mean family, new life and death, little tiny disappointments, major life-crushing tragedies. Because of God and His love for His children, and the fact that He is Sovereign, we really can trust that He will use each of these things for our good. We will trust Him to define good because He knows us better than we know ourselves.
Another source makes this statement: God's providence rules in such a way as to ensure everything that happens to us is working for our ultimate good.
called for a purpose - God's children are called for a purpose - even more than one. We are called to love and worship God, to serve and obey Him, to glorify Him with our lives here on earth and to worship and glorify Him forever in heaven.
If you are a Christian - read this verse, meditate on it and think about it until you can rest in the security of such a promise. The things that God brings to your life are not just circumstance. These things are hand selected by God and allowed to reach you for a purpose. It is for your good. Rejoice!
God Bless You,
Dennis
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Security: No Condemnation Ever
Romans 8:1,2 ESV
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus [who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit].
2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
First let me make a comment about vs. 1. The phrase that is in brackets is not in any of the early manuscripts. Therefore it was probably added as a comment at a later time. However, this is not too alarming, since the same phrase appears at the end of vs. 4.
Verses 8:1-4, along with Chapter 7 show how the law of "sin and death" has been deprived of its power to take believers into bondage. At the same time the holy law of God receives from believers a living obedience motivated by the wonderful work of our Savior.
Christ who knew no sin, was made sin for us, and those who believe in Him are made the righteousness of God in Him (II Cor 5:21). This atoning work has changed us from the status of condemned sinner to some who is righteous, like Jesus Christ. In addition, we now stand one with Him. This oneness is a union of lives. Believers, through God's Spirit dwelling in them, are united with Christ just as the head and members of the body share one life.
Much more than we do, we need to meditate on the wonderful work of Christ on our behalf. We were transported by Him, from absolute condemnation to absolutely never being condemned. This is because God's wrath was satisfied (propitiated) at the Cross, and we need to thank God for that very often.
Is there security in these truths? Can you place your life in the hands of the Perfect One who best knows what you need.
God Bless You,
Dennis
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus [who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit].
2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
First let me make a comment about vs. 1. The phrase that is in brackets is not in any of the early manuscripts. Therefore it was probably added as a comment at a later time. However, this is not too alarming, since the same phrase appears at the end of vs. 4.
Verses 8:1-4, along with Chapter 7 show how the law of "sin and death" has been deprived of its power to take believers into bondage. At the same time the holy law of God receives from believers a living obedience motivated by the wonderful work of our Savior.
Christ who knew no sin, was made sin for us, and those who believe in Him are made the righteousness of God in Him (II Cor 5:21). This atoning work has changed us from the status of condemned sinner to some who is righteous, like Jesus Christ. In addition, we now stand one with Him. This oneness is a union of lives. Believers, through God's Spirit dwelling in them, are united with Christ just as the head and members of the body share one life.
Much more than we do, we need to meditate on the wonderful work of Christ on our behalf. We were transported by Him, from absolute condemnation to absolutely never being condemned. This is because God's wrath was satisfied (propitiated) at the Cross, and we need to thank God for that very often.
Is there security in these truths? Can you place your life in the hands of the Perfect One who best knows what you need.
God Bless You,
Dennis
djbtol On the Web
Glad to report to all my friends that I have a new website. Not only is it new, it is my very first. Now you must temper all expectations: this site is a baby and knows very few tricks yet. It is a start and I am glad to share it with you. Take a look. Hope you find something you like.
God Bless You,
Dennis
God Bless You,
Dennis
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