Matt. 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven."
Some who address Jesus Christ as Lord are not home free, even if they think they are.
"There's a reason for that. It's not that He means for us to work our way into heaven - no. God forgiving us is a free gift. It's an act of grace purchased by the death of His Son at the Cross.
What He's saying is that when we accept Him into our hearts, our lives are supposed to be different. Our lives should bear fruit. If they don't, then there's something drastically wrong.". Berni Dymet
The challenge for you and me: What we believe, is demonstrated by what we do!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Friday, December 17, 2010
John Lennon - here?
If you have followed this blog at all, you realize that you would not expect to find any mention of John Lennon. Turns out, that an article in World magazine used the death of John Lennon at age 40 to make a good point. Based on that, I wrote a brief article in Triond.
Live your life for Jesus.
Postscript: If you need more John Lennon, then here is one account of 'where I was' when I found out.
When I found out
Live your life for Jesus.
Postscript: If you need more John Lennon, then here is one account of 'where I was' when I found out.
When I found out
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Before I trust you…
I have to know something about you. When I know enough, or as much as I can, then I must have the faith to believe you will deal with me in a manner consistent with what I understand about you. Based on that faith, I can trust you.
No offense, but anytime you trust another person, there is risk involved. People change and fail.
In order to trust God, the same criteria are involved. You must learn about Him, and what He has done is recorded in His Word. There you can learn how He thinks and the elements of His character. (Of course God is far more complex than a person; we will never totally understand.) Your understanding of God, when fueled by the Holy Spirit will lead you to believe that He is who He says He is, and then you can start to trust Him. Trust, obey and find peace!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And lean not on you own understanding
In all your ways acknowledge Him
And He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5,6
No offense, but anytime you trust another person, there is risk involved. People change and fail.
In order to trust God, the same criteria are involved. You must learn about Him, and what He has done is recorded in His Word. There you can learn how He thinks and the elements of His character. (Of course God is far more complex than a person; we will never totally understand.) Your understanding of God, when fueled by the Holy Spirit will lead you to believe that He is who He says He is, and then you can start to trust Him. Trust, obey and find peace!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And lean not on you own understanding
In all your ways acknowledge Him
And He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5,6
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
God Also Commands
It is great to talk about how great God is. It is absolutely wonderful to discuss all the ways He demonstrates His magnificent love for us. But, sooner or later, we have to talk about His commands.
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy…
Hebrews 12:14
People often act in a way that makes the first part of this command very difficult, and I often live contrary to the second part. Just the same, we must seek God’s grace and strive to meet the standard. We do this because we love Him, not because it will make Him love us more.
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy…
Hebrews 12:14
People often act in a way that makes the first part of this command very difficult, and I often live contrary to the second part. Just the same, we must seek God’s grace and strive to meet the standard. We do this because we love Him, not because it will make Him love us more.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Comfort Me
Sometimes life is tough and the comfort available from friends and family is either missing or just not adequate. Consider this better alternative:
Shout for joy, O heavens;
rejoice, O earth;
burst into song, O mountains!
For the Lord comforts his people
and will have compassion
on his afflicted ones.
Isaiah 49:13
Comfort and compassion, from a Living God!
Shout for joy, O heavens;
rejoice, O earth;
burst into song, O mountains!
For the Lord comforts his people
and will have compassion
on his afflicted ones.
Isaiah 49:13
Comfort and compassion, from a Living God!
Monday, August 09, 2010
See God?
"... perfect in beauty, God shines forth." Psalm 50:2
This is what I can tell you today:
1. If you look at me these days, I doubt you will see God shining forth.
2. You will not see the beauty of God in my words and actions.
3. God's plan and desire is to shine forth through his people.
4. God is perfect in all He does, His grace is more than sufficient.
5. Thus, the lack of shining is due to my failure.
6. Even more of God's grace is needed to re-introduce the shining!
Let's pray it is so for you and me.
This is what I can tell you today:
1. If you look at me these days, I doubt you will see God shining forth.
2. You will not see the beauty of God in my words and actions.
3. God's plan and desire is to shine forth through his people.
4. God is perfect in all He does, His grace is more than sufficient.
5. Thus, the lack of shining is due to my failure.
6. Even more of God's grace is needed to re-introduce the shining!
Let's pray it is so for you and me.
Friday, August 06, 2010
Pillar of Strength
"Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God..."
Revelation 3:12
Revelation 3:12
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Secure
"You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety."
Job 11:18
God who can work good out of any situation and Jesus Christ who restored us to the bosom of the Father - now that is reason for true hope!
Does Actress Sara Rue know about this living hope?
Job 11:18
God who can work good out of any situation and Jesus Christ who restored us to the bosom of the Father - now that is reason for true hope!
Does Actress Sara Rue know about this living hope?
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Significant: Salt of the Earth
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. Matthew 5:13, ESV
Salt is significant for at least two things. Historically salt has been used to preserve food. Meat was salted to prevent corruption. Salt is also significant for adding flavor and variety to something that would otherwise be bland.
Christ tells his disciples that they are to be the salt of the earth. The earth and all that is in it has been corrupted by sin. That includes us. To think that God can use me to resist corruption is amazing. I can be use as a force for righteousness. Such an accomplishment would have to be directed by the hand of God.
The Christian can also enjoy the joys and significance of eternity brought into normal daily life. No matter how routine, that which is done for Christ is significant.
God Bless You,
Dennis
Salt is significant for at least two things. Historically salt has been used to preserve food. Meat was salted to prevent corruption. Salt is also significant for adding flavor and variety to something that would otherwise be bland.
Christ tells his disciples that they are to be the salt of the earth. The earth and all that is in it has been corrupted by sin. That includes us. To think that God can use me to resist corruption is amazing. I can be use as a force for righteousness. Such an accomplishment would have to be directed by the hand of God.
The Christian can also enjoy the joys and significance of eternity brought into normal daily life. No matter how routine, that which is done for Christ is significant.
God Bless You,
Dennis
Google Search Box
Been a while since I've updated here. Let's hope that changes since there is much more to be said. I'm trying to clean up some issues with the template as well. My apologies for the google search box that is too wide for the left column. Still trying to figure out how to change that. If you know how, maybe you would be so kind as to post a comment here.
Thanks,
Dennis
Thanks,
Dennis
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Security: Born of God and Untouchable
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
I John 5:18 ESV
18 We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.
Some comments based on the John Gill's commentary:
That person born of God is regenerated by His Spirit and grace. He is quickened by His power. Christ is formed in him and he is made a partaker of the divine nature - based on every grace implanted in him.
When you consider this list of characteristics that the child of God enjoys, you can see how the believer is strengthened against sin and protected from the evil one. Even though he 'does not keep on sinning' as a routine practice, there will still be occasions of sin in his life. But he will not live in sin, nor will he stay under the power and dominion of sin. This is clearly how a believer can enjoy the power of the Holy Spirit in a way that the unsaved person will never know.
'He who was born of God'. The Vulgate Latin reads, "the generation of God keeps or preserves him"; that is, that which is born in him, the new man, the principle of grace, or seed of God in him. Think of the 'generation of God' as that which eminates from God. This translation keeps the focus on God's preserving grace imparted to the believer.
No man can keep himself by how his own power and strength. God only is the keeper of His people, and they are only kept safe whom He keeps, and it is by His power they are kept. But the other sense of this passage is that the believer keeps himself by seeking out and relying on God's grace offered in His promises. God is the source and the ultimate victory, but yet God places an expectation upon His people to avail themselves of that grace.
The wicked one, Satan, cannot come and wound to the heart, or destroy that principle of life within him. Satan may tempt him, and sift him and buffet him, and greatly afflict and grieve him - even so, Satan is limited by the hand of our loving Heavenly Father. The saints know their perseverance from the promises of God and the declarations of Christ.
We know that the child of God is alive in God, and enabled by His grace to have victory in the battle. If we are following the commander, wearing the armor and relying on Him, then we can be secure and confident that God will be our sovereign protector.
God Bless You,
Dennis
I John 5:18 ESV
18 We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.
Some comments based on the John Gill's commentary:
That person born of God is regenerated by His Spirit and grace. He is quickened by His power. Christ is formed in him and he is made a partaker of the divine nature - based on every grace implanted in him.
When you consider this list of characteristics that the child of God enjoys, you can see how the believer is strengthened against sin and protected from the evil one. Even though he 'does not keep on sinning' as a routine practice, there will still be occasions of sin in his life. But he will not live in sin, nor will he stay under the power and dominion of sin. This is clearly how a believer can enjoy the power of the Holy Spirit in a way that the unsaved person will never know.
'He who was born of God'. The Vulgate Latin reads, "the generation of God keeps or preserves him"; that is, that which is born in him, the new man, the principle of grace, or seed of God in him. Think of the 'generation of God' as that which eminates from God. This translation keeps the focus on God's preserving grace imparted to the believer.
No man can keep himself by how his own power and strength. God only is the keeper of His people, and they are only kept safe whom He keeps, and it is by His power they are kept. But the other sense of this passage is that the believer keeps himself by seeking out and relying on God's grace offered in His promises. God is the source and the ultimate victory, but yet God places an expectation upon His people to avail themselves of that grace.
The wicked one, Satan, cannot come and wound to the heart, or destroy that principle of life within him. Satan may tempt him, and sift him and buffet him, and greatly afflict and grieve him - even so, Satan is limited by the hand of our loving Heavenly Father. The saints know their perseverance from the promises of God and the declarations of Christ.
We know that the child of God is alive in God, and enabled by His grace to have victory in the battle. If we are following the commander, wearing the armor and relying on Him, then we can be secure and confident that God will be our sovereign protector.
God Bless You,
Dennis
Security: Grace and Mercy in Time of Need
I can find grace and mercy in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 ESV
16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
First a few comments on the context of this verse. If we go back to verse 12, we are told that the Word of God is living and active, able to cut into the very deepest part of our being. Verse 13 tells us that no creature is hidden from the eyes of God. Every aspect of our life and being is available for his scrutiny - and judgment, for to Him we must give account.
Verses 14 and 15 talk about our great high priest who is now established in heaven, but yet this same high priest can fully empathize with us. He was fully tempted and yet did not sin.
First there is God's Word to faithfully show us who God is and who we really are. Then we see the sovereign God watching and knowing everything about us. God's Son Jesus conquered the cross and death and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father, yet He knows our struggle here below.
If you approach the throne of grace with a sincere heart, and come believing and trusting in only the blood of Jesus Christ your Savior, then you need not be alarmed at the Sovereign God who holds people accountable for their sin; for the blood of Jesus has removed all of your sin, and you now wear the robe of His righteousness.
There is grace and mercy at the Father's throne. This is not grace and mercy to merely solve our problems, which it does, but grace and mercy so that we may enjoy a true heart to heart relationship with our loving Heavenly Father.
No matter the sin, the believer is confident that the blood of Jesus can cover that sin. The barrier is gone - run to the throne!
God Bless You,
Dennis
Hebrews 4:16 ESV
16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
First a few comments on the context of this verse. If we go back to verse 12, we are told that the Word of God is living and active, able to cut into the very deepest part of our being. Verse 13 tells us that no creature is hidden from the eyes of God. Every aspect of our life and being is available for his scrutiny - and judgment, for to Him we must give account.
Verses 14 and 15 talk about our great high priest who is now established in heaven, but yet this same high priest can fully empathize with us. He was fully tempted and yet did not sin.
First there is God's Word to faithfully show us who God is and who we really are. Then we see the sovereign God watching and knowing everything about us. God's Son Jesus conquered the cross and death and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father, yet He knows our struggle here below.
If you approach the throne of grace with a sincere heart, and come believing and trusting in only the blood of Jesus Christ your Savior, then you need not be alarmed at the Sovereign God who holds people accountable for their sin; for the blood of Jesus has removed all of your sin, and you now wear the robe of His righteousness.
There is grace and mercy at the Father's throne. This is not grace and mercy to merely solve our problems, which it does, but grace and mercy so that we may enjoy a true heart to heart relationship with our loving Heavenly Father.
No matter the sin, the believer is confident that the blood of Jesus can cover that sin. The barrier is gone - run to the throne!
God Bless You,
Dennis
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Security: Power, Love and Sound Mind
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
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
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
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