In Romans 8:28, we see these words penned by the Apostle Paul, "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." (NRSV).
In the surrounding passages of this verse, we see the mention of the sufferings of the present (8:18) and the subjection to the sin of the past (8:20). However, in the midst of it all, we see the salvation of the future (8:18b,21-25), which brings us to those wonderful words aforementioned, "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."
As we look back over this year, 2009, we see victories, but we also see defeat; we see life, but we also see death; we see joy, but we also see sorrow. But in the midst of it all, God would have His people to know that It's All Good! Why? Because "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are the called according to his purpose." God has a glorious future for His people, despite the sin of the past and the sufferings of the present. And this glorious future involves His people being "conformed to the image of his Son..."(8:29); God wants us to look like Jesus.
So no matter what you might have faced in this past year, or even what you might be currently facing in the present, be encouraged in this, that it is all working for good, if you love God, and are called according to His purpose. There is a bright future ahead. It's All Good!
December 27, 2009
December 20, 2009
Words To Remember - "The Beauty Of Our Salvation"
John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." And John 1:14 says, "And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth." (NRSV). In these verses, we see that the beauty of our salvation, is found in the Incarnation, which is the reason for the Christmas celebration.
What a beautiful thing to know and understand, through the revelation of Scripture, that the Word, who was God, became man (flesh), and settled among humanity, so that He Himself could completely identify with and redeem it. And as a result of this, we see the comforting passage that is found in Hebrews 4:15-16, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Merry Christmas!
What a beautiful thing to know and understand, through the revelation of Scripture, that the Word, who was God, became man (flesh), and settled among humanity, so that He Himself could completely identify with and redeem it. And as a result of this, we see the comforting passage that is found in Hebrews 4:15-16, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Merry Christmas!
December 13, 2009
Words To Remember - "The Believer's Walk" Part III
Matthew 16:24-26 says, "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?'" (NRSV).
We previously made the statement that, "the believer's walk is a walk of faith." We took this from II Corinthians 5:7, wherein the Apostle Paul says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." This walk of faith is best seen in Matthew 16:24-26, for to follow Jesus and being willing to give up our pleasures for Him, is the utmost of walking by faith and not by sight.
We previously made the statement that, "the believer's walk is a walk of faith." We took this from II Corinthians 5:7, wherein the Apostle Paul says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." This walk of faith is best seen in Matthew 16:24-26, for to follow Jesus and being willing to give up our pleasures for Him, is the utmost of walking by faith and not by sight.
November 29, 2009
Words To Remember - "The Believer's Walk" Part II
II Corinthians 5:7 says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (NRSV).
As we stated before, "the believer's walk is a walk of faith"; and this walk of faith involves both confidence and contentment. Our confidence should be in the Lord, as well as our contentment.
Now as it relates to that of confidence and contentment being a part of the believer's walk of faith, we need to know that the aim of being pleasing to the Lord is just as, and even more of an important part in this walk of faith. For in verse 9 of II Corinthians chapter 5, the Apostle Paul says, "So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him." (NRSV). Please notice that after the great statement, "For we walk by faith, not by sight", Paul did not state that his goal and aim in life was to obtain more things (a bigger house, more money, a bigger church, etc...), but rather he said that his goal and aim in life was to please the Lord. Now this is not to say that God is opposed to us having things per se; however, we should not connect walking by faith primarily to obtaining things, but rather to pleasing God. And this involves, as we said before, being confident and content in Him.
So as we "walk by faith, not by sight", let us be confident in the Lord; let us be content in the Lord; but most of all, let us be pleasing to the Lord.
As we stated before, "the believer's walk is a walk of faith"; and this walk of faith involves both confidence and contentment. Our confidence should be in the Lord, as well as our contentment.
Now as it relates to that of confidence and contentment being a part of the believer's walk of faith, we need to know that the aim of being pleasing to the Lord is just as, and even more of an important part in this walk of faith. For in verse 9 of II Corinthians chapter 5, the Apostle Paul says, "So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him." (NRSV). Please notice that after the great statement, "For we walk by faith, not by sight", Paul did not state that his goal and aim in life was to obtain more things (a bigger house, more money, a bigger church, etc...), but rather he said that his goal and aim in life was to please the Lord. Now this is not to say that God is opposed to us having things per se; however, we should not connect walking by faith primarily to obtaining things, but rather to pleasing God. And this involves, as we said before, being confident and content in Him.
So as we "walk by faith, not by sight", let us be confident in the Lord; let us be content in the Lord; but most of all, let us be pleasing to the Lord.
November 22, 2009
Words To Remember - "An Attitude Of Gratitude"
In I Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Apostle Paul says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (NRSV)
In the aforesaid verses of scripture, the Apostle Paul gives us the key to cultivating an attitude of gratitude. The key to this attitude of gratitude is found in the words: rejoice, pray, and give thanks; which are to be done always, without ceasing, and in all circumstances.
In rejoicing, I am in a state of being glad, happy. The only way I can do this always is that it must be in the Lord (Philippians 4:4 - "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.").
In praying, I am in a state of communicating with God. The only way I can do this without ceasing is that it must be in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18 - "Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication.").
In giving thanks, I am in a state of being thankful. The only way I can do this in all circumstances is that it must be in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.").
Remember that as we do these things (rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all circumstances), we are in the will of God; and as we said before, "the will of God is the place of blessing."
So during this Thanksgiving Season, as our nation sets aside a time to give thanks to God for His many blessings, we as the people of God need to especially have an attitude of gratitude; and not only during this Thanksgiving Season, but every day of the year because God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good. Happy Thanksgiving!
In the aforesaid verses of scripture, the Apostle Paul gives us the key to cultivating an attitude of gratitude. The key to this attitude of gratitude is found in the words: rejoice, pray, and give thanks; which are to be done always, without ceasing, and in all circumstances.
In rejoicing, I am in a state of being glad, happy. The only way I can do this always is that it must be in the Lord (Philippians 4:4 - "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.").
In praying, I am in a state of communicating with God. The only way I can do this without ceasing is that it must be in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18 - "Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication.").
In giving thanks, I am in a state of being thankful. The only way I can do this in all circumstances is that it must be in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.").
Remember that as we do these things (rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all circumstances), we are in the will of God; and as we said before, "the will of God is the place of blessing."
So during this Thanksgiving Season, as our nation sets aside a time to give thanks to God for His many blessings, we as the people of God need to especially have an attitude of gratitude; and not only during this Thanksgiving Season, but every day of the year because God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good. Happy Thanksgiving!
November 15, 2009
Words To Remember - "The Believer's Walk"
In II Corinthians 5:7, the Apostle Paul says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." The believer's walk is a walk of faith. Although the believer's walk is also a walk of love, which actually is greater and even crowns faith; however, we still must walk by faith in order to continually walk in love. So again, the believer's walk is a walk of faith.
Walking by faith means walking, living, and conducting our lives in accordance with what cannot be seen in the natural.
The believer walking by faith and not by sight involves at least two things: 1) Confidence; 2) Contentment.
1) Confidence (5:6 & 8). In being confident, we are certain or sure of a matter. Our confidence should be in the Lord and in His Word. In being confident in the Lord and in His Word, we are then walking by faith, and not by sight.
2) Contentment (5:9). In being content, we are satisfied. Our contentment should be in the Lord and in His Word. In being content in the Lord and in His Word, we are then walking by faith, and not by sight.
Walking by faith means walking, living, and conducting our lives in accordance with what cannot be seen in the natural.
The believer walking by faith and not by sight involves at least two things: 1) Confidence; 2) Contentment.
1) Confidence (5:6 & 8). In being confident, we are certain or sure of a matter. Our confidence should be in the Lord and in His Word. In being confident in the Lord and in His Word, we are then walking by faith, and not by sight.
2) Contentment (5:9). In being content, we are satisfied. Our contentment should be in the Lord and in His Word. In being content in the Lord and in His Word, we are then walking by faith, and not by sight.
November 08, 2009
Words To Remember - "Don't Be Troubled By Time"
Galatians 6:9 says, "So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up." (NRSV)
I believe Satan causes most Christians to stumble in this thing called "time." We pray and petition God for things that we need and even what we want, but the place between our prayer and the answer is this thing called "time." How long do I have to wait, God? When is it going to happen, God? What is taking so long, God? It is these questions that, if we are not watchful, can cause us to get impatient and resort to taking matters into our own hands, and consequently get outside of the will of God for our lives.
So how do we keep from being troubled by time, so that we can ultimately reap at harvest time? Well, I believe there are at least three keepsakes that can keep us from being troubled by time:
1) Keep looking at Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). We need to remember what Jesus went through, what He endured for the joy that was set before Him. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, time will not trouble us.
2) Keep rejoicing (Philippians 4:4). We need to keep an attitude of rejoicing, even in the midst of adversity and waiting. When we keep an attitude of rejoicing, time will not trouble us.
3) Keep standing (Ephesians 6:13-14a). We need to keep standing; don't give up any ground. After we have done everything we know to do, then just keep standing, clothed with the whole armor of God. When we keep standing, time will not trouble us.
I believe Satan causes most Christians to stumble in this thing called "time." We pray and petition God for things that we need and even what we want, but the place between our prayer and the answer is this thing called "time." How long do I have to wait, God? When is it going to happen, God? What is taking so long, God? It is these questions that, if we are not watchful, can cause us to get impatient and resort to taking matters into our own hands, and consequently get outside of the will of God for our lives.
So how do we keep from being troubled by time, so that we can ultimately reap at harvest time? Well, I believe there are at least three keepsakes that can keep us from being troubled by time:
1) Keep looking at Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). We need to remember what Jesus went through, what He endured for the joy that was set before Him. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, time will not trouble us.
2) Keep rejoicing (Philippians 4:4). We need to keep an attitude of rejoicing, even in the midst of adversity and waiting. When we keep an attitude of rejoicing, time will not trouble us.
3) Keep standing (Ephesians 6:13-14a). We need to keep standing; don't give up any ground. After we have done everything we know to do, then just keep standing, clothed with the whole armor of God. When we keep standing, time will not trouble us.
November 01, 2009
Words To Remember - "How To Feed Your Faith"
In II Peter 1:5, the writer says, "For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge."(NRSV). In this verse, we see the principle of supporting, furnishing, and feeding our faith.
We need to feed our faith; for without it, we cannot please God, or do His will. And if we cannot do His will, then we cannot be blessed; for the will of God is the place of blessing.
So how do we feed our faith, so that we can do the will of God, so that we can be in the place of blessing? Well, I believe that there are four laws that facilitate in the feeding our faith: 1) The Law of Hearing; 2) The Law of Forgiving; 3) The Law of Confessing; and 4) The Law of Doing.
1) The Law of Hearing (Romans 10:14-17). In these verses, we see faith being connected with the continual hearing of the Word of God. As we continually hear the Word of God, our faith is fed.
2) The Law of Forgiving (Luke 17:1-6). In these verses, we see faith being connected with forgivness. For when Jesus instructed His disciples to forgive, even if sinned against seven times in a day, the apostles asked the Lord to increase their faith. But Jesus' reply assured them that they could do great things with the little faith they had; yes, even forgive. As we forgive, our faith is fed.
3) The Law of Confessing (II Corinthians 4:13). In this verse, we see faith being connected with what we say or confess that is in line with the Word of God. As we confess the Word of God, our faith is fed.
4) The Law of Doing (James 1:22-25; 2:26). In these verses, we see faith being connected with doing the Word of God. It is not enough just to hear the Word, but we must ultimately apply the Word. It is not enough just to say we have faith, but we must ultimately show evidence of our faith. As we do the Word of God, our faith is fed.
We need to feed our faith; for without it, we cannot please God, or do His will. And if we cannot do His will, then we cannot be blessed; for the will of God is the place of blessing.
So how do we feed our faith, so that we can do the will of God, so that we can be in the place of blessing? Well, I believe that there are four laws that facilitate in the feeding our faith: 1) The Law of Hearing; 2) The Law of Forgiving; 3) The Law of Confessing; and 4) The Law of Doing.
1) The Law of Hearing (Romans 10:14-17). In these verses, we see faith being connected with the continual hearing of the Word of God. As we continually hear the Word of God, our faith is fed.
2) The Law of Forgiving (Luke 17:1-6). In these verses, we see faith being connected with forgivness. For when Jesus instructed His disciples to forgive, even if sinned against seven times in a day, the apostles asked the Lord to increase their faith. But Jesus' reply assured them that they could do great things with the little faith they had; yes, even forgive. As we forgive, our faith is fed.
3) The Law of Confessing (II Corinthians 4:13). In this verse, we see faith being connected with what we say or confess that is in line with the Word of God. As we confess the Word of God, our faith is fed.
4) The Law of Doing (James 1:22-25; 2:26). In these verses, we see faith being connected with doing the Word of God. It is not enough just to hear the Word, but we must ultimately apply the Word. It is not enough just to say we have faith, but we must ultimately show evidence of our faith. As we do the Word of God, our faith is fed.
October 25, 2009
Words To Remember - "One Day At A Time"
In Matthew 6:11, Jesus instructs His disciples to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." Also in Matthew 6:34, Jesus says to His disciples, "So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today."
The Lord wants us to take one day at a time. So many times we give in to the temptation to be anxious about tomorrow, when in reality, tomorrow is not promised to any of us; all we have is today. Many people give up on living today because they are worrying about a tomorrow that has not even yet come.
We should live out our today in prayer and faith knowing that whatever we may need for this day, our Heavenly Father knows and will supply. And should we be blessed to see tomorrow, then we can approach it too with the same prayer of faith to our Heavenly Father as we did yesterday, "Give us this day our daily bread."
The Lord wants us to take one day at a time. So many times we give in to the temptation to be anxious about tomorrow, when in reality, tomorrow is not promised to any of us; all we have is today. Many people give up on living today because they are worrying about a tomorrow that has not even yet come.
We should live out our today in prayer and faith knowing that whatever we may need for this day, our Heavenly Father knows and will supply. And should we be blessed to see tomorrow, then we can approach it too with the same prayer of faith to our Heavenly Father as we did yesterday, "Give us this day our daily bread."
October 21, 2009
Words To Remember - The Year 2010
I believe the Spirit of God is saying that the year 2010 will be a year and a season of ORDER. Here are some things to expect in this coming season of Order:
1) It will begin in the house of God. For I Peter 4:17 says, "For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God"
2) Things will be set right, not only in the house of God, but in our homes and personal lives as well; for the house of God is comprised of homes and lives.
3) Matthew 6:33 will be a Scripture of emphasis in this coming season of Order, for it speaks of priority and order as it pertains to the things of God.
God is now preparing hearts and lives that He can use as examples of order to bring order in this coming season of Order.
Let us stay prayerful, stay watchful, and stay humble before the Lord as we approach this coming season of Order.
1) It will begin in the house of God. For I Peter 4:17 says, "For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God"
2) Things will be set right, not only in the house of God, but in our homes and personal lives as well; for the house of God is comprised of homes and lives.
3) Matthew 6:33 will be a Scripture of emphasis in this coming season of Order, for it speaks of priority and order as it pertains to the things of God.
God is now preparing hearts and lives that He can use as examples of order to bring order in this coming season of Order.
Let us stay prayerful, stay watchful, and stay humble before the Lord as we approach this coming season of Order.
October 18, 2009
Words To Remember - "Faith and Hope"
Faith gives way to hope; believing to expectation. For Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith and hope are partners.
If your belief in God and His Word has been damaged by the trials and tests of life, then most likely your expectation in Him and His Word has been affected as well; for one can only hope for what one believes.
God wants you to believe Him and His Word again. Jesus said in John 14:1, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me." In this verse, Jesus is addressing the disappointments of His disciples and others whose faith was being challenged, and maybe even lost in what God had promised years ago concerning their deliverance from their oppressors through the coming of the Messiah. It did not look like the promise of the Word would come to pass, so not only was their faith challenged, but their hope was challenged as well. However, Jesus wanted their faith to be re-ignited in God and His Word; and by the re-igniting of their faith, hope would also come alive again. They could believe again, they could expect again.
Maybe the time of trials and tests of life have challenged your faith, and consequently your hope. Well, don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God and His Word again. Let faith be re-ignited in you and hope again, for it is not over until God says it's over. So have faith and hope in God and His Word, and live out your days to the praise of His glory.
If your belief in God and His Word has been damaged by the trials and tests of life, then most likely your expectation in Him and His Word has been affected as well; for one can only hope for what one believes.
God wants you to believe Him and His Word again. Jesus said in John 14:1, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me." In this verse, Jesus is addressing the disappointments of His disciples and others whose faith was being challenged, and maybe even lost in what God had promised years ago concerning their deliverance from their oppressors through the coming of the Messiah. It did not look like the promise of the Word would come to pass, so not only was their faith challenged, but their hope was challenged as well. However, Jesus wanted their faith to be re-ignited in God and His Word; and by the re-igniting of their faith, hope would also come alive again. They could believe again, they could expect again.
Maybe the time of trials and tests of life have challenged your faith, and consequently your hope. Well, don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God and His Word again. Let faith be re-ignited in you and hope again, for it is not over until God says it's over. So have faith and hope in God and His Word, and live out your days to the praise of His glory.
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