Meditations from Judypie

Abundant Life

Do you know the character of God? Do you know that He is a good God, and that good and perfect things come from Him? I have heard people blame Him for everything good, bad and indifferent. He sent Jesus to give you Life--Life more Abundant till it overflows. God isn't in the business of killing, stealing and destroying, He is in the business of blessing His children with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus!
Father God, thank You for sending Your son Jesus Christ that I might have life and have it to the full till it overflows. I receive Your abundant life this day, accepting it in overflowing proportions. Freely I have received; freely I give, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

John 10:10 [AMP]

A Teachable Spirit

Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness. Amen.

³³ Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep it to the end [steadfastly].
³⁴ Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law; yes, I will observe it with my whole heart.
³⁵ Make me go in the path of Your commandments, for in them do I delight.
³⁶ Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetousness (robbery, sensuality, unworthy riches).
³⁷ Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity (idols and idolatry); and restore me to vigorous life and health in Your ways.
³⁸ Establish Your word and confirm Your promise to Your servant, which is for those who reverently fear and devotedly worship You.
³⁹ Turn away my reproach which I fear and dread, for Your ordinances are good.
⁴⁰ Behold, I long for Your precepts; in Your righteousness give me renewed life.

Psalm 119:33-40 [AMP]

Approved by God

Heavenly Father, You knit me together in my mother’s womb, knew me, and approved of me even before I was born. Wonderful are Your works, and I hold fast to this knowledge. I will not keep silent, but bring the Good News of relief and deliverance to others who do not know You. I was born for such a time as this to fulfill my destiny in the Kingdom of God. I take my place, a member of the Body of Christ. Thank You for loving me, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

Jeremiah 1:5 [AMP]

¹³ For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother's womb.
¹⁴ I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery].
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.

Psalm 139:13-16 [AMP]

For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?

Esther 4:14 [AMP]

Praise The Lord!!!

I heard about a man who got a little excited in church and kept shouting, “Praise the Lord!” One day, some of the brethren called on him while he was plowing his fields. When they were finished talking, he hung his head and said, “I know it’s the truth. I have disturbed the services, but you know, I sit there and think what the Lord has done for me, how He died in agony and blood for me upon the cross, how He’s forgiven all of my sins, how He’s filled me with the Spirit, and – here, hold this mule while I shout!” If being a Christian and going to heaven doesn't excite you, then you have calluses on your soul. It’s exciting to know the Lord Jesus Christ!

When was the last time you raised your hands and shouted “Praise the Lord!” Maybe right now is a good time!

Revelation 7:12 - “Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever.”

Adrian Rogers

Classic Blog: The Law of the Spirit of Life

It really troubles me when religious people refer to Romans Chapter 7 to excuse their sins. And I deplore the line, "we are only human and we are going sin." And almost as revolting is the line, "we sin every day." Immoral sinful people, religious or otherwise, are always looking for crutches to hold them up in their unbelief. In Romans 7 the Apostle Paul was emphasizing the weakness of the flesh and the need of the power to overcome sin. If they would only read chapter eight they would find there, using a famous line, "the rest of the story."

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

Romans 8:1 [NASU]

[for those who are in Christ Jesus] Now go back to Romans, chapter 6, beginning in verse 3----

Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death

Romans 6:3 [NASU]

Again in the book of Galatians, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27 NAS).

[baptized into Christ Jesus] If a person is baptized into Christ Jesus, baptized into His death and then raised up in the newness of life then he is in Christ Jesus.

“Therefore there is now no condemnation.” Understand, the Apostle is not speaking of a water baptism here he is speaking of dieing to the sinful deeds of the flesh. Dead men do not sin, they are dead.

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?

Romans 6:1-2 [NASU]

Now if you have not been baptized into the death of Christ then the old sin nature of the flesh is still very much alive and you will sin.

Let's continue, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:2 NASU)

There is no condemnation for who?? For those who have been baptized into Christ Jesus, those who have crucified the flesh and buried it with Christ; those who have followed their Lord into the “regeneration” (Matthew 19:28) into the new birth.

For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit”

Romans 8:3-4 [NASU]

[who do not walk according to the flesh] The requirement of the law of sin and death is fulfilled in those who have been baptized into Christ Jesus and have received the gift of the Holy Spirit and are walking according to His power and leading.

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, {set their minds on} the things of the Spirit.”

Romans 8:5 [NASU]

[set their minds] It is a matter of submission or "mind set." One who has submitted has set his mind on the things of God and is lead of the Spirit of God, thus he is empowered to overcome sin.

For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:6-8 [NASU]

[for the mind set on the flesh is death] A stern warning for those who say, “we are only human and we are going to sin, even the apostle Paul sinned.” (That gives me chills.) Where is your mind set? If it is set on the things of the flesh, it is set on death!!!

[but the mind set on the Spirit] The mind set on the Spirit is life and peace and the fruit he bears is the fruit of righteous.

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Romans 8:14 NAS

We must remember that our Lord came and died a horrible death to take away our sins, not to prepare a way we could wallow in them and still go to heaven. The biggest sin committed by church going people is that of drunkenness and immorality---this is what people are wanting to hold on to but still have a clean conscience---there is no way people!!! Either be converted or die in your sins.

Pastor Jake

Wisdom from Judypie

The Abundant Life

Heavenly Father, I pray that the joy of Jesus may be made full and complete and perfect in me, and that I may experience His delight and gladness fulfilled in me; His enjoyment perfected in my own soul. Jesus, You are my source of eternal salvation. Thank You for coming that I might have life, and have it more abundantly – have it to the full until it overflows. I receive the power of God that works through me. I rid myself of negative thoughts, and in simple humility, let my Gardener landscape me with the Word, making a salvation-garden of my life. I am united with You, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant to the glory of the Father. Amen

And, [His completed experience] making Him perfectly [equipped], He became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him

Hebrews 5:9 [AMP]

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

John 10:10 [KJV]

Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.

James 1:19-21 [Message]

“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.

John 15:5-8 [Message]

Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. Your resurrection power is in me, and I am appointed and anointed by You to abound in eternal work for Your Kingdom. My victory is assured as I walk uprightly before You. No good thing will You withhold from me! I am accomplishing great exploits for Your kingdom, and the best is yet to come, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Jesus said to her, I am [Myself] the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on) Me, although he may die, yet he shall live;

John 11:25 [AMP]

For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Psalm 84:11 [AMP]

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

1^st Corinthians 15:58 [NLT]

Prayer of Affirmation

Father, I thank You for helping me as I enlarge the place of my tent and strengthen my stakes. In You there is hope for despair. In You there is stability for turmoil. In You there is prosperity for poverty. In You there is health and healing for sickness. In You there is peace for conflict, whether it is in a relationship, in my home, or in my land. In You, Lord Jesus, is well-being for every area of life! Hallelujah! Thank You Holy Spirit for divinely orchestrating every aspect of my life! Jesus is Lord over my spirit, soul and body, and over my relationships. Amen

Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes, For you will spread abroad to the right hand and to the left; and your offspring will possess the nations and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

Isaiah 54:2-3 [AMP]

"This is the day the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Life is Short

How many of the following people have you heard of?

How many of their names will you recognize?

How many of their stories will surprise you?

John Lennon

Some years before, during his interview with an American Magazine, he said:

“Christianity will end, it will disappear. I do not have to argue about that. I am certain. Jesus was ok, but his subjects were too simple, today we are more famous than Him.”

Lennon, after saying that the Beatles were more famous than Jesus Christ, was shot and killed by an assassin.

Tancredo Neves
(President of Brazil)

During the Presidential campaign, he said if he got 500,000 votes from his party, not even God would remove him from Presidency. Sure he got the votes, but he got sick a day before being made President, then he died.

Cazuza
(Bi-sexual Brazilian composer, singer and poet)

During a show in Caneco ( Rio de Janeiro ), whilst smoking his cigarette, he puffed out some smoke into the air and said: "God, that's for you." He died at the age of 32 of AIDS in a horrible manner.

Thomas Andrews
(The Man Who Built the Titanic)

After the construction of the Titanic, a reporter asked him how safe the Titanic would be. With an ironic tone he said: “Not even God can sink it” The result: I think you all know what happened to the Titanic.

Marilyn Monroe

She was visited by Billy Graham during a presentation of a show. He said the Spirit of God had sent him to preach to her. After hearing what the Preacher had to say, she said: “I don't need your Jesus.” A week later, she was found dead in her apartment.

Bon Scott

The ex-vocalist of the AC/DC. On one of his 1979 songs he sang: “Don't stop me, I'm going down all the way, down the highway to hell.” On the 19^th of February 1980, Bon Scott was found dead, he had been choked by his own vomit.

Campinas (2005)

In Campinas, Brazil a group of friends, drunk, went to pick up a friend. The mother accompanied her to the car and was so worried about the drunkenness of her friends and she said to the daughter - holding her hand, who was already seated in the car: “MY DAUGHTER, GO WITH GOD AND MAY HE PROTECT YOU.” She responded: “ONLY IF HE (GOD) TRAVELS IN THE TRUNK, CAUSE INSIDE HERE IT'S ALREADY FULL.” Hours later, news came by that they had been involved in a fatal accident, everyone had died, the car could not be recognized what type of car it had been, but surprisingly, the trunk was intact. The police said there was no way the trunk could have remained intact. To their surprise, inside the trunk was a crate of eggs, none were broken.

Christine Hewitt

A Jamaican Journalist and entertainer, said the Bible (Word of God) was the worst book ever written, in June 2006 she was found burnt beyond recognition in her motor vehicle.

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Many more important people have forgotten that there is no other name that was given so much authority as the name of Jesus.

Many have died, but only Jesus died and rose again, and He is still alive. Jesus died to pay the price for your sins.

You can pay the price yourself... or accept what He did for you and receive eternal life.

It is your choice.

Meditations from Judypie

Do you pray for others because you want them to change to make your life easier, or because you want God to be glorified? When you pray for others, pray for them with joy. When you pray for others you are restored to a spiritual tone of heart and mind. Probably few of us have been through as much as Job of the Old Testament. He lost everything, and was attacked physically. After many months he prayed for his friends. The Lord turned his captivity and restored his fortunes; also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Let's pray for one another.

In the name of Jesus, I thank God for you—every time I pray. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Ephesians 1:16-23

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Begin everyday with a smile, a glad heart and a happy, joyous spirit.

Father, I come before You rejoicing, for this is the day that You have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. To obey is better than sacrifice, so I am making a decision to submit to Your will today, that my plans and purposes may be conducted in a manner that will bring honor and glory to You. Cause me to be spiritually and mentally alert in this time of meditation and prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Psalm 118:24; 1^st Samuel 15:22; Colossians 4:2

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Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing the work of my hands. I can walk confidently fulfilling my destiny because You love, accept and approve of me. I am strong even though I feel weak, and my works shall be rewarded. I am steadfast, never giving up in the face of adversity. Because I am Your child and a partaker of Your divine nature, I will stand firm until Your will prevails and Satan’s plans have been demolished. In the name of Jesus, I affirm Your love for me. Amen

Scripture Meditation: Deuteronomy 28:12; 2^nd Chronicles 15:7; Ephesians 6:13-14

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Praise God! Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory? Jesus, I know that my Redeemer lives -- you are risen from the dead, and I am risen with you. I set my heart on things above, where you are seated at the right hand of God. Thank you Jesus! I have this assurance that even as you were taken up from among us to heaven you will come back in the same way you left. When you appear I shall be like you -- awesome! Hallelujah! Jesus is Lord!

Scripture Meditation: 1^st Corinthians 15; Colossians 2:12; 3:1; Acts 1:11

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“I came to the world to be a Light. Anyone who puts his trust in Me will not be in darkness”

John 12:46 (NLV)

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You can turn fear out by declaring your faith in God's Word. Praying aloud will stop the tormenting thoughts. Believe God; He is faithful, and He watches over His word to perform it.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you for delivering me from the fear of death. You are with me; I will not be afraid. You are my God, and I will not be dismayed. I have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but I have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Amen.

Scripture Meditation: Hebrews 2:14-15; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:15; Psalm 34:4

In Him Was Life

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.”
John 1:1-2 (NKJV)

“Word,” as used in the English translation of verses one and fourteen of John’s gospel is translated from the Greek word “Logos.” In verse one of chapter one (quoted above) we see “Logos” (The Word) as being the person of God. The meaning of “word” is simply a statement of or an expression of thought. We prefer the Greek “Logos” because it not only signifies thought, a word spoken and speech, but it extends to include eloquence, doctrine, reason, or the faculty of reasoning and is very properly applied to Him, who is the fountain of life and the true light to every man who comes into the world, (John 1:9).

“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”
John 1:3 (NKJV)

Though everything He made had a principle of life in it, whether vegetable, animal, or intellectual, that life was not the light of men; not that light which could guide them to eternal life; for “the world through its wisdom did not come to know God.” (1^st Corinthians 1:21 NASU)

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”
John 1:4 (NKJV)

The life of the “Living God” is defined as “absolute life:” He is indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16), having no beginning or end of days.

“For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself;.”
John 5:26 (NASU)

God as “Logos” or “Word” (John 1:1) is also indestructible life and is the source of all life forms (John 1:3; John 4:26; John 14:6; Colossians 3:4; 1^st John 1:1-2; 5:20).

The Apostle John had just affirmed (John 1:3) that the “Logos” or “Word” created the world. One part of that creation consisted in “breathing into man the breath of life” (Genesis 2:7). God is declared to be “life,” or the “living” God, because He is the source or fountain of life (Psalm 36:9). The Apostle John here ascribes this attribute to the “Logos” or the “Word of God.” The Word did not only create the material worlds, but He also gave “life.” He was the agent by which all that lives has life; and by which man became a living soul, or was endowed with immortality.

The ability to give life is a “higher” proof that the “Word is God” than the creation of the material worlds; but there is another sense in which He is “life.” The “new birth” or “new creation,” the renovation of man and his restoration from a state of chaos due to sin, is often compared with the six day creation taught in the book of Genesis; and as the incarnate Logos (John 1:14; 5:26) is the source of “life” then, so, in a similar but higher sense, He is the source of “life” and “immortality” to the soul dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1).

Therefore, the expression, “in Him was life,” is not to be understood as natural life, but eternal life which He, as the “light” revealed to the world (2^nd Timothy 1:10), to which He taught the way (John 14:6), which He promised to believers (John 10:28), which He purchased for them (John 6:51,53-54), which He is appointed to give them (John 17:9), and to which He will raise them up (John 1:29), because He has “the life” in Himself (John 1:26).

Eternal life is the highest quality of life and means more than eternal existence; it refers to eternal fellowship with God. Jesus, the Living Word of God, defined eternal life as fellowship with the Father through the Son. “This is eternal life,” He declared, “that they may KNOW You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3 NASU).

To KNOW God is more than a mere speculative acquaintance with the character and perfections of God. To know God is to know Him through the One who is “Life” and “light,” Jesus Christ the Righteous (John 1:18). To know God includes, of course, love, reverence, obedience, honor, gratitude, supreme affection; all wrought by the Spirit of God whom He has given us. To know God as he is---is to know and regard Him as a lawgiver, a sovereign, a parent and a friend. It is to yield ones whole being to Him, and strive to obey His law from a heart motivated by a deep sincere love for Him and empowered by His Spirit.

To know His Son, Jesus Christ, is by revelation from the Father (Matthew 16:17). Revelation by the Spirit is to have a just, practical view of Him in all His perfections as God and man. To know Him is to know that in Him the cherubim and the flaming sword are removed and men once again have access to the Tree of Life (Genesis 3:24). To know Him is to possess Him as a mediator and intercessor, as a prophet, a priest, and a king. It is to feel our need of such a Savior, to see that we are unable to save ourselves and that we have a need to yield the whole being to Him, knowing that He is a Savior suited to fill our needs, and that in His hands our souls are safe.

According to the apostle Paul, to know Him is freedom from sin; and eternal life consist of holiness, and a positive relationship with God the Father. This is in contrast to spiritual death, which results from a life of sin (Romans 6:21-23).

Therefore, Christianity is not a religion, and salvation is not about doctrines taught by men, nor ritualistic practices or observances of rules and regulations imposed by men, but it is eternal life through a loving relationship with God the Father through the Redeemer Jesus Christ.

“The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
John 1:5 (NASU)

Just as light is symbolic of wisdom, knowledge and eternal life, darkness, in the Bible, commonly denotes ignorance, guilt, or misery and spiritual death (See Isaiah 4:6; Acts 26:18; Ephesians 5:8,11; Romans 13:12). It refers here to a deceived, wicked and ignorant people residing in spiritual death. When it is said, “the light shines in darkness,” it is meant that the Lord Jesus came to bring wisdom, knowledge and life to an ignorant people whose souls were dwelling in darkness and being destroyed or dying in a wicked world. This has always been the case. It was so when He sent His prophets, so during His own ministry and so in every age since. His efforts to enlighten and save men of ignorance have been like light struggling to penetrate a thick, dense cloud of smog in the middle of the darkest night; and though a few rays may pierce the gloom, yet the great mass is still an impenetrable darkness.

The word translated “comprehend” here means did not “admit,” or did not “receive.” The word “comprehend,” used in modern day terms means to “understand.” This is not the meaning of the word used in the original. The proper meaning is: the darkness did not “receive” or “admit” the light; the shades of darkness were so thick that the light could not penetrate them; or, to drop the figure, men were so ignorant, guilty, debased, deceived and so caught up in the traditions of men and their own religiosity that they did not appreciate the value of His knowledge and wisdom; they despised and rejected Him. And so it is still. The great mass of men steeped in sensuality and sunk in the fleshly pleasures of sin will not receive His teachings, and be enlightened and saved by Him. Sin always blinds the mind to the beauty and excellency of the character of the Lord Jesus. The fleshly pleasures of sin make the mind unwilling or unable to receive His instructions, just as “darkness has no fellowship with “light;” (2^nd Corinthians 6:14) and if the one exists, the other must be displaced.

Jesus often spoke of Himself as being “the light of the world.”

“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.’”
John 8:12 (NASU)

Biblically speaking, life and light are synonymous. Life gives light and light leads to life. Light is words of wisdom and knowledge. Jesus said,

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.”
John 6:63 (NASU)

“I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.”
John 12:46 (NASU)

“But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says:

‘Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.”

Ephesians 5:13-14 (NKJV)

“While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.”
John 12:36 (NASU)

Those who come to the “light” have “life” and the “life” is light unto men. Now Jesus shares His title, “The Light of the World,” with those who believe in Him. He says,

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:14 (NASU)

The apostles, ministers, all the “born again,” all who have the “life” are lights of the world, because they, by their teachings and examples, show what God requires, what is the condition of man, what is the way of their devotion to faith, peace, happiness and the way that leads to eternal life.

“Nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”
Matthew 5:15 (NASU)

The meaning here is the sons of light do not subdue or hide the light by timidity, unbecoming conduct, such as sensuality or sin, but through holy conduct give light to all who observe him.

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 (NASU)

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life.”
Philippians 2:14-16f (NASU)

“No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”
1^st John 3:9 (NASU)

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls.”
Proverbs 11:30 (NASU)

The bottom line to this teaching is, the “born again” are to be as He was in the world. Selah.

James C Sanford

The Rod of Correction

I recall, as a first grader, being taken to get inoculated from some disease or another. The shot was with a four-pronged device that was scary-looking and very painful. One of my classmates was so upset at the teacher for taking us to get shots, he stabbed her with a pencil. He was strongly disciplined.

Flash forward to today’s society where teachers practically need bodyguards to go to and from the classroom.

For example, there was the situation in Waycross, Georgia where eleven third-graders conspired to murder their teacher. Each of the eleven students at Center Elementary School had a job to do, including one assigned to wipe up the blood after the teacher had been killed. Fortunately, the police were tipped and the murder was prevented.

What?

3^rd graders conspiring to commit murder?

Eight year olds?

In Seattle, Washington, roving gangs of youths as young as eleven have been attacking innocent bystanders... according to CBS News, at least one attack resulted in a fatality.

Part of the problem in our modern society can be attributed to our own societal foolishness. Remember the old verse from the song “School Days” that went:

Reading
and writing
and ‘rithmetic,

Taught by the rule
of a hickory switch

My parents experienced corporal punishment (e.g., getting spanked by a teacher or a school administrator). That went away with my generation. However, when my group began cutting up, the ringleader’s dad was invited for show and tell. He showed how he used his belt to whip his son’s posterior anatomies... and started to tell his son to straighten up or else! But that could not happen in today’s litigious society. Today, even parents are held back from spanking their own children.

Years ago, a mother in Georgia slapped her son for mouthing off to her in a department store. Someone saw that and called the police. The woman was arrested, even though the boy admitted that he deserved punishment for his behavior. Even across the pond, a mother in the UK was arrested for smacking her son.

As Marvin Gaye would ask, What’s going on?

Now, this is not to advocate child abuse, but just to make note of an ancient truth:

Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Proverbs 22:15 [Jewish Publication Society; Tanakh]

It is a child’s role to do crazy things. That is simply the nature of a child. That is who God gives us parents... to teach us the correct way to behave.

Think about the 8-year-old who assaulted his teacher in Fort Myers, Florida. The parent (grandmother) blames the teacher. WRONG! It is the job of the parent to correct bad behavior. But when the law says you can’t discipline your child and school officials are also powerless... then what is the alternative?

You shall strike him with the rod And rescue his soul from Sheol.
Proverbs 23:14 [NASB ©1995]

Think about that. A simple spanking can keep a child from going to hell. How so? Well... if you don’t set boundaries for your children (and enforce them), then someone will. They may grow up in your house without restrictions... but then society will impose restrictions... like stopping for a red light or not murdering someone. But if the child rebels there, then the penal system will impose the restrictions. And, if the child still doesn’t learn... eventually he or she will exit this planet and stand before the Throne of Judgment.

Pause and think about that...

He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.
Proverbs 13:24

Again, we are not talking abuse... we are talking about teaching them while they are young and pliable that life has boundaries. If you don't spank them... the police officer or state trooper will do so. And the longer it goes on... the more severe matters get. There is the case of the 14-year-old boy in Washington, DC who was shot by police officers after their vehicle was hit by a bullet. There is question as to whether or not the 14-year-old fired the shot. Still, shouldn’t a child of that age have been at home and not on the mean streets in the evening hours?

A group of youth we recently started working with would say no. It’s boring being in the house... outside is where the excitement is. One young man confessed he was in trouble for sleeping in class. When asked why, he stated he didn’t want to go to bed when his mother told him to... he had better things to do. Funny, when my mom told me to go to bed, the only alternative I had was to have a high-heel shoe wedged into an orifice.

Our youth pastor asked the youth if they saw their teachers as authority figures. The unanimous answer was no. One young man explained, “They’re just people in school who talk to you.”

You get that?

It is important for us to come to grips with the idea that our youth are rapidly going downhill. You see on TV the kids in the middle east with rocket-propelled grenades and other weapons. Kids in urban America are almost as well equipped... and how long before gangs in the USA roll down the streets in M1 Abrams tanks?

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left undisciplined brings his mother to shame.
Proverbs 29:14-16 [Amplified Bible]

My parents knew the importance of taking the rod of correction and placing it against the seat of understanding. Is it too late for this generation?

For the next?

One of our more recent podcasts, The Rod of Correction, goes into this topic.

You can find more details at Powerhouse Podcasts, or download it at our iTunes podcast page.

Pearls of wisdom to brighten your day, strengthen your walk, and enlighten your path as only The Powerhouse Ministry can do it...

Most podcasts are “Seven Minutes of Wisdom” that provide milk for the babies and meat for those more mature.

Get your free subscription to Powerhouse Podcasts featuring Brotha DC on iTunes!

Something So Wrong

Dr. Paul Meier mentioned Paul Simon’s song “Something So Right” as a good picture of someone who tries to avoid pain in life and, inevitably, finds more pain.  It is funny how, in life, people tend to attract what they don’t want. 

I had a dear friend who grew up in an abusive household.  And so who did she wind up with?  Guys who beat her, abused her, and mistreated her.  She was miserable, but couldn’t really see herself being happy.  When she met someone who treated her like royalty, she ran away from him and into the arms of another abuser.  How sad...

You’ve got the cool water
When the fever runs high
You’ve got the look of love light in your eyes
And I was in crazy motion
’til you calmed me down
It took a little time
But you calmed me down

When something goes wrong
I’m the first to admit it
I’m the first to admit it
And the last one to know

when something goes right
Well it’s likely to lose me, mm
It’s apt to confuse me
It’s such an unusual sight
Oh, I can’t, I can’t get used to something so right
Something so right

They’ve got a wall in China
It’s a thousand miles long
To keep out the foreigners they made it strong
And I’ve got a wall around me
That you can’t even see
It took a little time
To get next to me

When something goes wrong
I’m the first to admit it
I’m the first to admit it
And the last one to know

when something goes right
Well it’s likely to lose me, mm
It’s apt to confuse me
because it’s such an unusual sight
Oh, I swear, I can’t get used to something so right
Something so right

Some people never say the words “I love you”
It’s not their style
to be so bold
Some people never say those words “I love you”
But like a child they’re longing to be told, mm

When something goes wrong
I’m the first to admit it
I’m the first to admit it
And the last one to know
when something goes right
Well it’s likely to lose me, mm
It’s apt to confuse me
because it’s such an unusual sight
I swear, I can’t, I can’t get used to something so right
Something so right

Isn’t that such an accurate portrayal of life? But it doesn’t have to be that way, does it? I am taking a note from my buddy Charlie Peacock’s songbook... his song “Personal Revolution” is a point-of-interest on the GPS of life that I’m ready to follow.

How about you?

Let There Be Light

God and God’s word are frequently spoken of as lights or lamps to enlighten and guide the believer.

“And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all:.” (1^st John 1:5)

A person that does not know, or rather is not known by God, is said to be in darkness. It is the word of God that enlightens and restores the soul of man in God’s light.

It is written,

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalms 119:105)

The use of the word light in this manner is a figure of speech containing an implied comparison. Since light is used in such descriptive and symbolic terms concerning God and His word we may find it beneficial to study the origin and purpose of light.

Webster’s New World College Dictionary defines light as the form of electromagnetic radiation that acts upon the retina of the eye, optic nerve, and etc., making sight possible. This energy is transmitted in a vacuum at a velocity of 186,000 miles per second. To sum up Webster, light is a form of energy flow that travels in a vacuum at a very high rate of speed. When the energy rays make contact with the eye it activates sight.

In likeness to light activating the physical sight, the word of God activates the spiritual sight. Darkness is a type of blindness, for one cannot see where there is no light. The same is true concerning spiritual darkness. Man in spiritual darkness cannot see, know and understand the great attributes of God; he is in a state of darkness and death.

The Psalmist cried out,

“O send out Thy light and Thy truth, let them lead me; let them bring me to Thy holy hill, and to Thy dwelling places.” (Psalms 43:3)

The Apostle John writes,

“In Him was life, and life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)

It is the Spirit of life in the Word of God that enlightens the souls of those in darkness and gives the light that illuminates the way unto life. The Word of God is the light of God and is in perfect harmony with God; for He is the Son of God.

Nelson’s Bible Dictionary describes light as illumination; the opposite of darkness. From Webster’s and Nelson’s definitions and the Holy Scriptures we understand light to be radiant power; moving, active energy originating with God and is from God.

“Then God said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3)

When God spoke the command, “Let there be light,” by His word He created and released a dynamic energy flow that He called light. His “light” is the great beauty and blessing to all that exist in the universe. Light, generated by the word of God, is a beautiful flow of energy, power and authority that makes known God’s magnificent presence and manifest His radiant glory. Light, in likeness to its parent, is pure, righteous, eternal, and unchangeable and knows no boundaries. Light is in opposition to and takes authority over darkness; where light is there is no darkness. Light is a teacher, for it removes darkness and reveals that which was hidden in darkness and gives knowledge of that which was previously unknown.

Light purifies and restores and supports life but light cannot create or impart life; this quality is reserved for The Word from whence it came. Truly light is a reflection of the word and has many qualities of the Spirit who gave it.

“And God saw that the light was good---- .” (Genesis 1:4f)

The light was in harmony with the word of God and is just as God willed and appointed it to be. This harmony is why light is used in such descriptive and symbolic terms throughout the Holy Scriptures.

God is a Spirit, He did not need light nor darkness. Then the question arises; Why did God create light? Light itself is a manifestation of God’s glory and would also aid in displaying His marvelous works. God, being a spirit, was invisible. But all His great attributes would clearly be seen in all that He created under His pure light.

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood by what has been made---.” (Rom. 1:20f)

His light would serve as a supporter, a guide and a teacher to all that He created. God, through light, would take a world of darkness and chaos and turn it into a Kingdom of Light. Light, and all of God’s creations would aid in His redemptive work and over power the evil that lurks in darkness. He would fill the earth with His wonderful light and radiant glory.

Why was light created in the beginning of the first day? Light was God’s grand entrance and announced His presence. God did not give the earth light from the sun, the moon and the stars until the fourth day. For the first three full days the command of His word was the only light given for the world. He wanted it clearly understood that He is the source of light. As great as light, the sun, the moon, the stars and all things created by Him may be, man was to see the great value of The Creator and worship Him, ---not the things created.

“Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth’; and it was so. And God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also. And God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good. And there was evening and morning, a fourth day.” (Genesis 1:14-19)

All that God created He gave for a specific purpose according to His perfect order and plan. The sun is not greater than its Creator, and the moon is not greater than the sun that gives the moon its light; and the stars are not greater than the sun and moon. But each has its place in God’s perfect order and each has its own radiant beauty and glory from God. In the same manner in the God Head there is perfect order; it is the Father who is the authority and He loves and honors the Son; The Son, The Word of God, is obedient to and glorifies the Father and He loves and honors the Father; and the Spirit embodies the Father and the Son and it the Father who gives His Spirit through the work of the Son and the Spirit speaks in the name of the Son and works to glorify the Son and the Father.

Each member of God’s house embraces and upholds the other. Therefore, perfect harmony and unity in love is the order of Gods house. All things, the universe, the earth and all that is in it, including mankind, are designed after the order of His house that all may be in harmony as one and embrace and uphold the other. There is no selfishness in God’s house; that is of darkness.

James C Sanford

Scars of Life

Some years ago, on a hot summer day in South Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.

His father, working in the yard, saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could.

Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father. It was too late. Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him.

From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go.

A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father’s fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved.

The newspaper reporter, who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, “But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn’t let go.” You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He’s been there holding on to you.

The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way but sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead.

The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That’s when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not and will not ever let you go.

God has blessed you, so that you can be a blessing to others. You just never know where a person is in his/her life and what they are going through. Never judge another person’s scars, because you don’t know how they got them. Also, it is so important that we are not selfish, to receive the blessings of these messages, without forwarding them to someone else.

Right now, someone needs to know that God loves them, and you love them, too - enough to not let them go. Always Tell Your Family And Friends How Much You Love Them!!! FRIENDS ARE ANGELS WHO LIFT US TO OUR FEET WHEN OUR WINGS HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING HOW TO FLY.

What is this life compared to eternity!?

I love this bible verse.

“I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure, just as gold and silver are refined and purified by fire. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘These are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’” (Zechariah 13:9)

Refining Silver

Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to read the scriptures, and make them the subject of conversation. While reading the third chapter of Malachi they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse: “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” One lady’s opinion was that is was intended to convey the view of the sanctifying influence of the grace of Christ. Then she proposed to visit a silversmith and report to them what he said on the subject. She went accordingly and without telling the object of her errand, begged to know the process of refining silver, which he fully described to her.

“But Sir” she said, “do you sit while the work of refining is going on?”

“Oh, yes, madam,” replied the silversmith; “I must sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured.”

The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort too, of the expression, “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” Christ sees it needful to put His children into a furnace; His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for them. Their trials do not come at random; “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith called her back, and said he had forgotten to mention that the only way that he knows when the process of purifying is complete when he sees his own image reflected in the silver...

--Author Unknown

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart. (Proverbs 17:3)

He will sit and judge like a refiner of silver, watching closely as the dross is burned away. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold or silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord. (Malachi 3:3)

Sometimes I wonder “why God?” and I feel immediately guilty.

No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?” - Romans 9:20

It is normal to wonder why things happen to us.

Some wonderful examples in the bible:

• Moses argued with God at the burning bush
• Sarah laughed at the angels when they told her she would become pregnant
• The Israelites complained that God had brought them out to the desert to starve and die
  
  • Job 30:20: “I cry to you, O God, but you don’t answer me. I stand before you, and you don’t bother to look.
  • David in psalm: Psalm 77:7-9: “Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again show me favor? Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed? Has God forgotten to be kind? Has he slammed the door on his compassion?
• Jeremiah 15:18: “Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable? Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook. It is like a spring that has gone dry.”

• Lamentations 3:8 And though I cry and shout, he shuts out my prayers.

But its also important to see what God does for his children:

- Sarah bore her son

• Peter walked on water
• Moses had a staff that could transform
• God parted the red seas so His people could escape
• The Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat
• In Daniel 3 the three Jewish youngsters friends of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refuse to adore the image of gold made by King Nebuchadnezzar, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and they are thrown into the fiery furnace, but the Angel of the Lord saved them from all harm, whereas the flame consumed the Chaldean soldiers above the furnace.
• Jonah was eaten by a whale and LIVED
• Mary bore the son of God – she was a virgin

Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. (John 6:10-15)

• Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, cured the sick, healed the blind
• David killed the giant

It is not so hard to see that life as a Christian doesn’t guarantee an easy life.

For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. Though He brings grief, He also shows compassion according to the greatness of His unfailing love. For He does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.

All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God’s comfort. (2^nd Corinthians 1:3-7)

In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years. (Isaiah 63:9)

And then of course there is this verse:

“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because of your allegiance to me.” (Matthew 24:9)

Makes you want to run out stick your head in the sand. YIKES. Arrested, persecuted, beaten and killed. Would we follow Christ today if these were the guidelines?? How many of us forget to pray, put off church or keep your convictions to yourselves??

God’s word never changes but it changes things.

For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! (2^nd Corinthians 4:17)

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? (Even the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39)

The righteous face many troubles, but the Lord rescues them from each and every one. (Psalm 34:19)

I guess what I’m saying is yeah sometimes life stinks, but all good things come from the Lord. When troubles creep up on you instead of discouraging try praying.

“When something happens that deeply touches us, we often ask, “Why me, God?” We are quick to judge the event as good or bad. What if we were to eliminate the possibility that anything that happens to us is inherently bad and choose to believe that everything that happens to us is always good? Impossible, you say? It has to be one or the other, doesn’t it?

Belief systems are changeable. When we discover that something we have believed, even for a long time, is no longer valid, can we not simply change our mind and fully embrace the new? If you are crying out “Why me, God?” you must believe there is a God out there who hears you and you have hoped He would answer you. Maybe there was a time when you didn’t believe there was a God at all. If you changed your mind and opened your life to God, then you can also change your mind about judging events as being bad for you.

When we choose to believe that ALL the events in our life are good for us, even the ones that seem frustrating and painful for now, we are agreeing with God! When we choose to believe and trust God that there will always be a good outcome, we are trusting Him! Only God knows why we are going through these circumstances. Our new dialogue with God will be,

”God, this is going to be an interesting journey. I’m excited to see how you are going to bring good out of this one. I trust you will!” –allaboutlifechallenges

You have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. The truth is, you can go directly to the Father and ask him, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. (John 16:22-24)

Look to the clouds, keep your eyes on the only thing that matters. Yes we will face trials and tribulations but this life is just a stones throw away from our eternity with our heavenly Father. Jesus suffered for us. We can suffer for Him. Because really what is this life compared to eternity??

Mike MacIntosh Update

We received a message from The Horizon Christian Fellowship family regarding the surgery that Pastor Mike MacIntosh had this past week:

We would like to send a special thank you to everyone who has been praying for Mike. His back surgery this past week went well and he is now home and in the recovery period, resting. He will be down and quiet on his back for two weeks.

The following two weeks will allow for a little more walking and moving around. The fusion process for the vertebrae will take approximately 6 months. The pain level may stay at the preoperative level and/or hopefully begin to subside in the coming weeks.

Mike is very appreciative of all the prayers that he felt and heard in his room at the hospital in the early days of recovery. He's humbled by the love and gentleness of those who have sent well wishes. He feels very small right now and thanks God for His love and mercy on such a sinner as himself.

Our physical lives are so fragile. One of the fresh lessons learned is to be tender towards one another. Life is but a vapor - we must put more value on our time with the Lord, family, and friends.

Mike feels so encouraged that God has used him in spite of himself through the many years of chronic pain, and he is amazed that the future holds loving opportunities to continue in the service of His Kingdom.

May the Lord bless you, as your love and prayers have so blessed the MacIntosh family.

 

Pray for the People of Kansas

The video above is a close-up look at the tornado that wreaked so much havoc in Kansas. Remember to pray this week for those families who lost houses and possessions; including some priceless heirlooms and sentimental items that are irreplaceable. And especially, those who lost friends and loved ones.

Father in heaven, we pray Your peace and comfort over all those who have suffered loss from this devastating storm. We realize that Your word tells us that satan comes to steal, kill and to destroy... but You have sent Jesus that we might have life in abundance, to the full, until it overflows. May those who have suffered loss be comforted as they see Your hand move in restoring their possessions and their lives. In Jesus name, Amen.

Study:
Psalm 86:17 | Psalm 91 | Numbers 6:24-26 | John 10:10

A Thought for Today

There is no situation so chaotic that God cannot from that situation, create something that is surpassingly good.
He did it at creation.
He did it at the cross.
He is doing it today.

-- Handley C. G. Moule

2^nd Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Crucified With Christ

Quite a number of years ago while reading in the book of Ephesians I came to chapter five and verse twenty-two caught my eye.

“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord (NASU).

Now the thought occurred to me; now that would be great if my wife would just read this and follow its command. Then I continued to read.

²³ “For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. ²⁴ But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything (NASU).”

Then I thought; I wonder if she has ever read this. Then I said, oh well, and continued to read.

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, (NASU).

Now we are getting to my part. Hmmmm, I said, if I was that kind of a husband my wife would probably be more than happy to subject herself to me and honor me as the head of the household. You can tell thus far I was really doing some serious thinking. I begin to read further.

²⁶ “so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, ²⁷ that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. ²⁸ So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; ²⁹ for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, ³⁰ because we are members of His body (NASU).”

By the time I had read these verses my thoughts were turning more to the relationship of Christ and His church. Then I read the next verse.

³¹ “FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH (NASU).”

After reading verse thirty one I looked back at verse thirty---“because we are members of His body.” And again I looked at verse thirty one---“and the two shall become one FLESH.” And then I continued to the next verse.

³² “This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church (NASU).”

Ok, if the Apostle is speaking of Christ and the church, the mystery must be that when one first believes he becomes one in the flesh with Christ. Then the Holy Spirit began to flood my mind with other scripture.

⁵ “For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, ⁶ knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; (Rom. 6:5-6 NASU).”

Yes, it is a true revelation!!! We do, by faith become one in the flesh with our Lord! Our Lord’s crucifixion becomes our crucifixion. The old sin nature is put to death and we are freed from sin. But also His resurrection becomes our resurrection---we are raised up a sinless new creature.

⁷ for he who has died is freed from sin (Rom. 6:7 NASU).”

²⁰ “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Gal. 2:20 NASU).”

²⁴ “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit (Gal. 5:24-25 NASU).”

Now years has passed since I received this revelation and my wife is a very precious help meet and my Lord is still working on me to be that husband she deserves.

³³ “Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband (Eph. 5:33 NAS).”

James C Sanford

The Law of the Spirit of Life

It really troubles me when religious people refer to Romans Chapter 7 to excuse their sins. And I deplore the line, "we are only human and we are going sin." And almost as revolting is the line, "we sin every day." Immoral sinful people, religious or otherwise, are always looking for crutches to hold them up in their unbelief. In Romans 7 the Apostle Paul was emphasizing the weakness of the flesh and the need of the power to overcome sin. If they would only read chapter eight they would find there, using a famous line, "the rest of the story."

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1 NASU)."

[for those who are in Christ Jesus] Now go back to Romans, chapter 6, beginning in verse 3----

"Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death (Rom. 6:3 NASU)?"

Again in the book of Galatians, "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ (Gal.3:27 NAS)."

[baptized into Christ Jesus] If a person is baptized into Christ Jesus, baptized into His death and then raised up in the newness of life then he is in Christ Jesus.

"Therefore there is now no condemnation." Understand, the Apostle is not speaking of a water baptism here he is speaking of dieing to the sinful deeds of the flesh. Dead men do not sin, they are dead.

"What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it (Rom. 6:1-2 NASU)?"

Now if you have not been baptized into the death of Christ then the old sin nature of the flesh is still very much alive and you will sin.

Let's continue, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death (Rom. 8:2 NASU)."

There is no condemnation for who?? For those who have been baptized into Christ Jesus, those who have crucified the flesh and buried it with Christ; those who have followed their Lord into the "regeneration (Matt. 19L28)," into the new birth.

"For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit (Rom. 8:3-4 NASU)."

[who do not walk according to the flesh] The requirement of the law of sin and death is fulfilled in those who have been baptized into Christ Jesus and have received the gift of the Holy Spirit and are walking according to His power and leading.

"For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, {set their minds on} the things of the Spirit (Rom. 8:5 NASU)."

[set their minds] It is a matter of submission or "mind set." One who has submitted has set his mind on the things of God and is lead of the Spirit of God, thus he is empowered to overcome sin.
"For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God (Rom. 8:6-8 NASU)."

[for the mind set on the flesh is death] A stern warning for those who say, "we are only human and we are going to sin, even the apostle Paul sinned." (That gives me chills.) Where is you mind set if it is set on the things of the flesh it is set on death!!!

[but the mind set on the Spirit] The mind set on the Spirit is life and peace and the fruit he bears is the fruit of righteous.

"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (Rom. 8:14 NAS)."

We must remember that our Lord came and died a horrible death to take away our sins, not to prepare a way we could wallow in them and still go to heaven. The biggest sin committed by church going people is that of drunkness and immorality---this is what people are wanting to hold on to but still have a clean conscience---there is no way people!!! Either be converted or die in your sins.

Pastor Jake