January 29, 2008
Mark 1
29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
This still remains one of my favorite sections of scripture. Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law and she immediately starts to serve Him and His followers.
Jesus told his disciples at another time that the greatest of them would be servant to all. And Jesus said of Himself that He did not come to be ministered unto but to minister and to lay His life down as a ransom for many.
I usually try to ask a question to make us take a good hard look at ourselves - not today. Today, just think about how thankful you are to our Lord for healing you. And though we can never repay Jesus for His sacrifice, we know that we can still show our appreciation.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Purity of Purpose
January 26, 2008
Matthew 21
12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you make it a den of robbers."
One of the challenges of being in the ministry is to get the "it's my job" mentality. Every time I get the mentality that I need to be at the church because I'm being paid to do so, I make God's house of prayer into a den of robbers. In other words, I make it a place of business. Or a place of obligation.
How about you? Do any of your actions make God's house anything else other than a place of worship and prayer? An obligation, an expectation? A social club?
What is your main motivation for meeting at God's house? I venture to say that most of you will say to worship God. But are you like me and occasionally lose sight of the main thing? If our goal is to draw closer to God, let's not allow even our motivations to get in our way - and one to do that is to look at our purity of purpose.
Matthew 21
12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you make it a den of robbers."
One of the challenges of being in the ministry is to get the "it's my job" mentality. Every time I get the mentality that I need to be at the church because I'm being paid to do so, I make God's house of prayer into a den of robbers. In other words, I make it a place of business. Or a place of obligation.
How about you? Do any of your actions make God's house anything else other than a place of worship and prayer? An obligation, an expectation? A social club?
What is your main motivation for meeting at God's house? I venture to say that most of you will say to worship God. But are you like me and occasionally lose sight of the main thing? If our goal is to draw closer to God, let's not allow even our motivations to get in our way - and one to do that is to look at our purity of purpose.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
In Denial
Matthew 26
69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean." 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean." 71 And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." 72 And again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man." 73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you." 74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.
This account of Peter's denial of Christ always prompts me to examine myself and find if I deny Christ in my life. My denial may not be as blatant as Peter's, but still the same, a denial.
The fist two questionings of Peter's association of Christ were from two servant girls. And to be technical, they weren't questions, but statements: "this man was with Jesus." Peter denied both times. The third time a bystander could tell Peter was with Jesus just by the way he talked (his accent).
Do people know you are a Christian without you telling them? By who you associate with? By how you talk?
If the answer is "yes" (and it may be "yes" without you knowing it), the next question is equally important: "Does any of your actions deny your association with Christ?"
How's your driving etiquette? Are you rude on the road? You may not honk your horn at everybody, but do you bad mouth the person in your car? Just remember, they can see your mouth moving and the expression on your face - and I bet they can see that little fish you have on your bumper.
How are you at restaurants when the service isn't too great?
Or when they mess up your order at Dunkin's or McD's?
My questions can go on and on, I brought these up because I am learning not to let these kind of situations cause me to deny Christ to a lost and hurting world. Whenever I behave un-Christlike I deny Him. I may never have to face any of the mentioned people again, but another Christian might. And guess why, the world lumps all of us together - so if one person is a bad representative for Christ, we all are seen that way.
One last example to help you think about what your actions say to others:
Next December when you are doing your gift shopping and the clerk wishes you "Happy Holidays," don't respond with "Hey, don't take Christ out of Christmas," but rather respond with a "Merry Christmas."
69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean." 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean." 71 And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." 72 And again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man." 73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you." 74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.
This account of Peter's denial of Christ always prompts me to examine myself and find if I deny Christ in my life. My denial may not be as blatant as Peter's, but still the same, a denial.
The fist two questionings of Peter's association of Christ were from two servant girls. And to be technical, they weren't questions, but statements: "this man was with Jesus." Peter denied both times. The third time a bystander could tell Peter was with Jesus just by the way he talked (his accent).
Do people know you are a Christian without you telling them? By who you associate with? By how you talk?
If the answer is "yes" (and it may be "yes" without you knowing it), the next question is equally important: "Does any of your actions deny your association with Christ?"
How's your driving etiquette? Are you rude on the road? You may not honk your horn at everybody, but do you bad mouth the person in your car? Just remember, they can see your mouth moving and the expression on your face - and I bet they can see that little fish you have on your bumper.
How are you at restaurants when the service isn't too great?
Or when they mess up your order at Dunkin's or McD's?
My questions can go on and on, I brought these up because I am learning not to let these kind of situations cause me to deny Christ to a lost and hurting world. Whenever I behave un-Christlike I deny Him. I may never have to face any of the mentioned people again, but another Christian might. And guess why, the world lumps all of us together - so if one person is a bad representative for Christ, we all are seen that way.
One last example to help you think about what your actions say to others:
Next December when you are doing your gift shopping and the clerk wishes you "Happy Holidays," don't respond with "Hey, don't take Christ out of Christmas," but rather respond with a "Merry Christmas."
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Fear of Failure
January 22, 2008
Matthew 25
14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
We all have heard the parable of the talents probably many times over, but its good to look at every now and again.
The Lord provides us all with the resources we need to bring Him glory through our works/actions. Mind you, I am not saying our salvation is based on our works, but there are rewards based on how we use the life God has given us for His glory.
Now remember, "talents" in this story doesn't represent "saved souls" - only the Lord can save and draw people to Him. A talent can be sharing Christ. A talent can be mowing the grass at the church. A talent can be teaching a Bible study. A talent can be singing. I think you get the picture - anything that we do that brings glory to God is a talent, and it was given to us by God for that very purpose.
Looking at it this way, you can see how God has equipped some to do many things (five talents), some to do a couple of things (two talents), and some to concentrate on glorifying God in one area (one talent).
Not to pick on the last guy, but I want to talk about the person who was given one talent. In this story, he is the one who lacks confidence that he can do anything with his talent. His fear of failure overrides his duty of just serving his Master. He takes what he was given and hides, at least that way he doesn't mess anything up.
Wow, now let's see a virtual show of hands - is that sometimes you? I believe it is a vast majority of Christians today. Yes, I went there. Why? The statistics show it. In the average Christian church, only 10% of the people do any kind of ministry or service. And this shouldn't be the pastors, they are to equip others to be involved in ministry or service (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Remember also who you have backing you, the Lord Almighty, and He has given you power (authority) to give Him glory. (John 1:12-13).
If God is with us, who or what can we fear? Just go out there and do it.
Matthew 25
14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
We all have heard the parable of the talents probably many times over, but its good to look at every now and again.
The Lord provides us all with the resources we need to bring Him glory through our works/actions. Mind you, I am not saying our salvation is based on our works, but there are rewards based on how we use the life God has given us for His glory.
Now remember, "talents" in this story doesn't represent "saved souls" - only the Lord can save and draw people to Him. A talent can be sharing Christ. A talent can be mowing the grass at the church. A talent can be teaching a Bible study. A talent can be singing. I think you get the picture - anything that we do that brings glory to God is a talent, and it was given to us by God for that very purpose.
Looking at it this way, you can see how God has equipped some to do many things (five talents), some to do a couple of things (two talents), and some to concentrate on glorifying God in one area (one talent).
Not to pick on the last guy, but I want to talk about the person who was given one talent. In this story, he is the one who lacks confidence that he can do anything with his talent. His fear of failure overrides his duty of just serving his Master. He takes what he was given and hides, at least that way he doesn't mess anything up.
Wow, now let's see a virtual show of hands - is that sometimes you? I believe it is a vast majority of Christians today. Yes, I went there. Why? The statistics show it. In the average Christian church, only 10% of the people do any kind of ministry or service. And this shouldn't be the pastors, they are to equip others to be involved in ministry or service (Ephesians 4:11-12).
So, what is it I'm trying to say? Don't be afraid to try. First of all, we know from this parable that God has equipped you for something. You may have to try several areas to find your place. A wise pastoral staff will not put you somewhere where you don't belong (just as a side note, yes churches make mistakes and throw "warm bodies" in places where they shouldn't be - but if you take any position invite to prayer and ask the pastor/leadership to take this in prayer; and act only when there is peace on both parties, you shouldn't have anything to worry about).
Remember also who you have backing you, the Lord Almighty, and He has given you power (authority) to give Him glory. (John 1:12-13).
If God is with us, who or what can we fear? Just go out there and do it.
Monday, January 21, 2008
My Desire
January 21, 2008
Psalm 19 - ESV
12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
This portion of Psalm 19 makes a great morning prayer for all of us:
It starts off asking forgiveness for sins we are yet aware of.
It follows by asking for protection against the sins we struggle with, the ones that put us into bondage and lead us away from the Lord.
The last line just asks to be acceptable to the Lord.
Try to incorporate these three verses into your prayer life. Its very short, but it should be at the very core of our desire: to be forgiven, to be protected, and to be accepted.
Psalm 19 - ESV
12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
This portion of Psalm 19 makes a great morning prayer for all of us:
It starts off asking forgiveness for sins we are yet aware of.
It follows by asking for protection against the sins we struggle with, the ones that put us into bondage and lead us away from the Lord.
The last line just asks to be acceptable to the Lord.
Try to incorporate these three verses into your prayer life. Its very short, but it should be at the very core of our desire: to be forgiven, to be protected, and to be accepted.
Pure Motives?
January 20, 2008
Matthew 23 (ESV)
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, 3 so practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Jesus was tough on the scribes and Pharisees for two major reasons: first, they were hyprocrites. Second, they just didn't follow the law. What they did, they did to be seen by man, not God. What they desired was respect from men, not approval from God (i.e. "Well done my good and faithful servant."). They knew the law, and instead of following it, they sought loopholes for their gain.
Do you do this in your life? There are many cultural things we do that we consider Christian. Do you judge people on how they dress at church? If their attire is modest, can you say anything else? Have you every asked "do you tithe on Net or Gross?" Or "do you tithe on gifts?" Do you volunteer at church or in the community to be noticed or get pats on the back? The list can go on and on.
Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind? Do you love your neighbor? (Matthew 22:37-38). Do you set your interests on things above or on the things this world has to offer? (Colossians 3:2).
Matthew 23 (ESV)
25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.
Matthew 23 (ESV)
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, 3 so practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Jesus was tough on the scribes and Pharisees for two major reasons: first, they were hyprocrites. Second, they just didn't follow the law. What they did, they did to be seen by man, not God. What they desired was respect from men, not approval from God (i.e. "Well done my good and faithful servant."). They knew the law, and instead of following it, they sought loopholes for their gain.
Do you do this in your life? There are many cultural things we do that we consider Christian. Do you judge people on how they dress at church? If their attire is modest, can you say anything else? Have you every asked "do you tithe on Net or Gross?" Or "do you tithe on gifts?" Do you volunteer at church or in the community to be noticed or get pats on the back? The list can go on and on.
Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind? Do you love your neighbor? (Matthew 22:37-38). Do you set your interests on things above or on the things this world has to offer? (Colossians 3:2).
Matthew 23 (ESV)
25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.
Reflecting the Father
January 19, 2008
Note: my apologies to those that follow this devotional on a daily basis. I don't always get a chance to spend time at the computer on the weekends, so the devotionals get posted late. Even though the purpose of this blog is personal in nature I will try in the future to publish the devotionals for Saturday and Sunday on Fridays. -- PGB
Psalm 18 (ESV)
25 With the merciful you show yourself merciful;
with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;
26 with the purified you show yourself pure;
and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous.
Thankfully our Father doesn't always treat us like we treat others. It is His wish that we do. I believe the mercy is an important one as that one is brought up many times in Jesus' teaching, especially in forgiveness.
What about you? Are you merciful? I know that I'm not always merciful in my thoughts, but I'm learning to choose that direction. Are you blameless? I know that on my own strength, never. But trusting in Jesus Christ, I can always be blameless. Are you purified? To be hones, not always. I can only be purified through the blood of Christ. The Father promises to cleanse me of all unrighteousness if I confess my sin to Him and walk in His light (1 John 1:7,9).
We aren't perfect, but Jesus Christ is. If we choose Jesus, God doesn't condemn us, but gives us the tools (power/authority) to be merciful, blameless, and purified (John 1:12,13).
Note: my apologies to those that follow this devotional on a daily basis. I don't always get a chance to spend time at the computer on the weekends, so the devotionals get posted late. Even though the purpose of this blog is personal in nature I will try in the future to publish the devotionals for Saturday and Sunday on Fridays. -- PGB
Psalm 18 (ESV)
25 With the merciful you show yourself merciful;
with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;
26 with the purified you show yourself pure;
and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous.
Thankfully our Father doesn't always treat us like we treat others. It is His wish that we do. I believe the mercy is an important one as that one is brought up many times in Jesus' teaching, especially in forgiveness.
What about you? Are you merciful? I know that I'm not always merciful in my thoughts, but I'm learning to choose that direction. Are you blameless? I know that on my own strength, never. But trusting in Jesus Christ, I can always be blameless. Are you purified? To be hones, not always. I can only be purified through the blood of Christ. The Father promises to cleanse me of all unrighteousness if I confess my sin to Him and walk in His light (1 John 1:7,9).
We aren't perfect, but Jesus Christ is. If we choose Jesus, God doesn't condemn us, but gives us the tools (power/authority) to be merciful, blameless, and purified (John 1:12,13).
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Cure for the Curse
January 18, 2008
Matthew 21
18 In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, "May no fruit ever come from you again!" And the fig tree withered at once.
18 In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, "May no fruit ever come from you again!" And the fig tree withered at once.
It's funny that this particular illustration involves a fig tree. Where was the fig tree first mentioned in the Bible? Well, it wasn't actually the tree, but the leaves. Adam and Eve used fig tree leaves to cover their nakedness due to their sin.
We know these coverings were insufficient, because the Lord provided animal skins for coverings for Adam and Eve.
I guess this passage reminds me that Jesus is the only way that our sins can be covered. Everything we do to clean ourselves up is insufficient. And like the fig tree that Jesus cursed, those efforts are fruitless and will just wither away.
Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ and the work He did in His life and on the cross and now in our lives.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
It's Not Fair
Matthew 20
1 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' 7 They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius . 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' 13 But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' 16 So the last will be first, and the first last."
Many times we see this passage talking about folks that accepted Jesus late in life as opposed to those that have spent a good bit of their lives following the Lord.
So, it comes down that the ones following the Lord for the longer time don't find it fair because the "newer" Christians got to enjoy life longer before they had to submit to rules and regulations.
There is a flaw in that thinking though - its as though the thought is that the world has more to offer for the here and now than Jesus does. It also takes grace out of the picture.
Plain and simple, if an "older" Christian is envious of a "new" Christian who was able to spend his life in debauchery, the "older" Christian pretty much has a love of the world and has let that love of the world hinder the fulfilment of the love of Christ.
1 John 2
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Don't get blinded by what the world system tells us is desirable and fun, but look to the Lord for your fulfilment and joy.
1 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' 7 They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius . 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' 13 But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' 16 So the last will be first, and the first last."
Many times we see this passage talking about folks that accepted Jesus late in life as opposed to those that have spent a good bit of their lives following the Lord.
So, it comes down that the ones following the Lord for the longer time don't find it fair because the "newer" Christians got to enjoy life longer before they had to submit to rules and regulations.
There is a flaw in that thinking though - its as though the thought is that the world has more to offer for the here and now than Jesus does. It also takes grace out of the picture.
Plain and simple, if an "older" Christian is envious of a "new" Christian who was able to spend his life in debauchery, the "older" Christian pretty much has a love of the world and has let that love of the world hinder the fulfilment of the love of Christ.
1 John 2
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Don't get blinded by what the world system tells us is desirable and fun, but look to the Lord for your fulfilment and joy.
When to Act
Genesis 31
1 Now Jacob heard that the sons of Laban were saying, "Jacob has taken all that was our father's, and from what was our father's he has gained all this wealth." 2 And Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him with favor as before. 3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, "Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you."
Are you like Jacob? He had served Laban for 20 years, and had been cheated and swindled throughout the full 20 years. When this passage comes in, Laban's sons were accusing Jacob of stealing, even though Jacob was only taking his agreed upon wage.
What would you do? If you are like me, you would get out of there as quickly as possible before anything worse happens.
But Jacob didn't do that; well at least until God told him to leave. Not only that but God promised Jacob He would be with him.
What is your tendency? Act immediately or wait to hear God?
I'm still learning the proper action, I don't always hit the mark. Self-preservation comes in. If you are like me, don't get too down on yourself. It's a daily challenge. Look at a couple of the superstars of the Bible (well, among men that is).
Abraham, for self-preservation, claimed that Sarah was his sister in two foreign lands, plus he tried to fulfil God's promise by himself by taking the Egyptian slave, Hagar.
Isaac, Abraham's son, also claimed his wife as his sister for self-preservation.
If these two, who God blesses so much, still didn't trust God, or His leading all the time, is it possible that we might make the same mistakes, but still be used by God? Absolutely.
What areas of your life do you tend to act on before seeking guidance from the Lord? Can you lay those areas at the feet of Jesus and let Him guide you in His timing?
1 Now Jacob heard that the sons of Laban were saying, "Jacob has taken all that was our father's, and from what was our father's he has gained all this wealth." 2 And Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him with favor as before. 3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, "Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you."
Are you like Jacob? He had served Laban for 20 years, and had been cheated and swindled throughout the full 20 years. When this passage comes in, Laban's sons were accusing Jacob of stealing, even though Jacob was only taking his agreed upon wage.
What would you do? If you are like me, you would get out of there as quickly as possible before anything worse happens.
But Jacob didn't do that; well at least until God told him to leave. Not only that but God promised Jacob He would be with him.
What is your tendency? Act immediately or wait to hear God?
I'm still learning the proper action, I don't always hit the mark. Self-preservation comes in. If you are like me, don't get too down on yourself. It's a daily challenge. Look at a couple of the superstars of the Bible (well, among men that is).
Abraham, for self-preservation, claimed that Sarah was his sister in two foreign lands, plus he tried to fulfil God's promise by himself by taking the Egyptian slave, Hagar.
Isaac, Abraham's son, also claimed his wife as his sister for self-preservation.
If these two, who God blesses so much, still didn't trust God, or His leading all the time, is it possible that we might make the same mistakes, but still be used by God? Absolutely.
What areas of your life do you tend to act on before seeking guidance from the Lord? Can you lay those areas at the feet of Jesus and let Him guide you in His timing?
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
My Refuge
Psalm 16
1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
With my stubborn independence also comes a lack of looking to God for answers. He is the only place I can go when troubles/challenges arise. The psalmist says, "I have no good apart from you," how true is that in everything I do.
"I have no victory apart from you."
"I have no growth apart from you."
"I have no accomplishments apart from you."
"I have no peace apart from you."
"I have no love apart from you."
It's all about making God my security, and nothing else. And realize that everything I can claim or do on my own behalf is truly because of Him.
1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
With my stubborn independence also comes a lack of looking to God for answers. He is the only place I can go when troubles/challenges arise. The psalmist says, "I have no good apart from you," how true is that in everything I do.
"I have no victory apart from you."
"I have no growth apart from you."
"I have no accomplishments apart from you."
"I have no peace apart from you."
"I have no love apart from you."
It's all about making God my security, and nothing else. And realize that everything I can claim or do on my own behalf is truly because of Him.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
A New Nature
January 15, 2008
Matthew 18
21 Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
Compare this passage with a passage from Genesis:
Genesis 4
23 Lamech said to his wives: "Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. 24 If Cain's revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech's is seventy-sevenfold."
Lamech was a descendant of Cain. And though God put the protection on Cain, Lamech proclaimed the protection on himself. And the protection was based in revenge.
Peter, a man, suggests forgiving your brother seven times, but Jesus, God, says that you must forgive him seventy times seven. Instead of revenge, forgiveness.
Forgiveness isn't our nature, many of us are like Lamech: an eye for an eye and then some. But we are being transformed into a new nature - Jesus' nature: love and forgive and then some.
Forgiveness is key: continue reading Matthew 18:23-35 and you will see Jesus relate a story that basically says that God has forgiven us a humongous debt, and so we should forgive others for the little debts against us.
Forgiveness or revenge, which do you choose? And which do you want?
*The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.
Matthew 18
21 Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
Compare this passage with a passage from Genesis:
Genesis 4
23 Lamech said to his wives: "Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. 24 If Cain's revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech's is seventy-sevenfold."
Lamech was a descendant of Cain. And though God put the protection on Cain, Lamech proclaimed the protection on himself. And the protection was based in revenge.
Peter, a man, suggests forgiving your brother seven times, but Jesus, God, says that you must forgive him seventy times seven. Instead of revenge, forgiveness.
Forgiveness isn't our nature, many of us are like Lamech: an eye for an eye and then some. But we are being transformed into a new nature - Jesus' nature: love and forgive and then some.
Forgiveness is key: continue reading Matthew 18:23-35 and you will see Jesus relate a story that basically says that God has forgiven us a humongous debt, and so we should forgive others for the little debts against us.
Forgiveness or revenge, which do you choose? And which do you want?
*The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Wishy-washy
1.14.2008
Matthew 16*
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
These two paragraphs probably portray many of us that follow Christ: one minute we are totally in tune with the Holy Spirit's leading, the next minute we are doing what we think is best, which in reality is going against the Father's plan.
Peter got his best encouragement and toughest rebuke all in two paragraphs.
How often can I be the same way? How often are you the same way? We are a stubbornly independent people; its tough to put too much dependence on anybody. But our Lord said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you* (Heb 13:5)," and that's a promise I like to have faith in. So, knowing that we can have full trust in our Lord, why not put our full dependence on Him and try to live by John the Baptist's statement:
He must increase, but I must decrease. (Jn 3:30)
*The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.
Matthew 16*
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
These two paragraphs probably portray many of us that follow Christ: one minute we are totally in tune with the Holy Spirit's leading, the next minute we are doing what we think is best, which in reality is going against the Father's plan.
Peter got his best encouragement and toughest rebuke all in two paragraphs.
How often can I be the same way? How often are you the same way? We are a stubbornly independent people; its tough to put too much dependence on anybody. But our Lord said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you* (Heb 13:5)," and that's a promise I like to have faith in. So, knowing that we can have full trust in our Lord, why not put our full dependence on Him and try to live by John the Baptist's statement:
He must increase, but I must decrease. (Jn 3:30)
*The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.
Demanding My Rights - With The World
January 13, 2008
Genesis 26*
17 So Isaac departed from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. 18 And Isaac dug again the wells of water that had been dug in the days of Abraham his father, which the Philistines had stopped after the death of Abraham. And he gave them the names that his father had given them. 19 But when Isaac's servants dug in the valley and found there a well of spring water, 20 the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. 21 Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that also, so he called its name Sitnah. 22 And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”
It seems in some instances, that demanding our rights is not always the wisest choice. Patience did pay off. Abimelech, the king of the Philistines, had just sent Isaac away because Isaac had grown strong. As Isaac moved along, everyplace he re-dug one of his father's wells, the Philistines would claim. From Abimelech's actions, we can gather that Isaac was strong enough to claim his right to any of these wells, but he moved on.
Not only did the Lord provide a place for Isaac to settle, but later on Abimelech comes to Isaac and when Isaac questions him, he gets this reply:
28 They said, “We see plainly that the Lord has been with you. So we said, let there be a sworn pact between us, between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you, 29 that you will do us no harm, just as we have not touched you and have done to you nothing but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.”
Isaac became a witness for the Lord through his patience and not demanding his rights.
There are times for us to stand up and there are times when we are to be patient; are you seeking a balance? Are you seen as an obnoxious Christian? Or do you take every opportunity to show the love of Christ instead of turning people off concerning the Lord?
*The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.
Genesis 26*
17 So Isaac departed from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. 18 And Isaac dug again the wells of water that had been dug in the days of Abraham his father, which the Philistines had stopped after the death of Abraham. And he gave them the names that his father had given them. 19 But when Isaac's servants dug in the valley and found there a well of spring water, 20 the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. 21 Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that also, so he called its name Sitnah. 22 And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”
It seems in some instances, that demanding our rights is not always the wisest choice. Patience did pay off. Abimelech, the king of the Philistines, had just sent Isaac away because Isaac had grown strong. As Isaac moved along, everyplace he re-dug one of his father's wells, the Philistines would claim. From Abimelech's actions, we can gather that Isaac was strong enough to claim his right to any of these wells, but he moved on.
Not only did the Lord provide a place for Isaac to settle, but later on Abimelech comes to Isaac and when Isaac questions him, he gets this reply:
28 They said, “We see plainly that the Lord has been with you. So we said, let there be a sworn pact between us, between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you, 29 that you will do us no harm, just as we have not touched you and have done to you nothing but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.”
Isaac became a witness for the Lord through his patience and not demanding his rights.
There are times for us to stand up and there are times when we are to be patient; are you seeking a balance? Are you seen as an obnoxious Christian? Or do you take every opportunity to show the love of Christ instead of turning people off concerning the Lord?
*The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Leave Me Alone
January 12, 2008
Matthew 14*
13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Jesus is incredible. This passage is right after Jesus is informed of the death of John the Baptist. We might assume that He was mourning John's death, the scripture doesn't give us this detail. What the scripture does tell us is that Jesus sought to be by himself in an area where nobody was. What makes Jesus incredible is that when the crowds and the sick followed Him, He didn't get angry but had compassion on them.
This example of Jesus' action touches me. I have the temperament of withdrawing from everyone when I'm tired, sick, or just plain overloaded. What happens most of the time when I withdraw? Someone seeks me out, be it one of the children, my wife, my colleague, just about anybody. This is God giving me a chance to be more like Jesus. Guess what? I usually fail at this task. I'm learning to be more aware of these chances to serve and to show the love of Christ.
You don't have to have a temperament like me for this to be a challenge for you also. How about it? When you finally get a chance to get away from the chaos we call "life," and you are interrupted, how do you react?
God knows when we need rest and need to be alone; so why would He allow these times to be interrupted other than to give us chance to walk in the footsteps of Jesus?
*The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.
Matthew 14*
13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Jesus is incredible. This passage is right after Jesus is informed of the death of John the Baptist. We might assume that He was mourning John's death, the scripture doesn't give us this detail. What the scripture does tell us is that Jesus sought to be by himself in an area where nobody was. What makes Jesus incredible is that when the crowds and the sick followed Him, He didn't get angry but had compassion on them.
This example of Jesus' action touches me. I have the temperament of withdrawing from everyone when I'm tired, sick, or just plain overloaded. What happens most of the time when I withdraw? Someone seeks me out, be it one of the children, my wife, my colleague, just about anybody. This is God giving me a chance to be more like Jesus. Guess what? I usually fail at this task. I'm learning to be more aware of these chances to serve and to show the love of Christ.
You don't have to have a temperament like me for this to be a challenge for you also. How about it? When you finally get a chance to get away from the chaos we call "life," and you are interrupted, how do you react?
God knows when we need rest and need to be alone; so why would He allow these times to be interrupted other than to give us chance to walk in the footsteps of Jesus?
*The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Sermon Preparation
January 11, 2008
Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23*
3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the pa th, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear."
18 "Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."
This passage is commonly associated with sharing the gospel and how it will be received. But if you look at verses 18-23 it talks about hearing the word. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I still hear the word, and I'm 20 years past my accepting Jesus into my life as Lord and Savior.
I would like to talk about a common place we all can hear God's Word. That would be at our church - the weekly sermon. Fortunately, the pastors at my church preach directly from the Bible and help put its wonderful truths in a context where the members can understand and apply it.
So the question now is: "How's your sermon preparation?"
"But I'm not a preacher," is not going to cut it.
What is the condition of your heart when you go to hear a sermon? Are you clueless about the Word? Are you angry and the Word just doesn't take root in you? Do you have too many worries to pay attention to the Word? Or is your heart fertile ground ready to accept the Word and apply it in your life?
Do you prepare for the sermon with prayer?
Prayer that you will understand?
Psalm 119:18 - Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. (KJV)
Do you pray for your pastor?
Are you confessing sin in your life?
Are you actively seeking to grow when you hear a sermon?
*The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.
Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23*
3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the pa th, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear."
18 "Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."
This passage is commonly associated with sharing the gospel and how it will be received. But if you look at verses 18-23 it talks about hearing the word. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I still hear the word, and I'm 20 years past my accepting Jesus into my life as Lord and Savior.
I would like to talk about a common place we all can hear God's Word. That would be at our church - the weekly sermon. Fortunately, the pastors at my church preach directly from the Bible and help put its wonderful truths in a context where the members can understand and apply it.
So the question now is: "How's your sermon preparation?"
"But I'm not a preacher," is not going to cut it.
What is the condition of your heart when you go to hear a sermon? Are you clueless about the Word? Are you angry and the Word just doesn't take root in you? Do you have too many worries to pay attention to the Word? Or is your heart fertile ground ready to accept the Word and apply it in your life?
Do you prepare for the sermon with prayer?
Prayer that you will understand?
Psalm 119:18 - Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. (KJV)
Do you pray for your pastor?
Are you confessing sin in your life?
Are you actively seeking to grow when you hear a sermon?
*The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Escaping Bondage
January 10, 2008
Matthew 12:43-45
12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 12:44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth [it] empty, swept, and garnished. 12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
How often have you faced a habit, an attitude, or a sin in your life that no matter how hard you try to get rid of, it keeps coming back?
Verse 44 of this passage may give us a clue of why this is. Take notice that when the unclean spirit returns it finds the house "empty". What would have happened if that "house" had a new tenant? Could the unclean spirit take up residence again?
Overcoming any issue starts by giving it first and foremost to Jesus Christ our Lord, He paid the price on the cross for anything that has us in bondage. But once our house is clean, we need to put a new tenant in: a Godly attitude, attribute, or action. Yes, it is easier said than done - but substituting the old with the new is biblical:
Ephesians 4:22-32
4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 4:27 Neither give place to the devil. 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Colossians 3:1-10
3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 3:4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 3:10 And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Let's consider what we struggle with; give it to the Lord; and replace it with something Godly so that it is no longer something that puts us in bondage.
John 8:36
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Matthew 12:43-45
12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 12:44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth [it] empty, swept, and garnished. 12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
How often have you faced a habit, an attitude, or a sin in your life that no matter how hard you try to get rid of, it keeps coming back?
Verse 44 of this passage may give us a clue of why this is. Take notice that when the unclean spirit returns it finds the house "empty". What would have happened if that "house" had a new tenant? Could the unclean spirit take up residence again?
Overcoming any issue starts by giving it first and foremost to Jesus Christ our Lord, He paid the price on the cross for anything that has us in bondage. But once our house is clean, we need to put a new tenant in: a Godly attitude, attribute, or action. Yes, it is easier said than done - but substituting the old with the new is biblical:
Ephesians 4:22-32
4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 4:27 Neither give place to the devil. 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Colossians 3:1-10
3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 3:4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 3:10 And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Let's consider what we struggle with; give it to the Lord; and replace it with something Godly so that it is no longer something that puts us in bondage.
John 8:36
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
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