Hebrews 3:12-19 (ESV)
[12]Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. [13]But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. [14]For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. [15]As it is said,
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
[16]For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? [17]And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? [18]And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? [19]So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.
What is your responsibility to those whom you worship with? What is your responsibility to those who are playing church? In my opinion, I believe there are many who claim to be Christian, yet who have not believed in Jesus. Verse 12 talks about there might be any among you with an evil, unbelieving heart (Romans 10:9 gives the basis of salvation as confession and belief). These who are playing church may even lead us to fall away: so what do we do?
We are to exhort one another every day. “Exhort” can also be translated “encourage,” “invite” or “warn.” For myself, I find writing an excellent way to exhort: I am determined to let God have all of me (Romans 12:1-2) and to let His word change me (II Timothy 3:16-17). By writing these devotionals I am “inviting” others to let His word “encourage” them in their walk with the Lord and “warn” them about pitfalls that I experience.
The best way to exhort is to get involved with someone’s life. Instead of looking for their weaknesses so you can fix them (we know that it is only God who can “fix” them), we share with them how God’s word has transformed us in different situations. I, for one am, willing to put on the “counselor” hat a little too quickly instead of being an exhorter who trusts in the true Counselor (John 14:26) who uses God’s word to guide us.
So please, find a way to exhort those in your fellowship. Invite them to walk in God’s word with you as you share how He has transformed and is transforming you according to His word. Who knows - the one that is playing church may just come to full knowledge of God's saving grace through Jesus Christ.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Living in the Lord
Psalm 91:4-9 (KJV)
[4]He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
[5]Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
[6]Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
[7]A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
[8]Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
[9]Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
Look at the promises in this portion of scripture: God will cover you and you will trust it; God’s word will be a defense for you; you will not fear (terror, weapons, disease, darkness, destruction or being left all alone). Because you make God your habitation (dwelling place; refuge).
What is your fear? God will take it away. Use His word as a defense against what is thrown at you and totally surrender to the Lord your God – make Him your habitation.
[4]He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
[5]Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
[6]Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
[7]A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
[8]Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
[9]Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
Look at the promises in this portion of scripture: God will cover you and you will trust it; God’s word will be a defense for you; you will not fear (terror, weapons, disease, darkness, destruction or being left all alone). Because you make God your habitation (dwelling place; refuge).
What is your fear? God will take it away. Use His word as a defense against what is thrown at you and totally surrender to the Lord your God – make Him your habitation.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Turmoil of Temptation
Hebrews 2:18 (ESV)
For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Do you ever take lightly how much Jesus suffered when He was tempted? When we are tempted we are generally given two choices: 1) Trust in Jesus to overcome or escape the temptation (or) 2) Succumb to the temptation. Jesus had two choices too: 1) Follow the Father’s will (obey) (or) 2) Put His will first (disobey).
The choices are similar… but Jesus was not given a way of escape; if Jesus put His will first then there would be no redemption. Jesus understood and knew the consequences of His actions. He knew what He would have to face. Though Jesus was God, He was still man. Because He was man He suffered through temptation like we do (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15).
How do we act on this knowledge? Hebrews 4:16 leads us in this: “Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.” (HCSB) Jesus suffered that we might have grace. Jesus suffered that we may find help during temptation.
Jesus understands what you are going through. Jesus overcame what you are going through. Jesus will get you through. If He can save you from wrath and reconcile you with Almighty God, be sure that He can guide you safely through any temptation that comes your way.
For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Do you ever take lightly how much Jesus suffered when He was tempted? When we are tempted we are generally given two choices: 1) Trust in Jesus to overcome or escape the temptation (or) 2) Succumb to the temptation. Jesus had two choices too: 1) Follow the Father’s will (obey) (or) 2) Put His will first (disobey).
The choices are similar… but Jesus was not given a way of escape; if Jesus put His will first then there would be no redemption. Jesus understood and knew the consequences of His actions. He knew what He would have to face. Though Jesus was God, He was still man. Because He was man He suffered through temptation like we do (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15).
How do we act on this knowledge? Hebrews 4:16 leads us in this: “Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.” (HCSB) Jesus suffered that we might have grace. Jesus suffered that we may find help during temptation.
Jesus understands what you are going through. Jesus overcame what you are going through. Jesus will get you through. If He can save you from wrath and reconcile you with Almighty God, be sure that He can guide you safely through any temptation that comes your way.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Making the Most of What We Have
Psalms 90:10-12 (KJV)
The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
[11]Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.
[12]So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
This passage reminds me to focus on what is important, because my days journeying on this earth are few. What is important you may ask? I am learning that I am a very simple person and that Matthew 22:37-40 sums up what I focus on: Love God and love others. How do I love God and others? John 14:15 answers the first part: I must learn and live God’s word. John 15:9-17 not only repeats walking in God’s word, but tells us to lay down our lives for one another – we show love to others like Christ showed love to us.
Jesus gave up His life for us so that we may be restored unto the Father. He knows the temptations we face (Hebrews 4:15) and still encourages us to put others first (Philippians 2:4). This is no easy task, but trusting in God is a great place to start. I try to stay focused (I did say try – not quite batting 100 right now) on what is important: Loving God (Learning the Word; Living the Word) and loving others (Teaching the Word; Preaching the Word) – Knowing Jesus and walking with Jesus. Daily submitting to Jesus through His word. Avoiding arguments and debates that distract from God’s word and gently restore those that deviate from His word (2 Timothy 2:14-26; Titus 3:1-3; Titus 3:9-11) in order that there may be repentance or salvation (1 Corinthians 10:23-33).
I encourage you (and myself) to take up Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians:
Philippians 3:7-16 (HCSB)
[7] But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. [8] More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ — the righteousness from God based on faith. [10] My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, [11] assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.
[12] Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. [13] Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, [14] I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus. [15] Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this to you also. [16] In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained.
The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
[11]Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.
[12]So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
This passage reminds me to focus on what is important, because my days journeying on this earth are few. What is important you may ask? I am learning that I am a very simple person and that Matthew 22:37-40 sums up what I focus on: Love God and love others. How do I love God and others? John 14:15 answers the first part: I must learn and live God’s word. John 15:9-17 not only repeats walking in God’s word, but tells us to lay down our lives for one another – we show love to others like Christ showed love to us.
Jesus gave up His life for us so that we may be restored unto the Father. He knows the temptations we face (Hebrews 4:15) and still encourages us to put others first (Philippians 2:4). This is no easy task, but trusting in God is a great place to start. I try to stay focused (I did say try – not quite batting 100 right now) on what is important: Loving God (Learning the Word; Living the Word) and loving others (Teaching the Word; Preaching the Word) – Knowing Jesus and walking with Jesus. Daily submitting to Jesus through His word. Avoiding arguments and debates that distract from God’s word and gently restore those that deviate from His word (2 Timothy 2:14-26; Titus 3:1-3; Titus 3:9-11) in order that there may be repentance or salvation (1 Corinthians 10:23-33).
I encourage you (and myself) to take up Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians:
Philippians 3:7-16 (HCSB)
[7] But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. [8] More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ — the righteousness from God based on faith. [10] My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, [11] assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.
[12] Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. [13] Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, [14] I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus. [15] Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this to you also. [16] In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Rejoice in Giving
1 Chronicles 29:9 (ESV)
Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
When is the last time you rejoiced when the plate was passed around? Truthfully think about this. Do you give because you have to or because you want to? (2 Corinthians 9:7). Sometimes it becomes a habit for me and I forget that giving is worship. When I give I acknowledge that the Lord is my sustenance (Matthew 6:11; John 4:34; Philippians 4:19). When I give I remember the blessings and how God has continually and faithfully provided needs. I remember what Christ gave for me on the cross and I acknowledge that everything including me (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) belong to God.
Why should I rejoice when I give? Because He has given me so much, with the most important gift is His love shown through the grace imparted to me by the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ to restore me to God the Father.
Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
When is the last time you rejoiced when the plate was passed around? Truthfully think about this. Do you give because you have to or because you want to? (2 Corinthians 9:7). Sometimes it becomes a habit for me and I forget that giving is worship. When I give I acknowledge that the Lord is my sustenance (Matthew 6:11; John 4:34; Philippians 4:19). When I give I remember the blessings and how God has continually and faithfully provided needs. I remember what Christ gave for me on the cross and I acknowledge that everything including me (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) belong to God.
Why should I rejoice when I give? Because He has given me so much, with the most important gift is His love shown through the grace imparted to me by the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ to restore me to God the Father.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Gentleness in Love
Philemon 8-9 (ESV)
Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, [9]yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus.
I believe in this statement all of us can practice more. Paul was writing to Philemon regarding his slave, Onesimus, and asking him to take back his slave (more than likely had stolen from his master and ran away to Rome). Paul had led Onesimus to Christ (Philemon 10) and this slave had become a great servant to him.
Now that we have the background lets concentrate on the attitude presented in the statement in verses 8 and 9. Paul, as a spiritual leader and mentor, had the authority to command Philemon to do what was proper concerning Onesimus. Paul chose instead to appeal to Philemon on Onesimus’ behalf. Instead of forcing Philemon to do something, Paul chose to act in love by instructing Philemon why he should accept Onesimus back.
I find it awesome that Paul did not force a younger Christian to do something, but rather left it up for that Believer to choose to act in a way that proclaimed Christ. As a person who disciples others, I find myself wanting to tell folks what they should do. I am not the Holy Spirit. The best thing I can do is take time and search the scriptures with the person and let them be convicted by the Holy Spirit who will lead them in all truth. Notice also that I said that we need to take time and search the scriptures together – those of us in authority are held responsible, and we don’t want to twist the Bible to enable us to control others to our own will (Romans 15:1). We should desire that those we teach and instruct go to God’s Word and pray for guidance before they even consider coming to us concerning an issue or decision.
God is so patient with us (2 Peter 3:9) – we also should be patient and never use position to force or coerce another into a decision that pleases us.
Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, [9]yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus.
I believe in this statement all of us can practice more. Paul was writing to Philemon regarding his slave, Onesimus, and asking him to take back his slave (more than likely had stolen from his master and ran away to Rome). Paul had led Onesimus to Christ (Philemon 10) and this slave had become a great servant to him.
Now that we have the background lets concentrate on the attitude presented in the statement in verses 8 and 9. Paul, as a spiritual leader and mentor, had the authority to command Philemon to do what was proper concerning Onesimus. Paul chose instead to appeal to Philemon on Onesimus’ behalf. Instead of forcing Philemon to do something, Paul chose to act in love by instructing Philemon why he should accept Onesimus back.
I find it awesome that Paul did not force a younger Christian to do something, but rather left it up for that Believer to choose to act in a way that proclaimed Christ. As a person who disciples others, I find myself wanting to tell folks what they should do. I am not the Holy Spirit. The best thing I can do is take time and search the scriptures with the person and let them be convicted by the Holy Spirit who will lead them in all truth. Notice also that I said that we need to take time and search the scriptures together – those of us in authority are held responsible, and we don’t want to twist the Bible to enable us to control others to our own will (Romans 15:1). We should desire that those we teach and instruct go to God’s Word and pray for guidance before they even consider coming to us concerning an issue or decision.
God is so patient with us (2 Peter 3:9) – we also should be patient and never use position to force or coerce another into a decision that pleases us.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Be On Guard: Division
Titus 3:10-11 (ESV)
As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, [11]knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
One of Satan’s best tricks is to pit us against one another. It is something we must guard ourselves against. This passage in Titus tells us to approach those who are causing divisions. In the context of scripture we should be doing this in a gentle manner in order to restore (see “Correction” from September 3rd). We are not trying to condemn others, but lift them up when they fall.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (HCSB)
Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. [10] For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.
Any condemnation comes from God’s word from turning away from it. The New Living Translation of verse 11 points this out in a straightforward manner: “For people like that have turned away from the truth. They are sinning, and they condemn themselves.” God’s law brings us to Christ in order for us to receive grace through Christ (Galatians 3:25; Romans 7:7-12). We can choose to be under grace or to reject the conviction from turning from the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:19). All this to say, when we approach someone over being divisive we must do it in truth and gentleness and let God’s word through the Holy Spirit take care of the rest (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Verse 10 tells us to have nothing to do with this person if there is no change after warning them a couple of times. Is this to punish them? I think it is more for our benefit; we don’t want to stir up division ourselves.
1 Corinthians 15:33 (HCSB)
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
Proverbs 13:20 (HCSB)
The one who walks with the wise will become wise,
but a companion of fools will suffer harm.
Seek to restore a brother, but be careful not to follow him in his transgression.
Galatians 6:1-2 (HCSB)
Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you won't be tempted also. [2] Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, [11]knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
One of Satan’s best tricks is to pit us against one another. It is something we must guard ourselves against. This passage in Titus tells us to approach those who are causing divisions. In the context of scripture we should be doing this in a gentle manner in order to restore (see “Correction” from September 3rd). We are not trying to condemn others, but lift them up when they fall.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (HCSB)
Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. [10] For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.
Any condemnation comes from God’s word from turning away from it. The New Living Translation of verse 11 points this out in a straightforward manner: “For people like that have turned away from the truth. They are sinning, and they condemn themselves.” God’s law brings us to Christ in order for us to receive grace through Christ (Galatians 3:25; Romans 7:7-12). We can choose to be under grace or to reject the conviction from turning from the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:19). All this to say, when we approach someone over being divisive we must do it in truth and gentleness and let God’s word through the Holy Spirit take care of the rest (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Verse 10 tells us to have nothing to do with this person if there is no change after warning them a couple of times. Is this to punish them? I think it is more for our benefit; we don’t want to stir up division ourselves.
1 Corinthians 15:33 (HCSB)
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
Proverbs 13:20 (HCSB)
The one who walks with the wise will become wise,
but a companion of fools will suffer harm.
Seek to restore a brother, but be careful not to follow him in his transgression.
Galatians 6:1-2 (HCSB)
Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you won't be tempted also. [2] Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
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