I Am In Christ – 2

I am: Redeemed from the curse of the law of sin and death.

1 Peter1:18-19

knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,  but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Galatians 3:13

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”

I am: Blessed.

Galatians 3:9

So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

Kindly read: Deuteronomy 28:2-12

I am: A Saint.

Romans 1:7

To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:     

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:2

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

Philippians 1:1

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,     

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

I am: The head and not the tail, above and not beneath.

Deuteronomy 28:13

And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, being careful to do them,

Our Response to God’s Goodness - 1

To give thanks and praise to God.

Psalm 106:1

Praise the LORD!

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever
To seek for his goodness.

Exodus 33:18-19

Moses said, “Please show me your glory.”  And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.

To know his promise.

Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

To submit to his Word.

Isaiah 39:8

Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my days.”

To see what is good.

Micah 6:8

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

To let our light shine.

Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

To ask our Father.

Matthew 7:11

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

I Am In Christ – 1

I am: God’s child for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God.

1 Peter 1:23

Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 

  Forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood:

Ephesians 1:7

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace

Hebrews 9:14

How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Colossians 1:14

In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I am: A new creature in Christ:

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

I am: The temple of the Holy Spirit:

1 Corinthians 6:19

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own

I am: Delivered from the power of darkness and translated in God’s kingdom:

Colossians 1:13

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

Acts 11:18

“When they [the Jewish Christians] heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."

Breaking through racial and cultural barriers is never easy. Thankfully, God's Spirit doesn't let us settle comfortably into our prejudices. Instead, we are challenged, led, and pushed to break through racial hatred and cultural ignorance. Let's be the kind of people who rejoice and praise God as every barrier dividing people falls.

Let's press on until the triumphant promise of the Gospel is fulfilled: "There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians — you are one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). In doing this, we anticipate the incredible chorus of heaven that praises God with folks from every language, tribe, people, and nation (Revelation 7:9-11).

John 11:21

"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

If you have ever stood at the grave side of a loved one, this thought probably crossed your mind, too — if you had only been here, Lord! Where is Jesus when we hurt? Why couldn't he be here to help us? There are a couple of crucial answers to remember. First, Jesus is with us in our moments of loss and grief. The Church is Jesus' Body and every act of kindness, support, comfort, and help is Jesus working to alleviate our grief.

Second, while he may not have kept our loved one from passing from this life to the next, he has been the abiding and unbroken presence for each Christian who has died physically. Paul reminds us that when a Christian dies, he or she goes to be with Christ (2 Cor. 5:6-7; Phil. 1:21-23) and God's loving presence is never lost to him or her (Rom. 8:35-39)!

Acts 11:24

“He [Barnabas] was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.”

Barnabas was a good man! Why? For many reasons. But, the key reason was that he was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. This shouldn't surprise us. When the Holy Spirit lives in us, he is at work producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and conforming us to the character of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). No wonder Barnabas' influence was so great on the lives of those who lived in Antioch; his life was under the influence of God's Spirit!

The Nature of God’s Goodness - 2

In forgiving us.

Psalm 130:4

But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.

In meeting our needs.

Philippians 4:19

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
In not accusing us.

Psalm 103:9

He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever

In dying for us.

Romans 5:8

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

In interceding for us.

Hebrews 7:25

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

In preparing a place for us.

John 14:2

In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

In pouring his love for us.

Romans 5:5

and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

In promising his Spirit for us.

Luke 11:13

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Hebrews 11:16

“Instead, they were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”

Hebrews 11 is full of reminders of the great heroes of faith from long ago. Many of them risked everything — some even paid the ultimate price — for their faith. How did they live out such a strong faith in the face of such difficulty and persecution? They were looking for a better place, a better home, a better country, a better city — a heavenly one. God prepared this better place for them.
He is proud to be called their God and welcome them to that better place. And this better place, this better country, is also promised to us as people of faith! Jesus promised us that he is preparing for our arrival at our heavenly home and he will come back and take us to be where he is (John 14:1-4). If the Lord is longing for us to join him, then surely we can have a deep longing t! o be with him. Let's desire our heavenly country!

Quotes 

.. Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers. - J. Sidlow Baxter

.. Most Christians know what they are saved from.  Very few know what they are saved for. -
Unknown

Zechariah 11:17

“[The LORD said] "Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!"
While we don't like to hear bad news and don't appreciate the pronouncement of judgment on others, there is a time when it is appropriate. Jesus was not only our sacrificial lamb, but he is also our Chief Shepherd. When the earthly shepherds of his sheep do not lead faithfully, he will demand harsh justice.

This is a strong reminder to all who lead that they must do so faithfully and tenderly. It is also a comfort to those who have been abused by ungodly leaders — God will bring about a righteous justice to those who have abused the stewardship of their pastoral calling. Ultimately, God will also wipe away our tears even if our earthly shepherds do not! (Revelation 7:15)

Wise people in the Bible - 2

Proverbs 17:20

A man of crooked heart does not discover good,and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.

Proverbs 20:1

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

Proverbs 24:5

A wise man is full of strength,and a man of knowledge enhances his might,

Proverbs 19:8

Whoever gets sense loves his own soul;he who keeps understanding will discover good.

Proverbs 3:35

The wise will inherit honor,but fools get disgrace.

Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirs up strife,but love covers all offenses.

Proverbs 8:33

Hear instruction and be wise,and do not neglect it.

Proverbs 10:1

A wise son makes a glad father,but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

Proverbs 10:19

When words are many, transgression is not lacking,but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Proverbs 13:1

A wise son hears his father's instruction,but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 12:15

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 2:7

he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

Proverbs 2:10

for wisdom will come into your heart,and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;

Ecclesiastic 8:1

Who is like the wise?And who knows the interpretation of a thing?A man's wisdom makes his face shine,and the hardness of his face is changed.

Psalm 121:3

“He will not let your foot slip — he who watches over you will not slumber...”

I still remember when my children were little. I would sneak in and watch them sleep. Sometimes it was to check on them when they were sick. Sometimes it was to just sit and pray for them, joining the Lord as he watched over them while they slept. Sometimes it was to bathe myself in the grace and wonder of God's love for giving me such blessings.

Even now that they are much older, I still love to look in on them and pray, marveling at the wonder of these precious gifts from the Father. To know that my Abba Father looks at me in the same way, but with even greater delight and joy, fills me with unspeakable wonder.

Quotes 

.. A lie is like a snowball.  The longer it is rolled on the ground the larger it becomes. - Martin Luther
..There is no relief so sweet as the relief of coming clean to God and living again in the truth. - Christine Dallman

Matthew 7:2

“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Jesus is concerned that we not have a critical spirit toward others, especially about their motives as to why they did something. We can't assume to know another person's heart; only God can. When we are unfairly critical, overly harsh, or unduly judgmental, we need to remember that God will use that same standard on us.

 I don't know about you, but I need grace. So do those I love. I'm going to try very hard to be as gracious toward others as I'm trusting that God is going to be gracious with me.

Faith Quotes

Smith Wigglesworth - “There is a place where God, through the power of the Holy Ghost, reigns supreme in our lives.”

Smith Wigglesworth - “I never get out of bed in the morning without having communion with God in the Spirit.”

Mark Your Children for God

If you want to Satan-proof your children, then mark their lives with faith. Let them see you living by faith, reading God’s Word, praying, and attending church. When you emphasize the importance of serving God, your children will think it’s important, too. They may not want to serve God right off the bat, but if you just hang in there, God will bring them through.

I want to encourage you to stop murmuring about your church in front your children. Some of you go to church and then, on the way home, say, “Well, the greeters weren’t too friendly,” or “I really didn’t like the message today.” The pastor is too loud when he worships,” or some other gripe. Then, you wonder why your children do not want to go to the church! It’s because you’ve marked them with negative words. If you want to Satan-proof your children and mark them for God’s service, then you’d better begin to speak well of your church so that your children will esteem it, too.

Devil’s Goal

The devil does not care how he gets into your relationships – his only goal is to infiltrate them and cause trouble.

1 John 4:21

“And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
For over a week, John has reminded us again and again. We must love our brothers and sisters in Christ. This reminder, however, is the clincher. If we love God, then we must love his children and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Notice that the word isn't "should" or "will try" or "want to."
No, we must. The Bible is careful not to put many "must do" or "thou shalt" commands in Scripture. So God's point is clear. Love of each other is not optional, negotiable, or even something to be delayed. God sent Jesus to die for the sins of all of God's children. How can we not love those for whom Christ gave so much? As Paul will say to the Corinthians, "God's love compels us!" We MUST love.

Think it over…

~ The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else. - Oswald Chambers

~ No storm is so great, no wave is so high, no sea is so deep, no wind is so strong, that Jesus cannot either calm it or carry us through it…Anne Graham Lotz

Proverbs 18:24

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Close spiritual friends — the kind that can hold us accountable when we need it, build us up when we're down, or celebrate with us when we've enjoyed success — are truly rare. So many people are lonely; they're lonely for something, or better yet, someone, they've never experienced. We have a tendency in modern western culture to have acquaintances and companions instead of friends and partners.

When things go poorly, when we have nothing to offer to them, acquaintances can run away in times of trouble, or fade away if things are long and protracted. There are, however, true friends whose commitment and dedication are deeper than even physical family. How do I know? God promised it! I've seen it! My family has been blessed by it! So let's hear the call to be that kind of friend to others and in so doing, we will often find that kind of friend for ourselves.

Ezekiel 36:23

“I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.”

God can and will use us even though we are not worthy vessels for him to use. Scripture gives us many examples of people God used who did not come up to his moral and holy requirements — for example, think a little about Samson or most of the other Judges!

God will be revealed as the holy, mighty, and awesome God that he is. So let's not be unwilling tools in his hands. Instead, let's offer ourselves to him for his service and his glory.

Numbers 6:24-26

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

How would you like to place the mighty name of the LORD on people you love? God promised that this priestly blessing enabled his name (his power and authority) to be placed on his people. What an incredible gift that we have the power to give to others with just our faithful words!

Blessings are found all throughout Scripture. Why not begin looking today for ways to pronounce God's blessing on others? You can start with this one, and then add a bunch of others as you find them in Scripture.

Sex Laws - 4

Do not marry a mother and daughter. Penalty for such sin:  all 3 to die:

Lev 20:14

And if a man takes a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.

If a woman sins with a beast, both she and the beast to die:

Lev 20:16

And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Innocent wife protected:

Dt 22:13-19

If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her,   And give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid:   Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the tokens of the damsel's virginity unto the elders of the city in the gate:   And the damsel's father shall say unto the elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, and he hateth her;   And, lo, he hath given occasions of speech against her, saying, I found not thy daughter a maid; and yet these are the tokens of my daughter's virginity.

And they shall spread the cloth before the elders of the city.   And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him;   And they shall amerce him in an hundred shekels of silver, and give them unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days

Guilty wife stoned:

Deuteronomy 22:20-21

But if the thing is true, that evidence of virginity was not found in the young woman, then they shall bring out the young woman to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death with stones, because she has done an outrageous thing in Israel by whoring in her father's house. So, you shall purge the evil from your midst.

Death for rape, in country:

Deuteronomy 22:25-26

But if in the open country a man meets a young woman who is betrothed, and the man seizes her and lies with her, then only the man who lay with her shall die.  But you shall do nothing to the young woman; she has committed no offense punishable by death. For this case is like that of a man attacking and murdering his neighbor,

No man to become a sodomite in Israel:

Deuteronomy 23:17

“None of the daughters of Israel shall be a cult prostitute, and none of the sons of Israel shall be a cult prostitute.

Hire a whore not to be brought into house of God for vows:

Deuteronomy 23:18

You shall not bring the fee of a prostitute or the wages of a dog into the house of the Lord your God in payment for any vow, for both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God.

Hire of a dog (male prostitute or sodomite) not to be brought into house of God:

Deuteronomy 23:18

You shall not bring the fee of a prostitute or the wages of a dog into the house of the Lord your God in payment for any vow, for both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God.

John 8:7

“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her [the woman caught in adultery]."

When we find it easy to identify the sin of others, God wants us to be reminded of how important it is for us to take a rigorously honest inventory of our own faithfulness. He wants us to deal with our own sin before we evaluate anyone else.

Matthew 7:13-14

“[Jesus said,] "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Over two decades ago, Juan Carlos Ortiz criticized European and American evangelists for offering a carrot stick gospel that focused on the pay off and not lordship of Jesus. Jesus, especially in Matthew 7, reminds us that grace does not dismiss discipleship and mercy does not release us from our need to genuinely repent.

We must accept the grace that is given us and truly let Jesus be Lord of our lives. It's not an either-or proposition, but a both-and call from God to receive grace and to follow Jesus as Lord.

Romans 8:9

“You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”

We show who is in control in our lives by the way we live! We show our relationship to the Father by living with his character in our world. So let's live under the control of the Spirit — obeying the Spirit's inspired Word and following the Spirit's lead — so we can show and share Jesus in what we say and do!

Isaiah 54:5

“For your Maker is your husband — the LORD Almighty is his name — the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.”

"For God so loved the world..." "The Father, from whom every family on earth derives its name..." God is not just the God of Israel. The LORD God, ruler of heaven and earth, is the God of all nations and one day, "every knee will bow and every tongue will confess... that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father."

Old and New Covenant Contrasts – 13

Circumcision:

Exodus 12:48

If a stranger shall sojourn with you and would keep the Passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised. Then he may come near and keep it; he shall be as a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person shall eat of it.

Made eternal:

Hebrews 13:20

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant

Faulty:

Hebrews 8:7

For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.

Perfect:

James 1:25

But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Weak:

Hebrews 7:18

For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness

Strong:

Hebrews 7:25

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Unprofitable:

Hebrews 7:18

For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness

Profitable:

Hebrews 7:19

(for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

Hebrews 7:25

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Wise people in the Bible - 1

Matthew 7:24

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

1 Timothy 3:15

if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.

Proverbs 11:30

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,and whoever captures souls is wise.

Proverbs 3:13

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,and the one who gets understanding,

Proverbs 3:16-17

Long life is in her right hand;in her left hand are riches and honor.Her ways are ways of pleasantness,and all her paths are peace.

Proverbs 3:15

She is more precious than jewels,and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Proverbs 4:8

Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;she will honor you if you embrace her.

Proverbs 3:23-24

Then you will walk on your way securely,and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid;when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Proverbs 9:1

Wisdom has built her house;she has hewn her seven pillars.

Proverbs 10:14

The wise layup knowledge,but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.

Proverbs 11:29

Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind,and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

Proverbs 13:20

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

The Nature of God’s Goodness - 1

Good is good.

Psalm 100:5

For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
God’s Spirit is good.


Nehemiah 9:20

You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst.

God’s Word is good.

Isaiah 39:8

Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my days.”

The Revelations of God’s Goodness

In creating us. 

Genesis 1:26

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

In giving us his commandments.

Deuteronomy 6:2

that you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son's son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long.

In discipling us.

Proverbs 3:12

for the Lord reproves him whom he loves as a father the son in whom he delights.

In humbling us.

Deuteronomy 8:3

And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord

Psalm 4:1

“Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.”

At first, this cry for help seems very demanding. However, closer inspection shows that this is really the cry of desperation. Have you been there? I surely have and I regularly hear from folks who are there now.

But, read how this Psalm ends! What is the secret to surviving a long agony? I believe three things are important: 1) honesty in our prayer life with God, 2) confidence that God hears and cares even when our prayers sizzle with pain and frustration, and 3) genuine praise for God included in our prayers even when things seem bleak. It's not a magical formula, but it is a Spirit-inspired one — check it out in Psalm 4!

2 Corinthians 5:21

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

When was the last time you thought of yourself as "the righteousness of God"? What does that mean anyway? It means that we have the best of qualities, found in the best of beings! But we know we are not god-like! We know our fallibility and flaws! We know our imperfections and our inconsistencies! How can we be "the righteousness of God"? Jesus, the perfect and sinless Righteous One of God, became our sin for us so we could be his righteousness. More than grace, that's a miracle! And a miracle, dear friend of Jesus, is exactly what you are!!

Quotes 

.. A lie is like a snowball.  The longer it is rolled on the ground the larger it becomes. - Martin Luther
..There is no relief so sweet as the relief of coming clean to God and living again in the truth. -
Christine Dallman

Think it over…

~ We want to be saints, but we also want to feel every sensation experienced by sinners; we want to be innocent and pure, but we also want to be experienced and taste all of life; we want to serve the poor and have a simple lifestyle, but we also want all the comforts of the rich; we want to have the depth afforded by solitude, but we also do not want to miss anything; we want to pray, but we also want to watch television, read, talk to friends, and go out. - Ronald Rolheiser

Old and New Covenant Contrasts – 12

Does satisfy God:

Hebrews 10:15-18

And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,“This is the covenant that I will make with themafter those days, declares the Lord:

I will put my laws on their hearts,and write them on their minds,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more. “Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

No miracle power:

Hebrews 7:18

For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness

Miracles:

Galatians 3:1-5

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.  Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 

Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?  Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?  Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—

John 14:12

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.

Abolishment predicted:

Hosea 2:11

And I will put an end to all her mirth,her feasts, her new moons, her Sabbaths,and all her appointed feasts.

Establishment predicted:

Hebrews 8:7

For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.

1 John 4:4

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them [those who deny that Jesus is from God and who have the spirit of the world], because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

The world can often be a hostile place for believers. God wants his spiritual children to know, however, that they are not alone. He lives in us through his Spirit. We can be assured, therefore, that no matter what spirit someone else may have, the Holy Spirit of God is greater, more powerful, and more glorious. The victory is ours because God's presence in us is greater than any force that we will ever face. We have our victory assured over all forces, powers, spirits, or opponents.

Think it over…

~ The Hebrew evening/morning sequence conditions us to the rhythms of grace.  We go to sleep, and God begins his work...We wake into a world we didn't make, into a salvation we didn't earn. - Eugene Peterson

~ Live near to God, and all things will appear little to you in comparison with eternal realities. - Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Psalm 71:9

“Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.”
We live in an age where those who are older are often shoved aside. This is true in the professional world with employees. This is also true in churches which often find themselves pandering to those who are younger or more financially powerful, while forgetting the aging and powerless.
Let's remember that God cares what happens to each one of us, no matter status or stature or age.

Quotes 

.. A lie is like a snowball.  The longer it is rolled on the ground the larger it becomes. - Martin Luther

..There is no relief so sweet as the relief of coming clean to God and living again in the truth. - Christine Dallman

1 Timothy 4:14

“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”

Life seems so busy, so full of distractions and "to do" lists. Let's not let our "busyness" keep us from our Father's "business." Let's find the ways God has gifted us to serve him and his people; then let's dedicate ourselves to that with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Christian Brothers and Sisters – 13

1 John 3:13

Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.

1 John 3:16

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers

3 John 1:5

Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are,

Revelation 6:11

Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.

Revelation 12:10

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.

Revelation 19:10

Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Matthew 7:7-8

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

God made us to seek after him and find him (Acts 17:27-28). Try to imagine the astounding reality of this truth: the God of the Universe is thrilled to see us when we come home to him! Is it any wonder that he longs for us to seek him so he can welcome us with the same joy as the father welcomed the son back again (Luke 15:11-31)?

Psalm 139:23-24

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Most of us don't like being scrutinized and tested. But God knows us through and through. He has been with us from our conception and will work with us through the grave and beyond. So let's invite him into our interior world to search us, test us, and even scrutinize our anxious thoughts.

He is not there to condemn or punish, but to cleanse and redeem so that we can be led to his eternal grace.

Psalm 37:3

“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”

Having a place of permanence in the middle of life's uncertainties and having the assurance of God's provision are based on two very clear principles: trusting in the LORD and doing good to others.

When we live by those two commitments, we learn to depend upon God in fresh new ways that bring us refreshment, hope, and new joy.

Faith Quotes

Smith Wigglesworth – “Before God could bring me to this place He has broken me a thousand times.”

Smith Wigglesworth - “I am never happier in the Lord than when I am in a bedroom with a sick person.”

1 John 4:20

“If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.”

"O how I love Jesus!" we sing. Jesus responds by asking how well we are doing with loving our brothers and sisters! We can't love God if we can't love those around us.

Isaiah 41:13

“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

Life crashes in and we wish we could be children again and have someone to take care of us and protect us. Into our confused and chaotic world, God's promise comes to us once again. Like a loving parent with a frightened child, God reaches out and takes hold of our hand and comforts us with his precious words: "Don't be afraid. I'm here with you. I will help." Even when he seems distant, the echo of this thought can remind us that we are never alone or forgotten (cf. Heb. 13:5-6).

Luke 5:26

“Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."

Jesus forgave a man who was lame, then showed he had authority to forgive by healing him. As exciting and important as this healing was, the most important thing was the reaction of those who witnessed it; they praised God out of a sense of amazed awe. They recognized that Jesus had come to minister as God's very presence. When we understand who Jesus is and what he has done for us and will continue to do for us, we do the same thing today — we offer our praises with a sense of amazement and awe.

Romans 12:1

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. —

Our worship isn't confined to Sunday! Each day that we offer ourselves to Jesus as his servants, we also are offering him our worship. Every time that we consciously resist evil and choose good, we are offering pleasing and acceptable worship to God.

Isn't it exciting that worship doesn't happen just in a church building! Isn't it incredible that each day our decisions and actions are a crucial part of our worship to God!

Think it over…

~ You will find, as you look back upon your life, that the moments that stand out, the moments when you have really lived, are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of Love. - Henry Drummond

~ There's no such thing as a successful marriage.  There are marriages that give up, and marriages that keep on trying; that's the only difference. - Garrison Keillor

~ Confusion and impotence are the inevitable results when the wisdom and resources of the world are substituted for the presence and power of the Spirit. - Samuel Chadwick

Acts 2:38

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call."

A promise for all those everywhere: those who turn their hearts to God and are baptized fully trusting in Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be filled with God's Spirit and will be forgiven of their sins because of the mighty name and gracious work of Jesus Christ.

So like the early disciples, let's share this grace so that the world can know that Jesus is not only Lord, he is also Savior and King for all who hear God's call and trust in him.

Christian Brothers and Sisters – 12

James 2:14

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

James 3:10

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

James 3:12

Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

James 4:11

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge

James 5:7

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.

James 5:9-10

Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.  As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

James 5:12

But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation

Hanes 5:19

My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back,

2 Peter 2:10

and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.     
Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones,

1 John 5:13

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Yes, we can KNOW! Don't settle for less!! Confidence is so crucial that God sent his Son to die and be raised so we could know that life is our destination, not just our journey. While that life is experienced now, it is only a hint, a foretaste, of what lies ahead in our future with the Lord.

Think it over…

~ The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else. - Oswald Chambers

~ No storm is so great, no wave is so high, no sea is so deep, no wind is so strong, that Jesus cannot either calm it or carry us through it…Anne Graham Lotz

Ephesians 5:15

“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Living with urgency doesn't mean living recklessly. It means living with a holy abandon to honor God and with a holy passion to make each moment count for righteousness. That means we must be intentional about our choices, taking care that we use our moments wisely as we live a life of character different from the world around us because we are dedicated to Jesus.

Faith Quotes

Smith Wigglesworth - “There is a place where God, through the power of the Holy Ghost, reigns supreme in our lives.”

Smith Wigglesworth - “I never get out of bed in the morning without having communion with God in the Spirit.”

James 5:20

[R]remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

When someone wanders from the path of God, let's not take that rebellion frivolously. God has given us the tremendous blessing of carrying on the work of our Savior, who came to seek and save the lost!

The Secret of Contentment

Philippians 4:4-13

In today’s reading, the apostle Paul says he has learned the secret of experiencing contentment in all circumstances, good or bad. Does it surprise you that he wrote this when he was in prison, unsure of his future? We’re often discontent even when all is going well. Consequently, we wonder how it’s possible to be truly content during our most difficult trials, especially when there’s no end in sight. So what is genuine contentment? Paul is speaking of a freedom from worry and frustration in all aspects of life—even unfulfilled desires.

It’s usually when we cannot control or change our situation that we feel discontentment. As long as our satisfaction depends on whether certain things actually work out, we’ll allow circumstances to cheat us out of peace. I’m not saying there’s some spiritual stage where you will never again experience anxiety or frustration. But what matters is how we respond when those feelings grip us.
This is something that the apostle had to learn. Paul endured amazing suffering, from shipwrecks and hunger to unjust imprisonment and beatings (2 Corinthians 11:24-30). He had gone through countless situations that were uncertain, extraordinarily painful, and seemingly hopeless. But he finally discovered that contentment could not be dependent upon his circumstances.

How do you respond when circumstances are out of your control?

Do you get angry? Do you try to escape?

Does despair make you want to give up?

Paul chose to give his anxieties to Jesus in exchange for peace that “surpasses all comprehension” (Philippians 4:7).

That same peace is available to you!