DailyHope: Just speak, Lord, so it will be done.
Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam." John 9:6-7 (NIV)
And so Jesus came upon a man who'd been blind since birth. The man was begging on the streets of Jerusalem. Then, this stranger knelt next to him and, perhaps, said quietly, "If you do exactly what I tell you to do, you'll be able to see. I will heal you."
The blind man was desperate to be healed; he was desperate for change; he was desperate for a sign from God, desperate to know his life counted for something.
The blind beggar may have turned toward the voice, expecting the one speaking to command his eyes to open, expecting this man to speak light where there had only been darkness for a lifetime.
Just speak, Lord, so it will be done.
But Jesus didn't give such a command. Instead, he was working his saliva into the dirt, creating mud to spread across the man's eyes like a mask.
And only then did Jesus give a command. An unexpected one that required the blind man to get up and walk in faith.
"Go," Jesus told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam."
Jesus is never subject to our expectations of him, but we are subject to his expectations of us.
Our faith begins with a real and tangible step of obedience. In other words, being a disciple of Jesus doesn't mean simply agreeing with him or even heading in the same general direction as Jesus. We're called to sever the ties to our current lives so we can follow after Jesus into our new lives -- our real lives (Colossians 3:3) - toward our destiny and purpose.
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RaulRies: "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
Valentine’s Day
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:10-11
Valentine’s Day is supposed to be the holiday for love. Every year, the candy stores and flower shops make millions of dollars so we can celebrate love. Is that really how we celebrate love? Is that what love is really about?
As a society, I do not believe we can truly understand love unless we know and understand God’s love. God’s love for us is true love. He sought us and pursued us. Through His great love for us, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us.
Wow, can you think of any person who would do that for you? I do not think you can. God loved us before we loved Him, while we were still sinners!
Everyone is looking for love. We look for love from parents, boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands and wives, but only God’s love will fill the longing inside our hearts. Only God is our all in all.
Allow the love of Christ to fill your hearts, so you, in turn, can love your families, friends and enemies with His love.
A man may be a good doctor without loving his patients; a good lawyer without loving his clients; a good geologist without loving science; but he
cannot be a good Christian without love.
-D.L. Moody-
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AlistairBegg: ""Beloved Christian reader, in matters of grace you need a daily supply. You have no store of strength.
Devotionals by Truth For Life
Jehoiachin was not sent away from the king's palace with provision to last him for months, but it was given to him as a daily supply. In this He provides us with a picture of the happy position of all the Lord's people. A daily portion is all that a man really wants.
We do not need tomorrow's supplies; that day has not yet dawned, and its wants are as yet unborn. The experience that we may suffer in the month of June does not need to be quenched in February, for we do not feel it yet; if we have enough for each day as the days arrive, we shall never know want. Sufficient for the day is all that we can enjoy. We cannot eat or drink or wear more than the day's supply of food and clothing; the more we have, the more we have to store, and we worry about it being stolen. One cane helps a traveler, but a bundle of sticks is a heavy burden. Enough is not only as good as a feast, but it is all that the greediest glutton can truly enjoy.
This is all that we should expect; a craving for more than this is ungrateful. When our Father does not give us more, we should be content with his daily allowance. Jehoiachin's case is ours; we have a sure portion, a portion given to us by the king, a gracious portion, and a perpetual portion. Here is surely ground for thankfulness.
Beloved Christian reader, in matters of grace you need a daily supply. You have no store of strength. Day by day you must seek help from above. It is a very happy assurance that you are provided with a regular allowance. In the Word, through the ministry, by meditation, in prayer, and waiting upon God you will receive renewed strength. In Jesus everything you need is provided for you. So enjoy your continual allowance. Never go hungry while the daily bread of grace is on the table of mercy.
Family Bible reading plan
verse 1 Genesis 47
verse 2 Luke 1:1-38
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JoyceMeyer: " God has a good plan for each one of us, but not all of us experience it."
God Has Plans for You
February 14
For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
— Ephesians 2:10
God has a good plan for each one of us, but not all of us experience it. Many times we live far below the standard that God intends for us to enjoy. For years I did not exercise my rights and privileges as a child of God. This occurred for two reasons. The first was, I did not even know I had any rights or privileges. Although I was a Christian and believed I would go to heaven when I died, I did not know that anything could be done about my past, present, or future. The second reason I lived far below the level of life God intended for me was very simply the wrong way I perceived and felt about myself. I had a poor self-image and it affected my day-to-day living as well as my outlook for the future. GOD HAS PLANS FOR YOU! For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome (Jeremiah 29:11). If you have a poor self-image as I did, I recommend that you read the story of Mephibosheth, which is found in the ninth chapter of 2 Samuel. It greatly affected my life and I believe it will do the same for you. It will help you see not only why you are living far below the level that God intends for you now, but also why you are in danger of missing out on what He has in mind for you in the future.
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JoyceMeyer: " God has a good plan for each one of us, but not all of us experience it."
God Has Plans for You
February 14
For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
— Ephesians 2:10
God has a good plan for each one of us, but not all of us experience it. Many times we live far below the standard that God intends for us to enjoy. For years I did not exercise my rights and privileges as a child of God. This occurred for two reasons. The first was, I did not even know I had any rights or privileges. Although I was a Christian and believed I would go to heaven when I died, I did not know that anything could be done about my past, present, or future. The second reason I lived far below the level of life God intended for me was very simply the wrong way I perceived and felt about myself. I had a poor self-image and it affected my day-to-day living as well as my outlook for the future. GOD HAS PLANS FOR YOU! For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome (Jeremiah 29:11). If you have a poor self-image as I did, I recommend that you read the story of Mephibosheth, which is found in the ninth chapter of 2 Samuel. It greatly affected my life and I believe it will do the same for you. It will help you see not only why you are living far below the level that God intends for you now, but also why you are in danger of missing out on what He has in mind for you in the future.
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GodCalling: ""Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors"
February 14 - In My Presence
You do not realize that you would have broken down under the weight of your cares but for the renewing time with Me. It is not what I say; it is I, Myself. It is not the hearing Me so much as the being in My Presence. The strengthening and curative powers of this you cannot know. Such knowledge is beyond your human reckoning.
This would cure the poor sick world, if every day, each soul, or group of souls, waited before Me. Remember, that you must never fail to keep this time apart with Me. Gradually you will be transformed, physically, mentally, spiritually, into My likeness. All who see you, or contact with you will be, by this intercourse with you, brought near to Me, and gradually the influence will spread.
You are making one spot of earth a Holy Place, and though you must work and spend yourself ceaselessly because that is for the present your appointed task, yet the greatest work either of you can do, and are doing, is done in this time apart with Me. Are you understanding that?
Do you know that every thought, every activity, every prayer, every longing of the day is gathered up and offered to Me, now? Oh! Joy that I am with you. For this I came to earth, to lead man back to spirit-converse with his God.
"Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily
at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors." Proverbs 8:34
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CharlesStanley: "A second challenge is the temptation to withhold affection until others apologize or change their behavior."
Devotionals by In Touch
In today's passage, Paul talks about love and its preeminence over speech, knowledge, generosity, and self-sacrifice (vv. 1-3). The apostle then describes the nature of biblical love, which is patient, kind, humble, and slow to anger (vv. 4-7).
However, we often struggle as we try to practice this model of unselfish affection. One reason is that the godly expression of caring doesn't come naturally to us. Pure Christian love puts the other person ahead of our own interests, even when our human inclinations clamor to place self first (v. 5).
A second challenge is the temptation to withhold affection until others apologize or change their behavior. We remember their offense long after it has occurred. That's not what our Lord did—He loved us while we were still sinners and forgave us for everything (Rom. 5:8; Luke 23:34).
Furthermore, it is easier to point out someone else's unkindness toward us than to see where we have fallen short. Perhaps a close friend has spoken impatiently to us and we responded with angry words. How easily we can use Scripture to point out her mistake, but how hard to admit our own.
We are called to be loving towards God as well as those around us (Mark 12:30-31). We've received the Holy Spirit, who will help us learn how to care deeply for others.
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JonCourson: “If God is calling you to assemble an intercession group, don’t call the church office and ask permission - just do it!
| February 14 | ||
| And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife. | ||
| Judges 1:12-13 | ||
| This story reminds me of a similar situation in the life of David. King David was desiring to conquer Jerusalem and so he said to his men, “The first one of you guys who finds a way to break into the city shall be general of my army” (see 1 Chronicles 11:6). Here, Caleb says, “The first one who takes the city of Debir (also called Kirjath-sepher) gets to marry my daughter” - who must have been quite a prize. As it so happened, Caleb’s nephew was the first one to make it inside the city, and thus he was rewarded. The principle in both the story of David and Caleb is that God blesses and honors the individual who is an initiator. Too often, people hold back and wait, thinking, “I really can’t start a home Bible study,” or “I can’t disciple some junior high kids. Nobody has asked me.” That’s not the point. Perhaps no one will ask you to do anything, but the Holy Spirit will lay upon your heart certain things He desires you to do, and God will bless you as you initiate, instigate, and move out in those specific areas and visions. This week, ask the Lord what Debir He has for you to conquer. If God is calling you to assemble an intercession group, don’t call the church office and ask permission - just do it! If He is calling you to China, God bless you! I encourage and exhort you in the name of Jesus to respond to the varied, creative, needful avenues of ministry He will open before you via the promptings of the Holy Ghost. | ||
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TwoBits: "Bang Bang Shoot em up"
"Two Bits"
"Two bits used to mean 25 cents> now its one bit for the horse and the other bit for the rider"
Givin my 25 cents worth:
I read Streams in the Desert Today,
"Thou couldst have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above" (John 19:11).
Nothing that is not God's will can come into the life of one who trusts and obeys God. This fact is enough to make our life one of ceaseless thanksgiving and joy. For "God's will is the one hopeful, glad, and glorious thing in the world"; and it is working in the omnipotence for us all the time, with nothing to prevent it if we are surrendered and believing.
After reading that I kept thinking about a friend of mine who kept telling me about a situation where a woman shot a guy who broke in a home. Nice kill, clean shot, burglar got what he had coming to him:
ETERNAL DAMNATION.
This is as far as we can tell. Afterall the guy made his bed he had to die in it.
Of course I think about a murderer who shot a guard, shot a judge, broke out and took a woman hostage. The foolish woman takes the nut to her home and starts witnessing to him. She tells him about God. She talks to him about Jesus. She had to be a Christian because she even told him she didn't have all together or was perfect she was just trying. She even mentioned people will live forever and got to heaven or hell.
Some people just don't have a lick of sense, she should have been packin leather and shot the guy when he attacked her:
Imagine that.
Story made national news. The guy turned himself in. He will likely die, but till then he heard some "defenseless" woman witness to him.
Now who does something stupid like that?
Someone who trusted in the Lord that "this thing" was from Him.
How do you look at life? Fearful? need eternal security? Need temporary security? Need some security?
Are you afraid of the Big Bad Wolf (Dying?)
For a Christian death is the least of our worries. Doing God's Will is.
Since WE KNOW THIS THING IS FROM GOD.
What will you do?
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StreamsInTheDesert: ""Thou couldst have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above"
February 14
God's Will
"Thou couldst have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above" (John 19:11).
Nothing that is not God's will can come into the life of one who trusts and obeys God. This fact is enough to make our life one of ceaseless thanksgiving and joy. For "God's will is the one hopeful, glad, and glorious thing in the world"; and it is working in the omnipotence for us all the time, with nothing to prevent it if we are surrendered and believing.
One who was passing through deep waters of affliction wrote to a friend: "Is it not a glorious thing to know that, no difference how unjust a thing may be, or how absolutely it may seem to be from Satan, by the time it reaches us it is God's will for us, and will work for good to us? For all things work together for good to us who love God. And even of the betrayal, Christ said, "The cup which my Father gave me, shall I not drink it?" We live charmed lives if we are living in the center of God's will. All the attacks that Satan, through others' sin, can hurl against us are not only powerless to harm us, but are turned into blessings on the way.
--H. W. S.
***
In the center of the circle
Of the Will of God I stand:
There can come no second causes,
All must come from His dear hand.
All is well! for 'tis my Father
Who my life hath planned.
Shall I pass through waves of sorrow?
Then I know it will be best;
Though I cannot tell the reason,
I can trust, and so am blest.
God is Love, and God is faithful,
So in perfect Peace I rest.
With the shade and with the sunshine,
With the joy and with the pain,
Lord, I trust Thee! both are needed,
Each Thy wayward child to train,
Earthly loss, did we but know it,
Often means our heavenly gain.
--I. G. W.
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PennyAnteThoughts: Whose Runnin This Ship?
PENNY ANTE THOUGHTS
(For what its worth)
Today I read Ray Steadmans "Who is in Charge"
I couldn't help but think of boats. What makes a boat float? What makes you boat float? Is it Praise? Is is Worship? Is it having an IPOD play for you the music so you can sing along? Or is the Radio Program that gives you "just what you want to hear, wehn you want to hear it, how you want to hear it."
What Makes your Boat Float?
Some people are on a Pleasure Cruise. They figuered out eternal security, prosperity, tithing and promises, so now they bask on deck of the Good Ship Lollipop basking in the Sun and Fun and making sure to not get toom tanned. Waited on hand and foot, it's a first class cruise to the promised land and away we go...., We made our reservations, we planned our vacation, now we are on crise control.
Are you on the Cruise Line?
It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of every man;
the living should take this to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke
than to listen to the song of fools.
Todays Devotions seemed to me to be just that: Devotion not E-motion.
Sometimes I think this E-Generation of IPODS, IMACS AND I< I< I< is just that: an "I" generation/
It's got God that same way it's got Milk.
By advertising and buying into the gimmick.
What about from Rays Devotion:
We are not in charge of life. The great satanic lie that subtly comes at us a thousand times a day is that we are gods, we are in charge, we can plan, we can direct, we can control. Because within the freedom of will that God has granted us there appears some truth to that, we easily believe the rest--that we are in ultimate control of everything. But the lesson of the Scripture, driven home again and again, is that that is not true. God is in charge. What He sends us is always designed to benefit. This is the clear teaching of the Scripture, both in the Old and the New Testament alike. Even though adversity may have painful aspects, we are to understand that it comes from a loving God and be grateful for it.
For What its Worth:
WHO IS RUNNING THIS SHIP?
If you are, your in the wrong position.
If your life is all goodness and light, you're on thre wrong boat. Somewhere at some point in time you have to get off the Cruise ship and discover that god just might be in a dingy wiht a fish net wanting you to come join him.
Today it may be you get out of the boat and start walking on water.
Now there's a novel idea.
And thrill a man,
And skill a man;
When God wants to mold a man
To play the noblest part,
Then he yearns with all his heart
To create so great and bold a man
That all the world shall be amazed,
Watch his methods, watch his ways—
How he ruthlessly perfects
Whom he royally elects.
How he hammers him and hurts him,
And with mighty blows, converts him
Into trial shapes of clay
Which only God understands.
While his tortured heart is crying,
And he lifts beseeching hands.
How he bends but never breaks
When his good he undertakes.
How he uses Whom he chooses,
And with every purpose, fuses him,
By every act, induces him
To try his splendor out.
God knows what he's about.
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RayStedman: Who Is In Charge?
Who Is In Charge?
and the day of death better than the day of birth.
2 It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of every man;
the living should take this to heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart.
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
5 It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke
than to listen to the song of fools.
6 Like the crackling of thorns under the pot,
so is the laughter of fools.
This too is meaningless.
7 Extortion turns a wise man into a fool,
and a bribe corrupts the heart.
8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning,
and patience is better than pride.
9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,
for anger resides in the lap of fools.
10 Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?"
For it is not wise to ask such questions.
11 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing
and benefits those who see the sun.
12 Wisdom is a shelter
as money is a shelter,
but the advantage of knowledge is this:
that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.
13 Consider what God has done:
Who can straighten
what he has made crooked?
14 When times are good, be happy;
but when times are bad, consider:
God has made the one
as well as the other.
Therefore, a man cannot discover
anything about his future.
When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future (Ecclesiastes 7:14).Prosperity and adversity both come from God's hands; a wise Father's heart has given them to you. In the words of the hymn,
Day by day and with each passing moment,God has given all events to us, the Searcher declares. We must then learn to accept and understand that God has chosen these for us out of love and wisdom. They have a special purpose. God has designed life to be full of the unexpected so that we might realize that we do not control our future.
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
We are not in charge of life. The great satanic lie that subtly comes at us a thousand times a day is that we are gods, we are in charge, we can plan, we can direct, we can control. Because within the freedom of will that God has granted us there appears some truth to that, we easily believe the rest--that we are in ultimate control of everything. But the lesson of the Scripture, driven home again and again, is that that is not true. God is in charge. What He sends us is always designed to benefit. This is the clear teaching of the Scripture, both in the Old and the New Testament alike. Even though adversity may have painful aspects, we are to understand that it comes from a loving God and be grateful for it. An unknown poet has written,
Life Application: Life is full of the adversity. Does this make us anxious or fearful? Have we discovered and trusted God's wisdom and love or do we try to control our future?When God wants to drill a man,Father, I see that all things come from Your hand. Thank You that I can trust that even when I feel hammered and hurt, You are shaping me into a vessel of beauty and honor.
And thrill a man,
And skill a man;
When God wants to mold a man
To play the noblest part,
Then he yearns with all his heart
To create so great and bold a man
That all the world shall be amazed,
Watch his methods, watch his ways—
How he ruthlessly perfects
Whom he royally elects.
How he hammers him and hurts him,
And with mighty blows, converts him
Into trial shapes of clay
Which only God understands.
While his tortured heart is crying,
And he lifts beseeching hands.
How he bends but never breaks
When his good he undertakes.
How he uses Whom he chooses,
And with every purpose, fuses him,
By every act, induces him
To try his splendor out.
God knows what he's about.
MyUttermostForHisUtmost: "Shut Up"
My Uttermost For HisUtmost
"Shut Up"
(based on todays "Utmost for His Highest")
Has God ever told you to shut up?
Today He has: "Are you in the dark right now in your circumstances, or in your life with God? If so, then remain quiet. If you open your mouth in the dark, you will speak while in the wrong mood— darkness is the time to listen. Don’t talk to other people about it; don’t read books to find out the reason for the darkness; just listen and obey. If you talk to other people, you cannot hear what God is saying. When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else once you are back in the light.-Utmost for his Highest"
Are you shocked can can say Shut up? He can, He does, So do it.
There are times you are so busy you can't hear God speak. Times when you pick and choose your favorite song, favorite motivational scripture, favorite promise and favorite quote that littel do you realize you are OUT OF FAVOR with God?
Why? You aren't listening.
Shut up and Listen.
Some idiot somewhere decided to say evertime you use the word meditation you are a New Ager with a sneaky little plan to somehow corrupt you from the One and Only Living God. OH PLEASE. Meditation just means use your brain. Think about it. Consider. Ponder. Or in this case: LISTEN.
God often won't speak to you because you refuse to listen. If you had heard the "still small voice" maybe you might have avoided the "fiery trial" your are in that got you attention and made you Cry Out to God. Good place to be: Crying Out To God. Now listen to him.
"If there is only delight, I question whether we have really heard God at all."
Oswald Chambers said it and I agree. If your a sugar only sweetness and light kind of Christian I doubt you ever Hear God speak. Your to busy feeding on milk and cookies to notice babies grow up. When things go wrong, do you cry?
Grow Up, Shut Up, and Listen.
God wants to Speak to you Today.
HE wants you to HEAR from Him. Not your CD, DVD, BVD's or MTV's. He is the Living God and according to what Jesus Said if you are Christian you are told you can hear his voice.
Are you Listening.
If not Shut up.
If you are simply say and wait;
Speak Lord Your Servant listens.
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MyUtmostForHisHighest: Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops
The Discipline of Hearing
After every time of darkness, we should experience a mixture of delight and humiliation. If there is only delight, I question whether we have really heard God at all. We should experience delight for having heard God speak, but mostly humiliation for having taken so long to hear Him! Then we will exclaim, “How slow I have been to listen and understand what God has been telling me!” And yet God has been saying it for days and even weeks. But once you hear Him, He gives you the gift of humiliation, which brings a softness of heart— a gift that will always cause you to listen to God now.
GregLaurie: Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him
Devotionals by A New Beginning
Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. —Hebrews 7:25
A number of years ago, I was at the beach with my son, Jonathan, who was quite young at the time. I was helping him catch waves and, as it turned out, a little riptide got hold of me. Suddenly I was no longer able to touch bottom. I realized I was getting pulled by this little riptide, and the frustrating thing was that I was so close to the shore.
It would have been extremely humiliating for me, a guy who has been around the beach all of his life, to cry out for help so close to land. So I didn't say anything. I was holding Jonathan above the water, getting pulled out a little bit more. I noticed the lifeguard was kind of looking at me, probably waiting for me to yell for help, but I did not want to do that.
I was getting pulled out a little bit further, a little bit deeper, and the lifeguard most likely thought, What an idiot! I am going to have to save this guy. He started swimming our way, and just as he got to us, I was able to get my feet on the bottom again. I told him, "I am okay. It's all right." Why wouldn't I cry out for help? I was too proud.
In the same way, we don't like to say, "I need God's help." We want to say, "I am a good person. I am a strong person." Though you may be a good man or a good woman, you have sinned, just like every one of us has sinned. And one sin is enough to keep us out of heaven. That is why we need a Savior. We need a Savior because we are drowning. He is God's gift to us.
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DailyLight: "The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him."
February 14
MORNING
Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.
I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. - The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable. - Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.What the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. - Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.MATT. 3:15. Psa. 40:8. Matt. 5:17,18. -Isa. 42:21. Matt. 5:20. Rom. 8:3,4. Rom. 10:4.EVENING
I am thy part and thine inheritance.
Whom have I in heaven but thee! and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. - The LORD is the portion of mine in-eritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places ; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is ... Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My beloved is mine, and I am his.NUM. 18:20. Psa. 73:25,26. Psa. 16:5,6. Lam. 3:24. Psa. 119:111. Psa. 63:1,7. Song 2:16.
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DailyLeadership: Is God the ultimate source of your confidence? (161-1)
Is God the ultimate source of your confidence? (161-1)
A wise leader trusts God even when their heart is inclined to do something contrary to God’s revealed will. Read Jeremiah 17:5-10.
Jeremiah draws a sharp contrast between those who depend on human strength and those who depend on God. A leader who is detached from God is in danger, but one who trusts Him will have the elements essential for His blessing. Jeremiah makes it clear that leaders cannot look to both human strength and dependence on God as their supreme basis for trust. Leaders will either ultimately put their hope in the promises and power of people, or they will look beyond human capability to the person and promises of God.
Why does it seem every leader has times when they drift away from trusting God and begin to depend on self? If every day contained a major crisis that was obviously beyond a leader’s ability or control, trusting God may be natural but the daily grind of leadership has a leader facing deadlines, financial pressure, personnel issues, and a dozen other normal elements of leadership that a leader becomes proficient at managing. It tends to be the hundreds of decisions a leader makes each week that moves them an inch at a time to trusting their own ability verses living in total dependence on God.
There is a tricky balance between functioning as a God-honoring, self-confident leader and becoming a self-absorbed leader that usurps the role of God. The leaders condemned by Jeremiah never gave God a thought. God created leaders in His image, gave them a brain, and expects them to function with independence and confidence but He does authorize arrogance that denies dependence on Him for daily guidance of their heart and attitude.
Even for the self-absorbed leader, some activities may seem to prosper for a season, but somewhere in the journey they will breakdown and not get them to the desired goal. We were designed by God for God and anything thing a leader does to isolate themselves from God will end in bitterness and disappointment. Wise leaders make God the ultimate source of their confidence even when their heart is inclined to depend on their own strength.
1 Samuel 2:30 “…Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise Me will be disdained.”
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BobCoy: There's a reason God has set prayer up to be such a faith-based activity.
Devotionals by Active Word
Have you ever noticed how faith-based prayer is? Think about it, you're in a room all by yourself, your head is bowed, maybe your knees are bent, and you're facedown on the floor. You're lips are moving as you're expressing and articulating what's on your heart. By all outward appearances this seems futile, even foolish.
And that would be true—if you took faith out of the equation. But faith, the firm conviction that there are spiritual realities that transcend the world we can see, changes everything. Faith grabs hold of prayer and wields it like a mighty, life-changing weapon. Isn't it interesting that when it comes to one of the most important practices in the Christian life, so much of it depends on faith?
There's a reason for this. There's a reason God has set prayer up to be such a faith-based activity. It's so we can become more and more familiar with the lifestyle of faith. Each time we decide to pray, we declare that we believe in something that's not of this world. We proclaim that our trust is invested in things that are beyond the limitations of earth.
Perhaps that's a new concept for some of us. Maybe we've even fallen into the trap of devaluing prayer because it is so dependent on faith. It's easy for us to slip into that way of thinking because let's face it, it's easier to present your requests to someone standing right in front of you instead of lifting your eyes up to the hills and trusting that there's Someone who hears and is willing to respond.
But God is wise enough to know that when we pray to Him, when we press through the urge to focus on what we can see, we grow and mature as people of faith.
Think About It…
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
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BobCaldwell: Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance
Correction and Direction (2 Corinthians 7:1-8:24) We see here a transition in Paul's teaching from the proclamation of Christ's reconciling grace to our accountability to live in this world but be a result of this fallen world (6:11-7:1). Paul reminds us of who we are called to be as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, a calling that is full of great potential as a result of God's promises. This opened the way for Paul to acknowledge the Corinthians having dealt with open sexual sin in the church that earlier they had chosen to not deal with (1 Cor. 5:1-13). Paul had helped them to see how false and misguided their notion of grace was in not dealing with a man who was sexually involved with his father's wife. They had thought they were showing grace, but in fact, were showing their fellowship with a fallen world. Paul was forced by love for these believers to strongly warn them. This is something we all must be willing to relive when needed. Paul's corrective action had been extremely upsetting emotionally to both him and the Corinthians. Affliction, grief, and sorrow resulted. But in the end, it produced good for all of those involved (2 Cor. 7:8-12). Being able to deal with what is genuinely wrong without destroying people in the process is a vital aspect of being a believer. We find this again in the next topic Paul addresses in chapters 8 and 9. There Paul holds them accountable to fulfill their calling before God by supporting the poor as much as they are able. As a result of their willingness to help the poor, not only will the needs of the poor in Jerusalem be met but it will cause the poor to thank God and to pray for those who helped them. Not only that, but those who had given financially to those in need should expect to reap a great harvest of provision in their own lives (9:6-15). Paul's teaching reveals why we must be open to this process of correction and direction. It will be painful at times, but it will also lead to great fruit for now and eternity. 2 Corinthians 7:1-8:24
Monday, February 14, 2011 (top)
NKJV Bible Text
| Be Holy v. 1 These Promises – This refers to the promise of God in 6:17-18 that God will be in a relationship with these believers as a father is with his children. Cleanse Ourselves – Prior to calling these believers to a life in relationship to the promised fatherhood of God, Paul had exhorted in 6:14-15 to leave all association with ungodliness in exchange for the benefits of the fatherhood of God. Paul reaffirms this call here. Filthiness Of the Flesh – Filthiness, "molusmos" in Greek, is the act of defilement produced by the body. It comes from the verb "moluno" which means to smear, stain, spot as with dirt or mud. Flesh – Flesh is "sarx" in Greek and its definition is clarified based on the context in which it is used. In 1 Corinthians 15:39, it refers to the physical flesh of man, animals, fish, or birds. In Acts 2:26; 31, it is a reference to the weakness of human nature as in Hebrews 5:7. In Romans 7:18, 8:6; Galatians 5:13, 16, and 19; 24:6-8, it refers to fallen humanity's intrinsically sinful nature, which is referenced here. | Spirit – "Pnuema" (Gk.) In this context, this Greek word refers to the inner being of a person, the immaterial, invisible aspect. Man's spirit is the inner being of a person that enables him to relate to the spirit world, and in particular to God who is spirit. It is when man's spirit is born again that his essential nature is changed and has open experiential access to God. At times, scripture uses the term "spirit" to refer to both the spirit and soul of a person. Here it would seem to refer to the realm of the soul and spirit of a person. Perfecting – "Epiteleo" (Gk.) is defined as "finishing, completing, accomplishing", or "bringing to an intended goal." Holiness – "Hagiosune" (Gk.) is a word only used three times in the scriptures. It is a unique aspect of holiness, a quality that is perceived by others. The more common Greek word translated "holiness" in scripture (haziazo) refers to that which is set-apart for God. Fear of God – "Phobos" (Gk.) is a fear defined as a reverence for another. It can also be used, based on its context, to mean being "terrified," or " fleeing away in horrid dread." The thought here is that an appropriate fear, awe, and respect of God would provide a major force in ridding our lives of sin. This concludes what Paul had begun in 6:15 when he called them to separate their lives in practical ways from their former association with those things that are part of the Kingdom of Darkness and are in opposition to God. |
The Corinthians' Repentance 2 Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.
| The Corinthian's Repentance v. 2 Open Your Hearts – Here Paul returns to calling them to take steps to restore their affection toward him. Wronged No One – Paul had been accused by some as being too harsh in his advice concerning how to deal with those in their midst who had an incestuous relationship (a man with his father's wife) (1 Cor. 5:5). Paul reaffirms his position that this was not done to hurt or mistreat them. His counsel was based on what was ultimately for the good of both committing the sin, as well as the sin's influence on the church. Corrupted – This means to influence a person or thing in such a way as to bring it into a worsened condition. Paul can say with a pure heart that his personal influence and teaching did not worsen but rather bettered these people. Cheated No One – "Cheated" here is "plastos" in Greek. It was used of a person who had the opportunity in a relationship to take advantage of that person. Such a position would be used to pretend to be acting for the benefit of the other party. Paul says here that he did not use his position as an apostle and the founder of this church to manipulate in any way the people for his own personal gain. | v. 3 Condemn You – Paul assures them that he is not addressing the lack of affection they have conveyed to him or trying to make them feel guilty. Instead, he is motivated by a love for them and is simply trying to restore and deepen his relationship with them. To Die Together – Paul uses this phrase to convey that he loves them enough not only to live for them, but also to die for them. He seeks to be united with them in every way possible. v. 4 Boldness of Speech – This refers to his honest descriptions of his concern about them as well as his open expression of his personal feelings and struggles. Boasting On Your Behalf – This most likely refers to the generous gift the Corinthians had promised to send to the poor in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 9:4). In All Our Tribulation – Paul wants them to know that their lives were, in spite of the difficulties in their relationship with him, a great source of comfort and joy in the midst of his many trials and difficulties. |
5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.
| v. 5 Came To Macedonia – Refer to the notes on chapter 1:16 and 7:13 to get the background on Paul's time in Macedonia. Flesh Had No Rest – See v. 1 for the different uses of this word. Here it is a reference to the physical body. Paul readily admits that the pressures and difficulties he was dealing with took a severe toll on his body. Outside Were Conflicts – This would encompass the physically draining results of the persecutions and turmoil generated by the opposition from the Jews, Gentiles, and the false teachers wherever Paul went. Inside Were Fears – This expresses Paul's deep concern for the restoration he desired to with the Corinthians. He desired the best but feared that their spiritual condition was not going to be properly resolved. | v. 6 Coming Of Titus – Titus was a close companion and collaborator with Paul. Paul readily admits the need he had to receive encouragement from men such as Titus. Comforted – Paul and Titus did not treat their relationship with the Corinthians as a "professional" one but as one of vulnerable love. That is why they were not only vulnerable to sorrow but also to the joy and comfort in seeing their desired spiritual hopes realized for the Corinthians. v. 7 Your Mourning – Paul hoped for a response of repentance on the part of the church. Zeal For Me – Titus reported to Paul that the people in general conveyed a deep desire for Paul, which brought Paul great joy because he loved them so much. |
8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 12 Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you. The Joy of Titus 13 Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14 For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus was found true. 15 And his affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him. 16 Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.
| v. 8 Made You Sorry – Paul says here that he did not regret writing his former corrective letter to them because he knew without correction in their spiritual course they were doomed to even greater troubles. On the other hand, he regretted that it had to be done as it had proven to be a painful process for him and them. v. 9 I Rejoice – Paul points out that any regret he felt in having to send the letter was more than compensated for by the joy he experienced in seeing their godly repentance. Loss From Us – Paul wants them to see that, rather than a loss, this whole process had turned out to produce spiritual gain for them. v. 10 Godly Sorrow – Paul describes a sorrow that faces the true tragedy and gravity of sin as seen in God's eyes, in such a way that it produces a change in the life of the person. Repentance – "Metanoia" is a change of the mind that results in the change of a person's behavior. Sorrow Of the World – Such a remorse over the results of sin does not change a person's mind and/or behavior regarding sin. Its result is the spiritual death that fallen humanity lives out every day as well as what scriptures declare as the "second death" for an eternity (Rev. 20:6, 11-15). v. 11 For Observe – Paul now gives examples of their repentance that proved to be godly (v. 10). | What Diligence – This was the opposite of their former indifference to sin. Clearing of Yourselves – They had restored a legitimate trust and integrity before Paul. Indignation – This is what may be called a "holy anger," or passion to right what is wrong. Fear – A proper reverence for God had been restored. Vehement Desire – Such a vehement desire conveys the strong passion that moved within them to right the wrongs Paul had written to them about. Vindication – To vindicate means to right a wrong. v. 12 Over Care For You – Paul points out that the issue of primary concern was what the sin of the incestuous couple had done to negatively influence the whole church at Corinth. The Joy Titus Brought v. 13 Spirit Has Been Refreshed – Such should be the goal of all our contacts with each other. His Affection – Titus grew in love for these people, as did Paul, because of how they had properly responded to spiritual council. v. 16 I Rejoice – Paul ends this section declaring the great joy he experienced because of the positive outcome. |
2 Corinthians 8 Excel in Giving 1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.
| Chapter 8 Excel in Giving v. 1 Moreover Brethren – This phrase indicates Paul moving to a new subject. The subject to be dealt with is the collection of money. Paul had been encouraging them to help the poverty stricken Christians in Jerusalem. Judea, including its major city Jerusalem, had been hit with a major famine that resulted in financial devastation. Grace of God – In Greek, "grace is "chares." When used in reference to God, it refers to His provision, enabling, and gifting that is not deserved but simply given out of His own divine nature of love and His own will. The grace referred to here is God enabling these believers in Macedonia to give from their hearts with liberality from their limited financial resources. Churches of Macedonia – This northern province of Greece included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Paul spoke of the Philippian church as being especially known for their giving. v. 2 Trial of Affliction – This may refer to historical records that indicate that there was political instability in this region during this time, including the persecution experienced by the believers there. Abundance of Their Joy – Paul notes that their giving was sourced in an overflowing joy, a result of God's grace within them in spite of their many difficulties. Abounded In the Riches – Their joy found a pathway of expression in their liberal giving. v. 3 Beyond Their Ability – It was the grace of God working in them that motivated giving that was sacrificial in nature. They gave up things that under normal circumstances would not have been given up to relieve others who were in even greater need. Freely Willing – This points to the fact that their giving was not the result of any external pressure but rather from their own hearts. | v. 4 Imploring Us – For the believers in Macedonia, it was not an obligation but a privilege to share financially in helping the fellowship of believers in Jerusalem. Not Only As We Hoped – They went far beyond what would have been expected. v. 5 Gave Themselves – Paul points out here that they first had given their lives to God. Without that first, the financial giving would have been meaningless in God's eyes. To Us – They not only revealed hearts given to God but to the God-ordained ministry He had placed over them. v. 6 Urged Titus – Titus had originally done this a year ago when he delivered the previous letter of Paul (1 Corinthians). Complete This Grace – This can be seen as the grace God had given them to be a part of this effort to help the poor, just as it had been the case among the churches at Macedonia (v. 1). Or, since the word "grace" means a "gift given out of love," this could also refer to fulfilling the promise to give financially in this specific situation. v. 7 As You Abound – Paul always commended believers whenever he could (1 Cor. 1:5). This church had made many mistakes. However, in general they had responded well to Paul's corrective letter, revealing the virtues he describes here. In Faith – Through confidence in God, they had by faith followed the corrective action Paul had required. In Speech – They were well known for their exercise of spiritual gifts, including tongues, prophecy, exhortation, revelation, word of knowledge, wisdom, etc. (1 Cor. 12, 14). In Knowledge – This refers to the understanding of both God and people as given by the Holy Spirit's enabling. Diligence – Paul pointed out in chapter seven how their repentance had been marked by diligence (7:11). |
Christ Our Pattern 8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
| Christ Our Pattern v. 8 Not By Commandment – Paul did not want this gift to be the result of pressure from him but pressure from within their hearts, thus a freewill offering. Testing the Sincerity – Paul gives them a reference point in the giving of the Macedonian believers so that they can honestly look at their own heart condition concerning the gift they had promised. v. 9 Our Lord Jesus Christ – In v. 8, Paul used the Macedonian believers as an example. Now he points to Jesus as the ultimate example for a believer's life. | He Was Rich – This phrase refers to the eternal glory Jesus had within the Godhead (John 17:5). Became Poor – Christ becoming a man and emptying Himself of His eternal glory became the sinless substitute for the just penalty of sin that hangs over all of humanity (Phil. 2:5-8). Might Become Rich – Because of Christ's gift of salvation, we now share in the riches of God and are promised to be heirs with Christ for all eternity (Eph. 1:3; Rom. 8:17). |
10 And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; 11 but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. 12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; 14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality. 15 As it is written, "He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack."
| v. 11 Complete the Doing – A mature person is able to go beyond simply feeling good about desiring to do something good. He will take action and do whatever it takes to see it happen to the best of their ability. v. 12 What One Has – Paul assures them that they should evaluate the sincerity of their giving based on what they can genuinely do. The amount may be different from the Macedonians, but the effort should be the same. v. 14 An Equality – Paul is not referring to the idea that every Christian has the same amount of financial resources. What he is referring to is that each Christian should share proportionally the same. We should all share with each other our resources at equal levels of sacrifice and concern. | Supply Your Lack – The Judean Christians could not give money, but they could give prayer, asking God to supply the Corinthians with spiritual provision. v. 15 Gathered Much – This comes from Exodus 16:18, which refers to manna. Manna was the bread-like food that was on the ground like dew every morning during Israel's 40-year wilderness journey. Everyone's needs were met equally then. Each person was only allowed to collect enough manna for one day. Therefore, if a person had collected more than he needed he would share it with others who may have been unable to go out and collect the manna. This is how Paul believed Christians should handle their financial resources. You cannot take it to heaven, so share it and use it to help those less fortunate. |
Collection for the Judean Saints 16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. 17 For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord. 18 And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, 19 and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind, 20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us— 21 providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22 And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you. 23 If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.
| v. 16 God Who Puts – Paul acknowledges that God is the source of Titus' willingness to help the Corinthians finish their promised collection for the poor. v. 17 Of His Own Accord – Paul points to Titus as another example of giving by willingly giving time to help the Corinthians with their gift. v. 18 The Brother – Paul points out that he has also sent an additional person with Titus' leadership abilities to help in the collection. Basically Paul is saying, "I'm giving you some of the best men possible to help you in your own giving." v. 19 Chosen By the Churches – The person referred to in v. 18 was someone who was not only a valuable ministry partner to Paul but also to other churches. It was an effort to provide an independent accountability of their financial gift. | Glory of God – The ultimate aim of the gift was not only to help the poor but also to reveal God's glorious character in prompting this concern. v. 21 Providing Honorable Things – The word for "providing" carries the idea of perceiving before hand. Here Paul says that he thought through what needed to be done to assure there would be no question about the mishandling of this money. v. 22 Sent With Them – There would have been a third member of this team of men who was held accountable to properly administer such a large gift. v. 23 About Titus – Paul establishes Titus' character and creditability to handle this large sum of money. Show To Them – Paul asks them to prepare their gift for these men in a way that will reveal the great confidence he has in them. |
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