DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
ON ALL OCCASIONS
Eph 6:18
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
NIV
So I come down to the real weapon I have against the enemy of my soul. I get all dressed up and have all the armor in place, got my sword and I am ready to stand my ground and do battle with Satan. I have all of God’s armor and power at my disposal in order I may do be captured, maimed, or even killed by Satan. But I must always keep in mind it is God’s armor and power which protects me. That is why I should pray in the Spirit in all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. This keeps my focused on who is my shield, who is my rock and my provider and the defender of my soul. When I lose sight of this, when I get catch up in the course of just living my life, doing my thing, I may not always remember to pray in the Spirit on all occasions and is that when I feel those temptations more intensely? I think so. Sometimes I wonder if I am just plain stupid or so self involved I forget to pray in the Spirit. I know better and yet I fail at even the simplest things. Prayer is so easy and so simple and so needed if I am going to survive. Sure, I do pray, but I do not think I pray on all occasions enough and especially with all kinds of prayers and requests. Do I think God won’t answer? Not hardly! This I know for a fact, he has done so much already in answer to my prayers. So why do I forget? Why do I just not remember? I am always aware of him, I am always thanking him for such a great day like yesterday out on the golf course, I was talking to him, thanking him for allowing me to enjoy such wonderful weather, sunshine and straight shoots, but I was not asking, no requests, no prayers of all kinds. Yet, maybe I was still in prayer in the Spirit. Maybe I was just listening for his voice, rather than bombarding him with requests. Maybe being thankful is prayer also. When I contemplate over this, I do think I spent the majority of my prayer time in thanksgiving and reserve those requests when emergencies arise. That may not be the best thing here because I still could be open to attacks although I have the armor but am missing the requests part. Perhaps I need to be always asking for his protection. I should be seeking his power and might to the fullest extent, because even fully armed I am still weak without his mighty power at work on my behalf. Yep, that is it in a nutshell; I will make this portion of his armor my top priority. I will on all occasions!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Stick It To Him
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
STICK IT TO HIM
Eph 6:17-18
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
NIV
After I have placed all of God’s armor on myself which of course protects the front of me, because I am taking my stand, holding my ground, not retreating giving the devil my backside to stick those flaming arrows into, I finally get the sword. While actually I got all of them at the same time, but I can only deal with one at a time, what am I thinking? So anyway I now have the sword which is the word of God. I immediately think of Jesus using the word to defeat Satan in the desert during his forty days. Of course, Jesus was the Word made flesh, he knew every word which God the Father had every spoken to every man in all of history. Yet at the present time of his temptation by Satan, he was a man too and thus capable of yielded to those temptations. Now I am sure Jesus had all the armor on being protected, but here he used that sword to beat on Satan and chase him away. How can I do this unless I have the word hidden in my heart? I know God tells me the Spirit will teach me what to say when I have to defend myself against attacks from rulers and authorities and this is the case, as my battle is not against the rulers of this earth but rulers and authorities in heavenly realms. So I do have the sword of the Spirit, he who will teach me what to say when Satan comes tempting. Yet I believe he will teach me what to say from the Word which is hidden in my heart. If I have read all the word from front to back then it is in my memory somewhere and the Spirit can teach me which words to use when according to the type of attack. Jesus used different words for each attack and thus I think I am in need of that same type of defense and offense against such a foe. If I am to win the battle I must stick it to him!
EPHESIANS
STICK IT TO HIM
Eph 6:17-18
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
NIV
After I have placed all of God’s armor on myself which of course protects the front of me, because I am taking my stand, holding my ground, not retreating giving the devil my backside to stick those flaming arrows into, I finally get the sword. While actually I got all of them at the same time, but I can only deal with one at a time, what am I thinking? So anyway I now have the sword which is the word of God. I immediately think of Jesus using the word to defeat Satan in the desert during his forty days. Of course, Jesus was the Word made flesh, he knew every word which God the Father had every spoken to every man in all of history. Yet at the present time of his temptation by Satan, he was a man too and thus capable of yielded to those temptations. Now I am sure Jesus had all the armor on being protected, but here he used that sword to beat on Satan and chase him away. How can I do this unless I have the word hidden in my heart? I know God tells me the Spirit will teach me what to say when I have to defend myself against attacks from rulers and authorities and this is the case, as my battle is not against the rulers of this earth but rulers and authorities in heavenly realms. So I do have the sword of the Spirit, he who will teach me what to say when Satan comes tempting. Yet I believe he will teach me what to say from the Word which is hidden in my heart. If I have read all the word from front to back then it is in my memory somewhere and the Spirit can teach me which words to use when according to the type of attack. Jesus used different words for each attack and thus I think I am in need of that same type of defense and offense against such a foe. If I am to win the battle I must stick it to him!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thinking Faith
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
THINKING FAITH
Eph 6:17
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
NIV
I have heard it said that Christianity is a heart issue, but I think here it is clear Christianity is a thinking man’s faith. Why else would I need a helmet other than to protect my head, my mind, and my thoughts? Certainly God’s helmet has that purpose. He desired this helmet so the enemy of my soul could not bash my head in. Now I would suppose this helmet serves to protect my understanding from getting away from me. That is I have clarity of thought regarding my position in Christ. I have a full understanding of my place in the body of Christ and the forgiveness of my sin through the blood of Christ. This helmet gets my understanding from being darkened by the Satan with thoughts of my own abilities. He would have me to believe I am not in need of that blood or of the cross. I also believe this helmet protects my judgment from being confused by any of those temptations Satan hurls my way. If I am not careful and forget to place this helmet upon my head, I may not be able to tell something is a temptation for I do believe they can come in such a disguised manner it could slip past my judgment. They could get me thinking, “Well this isn’t really sin” or “God doesn’t really care about this or that thing”. My judgment could be clouded, or I should say has been clouded at times, I must have forgotten my helmet. Then there are those subtle arguments of the sophisticated ungodly. Some of them can twist the Word of God is such ways it might make some sense if I were not wearing my helmet. I have a fairly simple mind, and am I not extremely smart. I certainly lack skillful debating abilities. So, if I cannot rely on God’s helmet I am in deep trouble. But I am so thankful for what God have provided for my protection. I would have already been dead upon the battlefield of life if it were not for his armor. Maybe David did not need Saul’s armor, but I certainly need God’s. But then perhaps it was David’s faith which was God’s armor no one could see and that which fit David perfectly. And this armor of God is all about God not about me. It is his armor, his protection, his provision, his power and greatness to keep me safe from harm and of being destroyed by the evil one. But it does require my faith. I have to believe it is there for me. I must believe God has given it to me. Although it cannot be seen, it fits me perfectly. This helmet is so comfortable and so useful in protecting my thinking, my faith.
EPHESIANS
THINKING FAITH
Eph 6:17
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
NIV
I have heard it said that Christianity is a heart issue, but I think here it is clear Christianity is a thinking man’s faith. Why else would I need a helmet other than to protect my head, my mind, and my thoughts? Certainly God’s helmet has that purpose. He desired this helmet so the enemy of my soul could not bash my head in. Now I would suppose this helmet serves to protect my understanding from getting away from me. That is I have clarity of thought regarding my position in Christ. I have a full understanding of my place in the body of Christ and the forgiveness of my sin through the blood of Christ. This helmet gets my understanding from being darkened by the Satan with thoughts of my own abilities. He would have me to believe I am not in need of that blood or of the cross. I also believe this helmet protects my judgment from being confused by any of those temptations Satan hurls my way. If I am not careful and forget to place this helmet upon my head, I may not be able to tell something is a temptation for I do believe they can come in such a disguised manner it could slip past my judgment. They could get me thinking, “Well this isn’t really sin” or “God doesn’t really care about this or that thing”. My judgment could be clouded, or I should say has been clouded at times, I must have forgotten my helmet. Then there are those subtle arguments of the sophisticated ungodly. Some of them can twist the Word of God is such ways it might make some sense if I were not wearing my helmet. I have a fairly simple mind, and am I not extremely smart. I certainly lack skillful debating abilities. So, if I cannot rely on God’s helmet I am in deep trouble. But I am so thankful for what God have provided for my protection. I would have already been dead upon the battlefield of life if it were not for his armor. Maybe David did not need Saul’s armor, but I certainly need God’s. But then perhaps it was David’s faith which was God’s armor no one could see and that which fit David perfectly. And this armor of God is all about God not about me. It is his armor, his protection, his provision, his power and greatness to keep me safe from harm and of being destroyed by the evil one. But it does require my faith. I have to believe it is there for me. I must believe God has given it to me. Although it cannot be seen, it fits me perfectly. This helmet is so comfortable and so useful in protecting my thinking, my faith.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Powerful Weapon
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
POWERFUL WEAPON
Eph 6:16
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
NIV
In addition, ok I have got a lot already but here is something which really does a great job of not only protecting me from the schemes of the devil, but also actually puts out his attacks. This shield of faith extinguishes all, not some, not just a few, but all the flaming arrows of the evil one. The thing is I have to carry this shield around with me all the time; I can’t leave it behind, or simply drag it behind me. I have to have it in position guarding my inner being at every moment of every day. Satan never stops, never rests in his assault on my being, my soul. He is determined to destroy me. If I let my guard down, if I step out from behind my shield, splat an arrow, a flaming arrow hits it mark. God has made this shield of faith for me so I do not have to go up in flames. But I also know if I stand out in the battlefield all alone, the devil might be able to outflank me. I would have to be continually spinning around in order to stand my ground. I would be always anxious about which direction is he shooting from now. But, I think I am supposed to rely on some of my fellow believers with their shields of faith to stand side by side with me and me with them to form a wall of defense, a circle of defense so together we can move forward in our march on evil, and in our defense from his attacks. Now I know this is not about playing church. I know there is more than that, in fact church seems so shallow and hollow most of the time. I feel most of my fellow believers aren’t really standing at my side with their shields nor for that matter am I for them. No, I think God intended a deeper relationship to exist between believers. If I am going to trust my flank to another, or they to me, something far more then church has to exist between us. How? I am perplexed about this. Yet until I am able to solve this with the help of the Holy Spirit, I must, I will stand my ground, I will acknowledge the truth about myself, I will wear his breastplate, I will not be a man of bias, I will march on with my feet protected and I will hold his shield high guarding myself from those attacks. Faith is a powerful weapon.
EPHESIANS
POWERFUL WEAPON
Eph 6:16
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
NIV
In addition, ok I have got a lot already but here is something which really does a great job of not only protecting me from the schemes of the devil, but also actually puts out his attacks. This shield of faith extinguishes all, not some, not just a few, but all the flaming arrows of the evil one. The thing is I have to carry this shield around with me all the time; I can’t leave it behind, or simply drag it behind me. I have to have it in position guarding my inner being at every moment of every day. Satan never stops, never rests in his assault on my being, my soul. He is determined to destroy me. If I let my guard down, if I step out from behind my shield, splat an arrow, a flaming arrow hits it mark. God has made this shield of faith for me so I do not have to go up in flames. But I also know if I stand out in the battlefield all alone, the devil might be able to outflank me. I would have to be continually spinning around in order to stand my ground. I would be always anxious about which direction is he shooting from now. But, I think I am supposed to rely on some of my fellow believers with their shields of faith to stand side by side with me and me with them to form a wall of defense, a circle of defense so together we can move forward in our march on evil, and in our defense from his attacks. Now I know this is not about playing church. I know there is more than that, in fact church seems so shallow and hollow most of the time. I feel most of my fellow believers aren’t really standing at my side with their shields nor for that matter am I for them. No, I think God intended a deeper relationship to exist between believers. If I am going to trust my flank to another, or they to me, something far more then church has to exist between us. How? I am perplexed about this. Yet until I am able to solve this with the help of the Holy Spirit, I must, I will stand my ground, I will acknowledge the truth about myself, I will wear his breastplate, I will not be a man of bias, I will march on with my feet protected and I will hold his shield high guarding myself from those attacks. Faith is a powerful weapon.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Beautiful Feet
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
BEAUTIFUL FEET
Eph 6:14-16
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. NIV
So after seeing the truth about myself and God and having him protecting my heart, and my being without bias, I now have to get my footgear on. I know how important the feet of a warrior are. If my feet get hurt, how can I take my stand? If my feet are injured how can I advance on the enemy? I need to stand on solid ground with my feet protected my in the same way those Roman soldiers were, with footgear having metal plates covering the top of the foot and up the shins. It would seem as though my feet would be the part God’s armor was designed for to be able to stand my ground against the devil and his schemes. But I think there may be more here than meets the eye. I am to have a sense of readiness which comes from the gospel of peace. I am seeing something here which causes me to pause and contemplate the idea of not getting rattled by all the attacks and schemes of that powerless enemy of my soul. I have the Gospel, the Gospel of peace:
Phil 4:7
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding , will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV
It appears it also guards my feet and I do not have to get anxious about these attacks because I can be still and know that he is God. Now should I also be marching out proclaiming the gospel with my feet? Should I be moving forward in my journey with my God? Should I be going onward Christian soldier marching on to war? Absolutely! I cannot get anyway in my walk with Christ if my feet are not protected and ready to stand firm, not giving the enemy a foothold, and in fact advancing the cause of Christ. Taking back ground already gained by the enemy. Taking back ground in my own life, where I may have slipped some form of sin, but also taking back ground in the life’s of others by proclaiming the truth of the Gospel.
Isa 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!"
EPHESIANS
BEAUTIFUL FEET
Eph 6:14-16
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. NIV
So after seeing the truth about myself and God and having him protecting my heart, and my being without bias, I now have to get my footgear on. I know how important the feet of a warrior are. If my feet get hurt, how can I take my stand? If my feet are injured how can I advance on the enemy? I need to stand on solid ground with my feet protected my in the same way those Roman soldiers were, with footgear having metal plates covering the top of the foot and up the shins. It would seem as though my feet would be the part God’s armor was designed for to be able to stand my ground against the devil and his schemes. But I think there may be more here than meets the eye. I am to have a sense of readiness which comes from the gospel of peace. I am seeing something here which causes me to pause and contemplate the idea of not getting rattled by all the attacks and schemes of that powerless enemy of my soul. I have the Gospel, the Gospel of peace:
Phil 4:7
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding , will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV
It appears it also guards my feet and I do not have to get anxious about these attacks because I can be still and know that he is God. Now should I also be marching out proclaiming the gospel with my feet? Should I be moving forward in my journey with my God? Should I be going onward Christian soldier marching on to war? Absolutely! I cannot get anyway in my walk with Christ if my feet are not protected and ready to stand firm, not giving the enemy a foothold, and in fact advancing the cause of Christ. Taking back ground already gained by the enemy. Taking back ground in my own life, where I may have slipped some form of sin, but also taking back ground in the life’s of others by proclaiming the truth of the Gospel.
Isa 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!"
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Equity
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
EQUITY
Eph 6:14-16
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
NIV
So now after being truthful with myself and with God, I have been given, as part of his protective armor, a breastplate of righteousness. I do think it is interesting in that the Greek word used here has a twofold meaning. I wonder if God desires for this breastplate to be applied to my character or my position. This word means in the human sense equity of character having a freedom from bias or favoritism. Or does he mean I am justified, that his breastplate of righteousness is my justification. I can’t help but think it is the first meaning in the sense the devil would like nothing more than for me to be a bias person with favoritism for some, or prejudices against others. This would be one of his schemes, his attacks against my very being. For me to act in a different manner toward some people, to treat some people better then I treat others. To even treat myself better then I treat others would be in a certain sense having bias. It definitely would not be righteous or have anything to do with righteousness. No, the more I contemplate this, the more I am convinced it is all about having an equitable character free from bias. It is his character and Satan cannot win over God, thus God has provided me with the protection over my heart against those attacks. God has given me his protection, his righteousness, his equity of character, his freedom from bias as my breastplate. But I must put it on, I must desire to have my heart protected and my inner being free from bias as well. I cannot take his breastplate and then go on treating some, treating myself, showing favoritism to one, or me over another. I must see each person as God does. I must treat each person as God does. I cannot allow my prejudices to override my actions, although I am afraid there are times when they do. How can this be, if I am wearing his breastplate? Maybe I simply take it off or forget to get dressed in the morning. Maybe I should post all the armor I am suppose to put on over my mirror I shave in, then I can remember. But maybe I want to forget, maybe I like have prejudices. Maybe they make me feel better than others, but that is wrong, wrong, wrong! No, I must not think more highly of myself then I ought to. I must wear all the armor, every last bit of it. I want to, I need to.
EPHESIANS
EQUITY
Eph 6:14-16
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
NIV
So now after being truthful with myself and with God, I have been given, as part of his protective armor, a breastplate of righteousness. I do think it is interesting in that the Greek word used here has a twofold meaning. I wonder if God desires for this breastplate to be applied to my character or my position. This word means in the human sense equity of character having a freedom from bias or favoritism. Or does he mean I am justified, that his breastplate of righteousness is my justification. I can’t help but think it is the first meaning in the sense the devil would like nothing more than for me to be a bias person with favoritism for some, or prejudices against others. This would be one of his schemes, his attacks against my very being. For me to act in a different manner toward some people, to treat some people better then I treat others. To even treat myself better then I treat others would be in a certain sense having bias. It definitely would not be righteous or have anything to do with righteousness. No, the more I contemplate this, the more I am convinced it is all about having an equitable character free from bias. It is his character and Satan cannot win over God, thus God has provided me with the protection over my heart against those attacks. God has given me his protection, his righteousness, his equity of character, his freedom from bias as my breastplate. But I must put it on, I must desire to have my heart protected and my inner being free from bias as well. I cannot take his breastplate and then go on treating some, treating myself, showing favoritism to one, or me over another. I must see each person as God does. I must treat each person as God does. I cannot allow my prejudices to override my actions, although I am afraid there are times when they do. How can this be, if I am wearing his breastplate? Maybe I simply take it off or forget to get dressed in the morning. Maybe I should post all the armor I am suppose to put on over my mirror I shave in, then I can remember. But maybe I want to forget, maybe I like have prejudices. Maybe they make me feel better than others, but that is wrong, wrong, wrong! No, I must not think more highly of myself then I ought to. I must wear all the armor, every last bit of it. I want to, I need to.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The Truth, Nothing But The Truth
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
THE TRUTH, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH
Eph 6:13-16
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
NIV
So here I am, finally at the armor of God. But first I am instructed one more time to stand firm then. I needed to take my stand, stand my ground, do everything I can, and then stand, and now just one more time I am told to stand firm. I wonder if God is trying to tell me something. That is an inside joke, I jest with myself, I know without any hesitation at all, he is absolutely wanting me to not give way to the enemy of my soul. And the first thing I need to do this is to be completely honest with myself. If I am to wear the belt of truth buckled around my waist, than the truth has to start with me. I cannot allow myself to be lulled into a false sense of righteousness. I cannot for one moment think I have any good in my own being. I have to accept the truth about myself. My heart is deceitfully wicked. There I have said it; no God has said it and I have to admit it. If left to my own ways I would not be able to enter the Kingdom of God. But thanks to him I do not have to be left to my own ways. I can buckle up that belt of truth around me and in doing so know that I need Jesus Christ not only as my Lord and Savior but also as my righteousness. I know the truth about me, and about him. I know he is my only way to the kingdom of God. It would look funny of I wore the bible buckled around my waist, but in a sense that is exactly what I am doing. It is the only truth, the absolute truth, the whole truth, the complete truth which exposes all lies, starting with my own and including all others every spoken by men. It even exposes those words men claim their gods said. I know it sounds really bold and maybe some might think unkind for me to say I have the one true and real truth, but it is not, it the most humble and kindest thing I can say, in hopes others may find the peace and joy within knowing this truth, being able to buckle it up around their waist as well. Then they will be able to see the schemes of the devil for what they actually are, not being deceived by them and therefore missing out on the ability to enter the Kingdom of God. Thank you Father for giving me your truth.
EPHESIANS
THE TRUTH, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH
Eph 6:13-16
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
NIV
So here I am, finally at the armor of God. But first I am instructed one more time to stand firm then. I needed to take my stand, stand my ground, do everything I can, and then stand, and now just one more time I am told to stand firm. I wonder if God is trying to tell me something. That is an inside joke, I jest with myself, I know without any hesitation at all, he is absolutely wanting me to not give way to the enemy of my soul. And the first thing I need to do this is to be completely honest with myself. If I am to wear the belt of truth buckled around my waist, than the truth has to start with me. I cannot allow myself to be lulled into a false sense of righteousness. I cannot for one moment think I have any good in my own being. I have to accept the truth about myself. My heart is deceitfully wicked. There I have said it; no God has said it and I have to admit it. If left to my own ways I would not be able to enter the Kingdom of God. But thanks to him I do not have to be left to my own ways. I can buckle up that belt of truth around me and in doing so know that I need Jesus Christ not only as my Lord and Savior but also as my righteousness. I know the truth about me, and about him. I know he is my only way to the kingdom of God. It would look funny of I wore the bible buckled around my waist, but in a sense that is exactly what I am doing. It is the only truth, the absolute truth, the whole truth, the complete truth which exposes all lies, starting with my own and including all others every spoken by men. It even exposes those words men claim their gods said. I know it sounds really bold and maybe some might think unkind for me to say I have the one true and real truth, but it is not, it the most humble and kindest thing I can say, in hopes others may find the peace and joy within knowing this truth, being able to buckle it up around their waist as well. Then they will be able to see the schemes of the devil for what they actually are, not being deceived by them and therefore missing out on the ability to enter the Kingdom of God. Thank you Father for giving me your truth.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Stand My Ground
DEVOTION
EPHEIANS
STAND MY GROUND
Eph 6:12-13
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
NIV
What is this day of evil? Is it just one day when the devil is unleashed upon me? I thought he has been warring against my very being since the day I accepted Christ. In fact I know he has, or has that been my old self all along? Yet preceding this I was told I needed the armor to take my stand against his schemes so it has been him, or maybe the both of them. But now I have to be concerned about this day of evil. Well, not really because I have the armor and being so protected, I can stand my ground. I do not have to give up any of the ground gained in the battle against his schemes. It is noted I need the complete full armor, not just a portion of it. But I also must hold my ground. I must to everything I can to hold my ground. It is not enough to put in the armor and just lolly-gag around in the battle field of life. It is also not acceptable to retreat in any way at all. The armor is protecting my front side, not my back side. I need to do everything I can to stand and face the devil, his demons and even my demons. But this day of evil has me still thinking is there something more to come. Now just maybe because this is a war, and in the old times men, after winning the battle, would return home with the soils, and thus leave the ranks of the battle, taking ease at it were, I cannot do this. Even after winning a battle against the devil and his schemes I cannot sit and relax enjoying my victory for another attack is already in progress. I think too many times I might relax my guard and I feel the full impact of his blow. I fail to do everything. Have I taken of the armor? Have I set it down and relaxed, enjoying my one small victory? Maybe, and that is a mistake no doubt. I can I be so stupid. I know better, I know I have to say suited up at all times, and stand my ground, not giving in an inch to his schemes or outright frontal attacks. He is not giving up, ever, never for one moment will he give me a chance to sit out, relax, and have time off from his war on my very being. It is good to be reminded, stay focused and fully armed to the teeth, with determination to take full advantage of God’s great armor, his protection, his power and so do everything I can and then stand.
EPHEIANS
STAND MY GROUND
Eph 6:12-13
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
NIV
What is this day of evil? Is it just one day when the devil is unleashed upon me? I thought he has been warring against my very being since the day I accepted Christ. In fact I know he has, or has that been my old self all along? Yet preceding this I was told I needed the armor to take my stand against his schemes so it has been him, or maybe the both of them. But now I have to be concerned about this day of evil. Well, not really because I have the armor and being so protected, I can stand my ground. I do not have to give up any of the ground gained in the battle against his schemes. It is noted I need the complete full armor, not just a portion of it. But I also must hold my ground. I must to everything I can to hold my ground. It is not enough to put in the armor and just lolly-gag around in the battle field of life. It is also not acceptable to retreat in any way at all. The armor is protecting my front side, not my back side. I need to do everything I can to stand and face the devil, his demons and even my demons. But this day of evil has me still thinking is there something more to come. Now just maybe because this is a war, and in the old times men, after winning the battle, would return home with the soils, and thus leave the ranks of the battle, taking ease at it were, I cannot do this. Even after winning a battle against the devil and his schemes I cannot sit and relax enjoying my victory for another attack is already in progress. I think too many times I might relax my guard and I feel the full impact of his blow. I fail to do everything. Have I taken of the armor? Have I set it down and relaxed, enjoying my one small victory? Maybe, and that is a mistake no doubt. I can I be so stupid. I know better, I know I have to say suited up at all times, and stand my ground, not giving in an inch to his schemes or outright frontal attacks. He is not giving up, ever, never for one moment will he give me a chance to sit out, relax, and have time off from his war on my very being. It is good to be reminded, stay focused and fully armed to the teeth, with determination to take full advantage of God’s great armor, his protection, his power and so do everything I can and then stand.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Put It On
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
PUT IT ON
Eph 6:11-12
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
NIV
Now here is something I really need, a complete outfit of bright shiny armor. The one difference in my mind’s eye is I am not sitting upon a great steed with a jousting pole in my hand riding against a similar looking fellow. No, here I must stand, I must take my stand. I must not retreat, I must not be moved, and I must not be overtaken or distracted. I must stand firm in place not against a similar foe, but against the schemes of the devil. I must take my stand not even against something or someone I can see, but against schemes. These schemes are deep and dark things which may not even be able to be seen in the physical but only in the spiritual realms. Schemes against my inner being, schemes to destroy me from the inside out. True, many temptations in the physical may be shoved in front of my eyes. Yes, the things of this world may be used in an attempt to lure my mind into thoughts of self indulgence. But they are only the bait for my inner being. If I ever thought I could defend myself against these schemes without any protective armor provided by God, I certainly would have already succumbed to one of them. The whole idea of my having any strength to battle against this type of foe alone is foolishness. I need to have God’s armor. I need his protective forces at work within my being. I am nothing alone. The schemes of the devil are powerful and mighty forces which are designed to crush my spirit, to destroy my faith, to completely annihilate me from not only the face of the earth but from the kingdom of God. The devil desires nothing better than to kill me both in the physical and in the spiritual and thus I must adorn the protective armor of my God. I have to be completely protected at ever place I am vulnerable, which is everywhere. If I am to survive, if I am to be an effective servant of my Lord, if I am to be the person he desires me to be, If I am ever to stand in front of his throne in the new city of Jerusalem, than I have to put it on.
EPHESIANS
PUT IT ON
Eph 6:11-12
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
NIV
Now here is something I really need, a complete outfit of bright shiny armor. The one difference in my mind’s eye is I am not sitting upon a great steed with a jousting pole in my hand riding against a similar looking fellow. No, here I must stand, I must take my stand. I must not retreat, I must not be moved, and I must not be overtaken or distracted. I must stand firm in place not against a similar foe, but against the schemes of the devil. I must take my stand not even against something or someone I can see, but against schemes. These schemes are deep and dark things which may not even be able to be seen in the physical but only in the spiritual realms. Schemes against my inner being, schemes to destroy me from the inside out. True, many temptations in the physical may be shoved in front of my eyes. Yes, the things of this world may be used in an attempt to lure my mind into thoughts of self indulgence. But they are only the bait for my inner being. If I ever thought I could defend myself against these schemes without any protective armor provided by God, I certainly would have already succumbed to one of them. The whole idea of my having any strength to battle against this type of foe alone is foolishness. I need to have God’s armor. I need his protective forces at work within my being. I am nothing alone. The schemes of the devil are powerful and mighty forces which are designed to crush my spirit, to destroy my faith, to completely annihilate me from not only the face of the earth but from the kingdom of God. The devil desires nothing better than to kill me both in the physical and in the spiritual and thus I must adorn the protective armor of my God. I have to be completely protected at ever place I am vulnerable, which is everywhere. If I am to survive, if I am to be an effective servant of my Lord, if I am to be the person he desires me to be, If I am ever to stand in front of his throne in the new city of Jerusalem, than I have to put it on.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Be Weak
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
BE WEAK
Eph 6:10
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
NIV
This is just the beginning of the section which deals with God’s armor but I simply cannot resist stopping here for just a moment. I know Joel says let the weakling be made strong, and Paul refers to himself as when he is weak then he is strong. So there absolutely must be a great truth within this concept of being strong. Now if I am getting this right it actually does not have anything to do with exercise, either physical or spiritual. It has everything to do with believing, with faith in Jesus. If I think for one minute I have any strength at all within myself, I am a fool. What could I possible do by myself? The only thing I would do is fall flat on my face. I know who I am and it is not someone with his own strength can walk a holy and righteous life much less be strong in the Lord. No, I need Jesus and with him I am strong and I am in his mighty power and I am able to be holy and righteous. I understand what Joel and Paul said. I know exactly how weak I am and like Paul, I boast in my weakness. I am more than satisfied having the Grace of God being sufficient for me, as well, because in my weakness his power is made perfect. So than how am I to be strong? I do not thing this is a secret at all. I am made strong by being weak. I am made strong by trusting in my Lord and Savior. I am made strong by recognizing I am weak, by not lying to myself and thinking I actually am strong. If I thought I could be perfect, without sin, I would be not only lying to myself, I would be a fool and stupid as well. Who would I think I was, some great spiritual giant on the same level with Jesus himself. No, I do not think so, I know I am weak, I know I continue to fail God, I know I am not able to walk completely free from sin. I know I need him more and more each day. As the following verses talk about the war I am engaged in, I cannot face it in my own weak continue, I need Jesus more than anything else in this world. No in order to be strong in the lord and in his mighty power, I must admit I am weak.
EPHESIANS
BE WEAK
Eph 6:10
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
NIV
This is just the beginning of the section which deals with God’s armor but I simply cannot resist stopping here for just a moment. I know Joel says let the weakling be made strong, and Paul refers to himself as when he is weak then he is strong. So there absolutely must be a great truth within this concept of being strong. Now if I am getting this right it actually does not have anything to do with exercise, either physical or spiritual. It has everything to do with believing, with faith in Jesus. If I think for one minute I have any strength at all within myself, I am a fool. What could I possible do by myself? The only thing I would do is fall flat on my face. I know who I am and it is not someone with his own strength can walk a holy and righteous life much less be strong in the Lord. No, I need Jesus and with him I am strong and I am in his mighty power and I am able to be holy and righteous. I understand what Joel and Paul said. I know exactly how weak I am and like Paul, I boast in my weakness. I am more than satisfied having the Grace of God being sufficient for me, as well, because in my weakness his power is made perfect. So than how am I to be strong? I do not thing this is a secret at all. I am made strong by being weak. I am made strong by trusting in my Lord and Savior. I am made strong by recognizing I am weak, by not lying to myself and thinking I actually am strong. If I thought I could be perfect, without sin, I would be not only lying to myself, I would be a fool and stupid as well. Who would I think I was, some great spiritual giant on the same level with Jesus himself. No, I do not think so, I know I am weak, I know I continue to fail God, I know I am not able to walk completely free from sin. I know I need him more and more each day. As the following verses talk about the war I am engaged in, I cannot face it in my own weak continue, I need Jesus more than anything else in this world. No in order to be strong in the lord and in his mighty power, I must admit I am weak.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Favorite
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
FAVORITE
Eph 6:9
9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
NIV
Of course it has been some time since I was a master or in today’s language an employer. I think at the time I was, I did treat me guys with respect and concern for their well being. But here there is an even greater truth which rings within my spirit. This simply yet so extremely profound statement about my God regarding the fact he is my master and there is no favoritism with him. He does not treat anyone more special than anyone else. There is no partiality in him at all. I think this certainly indicates he desires the same thing for each and every one of his creation, eternal life. The question I has to ask is why has he treated me so well? If he does not so favoritism, than everyone else should be treated as well as I am, yet I do not see this. So why is this? Does it have anything to do with the willingness to trust in him? Does it have anything to do with my faith in him? I just do not understand why I am treated so well. Why does he give me so much, when others are in need? Why does he use me so much when others seem not to be? Why does he bless my life with such joy and fulfillment when others seem so sad and gloomy and act so unfulfilled? Why does he give me so much contentment when others seem so discontent? This list could go on and on, but too many questions and yet he says he does not show favoritism. I just cannot understand it. I would love to see everyone else enjoy his blessings as much as I do. Even the unjust for he did say the rain falls in the just and the unjust alike. Matt 5:45 He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. NIV So why do so many people not enjoy his blessings? He simply is willing to do for them as he does for me. He wants to give everyone as much as he has given me. He desires everyone to be as happy, content, satisfied, fulfilled, complete, and joyful as he has made me. I know I am not his favorite, because we all are. So why do I feel like I am his favorite? Because he is God!
EPHESIANS
FAVORITE
Eph 6:9
9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
NIV
Of course it has been some time since I was a master or in today’s language an employer. I think at the time I was, I did treat me guys with respect and concern for their well being. But here there is an even greater truth which rings within my spirit. This simply yet so extremely profound statement about my God regarding the fact he is my master and there is no favoritism with him. He does not treat anyone more special than anyone else. There is no partiality in him at all. I think this certainly indicates he desires the same thing for each and every one of his creation, eternal life. The question I has to ask is why has he treated me so well? If he does not so favoritism, than everyone else should be treated as well as I am, yet I do not see this. So why is this? Does it have anything to do with the willingness to trust in him? Does it have anything to do with my faith in him? I just do not understand why I am treated so well. Why does he give me so much, when others are in need? Why does he use me so much when others seem not to be? Why does he bless my life with such joy and fulfillment when others seem so sad and gloomy and act so unfulfilled? Why does he give me so much contentment when others seem so discontent? This list could go on and on, but too many questions and yet he says he does not show favoritism. I just cannot understand it. I would love to see everyone else enjoy his blessings as much as I do. Even the unjust for he did say the rain falls in the just and the unjust alike. Matt 5:45 He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. NIV So why do so many people not enjoy his blessings? He simply is willing to do for them as he does for me. He wants to give everyone as much as he has given me. He desires everyone to be as happy, content, satisfied, fulfilled, complete, and joyful as he has made me. I know I am not his favorite, because we all are. So why do I feel like I am his favorite? Because he is God!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Be All I Can Be
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
BE ALL I CAN BE
Eph 6:5-8
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
NIV
Alright, this is just not for today at all, at least certainly not for me anyway. I am not anyone’s slave. So how is this relevant in my life? How are these living words which are God breathed and good for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness? I know we have transported the slave of old times to the employee of today’s time. So it seems most people see this as being a good employee, which is fine, but I am not an employee so I do I integrate this into my life? I suppose I could employ these words to whatever I do in the pursuit of my calling from God, except this deals with earthy masters. I guess I could see this as how I should behave in my daily occupation. Giving my best at what I do. It is true I have worked as an employee in years past, but it has been so long ago. I have been the employer even more recent than being the employee. I can teach this to those who are employees, I can preach this message to others, but I just am having difficulty applying this to myself right now at this moment in my life. I have no earthy masters. Yes maybe in some sense the manufacturing company I represent could be seen in as a master, yet not actually, because I am not their employee. However, I could use this in the sense I should be doing the best I can to represent them to their customer base, and for both the benefit of their customers and the company itself. At times I am not directly compensated for my efforts, but I will be by my Lord. This is all I can do. This is the all I can be.
EPHESIANS
BE ALL I CAN BE
Eph 6:5-8
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
NIV
Alright, this is just not for today at all, at least certainly not for me anyway. I am not anyone’s slave. So how is this relevant in my life? How are these living words which are God breathed and good for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness? I know we have transported the slave of old times to the employee of today’s time. So it seems most people see this as being a good employee, which is fine, but I am not an employee so I do I integrate this into my life? I suppose I could employ these words to whatever I do in the pursuit of my calling from God, except this deals with earthy masters. I guess I could see this as how I should behave in my daily occupation. Giving my best at what I do. It is true I have worked as an employee in years past, but it has been so long ago. I have been the employer even more recent than being the employee. I can teach this to those who are employees, I can preach this message to others, but I just am having difficulty applying this to myself right now at this moment in my life. I have no earthy masters. Yes maybe in some sense the manufacturing company I represent could be seen in as a master, yet not actually, because I am not their employee. However, I could use this in the sense I should be doing the best I can to represent them to their customer base, and for both the benefit of their customers and the company itself. At times I am not directly compensated for my efforts, but I will be by my Lord. This is all I can do. This is the all I can be.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Being Father
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
BEING FATHER
Eph 6:4
4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
NIV
Have I done this? Now as far as exasperating my children, I have to go back in time and review the past years of my younger life. With my girls all grown up being wives and mothers it has been some time since I would have been able to do that. Yet I still see no time limit given here. I do not see it saying do not exasperate your children until they aren’t your children, or until they grow up, or until I am not their father, or the sort. So now, how do I deal with this. I am sure this is meant in the sense of those children who are within the home and under the care of the parents, but I believe it still behooves me to not exasperate my children. I still have the responsibility to be a Christ like role model for them. Is their training ever over? Sure, I have made it available for them as far as accepting Christ as their Lord and Savior. I have seen them accept Christ; I brought them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. They both are wonderful woman who love the Lord and are in fact bringing their daughters up in the same manner, but I do not think I can sit back and retire from my responsibility. I know I cannot order them around as I did when they were young girls, but I am still their father and in being that I must not act in a manner that would cause them to become exasperated in any way. I still must always be aware of letting Christ reflect in my life to them. I must always be an example of Christ to my daughters. I hope I have not failed at this. I may have from time to time, I am not really sure, only they can answer that for sure. Should I ask them? Would it be considered as looking for praise? Would they be honest with me? I would hope so. Do I really want to know? But this I know for sure I have always and will always have a great responsibility being father
EPHESIANS
BEING FATHER
Eph 6:4
4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
NIV
Have I done this? Now as far as exasperating my children, I have to go back in time and review the past years of my younger life. With my girls all grown up being wives and mothers it has been some time since I would have been able to do that. Yet I still see no time limit given here. I do not see it saying do not exasperate your children until they aren’t your children, or until they grow up, or until I am not their father, or the sort. So now, how do I deal with this. I am sure this is meant in the sense of those children who are within the home and under the care of the parents, but I believe it still behooves me to not exasperate my children. I still have the responsibility to be a Christ like role model for them. Is their training ever over? Sure, I have made it available for them as far as accepting Christ as their Lord and Savior. I have seen them accept Christ; I brought them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. They both are wonderful woman who love the Lord and are in fact bringing their daughters up in the same manner, but I do not think I can sit back and retire from my responsibility. I know I cannot order them around as I did when they were young girls, but I am still their father and in being that I must not act in a manner that would cause them to become exasperated in any way. I still must always be aware of letting Christ reflect in my life to them. I must always be an example of Christ to my daughters. I hope I have not failed at this. I may have from time to time, I am not really sure, only they can answer that for sure. Should I ask them? Would it be considered as looking for praise? Would they be honest with me? I would hope so. Do I really want to know? But this I know for sure I have always and will always have a great responsibility being father
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Give Honor
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
GIVE HONOR
Eph 6:1-3
6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother"-which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
NIV
It would seem rather bazaar for me to have to deal with this verse at all consider I am a grandfather, yet my mother-in-law of one hundred stills live on and thus I would still be a child with parent in this sense. Now I also must consider even through both my father and mother has been dead for many years, I still am obligated to honor them. That is I should not ever say another regarding them which would disorder them. Now I think I may have been guilty of this in the past, but that has just come to an abrupt halt. I surely cannot obey them as a child must do to living parents, but I certainly can honor their lives. They are the parents who God used to give me this life. They were given the responsibility to see to my growing up. I am who I am because of much of the influence they had upon my life. So in that I will from hence forth honor them. Now could I be wild enough to see what I am seeing? I know I am stretching way beyond the realm of reality here, but could I not be a child of God and thus should obey my parents in the Lord also? Just a thought, I know this is dealing with earthly family relationships, but it is an interesting idea to ponder over. God is my father and mother and I surely should obey him. Now also what about my parents in the Lord, could this be about those who lead me to Jesus? Just another thought! No I am quite sure this is about my earthly parents, because the complete relational dissertation which follows. So I return back to obeying my mother-in-law, in that sense, but actually I must and will from this time forward give honor to my parents. I believe in my heart I have done that with my mother, but not my father. I remember speaking at her funeral, telling those who attended, I believe the one word which best described her was faithful. She was faithful in being a mother, a wife, and in her belief in Jesus. I believe she did the best she was capable of doing. Although my father had many areas where he was not the best, I do believe he tried. He had so much baggage it may have been more then he could handle, but he was my father and I know there were I times I knew he loved me. He failed at much, but then so have I failed at much. So I give both of them honor.
EPHESIANS
GIVE HONOR
Eph 6:1-3
6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother"-which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
NIV
It would seem rather bazaar for me to have to deal with this verse at all consider I am a grandfather, yet my mother-in-law of one hundred stills live on and thus I would still be a child with parent in this sense. Now I also must consider even through both my father and mother has been dead for many years, I still am obligated to honor them. That is I should not ever say another regarding them which would disorder them. Now I think I may have been guilty of this in the past, but that has just come to an abrupt halt. I surely cannot obey them as a child must do to living parents, but I certainly can honor their lives. They are the parents who God used to give me this life. They were given the responsibility to see to my growing up. I am who I am because of much of the influence they had upon my life. So in that I will from hence forth honor them. Now could I be wild enough to see what I am seeing? I know I am stretching way beyond the realm of reality here, but could I not be a child of God and thus should obey my parents in the Lord also? Just a thought, I know this is dealing with earthly family relationships, but it is an interesting idea to ponder over. God is my father and mother and I surely should obey him. Now also what about my parents in the Lord, could this be about those who lead me to Jesus? Just another thought! No I am quite sure this is about my earthly parents, because the complete relational dissertation which follows. So I return back to obeying my mother-in-law, in that sense, but actually I must and will from this time forward give honor to my parents. I believe in my heart I have done that with my mother, but not my father. I remember speaking at her funeral, telling those who attended, I believe the one word which best described her was faithful. She was faithful in being a mother, a wife, and in her belief in Jesus. I believe she did the best she was capable of doing. Although my father had many areas where he was not the best, I do believe he tried. He had so much baggage it may have been more then he could handle, but he was my father and I know there were I times I knew he loved me. He failed at much, but then so have I failed at much. So I give both of them honor.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Worthy of Respect
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
WORTHY OF RESPECT
Eph 5:25-33
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
NIV
Well this is the third idea from these same words of God which I should deal with. These words really seem not to speak to me as the husband or a man of God but rather to my wife telling her to respect me. But I do not think it is that simply. Is she required to respect me if I am not worthy of respect? Is is required to respect me if I am a mean overbearing husband? Is she required to respect me if I were out doing evil acts? I would have to say no to all of these. Those words telling her to respect me are preceded with words telling me I must love her as I love myself. Now, I must ask myself the obvious question here. How much do I love myself? After all the quality and quantity of my love for her seems to be completely dependent on the quality and quantity of love I have for myself. I surely cannot live my life hating myself. Of course, I don’t but rather I think I actually do sort of like me. Now I am not in favor of some of the things I might do, I get upset with myself when I fall short of the standard God has established for me to live by. But that does not mean I do not love me. I would not do anything intentionally to harm myself or cause myself pain and suffering. I would not hurt myself or mistreat myself by choice. I believe I would, at least most always, do for myself what is for my good, my pleasure, and my overall benefit. So then I should have that same attitude of my heart toward my wife. And if I do, I see absolutely no reason why she would have any trouble giving me the due respect she is commanded to give me. I would be worthy of her respect.
EPHESIANS
WORTHY OF RESPECT
Eph 5:25-33
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
NIV
Well this is the third idea from these same words of God which I should deal with. These words really seem not to speak to me as the husband or a man of God but rather to my wife telling her to respect me. But I do not think it is that simply. Is she required to respect me if I am not worthy of respect? Is is required to respect me if I am a mean overbearing husband? Is she required to respect me if I were out doing evil acts? I would have to say no to all of these. Those words telling her to respect me are preceded with words telling me I must love her as I love myself. Now, I must ask myself the obvious question here. How much do I love myself? After all the quality and quantity of my love for her seems to be completely dependent on the quality and quantity of love I have for myself. I surely cannot live my life hating myself. Of course, I don’t but rather I think I actually do sort of like me. Now I am not in favor of some of the things I might do, I get upset with myself when I fall short of the standard God has established for me to live by. But that does not mean I do not love me. I would not do anything intentionally to harm myself or cause myself pain and suffering. I would not hurt myself or mistreat myself by choice. I believe I would, at least most always, do for myself what is for my good, my pleasure, and my overall benefit. So then I should have that same attitude of my heart toward my wife. And if I do, I see absolutely no reason why she would have any trouble giving me the due respect she is commanded to give me. I would be worthy of her respect.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Moved to Tears
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
MOVED TO TEARS
Eph 5:25-33
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
NIV
The second of three devotions from this same group of words from my Lord deals with my being the bride of Christ. It never ceases to amaze me when I consider the love of God and how he demonstrates that to me on a continual basis. The simple fact I have been made holy, I have been cleansed, I have been washed with water through the word and I have been presented to him as a radiant church just boggles my mind. I understand it all but I still am so completely in awe with the reality of it, that God would do such a thing for me. Oh I know he did it for everyone, but that includes me, which knowing me, really boggles my mind. I know there have been some and still are and will more than likely been really bad people, evil people who have, do and will do far greater evil deeds then I ever did, but that still does not negate my sin. Yet here I stand now in the presence of my almighty God without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. I am in the position not because of anything I have done to earn it, but it is due completely one hundred percent because of Jesus. What kind of love is this? To be loved that much is overwhelming. And all I can do in return is to love him back with all my heart, my mind, my soul and my strength which if so weak and small in comparison to him. Why do I desire should love? Why do I desire all that he has done for me, in me and through me? I am nobody special, no great person of fame. I have not accomplished much for either the benefit of mankind or for the kingdom of God and yet here I stand at the right hand of God the father with Christ. Here I am the object of his great love and compassion, his mercy, his divine grace, his forgiveness and his salvation. And to top all that off I have been filled with his Holy Spirit, mark with his seal as one of his. How can it be? When I spend any time pondering on these things, I am moved to tears.
EPHESIANS
MOVED TO TEARS
Eph 5:25-33
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
NIV
The second of three devotions from this same group of words from my Lord deals with my being the bride of Christ. It never ceases to amaze me when I consider the love of God and how he demonstrates that to me on a continual basis. The simple fact I have been made holy, I have been cleansed, I have been washed with water through the word and I have been presented to him as a radiant church just boggles my mind. I understand it all but I still am so completely in awe with the reality of it, that God would do such a thing for me. Oh I know he did it for everyone, but that includes me, which knowing me, really boggles my mind. I know there have been some and still are and will more than likely been really bad people, evil people who have, do and will do far greater evil deeds then I ever did, but that still does not negate my sin. Yet here I stand now in the presence of my almighty God without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. I am in the position not because of anything I have done to earn it, but it is due completely one hundred percent because of Jesus. What kind of love is this? To be loved that much is overwhelming. And all I can do in return is to love him back with all my heart, my mind, my soul and my strength which if so weak and small in comparison to him. Why do I desire should love? Why do I desire all that he has done for me, in me and through me? I am nobody special, no great person of fame. I have not accomplished much for either the benefit of mankind or for the kingdom of God and yet here I stand at the right hand of God the father with Christ. Here I am the object of his great love and compassion, his mercy, his divine grace, his forgiveness and his salvation. And to top all that off I have been filled with his Holy Spirit, mark with his seal as one of his. How can it be? When I spend any time pondering on these things, I am moved to tears.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Love
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
LOVE
Eph 5:25-33
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
NIV
There really is three whole teaching within these scriptures which I really should break down into three individual devotions but I cannot separate the verses from each other so I think I will treat each idea one at a time for three days, that way I can deal within my own heart with each idea separately.
The first of these is one thought, one concept, one frame of mind, one attitude of the heart, all wrapped up in the first four words. I must love my wife. Now even though there have been times my dear wife was not thrilled with my words when I explained to her I had decided to love her. I know it would seem the word love means a warm loving feeling of affection and sometimes express with hugs and kisses. Sometimes I think lust gets defined as love, but it is simply lust. No I really believe love is a decision of the will. I see no other way I could possibly be willing to give myself up for her. I see no other way I could treat her, as I am accustom to treating myself quite well. I remember Pastor T saying you fall in the mud, not in love. No I must love her so much I am willing to do anything which is for her benefit, not anything she wants, but anything for her benefit, for her well being, her spiritual and physical well being. That is my responsibility. Now do I fail? I think there have been times I have. I have been the husband God intends for me to be at all times. Why this is I am simply not sure, I know what is expected, I know how I am supposed to be, yet I fail to live up to the standard. Sure, there are times when I get it right, but it is the times I get it wrong that bother me. Am I too wrapped up in my own self at those times? Maybe that is the whole of the issue regarding many things. But even though Christ told me to deny myself, take up my cross and follow him, I still struggle with that self, that ugly self. Why can’t God just zap that self right out of me, but then I would not be me, I would be someone else I suppose, maybe a new form of me, but that is what has already happened and yet that old me just doesn’t want to give up. Well I do know I do love my wife and I am trying to get it right, it may take the rest of my life, but I am content with that. As long as I am aware, and working toward perfection I am moving in the right direction. I love my wife.
EPHESIANS
LOVE
Eph 5:25-33
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
NIV
There really is three whole teaching within these scriptures which I really should break down into three individual devotions but I cannot separate the verses from each other so I think I will treat each idea one at a time for three days, that way I can deal within my own heart with each idea separately.
The first of these is one thought, one concept, one frame of mind, one attitude of the heart, all wrapped up in the first four words. I must love my wife. Now even though there have been times my dear wife was not thrilled with my words when I explained to her I had decided to love her. I know it would seem the word love means a warm loving feeling of affection and sometimes express with hugs and kisses. Sometimes I think lust gets defined as love, but it is simply lust. No I really believe love is a decision of the will. I see no other way I could possibly be willing to give myself up for her. I see no other way I could treat her, as I am accustom to treating myself quite well. I remember Pastor T saying you fall in the mud, not in love. No I must love her so much I am willing to do anything which is for her benefit, not anything she wants, but anything for her benefit, for her well being, her spiritual and physical well being. That is my responsibility. Now do I fail? I think there have been times I have. I have been the husband God intends for me to be at all times. Why this is I am simply not sure, I know what is expected, I know how I am supposed to be, yet I fail to live up to the standard. Sure, there are times when I get it right, but it is the times I get it wrong that bother me. Am I too wrapped up in my own self at those times? Maybe that is the whole of the issue regarding many things. But even though Christ told me to deny myself, take up my cross and follow him, I still struggle with that self, that ugly self. Why can’t God just zap that self right out of me, but then I would not be me, I would be someone else I suppose, maybe a new form of me, but that is what has already happened and yet that old me just doesn’t want to give up. Well I do know I do love my wife and I am trying to get it right, it may take the rest of my life, but I am content with that. As long as I am aware, and working toward perfection I am moving in the right direction. I love my wife.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Being the Head
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
BEING THE HEAD
Eph 5:22-24
22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
NIV
I know so many may use this in much a different way than I am inclined to view these words. I think it is an awesomely large responsibility to be the head of my wife as Christ is the head of the church. Rather than beat my wife up with her responsibility of submitting to me, I think I have a much larger task at head being the head. As Christ offered himself up for his church, I think I am supposed to give myself up for my wife. Instead of her serving me, as Christ did not come to be served but to serve, I think I am supposed to serve my wife. Being the head surely does not mean in the sense of a bully, but rather in the sense of being responsible for her spiritual well being. This includes not behaving is such a manner which could cause her to struggle with her relationship with Christ. Now do I do all this? I don’t think I am as good at it as I should be. I still struggle myself with being all I should be. Yet I cannot help but think as I am who I am supposed to be it would then be so easy for my wife to submit as the church does to Christ. For the church and that is not the denomination, or building, but me and all my fellow believers know that it is only because of Christ that we have forgiveness of sin and have been restored in right relationship with God, and therefore have absolutely no problem recognizing Christ as their head. So as I live up to my responsibilities my wife would not have any problem recognizing me as her head. Yet still I am plagued by the failures I still am subject to. I can only hope I can overcome the old self completely for it is my desire to be the man I am supposed to be for the benefit of my wife and her life and relationship with God, and with me. The most difficult task in all my life is being the head.
EPHESIANS
BEING THE HEAD
Eph 5:22-24
22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
NIV
I know so many may use this in much a different way than I am inclined to view these words. I think it is an awesomely large responsibility to be the head of my wife as Christ is the head of the church. Rather than beat my wife up with her responsibility of submitting to me, I think I have a much larger task at head being the head. As Christ offered himself up for his church, I think I am supposed to give myself up for my wife. Instead of her serving me, as Christ did not come to be served but to serve, I think I am supposed to serve my wife. Being the head surely does not mean in the sense of a bully, but rather in the sense of being responsible for her spiritual well being. This includes not behaving is such a manner which could cause her to struggle with her relationship with Christ. Now do I do all this? I don’t think I am as good at it as I should be. I still struggle myself with being all I should be. Yet I cannot help but think as I am who I am supposed to be it would then be so easy for my wife to submit as the church does to Christ. For the church and that is not the denomination, or building, but me and all my fellow believers know that it is only because of Christ that we have forgiveness of sin and have been restored in right relationship with God, and therefore have absolutely no problem recognizing Christ as their head. So as I live up to my responsibilities my wife would not have any problem recognizing me as her head. Yet still I am plagued by the failures I still am subject to. I can only hope I can overcome the old self completely for it is my desire to be the man I am supposed to be for the benefit of my wife and her life and relationship with God, and with me. The most difficult task in all my life is being the head.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Submit
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
SUBMIT
Eph 5:21
21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
NIV
Well now doesn’t that just put the icing on the cake! The whole following dissertation about wives, husbands, children, fathers, masters and slaves has this sort of title starting it all out. What am I do make of this? It would seem all of the following is needless in light of this one simple phrase. If I submit to others, and they submit to me we would be a bunch of submitters, without leadership. But I do not think this speaks exactly about that type of submission. I think in some sense it refers to the spiritual rather than the physical. To be subordinate to each other in the spirit carries all types of implications for me. It can be applied to being transparent with before others. I certainly do not believe I should stand before the whole of the church and lay out every transgression in my life. But I do think within the context of this submit I would have a close brother in Christ who knows all my faults and I his. I question arises as to what do we do with that information. Forgiveness includes never bringing it up again. I think I have been victim to having some things dragged out and taken for a spin around a discussion from time to time. I think I might have done this as well, not so with a brother in Christ but with those closer to me. But I ramble I think, and may be off the beaten path regarding submitting to one another. Yet that is certainly part of it. I do think the Word also speaks to not being an overbearing spiritual bully, beating others over the head with the Bible. Lording any position of leadership over others, remember that Christ who is the ultimate leader and head of the body washed his disciples’ feet. He said he did not come to be served but to serve. This is to submit, to put others ahead of self. I believe I can say I do live to serve those I love. But what about those I just don’t like? If they are among the ‘one another’ I just might be in trouble. This is beyond family and loved ones; this includes all of the body of Christ. I am not sure I have that much of a servant’s heart. Is it because of pride? Is it due to thinking more highly of myself than I ought to? Am I willing to lay down my life so another can live? Tough questions which require more prayer and reflection, resulting in more change within my being I think. Do I really want to be more life Christ, or are those just words? Why does my old self keep fighting so hard? It needs to submit to my new self, and this is one case where my new self need not submit to this other. So much to do in order to comply with this one word, submit.
EPHESIANS
SUBMIT
Eph 5:21
21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
NIV
Well now doesn’t that just put the icing on the cake! The whole following dissertation about wives, husbands, children, fathers, masters and slaves has this sort of title starting it all out. What am I do make of this? It would seem all of the following is needless in light of this one simple phrase. If I submit to others, and they submit to me we would be a bunch of submitters, without leadership. But I do not think this speaks exactly about that type of submission. I think in some sense it refers to the spiritual rather than the physical. To be subordinate to each other in the spirit carries all types of implications for me. It can be applied to being transparent with before others. I certainly do not believe I should stand before the whole of the church and lay out every transgression in my life. But I do think within the context of this submit I would have a close brother in Christ who knows all my faults and I his. I question arises as to what do we do with that information. Forgiveness includes never bringing it up again. I think I have been victim to having some things dragged out and taken for a spin around a discussion from time to time. I think I might have done this as well, not so with a brother in Christ but with those closer to me. But I ramble I think, and may be off the beaten path regarding submitting to one another. Yet that is certainly part of it. I do think the Word also speaks to not being an overbearing spiritual bully, beating others over the head with the Bible. Lording any position of leadership over others, remember that Christ who is the ultimate leader and head of the body washed his disciples’ feet. He said he did not come to be served but to serve. This is to submit, to put others ahead of self. I believe I can say I do live to serve those I love. But what about those I just don’t like? If they are among the ‘one another’ I just might be in trouble. This is beyond family and loved ones; this includes all of the body of Christ. I am not sure I have that much of a servant’s heart. Is it because of pride? Is it due to thinking more highly of myself than I ought to? Am I willing to lay down my life so another can live? Tough questions which require more prayer and reflection, resulting in more change within my being I think. Do I really want to be more life Christ, or are those just words? Why does my old self keep fighting so hard? It needs to submit to my new self, and this is one case where my new self need not submit to this other. So much to do in order to comply with this one word, submit.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Out Loud Thanks
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
OUT LOUD THANKS
Eph 5:20
20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
NIV
I wonder if my chance I ever forget to do this. I also wonder if this is outward spoken thanks which must be done. I know I am continually thankful in my heart for all God has ever done for me. I think perhaps other people really do not want to listen to the long list of things I am thankful for. Maybe they would think I am bragging. Maybe God doesn’t do as much for them as he does for me or maybe they simply do not recognize what he does for them. I believe I could actually write a book just on all what God has done for me, in me and through me. It is amazing how much he does. I often am in awe wondering why he does so much in my life. Who am I that God should what to give me so much? I fail him all too often. Yet he is faithful in his grace, mercy, forgiveness and he continues to bless my life. How could I not be thankful? Every day I awake from my slumber I am thankful I have one more moment to enjoy his blessings here with the people I love so much. I should have stepped into eternity being gathered to his presence years ago, but he allowed me to stay. Granted I do not know for how long, but I am thankful for the years, the months, the days I do have to spend in service to those I love. Yes, I spent time for myself as well, I am enjoying life more than before, doing things I enjoy. But that is all part of his great blessing. I do ponder if I actually should be verbalizing all I am thankful for. I certainly do what others to get the wrong impression, but perhaps it might be an encouragement to them. Is being thankful actually for God’s benefit or mine or even for others? I know it certainly changes my frame of mind toward my life. I know he enjoys my thanks, because he is a jealous God and he does want praise. I also know he desires I me to speak up, not to be silent keeping all his blessing to myself, other than having a thankful heart what good is it being silent. No, I must speak up, I must always be verbal regarding what God has done, is doing and I believe will continue to do for me, in me and through me. I must be thankful out loud.
EPHESIANS
OUT LOUD THANKS
Eph 5:20
20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
NIV
I wonder if my chance I ever forget to do this. I also wonder if this is outward spoken thanks which must be done. I know I am continually thankful in my heart for all God has ever done for me. I think perhaps other people really do not want to listen to the long list of things I am thankful for. Maybe they would think I am bragging. Maybe God doesn’t do as much for them as he does for me or maybe they simply do not recognize what he does for them. I believe I could actually write a book just on all what God has done for me, in me and through me. It is amazing how much he does. I often am in awe wondering why he does so much in my life. Who am I that God should what to give me so much? I fail him all too often. Yet he is faithful in his grace, mercy, forgiveness and he continues to bless my life. How could I not be thankful? Every day I awake from my slumber I am thankful I have one more moment to enjoy his blessings here with the people I love so much. I should have stepped into eternity being gathered to his presence years ago, but he allowed me to stay. Granted I do not know for how long, but I am thankful for the years, the months, the days I do have to spend in service to those I love. Yes, I spent time for myself as well, I am enjoying life more than before, doing things I enjoy. But that is all part of his great blessing. I do ponder if I actually should be verbalizing all I am thankful for. I certainly do what others to get the wrong impression, but perhaps it might be an encouragement to them. Is being thankful actually for God’s benefit or mine or even for others? I know it certainly changes my frame of mind toward my life. I know he enjoys my thanks, because he is a jealous God and he does want praise. I also know he desires I me to speak up, not to be silent keeping all his blessing to myself, other than having a thankful heart what good is it being silent. No, I must speak up, I must always be verbal regarding what God has done, is doing and I believe will continue to do for me, in me and through me. I must be thankful out loud.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
In My Heart There Rings a Melody
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
IN MY HEART THERE RINGS A MELODY
Eph 5:19
19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
NIV
I only wish I could actually sing. I admire, or am I jealous of those who have the voice of an angel. I suppose I do envy them, but I do admire them as well. I still think maybe it is tainted with a hint of jealousy. Yet here I see I can simply speak to others with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, I do not have to sing them, which is a good thing. I believe I speak the complete first Psalm to as many people as I can with my book, but I also think it is a good thing to have those types of words on my lips during the course of normal conversation with my fellow believers. All too often I think the conversations of believers are centered on worldly concepts rather than spiritual ones. Sports teams, price of gas, investments, vacations, retirement, difficultly of life, health issues to name a few. I only wish I could break in and speak of these psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. I think I would be considered rude and not listening or paying attention to what they are saying. I might actually believe they may consider me too spiritual. I know some already think I’m a ‘know it all’, and that is bad enough. No, I think I will speak up in the future, I think I should speak up, I think I should speak these words while in the course of conversations with my fellow believers. Let them think whatever, that is their problem. True, I should not be the cause of their sin, nor cause them to stumble, but I should be true to my convictions. This is the Word of God. I know one thing for sure that although I cannot sing and make music on the outside, which seems not to matter to God; I surely am quite able to do such a masterful job of singing and making music in my heart. However, I am perplexed as to why at times these songs, this music do not reflect in my continence. Why my eyes to do reflect the rhythm of my heart, unless there are times no music exists within. This I must work towards. I must be more attentive to the still small voice of God keeping beat, directing the choir of one within so that I may at all times have a spring in my step, a twinkle in my eye, and a smile on my lips because in my heart there rings a melody.
EPHESIANS
IN MY HEART THERE RINGS A MELODY
Eph 5:19
19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
NIV
I only wish I could actually sing. I admire, or am I jealous of those who have the voice of an angel. I suppose I do envy them, but I do admire them as well. I still think maybe it is tainted with a hint of jealousy. Yet here I see I can simply speak to others with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, I do not have to sing them, which is a good thing. I believe I speak the complete first Psalm to as many people as I can with my book, but I also think it is a good thing to have those types of words on my lips during the course of normal conversation with my fellow believers. All too often I think the conversations of believers are centered on worldly concepts rather than spiritual ones. Sports teams, price of gas, investments, vacations, retirement, difficultly of life, health issues to name a few. I only wish I could break in and speak of these psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. I think I would be considered rude and not listening or paying attention to what they are saying. I might actually believe they may consider me too spiritual. I know some already think I’m a ‘know it all’, and that is bad enough. No, I think I will speak up in the future, I think I should speak up, I think I should speak these words while in the course of conversations with my fellow believers. Let them think whatever, that is their problem. True, I should not be the cause of their sin, nor cause them to stumble, but I should be true to my convictions. This is the Word of God. I know one thing for sure that although I cannot sing and make music on the outside, which seems not to matter to God; I surely am quite able to do such a masterful job of singing and making music in my heart. However, I am perplexed as to why at times these songs, this music do not reflect in my continence. Why my eyes to do reflect the rhythm of my heart, unless there are times no music exists within. This I must work towards. I must be more attentive to the still small voice of God keeping beat, directing the choir of one within so that I may at all times have a spring in my step, a twinkle in my eye, and a smile on my lips because in my heart there rings a melody.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Filled
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
FILLED
Eph 5:18
18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
NIV
I have always been so impressed how so many use this verse to abhor the use of wine all together when it clearly says is not speaking to that issue at all. The whole of this concept, to me, at least is truly the difference between a person of the world and a person of God. Although I absolutely see not one thing wrong with a taste of the fruit of the vine, it is not the thrust of the statement. No, rather than be intoxicated with the world, I must be so by the Spirit. True an overindulgence of wine might lead to debauchery. Now I have to know what this word debauchery is in the original language. I now see it actually has a meaning of an abandoned, dissolute, life. I dare say a sip of wine certainly does not lead to this, but rather the state of intoxication on a continual basis might well do the trick. I also believe those poor individuals who are not filled with the Spirit but rather are drunk on the world may well be experiencing an abandoned, dissolute life, without Christ, without hope. I am so eternally grateful to my Lord for calling out of the darkness and into the wonderful light of his love and grace. I am also thankful, in ways I cannot think of words which could explain it nearly as full as it should be, for the Spirit and being filled to overflowing by him. I cannot imagine what my life would be like if this were not the case. I cannot even what to imagine, as I had enough pain before Christ. Why would I want to go back to that? No I am more than content to be filled with the Spirit rather than be intoxicated by the life of being filled with ‘self’ ,self pleasure, the life of guilt, the life of pain and suffering without hope, the life of sin. Now do I still fail God? Unfortunately I must face this reality, but it does not void the being filled with the Spirit and indicate I am drunk on wine. It is the Spirit who speaks to my heart when those moments occur which cause me to knee, if not physically, but spiritually to seek forgiveness from my Father who is in Heaven. Thank you Lord Jesus for sending the Spirit to me in order I may be filled.
EPHESIANS
FILLED
Eph 5:18
18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
NIV
I have always been so impressed how so many use this verse to abhor the use of wine all together when it clearly says is not speaking to that issue at all. The whole of this concept, to me, at least is truly the difference between a person of the world and a person of God. Although I absolutely see not one thing wrong with a taste of the fruit of the vine, it is not the thrust of the statement. No, rather than be intoxicated with the world, I must be so by the Spirit. True an overindulgence of wine might lead to debauchery. Now I have to know what this word debauchery is in the original language. I now see it actually has a meaning of an abandoned, dissolute, life. I dare say a sip of wine certainly does not lead to this, but rather the state of intoxication on a continual basis might well do the trick. I also believe those poor individuals who are not filled with the Spirit but rather are drunk on the world may well be experiencing an abandoned, dissolute life, without Christ, without hope. I am so eternally grateful to my Lord for calling out of the darkness and into the wonderful light of his love and grace. I am also thankful, in ways I cannot think of words which could explain it nearly as full as it should be, for the Spirit and being filled to overflowing by him. I cannot imagine what my life would be like if this were not the case. I cannot even what to imagine, as I had enough pain before Christ. Why would I want to go back to that? No I am more than content to be filled with the Spirit rather than be intoxicated by the life of being filled with ‘self’ ,self pleasure, the life of guilt, the life of pain and suffering without hope, the life of sin. Now do I still fail God? Unfortunately I must face this reality, but it does not void the being filled with the Spirit and indicate I am drunk on wine. It is the Spirit who speaks to my heart when those moments occur which cause me to knee, if not physically, but spiritually to seek forgiveness from my Father who is in Heaven. Thank you Lord Jesus for sending the Spirit to me in order I may be filled.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Understand
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
UNDERSTAND
Eph 5:17
17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
NIV
So here is that therefore, the next part of not living unwisely but rather wisely and making the most of every opportunity. I have to ask myself, every time I make some mistake by not being careful as to how I approach life, am I being foolish? Do I not understand what the Lord’s will is? Or do I understand and choose to ignore it? By making the wrong choice I certainly think I am foolish. But how do I not make those choices which are incorrect? Could I be as bold to say to myself every time I choose to please me, I choose wrong? I am being foolish when I choose me over him. I think perhaps a better word might have been stupid. I have to be more and more aware of him and less and less aware of me, except by doing that would I be more likely to not notice a wrong choice. I think I have to be aware of myself at all times, conscience of each moment, each choice, each subsequent action and or reaction appraising instantly whether I am being foolish or in accord with my understanding of his will. It is without question difficult to admit to myself I am being foolish in thinking, or acting in some certain way, but that is exactly what I am, foolish. Is being foolish the same as being disobedient? It has to be. Is that the same as sin? I have to believe it is. If I understand what the Lord’s will is and think or do anything in opposition to his will, it has to carry the label, ‘sin’, no matter how large or small it might be. I cannot escape that fact, yet knowing I may never be without sin and thus perfect, at least in this life is still not an excuse, but it is a reality. What I do in those moments as I recognize the error of my ways, my sin, has bearing on foolishness or understanding as well. If when have made the wrong choice I seek out my Lord for forgiveness with a repentant heart, I am in understanding his will. If, however, I simply go forward as though nothing has happened, deceiving myself, not be truthful with him, I am being foolish and have no understanding at all of his will. Lord, forgive me! I start again.
EPHESIANS
UNDERSTAND
Eph 5:17
17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
NIV
So here is that therefore, the next part of not living unwisely but rather wisely and making the most of every opportunity. I have to ask myself, every time I make some mistake by not being careful as to how I approach life, am I being foolish? Do I not understand what the Lord’s will is? Or do I understand and choose to ignore it? By making the wrong choice I certainly think I am foolish. But how do I not make those choices which are incorrect? Could I be as bold to say to myself every time I choose to please me, I choose wrong? I am being foolish when I choose me over him. I think perhaps a better word might have been stupid. I have to be more and more aware of him and less and less aware of me, except by doing that would I be more likely to not notice a wrong choice. I think I have to be aware of myself at all times, conscience of each moment, each choice, each subsequent action and or reaction appraising instantly whether I am being foolish or in accord with my understanding of his will. It is without question difficult to admit to myself I am being foolish in thinking, or acting in some certain way, but that is exactly what I am, foolish. Is being foolish the same as being disobedient? It has to be. Is that the same as sin? I have to believe it is. If I understand what the Lord’s will is and think or do anything in opposition to his will, it has to carry the label, ‘sin’, no matter how large or small it might be. I cannot escape that fact, yet knowing I may never be without sin and thus perfect, at least in this life is still not an excuse, but it is a reality. What I do in those moments as I recognize the error of my ways, my sin, has bearing on foolishness or understanding as well. If when have made the wrong choice I seek out my Lord for forgiveness with a repentant heart, I am in understanding his will. If, however, I simply go forward as though nothing has happened, deceiving myself, not be truthful with him, I am being foolish and have no understanding at all of his will. Lord, forgive me! I start again.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Careful
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
CAREFUL
Eph 5:15-16
15 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
NIV
I know the following verse starts off with therefore and so this is but a lead in to those words which follow, but still there speak volumes in their own right. I dare say I may not me living as carefully as I might. It certainly is a word posed to me for contemplation. It is clear to me the carefulness does imply wise living rather than unwise living and as such I think the wisdom here is directed to some sort of opportunity which again is instructed in the following words which I will leave for the next day’s devotion. I think I have enough to consider in regards to simply being careful. How often is my day just another day filled with the activity of living without any regard or concern for how it is lived? I think too often or at least more often than it should be. How easy it is to be caught up in the everyday hum drum stuff which somehow seems rather meaningless compared to making the most of every opportunity. When I do sit and reflect I am able to focus on those meaningful ideals, but again those moments somehow seem to escape my normal thought process in the heat of the day. It is not as though I am completely unaware of the Spirit and his nudging and prodding to do the right thing, but at times I simply get distracted. Why is that? Why can I not constantly be so aware that all my thoughts, actions, responses and such are in the vein of making the most of every opportunity? I do think over the years I am gaining ground, but certainly not enough as I think I should be. Than those relapses are a thing I would rather forget entirely, but unfortunately I am unable to. Those plague me as a thorn in my side would. Talk about unwise! How do those impulses emerge into the open if I am being careful? Or is it I am not being careful? It certainly brings to light the need for me to focus more of the careful part and remain in that mode more of, if not all of, the time. I think this requires more thought of the world around me then simply of me. An external view rather than an internal one would be useful except in order to live with an external view I have to be concerned with my internal view as well. Self examination and reflection upon the findings with results of rectifications are an integral part of wise living. However, after such I would have to determine would be the ultimate result of living carefully during the interactions with others. So careful it is.
EPHESIANS
CAREFUL
Eph 5:15-16
15 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
NIV
I know the following verse starts off with therefore and so this is but a lead in to those words which follow, but still there speak volumes in their own right. I dare say I may not me living as carefully as I might. It certainly is a word posed to me for contemplation. It is clear to me the carefulness does imply wise living rather than unwise living and as such I think the wisdom here is directed to some sort of opportunity which again is instructed in the following words which I will leave for the next day’s devotion. I think I have enough to consider in regards to simply being careful. How often is my day just another day filled with the activity of living without any regard or concern for how it is lived? I think too often or at least more often than it should be. How easy it is to be caught up in the everyday hum drum stuff which somehow seems rather meaningless compared to making the most of every opportunity. When I do sit and reflect I am able to focus on those meaningful ideals, but again those moments somehow seem to escape my normal thought process in the heat of the day. It is not as though I am completely unaware of the Spirit and his nudging and prodding to do the right thing, but at times I simply get distracted. Why is that? Why can I not constantly be so aware that all my thoughts, actions, responses and such are in the vein of making the most of every opportunity? I do think over the years I am gaining ground, but certainly not enough as I think I should be. Than those relapses are a thing I would rather forget entirely, but unfortunately I am unable to. Those plague me as a thorn in my side would. Talk about unwise! How do those impulses emerge into the open if I am being careful? Or is it I am not being careful? It certainly brings to light the need for me to focus more of the careful part and remain in that mode more of, if not all of, the time. I think this requires more thought of the world around me then simply of me. An external view rather than an internal one would be useful except in order to live with an external view I have to be concerned with my internal view as well. Self examination and reflection upon the findings with results of rectifications are an integral part of wise living. However, after such I would have to determine would be the ultimate result of living carefully during the interactions with others. So careful it is.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Exposure
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
EXPOSURE
Eph 5:11-14
11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
NIV
Are these words telling me I should go around and expose what other people do in the darkness? I think not. I am seeing here the concept of self examination. This idea of absolutely refraining from any activities which are associated with darkness, and in fact allow any of them which may still exist to be exposed to the light of Christ. Now I do see it may well apply to not associating with the likes of people who practice such evil behavior. To have nothing to do with those kinds of people would certainly help in not being like them. It does make sense, I think, that we all do have a tendency to behave in a similar manner as those we associate with. At least I think I do. That is why it is so important to remain a vital part of the body of Christ. Now although I am not supposed to have nothing to do with those disobedient souls who practice such behavior in secret, I do need to share to Gospel with them is some way, as to expose what they are doing at least to themselves. I also must make sure I am continually living completely exposed to the light myself. If I slip off into some dark secret place, what then? But how can I even do that? Is not God present wherever I go? I certainly think so. So I actually cannot slip off somewhere because I am always visible in the light. I also think the darkness is a heart issue, not a physical issue. Can I have darkness in my heart although I am standing in church? Being in the physical presence of other believers still does not preclude having some darkness in my heart. I must always have my inner being exposed to the examination light of God. I must forever be aware of his Word. I feel like I am jumping back and forth here, from others to me and back to others, but I think that is the case. This concept does apply to both. I should not indulge in those activities but I should not exclude those people from the light either. To balance the interaction with people who practice such behavior in order to share the light with them, or at least have them see the light within me, as I let my light shine, yet not allow their ways to infiltrate my ways, but quite the opposite is a difficult balancing act. Nevertheless, exposure is the key, both for them and me.
EPHESIANS
EXPOSURE
Eph 5:11-14
11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
NIV
Are these words telling me I should go around and expose what other people do in the darkness? I think not. I am seeing here the concept of self examination. This idea of absolutely refraining from any activities which are associated with darkness, and in fact allow any of them which may still exist to be exposed to the light of Christ. Now I do see it may well apply to not associating with the likes of people who practice such evil behavior. To have nothing to do with those kinds of people would certainly help in not being like them. It does make sense, I think, that we all do have a tendency to behave in a similar manner as those we associate with. At least I think I do. That is why it is so important to remain a vital part of the body of Christ. Now although I am not supposed to have nothing to do with those disobedient souls who practice such behavior in secret, I do need to share to Gospel with them is some way, as to expose what they are doing at least to themselves. I also must make sure I am continually living completely exposed to the light myself. If I slip off into some dark secret place, what then? But how can I even do that? Is not God present wherever I go? I certainly think so. So I actually cannot slip off somewhere because I am always visible in the light. I also think the darkness is a heart issue, not a physical issue. Can I have darkness in my heart although I am standing in church? Being in the physical presence of other believers still does not preclude having some darkness in my heart. I must always have my inner being exposed to the examination light of God. I must forever be aware of his Word. I feel like I am jumping back and forth here, from others to me and back to others, but I think that is the case. This concept does apply to both. I should not indulge in those activities but I should not exclude those people from the light either. To balance the interaction with people who practice such behavior in order to share the light with them, or at least have them see the light within me, as I let my light shine, yet not allow their ways to infiltrate my ways, but quite the opposite is a difficult balancing act. Nevertheless, exposure is the key, both for them and me.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Find Out
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
FIND OUT
Eph 5:10
10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
NIV
A simple verse, at least a simply idea, or maybe not as simple as I think. I would imagine those Ephesians would have had a more difficult time of it then I should. They did not have the benefit of the written word in its competed form as I do. They did have this letter from Paul, but still I have so much more available to me in order to comply with its command. The question is of course am I. Do I do all that I can to find out what pleases him? Do I make it a priority in my life? Do I make it the priority of my life? Do I do the research within the scriptures to determine exactly what pleases him? This I think I do, at least the research part. I am not absolutely sure if I make it my highest priority but it is way up on the list. I know it should be on the top of the list. Maybe the finding out part really is on the top of the list but it is the execution of that information which may not be. What good does it do to know what pleases him if I do not put that knowledge into action? This command does follow the ‘live as children of the light’ phrase and certainly that should be a result of finding out what pleases him. Yet I believe even more is required in order to please him. Another question I must pose to myself is rather in the action part, do I spent more time pleasing him or me? Can I be pleasing him while I am pleasing myself? To say it a different way, can I do things which please me and still be pleasing him? Can I be pleasing to him while I am playing Golf, or messing around with my model railroad, or playing a game on the computer, or watching a movie? Can I be pleasing to him during those moments of indiscretions, I think the wrong thing, I say the wrong words or response inappropriately. I think not. I believe I do already know what pleases him, but fail to carry it out way too many times. I cannot make excuses for myself and tell myself I am only a man, an imperfect one at that. I have to simply acknowledge I will not be perfect but I still must make every effort I can to not only find out what pleases him, but act on my findings with his help. I pray I will be able to do just that. It is an ever continuing journey, never ending.
EPHESIANS
FIND OUT
Eph 5:10
10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
NIV
A simple verse, at least a simply idea, or maybe not as simple as I think. I would imagine those Ephesians would have had a more difficult time of it then I should. They did not have the benefit of the written word in its competed form as I do. They did have this letter from Paul, but still I have so much more available to me in order to comply with its command. The question is of course am I. Do I do all that I can to find out what pleases him? Do I make it a priority in my life? Do I make it the priority of my life? Do I do the research within the scriptures to determine exactly what pleases him? This I think I do, at least the research part. I am not absolutely sure if I make it my highest priority but it is way up on the list. I know it should be on the top of the list. Maybe the finding out part really is on the top of the list but it is the execution of that information which may not be. What good does it do to know what pleases him if I do not put that knowledge into action? This command does follow the ‘live as children of the light’ phrase and certainly that should be a result of finding out what pleases him. Yet I believe even more is required in order to please him. Another question I must pose to myself is rather in the action part, do I spent more time pleasing him or me? Can I be pleasing him while I am pleasing myself? To say it a different way, can I do things which please me and still be pleasing him? Can I be pleasing to him while I am playing Golf, or messing around with my model railroad, or playing a game on the computer, or watching a movie? Can I be pleasing to him during those moments of indiscretions, I think the wrong thing, I say the wrong words or response inappropriately. I think not. I believe I do already know what pleases him, but fail to carry it out way too many times. I cannot make excuses for myself and tell myself I am only a man, an imperfect one at that. I have to simply acknowledge I will not be perfect but I still must make every effort I can to not only find out what pleases him, but act on my findings with his help. I pray I will be able to do just that. It is an ever continuing journey, never ending.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
In The LIght
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
IN THE LIGHT
Eph 5:8-10
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
NIV
There is no question regarding the fact I was once in darkness. I am also convinced the reason I was in the darkness was because I did not want anything to do with the light. Even though I may not have known it because of the Word, I knew it because God put the knowledge of himself into ever man, including me. I did not want to be in the light at all because I did not want the light to expose my life. But all that has changed, I do live in the light now. My life is exposed to the light and in this light those things I do which I wish I did not and those things I should do and don’t do are visible because of the light. This light certainly should have a positive effect on my behavior; I should live as though I am in this light and thus exhibit goodness, righteousness and truth. But that is not always the case. I know it is my desire, but I also know I still struggle with being all of that. Why is this? Why should I not be able to be completely filled with those qualities all the time? I certainly would think I should be able to, but I simply am not. I still act at times as if I am still in the darkness. I think the difference is I am now very aware of those times, and I know I am guilty of offending my God, thus I seek his forgiveness. Before I just did not care, now I do. But is that good enough? Is this making excuses for my failures? Maybe, but it is be honest about having them, about not being perfect, about still struggling with the old self. I think that is at least a good thing. I think if I were in denial about those actions which offend God I would be in worse condition. Being in the light brings attention to those behaviors and thus I must deal with them, not simply try to hide them in denial or darkness. So I am content to be in the light. I am very glad Jesus is in my life, for without him I would certainly be doomed. I have hope, of eternal life in the everlasting presence of my God and I have hope of becoming more like him as I continue to live in the light.
EPHESIANS
IN THE LIGHT
Eph 5:8-10
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
NIV
There is no question regarding the fact I was once in darkness. I am also convinced the reason I was in the darkness was because I did not want anything to do with the light. Even though I may not have known it because of the Word, I knew it because God put the knowledge of himself into ever man, including me. I did not want to be in the light at all because I did not want the light to expose my life. But all that has changed, I do live in the light now. My life is exposed to the light and in this light those things I do which I wish I did not and those things I should do and don’t do are visible because of the light. This light certainly should have a positive effect on my behavior; I should live as though I am in this light and thus exhibit goodness, righteousness and truth. But that is not always the case. I know it is my desire, but I also know I still struggle with being all of that. Why is this? Why should I not be able to be completely filled with those qualities all the time? I certainly would think I should be able to, but I simply am not. I still act at times as if I am still in the darkness. I think the difference is I am now very aware of those times, and I know I am guilty of offending my God, thus I seek his forgiveness. Before I just did not care, now I do. But is that good enough? Is this making excuses for my failures? Maybe, but it is be honest about having them, about not being perfect, about still struggling with the old self. I think that is at least a good thing. I think if I were in denial about those actions which offend God I would be in worse condition. Being in the light brings attention to those behaviors and thus I must deal with them, not simply try to hide them in denial or darkness. So I am content to be in the light. I am very glad Jesus is in my life, for without him I would certainly be doomed. I have hope, of eternal life in the everlasting presence of my God and I have hope of becoming more like him as I continue to live in the light.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Not Moved
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
NOT MOVED
Eph 5:6-7
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
NIV
From the Holiday Inn Express in Forsyth GA, the night before leaving the comfort of the bed sometime around 3:00am in order to serve the needs of my sister and get on the road early, early a.m. to be able to arrive at the condo in Naples early enough to stock up on food. So Here I am in the evening after 586 miles considering this concept of not letting anyone deceive me with empty words. Words which are empty because they would not be based on the complete truth contained within the Word of God, empty words because they would be based on humanistic thought and endeavors which must be avoided at all costs. Words like unbelievers are nice people, just lost. Words like unbelievers are good moral people, just lost. Words like some unbelievers are even better than some believers. Words like unbelievers do good things, and therefore are deceit upright people. The Word declares that man’s heart is deceitfully wicked. The Word declares that there is none righteous, no not one. I cannot be deceived by these empty words. I cannot allow this kind of speech to infiltrate my faith, my thoughts, and my belief. I cannot be partners with this kind of rhetoric. If for one moment I ever believe that anyone saved or lost are good moral people, then I have been deceived. If for one instant I think the lost wealthy people of this world are so because God made them wealthy, rather than their own human effort, I have been deceived. All people, including myself have sin in their live and thus are not upright moral, good none evil people. The only difference is Christ. We are all the same. I cannot sit and hear empty words which dilute the truth. I cannot allow this kind of social Gospel to corrupt my faith. I have to take a stand and stand firm upon the truth of the Word of God. Men are sinners; Men have a deceitful wicked evil heart. Men have put their trust in flesh rather than in Christ. There is nothing spiritual about that at all. My mind is made up because I am convinced the Word of God is truth. I am also convinced men manipulate the Word for their own advantage. I will not be moved.
EPHESIANS
NOT MOVED
Eph 5:6-7
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
NIV
From the Holiday Inn Express in Forsyth GA, the night before leaving the comfort of the bed sometime around 3:00am in order to serve the needs of my sister and get on the road early, early a.m. to be able to arrive at the condo in Naples early enough to stock up on food. So Here I am in the evening after 586 miles considering this concept of not letting anyone deceive me with empty words. Words which are empty because they would not be based on the complete truth contained within the Word of God, empty words because they would be based on humanistic thought and endeavors which must be avoided at all costs. Words like unbelievers are nice people, just lost. Words like unbelievers are good moral people, just lost. Words like some unbelievers are even better than some believers. Words like unbelievers do good things, and therefore are deceit upright people. The Word declares that man’s heart is deceitfully wicked. The Word declares that there is none righteous, no not one. I cannot be deceived by these empty words. I cannot allow this kind of speech to infiltrate my faith, my thoughts, and my belief. I cannot be partners with this kind of rhetoric. If for one moment I ever believe that anyone saved or lost are good moral people, then I have been deceived. If for one instant I think the lost wealthy people of this world are so because God made them wealthy, rather than their own human effort, I have been deceived. All people, including myself have sin in their live and thus are not upright moral, good none evil people. The only difference is Christ. We are all the same. I cannot sit and hear empty words which dilute the truth. I cannot allow this kind of social Gospel to corrupt my faith. I have to take a stand and stand firm upon the truth of the Word of God. Men are sinners; Men have a deceitful wicked evil heart. Men have put their trust in flesh rather than in Christ. There is nothing spiritual about that at all. My mind is made up because I am convinced the Word of God is truth. I am also convinced men manipulate the Word for their own advantage. I will not be moved.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Inheritance
DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
INHERITANCE
Eph 5:3-5
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person — such a man is an idolater — has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
NIV
I am wondering why this sexual immorality would be included in this verse for I am absolutely convinced I do not indulge in unlawful lust. I know this Greek word is a verb, which implies the action of illicit intercourse. But can this also be applied to my thought life? Can I be sure I never ever have even a hint of a thought from time to time? Can I make that claim one hundred percent of the time? I am not absolutely sure. I know I have to, but it is difficult to control every thought all of the time. As to the impurity or living an unclean live, I believe that I am alright with this. I do not think I would consider myself a person who is given over to luxury or lives a recklessly wasteful; wildly extravagant life. I also certainly know without any doubt I am not a person with a heart bent toward greed. Now can I actually say I do not have a desire to have more? I do like to have more of some things. Is that greed in this sense? Should I be content with nothing? Or at least with what I now have? I think so. If I want another pair of better fitting jeans, is that greed? What about wanting to play another round of golf? Or how about wanting to have more for my model railroad, is that greed? Is it simply the desire to have more of self? Questions I must ponder over. Then I still have to deal with the lesser ideas of obscenity, foolish talk and course joking. So much to consider in these verses, maybe I should have broken this up, but it is all one concept so I dare not. I hear this kind of verbiage all the time in the body of Christ. Do I add to it? More questions, more pondering and prayer, so much to keep in mind in my daily life I am convince that I need more of Christ. I know for sure, I need complete honesty within myself. I have to be able to admit the truth, not deceiving myself with false thoughts. This will require a lot of introspective contemplation. I dare not dismiss all this lightly, for I do not want to be left out when it comes to the inheritance in the Kingdom of God.
EPHESIANS
INHERITANCE
Eph 5:3-5
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person — such a man is an idolater — has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
NIV
I am wondering why this sexual immorality would be included in this verse for I am absolutely convinced I do not indulge in unlawful lust. I know this Greek word is a verb, which implies the action of illicit intercourse. But can this also be applied to my thought life? Can I be sure I never ever have even a hint of a thought from time to time? Can I make that claim one hundred percent of the time? I am not absolutely sure. I know I have to, but it is difficult to control every thought all of the time. As to the impurity or living an unclean live, I believe that I am alright with this. I do not think I would consider myself a person who is given over to luxury or lives a recklessly wasteful; wildly extravagant life. I also certainly know without any doubt I am not a person with a heart bent toward greed. Now can I actually say I do not have a desire to have more? I do like to have more of some things. Is that greed in this sense? Should I be content with nothing? Or at least with what I now have? I think so. If I want another pair of better fitting jeans, is that greed? What about wanting to play another round of golf? Or how about wanting to have more for my model railroad, is that greed? Is it simply the desire to have more of self? Questions I must ponder over. Then I still have to deal with the lesser ideas of obscenity, foolish talk and course joking. So much to consider in these verses, maybe I should have broken this up, but it is all one concept so I dare not. I hear this kind of verbiage all the time in the body of Christ. Do I add to it? More questions, more pondering and prayer, so much to keep in mind in my daily life I am convince that I need more of Christ. I know for sure, I need complete honesty within myself. I have to be able to admit the truth, not deceiving myself with false thoughts. This will require a lot of introspective contemplation. I dare not dismiss all this lightly, for I do not want to be left out when it comes to the inheritance in the Kingdom of God.
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