We all know people around us who live in the shadow of sin on a daily basis. They are so deep in their transgression that they can see out. What are we to do? Well, if you look at the first part of Galatians chapter 6, you'll find some clues.
First, don't be silently judgmental or look the other way. We are to take action and restore that person. We are asked to do it only one way, with gentleness.
Gentleness is actually one of the fruit of the spirit that we learn about later in Galatians. Be gentle with your words and actions, not harsh or condescending. It's amazing how every human responds to gentleness. They are more likely to put down their guard and listen. Remember back to when you were a child, you likely had a relative who treated you with gentleness. Remember how you would respond to that person and respect that person much more than a relative that was always yelling and harshly telling you what to do?
There is also a warning next in the passage. It tells us to be on our guard and not to get sucked into their transgressions. A person captured in ongoing sin loves company. Loves to validate their sinful behavior by having others participate with them. So we must be careful and in prayer when we approach and interact with them.
Pray about who you know who needs you, a spiritual person, to gently restore them away from their sinfulness. Then pray for wisdom and the opportunity to engage with them.
Galatians 6:1-2 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
And The Truth Shall Set You Free
We've all heard this phrase said in some context or another. Maybe in a movie or someone we know uses it as a cliché. But have you ever taken the time to learn more about where it came from and what context it was said in?
Jesus said these words in John chapter 8. He actually said them to a group of Jewish people that were new believers in Him as the Messiah. It ...came just after He was telling the Pharisees that He was the Light of the World. So you could only imagine that there was doubt and tension as part of this conversation. I love how Jesus handles the situation with the new believers.
Jesus told these new believers that if they were to abide in His word and hold to His teachings, then they will know the truth, and this truth (that He is the Messiah, forgiver of sins and the pathway to the Father) will set them free.
Well, their response was genuine. They told Jesus that they were not currently in bondage or a slave to anyone, what did they need to be set free from? Jesus clearly told them that their sin was their master and they, in fact, where a slave to their sin. Just as you and I are, our sins can keep us enslaved from reaching our full potential and the blessings that God has for us. We need freedom from our sin. Jesus provides us this opportunity.
What ongoing sin do you have? Imagine if you had a way to be free from that bondage. You need the truth to be set free. The truth is that Jesus is our savior. Here is the truth about Jesus as best as I can provide: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Then the Word became flesh through the birth and ministry of Jesus. Who willingly died on the cross for our sins (to set us free), rose from the dead and today sits at the right hand of God Almighty. He will return to this earth one day. He is the only way to God our Father in Heaven.
If you want to be set free, then you need to seek the truth, which is Christ Jesus.
John 8:31-36
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Jesus said these words in John chapter 8. He actually said them to a group of Jewish people that were new believers in Him as the Messiah. It ...came just after He was telling the Pharisees that He was the Light of the World. So you could only imagine that there was doubt and tension as part of this conversation. I love how Jesus handles the situation with the new believers.
Jesus told these new believers that if they were to abide in His word and hold to His teachings, then they will know the truth, and this truth (that He is the Messiah, forgiver of sins and the pathway to the Father) will set them free.
Well, their response was genuine. They told Jesus that they were not currently in bondage or a slave to anyone, what did they need to be set free from? Jesus clearly told them that their sin was their master and they, in fact, where a slave to their sin. Just as you and I are, our sins can keep us enslaved from reaching our full potential and the blessings that God has for us. We need freedom from our sin. Jesus provides us this opportunity.
What ongoing sin do you have? Imagine if you had a way to be free from that bondage. You need the truth to be set free. The truth is that Jesus is our savior. Here is the truth about Jesus as best as I can provide: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Then the Word became flesh through the birth and ministry of Jesus. Who willingly died on the cross for our sins (to set us free), rose from the dead and today sits at the right hand of God Almighty. He will return to this earth one day. He is the only way to God our Father in Heaven.
If you want to be set free, then you need to seek the truth, which is Christ Jesus.
John 8:31-36
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Today's Prayer 1/24/13
Our Father in Heaven, your name mean protection, provider, salvation and awesome. Today, enforce your will upon our nation and our leaders. For it is you who gives them power.
Father, today I pray for my family who is facing a tough battle. Be with them, strengthen the generations and allow a miracle to be performed in front of them with your grace and mercy. You are in control and today we need ...for you to be in control. The fate of a family member is in your almighty hands.
Lord, let me focus on what I need to do today to glorify you. Allow me to remain peaceful and diligent to your purpose for my life. Keep me in the path that is narrow and protect my steps. Lord, go before me and prepare my way.
God, your gift of my eternal salvation should be all that I need, yet you amaze me with your divine love and steadfastness. You are unshakeable and I am not. Give me your strength today.
Thank you for my many blessings. Let my work glorify you. Guide my thoughts and my hands so I am a pure reflection of your word. Forgive me of my sins and thank you for residing in me with your Holy Spirit. I am forever grateful that you are my Father and that Jesus is my one and only savior, Amen.
Father, today I pray for my family who is facing a tough battle. Be with them, strengthen the generations and allow a miracle to be performed in front of them with your grace and mercy. You are in control and today we need ...for you to be in control. The fate of a family member is in your almighty hands.
Lord, let me focus on what I need to do today to glorify you. Allow me to remain peaceful and diligent to your purpose for my life. Keep me in the path that is narrow and protect my steps. Lord, go before me and prepare my way.
God, your gift of my eternal salvation should be all that I need, yet you amaze me with your divine love and steadfastness. You are unshakeable and I am not. Give me your strength today.
Thank you for my many blessings. Let my work glorify you. Guide my thoughts and my hands so I am a pure reflection of your word. Forgive me of my sins and thank you for residing in me with your Holy Spirit. I am forever grateful that you are my Father and that Jesus is my one and only savior, Amen.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Selah: Pause and Think of That
Yes, we may be at the edge of a fiscal cliff which is the result of the works of mankind, but fear not, the spiritual cliff is avoided for that is the works of our Heavenly Father. Our almighty God is JEHOVAH-ROHI, the Lord our shepherd.
Consider Psalm 62:5-8 - My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.... On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Notice this passage ends with Selah, which in Hebrew means "pause and think of that." Today, I will greatly encourage you to do just that.
Consider Psalm 62:5-8 - My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.... On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Notice this passage ends with Selah, which in Hebrew means "pause and think of that." Today, I will greatly encourage you to do just that.
Today's Prayer 1/23/13
Dear Lord, I come before you today as a little child, reaching up to you and calling out to you as my Father. Lord, reach down and embrace me today. You are the Holy one who loves me and provides for me.
I pray today for your will on my life and my family. Your plan is perfect and your timing is just. Give me patience and a spirit of joy as I stay obedient to your word.
Give me today exactly what I need. Provide me abundantly with the things I need emotionally, physically, financially and spiritually. You are JEHOVAH-JIREH, the Lord our provider.
Forgive me of my sins and my sinful nature. Help me understand that I too need to forgive those who have wronged me. Thank you for Jesus who brings me blameless unto you.
Protect me today and my family today both physically and spiritually. Lead me not into temptation, but protect my path. You are the Almighty God, creator of the universe and you knew me and formed me in my mother's womb. I am so grateful for your love. In Jesus precious name, Amen.
I pray today for your will on my life and my family. Your plan is perfect and your timing is just. Give me patience and a spirit of joy as I stay obedient to your word.
Give me today exactly what I need. Provide me abundantly with the things I need emotionally, physically, financially and spiritually. You are JEHOVAH-JIREH, the Lord our provider.
Forgive me of my sins and my sinful nature. Help me understand that I too need to forgive those who have wronged me. Thank you for Jesus who brings me blameless unto you.
Protect me today and my family today both physically and spiritually. Lead me not into temptation, but protect my path. You are the Almighty God, creator of the universe and you knew me and formed me in my mother's womb. I am so grateful for your love. In Jesus precious name, Amen.
Giving God Control
Want to live a life more obedient and honorable to God? Consider confessing to Him that you need Him in every aspect of your life. Whether it's parenting, your job, your marriage, an addiction, your health, your neighbors or anything that you do or are involved with, confess you need to give control to God. Even if it's something that you think you are very good at or successful with, give God control.
Start by praying and confessing "God, I need your help with _________ or God, please take control of _________". Take the thing you struggle with the most AND the thing in which you are the best at and give them both to Him.
Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Start by praying and confessing "God, I need your help with _________ or God, please take control of _________". Take the thing you struggle with the most AND the thing in which you are the best at and give them both to Him.
Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Hidden Addiction
Someone needs to hear this today: There is a hidden addiction that has control of your life. Now is the time to move away from it. It is holding back the true blessing that God has waiting for you. Pray that the sins of the flesh are diverted and that you allow the Holy Spirit that lives inside of you to prevail everyday. Be strong and seek help if needed. You can do it through Christ who strengthens you.
James 1:21 - Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
James 1:21 - Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
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