And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. (1 Jn 2:28)
I picture myself standing before him on that day, and that’s how I want to be: confident and unashamed. Confident to stand because the blood of Jesus Christ has covered all my sins, and unashamed because I have been faithful to him. To continue in him is to remain in him, abide in him, walk with him and obey him. Lord, help me to live my life in you.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Know Who Your Enemy Is
The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (Jn 10:10)
This was the text of yesterday’s sermon by Richy Fisher. He said that in the context that Jesus spoke, the thief was the Jewish leaders and their legalistic system (e.g. not allowing healing on the Sabbath). But more broadly, the thief is the world system and Satan. It was new to me to think about the whole world system as being in view here, but it is true. Through it the enemy robs us. Our life is in Christ and we must live it in him. We must not settle for less. We will only know his voice if we listen to him. Not just talk about him or at him, but listen.
This was the text of yesterday’s sermon by Richy Fisher. He said that in the context that Jesus spoke, the thief was the Jewish leaders and their legalistic system (e.g. not allowing healing on the Sabbath). But more broadly, the thief is the world system and Satan. It was new to me to think about the whole world system as being in view here, but it is true. Through it the enemy robs us. Our life is in Christ and we must live it in him. We must not settle for less. We will only know his voice if we listen to him. Not just talk about him or at him, but listen.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Study Now or Pay Later
Then they will call to me but I will not answer. (Pr 1:28)
Wisdom must be gained by diligent study and practice over a period of time. When foolishness has led to disaster it is difficult to suddenly find wisdom at the moment of need. And wisdom gained after the fact will not undo the consequences of foolishness, although it can guard against further foolishness.
Wisdom must be gained by diligent study and practice over a period of time. When foolishness has led to disaster it is difficult to suddenly find wisdom at the moment of need. And wisdom gained after the fact will not undo the consequences of foolishness, although it can guard against further foolishness.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Who Are You Listening To?
Wisdom calls aloud in the street…at the head of the noisy streets she cries out. (Pr 1:20-21)
So many messages and philosophies vie for our attention. The streets are indeed noisy. We need to focus very intentionally on hearing the voice of wisdom or we will miss it in the noise.
So many messages and philosophies vie for our attention. The streets are indeed noisy. We need to focus very intentionally on hearing the voice of wisdom or we will miss it in the noise.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The Rod of Correction
A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands he will not respond. (Pr 29:19)
See also:
The rod of correction imparts wisdom. (Pr 29:15)
The rod of correction imparts wisdom. (Pr 29:15)
Discipline your son, and he will give you peace. (Pr 29:17)
Discipline is essential in every authority relationship, not just child rearing. And mere words of correction are insufficient; there must be appropriate consequences for inappropriate behavior. This is true at home, at school, in the workplace, in the military, and regarding the law. When I am in authority, as a parent or at work, it is not inappropriate for me to bring correction to the one who is under me. Indeed it is better for both of us. And for the same reason God disciplines us as well.
Discipline is essential in every authority relationship, not just child rearing. And mere words of correction are insufficient; there must be appropriate consequences for inappropriate behavior. This is true at home, at school, in the workplace, in the military, and regarding the law. When I am in authority, as a parent or at work, it is not inappropriate for me to bring correction to the one who is under me. Indeed it is better for both of us. And for the same reason God disciplines us as well.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Rebuking in Love
He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue. (Pr 28:23)
My first instinct is to always watch out for hurting someone’s feelings, so I often hold my tongue when I perhaps ought to rebuke them. I know this verse can be abused by those who like to vent their anger and call it “rebuke.” But sometimes I do more harm than good by holding my tongue, and instead finding something to compliment them on. Especially as a father, there are times I need to bring correction. Lord, help me to choose wisely in each situation. Help me to know when encouragement is needed for failure and when rebuke is needed for waywardness.
My first instinct is to always watch out for hurting someone’s feelings, so I often hold my tongue when I perhaps ought to rebuke them. I know this verse can be abused by those who like to vent their anger and call it “rebuke.” But sometimes I do more harm than good by holding my tongue, and instead finding something to compliment them on. Especially as a father, there are times I need to bring correction. Lord, help me to choose wisely in each situation. Help me to know when encouragement is needed for failure and when rebuke is needed for waywardness.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Feeding the Flesh
Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man. (Pr 27:20)
My flesh will never be satisfied. I cannot give it a little (a little gluttony, a little lust, a little laziness) and expect it to stop bothering me. No, the more I give in to such temptations the more they consume me. That path ends only in Death and Destruction. Do not take even the first step on that road.
My flesh will never be satisfied. I cannot give it a little (a little gluttony, a little lust, a little laziness) and expect it to stop bothering me. No, the more I give in to such temptations the more they consume me. That path ends only in Death and Destruction. Do not take even the first step on that road.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sharpening Stones
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Pr 27:17)
We have to be a bit abrasive if we are going to help each other, and we have to be in close contact. There’s no substitute for meeting regularly and sharing what’s really going on in our lives. There’s no substitute for speaking frankly with each other when the situation warrants it. Not that we should ever be rude, but speaking the truth in love. Of course we should be encouraging, too. But when a brother is deceiving himself, when he is blind to his self-destructive behavior, we must tell him if we truly love him.
We have to be a bit abrasive if we are going to help each other, and we have to be in close contact. There’s no substitute for meeting regularly and sharing what’s really going on in our lives. There’s no substitute for speaking frankly with each other when the situation warrants it. Not that we should ever be rude, but speaking the truth in love. Of course we should be encouraging, too. But when a brother is deceiving himself, when he is blind to his self-destructive behavior, we must tell him if we truly love him.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Let's Speak Up
Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow. (Jn 18:27)
I can so easily see myself doing just what Peter did. I may not have actually, verbally denied Christ, but I have often remained silent when several guys are standing around, joking and making statements that I know are contrary to God’s truth. Rather than risk alienation from the group, rather than being thought prudish, unsophisticated or foolish, I remain silent and give tacit consent to sin and falsehood.
Yet Peter didn’t stay like this, and what changed him? Pentecost! Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on them like fire and Peter preached to thousands. Now I know I have the Holy Spirit already because I am already saved. What I need is to be filled with the Spirit, not to quench the Spirit. Lord, I surrender to the control of your Spirit today. Fill me, take control of me, and make me bold for you as I yield control to you.
I can so easily see myself doing just what Peter did. I may not have actually, verbally denied Christ, but I have often remained silent when several guys are standing around, joking and making statements that I know are contrary to God’s truth. Rather than risk alienation from the group, rather than being thought prudish, unsophisticated or foolish, I remain silent and give tacit consent to sin and falsehood.
Yet Peter didn’t stay like this, and what changed him? Pentecost! Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on them like fire and Peter preached to thousands. Now I know I have the Holy Spirit already because I am already saved. What I need is to be filled with the Spirit, not to quench the Spirit. Lord, I surrender to the control of your Spirit today. Fill me, take control of me, and make me bold for you as I yield control to you.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Sanctified by the Truth
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (Jn 17:17)
By applying ourselves to God’s Word we are sanctified – made more like him. In Jn 8:32 when he says “the truth shall set you free” he is saying the same thing: victory over sin. It comes only through careful obedience to his Word, which is only possible as we immerse ourselves in it.
By applying ourselves to God’s Word we are sanctified – made more like him. In Jn 8:32 when he says “the truth shall set you free” he is saying the same thing: victory over sin. It comes only through careful obedience to his Word, which is only possible as we immerse ourselves in it.
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