MERCY has to do with our failures and shortcomings, with our missing the mark or more plainly with our sin and the covering and cleansing of our sin.
We are forgiven because of the Mercy of God.
GRACE has to do with our living fruitful, faithful abundant lives in God.
It is because of the Mercy of God that the Grace of God is available to us. The Mercy of God is there "if" we sin the Grace of God is there so we don't have to.
1Jo 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (KJV)
Just notice that the scripture says "if" not "when", that's a huge difference when you think about it. If I say "when I sin" I am setting myself up for failure, however if I say "if I sin" I at least give myself the opportunity not to. I may sin, but I don't have to ... neither do you.
Thank God for His mercy and his grace.
SELAH
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
GOD'S ABILITY
As long as I can remember I've heard "grace" defined as the unmerited favor of God. That's true but there is more to it than that. Grace has to do with the influence of the Holy Spirit on the life of a believer. Grace could be defined in a broader way as: "the ability of God in you to do what you are not able to do yourself" ... which is anything. Jesus said we can do nothing apart from our relationship and fellowship with Him. ( John 15)
Paul said the we are "saved by grace through faith"(Eph 2:8), in other words we access the grace that produces salvation in us by faith.
The word for "saved" is also translated in the NT as delivered, preserved, healed, protected and made whole. We can do none of these things in and of ourselves, but the Grace of God active in our lives can. God will do these things for us because He loves us not because we earn it or deserve it.
God so loved the world (us) that He gave ... this is the mercy of God in action ... His only begotten Son ... this is His grace extended ... that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life ... this is grace in action, saving the one who believes.
We can be saved, delivered, protected, preserved, healed and made whole by God's ability in us to do what we cannot do for ourselves through faith, through believing.
SELAH
Paul said the we are "saved by grace through faith"(Eph 2:8), in other words we access the grace that produces salvation in us by faith.
The word for "saved" is also translated in the NT as delivered, preserved, healed, protected and made whole. We can do none of these things in and of ourselves, but the Grace of God active in our lives can. God will do these things for us because He loves us not because we earn it or deserve it.
God so loved the world (us) that He gave ... this is the mercy of God in action ... His only begotten Son ... this is His grace extended ... that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life ... this is grace in action, saving the one who believes.
We can be saved, delivered, protected, preserved, healed and made whole by God's ability in us to do what we cannot do for ourselves through faith, through believing.
SELAH
Thursday, February 23, 2006
HANGIN' WITH JESUS
Ga 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (KJV)
"Hangin' with Jesus", I've always thought of this phrase in a "practicing the presence of God" sort of way, but I think there's more to consider. When Jesus hung on that cross, we hung on that cross, when he died, we died and when He was raised up so were we. We were raised into a brand new life, a brand new position in life, a new position from which to live life.
Eph 2:1-7 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (KJV)
We need to keep hangin' with Jesus, we need to consider our position in Him and continue practicing His presence. The more we are around Him the more like Him we become. The more like the Master we become the more of heaven on earth we will experience. That doesn't necessarily mean we will live on "easy street", but how fulfilling do you think Jesus' life was? I know in my own life the most rewarding times have been acts of faithful obedience to the commmandment of Love. There have been many "goodtimes" but the best have been touching someone else with the life, love and power of God.
Hangin" with Jesus, always a new adventure. Seek those things that are above.
SELAH
"Hangin' with Jesus", I've always thought of this phrase in a "practicing the presence of God" sort of way, but I think there's more to consider. When Jesus hung on that cross, we hung on that cross, when he died, we died and when He was raised up so were we. We were raised into a brand new life, a brand new position in life, a new position from which to live life.
Eph 2:1-7 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (KJV)
We need to keep hangin' with Jesus, we need to consider our position in Him and continue practicing His presence. The more we are around Him the more like Him we become. The more like the Master we become the more of heaven on earth we will experience. That doesn't necessarily mean we will live on "easy street", but how fulfilling do you think Jesus' life was? I know in my own life the most rewarding times have been acts of faithful obedience to the commmandment of Love. There have been many "goodtimes" but the best have been touching someone else with the life, love and power of God.
Hangin" with Jesus, always a new adventure. Seek those things that are above.
SELAH
SONS
Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
(KJV)
Ro 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
(KJV)
Ro 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
(KJV)
John uses the word teknon; Paul uses the word huios and teknon.
Vines Dictionary has this to say; Notes: (1) For the synonyms teknon and teknion see under CHILD. The difference between believers as "children of God" and as "sons of God" is brought out in Rom 8:14-21. The Spirit bears witness with their spirit that they are "children of God," and, as such, they are His heirs and joint-heirs with Christ. This stresses the fact of their spiritual birth . On the other hand, "as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God," i. e., "these and no other." Their conduct gives evidence of the dignity of their relationship and their likeness to His character.
When we are born again we start out as or become teknon sons or children of God and grow into huios sons of God who are led by the Spirit of God. Jesus is our example as He was led so we can be led. It goes without saying that it is our responsibility to follow, but as we do we will become more like Him.
Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
(KJV)
Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform* it until the day of Jesus Christ: (*or complete)
(KJV)
Pray with me:
Father God. Thank you for your mercy and for allowing me to be your child. Thank you for your grace at work in me today to make me like you. Give me the grace today to yield to you in every way. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
God is not going to give up on you so don’t give up on yourself. Jesus really does LOVE YOU!
SELAH
(KJV)
Ro 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
(KJV)
Ro 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
(KJV)
John uses the word teknon; Paul uses the word huios and teknon.
Vines Dictionary has this to say; Notes: (1) For the synonyms teknon and teknion see under CHILD. The difference between believers as "children of God" and as "sons of God" is brought out in Rom 8:14-21
When we are born again we start out as or become teknon sons or children of God and grow into huios sons of God who are led by the Spirit of God. Jesus is our example as He was led so we can be led. It goes without saying that it is our responsibility to follow, but as we do we will become more like Him.
Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
(KJV)
Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform* it until the day of Jesus Christ: (*or complete)
(KJV)
Pray with me:
Father God. Thank you for your mercy and for allowing me to be your child. Thank you for your grace at work in me today to make me like you. Give me the grace today to yield to you in every way. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
God is not going to give up on you so don’t give up on yourself. Jesus really does LOVE YOU!
SELAH
Monday, February 20, 2006
NO LIMITS
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (KJV)
Ever thought about what power is at work in you?
What power is available to you today?
Consider these, the Blood of Jesus, The Holy Spirit, the unchanging Word of God, the never ending Mercy of God, the abundant Grace of God, the Matchless Mighty Name of Jesus and His everlasting Love!
What power have you released in your life today?
SELAH
Ever thought about what power is at work in you?
What power is available to you today?
Consider these, the Blood of Jesus, The Holy Spirit, the unchanging Word of God, the never ending Mercy of God, the abundant Grace of God, the Matchless Mighty Name of Jesus and His everlasting Love!
What power have you released in your life today?
SELAH
Friday, February 17, 2006
MORE THAN YOU ASK OR THINK
Eph 3:20-21 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (KJV)
There are no limitations in God. He is able to do exceeding abundantly, He is able and the enemy is not able to stop Him. When a person decides to answer the call of salvation there is nothing the enemy can do to stop the new birth from happening. This is true for any promise God has made. When the Word of God is acted upon in faith it will come to pass as God intended.
The Devil is simply not big enough to stop God from performing His Word in your behalf.
Not only is God unstoppable but because fo our relationship and communion with Him we can live victoriously. We can accomplish anything;
Mr 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. (KJV)
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV)
There are many directions one could go at this point but let me end this post by asking you to read Eph.3:14-21. Notice as you do what is being asked for, think about it carefully and then remember that God is able to do exceeding abuntdantly above.
SELAH
There are no limitations in God. He is able to do exceeding abundantly, He is able and the enemy is not able to stop Him. When a person decides to answer the call of salvation there is nothing the enemy can do to stop the new birth from happening. This is true for any promise God has made. When the Word of God is acted upon in faith it will come to pass as God intended.
The Devil is simply not big enough to stop God from performing His Word in your behalf.
Not only is God unstoppable but because fo our relationship and communion with Him we can live victoriously. We can accomplish anything;
Mr 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. (KJV)
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV)
There are many directions one could go at this point but let me end this post by asking you to read Eph.3:14-21. Notice as you do what is being asked for, think about it carefully and then remember that God is able to do exceeding abuntdantly above.
SELAH
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Isa 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV)
Is the new creation wicked? I think not, in fact all things about the new creation are of God.
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (KJV)
Is the new creation unrighteous?
2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (KJV)
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (KJV)
Can we as new creations act wickedly and unrighteously? Yes, even though we don't have to.
The process of changing our thinking to the higher thoughts of God changes our ways to the higher ways. Our conduct changes from unrighteous to righteous as we forsake the wrong thinking.
For the most part we have been trained by the world to think contrary to the ways of God. I think it is important to say that not everything we've been taught is "wicked" in some foul and evil way. Thoughts that are unrighteous can simply be thoughts that are not right, thoughts that are not correct ... the wrong way ... negative as oppossed to positive. 2+2=5 is not wicked but it is wrong. To think that you are worthless when God the Father and Jesus thought you were worth the price of His Blood is not "wicked" but is wrong. Thinking about oneself in that way for a prolonged period of time will produce terrible, perhaps wicked results in a persons life.
Isaiah tells us to forsake the old thoughts, the Apostle Paul tells us in;
Ro 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)
I am thankful that I have been given the privilege and the ability think the thoughts of God and walk in His ways. Thank God for His abundant mercy and grace.
SELAH
Is the new creation wicked? I think not, in fact all things about the new creation are of God.
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (KJV)
Is the new creation unrighteous?
2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (KJV)
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (KJV)
Can we as new creations act wickedly and unrighteously? Yes, even though we don't have to.
The process of changing our thinking to the higher thoughts of God changes our ways to the higher ways. Our conduct changes from unrighteous to righteous as we forsake the wrong thinking.
For the most part we have been trained by the world to think contrary to the ways of God. I think it is important to say that not everything we've been taught is "wicked" in some foul and evil way. Thoughts that are unrighteous can simply be thoughts that are not right, thoughts that are not correct ... the wrong way ... negative as oppossed to positive. 2+2=5 is not wicked but it is wrong. To think that you are worthless when God the Father and Jesus thought you were worth the price of His Blood is not "wicked" but is wrong. Thinking about oneself in that way for a prolonged period of time will produce terrible, perhaps wicked results in a persons life.
Isaiah tells us to forsake the old thoughts, the Apostle Paul tells us in;
Ro 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)
I am thankful that I have been given the privilege and the ability think the thoughts of God and walk in His ways. Thank God for His abundant mercy and grace.
SELAH
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
More thoughts on thoughts
Ps 45:1 <> My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. (KJV)
Inditing = bubbling up, or boil over
I once looked up the word conscience and found a defintion to be; "the totality of ones thoughts and feelings". Everything we do or say starts with a thought or a series of thoughts. Even the things we don't do are a result of our thoughts. It has been said that a stronghold is a series of thoughts that hold us in bondage.
2Co 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (KJV)
The word "imaginations" could translated arguments or reasonings. When these arguments or reasonings are contrary to the thoughts and purposes of God and they persist they become strongholds that need to be pulled down. It is as we meditate upon the Word of God that these imgainations are destroyed. Considering the thoughts of God on any and every matter brings us to His way which is the higher and better way. The Word of God is Truth and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth and will only lead us into Truth. Thinking the Truth leads to knowing the Truth and knowing the Truth leads to doing the Truth and that leads to freedom and success.
Isa 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV)
Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection (your heart, your thoughts)on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (KJV)
Think Higher
Be Blessed
SELAH
Inditing = bubbling up, or boil over
I once looked up the word conscience and found a defintion to be; "the totality of ones thoughts and feelings". Everything we do or say starts with a thought or a series of thoughts. Even the things we don't do are a result of our thoughts. It has been said that a stronghold is a series of thoughts that hold us in bondage.
2Co 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (KJV)
The word "imaginations" could translated arguments or reasonings. When these arguments or reasonings are contrary to the thoughts and purposes of God and they persist they become strongholds that need to be pulled down. It is as we meditate upon the Word of God that these imgainations are destroyed. Considering the thoughts of God on any and every matter brings us to His way which is the higher and better way. The Word of God is Truth and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth and will only lead us into Truth. Thinking the Truth leads to knowing the Truth and knowing the Truth leads to doing the Truth and that leads to freedom and success.
Isa 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV)
Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection (your heart, your thoughts)on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (KJV)
Think Higher
Be Blessed
SELAH
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Meditaitons
Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (KJV)
This scripture has been a challenge to me for months now, because everything we say and do begins with our thoughts. The things we ponder, the things we muse about as we go through our days eventually shape the ways of our lives. Jesus said in, Lu 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (KJV)
God has His thoughts toward us and our lives; Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (KJV)
The question is do our thoughts about ourselves and others align with His. Pleasing thoughts produce pleasing actions and pleasing actions bring the statement we all want to hear in the end. "Well done thou good and faithful servant enter in to the joy of your Lord".
Selah
This scripture has been a challenge to me for months now, because everything we say and do begins with our thoughts. The things we ponder, the things we muse about as we go through our days eventually shape the ways of our lives. Jesus said in, Lu 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (KJV)
God has His thoughts toward us and our lives; Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (KJV)
The question is do our thoughts about ourselves and others align with His. Pleasing thoughts produce pleasing actions and pleasing actions bring the statement we all want to hear in the end. "Well done thou good and faithful servant enter in to the joy of your Lord".
Selah
Friday, February 10, 2006
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want..."
Just listen to the confidence in that statement. Think about the attitude and the mind set David had to be able to pen those words. Consider how that kind of thinking would have been developed.I'm sure there is more that can be said, but by way of a simple statement I believe that kind of confidence can only come through realtionship, a close and growing one.
Is the Lord your shepherd? What does that mean to you TODAY?
SELAH
Just listen to the confidence in that statement. Think about the attitude and the mind set David had to be able to pen those words. Consider how that kind of thinking would have been developed.I'm sure there is more that can be said, but by way of a simple statement I believe that kind of confidence can only come through realtionship, a close and growing one.
Is the Lord your shepherd? What does that mean to you TODAY?
SELAH
Monday, February 06, 2006
I am glad that God has my back and my future. People can be faithful, loyal friends and then people can be people .... But God never changes He is the friend forever. I am also thankful that my sons are double brothers in the natural and the spirit. Blood is thicker than water and the Blood of Jesus is the best of all at binding together.
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