Scripture:John 1:1-4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Observation: This is probably the most important scripture in the Bible. Many cults have gone astray because of the lack of this most important knowledge. The Word is Jesus. Jesus has always been, and he is God. Jesus spoke all things into existence, as we see in Genesis Chapter 1. He made everything, all matter, and he made time itself. Jesus is Life, he is the very essence of Life. It is Jesus that makes us different from a rock, a chair, or any other inanimate object. Jesus is our light, and it is his presence in us that makes us alive.
Application: Understanding this basic truth should change our lives. We should realize that we are not an accident, and that the one who created the universe lives in us. When you understand this, how should you then live? You must live for your creator. He has preserved his Word, the Bible, as our guidebook, and he wants to be intimate with us. When we worship him, when we pray to him, when we meditate on him, we learn to know him. It is like realizing you had an adopted father, then getting to know that adopted father and developing a relationship with him where he can mentor and guide you.
Prayer: Thank You Jesus that you are life. Thank you that you live in us. Help us to live for the one who created us, and help us to give you the honor you deserve. Let each day of our lives be lived fully for you.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Forgive and Forget?
Scripture: Numbers 14:19 - 22((Moses Speaking)) Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now. And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word: But [as] truly [as] I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:
Observation: Moses asked God, and God forgave the people of Israel. However, his forgiveness did not remove the consequence of their action. They would never see the promise land because of their rebellion against God.
Application: We see this principle in action in our interactions with each other, and our interaction with the supernatural. When we forgive each other, as we are commanded to do, it doesn't take away the damage that is already done. To ignore that damage is problematic. In the same way when our God forgives us, we don't always see the consequences of our rebellion removed. As followers of Jesus we have a special supernatural relationship by which the eternal guilt of our sin is removed, but here on earth in the natural we still see consequences. Often God will supernaturally remove those consequences as the result of the prayers of his disciples, but the default seems to be that we have to live with the consequences of our sin.
Prayer: Our Father, who is in heaven, Holy is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from Evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Observation: Moses asked God, and God forgave the people of Israel. However, his forgiveness did not remove the consequence of their action. They would never see the promise land because of their rebellion against God.
Application: We see this principle in action in our interactions with each other, and our interaction with the supernatural. When we forgive each other, as we are commanded to do, it doesn't take away the damage that is already done. To ignore that damage is problematic. In the same way when our God forgives us, we don't always see the consequences of our rebellion removed. As followers of Jesus we have a special supernatural relationship by which the eternal guilt of our sin is removed, but here on earth in the natural we still see consequences. Often God will supernaturally remove those consequences as the result of the prayers of his disciples, but the default seems to be that we have to live with the consequences of our sin.
Prayer: Our Father, who is in heaven, Holy is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from Evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Power of a Blessing
Scripture: Num 6:23-27 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.
Observation: There is tremendous power in a blessing, especially when it comes from someone in the office of the priest. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have the office of Priest by being grafted into Jesus Christ when we dedicate our lives to serving him. We are adopted priests if you would (smile)! When we speak a blessing over someone, things are established in the supernatural which will affect the natural (although the supernatural is more real than the natural).
Application: We need to serve our Lord, daily. We need to speak his blessing over those whom the Holy Spirit prompts us to.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I love you. I pray that this day I may serve you will all that I have. I pray that your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven, this day, through me. Open my heart, Open the eyes of my understanding so that I can see things they way you do. Lead me and guide me. Help me to let your words be my words. Help be to speak your blessing over those who need your protection and guidance. Thank You Lord for your love and your provision over our lives.
Observation: There is tremendous power in a blessing, especially when it comes from someone in the office of the priest. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have the office of Priest by being grafted into Jesus Christ when we dedicate our lives to serving him. We are adopted priests if you would (smile)! When we speak a blessing over someone, things are established in the supernatural which will affect the natural (although the supernatural is more real than the natural).
Application: We need to serve our Lord, daily. We need to speak his blessing over those whom the Holy Spirit prompts us to.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I love you. I pray that this day I may serve you will all that I have. I pray that your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven, this day, through me. Open my heart, Open the eyes of my understanding so that I can see things they way you do. Lead me and guide me. Help me to let your words be my words. Help be to speak your blessing over those who need your protection and guidance. Thank You Lord for your love and your provision over our lives.
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