tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79706182189598715692024-03-14T02:46:48.432-04:00Directions for Daily LivingPastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-70563776252983444002015-07-27T13:21:00.001-04:002015-07-27T13:21:41.704-04:00GOD'S LOVE<div class="MsoNormal">
“What marvelous love the Father has extended to us!” (1 John 3:1 Mes).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-30258602156699552552015-07-20T13:21:00.000-04:002015-07-20T13:21:26.319-04:00HABITS AND BRAIN CHANGING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Once you learn a habit, good or bad, it becomes a part of
your muscle memory. It’s at the level of
your neural pathways. When sin gets into
our habits it gets into our neurons. And
our way of thinking is altered. Our
neurons need redemption.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kent Dunnington in his book, <i>Addiction and Virtue: Beyond the Models of Disease and Choice</i>,
writes that many federal health institutes and professional organizations
assume addiction is a "brain disease" purely "because the abuse
of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain."
However, playing the cello and studying for a taxi license and memorizing the
Old Testament also lead to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Shall we call them diseases, too?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dunnington says that addiction is neither simply a physical
disease nor a weakness of the will; that to understand it correctly, we need to
resurrect an old spiritual category: <u>habit</u>. We have habits because we
are embodied creatures; most of our behaviors are not under our conscious
control. That's a great gift from God—if we had to concentrate on tying our
shoes every time we did that, life would be impossible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But sin has gotten into our habits, into our bodies,
including our neurons. Partly, we may be
predisposed to this. For example,
people with a version of the Monoamine oxidase A (MOA) gene that creates less
of the enzyme tend to have more trouble with anger and impulse control. This
means that when Paul says "In your anger, do not sin," some people
are predisposed to struggle with this more than others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That doesn't mean that such people are robots or victims or
not responsible for their behavior. It
does explain part of why Jesus tells us to "Judge not"; none of us
knows the genetic material that any other person is blessed with or battling in
any given moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is why God’s truth from the Scriptures has to be embodied. It has to become habituated into attitudes,
patterns of response, and reflexive action.
Call it the practice of spiritual disciplines or holy habits. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The reason that spiritual disciplines are an important part
of change is that they honor the physical nature of human life. Information alone doesn't override bad habits.
God uses relationships, experiences, and
practices to shape and re-shape the character of our lives that gets embedded
at the most physical level.<o:p></o:p></div>
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John Ortberg tells of
how a few decades ago scientists did a series of experiments where monkeys were
taught how to pinch food pellets in deep trays. As the monkeys got faster at
this practice, the parts of the brain controlling the index finger and thumb
actually grew bigger. This and other experiments showed that the brain is not
static as had often been thought, but is dynamic, able to change from one shape
to another. This is true for human beings as well. The part of violinists'
brains that controls their left hand (used for precise fingering movements)
will be bigger than the part that controls their right hand.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In another study, people were put into one of three groups;
one group did nothing; one exercised their pinky finger, a third group spent 15
minutes a day merely thinking about exercising their pinky finger. As expected
the exercisers got stronger pinkies. But amazingly—so did the people who merely
thought about exercising. Changes in the brain can actually increase physical
strength.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Every thought we entertain is, in a real sense, doing a tiny
bit of brain surgery on us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Apostle Paul says, <i>“Whatever
is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—<u>think
about such things</u>. Whatever you have learned or received or
heard from me, or seen in me—<u>put it into practice</u>. And the God of
peace will be with you”</i> (Phil. 4:8-9).</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-89623663001781093862015-07-13T12:05:00.002-04:002015-07-13T12:05:34.364-04:00HABITS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’ve come to realize the truth in what John Ortberg says: Most
of the time our behavior is governed by habit. Most of the time, a change of behavior
requires the acquisition of new habits. A
habit is a relatively permanent pattern of behavior that allows you to navigate
life. The capacity for habitual behavior
is indispensable. When you first learn
to drive a car there are so many steps to remember. But after you learn, it becomes
habitual. That means it is literally
"in your body" (or "muscle memory"). It’s at the level of your neural pathways. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Neurologists call this process where the brain converts a
sequence of actions into routine activity "chunking." Chunking turns out to be one of the most
important dynamics in terms of sin and spiritual maturity. Following Jesus is, to a large degree,
allowing the Holy Spirit to "re-chunk" our lives. This is a physical
description of the Apostle Paul's command to the Romans: <i>" … but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" </i>(Rom.
12:2). Habits are extremely freeing. They are what allow my body to be driving my
car while my mind is sifting through the priorities of my day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But sin gets into our habits. This is what Paul was talking about when he
talked about sin being “in our members.” <i>“…
the sinful passions … were at work in the members of our body to bear
fruit for death … I see a … law in the members of my body, waging war
against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is
in my members” </i>(Rom. 7:5, 23 NAS).
<o:p></o:p></div>
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He was talking about human beings as embodied creatures. Sin is in the habitual patterns that govern
what our hands do and where our eyes look and words our mouths say. Habits are in our neural pathways. And sin gets in our habits. So sin gets in our neurons. And our way of thinking is altered. Like so much else, our neurons are fallen,
and can't get up. They need redemption. We need a transformation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But we’ll not be transformed by simply having more Biblical
information poured into us. <u>The
information has to be embodied</u>. It
has to become habituated into attitudes, patterns of response, and reflexive
action. Call it the practice of spiritual
disciplines or holy habits. Jesus said, <i>“Therefore everyone who hears these words of
mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on
the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew
and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation
on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not
put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the
winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash”</i>
(Matt. 7:24-27).</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-43149059466259770392015-07-06T10:42:00.000-04:002015-07-06T10:42:15.027-04:00GETTING TRACTION AGAIN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever feel like you’ve lost traction? Maybe you feel that your personal growth has
stalled. Maybe your spiritual life or
your efforts to connect people with God aren’t getting anywhere. Maybe you feel the time and effort you put into
serving people isn’t paying off.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You begin those things with great anticipation and
excitement, but life happens, and you get distracted and lose the joy and
motivation, and those things become sidelined.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I believe the answer is consistency. Simply said, you have to do what you know God
wants you to do every day, every week, and every month. <i>You’re
blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God</i>
(Psa. 119:1).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some people succeed more than others because they simply do what
they do more. They wake up every day and
even when they don’t feel like it they read their Bibles, practice their
spirituality, step out of their comfort zones to connect others with the Good
News of Christ, read books which value God’s values, and do what they do in
their work and recreation and relationships all for God’s glory.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Work as hard as you can.
I empty the tank each and every day.” – Carli Lloyd, Golden Ball Award, World
Champion US Women’s Soccer Team 2015.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The difference I see between a productive Christian life and
an unproductive Christian life is how consistently the productive Christian
works on his or her relationship with God.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ve got to get away from seasons of doing and not doing,
and get into a pattern of always doing. Until
you do that, until you get into a daily and weekly groove, you won’t see the
growth you want.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Motivation comes in the process of doing.” – Dr. Gary
Chapman.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Get traction again.
Be consistent. Do what you know
God wants you to do with all your strength.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the
courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-3577119206470469082015-06-29T10:03:00.000-04:002015-06-29T10:03:03.496-04:00IT’S NOT IF, BUT WHEN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>“When you go through
deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers
of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of
oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I
am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>, your Savior.”</i> Isaiah 43:2-3 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sometimes you feel like you’re in over your head, but God
will keep you from being overwhelmed and overpowered. And this is how we grow in our faith.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall
you are?” – T. S. Eliot</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-77069313707298310942015-06-25T10:09:00.000-04:002015-06-25T10:09:51.664-04:00GET SALTY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jesus said, <i>“You are
the salt of the earth”</i> (Mat. 5:13).
Here are the implications for us:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Salt doesn’t exist for its own sake.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Salt doesn’t call attention to itself. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Salt’s calling is to lose itself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Salt must get out of the shaker.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus says that God’s plan to protect the world from decay
and corruption, to purify it and bring to it whatever flavor and zest it’s
going to have, is YOU.<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-81975732476584430762015-06-22T12:24:00.000-04:002015-06-22T12:24:32.595-04:00WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE QUITTING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"There's only one thing that can guarantee our failure,
and that's if we quit.” - Craig Breedlove, American professional race car driver
and five-time world land speed record holder.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To borrow from Eric Copeland (<i>For the Creative Soul</i>), maybe you’ve
decided that since nothing is happening the way you want it to, the way you
expected it to, that you should hang it up.
Just quit. This is how you
sometimes feel as you serve the Lord and work at building a productive life with
your particular talents and opportunities. Maybe you’re trying to build a business or develop
a stream of income which brings results that are rewarding to you. You doggedly invest your time, money, energy,
and abilities in worthy pursuits. But nothing
happens.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And you come to the conclusion that God is trying to tell
you to quit doing whatever you’re trying to accomplish. But let’s be
realistic. Is that how God works? Is that how He worked in the Bible?<br />
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Abraham knew he was really <i>really</i> old to have children, and that Sarah couldn't physically.
But God didn't say, "You know, forget it you old geezers. You really are too old for kids." Instead God said to Abraham, "Look up at
the sky and count the stars – if indeed you can count them." Then he said
to him, "So shall your offspring be."<o:p></o:p></div>
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Or when the Apostle Paul was in a boat during a terrible storm
and the men thought all was lost, God didn't send an angel to Paul saying
"You better jump in the lifeboats!" Instead God told Paul to hold on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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God does not even suggest quitting. If anything, He tells us to endure, and for quite
an interesting reason.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>"Therefore, <u>since
we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,</u> let us throw off everything
that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with
perseverance the race marked out for us."</i> - Hebrews 12:1<o:p></o:p></div>
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We are surrounded by people watching us and watching what we
will do. If you’ve set an example to
those around you that you are working to use the talents God has given you, and
then give up, what kind of precedent are you setting? And not just for family or friends, but what
about total strangers and acquaintances that are watching what a
"Christian" does to see if they want to emulate that life?<o:p></o:p></div>
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When you think about it, Abraham and Paul were showing an
example of faith by not giving up. We have to as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I'm interested in that thing that happens where there's a
breaking point for some people and not for others. You go through such hardship, things that are
almost impossibly difficult, and there's no sign that it's going to get any
better, and that's the point when people quit. But some don't.” - Robert Redford<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you’ve heard a little voice in your ear saying it’s time
to quit, that’s not God telling you to quit. God does not whisper and tell us to quit, but
to endure and run the race.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-47318753857614015822015-06-08T10:31:00.000-04:002015-06-08T10:31:39.495-04:00MEASURED MULTI-TASKING AND MUSIC<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hnzSZUOWtWw/VWx_OwIAE4I/AAAAAAAAAI8/lUM7KcEt1L4/s1600/Unfailing%2BLove%2BCD%2Binside%2Bphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hnzSZUOWtWw/VWx_OwIAE4I/AAAAAAAAAI8/lUM7KcEt1L4/s200/Unfailing%2BLove%2BCD%2Binside%2Bphoto.jpg" width="109" /></a><i>“…thinking two
different things at the same time …they cannot decide about anything they do.”</i>
James 1:8 (NCV<i>)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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“If you’re trying to accomplish many things at the same
time, you’ll get more done by focusing on one task at a time, not by switching
constantly from one task to another.” – Journal of Experimental Psychology<o:p></o:p></div>
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In an age when we’re pressed upon to constantly multi-task,
we must put more effort into making wise choices. Light dispersed is not as powerful as light
that is concentrated into a laser beam.
We must take care that our energies are not so widely dispersed that we
accomplish little of eternal value.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To that end I’ve been focused recently on completing my 2<sup>nd</sup>
album. It’s finally completed and
uploaded online. CD’s are also
available. No charge. The title is “<b><i>Unfailing Love</i></b>”. You can either <b>Google</b> “Unfailing Love David C Thomasson” or go to <b>YouTube</b> and type “David C Thomasson”. The songs from both my albums will be listed
(Worthy to Be and Unfailing Love). You
can also go to the playlists for both.
They’re yours for your encouragement and to share with others.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-30861037280783799672015-06-01T11:52:00.000-04:002015-06-01T11:52:49.762-04:00STRENGTHENING YOUR HEART<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When it comes to following Jesus, living everyday with His
presence, growing spiritually, and transforming to become more like Him, one
element is always necessary – “surrender”.
Submitting to the leadership of God is vital to the believer’s life. It’s vital to a healthy relationship with
God. And what’s necessary in terms of surrender
is that it requires a “decision”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A personal relationship with God involves decisions. You make a decision to respond to Jesus’ sacrificial death
on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin and for eternal life. You make a decision to respond to His
life-purpose for you. You make a
decision to follow Jesus, to be “all in” for Him and what He says to do. You make a decision to commit your way of
living to Him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You decide to surrender your life to Him so that your life
belongs to Him and His management. You
make a decision to entrust your family to His care. You make a decision to entrust your future to
Him, your eternity to Him. You make a
decision to surrender your abilities, health, job, and money to Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why is the decision to surrender to God so incredibly important? Here’s why:
<i>“The eyes of
the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose
hearts are fully committed to him”</i> (2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT). <u>God wants to strengthen your heart</u>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The word “strengthen” in this verse means: to prevail.
Is there something in your life, maybe a habit or a pattern or an attitude
or a worry that you want to prevail over, to conquer? God will make it happen as you commit to be all
in for Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The word “strengthen” also means: to be courageous. Do you need courage to obey what God says, or
to say what you need to say in that relationship, or press forward even though
it’s tough? God will give you the
courage if you commit to be all in for Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The word “strengthen” also means: to be resolute, to be secure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God will give you these things and work them into your heart
and mind if you make the decision to surrender everything to Him. Jesus said:
<i>“You cannot become my disciple
without giving up everything you own”</i> (Luke 14:33 (NLT).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-15641401349180579942015-05-29T11:01:00.001-04:002015-05-29T11:01:39.916-04:00Unfailing Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iWqj7bdos5Y/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iWqj7bdos5Y?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-74969895356025490652015-05-21T09:34:00.000-04:002015-05-21T09:34:03.475-04:00YOU’RE NOT ALONE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9C_PeHALvMQ/VV3egGrEYhI/AAAAAAAAAIU/0x7NWuB143A/s1600/Unfailing%2BLove%2BCD%2Binside%2Bphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9C_PeHALvMQ/VV3egGrEYhI/AAAAAAAAAIU/0x7NWuB143A/s200/Unfailing%2BLove%2BCD%2Binside%2Bphoto.jpg" width="109" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The Lord himself
goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake
you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”</i> Deut. 31:8. The Lord is already on the road ahead of you
and He’ll be there when you get there.
He already is where you’re going to be.
Not only is He already where you’re going to be, He is always with you
on the journey there. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God wants you to take courage and believe in Him. He has you surrounded and He’s leading
you. Go forward and trust that He will
be there because He already is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-6816757136933127292015-05-19T10:25:00.000-04:002015-05-19T10:25:06.548-04:00ADMITTANCE<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opnAbR-hyNs/VTVMk0NA-VI/AAAAAAAAAHg/CEMExCwswPo/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2BInlightin%2BMusic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opnAbR-hyNs/VTVMk0NA-VI/AAAAAAAAAHg/CEMExCwswPo/s200/David%2Bphoto%2BInlightin%2BMusic.jpg" width="104" /></a>If Jesus is not the Manager of all in your life, He’s not
the Manager at all in your life. He
doesn’t want to be just a part of your life. He doesn’t want to be just one
category, one entry on your weekly planner.
He wants to be your Everything. That’s
the only way He can fill your life with His grace and truth. That’s the only way we know what a full and
meaningful life is like. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus said in Luke 9:23-25 (Mes),</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead.
You’re not in the driver’s seat—I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it.
Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is
the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would
it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-11666984883165447042015-05-18T12:56:00.000-04:002015-05-18T12:56:29.785-04:00WINNIE THE POOH, PIGLET, AND FAITH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opnAbR-hyNs/VTVMk0NA-VI/AAAAAAAAAHg/CEMExCwswPo/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2BInlightin%2BMusic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opnAbR-hyNs/VTVMk0NA-VI/AAAAAAAAAHg/CEMExCwswPo/s200/David%2Bphoto%2BInlightin%2BMusic.jpg" width="104" /></a>In <i>Winnie the Pooh</i>,
Pooh and Piglet take an evening walk.
For a long time they walk together in silence. Finally Piglet breaks the silence and asks,
“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh, what’s the first thing you say to
yourself?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s for breakfast?” answers Pooh. “And what do you say, Piglet?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I say, I wonder what exciting thing is going to happen
today.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can choose a “breakfast vision” or an “excitement
vision.” Which one do you choose? What’s your vision for each day? What’s your vision for your relationship with
God? Where do you want it to go? What’s your vision for you and your
family? What’s your vision for your
life-purpose and eternity? What’s your
vision for your church? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What we expect from life is usually what we get. Jesus said, <i>"It shall be done to you according to your faith."</i> Matt.
9:29 (NAS)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-29251720540824668572015-05-11T10:47:00.000-04:002015-05-11T10:47:32.567-04:00BEING PEACEABLE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s200/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" width="105" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Borrowing from Gordon McDonald, the word “peace” in its general
definition means any system in which there is order, justice, and security. The
Romans talked about peace (Pax Romana), but their system was sustained through
violence and intimidation. The Jews of Jerusalem had their own concepts of
peace: a kingdom that mirrored the ancient reign of David. These were concepts
of peace imposed from the outside of a person.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then Jesus came, speaking of a peace that took root
inside a person. This peace was unaffected by any form of opposition. You can
do away with the body, Jesus said, but never the soul. His was a radical idea:
that the most important of all things has to do with a person's heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monks years ago made this point with a story: A cruel
warlord confronted an old monk, commanding the monk to bow to him, but the monk
refused. “Do you know who I am?” bellowed the warlord. “I am he who has the
power to run you through with a sword.” “And
do you know who I am?” responded the monk. “I am he who has the power to let
you run me through with a sword.” This
old man, unbowed, was peaceful from his core. He operated out of an ordered
heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus said His peace was not compatible with the “world's” view
of peace: <i>“Peace I leave with you; my
peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your
hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”</i> (John 14:27). He created a movement whose trademarks were
humility, compassion, mercy, and a breaking down of barriers that traditionally
separated people. Paul referred to this as “the peace of Christ,” and he urged
the Christ-followers of the Colossian church to reorient themselves around this
trait.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the same time we shouldn’t confuse the peace of Christ
with niceness, or feeling good, or the avoidance of conflict. The peaceful
Jesus was not a wimp. When He wreaked havoc on the Temple money-launderers He was
justifiably furious. When He was confronted
by influential hypocritical religious leaders He held nothing back in telling
them the truth about who they were in their arrogance and disrespect for God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” “Go in peace,” He
said to a healed woman. “Peace,” He shouted at a threatening storm. To many
others He said, “Peace be with you.” Wherever He went, He took His fresh idea of
human order with Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where do peaceable people come from? For some, peacefulness
is the product of hardship or suffering or failure. Something takes place which
causes deep pain (physical, spiritual, relational) and a brokenness that
softens the heart. Perspectives are reoriented. Views on certain issues are
rearranged, and a new person, a peaceful person, emerges.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aging with its accumulation of life-experience, can produce
a peaceful person if he or she has pursued a close walk with Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peaceable people are an expression of the work of the Holy
Spirit. And how is that work done? A rhythmic devotional life, engaging with
the right kind of friends, and storing up the wisdom (journaling comes to mind)
that comes from looking for meaning in everyday activity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are all ways the Holy Spirit builds an inner
tranquility that becomes more and more valuable as the years pass.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dietrich Bonhoeffer spent the last year of his life in Nazi
prisons. One night, along with other prisoners, he was herded into a shelter
while Allied bombs fell in the area. One man, Fabian von Schlabrendorff, writes
of that moment: “Tightly squeezed together we were standing in our air-raid
shelter when a bomb hit with an enormous explosion. For a second it seemed the
shelter were bursting and the ceiling crashing down on top of us. It rocked
like a ship tossing in the storm, but it held. At that moment Dietrich
Bonhoeffer showed his mettle. He remained quite calm, he did not move a muscle,
but stood motionless and relaxed as if nothing had happened.” Elizabeth Raum, a Bonhoeffer biographer, writes of this
moment: “Dietrich's actions calmed those around him. He acted like a man
totally confident that nothing, even death, could harm him.” He calmed everyone around him because they
saw Jesus in him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oswald Chambers once wrote: “The people who influence us
most are not those who buttonhole us ... but those who live their lives like
the stars in heaven and the lilies in the field: peacefully, simply, and
unaffectedly. These are the lives that mold us.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peaceable people offer a fresh view of Jesus because He is
embedded in their character and personality.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-88000601477562870692015-05-05T06:40:00.002-04:002015-05-05T06:40:41.672-04:00QUESTIONS OF SUCCESS<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s200/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" width="105" /></a>Success or failure is defined by the questions we ask. And whoever defines the question defines
success. When the widow put a penny into
the offering, Jesus’ disciples dismissed her gift as insignificant. Their culture was conditioned to ask, “How
much did she give?” Jesus, on the other
hand praised her offering because He asked a different question, “How much did
she sacrifice?” Whoever defines the
question defines success. When we ask
God-oriented questions about things like faithfulness, sacrifice, and grace, we
discover that an unheard of Christ-follower with no celebrity status is
actually highly successful in God’s kingdom.
We need to give attention to asking the right questions, because it’s
the question which determines success or failure, not the outcome.<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-34615441363228915832015-05-04T10:51:00.000-04:002015-05-04T10:51:19.646-04:00GRACE CAUSES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s200/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" width="105" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Blessed be the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has
caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection
of Jesus Christ from the dead </i>(1 Peter 1:3 NAS).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cause of your new spiritual birth is God the
Father. It’s not from our initiative. He even gave us the faith to believe: <i>For it
is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good
purpose</i> (Phil. 2:13); <i>By the grace of
God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect </i>(1 Cor.
15:10); <i>Now the God of peace … working
in us that which is pleasing in His sight … </i>(Heb. 13:20-21 NAS). Jesus said, <i>“For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to
me …” </i>(John 6:44 NLT).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Certainly God works through people to tell people about the
Good News of Jesus Christ. And we are to
be persuasive and loving and reaching out to others to lead them to Jesus. Then choices are made by individuals while at
the same time God is at work in those choices.
We choose, but God’s grace causes.
It’s both/and. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s grace is not something passive; it is active. His grace targets us, moves toward us, and
works in us. God’s grace toward us is
not something that sits on a shelf, and we walk by and decide if we want to
take it off the shelf and take it with us.
Instead God’s grace is pursuing us and overtaking us. His grace is chasing you. His
love is hounding you. That’s the idea in
what David said in the twenty-third Psalm:
<i>“Surely your goodness and
unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life …”</i> (Psa. 23:6 NLT).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s grace is never stagnant. It’s never dormant, never lifeless, never
still. Instead His grace is always in
motion, making and saving, resurrecting and transforming. <i>Now God
has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to
shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. … we neither make nor save
ourselves. God does both the making and saving</i> (Eph. 2:7-9 Mes). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s grace causes.
His grace causes life, salvation, undying hope, promise, and eternal
life. Center your everyday living on God’s
grace and truth. Revolve your life
purpose around God’s grace and truth.
Discover who you are in God’s grace and truth. Do your part to live according to God’s
grace and truth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-43662517755181393402015-04-27T13:43:00.000-04:002015-04-27T13:43:41.000-04:00WHY RESTFUL IS BETTER THAN RESTLESS<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="105" /></a>God says, <i>“Be still, and know that I am God;”</i> (Psa. 46:10). We can become so busy we lose touch with the
reality and truth of God. We must carve
out regular time to “be still” before the Lord.
Jesus says, <i>“Take my yoke upon you
and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest
for your souls”</i> (Matt. 11:29). Our
souls can become so jumbled and troubled by the busyness of life that we lose
touch with who we really are. <i>It’s important that you not misinterpret
yourselves</i> (Rom. 12:3 Mes). Over
the years we may not deal with what’s beneath the surface, maybe we even forget
what’s there, and we add layers of scripts that we would rather follow than
confront the unresolved pain and wounds deep down in our souls. Instead of restful souls we live with
restless souls. Jesus says to commit
your life to Him and learn from Him so you can have a restful soul.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In his book <i>Prayer</i>, Richard Foster writes:
“At first we thought solitude was a way to recharge our batteries in
order to enter life’s many competitions with new vigor and strength. In time, however, we find that solitude gives
us power not to win the rat race but to ignore the rat race altogether. Slowly, we find ourselves letting go of our
inner compulsions to acquire more wealth than we need, look more youthful than
we are, attain more status than is wise.
In the stillness, our false, busy selves are unmasked and seen for the
impostors they truly are.” Take the time to be still and
unmask and know the Lord is your God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-19988159435906166762015-04-20T15:00:00.000-04:002015-04-20T15:00:08.255-04:00DON’T SETTLE FOR ORDINARY<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opnAbR-hyNs/VTVMk0NA-VI/AAAAAAAAAHc/GpraRrQ3M0w/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2BInlightin%2BMusic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opnAbR-hyNs/VTVMk0NA-VI/AAAAAAAAAHc/GpraRrQ3M0w/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2BInlightin%2BMusic.jpg" height="200" width="104" /></a>God wants to take ordinary lives and make them
extraordinary. We weren’t made to live
boring lives where it’s the same old same old. There’s more to life than living and
dying. We were made to live an exciting
adventure. Ralph Waldo Emerson said,
“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many people live dull and mundane and stressful lives, and
they have no sense of lasting motivation or joy or enthusiasm. God never intended for us to live depressed,
worried, fearful, powerless, and mundane lives.
But for many that’s their normal way of life. Maybe you feel inadequate; God wants you to
live with competence. Maybe you feel
defeated; God wants you to live in victory.
Maybe you feel anxious and worried; God wants you to live confidently.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God wants to take your ordinary way of living life and
transform it into a life that is extraordinary.
You were made for more than you think.
Ephesians 3:20 states, <i>Now all
glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to
accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think</i> (NLT). God created you to live an extraordinary
life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The followers of Christ in the Early Church lived extraordinary
lives. Acts 4:13 states that, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The members of the
council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they
could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the
Scriptures</i> (NLT).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>How do we live extraordinary lives through days that are
good, or bad, or just plain ugly?<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Value your
future resurrection.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>But others were
tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their
hope in a better life after the resurrection</i>. Hebrews 11:35 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is tough, but if you’re a believer in Jesus, Who rose
from the dead, you have your own future resurrection and eternal life to look
forward to. Even now as a believer you’ve
been raised from spiritual death. You
have a new life now with Christ. You
have a “new liveliness”. You’ve been
raised from the dead, spiritually.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Make what
matters in Heaven matter most.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Since you have been
raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven,
where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think
about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to
this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.</i> Colossians
3:1-3 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because you’ve placed your belief in Jesus Christ for your
forgiveness of sin, you’re guaranteed Heaven.
You’re on your way to a new life with a new body in a perfect
world. Get excited about it! Think about it! Focus on it!
Talk about it! Live it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Follow
the leadership of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>They brought in the
two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?”
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them …</i> Acts 4:7-8a
(NLT)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be filled means to be under the influence, to be led, to
be under the management of. If you’re a
believer in Christ you have the Holy Spirit living in you. Now make it a daily practice of consciously
submitting to His leadership and take action based on what you learn from God’s
Word. God’s Spirit and God’s Word never
contradict one another.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Live saved.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Do not let the grace
that you received from God be for nothing. </i>2 Corinthians 6:1 (NCV)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Live it. Love
it. Live the saved life. Reflect often on God’s grace in your life
such that your mind, will, emotions, and relationships reflect His grace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your salvation for whatever is on the line – your eternity,
your livelihood, your finances, your family, your marriage, your heart and soul
– is found in Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Live with
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>They realized then
that they had been companions of Jesus.</i> Acts 4:13 (GNT)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peter and John had lived day in and day out with Jesus. They were “followers” of Him. They not only associated with Jesus, they followed
Him as their Leader, and ultimately as their God and Savior.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do we “live with Jesus?”
We live with Him “spiritually”. We
don’t live with Him physically yet. One day
we will. But for now we live with Him spiritually. Therefore we must give a lot of attention to
the spiritual dimension of our lives. Why? – Because that’s where we talk and
walk with Jesus. That’s where we live,
really live. And that’s where our lives
start transforming from ordinary to extraordinary.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-27060515582797011212015-04-13T11:07:00.000-04:002015-04-13T11:07:27.578-04:00ME VS. WE<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="105" /></a>We live in an “idolize me” society. The “me mentality” has been accepted into the
spiritual thinking of many. In terms of spiritual
maturity it has become about “our selves.”
It’s about “my” spiritual gifts, “my” spiritual growth, “my” spiritual
life, “my” calling, “my” place of service, “my” word from God to you. I’m not
saying those things don’t exist, but there’s a danger. The danger is that we tend to revolve the
spiritual around ourselves and our preferences and our feelings and our way of
wanting to do something. Even in our spiritual
lives we can be self-absorbed. We should
never underestimate the power of self-centeredness. The “globe head” lives. In our spirituality we tend to revolve
everything around ourselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The truth about spiritual maturity is this: Spiritual maturity is not about me; it’s
about “we”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>There are three kinds
of people:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The “<b><u>spiritual Christian</u></b>”
who is spiritually alive by the Holy Spirit with Christ in his life, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The “<b><u>non-Christian</u></b>”
who is spiritually dead without the Holy Spirit and faith in Christ, and <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The “<b><u>me Christian</u></b>”
who is connected with God, but he’s living like someone who is without Christ. Though he is spiritually alive he’s living as
though he’s spiritually dead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The “me Christian”
is:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Infantile<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>… you were infants in
the Christian life.</i> 1 Cor. 3:1 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Weak<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I had to feed you with
milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. </i>1
Cor. 3:2 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Conflicted<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>You are still
controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel
with each other. </i>1 Cor. 3:3 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Divisive<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>When one of you says,
“I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I follow Apollos … </i>1 Cor. 3:4
(NLT)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On the other hand the
“we Christian”:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Serves with others so that people come to
believe in Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>What, after all, is
Apollos? And what is Paul? Only
servants, through whom you came to believe…, </i>1 Cor. 3:5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Sees God grow the church.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>… God, who makes
things grow. </i>1 Cor. 3:7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we’re serving together according to God’s purpose, He causes
growth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Realizes building a church takes more than one
person; it includes “us”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>By the grace God has
given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is
building on it. But each one should build with care.</i> 1 Cor. 3:10<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re a believer in Christ God has given you a spiritual
gift, an ability for serving in the church in a particular way. And it’s connected to your life purpose, your
calling, your assignment which God has given you. Therefore you’re responsible to carry out His
assignment, being faithful with His grace in His church. You are included in the building of the
church. You’re needed. You are a necessity to the building of God’s
family.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-50793035794415826552015-04-06T10:39:00.000-04:002015-04-06T10:39:29.278-04:00ROAD TRIP<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="105" /></a>Jesus said, <i>“Enter
through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that
leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the
gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it”</i> (Matt.
7:13-14).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’re on a road. Which
one is it? Jesus implies there are only two. You’re on one or the other. You get to choose which way you want to go.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The way to real living and eternal life is narrow because
it’s through One Person – Jesus Christ. The
world believes the road to real life is a freeway with many lanes, many philosophies,
many ideologies, and all belief systems.
But it leads to destruction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those of you who’ve already chosen the “narrow gate” and
you’re on your way to Heaven, you need to look over to the freeway and flag
some people down before it’s too late. Care
about the destination of those around you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-57512696073857673472015-03-30T10:57:00.000-04:002015-03-30T10:57:50.401-04:00NEW BEGINNING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="105" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The death and resurrection of Jesus was the beginning of
something new and powerful. Following His resurrection, Jesus said, <i>“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you
will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem,
throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” </i>(Acts 1:8 NLT).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus wants us to live in His power in order to tell others
what we’ve witnessed of Him in our lives.
It’s a new beginning, a new way of living for us, and it begins with <u>an
encounter with Jesus</u>. <i>During the forty days after his crucifixion,
he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many
ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God</i>
(Acts 1:3 NLT). The lives of the
Apostles and the followers of Jesus were changed forever after their encounter
with the living resurrected Christ. Their
fears were overcome. Jesus is really
alive! And the miraculous event of His
resurrection and encounter with believers caused big changes in their
behavior. Not only did their inner lives
change, their outer lives changed too. Their
whole way of living changed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first step to a new way of living is to encounter Jesus. You’ve got to make a connection with
Him. Establish a personal relationship
with Him. Open your heart to Him and let
Him forgive you and raise you from spiritual death and give you new life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An encounter with Jesus gives us the opportunity to <u>become
convinced of Who Jesus is and to commit to Him</u>. <i>… he proved
to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about
the Kingdom of God</i> (Acts 1:3b NLT). The
disciples became convinced that Jesus was truly alive. He really did rise from the dead. They listened to the truth Jesus taught. They bought in and committed themselves to
it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus is still talking to us today. How? – through the Bible, God’s Word to
us. Because He is alive, His words are
just as living today as they were then. Now
is your opportunity to listen to Jesus, to believe in Him, and to follow Him as
your Forgiver and God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-13540213277820649232015-03-23T11:19:00.000-04:002015-03-23T11:19:29.177-04:00THE COMPANY YOU KEEP<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="105" /></a><i>Do not be
misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your
senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of
God—I say this to your shame.</i> 1 Cor. 15:33-34<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul is writing about the doctrine of the resurrection of
the dead, and he says if there’s no resurrection, then what we do with our
bodies has no bearing on our future. Immorality
was a way of life for many in Corinth, and some of the believers didn’t take
the resurrection seriously in order to rationalize their sin. Paul quoted the Greek poet Menander, “Bad
company corrupts good character.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Corinthian Christians were spending a lot of time with
people who lived sinful lives. And they
had begun to take on their immoral character and believe in their half-truths
about God. Wrong beliefs lead to wrong actions. Corrupt company leads to corrupt thinking and
living.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Therefore it’s important that we take inventory of the
people we spend time with on a regular basis.
Who is influencing who? The people
you spend extra time with on a regular basis will rub off on you. You will become like them. Paul doesn’t say that we are to totally
disassociate with those who aren’t believers in Christ yet. Otherwise how are we to bring them to
Christ? He’s saying don’t get your deep
friendships from those who aren’t believers.
If you do, you’ll drift away from Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keep the resurrection of Christ, which is behind you, in
view, so that you can keep your resurrection, which is ahead of you, in
view. And then you will live as children
of the light, children of the day, awake and alert, and ready for the return of
Christ.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-798454309734797412015-03-16T11:05:00.000-04:002015-03-16T11:05:57.676-04:00WHY THE TRUTH OF THE RESURRECTION PUTS TO DEATH HALF-TRUTHS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="105" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whole truth reveals and kills half-truth. The whole truth clears away the impurities. The truth clears up misinformation. It eliminates the spin. Why is truth important? Because we live and die by truth. Soren Kierkegarrd said, “What matters is to
find a purpose, to see what it really is that God wills that I
shall do; the crucial thing is to find a truth which is truth
for me, to find the idea for which I am willing to live and die.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus said, <i>“Anybody
who is living by the truth will come to the light to make it plain that all he
has done has been done through God”</i> (John 3:21 Ph). We need the whole truth to reveal and kill
the misinformation in our lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth he says, <i>But tell me this—since we preach that Christ
rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of
the dead? For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ
has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then
all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless</i> (1 Cor. 15:12-14 NLT).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were those in the church at Corinth who believed there
was no resurrection of the dead, but they believed Jesus had risen from the
dead. They believed half the truth, but
half the truth distorted the whole truth.
Some believed a person’s soul died with the body. Others believed that the soul was released
from the body when it died. The ideas
that were floating around in those days about life after death, and the
different religions and philosophies of what happens to people after death –
all had an influence on Christians’ thinking.
The half-truths they believed polluted the whole truth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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People today still buy into half-truths and neglect the
whole truth. People tend to bring with
them into their newfound faith in Christ – their presuppositions about God and
the afterlife, their ideas from their past, their thoughts and inclinations
about Jesus and the Spirit, and God the Father, and Heaven and Hell, and
eternity. And their belief system is
polluted. A lot of extras are mixed in
with the truth. And they have a distorted,
unclear view of God and salvation and holy living and the necessity of
spiritual maturity and life after death.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some people don’t believe in a resurrection from the dead or
life after death. They don’t believe in
a Heaven or Hell. They believe there is
nothing after you die. By their presupposition
of God and life after death, they don’t accept the reality of God or a
resurrection from the dead for life after death.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The issue is not lack of evidence. The issue is a “willingness” to examine the
evidence, to be open-minded enough to look at the facts and let them speak for
themselves. If anyone open-mindedly and
sincerely examines the facts of the Resurrection, they cannot refute the truth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If they don’t believe, it’s because they’re not willing to
believe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A half-truth can completely change everything. Half-truth clouds the whole truth. The wrong information can be deadly
information. What’s the whole truth
about the resurrection of the dead? Because
Christ rose from the dead, resurrection from the dead for His followers is true. Jesus Christ literally rose from the dead in
a glorified supernatural physical body. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Because the evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of the
Resurrection of Christ:<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is a resurrection of the dead, there is life after
death, there is a heaven and a hell, everything Jesus ever said is of ultimate
importance, believers who’ve already passed from this life are alive and with
the Lord in Heaven, and we have a future beyond this life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because of the Resurrection, life is worth living, Jesus is
worth serving, and the Good News is worth sharing.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-65585232586124916492015-03-09T10:51:00.000-04:002015-03-09T10:51:41.331-04:00THE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="105" /></a><i>For if, by the
trespass of the one man (Adam), death reigned through that one man, how
much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the
gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ</i> (Rom.
5:17).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Think of the difference between a “gift” and a “sentencing.” When a sentence is handed down, there’s no
choice. That’s what you get. That’s what you deserve. That’s who you are – guilty and sentenced. That’s who we were “in Adam.” That’s what we inherited. We inherited the “death sentence.” But we also inherited the tendency to sin,
the old flesh, the sin nature. So we
deserved to be eternally separated from God and punished for our sin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But when you’re offered a gift there is choice. You get to reach out and receive that
gift. It’s in the receiving of the gift
that things change. The gift itself
doesn’t change your life, but when you “receive” that gift, you become the recipient
of whatever that gift “bestows” on you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When you’re born into a family, you’re given a name. That name identifies you. You’re given a home and that identifies where
you live. You’re given siblings and you
look alike. The material possessions of
the family, the inheritance of the family, the reputation of the family – all
belong to you and identify you. Those
things are “bestowed” on you and characterize you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When you receive God’s grace and the gift of righteousness
through faith in Jesus, then what is bestowed on you is a “new identity” and
all that it includes. The Bible teaches
that your old identity is put to death. You’re no longer guilty or sentenced. If you’re dead, you can’t be sentenced
anymore. You can’t be punished. You can’t be guilty anymore. You’re dead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now you’ve been raised as a new person with a new identity
to live a new life. You now get to live the
resurrected life in obedience to Christ as you let Him live through you. Now you’re redeemed. The gift you receive is a life-changer. It’s an identity changer. It’s future-changer for you. It changes everything for you and about you. The gift is the “gift of righteousness.” When you place your life in the hands of
Jesus, and place your belief in Him for your forgiveness and eternal life, God
gives you the gift of righteousness. At that
moment you are placed in right standing with God. You are made righteous in God’s eyes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The sentence of judgment has been removed, and now you are
forgiven and innocent and holy in God’s eyes and you forever will be, because
Jesus died one sacrificial death for all your sin for all time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Our High Priest
offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then
he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. … For by that
one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy </i>(Heb.
10:12, 14 NLT). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Only God makes us acceptable in His eyes. Only He makes us righteous before Him. He alone justifies us through Jesus
Christ. No other one, no religion, no code
of ethics, no philosophy, no ideology, nothing else makes us righteous enough
for eternal life in Heaven, but Jesus. Only
the gift God gives through faith in His Son Jesus qualifies us for Heaven. He gives His righteousness to us so that we
are made righteous in God’s judicial eyes.
It’s what Jesus did right, because we didn’t and couldn’t.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970618218959871569.post-47851897136527627112015-03-02T14:20:00.001-05:002015-03-02T14:20:40.000-05:00WHERE IS YOUR LIFE GOING?<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3EG16QXr5lM/UBamPSB9LWI/AAAAAAAAAEc/VQup9_wbyrs/s1600/David%2Bphoto%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="105" /></a><i>Yet it is in him that
God gives a full and complete expression of himself (within the physical limits
that he set himself in Christ). Moreover, your own completeness is only realized
in him, who is the authority over all authorities, and the supreme power over
all powers</i> (Col. 2:9-10 Ph).<o:p></o:p></div>
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If we want to live a complete and whole life, we must live
it under God’s authority. Live it under
His management. Play life according to
His rules. Follow His instructions for
living and relating. Let Him be in
control. Let Him be in the lead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How does this benefit you?
When you choose to live life under God’s authority, you get moved along
the timeline of His purpose. What does
His purpose do in your life? His purpose
completes your life. <i>We humans keep brainstorming options and
plans, but God’s purpose prevails</i> (Prov. 19:21 Mes). If you want a life with purpose that lasts
and completes you, you’ve got to get on track with God’s purpose, because His
purpose succeeds.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Author, Martin Amis, in his comparison of life to a steam
engine train, wrote: “Sometimes I feel
that life is passing me by, not slowly either, but with ropes of steam and
spark-spattered wheels and a hoarse roar of power or terror. It's passing, yet
I'm the one who's doing all the moving. I'm not the station, I'm not the stop:
I'm the train. I'm the train.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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You’re on a timeline and you’re going somewhere in the end. <i>Make
the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be
vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God</i> (Eph.
5:16-17 Ph).</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153344379259118142noreply@blogger.com0