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John 14 is such an incredible passage filled with promises. I am always brought back to a sense of simplicity about the Gospel and the ways of the Lord every time I read this. Jesus lays it all out so well. First we see that Jesus is preparing a place for us and that the ONLY way to heaven is through Him. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me….” (John 14: 1-6) The weight of verse 6 is enormous; Jesus is the ONLY way! As we read on we see the introduction of the Holy Spirit and all that He will bring. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17)
I can only imagine the confusion the disciples must have had at this time with Christ talking about leaving and sending the Holy Spirit. Fortunately for us we have the printed Bible to read and we can see the “BIG BICTURE”. There is a deep joy and assurance, because of the coming of the Holy Spirit. We will be kept in Jesus and as Jesus is fully in the Father, we will also know the way to the Father. While we are here in this weak body made of flesh and bones we also have the Spirit of God inside us so we should be encouraged as we are not in this fight alone!
Thank you Lord for your Love and Grace….Amen
Pastor Jason
NEXT READING: Jer. 13-15; John 15
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Isaiah 36,37; Psalm. 76; 1 Peter 1
So often we wander around this world being shaped by our surroundings. If we look carefully at what sort of things develop in us based on the surroundings we grow up in, one of the things so many of us see is “FEAR”, more specifically the fear of man. It is easy to be shaped by our hurts and even to see a world with so much injustice and to speculate how God can let it happen or to question if it will ever stop. Sometimes when we see things happen for an extended period of time we might ask, “Will God make things just and right? Will He step in?” These thoughts are some of the seeds that allow fear to grow in us. Thankfully, He is always faithful…..
“At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
Both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep.
You, Yourself, are to be feared;
And who may stand in Your presence
When once You are angry?”
(Psalm 76:6-7)
When we read through Psalms 76 we see a God who fears nothing and who looks out for us. Sometimes it is just a matter of time before God steps in. Just as a father might stand by for just a moment to see how his child is going to react in the face of opposition. Our Father in Heaven is slow to anger but is still watching with a sharp eye. He will always step in and when he does everyone will know it. When we look at the “BIG PICTURE” it brings an understanding that we must trust God and recognize He has everything under control and He will deal with the good, bad, and everything in-between in His time.
I encourage us all to look to Him who is just and true while we thank Him for the grace we have been given in our lives.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Jason
NEXT READING: 2 King 20; Isaiah 38,39; Psalm 75; 1 Peter 2
“At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
Both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep.
You, Yourself, are to be feared;
And who may stand in Your presence
When once You are angry?”
(Psalm 76:6-7)
When we read through Psalms 76 we see a God who fears nothing and who looks out for us. Sometimes it is just a matter of time before God steps in. Just as a father might stand by for just a moment to see how his child is going to react in the face of opposition. Our Father in Heaven is slow to anger but is still watching with a sharp eye. He will always step in and when he does everyone will know it. When we look at the “BIG PICTURE” it brings an understanding that we must trust God and recognize He has everything under control and He will deal with the good, bad, and everything in-between in His time.
I encourage us all to look to Him who is just and true while we thank Him for the grace we have been given in our lives.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Jason
NEXT READING: 2 King 20; Isaiah 38,39; Psalm 75; 1 Peter 2
Friday, June 25, 2010
Pauls Farwell Letter to Timothy
Today’s Reading: Joel 1-3; 2 Timothy 1
In the book of 2 Timothy, Paul writes his last letter to his beloved son in the faith. Paul is passionately pouring out his heart before this beloved disciple of his. You can imagine Timothy as he reads this letter, knowing and expecting that Paul’s execution is at hand. He would have been encouraged by the writings of John when he rehearses the last days with Jesus as he was telling the disciples that he was going to be leaving them soon. “These things I have spoken unto you that in me you might have peace, in the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) It is amazing, the sense that one has when they know that death is at their door—especially for those who are followers of Christ. All of the haze seems to clear away and heaven becomes more in view as earth is literally fading. One’s priorities take focus and eternity is seated in its proper place. Much so now for Timothy who is receiving those last admonitions that a father would give a son. Let’s take these admonitions to heart today and put ourselves in Timothy’s place as we read through this letter. 1) Stir up the gifts, get going on what God has given you and use it for His glory, do not wait another day. 2) Don’t be afraid because fear is paralyzing. 3) Don’t be ashamed of the gospel and don’t worry about how things are turning out for me, just know God is good and faithful and you, son, keep your eyes on Jesus, He alone is the author and finisher of our faith. 4) Keep the faith, son, and daughter and do not lose the truth by being swayed as others of faith have. There is a pattern to live by, I have been faithful to live it out before you, use that to be encouraged in your walk with God. I believe the key to all of this is summed up in 2 Timothy 1:12, “…I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” So lastly, family, be persuaded of this, HE is ABLE…
In Christ,
Carol
Tomorrow’s Reading: Joel 1-4; 2 Timothy 2
In the book of 2 Timothy, Paul writes his last letter to his beloved son in the faith. Paul is passionately pouring out his heart before this beloved disciple of his. You can imagine Timothy as he reads this letter, knowing and expecting that Paul’s execution is at hand. He would have been encouraged by the writings of John when he rehearses the last days with Jesus as he was telling the disciples that he was going to be leaving them soon. “These things I have spoken unto you that in me you might have peace, in the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) It is amazing, the sense that one has when they know that death is at their door—especially for those who are followers of Christ. All of the haze seems to clear away and heaven becomes more in view as earth is literally fading. One’s priorities take focus and eternity is seated in its proper place. Much so now for Timothy who is receiving those last admonitions that a father would give a son. Let’s take these admonitions to heart today and put ourselves in Timothy’s place as we read through this letter. 1) Stir up the gifts, get going on what God has given you and use it for His glory, do not wait another day. 2) Don’t be afraid because fear is paralyzing. 3) Don’t be ashamed of the gospel and don’t worry about how things are turning out for me, just know God is good and faithful and you, son, keep your eyes on Jesus, He alone is the author and finisher of our faith. 4) Keep the faith, son, and daughter and do not lose the truth by being swayed as others of faith have. There is a pattern to live by, I have been faithful to live it out before you, use that to be encouraged in your walk with God. I believe the key to all of this is summed up in 2 Timothy 1:12, “…I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” So lastly, family, be persuaded of this, HE is ABLE…
In Christ,
Carol
Tomorrow’s Reading: Joel 1-4; 2 Timothy 2
Monday, June 7, 2010
Ecclesiastes 4-6, Psalm 18, Ephesians 3
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father…” Ephesians 3:14
Paul took his role as steward of the saints very seriously. Here we read one of the most powerful prayers throughout scripture in Ephesians 3:14-21. When one reads this portion of scripture, there is no doubt that Paul was a seasoned prayer warrior and that he prayed fervently for the body of Christ. He prayed that we would be strong in the Lord—a power that overcomes the strategy of the enemy and breaks strongholds (Ephesians 6). In verse 17, the prayer continues, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…” Now, "that Christ might be at home in your hearts" means that your heart might be so in tune and all with Him that as He dwells within your heart there is no strain, there is no uncomfortableness with or for Him. We read often of prophets and followers who found this place of complete comfort in their relationship with Christ and as a model, we also desire this type of relationship. Pastor spoke on this relationship last week when he spoke about coming just face to face with the Lord. This kind of encounter transforms us in to a place of true communion. Paul’s prayer was that the body of Christ would each understand their position in Christ and what that powerful place of authority brings to those who ‘know’ the love of Christ, being filled with the ‘fullness’ of God. How can we be filled with the fullness of God when not even the heavens can contain Him? This is a supernatural thing! Have you ever limited God by your own limitations? You know, we can carry our limitations over in to the spirit realm. We might even categorize things and say: that is very easy, that is simple, no problem, oh that one, that one is impossible, that one is really too hard. This carries over in to our prayer times. “Lord this isn’t that difficult of a thing—I think You can handle this.” Or, Wow, Lord, this one is really hard, I don’t know.” On the other hand, maybe even worse, we do not even ask. Then, right when we think God has not heard us or it is just too hard, God wows us with something miraculous. Paul closes this prayer with “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us…” (v. 20) He prays with a confidence and that is how we should pray—an unwavering faith that God is able and willing to do the impossible ‘according’ to the power that works in each of us. This kind of prayer brings glory to God because we are able to see God do the impossible when we pray with that kind of confidence.
Believing with you!
Carol
Next Reading: Ecclesiastes 7-9, Ephesians 4
Paul took his role as steward of the saints very seriously. Here we read one of the most powerful prayers throughout scripture in Ephesians 3:14-21. When one reads this portion of scripture, there is no doubt that Paul was a seasoned prayer warrior and that he prayed fervently for the body of Christ. He prayed that we would be strong in the Lord—a power that overcomes the strategy of the enemy and breaks strongholds (Ephesians 6). In verse 17, the prayer continues, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…” Now, "that Christ might be at home in your hearts" means that your heart might be so in tune and all with Him that as He dwells within your heart there is no strain, there is no uncomfortableness with or for Him. We read often of prophets and followers who found this place of complete comfort in their relationship with Christ and as a model, we also desire this type of relationship. Pastor spoke on this relationship last week when he spoke about coming just face to face with the Lord. This kind of encounter transforms us in to a place of true communion. Paul’s prayer was that the body of Christ would each understand their position in Christ and what that powerful place of authority brings to those who ‘know’ the love of Christ, being filled with the ‘fullness’ of God. How can we be filled with the fullness of God when not even the heavens can contain Him? This is a supernatural thing! Have you ever limited God by your own limitations? You know, we can carry our limitations over in to the spirit realm. We might even categorize things and say: that is very easy, that is simple, no problem, oh that one, that one is impossible, that one is really too hard. This carries over in to our prayer times. “Lord this isn’t that difficult of a thing—I think You can handle this.” Or, Wow, Lord, this one is really hard, I don’t know.” On the other hand, maybe even worse, we do not even ask. Then, right when we think God has not heard us or it is just too hard, God wows us with something miraculous. Paul closes this prayer with “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us…” (v. 20) He prays with a confidence and that is how we should pray—an unwavering faith that God is able and willing to do the impossible ‘according’ to the power that works in each of us. This kind of prayer brings glory to God because we are able to see God do the impossible when we pray with that kind of confidence.
Believing with you!
Carol
Next Reading: Ecclesiastes 7-9, Ephesians 4
Monday, May 24, 2010
I Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8; Psalm 136; Romans 5
"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5
Hope, the experience of hope, through life's tribulations, produces perseverance and perseverance produces character; it is these things that produce that hope that just keeps growing and getting stronger and stronger as we walk this spiritual journey. As we experience God's faithfulness and fulfilled promises, we become more hopeful and that hope refreshes daily translating in to mounds of faith. The Biblical definition of hope means a strong and confident expectation. In Hebrews 11 we can read over and over again those patriachs and followers of the Lord who allowed hope to produce amazing testimonies. One person put it this way, "Where there is hope, there is faith, where there is faith, miracles can happen." Read through the scriptures and you will find story after story of miracles happening because courageous people were willing to put their hope in God. Psalm 42:5, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God..." The Psalmist is encouraging the reader not to be discouraged, not to look down, don't be disturbed...trust God, put your hope in Him--He is faithful. If you are a child of God, you have the right to hope. It is your position in Christ to have hopeful expectation and trust in God and His promises. May today be the day that you take a courageous steps and allow faith to take wings through hope. "Be strong and take heart, all you who HOPE in the Lord." Psalm 31:24
Hoping with you,
Carol Danna
Next Reading: I Kings 10, 11; 2 Chronicles 9; Romans 6
Hope, the experience of hope, through life's tribulations, produces perseverance and perseverance produces character; it is these things that produce that hope that just keeps growing and getting stronger and stronger as we walk this spiritual journey. As we experience God's faithfulness and fulfilled promises, we become more hopeful and that hope refreshes daily translating in to mounds of faith. The Biblical definition of hope means a strong and confident expectation. In Hebrews 11 we can read over and over again those patriachs and followers of the Lord who allowed hope to produce amazing testimonies. One person put it this way, "Where there is hope, there is faith, where there is faith, miracles can happen." Read through the scriptures and you will find story after story of miracles happening because courageous people were willing to put their hope in God. Psalm 42:5, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God..." The Psalmist is encouraging the reader not to be discouraged, not to look down, don't be disturbed...trust God, put your hope in Him--He is faithful. If you are a child of God, you have the right to hope. It is your position in Christ to have hopeful expectation and trust in God and His promises. May today be the day that you take a courageous steps and allow faith to take wings through hope. "Be strong and take heart, all you who HOPE in the Lord." Psalm 31:24
Hoping with you,
Carol Danna
Next Reading: I Kings 10, 11; 2 Chronicles 9; Romans 6
Monday, May 3, 2010
Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 7; I Chronicles 17; Psalm 2; Matthew 20
“Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish [in] the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all those who put their trust in Him.” Psalm 2:12
In the final verse, we read the theme of this Psalm. We can defy God and perish or surrender to him and be blessed. It sounds so straightforward and simple doesn’t it? I wish it were that easy. David seems mystified at the nations and people who rage against God. They have no reason to rage against God—it is in vain. In verses 4-6 the Lord laughs at them, “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure: "Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion." I guess it is sort of like us looking down at ants. Can you imagine an ant defying us? “Hey, you, move out of my way, I’m going to my ant hill?” “Really, really, I mean, really, Mr. Ant, you are going where?’ It is so obviously silly-but isn’t that the way it is with us when we try to tell God I am going to do it my way? God is not laughing at us because He is sitting on the throne, He is laughing because He is God and the King of the Universe. He is not walking back and forth in heaven biting His nails and trying to figure everything out—because, well, He is God. "This derisive laughter of God is the comfort of all those who love righteousness. It is the laughter of the might of holiness; it is the laughter of the strength of love. God does not exult over the sufferings of sinning me. He does hold in derision all the proud boasting and violence of such as seek to prevent His accomplishment of His will." (Morgan) God sits in perfect peace, assurance on the throne and with all authority. What does heaven have to fear from earth? Be comforted today, know that God is God and He holds all things in His hands—even you!
Thanking God for His peace, power and presence,
Carol Danna
Next Reading: 2 Samuel 8-9; I Chronicles 18-19; Matthew 21
In the final verse, we read the theme of this Psalm. We can defy God and perish or surrender to him and be blessed. It sounds so straightforward and simple doesn’t it? I wish it were that easy. David seems mystified at the nations and people who rage against God. They have no reason to rage against God—it is in vain. In verses 4-6 the Lord laughs at them, “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure: "Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion." I guess it is sort of like us looking down at ants. Can you imagine an ant defying us? “Hey, you, move out of my way, I’m going to my ant hill?” “Really, really, I mean, really, Mr. Ant, you are going where?’ It is so obviously silly-but isn’t that the way it is with us when we try to tell God I am going to do it my way? God is not laughing at us because He is sitting on the throne, He is laughing because He is God and the King of the Universe. He is not walking back and forth in heaven biting His nails and trying to figure everything out—because, well, He is God. "This derisive laughter of God is the comfort of all those who love righteousness. It is the laughter of the might of holiness; it is the laughter of the strength of love. God does not exult over the sufferings of sinning me. He does hold in derision all the proud boasting and violence of such as seek to prevent His accomplishment of His will." (Morgan) God sits in perfect peace, assurance on the throne and with all authority. What does heaven have to fear from earth? Be comforted today, know that God is God and He holds all things in His hands—even you!
Thanking God for His peace, power and presence,
Carol Danna
Next Reading: 2 Samuel 8-9; I Chronicles 18-19; Matthew 21
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