Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Reflections of 2013
I cannot believe that we are now at the end of 2013, it has been such a year. I also cannot believe that I have been with you now since 2011. As we head into 2014, I have some resolutions which I believe God has set before me. Now I do not believe in making goals that I will not keep. Life should be simple. I intend to spend more time with God and get to know Him better. The program will be of only the best quality this year. I also intend to make sure that Jesus Christ is the focus of everything I do. My motto will be, "What would Jesus do." For those who are part of my listening audience. I pray that you will grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. That He will be the center of everything you are and do this year. Jesus is Lord remember that. He has great plans and purposes for your future. I realize that not every day is going to be easy and not all things are going to be rosy. In those time you will find God faithful and you need to trust Him. Life is never easy but remember all things work together for good. It does mean that all things are good but all things work together for good. Trust in the Lord this year. He has been faithful in the last year and He will be faithful this year. He will never leave you or forsake you. Have a great day and a wonderful year ahead.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Paul meets Jesus
Dec 30 – Acts 9:3-7 – Paul meets Jesus
In this passage Jesus appears in a more powerful and dramatic form. Paul is on his way to Damascus
Jesus in this passage is changing the direction and life of Paul. He will never be the same after this experience. When you meet the resurrected Lord you will never be the same. Jesus came in power. Light and love. He came to claim His own. He knew Paul’s heart. He knew that Paul would heed this event and He would be obedient to the Lord’s call. I trust it will not have to be a dramatic course change that will cause you to be obedient to the Lord. I trust it will be like the still small voice that spoke to Elijah.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Stephen Sees Jesus
Dec 29 – Acts 7:54-56 –Stephen sees Jesus
Stephen has just delivered one of the finest speeches given in the Bible. His audience however did not agree with Him. The results of His message were that they close up their ears. They also were cut to the heart and they gnashed their teeth. These expressions were used to denote their refusal of the gospel. Stephen full of the Holy Spirit looks up to heaven and sees the glory of God. He sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus shows Himself to Stephen. This event is often repeated in many near death experiences, Stephen the relates what He sees to the crowd. He says, “I see the heavens open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of the God.” The results of this vision was that He was killed. This would be another post resurrection appearance of Christ. Stephen reveals a powerful reality. Jesus right now is sitting at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. He is acting on our behalf with the Father. It is so wonderful to know that today that you have an advocate with the Father. No matter what you do Jesus is pleading your case. That does not give you liberty to sin but the assurance that when you do you have someone acting on your behalf to help you get right with the father and stay right with the Father.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Restoration
Dec 26 – When will you restore the Kingdom – Acts 1:6-7
The disciple gathered around Jesus and they asked Him a very important question to them. Interesting what seems important to us does not always seem as important with God. They asked Him if He was going to restore the Kingdom at this time. Right up to the end they did not fully comprehend that Jesus’ kingdom was not a political one. At this moment they still saw Jesus as a conquering Messiah not a suffering servant. Jesus answers bluntly and simply. It is not for them to know the times or seasons which the Father has Himself put into His power. John 21:20-23 comes into play. There are some things that we do not need to know. We are to simply follow God and do His will. We can read the signs but to predict or name the date of the coming of the Kingdom is not for us to know. We are call to live ready. If some maniac or false prophet comes along and tells you they know when Christ is coming back call them what they are a liar. Jesus states here this is the Father realm and His alone. You are I are call to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is enough to keep us busy until Jesus comes.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Command to Wait
Command to Wait – Acts 1:4
Jesus had some final instructions for His disciples in their final assembly together. He told them to not leave Jerusalem. They were to wait for the promise of the Father. Jesus had told them in John 14 and 16 that the Holy Spirit would come and lead them into all truth. His role would be one of comforter. He would take what He heard the Father say and bring it to us. It was essential for them to wait. Waiting is an act of obedience and discipline. It is a time of reflection, expectation and faith. Cam Floria said, “Waiting is often providential discipline for those who have been given a big task or work.” They needed the power of the Holy Spirit with its gifts to change their world. You will never truly change the world around you without the indwelling and out flowing of the Holy Spirit. You will never truly have power until you have been endued with power from on high. When you waiti on the Lord wait in faith, expectation, obedience and a readiness to go. Remember when the Spirit moves you want to move with Him and not find yourself trying to catch up. Tarry until you have everything that you need from the Lord through the Holy Spirit.
Friday, December 20, 2013
What Life is all about
Luke 24:52-53
Immediately after Jesus ascension the disciples worshipped Him. They had seen God with a face and they had seen his leaving. It would have a profound and life changing effect on them. When you meet or see Jesus you will never the same. They worshipped and were in awe of Him. They returned to Jerusalem with joy. Forty days before they were frightened and confused but now they were waiting for power and had great joy. They knew Jesus was alive and nothing was going to stop them. They next went to the temple and everyday they were found doing two things. They were praising and blessing God. They were thanking Him for who He was and what He had done. This gave them the capacity to bless others. We are called to be people who worship the Lord for who He is. This is done though a lifestyle of purity, integrity and character. We are called to praise and bless the Lord and in turn we will be that to others. Make that you aim and goal today, for the glory of God.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Jesus Ascends
Luke 24:50-51
Jesus and the disciples go out of the city up the Mount of Olives as far as Bethany. Now for some dramatic staging. Jesus lifts his hands and He blesses them. He gives them His final blessing. The lifting of hands is very symbolic for two reasons. Paul says that we lift up holy hands with wrath and malice. When you lift up your hands it is a sign of surrender and submission. Jesus had submitted to the will of the Father and He was about to return to the Father for good. His earthly ministry was over. For forty days He had shown Himself alive with many undeniable truths. Secondly when we raise you hands you are asking for a divine connection. Jesus had given them the instructions to stay in Jerusalem until they be endued with power from on high. This blessing was part of that connection. Then as Jesus was raising His hands the began to ascend towards heaven in front of Him. Of course we know in the same manner that He ascended He will descend again. The question is, “Are you ready for His coming and do you have a divine connection with the Father through Jesus? Are you empowered by the Holy Spirit? If not get connected today and be a blessing.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Wait for Power
– Wait for Power – Luke 24:19
This is such a great verse. Jesus has just commissioned the disciples but now He gives them one more set of instructions and with this instruction is also a promise. He tells them in a few days they will be endued with power from on high To do what they have been called to do they will need power. This power cannot and will not come from man. With man’s power is man’s results. They are going to get the promise of the Father. Of course we know that this was the power of the Holy Spirit. He is third person of the God head who lives in us. He regenerates and empowers us for service. They were told to tarry and wait. This power and gift would come in the timing of the Lord. When the conditions were met and the timing was right the power and presence of the Holy Spirit would come and will come. These conditions are still in effect today. Too many are trying to do God’s work in the power of man. Paul rebuked the Galatians when He asked them why they were trying to complete in the flesh what was started in the Spirit. Jesus said, “Tarry until you be endued with power from High.” So today do not leave your place of prayer until you have been given God’s power. Gypsy Smith was asked one time what brings revival? He stated, “Draw a circle around yourself and stay there until you have been revived. Revival has started.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Romans 1
Romans 1
Vs 1 – Paul is a servant of
Jesus Christ. He was called to be an
apostle. To live a separated life for
the Gospel or Good News of God.
Vs 2 – This was a promise
written about by the prophets in the Holy Scriptures.
Vs 3 - God’s Son is Jesus Christ our Lord. He is the Seed of David. God’s promise to David, come in the
flesh. He is God with a face. God walking among us.
Vs 4 - He was declared the Son of God with
power. The Spirit of holiness has
declared Him this through His resurrection of the dead.
Vs 5 – Through Christ, Paul
has received grace and apostleship. He
is to be obedient to the faith ,to proclaim the gospel to all nations for His
name sake.
Vs 6 - The Romans have been called by and through
Jesus Christ.
Vs 7 – This letter was
written to the Christians of Rome. They
are the beloved of God and His saints (Called out ones). Grace and peace has been extended to them by
God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Lord Jesus Christ is a title used to establish Jesus’ Lordship and
authority.
Vs 8 - This is Paul’s prayer of thanksgiving for the
Romans. Their faith has been spoken or
broadcast throughout the Christian world.
Vs 9 – Paul wants them to
know through this oath that He is praying for them unceasingly. This is through the Spirit and His love for
the gospel.
Vs 10 – He prays for a
successful journey in the future in the will of God to come to them.
Vs 11 – Paul then relates why
he wants to come. To impart a spiritual
gift to help them and establish their faith more.
Vs 12 - Paul wants that through their mutual faith
they can comfort each other.
Vs 13 - He
wants them to know He has wanted to come to them but has been prevented thus
far. Paul wants to have spiritual fruit
among them as he has seen in other places.
Vs 14 – Paul establishes the
fact and thought he is debtor to God and to all mankind. He must repay that debt of salvation by
telling all men about Jesus Christ.
Vs 15 – His resolve is that
he wants to preach the gospel in Rome
Vs 16 – Paul is proud of the
gospel. He is never ashamed of this
glorious gospel. It is good news. It is the power of God working salvation in
every one who believes. The Jews had the
first opportunity to receive the gospel but now it is being offered to all.
Vs 17 - The gospel is the righteousness of God
through the avenue of faith and it will continue to grow through faith. Paul then quotes Hab 2:4, “the just will by
faith.” You are justified in God’s sight
by faith.
Vs 18 - The whole world is guilty before God. The wrath of God will be against the ungodly
and unrighteous. They are individuals
who hold to truth but it leads them to unrighteous.
Vs 19 - Mankind is held to account because creation
is the silent witness for God. God has
shown mankind there is an intelligent creator.
Vs 20 – The invisible things
of Him made at creation are clearly seen.
The witness of creation can be clearly understood. This evidence show His eternal power and God
head. So mankind is without excuse.
Vs 21 - There was a time mankind knew God. This is called the time of conscience. They however did not glorify Him as God.
Neither were thankful. The result was
that they became vain in their thinking and this led to a darkening of their
foolish hearts.
Vs 22 – They claimed to be
wise but in truth were fools.
Vs 23 – The changed to glory
of the incorruptible God to the images of corruptible man and creatures. They became idol worshippers.
Vs 24 - God then gave them over to uncleanness. This was caused by the lust in mankind’s
heart which led them to dishonor their bodies by doing evil acts among
themselves.
Vs 25 – There are two sins
God gave man up to defile their souls.
They changed the truth of God into a lie.
They worshipped and serve
creatures of stone, wood and metal instead of the creator is to be blessed
forever. Amen.
Vs 26 – God gave them
up. He did not want to give them up but
they did what was unnatural. He burned
in lust for each other. In nature male
and female procreation is the norm.
Vs 27 – Men left their
natural affection for women gave into the sodomite spirit and burned in lust
for each other. Their conduct is vile,
evil and will lead to destruction and death.
Vs 28 – They did not retain
their knowledge of God. God gave them
over to their reprobate mind where they do things that will lead to separation
from God and eternal punishment.
Vs 29 - As a result of their apostasy Paul lists 23
sins that damn the soul.
Unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness,
full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity and whisperers.
Vs 30. Paul continues on with his list. Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud,
boasters, inventing evil things and disobedient to parents.
Vs 31 – Paul finishes up his
list in this verse. Without
understanding, breakers of covenants, without natural affection, implacable and
unmerciful. All this is a result of God
allowing them to give themselves over to their lusts.
Vs 32 – What is terrible is through
out this verse is that the apostate knows judgment is coming but they neither
fear God or His judgment. They know that
these things they do are worthy of death but they encourage others to do them
and take pleasure in them.
John's Testimony
John’s Testimony – John 21:24-25
John now testifies that all the things he wrote are true. This is his written statement about Jesus Christ. Then John states that he and the other disciples know that what he has written is true and Jesus is truth. Jesus when He testified about Himself are true. They saw Him both in human form and resurrected form. John makes it clear here that what he and others wrote is selective history. John had focused on what he believed under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit needed to write as did the other writers of the Gospels. If each incident was written down John says there would not be enough books written to cover them adequately. John was right about one thing here. Over the 2000 years such Jesus came billions of books have been written about Him. Everyday thousand s of books quotes and stories are written about Him. He is talked about by billions of people everyday. Jesus has become the most notable and important person in history. Not bad for a boy from a small Galilean town. Make sure you make Him the central focus of your daily life and routine.
Monday, December 16, 2013
They went forth
They Went Forth – Mark 16:20 This is such a great verse. It has five components to it. First, the disciples went forth. They had received their commission and they now knew what they were suppose to do and what they were about. The gospel is our main focus and direction as a Christian. We pray and then obey. Next, they went everywhere. They had been told to start where they lived and go from there. This message would one day circle the globe and include millions of people. There is no place on this planet that must be let untouched. Thirdly, the Lord was working with them. The Lord is the invisible power behind our message. We are workers together with God. He works in us and through us for His praise and glory. God is looking for a willing and obedient vessel to work through. Fourthly, the confirmed His word. Whenever we preach in Hid name the Lord will confirm the message. There will be a reaction. Isaiah stated the word of the God will not return void but it will accomplish what it has been sent to do. Lastly, the word will be confirmed with signs following. What a marvellous truth. The Lord will confirm what you do with signs, wonders and miracles. We should not seek the signs but the one who gives the signs. As any signs they are designed to point to something, in this case it is he Lord. He will confirm His word and through these signs many will believe and be drawn to Christ.
Friday, December 13, 2013
7 Disciples go fishing
Seven Disciples Go Fishing – John 21:1-14
We find the disciples back in Galilee and Simon decides to go fishing. It was familiar and it was something that helped them to cope with the time they had on their hands. They went out all night but caught no fish. Early the next morning Jesus was standing on the side of the shore when He asked them if they had caught any fish to which they replied, “they had not.” They did not realize it was Jesus. He told them to throw their nets on the right side of the boat and they would find some. They had nothing to lose so they did and they caught so many fish they were not able to haul all the fish in. It was then that John stated it was Jesus and so Peter jumped into the water and the others followed and they brought in a haul of 153 fish. They would haul this fish some 100 yards. Jesus then served them breakfast of bread and fish. They asked Him who He was even though they knew it was the Lord. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to the disciples after He had risen from the dead. The lesson we can learn from this story is that if we recognize the Lord as who He is we shall have even our ordinary task blessed with abundance. Jesus said He came to give us life and with it abundance. This story beautifully illustrates it. So whatever you need ask the Lord and He will not only supply your need but in an abundant way.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Signs and Wonders
These Signs will follow – Mark 16:18
We are continuing our discussion on the signs that follow those who believe. They will be able to pick up serpents and drinking any deadly thing. This of course is talking about divine protection in the small and great things. Paul demonstrated this ability on the island of Malta when a serpent grabbed onto his hand. He shook off in the fire. The result was that many believed in him. It is wonderful to know that you have divine immunity and protection in the middle of persecution and the storms of life. They will lay their hands on others and they will recover. Healing was and is still a part of the churches mandate. James says that if there is any sick among us let them call for the elders of the church to come and pray healing for them and they will recover. Healing can be immediate or gradual. Either way God is glorified and people see that the Lord is alive and well in His church. Our mandate from the Lord is clear. We have all of heaven standing behind us and Jesus will be with us all the way. Today bring the healing touch of the Lord into those in your world. Secondly hone your walk with God that people will see fruit and signs which show you are in close contact with the Lord. It will benefit you and others you come into contact with.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Signs Following
These signs follow those who believe. Mark 16:17 As a Christian there should be signs and fruit following our belief in Jesus Christ. First, they will have the ability to cast out devils. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. James 4:7, states that if we resist the devil, he will flee from us. John puts it beautifully in John 4:4, when he states that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. The devil has no right, authority or power over us. We can send him to flight and should so. Next, we will be able t speak in new tongues. What a great gift the Holy Spirit has given us. We can speak in the tongues of men and angels. This gift is especially profitable when communicating with the Lord. When our native language fails us we can still pray using our heavenly language. This gift is also used a witness to the unbeliever. Signs are away that people know that we are His disciples. What signs are following you?
Monday, December 9, 2013
The Great Commission
The Great Commission – Mark 16:15-16
These next two verses are so powerful and yet at times controversial. Jesus tells His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel or good news. Their mission and task are set before them. This message is universal and to every nation, creed, tribe and color. He who believes and is baptised is saved and those who do not believed shall be condemned. Now for some this means unless a person is baptised in water that person is not saved. Others think it means that if you are not baptised in the Holy Spirit then you are not saved. Both positions are incorrect. Jesus is saying here that when a person believes the next logical step is water baptism because it shows what has happened in the heart. In the book of Acts you see in most cases believers were baptised immediately. A good example was Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch. The second part of verse 15 does make it clear that salvation is by faith and faith alone. Today go into your world and bring Christ to those who believe and help them to understand the significance of water baptism and it be a celebration of a new life in Christ.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Great Commission
The Great
Commission - Matthew 28:19-20
This is the second part of the Great
Commission. Jesus is with His
disciples. Now this event happened in
Galilee but for the sake of consistency in our devotional the writer has place
it here. Jesus tells His audience that
He has been given all power in heaven and on earth. He has the power of attorney. He has won this right and privilege through
His death, burial and resurrection.
Jesus while He was a man was limited but now in His resurrected form all
His previous power, authority and dominion has been returned. Jesus then commissioned His disciples to go
into all the world and preach the gospel or good news about Him. This is a message to be preached and taught to all who will listen. We are to baptized them in the name of the
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Water
Baptism is an outward sign of the inner transformation of the heart. This is formula for water Baptism. We are to baptize in the Trinity. Jesus then tells them to observe all things
that He commanded them. They were to
love one another and fulfill the great commission. Then He closes this passage with a great
promise. “I am with you always, even to
the end of the age. Jesus is with
us. No matter where we are, what we face
or why we are and where we are, the Lord is with us. This is a great comfort in life. Jesus has given us a task but He will now
leave us alone He is with us. What a
great promise. Matthew closes off this
final passage with Amen. Exclamation
point and done deal. Praise God.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Luke Great Commission
– Luke’s Great Commission – Luke 24:46-48
The Great Commission is given and in the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke it has three parts. This is the first part. Jesus tells them that it has been written that the beloved Christ would have to suffer. As we learned yesterday Jesus had opened their minds to understand what was written about Him in the law, prophets and the psalms. All these told how the Messiah would be a Suffering Saviour. How the Christ would rise from the dead on the third day and here is Jesus living proof. The message and commission they were now being given was one of repentance and remission of sins. This message was to be preached in all nations beginning at Jerusalem
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Jesus offers more proof
Jesus offers more proof – Luke 24:41-45 The apostles and those with them were still not convinced so Jesus asked them if they had any meat. They gave Him some fish and a piece of honey comb and He ate it in front of them. Jesus presented them with two proofs that He was alive. Jesus then told them that all the words He spoke in their presence came from three sources. They were the Law of Moses. The Prophets and the Psalms. In these scriptures over 300 prophecies had been written about Him and He had fulfilled them all. Jesus told His disciples before His death, burial and resurrection that He came not to do away with the law but to fulfill it. Then Jesus opened us their mind to understand the scriptures. In that moment they saw clearly who Jesus was and why He had come. May your prayer be the same. Do not walk in fear but in the joy of knowing who Jesus is and what the scriptures say about Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten and teach you about who Jesus is, and the wonderful life He has in store for you.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Proof of His Resurrection
– Proof of His Resurrection – Luke 24:38-40
This next incident is proof positive that Jesus was alive. Jesus said to them, “Why are you troubled and why do thoughts arise in your heart.” Jesus always addresses what is going on in our minds and hearts. He knows what we are thinking because He is all knowing. He knows when we are troubled and negative thoughts are leading our perceptions. God gives us great promises from the word to help when we find ourselves in times like these. Jesus told the apostles to look at His hands and feet. Touch me and see, Jesus said, “You want proof. Here is your proof. My hands and feet bear the scars of the suffering. His hands and feet will bear these signs for eternity as a remembrance for all what He did to purchase our salvation.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Jesus appears to the Ten
Luke 24:36-37 – Jesus Appears to Ten
As the two disciples that Jesus met on the road to Emmaus were sharing about what had happened Jesus appears in their midst. What great timing and staging. Imagine you are listening to an account of a friend and loved one being raised from the dead and then flash they appear in front of you. Jesus immediately addresses their fears. They felt they had seen a ghost. He says, “Peace be unto you.” Basically He tells them everything is o.k. “I am here.” When Jesus comes into the middle of our life a peace comes. It comes because He is the Prince of Peace, Luke explains what is happening to the apostles. They were two words, terrified and frightened. They thought they had seen a Spirit. Jesus comes to take care of our fears. Paul states in 2 Tim 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind. John says that perfect love casts out all fear. If that is that state of your life today or any part of this day, remember the Prince of Peace is here to take away your fear and give you His love, power and sanity.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Report tot he Apostles
Luke 24:33-35 – A Report to the Apostles
So we have the two disciples immediately within the hour going back to Jerusalem
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:5 –
Holy Spirit Baptism
This is where the phrase, “Baptism of the
Holy Spirit,” comes from. Jesus said
that John had baptised with water. The
concept here is to be fully immersed. To
be willing to die to self and live for God.
To identify with the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the same way the disciples would be
immersed in the Holy Spirit. All that
was of the flesh would die. They would
submit to leadership of the Holy Spirit and the Lordship of Jesus Christ. They would be fully immersed in the things of
God. The things of this world would be
washed away and the new life of Christ would be their goal. When one is baptised in the Holy Spirit new
life and purpose arise. You have gifts
that are designed for service. You have
the oral gifts, the power gifts and the revelational gifts. Each designed to be under t he complete
control of the Holy Spirit. The hymn
writer puts it beautifully, “the things of earth grow strangely dim in the
light of His glory and grace. These are
graces or virtues that come when you have been baptised in the Holy
Spirit. Seek the Baptism today we all
its benefits for His praise and glory.
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