Thank God believers are gifted with various abilities. God has given believers various spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12 notes that one of the spiritual gifts is prophecy. Prophecy is the ability to interpret God's Word and may also include the prediction of future events under the inspiration of God.
All the spiritual gifts are valuable. The ability to interpret God's Word is especially useful for sharing His message with people. Sometimes miracles can be done without people coming into a relationship with God or having their relationship with God strengthened. For example, in Luke 17, 10 lepers were healed by Jesus Christ of their leprosy, but only one went back and thanked God for his healing, and Jesus noted his faith. The benefit of healing for the other nine was temporary instead of eternal. The faith of the one who worshiped God was useful for this earthly life and the next life.
While our spiritual gifts can help us lead a better life today, ultimately we are here for being a means for God to introduce people to Himself or to strengthen a person's relationship with God.
The Apostle Paul encourages us to ask God for gifts like prophecy because they more clearly help with growing in a relationship with God.
However, everyone will not have the same spiritual gift(s). God likes diversity. Just like God did not intend for us all to have the same qualities or to do the same things, neither did He give us the same gifts.
Each believer is valuable and has a role to play in God's kingdom. Don't neglect to use the spiritual gifts that you have.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
God Chose Us
God chose each believer to be in relationship with Him before He created the universe. He did this because He loves us and has a good plan for us.
The individual plan He has for us is part of a larger plan He has whereby all things except God the Father are to be brought into the leadership of Jesus Christ.
Believers have been redeemed from the ultimate effect of sin. When Jesus Christ died and rose again from the dead 2,000 years ago in Calvary, Israel, He took care of the penalty for all sins we ever did, are doing or will do in the future.
God is for us. He has set us apart to grow increasingly like Him.
When we first come into relationship with God He has a lot to change in us to make us like Him. Before God revealed Himself to us, we could not recognize Him or be transformed into His likeness. We had a veil over our mind and spirit. But when we receive the Lord, the Spirit of the Lord removes the covering (veil).
We become free in Christ to do many things, but not to sin.
The individual plan He has for us is part of a larger plan He has whereby all things except God the Father are to be brought into the leadership of Jesus Christ.
Believers have been redeemed from the ultimate effect of sin. When Jesus Christ died and rose again from the dead 2,000 years ago in Calvary, Israel, He took care of the penalty for all sins we ever did, are doing or will do in the future.
God is for us. He has set us apart to grow increasingly like Him.
When we first come into relationship with God He has a lot to change in us to make us like Him. Before God revealed Himself to us, we could not recognize Him or be transformed into His likeness. We had a veil over our mind and spirit. But when we receive the Lord, the Spirit of the Lord removes the covering (veil).
We become free in Christ to do many things, but not to sin.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Some Things to Pray
What are some things to pray for? Jesus says in Matthew 21:22 New International Version Bible, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." In John 17 Jesus prayed that He will be revealed to believers. God has to give life to our spirit in order for us to recognize who Jesus is. We can pray that Jesus will be revealed to people.
Unity is also something good to pray for. Psalm 133:4 New King James Version Bible says, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Unity makes it easier to accomplish our purpose in life because we are cooperating with each other.
Living in unity does not mean that we are all the same. Pray to know your God-given purpose. This way we will fulfill all that He has called us to fulfill.
Don't try to fulfill purpose without consulting God. By ourselves we go into areas that are not productive.
When we live in purpose we also live with truth. We can pray for truth to be revealed. Truth may seem to be revealed by facts, but this is not always the case. Truth has a dimension that is both spiritual and natural. For example, in the natural the Apostle Paul had a thorn in his flesh, some type of problem in his life. In the Spirit of God, God turned the weakness this thorn caused into strength.
We can pray for intimacy with God. Jesus notes in John 17 that He is so close to God the Father that He is one with God the Father. Jesus is the manifestation of God that we can see. He had a physical body in His earthly ministry 2,000 years ago. Even before Mary was pregnant with baby Jesus, Jesus had a body. For example, in the Old Testament Jesus was the commander of the Lord's army in Joshua 5 that Joshua worshiped.
We can pray that God will not lead us into temptation. Temptation can bring out weakness that does not lead to giving honor to God. Avoid temptation. It can be enticing. Some can be passed, but not all.
We can pray for protection. Our ultimate enemy is the devil and his demons who have been around a lot longer than we have. God can take care of problems we have no idea about. For example, we live in a world where there is enough food for everyone, but political obstacles stand in the way. Respect authority. Pray for governmental leaders. May leaders let go of pre-destined failure and embrace win-win solutions today and every day. Anything is possible.
Unity is also something good to pray for. Psalm 133:4 New King James Version Bible says, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Unity makes it easier to accomplish our purpose in life because we are cooperating with each other.
Living in unity does not mean that we are all the same. Pray to know your God-given purpose. This way we will fulfill all that He has called us to fulfill.
Don't try to fulfill purpose without consulting God. By ourselves we go into areas that are not productive.
When we live in purpose we also live with truth. We can pray for truth to be revealed. Truth may seem to be revealed by facts, but this is not always the case. Truth has a dimension that is both spiritual and natural. For example, in the natural the Apostle Paul had a thorn in his flesh, some type of problem in his life. In the Spirit of God, God turned the weakness this thorn caused into strength.
We can pray for intimacy with God. Jesus notes in John 17 that He is so close to God the Father that He is one with God the Father. Jesus is the manifestation of God that we can see. He had a physical body in His earthly ministry 2,000 years ago. Even before Mary was pregnant with baby Jesus, Jesus had a body. For example, in the Old Testament Jesus was the commander of the Lord's army in Joshua 5 that Joshua worshiped.
We can pray that God will not lead us into temptation. Temptation can bring out weakness that does not lead to giving honor to God. Avoid temptation. It can be enticing. Some can be passed, but not all.
We can pray for protection. Our ultimate enemy is the devil and his demons who have been around a lot longer than we have. God can take care of problems we have no idea about. For example, we live in a world where there is enough food for everyone, but political obstacles stand in the way. Respect authority. Pray for governmental leaders. May leaders let go of pre-destined failure and embrace win-win solutions today and every day. Anything is possible.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Grey Areas
Sometimes issues arise in life that the Bible appears to not have discussed. In Romans 14 the Apostle Paul says about these areas believers want to live in a freedom that is balanced by care for the conscience of believers who may live in less freedom than we do and an attitude lacking judgement toward those who live in greater freedom than we do.
One of the things Paul said in Romans 14 is that some consider every day a holiday (holy day set apart to God) whereas others celebrate particular days as holidays to God. Paul said we should be mindful that first we are faithful to God and do not doubt the way we are celebrating. Then we consult God to see if those in our sphere of influence are being harmed by the way we are living and then we need to not be judgmental of those who celebrate holidays to God differently.
When we consider the conscience of others and lacking judgement these are not meant to put us in bondage. For example, Paul was a Jew. Before he became a Christian, he believed it was wrong to have friendships with non-Jews (Gentiles). Some Jewish Christians continued not to associate with non-Jews. Paul did not. He formed friendships with non-Jews like Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. Some considered his friendships with Gentiles a stumbling block (something that hinders the faith of others) but it wasn't.
Paul wanted those who had weaker consciences to be welcomed and respected and ultimately raised to a higher level of faith motivated by love. Philippians 1:9 New International Version Bible says, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ -- to the glory and praise of God."
One of the things Paul said in Romans 14 is that some consider every day a holiday (holy day set apart to God) whereas others celebrate particular days as holidays to God. Paul said we should be mindful that first we are faithful to God and do not doubt the way we are celebrating. Then we consult God to see if those in our sphere of influence are being harmed by the way we are living and then we need to not be judgmental of those who celebrate holidays to God differently.
When we consider the conscience of others and lacking judgement these are not meant to put us in bondage. For example, Paul was a Jew. Before he became a Christian, he believed it was wrong to have friendships with non-Jews (Gentiles). Some Jewish Christians continued not to associate with non-Jews. Paul did not. He formed friendships with non-Jews like Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. Some considered his friendships with Gentiles a stumbling block (something that hinders the faith of others) but it wasn't.
Paul wanted those who had weaker consciences to be welcomed and respected and ultimately raised to a higher level of faith motivated by love. Philippians 1:9 New International Version Bible says, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ -- to the glory and praise of God."
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Friends and Prayer
In prayer and in other parts of life two or more are better than one. Ecclesiastes 4:10 New International Version Bible says, "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"
One way we can help each other up in through prayer. Friends should pray for each other. Psalm 28 indicates that when we pray we should show respect to God and not take for granted that He is able to hear us. Often we are in trouble. We can talk to God about trouble and triumph. He has the ability to keep us or bring us out of the pit (bad places in life).
God can also extend mercy in our situations. Friends are designed to extend mercy to each other. We are to build each other up.
God helps us through life. God is a shepherd. He desires to lead and to direct us in this earthly life and in the next lie if we are chosen for eternal life. God leads us and directs us in the way we should go.
We are at the forefront of God's mind. God wants to make sure that we live the good, abundant, enjoyable life He promised. Friends should want this too for each other.
One way we can help each other up in through prayer. Friends should pray for each other. Psalm 28 indicates that when we pray we should show respect to God and not take for granted that He is able to hear us. Often we are in trouble. We can talk to God about trouble and triumph. He has the ability to keep us or bring us out of the pit (bad places in life).
God can also extend mercy in our situations. Friends are designed to extend mercy to each other. We are to build each other up.
God helps us through life. God is a shepherd. He desires to lead and to direct us in this earthly life and in the next lie if we are chosen for eternal life. God leads us and directs us in the way we should go.
We are at the forefront of God's mind. God wants to make sure that we live the good, abundant, enjoyable life He promised. Friends should want this too for each other.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Being Human and God
The same person who formed the stars, the planets, the oceans, our known universe is the same person who chose to become like us. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, took on a body of flesh and blood, so that He might die and rise again to reconcile us with God and to destroy the devil who was given the power of death.
God didn't save believers from their sins and give them eternal life from a distance. He desires close fellowship. John 17:3 New International Version Bible says, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." Believers are part of the family of God. God calls us things like friends, brothers, children and His bride.
God wants to talk with us about our lives. Hebrews 2 tells us that He is also a priest, so we can go to Him when we are tempted to do evil, and He is able to strengthen us. Scriptures like Psalm 100 say that God also likes for us to thank Him for His character and His deeds. We can also make requests of Him. When we talk with Jesus we are not talking with someone who does not know what it is to be human. Jesus Christ went through a variety of life experiences in His earthly ministry more than 2,000 years ago. Although He is fully God, Jesus Christ suffered the constraints of being human. God used this suffering/experience to bring to perfection His plan of being our high priest. There isn't any problem or issue in our life that He isn't able to help.
Jesus Christ became human for the sake of the spiritual descendants of Abraham -- some biologically related to Abraham, others not, but both God's chosen people who have received an eternal relationship with Him.
God likes us. Not only does He want to be in relationship with believers, He wants us to be rulers. All believers are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. We are kings and queens. He desires for us to take authority over our area of influence in ways that please Him.
One of the best things to please God is simply to talk to our brother, friend, husband Jesus often. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 New Living Translation Bible says, "Never stop praying."
God didn't save believers from their sins and give them eternal life from a distance. He desires close fellowship. John 17:3 New International Version Bible says, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." Believers are part of the family of God. God calls us things like friends, brothers, children and His bride.
God wants to talk with us about our lives. Hebrews 2 tells us that He is also a priest, so we can go to Him when we are tempted to do evil, and He is able to strengthen us. Scriptures like Psalm 100 say that God also likes for us to thank Him for His character and His deeds. We can also make requests of Him. When we talk with Jesus we are not talking with someone who does not know what it is to be human. Jesus Christ went through a variety of life experiences in His earthly ministry more than 2,000 years ago. Although He is fully God, Jesus Christ suffered the constraints of being human. God used this suffering/experience to bring to perfection His plan of being our high priest. There isn't any problem or issue in our life that He isn't able to help.
Jesus Christ became human for the sake of the spiritual descendants of Abraham -- some biologically related to Abraham, others not, but both God's chosen people who have received an eternal relationship with Him.
God likes us. Not only does He want to be in relationship with believers, He wants us to be rulers. All believers are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. We are kings and queens. He desires for us to take authority over our area of influence in ways that please Him.
One of the best things to please God is simply to talk to our brother, friend, husband Jesus often. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 New Living Translation Bible says, "Never stop praying."
Monday, December 3, 2012
Grace is Available
1 Timothy 1:15 says that Jesus Christ came to forgive us of our sins and to give us eternal life. He wants us to have good relationships with Him and people.
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for the poor, middle class and rich -- that's the true American and Christian way.
Our government has immense power to manipulate the behavior of people making them fit into a certain agenda. A godly agenda is to preserve and promote the family.
1 Timothy records that the Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to hold on to faith and a good conscience. Sometimes we can experience fear, stress and other negativity, but that does not mean we are not in the Christian faith.
We will be persecuted for our faith. Pray for those who persecute that they may see the error of their ways. Jesus Christ came that we might live a good, abundant, enjoyable life.
God's grace is available to a wide variety of people. The Apostle Paul was once a blasphemer and persecutor of the church. God changed him, and he became a church leader who sometimes had to discipline church members.
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for the poor, middle class and rich -- that's the true American and Christian way.
Our government has immense power to manipulate the behavior of people making them fit into a certain agenda. A godly agenda is to preserve and promote the family.
1 Timothy records that the Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to hold on to faith and a good conscience. Sometimes we can experience fear, stress and other negativity, but that does not mean we are not in the Christian faith.
We will be persecuted for our faith. Pray for those who persecute that they may see the error of their ways. Jesus Christ came that we might live a good, abundant, enjoyable life.
God's grace is available to a wide variety of people. The Apostle Paul was once a blasphemer and persecutor of the church. God changed him, and he became a church leader who sometimes had to discipline church members.
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