I'm taking my bold font and highlighting each word that speaks to my spirit this morning.
Philippians 2
Unity through Humility 1Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic? 2Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.
3Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. 4Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.
Christs Humility and Exaltation 5Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. 6Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. 7He made himself nothing;[a] he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form.[b] 8And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross. 9Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Shine Brightly for Christ
12Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
14In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, 15so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them. 16Hold tightly to the word of life, so that when Christ returns, I will be proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not useless. 17But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is, if I am to die for you), I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you. 18And you should be happy about this and rejoice with me.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Going through the Bible this morning it's funny which words, which phases, which chapters speak to my spirit on any given day. I have come to think that it is God's gift to me. His instructions for my day. Sometimes a confirmation on what I'm doing right and at other times a life jacket to bring me back to safety.
Eph 4:17-31
Living as Children of Light 17With the Lord's authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly[c] do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19They don't care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.
20But that isn't what you were taught when you learned about Christ. 21Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, 22throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. 23Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. 24You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness--righteous, holy, and true.
25So put away all falsehood and "tell your neighbor the truth"[d] because we belong to each other. 26And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you."[e] Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.
28If you are a thief, stop stealing. Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need. 29Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. 32Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Eph 4:17-31
Living as Children of Light 17With the Lord's authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly[c] do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19They don't care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.
20But that isn't what you were taught when you learned about Christ. 21Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, 22throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. 23Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. 24You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness--righteous, holy, and true.
25So put away all falsehood and "tell your neighbor the truth"[d] because we belong to each other. 26And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you."[e] Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.
28If you are a thief, stop stealing. Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need. 29Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. 32Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Often I pray for wisdom. Yesterday I prayed for wisdom in selling my house or renting it. I also needed wisdom for direction this weekend. There are countless situations where I need wisdom each and everyday of my life. And not only me but all my prayer partners as well.
In todays reading in Eph. Paul gives us a good prayer for spiritual wisdom which can be used as a guide when we pray.
Pauls Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom
15Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for Christians everywhere, 16I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, 17asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 18I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.[c]
19I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. 21Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. 22And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. 23And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with his presence.
In todays reading in Eph. Paul gives us a good prayer for spiritual wisdom which can be used as a guide when we pray.
Pauls Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom
15Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for Christians everywhere, 16I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, 17asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 18I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.[c]
19I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. 21Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. 22And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. 23And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with his presence.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
In today's reading I was struck by these passages. I have been feeling negative lately and I see that maybe I am reaping fruits from my sinful nature rather than being controlled by the Spirit. This is a good plumb line in as much as when you're feeling angry, hostile, bitter, arguementative, lustful, selfish, just to name a few feelings, you know you're on the wrong side of the plumb line. It's a good spiritual check up everyday, sometimes every hour. Dear Abba, direct all Your children today by the Holy Spirit and by Your power and strength. Amen.
Gal 5:16-26
Living by the Spirits Power
16So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. 18But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law.
19When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, 20idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, 21envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
22But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. 26Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.
Gal 5:16-26
Living by the Spirits Power
16So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. 18But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law.
19When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, 20idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, 21envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
22But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. 26Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Did I tell you about Edwina, our new 5 week old Jack Russell Terrier? I not only should announce her arrival but blog a picture of her. Isn't she sweet. I tried taking a picture of her with my digital camera last night on a white background and nothing appeared. Thus the phrase disappearing into the background.
Monday, September 18, 2006
I have started to read the Bible in a year. Here are the Scripture portions I am reading if you want to follow with us on our journey. http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/september.asp?version=31
September 18
Isaiah 28:14-30:11Galatians 3:23-4:31Psalm 62:1-12Proverbs 23;19-21
19
Isaiah 30:12-33:9Galatians 5:1-12Psalm 63:1-11Proverbs 23:22
20
Isaiah 33:10-36:22Galatians 5:13-26Psalm 64:1-10Proverbs 23:23
21
Isaiah 37:1-38:22Galatians 5:13-26Psalm 64:1-10Proverbs 23:24
22
Isaiah 39:1-41:16Ephesians 1:1-23Psalm 66:1-20Proverbs 23:25-28
23
Isaiah 41:17-43Ephesians 2:1-22Psalm 67;1-7Proverbs 23:29-35
24
Isaiah 43:14-45:10Ephesians 3:1-21Psalm 68:1-18Proverbs 24:1-2
25
Isaiah 45;11-48:11Ephesians 4:1-16Psalm 68:19-35Proverbs 24:3-4
26
Isaiah 48:12-50:11Ephesians 4:17-32Psalm 69:1-18Proverbs 24:5-6
27
Isaiah 51:1-53:12Ephesians 5:1-33Psalm 69:19-36Proverbs 24:7
28
Isaiah 54:1-57:14Ephesians 6:1-24Psalm 70:1-5Proverbs 24:8
29
Isaiah 57:15-59:21Philippians 1:1-26Psalm 71:1-24Proverbs 24:9-10
30
Isaiah 60:1-62:5Philippians 1:27-2:18Psalm 72:1-20Proverbs 24:11-12
September 18
Isaiah 28:14-30:11Galatians 3:23-4:31Psalm 62:1-12Proverbs 23;19-21
19
Isaiah 30:12-33:9Galatians 5:1-12Psalm 63:1-11Proverbs 23:22
20
Isaiah 33:10-36:22Galatians 5:13-26Psalm 64:1-10Proverbs 23:23
21
Isaiah 37:1-38:22Galatians 5:13-26Psalm 64:1-10Proverbs 23:24
22
Isaiah 39:1-41:16Ephesians 1:1-23Psalm 66:1-20Proverbs 23:25-28
23
Isaiah 41:17-43Ephesians 2:1-22Psalm 67;1-7Proverbs 23:29-35
24
Isaiah 43:14-45:10Ephesians 3:1-21Psalm 68:1-18Proverbs 24:1-2
25
Isaiah 45;11-48:11Ephesians 4:1-16Psalm 68:19-35Proverbs 24:3-4
26
Isaiah 48:12-50:11Ephesians 4:17-32Psalm 69:1-18Proverbs 24:5-6
27
Isaiah 51:1-53:12Ephesians 5:1-33Psalm 69:19-36Proverbs 24:7
28
Isaiah 54:1-57:14Ephesians 6:1-24Psalm 70:1-5Proverbs 24:8
29
Isaiah 57:15-59:21Philippians 1:1-26Psalm 71:1-24Proverbs 24:9-10
30
Isaiah 60:1-62:5Philippians 1:27-2:18Psalm 72:1-20Proverbs 24:11-12
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Sunday, September 10, 2006
I found a website to get definitions of the Hebrew words in the Bible. It's from Crosswalk, who has a wealth of biblical helps. Check out their website, http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Hebrew/heb.cgi?number=08669&version=nas. Yesterday I was talking to Carey at Hope of Isreal and he was reading the Bible. He came across Gen 3:16. Interested in a deeper meaning of a word he looked it up in a Hebrew Dictionary. I thought I want to have the same tool available for me. So, above is the free link and the tool is called a lexicon.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Did I tell you I have started a study on the book of Isaiah this year? Yesterday I was off to Southern Evangelical Seminary where the Book is taught by Dr. Barry Lethenthal. He's a great Messianic believer. It never stops amazing me how God puts His people in a position to bless.
So, I was reading Isaiah 3 this morning and this warning for women speaks to my spirit. Why you might ask? Because I was having the same conversation with my friend Norma this week and saw a show yesterday on Oprah about this very subject. Women dressing in inappropriate ways only to get what they really don't want. No one telling them the truth. MTV screaming at them lies and they believing the lies. How do we break the cycle of self destructive behavior? It starts with dress, then goes to drugs, sex and rock and roll. What do you see in this passage that speaks to your spirit.
Is 3:16-25
Warning for Jerusalems Women
16Next the LORD will judge the women of Jerusalem,[a] who walk around with their noses in the air, with tinkling ornaments on their ankles. Their eyes rove among the crowds, flirting with the men. 17The Lord will send a plague of scabs to ornament their heads. Yes, the LORD will make them bald for all to see!
18The Lord will strip away their artful beauty--their ornaments, headbands, and crescent necklaces; 19their earrings, bracelets, and veils of shimmering gauze. 20Gone will be their scarves, ankle chains, sashes, perfumes, and charms; 21their rings, jewels, 22party clothes, gowns, capes, and purses; 23their mirrors, linen garments, head ornaments, and shawls. 24Instead of smelling of sweet perfume, they will stink. They will wear ropes for sashes, and their well-set hair will fall out. They will wear rough sackcloth instead of rich robes. Their beauty will be gone. Only shame will be left to them.
25The men of the city will die in battle. 26The gates of Jerusalem[b] will weep and mourn. The city will be like a ravaged woman, huddled on the ground.
It's funny, the men these women wanted to attract died, and they were left alone.
What does that say to us now? If we don't live a life that is pleasing to God we suffer the consequences of our own mistakes. God's ways are better than our ways. How do we learn how to follow God's ways? Read His book, go to a bible study, even if it's online. Find a godly woman who you admire and respect. Ask her to mentor you, to care about you, to lead you in spiritual understanding. That is a good first step. Tell me about your journey if you'd like. I'm always interested.
So, I was reading Isaiah 3 this morning and this warning for women speaks to my spirit. Why you might ask? Because I was having the same conversation with my friend Norma this week and saw a show yesterday on Oprah about this very subject. Women dressing in inappropriate ways only to get what they really don't want. No one telling them the truth. MTV screaming at them lies and they believing the lies. How do we break the cycle of self destructive behavior? It starts with dress, then goes to drugs, sex and rock and roll. What do you see in this passage that speaks to your spirit.
Is 3:16-25
Warning for Jerusalems Women
16Next the LORD will judge the women of Jerusalem,[a] who walk around with their noses in the air, with tinkling ornaments on their ankles. Their eyes rove among the crowds, flirting with the men. 17The Lord will send a plague of scabs to ornament their heads. Yes, the LORD will make them bald for all to see!
18The Lord will strip away their artful beauty--their ornaments, headbands, and crescent necklaces; 19their earrings, bracelets, and veils of shimmering gauze. 20Gone will be their scarves, ankle chains, sashes, perfumes, and charms; 21their rings, jewels, 22party clothes, gowns, capes, and purses; 23their mirrors, linen garments, head ornaments, and shawls. 24Instead of smelling of sweet perfume, they will stink. They will wear ropes for sashes, and their well-set hair will fall out. They will wear rough sackcloth instead of rich robes. Their beauty will be gone. Only shame will be left to them.
25The men of the city will die in battle. 26The gates of Jerusalem[b] will weep and mourn. The city will be like a ravaged woman, huddled on the ground.
It's funny, the men these women wanted to attract died, and they were left alone.
What does that say to us now? If we don't live a life that is pleasing to God we suffer the consequences of our own mistakes. God's ways are better than our ways. How do we learn how to follow God's ways? Read His book, go to a bible study, even if it's online. Find a godly woman who you admire and respect. Ask her to mentor you, to care about you, to lead you in spiritual understanding. That is a good first step. Tell me about your journey if you'd like. I'm always interested.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
This week I am starting my year long study of the book of Isaiah. It will be a wonderful journey. I peaked at the beginning today and was struck by these verses. I think how revelant to today. God does not want our religiousity but our heart. He wants a personal relationship with us not us going through some motions thinking that whatever we do will bring us to Him. He wants our hearts, He wants everything, but most importantly our love.
10Listen to the LORD, you leaders of Israel! Listen to the law of our God, people of Israel. You act just like the rulers and people of Sodom and Gomorrah. 11"I am sick of your sacrifices," says the LORD. "Don't bring me any more burnt offerings! I don't want the fat from your rams or other animals. I don't want to see the blood from your offerings of bulls and rams and goats. 12Why do you keep parading through my courts with your worthless sacrifices? 13The incense you bring me is a stench in my nostrils! Your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath day, and your special days for fasting--even your most pious meetings--are all sinful and false. I want nothing more to do with them. 14I hate all your festivals and sacrifices. I cannot stand the sight of them! 15From now on, when you lift up your hands in prayer, I will refuse to look. Even though you offer many prayers, I will not listen. For your hands are covered with the blood of your innocent victims. 16Wash yourselves and be clean! Let me no longer see your evil deeds. Give up your wicked ways. 17Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the orphan. Fight for the rights of widows.
10Listen to the LORD, you leaders of Israel! Listen to the law of our God, people of Israel. You act just like the rulers and people of Sodom and Gomorrah. 11"I am sick of your sacrifices," says the LORD. "Don't bring me any more burnt offerings! I don't want the fat from your rams or other animals. I don't want to see the blood from your offerings of bulls and rams and goats. 12Why do you keep parading through my courts with your worthless sacrifices? 13The incense you bring me is a stench in my nostrils! Your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath day, and your special days for fasting--even your most pious meetings--are all sinful and false. I want nothing more to do with them. 14I hate all your festivals and sacrifices. I cannot stand the sight of them! 15From now on, when you lift up your hands in prayer, I will refuse to look. Even though you offer many prayers, I will not listen. For your hands are covered with the blood of your innocent victims. 16Wash yourselves and be clean! Let me no longer see your evil deeds. Give up your wicked ways. 17Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the orphan. Fight for the rights of widows.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
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