1 John 3:18
"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."
Dear friend,
Our tongues tend to get us in trouble at times, don't they? In the third chapter of James it mentions that the tongue can be like the small spark that starts a forest ablaze. No man can tame it. Let us pray to God for the power of the Holy Spirit to continually enable us to speak with a tongue that brings healing and is a tree of life and not a deceitful tongue that crushes the spirit (Proverbs 15:4).
One way to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19) is to practice true love in action. As it is said, "actions speak louder than words" so let our love speak louder in action. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in the presence of our God (verse 19).
In the name of the only true love in action, Jesus Christ,
Mike
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
3.23.11
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
Dear friend,
We need to watch out for dangers, for traps, for ensnarements of the devil. The enemy's attacks are sly and sneaky. He plays on our emotions and insecurities and casts doubt upon us. Knowing they will come, we need to be ready for them and not be afraid of them. It's guaranteed that the enemy will attack, but we have the assurance of victory in our Lord Jesus Christ; this is the standing firm in our faith! And we need to be courageous, to stand strong in the presence of the enemy. We're all warriors in a spiritual battle around us, but we have the King of all Kings leading the charge; the ferocious Lion of Judah ready snuff the life out of the enemy's lies when we call on His name! Ephesians 6:10 tells us, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might."
The Greek word andrizesthe, meaning 'quit you like men', is used in this verse and it appears nowhere else in the New Testament. In essence this means "to render one manly or brave; to show oneself a man; that is, not to be a coward, or timid, or alarmed at enemies, but to be bold and brave. We have a similar phrase in common use: "Be a man," or "Show yourself a man;" that is, be not mean, or be not cowardly." (1)
Psalm 31:24 tells us to "Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD." We know the enemy's destiny, but until that time we need to be on our guard; stand firm in the faith (your relationship with Jesus Christ); be men (and women) of courage; be strong.
Today, claim the victory that is yours in Christ!
-Robert
1. http://biblecommenter.com/1_corinthians/16-13.htm
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
Dear friend,
We need to watch out for dangers, for traps, for ensnarements of the devil. The enemy's attacks are sly and sneaky. He plays on our emotions and insecurities and casts doubt upon us. Knowing they will come, we need to be ready for them and not be afraid of them. It's guaranteed that the enemy will attack, but we have the assurance of victory in our Lord Jesus Christ; this is the standing firm in our faith! And we need to be courageous, to stand strong in the presence of the enemy. We're all warriors in a spiritual battle around us, but we have the King of all Kings leading the charge; the ferocious Lion of Judah ready snuff the life out of the enemy's lies when we call on His name! Ephesians 6:10 tells us, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might."
The Greek word andrizesthe, meaning 'quit you like men', is used in this verse and it appears nowhere else in the New Testament. In essence this means "to render one manly or brave; to show oneself a man; that is, not to be a coward, or timid, or alarmed at enemies, but to be bold and brave. We have a similar phrase in common use: "Be a man," or "Show yourself a man;" that is, be not mean, or be not cowardly." (1)
Psalm 31:24 tells us to "Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD." We know the enemy's destiny, but until that time we need to be on our guard; stand firm in the faith (your relationship with Jesus Christ); be men (and women) of courage; be strong.
Today, claim the victory that is yours in Christ!
-Robert
1. http://biblecommenter.com/1_corinthians/16-13.htm
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
3.22.11
Acts 28:31
Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Dear friend,
The verse today sums up Paul's ministry quite nicely; boldly and without hindrance. Even in chains and in prison, Paul suffered for the Gospel and shared boldly and without hindrance.
I wish I could say that for myself. I've had the opportunity to share my faith many times around the world and here at home. But I don't know that I could say that I always did it boldly and without hindrance. Something always gets in the way and it's usually myself.
If I really believe in God, Jesus and his death on the cross for my sins and my eternal salvation, and the Bible, then why wouldn't I want to boldly and without hindrance share that with everyone I know? I should be shouting it from the mountain tops!
Often we feel we aren't prepared or the timing just isn't right. But are we ever fully prepared for anything in life and is there ever a right time? We're never guaranteed there's going to be a tomorrow. All we have is the here and now, so why not boldly and without hindrance share the love and hope we have in Jesus Christ in the time that we have?
Take the opportunity to share with a family member, friend, co-worker, or even a stranger. Don't assume anyone really knows who Jesus is and the love sacrifice he made for us on the cross! We all know many people that go to church that do not truly have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And remember, it's not about winning an argument or being persuasive, it's about sharing God's love. We're not here to judge or convict others of their sin, that's God's job. Boldly and without hindrance share GOD'S LOVE! Love breaks down walls and opens hearts!
If there's someone you would like us to pray for, that God would work on their heart to be receptive to the Gospel, or that you would like to share with, use the prayer link below to let us know.
Have a blessed Monday.
In Christ,
Robert
Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Dear friend,
The verse today sums up Paul's ministry quite nicely; boldly and without hindrance. Even in chains and in prison, Paul suffered for the Gospel and shared boldly and without hindrance.
I wish I could say that for myself. I've had the opportunity to share my faith many times around the world and here at home. But I don't know that I could say that I always did it boldly and without hindrance. Something always gets in the way and it's usually myself.
If I really believe in God, Jesus and his death on the cross for my sins and my eternal salvation, and the Bible, then why wouldn't I want to boldly and without hindrance share that with everyone I know? I should be shouting it from the mountain tops!
Often we feel we aren't prepared or the timing just isn't right. But are we ever fully prepared for anything in life and is there ever a right time? We're never guaranteed there's going to be a tomorrow. All we have is the here and now, so why not boldly and without hindrance share the love and hope we have in Jesus Christ in the time that we have?
Take the opportunity to share with a family member, friend, co-worker, or even a stranger. Don't assume anyone really knows who Jesus is and the love sacrifice he made for us on the cross! We all know many people that go to church that do not truly have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And remember, it's not about winning an argument or being persuasive, it's about sharing God's love. We're not here to judge or convict others of their sin, that's God's job. Boldly and without hindrance share GOD'S LOVE! Love breaks down walls and opens hearts!
If there's someone you would like us to pray for, that God would work on their heart to be receptive to the Gospel, or that you would like to share with, use the prayer link below to let us know.
Have a blessed Monday.
In Christ,
Robert
Monday, March 21, 2011
3.21.11
Acts 28:31
Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Dear friend,
The verse today sums up Paul's ministry quite nicely; boldly and without hindrance. Even in chains and in prison, Paul suffered for the Gospel and shared boldly and without hindrance.
I wish I could say that for myself. I've had the opportunity to share my faith many times around the world and here at home. But I don't know that I could say that I always did it boldly and without hindrance. Something always gets in the way and it's usually myself.
If I really believe in God, Jesus and his death on the cross for my sins and my eternal salvation, and the Bible, then why wouldn't I want to boldly and without hindrance share that with everyone I know? I should be shouting it from the mountain tops!
Often we feel we aren't prepared or the timing just isn't right. But are we ever fully prepared for anything in life and is there ever a right time? We're never guaranteed there's going to be a tomorrow. All we have is the here and now, so why not boldly and without hindrance share the love and hope we have in Jesus Christ in the time that we have?
Take the opportunity to share with a family member, friend, co-worker, or even a stranger. Don't assume anyone really knows who Jesus is and the love sacrifice he made for us on the cross! We all know many people that go to church that do not truly have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And remember, it's not about winning an argument or being persuasive, it's about sharing God's love. We're not here to judge or convict others of their sin, that's God's job. Boldly and without hindrance share GOD'S LOVE! Love breaks down walls and opens hearts!
If there's someone you would like us to pray for, that God would work on their heart to be receptive to the Gospel, or that you would like to share with, use the prayer link below to let us know.
Have a blessed Monday.
In Christ,
Robert
Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Dear friend,
The verse today sums up Paul's ministry quite nicely; boldly and without hindrance. Even in chains and in prison, Paul suffered for the Gospel and shared boldly and without hindrance.
I wish I could say that for myself. I've had the opportunity to share my faith many times around the world and here at home. But I don't know that I could say that I always did it boldly and without hindrance. Something always gets in the way and it's usually myself.
If I really believe in God, Jesus and his death on the cross for my sins and my eternal salvation, and the Bible, then why wouldn't I want to boldly and without hindrance share that with everyone I know? I should be shouting it from the mountain tops!
Often we feel we aren't prepared or the timing just isn't right. But are we ever fully prepared for anything in life and is there ever a right time? We're never guaranteed there's going to be a tomorrow. All we have is the here and now, so why not boldly and without hindrance share the love and hope we have in Jesus Christ in the time that we have?
Take the opportunity to share with a family member, friend, co-worker, or even a stranger. Don't assume anyone really knows who Jesus is and the love sacrifice he made for us on the cross! We all know many people that go to church that do not truly have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And remember, it's not about winning an argument or being persuasive, it's about sharing God's love. We're not here to judge or convict others of their sin, that's God's job. Boldly and without hindrance share GOD'S LOVE! Love breaks down walls and opens hearts!
If there's someone you would like us to pray for, that God would work on their heart to be receptive to the Gospel, or that you would like to share with, use the prayer link below to let us know.
Have a blessed Monday.
In Christ,
Robert
Friday, March 18, 2011
3.18.11
John 2:16
16 For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-comes not from the Father but from the world.
Dear friend,
Lately God has really been convicting my heart of my tendency toward the lukewarm. The culture in which we live fuels our lusts and seemingly incessant pride. Compared to the rest of the world, we are rich beyond measure and our richness can very often lead us to depend on ourselves and "our resources" rather than depending on God.
It is in these moments that I'm thankful for the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This lust and pride do not come from our Father but from the world in which we live. In stark contrast to my pride, I see a humility that I long for in Jesus. Let us think about that humility today and be encouraged by the promise that God will exalt those who humble themselves. Though at times it seems an impossible task to banish our pride, nothing is impossible with God. The power of His Spirit will impart to us the humility of Christ as we draw near to Him in realization of our destitution and the richness of His glory.
"What is the incarnation but His heavenly humility, His emptying Himself and becoming man? What is His life on earth but humility; His taking the form of a servant? And what is His atonement but humility? "He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death." And what is His ascension and His glory, but humility exalted to the throne and crowned with glory? "He humbled Himself, therefore God highly exalted Him."1
In Christ,
Mike
1Andrew Murray, Humility the Beauty of Holiness (IndoEuropean Publishing, 2009)
16 For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-comes not from the Father but from the world.
Dear friend,
Lately God has really been convicting my heart of my tendency toward the lukewarm. The culture in which we live fuels our lusts and seemingly incessant pride. Compared to the rest of the world, we are rich beyond measure and our richness can very often lead us to depend on ourselves and "our resources" rather than depending on God.
It is in these moments that I'm thankful for the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This lust and pride do not come from our Father but from the world in which we live. In stark contrast to my pride, I see a humility that I long for in Jesus. Let us think about that humility today and be encouraged by the promise that God will exalt those who humble themselves. Though at times it seems an impossible task to banish our pride, nothing is impossible with God. The power of His Spirit will impart to us the humility of Christ as we draw near to Him in realization of our destitution and the richness of His glory.
"What is the incarnation but His heavenly humility, His emptying Himself and becoming man? What is His life on earth but humility; His taking the form of a servant? And what is His atonement but humility? "He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death." And what is His ascension and His glory, but humility exalted to the throne and crowned with glory? "He humbled Himself, therefore God highly exalted Him."1
In Christ,
Mike
1Andrew Murray, Humility the Beauty of Holiness (IndoEuropean Publishing, 2009)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
3.17.11
2 Timothy 1:8-9
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
Dear friend,
St. Patrick's day is usually associated with festivities of green, shamrocks, little leprechauns, and bottomless pints. It's really the celebration of a man, a Christian missionary, and his ministry. Here are some words from St. Patrick himself to encourage us in our faith today.
"I came to the people of Ireland to preach the Gospel, and to suffer insult from unbelievers, bearing the reproach of my going abroad, and many persecutions even unto bonds, and give my free birth for the benefit of others; and, should I be worthy, I am prepared to give even my life without hesitation and most gladly for his name, and it is there that I wish to spend it until I die, if the Lord would grant it to me." -St. Patrick (432 AD)
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
In Christ,
Robert
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
Dear friend,
St. Patrick's day is usually associated with festivities of green, shamrocks, little leprechauns, and bottomless pints. It's really the celebration of a man, a Christian missionary, and his ministry. Here are some words from St. Patrick himself to encourage us in our faith today.
"I came to the people of Ireland to preach the Gospel, and to suffer insult from unbelievers, bearing the reproach of my going abroad, and many persecutions even unto bonds, and give my free birth for the benefit of others; and, should I be worthy, I am prepared to give even my life without hesitation and most gladly for his name, and it is there that I wish to spend it until I die, if the Lord would grant it to me." -St. Patrick (432 AD)
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
In Christ,
Robert
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
3.16.11
John 20:31
31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Dear friend,
Here we are midweek. How are you doing so far?
We just want to keep encouraging you to press on. We are praying that today would be a day that you remain 'All In' for Jesus!
Jesus the Christ....
He is the author and finisher of our faith. The beginning and the end. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the only hope for a fallen world. He is the bread of life. He is the light of the world. He will call us out of the graves and up from the earth by His power. He spoke the world into existence by His mighty word. He sustains and holds all things together. He said before Abraham was born "I AM!" He held little children in his arms and cleared a temple with a whip. He hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors. He came for the sick who need Him. He opened eyes and raised the dead. He was homeless at times, hungry at times, sad at times and tempted at times, so that we could relate to Him and Him to us. He is the true vine and we are His branches. We need to remain in Him or we will wither and dry up. He commanded that we make disciples of ALL nations. He told us that He is the master and the servants should expect similar treatment (a cross). In order that we do not faint from fear, He said that He would send a helper in His name....Holy Spirit. He is the Way the Truth and the Life and no person goes to the Father but through Him. He and the Father are one and yet he chose to become a human and a servant. He became a curse for us in His death, so that our curse would be removed and we could live. To kick off His ministry at a wedding He changed water into wine, and he will finish with His angels announcement and return as King to have a wedding feast with His children. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. The law came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
He offers you and I grace today through His death on the cross and continued strength and hope through His Spirit. He made the payment that we could never afford to pay and sustains it with a power that we could never harness on our own.
His life for yours.....That's GRACE!! That's JESUS!!!
Remain in Him. Amen.
Ty
P.S. If you want to look up the verses that I pulled these thoughts from here are most of them that I can think of: John 1, John 8, Colossians 1:17, Revelation 1:8, John 14:6, Mark 2, Revelation 19, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 5 and others.
31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Dear friend,
Here we are midweek. How are you doing so far?
We just want to keep encouraging you to press on. We are praying that today would be a day that you remain 'All In' for Jesus!
Jesus the Christ....
He is the author and finisher of our faith. The beginning and the end. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the only hope for a fallen world. He is the bread of life. He is the light of the world. He will call us out of the graves and up from the earth by His power. He spoke the world into existence by His mighty word. He sustains and holds all things together. He said before Abraham was born "I AM!" He held little children in his arms and cleared a temple with a whip. He hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors. He came for the sick who need Him. He opened eyes and raised the dead. He was homeless at times, hungry at times, sad at times and tempted at times, so that we could relate to Him and Him to us. He is the true vine and we are His branches. We need to remain in Him or we will wither and dry up. He commanded that we make disciples of ALL nations. He told us that He is the master and the servants should expect similar treatment (a cross). In order that we do not faint from fear, He said that He would send a helper in His name....Holy Spirit. He is the Way the Truth and the Life and no person goes to the Father but through Him. He and the Father are one and yet he chose to become a human and a servant. He became a curse for us in His death, so that our curse would be removed and we could live. To kick off His ministry at a wedding He changed water into wine, and he will finish with His angels announcement and return as King to have a wedding feast with His children. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. The law came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
He offers you and I grace today through His death on the cross and continued strength and hope through His Spirit. He made the payment that we could never afford to pay and sustains it with a power that we could never harness on our own.
His life for yours.....That's GRACE!! That's JESUS!!!
Remain in Him. Amen.
Ty
P.S. If you want to look up the verses that I pulled these thoughts from here are most of them that I can think of: John 1, John 8, Colossians 1:17, Revelation 1:8, John 14:6, Mark 2, Revelation 19, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 5 and others.
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