Ephesians 4:26-32
The apostle Paul wrote extensively about the character and conduct of believers. He urged Christians to live a life worthy of our calling (Eph. 4:1) and to be “followers of God” (Eph. 5:1). In his letters to the churches, he explained what it meant to live a godly life.
First of all, we must curtail some of our habits and behaviors and replace them with new ones that are acceptable to God. The acts of the “flesh” are no longer to be a part of us. We now have a new nature and must conduct ourselves accordingly. Galatians 5:19-21 lists 15 specific behaviors that have to cease. These include enmities, strife, outbursts of anger, disputes, and dissensions. Notice the role anger plays in each of these. It fuels disagreements and inflames antagonism. And second, if we get angry, we need to apologize quickly (Eph. 4:26).
The fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) is to replace ungodly thoughts and actions. If we have been quick-tempered, then we need to gain patience. If our anger runs hot, then we are to become peaceful people. Foolishness in speech must give way to the wisdom of Christ. Change is possible because sin’s power over us has been permanently broken. We have been set free to live in a way pleasing to God.
We all struggle with some form of ungodly behavior, but happily, we don’t have to continue in it. As new creations, we no longer have to be defined by who we were before salvation (2 Cor. 5:17). To exhibit the righteousness that is yours, cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s transforming work.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Lord Honors Humility
1 Kings 3:10-14
Because Solomon humbly asked for wisdom to guide his people, God rewarded him with riches and honor in addition to wisdom. God desires that His followers serve Him in humility, not wishing to achieve great personal gain. Yet He often rewards them richly when they do walk humbly with Him, for He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think," (Ephesians 3:20). May we praise God for not only meeting our daily needs but also blessing us far beyond our requests.
Because Solomon humbly asked for wisdom to guide his people, God rewarded him with riches and honor in addition to wisdom. God desires that His followers serve Him in humility, not wishing to achieve great personal gain. Yet He often rewards them richly when they do walk humbly with Him, for He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think," (Ephesians 3:20). May we praise God for not only meeting our daily needs but also blessing us far beyond our requests.
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Lord Examines Our Motives
Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Sometimes we mistakenly assume that motives don’t really matter as long as our actions appear right. For example, our heart may be far from God even when we are going through the motions of worship. But this verse reminds us that the Lord “examines” our motives, and He is quite capable of distinguishing genuineness from insincerity. Whether we are dealing with worship or day-to-day interactions with others, the Lord desires genuine motives and sincere hearts. May we praise God that He sees our true motives.
Sometimes we mistakenly assume that motives don’t really matter as long as our actions appear right. For example, our heart may be far from God even when we are going through the motions of worship. But this verse reminds us that the Lord “examines” our motives, and He is quite capable of distinguishing genuineness from insincerity. Whether we are dealing with worship or day-to-day interactions with others, the Lord desires genuine motives and sincere hearts. May we praise God that He sees our true motives.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Characteristics of a Biblical Co-laborer
What kind of person is a blessing to a church and a pastor in the ministry? Here are qualities God will bless:
Integrity - a pure, godly life of maturity. This should be someone who obviously has the filling of the Holy Spirit.
Intelligence - at least the basic competence to know or to learn the ministry functions a pastor is delegating.
Intensity - a willingness to bear a burden, to work hard, to intervene, and to get into action. There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you are interested in something, you do it only when it is convenient. When you are committed to something, you accept no excuses. Someone observed, "Trying is just a noisy way of not doing something."
Intuition - an instinctive understanding of the heart. The apostle Paul wrote of this in reference to Timothy in Phil. 2:19-21. When Paul looked around for a man who shared his heart for God's people, he could only find one at the time - Timothy.
A pastor's co-laborers must be men who understand his vision and are willing to express his heart in ministry. There should be no room for a renegade or someone with his own personal agenda. I've experienced this personally in the ministry, and it will drag a pastor and a church down fast. Pastor's are looking for a few good men; more than a few is even better!
Integrity - a pure, godly life of maturity. This should be someone who obviously has the filling of the Holy Spirit.
Intelligence - at least the basic competence to know or to learn the ministry functions a pastor is delegating.
Intensity - a willingness to bear a burden, to work hard, to intervene, and to get into action. There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you are interested in something, you do it only when it is convenient. When you are committed to something, you accept no excuses. Someone observed, "Trying is just a noisy way of not doing something."
Intuition - an instinctive understanding of the heart. The apostle Paul wrote of this in reference to Timothy in Phil. 2:19-21. When Paul looked around for a man who shared his heart for God's people, he could only find one at the time - Timothy.
A pastor's co-laborers must be men who understand his vision and are willing to express his heart in ministry. There should be no room for a renegade or someone with his own personal agenda. I've experienced this personally in the ministry, and it will drag a pastor and a church down fast. Pastor's are looking for a few good men; more than a few is even better!
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Lord Responds to Our Cry
"The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;" Psalm 20:1
This Psalms invokes a blessing upon God’s people, calling for the Lord to respond to their cry for help and to keep them safe. The last few lines of the prayer underscore the psalmist’s confidence in the Lord’s blessing, for he asserts that God’s people “we are risen, and stand upright” (20:8). We need not rely on human weapons and strength, for, like the psalmist, we boast in the Lord, who will respond to our cry. God’s power is more than sufficient to overcome our difficulties. May we praise God for responding to our cry and delivering us in times past, and may we thank Him for watching over us today.
This Psalms invokes a blessing upon God’s people, calling for the Lord to respond to their cry for help and to keep them safe. The last few lines of the prayer underscore the psalmist’s confidence in the Lord’s blessing, for he asserts that God’s people “we are risen, and stand upright” (20:8). We need not rely on human weapons and strength, for, like the psalmist, we boast in the Lord, who will respond to our cry. God’s power is more than sufficient to overcome our difficulties. May we praise God for responding to our cry and delivering us in times past, and may we thank Him for watching over us today.
Jesus Gave Himself
The devil told Jesus, “Serve Yourself!” (Matt. 4:3–4). Peter said, “Pity Yourself!” (Matt. 16:21–23). His unsaved relatives said, “Show Yourself!” (John 7:4). The crowd at Calvary said, “Save Yourself!” But Jesus was deaf to all those appeals and gave Himself.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Three Keys to Ministering to People
Matthew 25:35–40
Most of Christ’s earthly ministry was spent on others.
Count Nicholaus von Zinzendorf of Saxony wrote a guide known as “The Order of the Mustard Seed.” It states:
1. Be Kind to All People
2. Seek their Welfare
3. Win them to Christ
It has been said that the ministry is not just paperwork but people-work. It’s hard to go through life without having to deal with people. In fact, it’s just about impossible! As we saw yesterday, God desires that we would take time to help people. Even if there’s no payback for us, we should always stop to do the right thing.
When we put others first and help them, we are helping Christ. Being kind to others, putting their well-being above our own, and telling them of Christ is our pattern for dealing with others.
How are your people skills? Are you known as somewhat stand-offish or rude to others? God says that whatever you do to others, you are doing to Him! Take these three principles, “The Order of the Mustard Seed,” and implement them in your life. Show others kindness through your speech and actions. Then, place their needs and desires above your own. Go out of your way to help them. And also, share the good news of God’s salvation with them. Next time you interact with someone, ask yourself, “How would I treat Christ in this situation?”
Most of Christ’s earthly ministry was spent on others.
Count Nicholaus von Zinzendorf of Saxony wrote a guide known as “The Order of the Mustard Seed.” It states:
1. Be Kind to All People
2. Seek their Welfare
3. Win them to Christ
It has been said that the ministry is not just paperwork but people-work. It’s hard to go through life without having to deal with people. In fact, it’s just about impossible! As we saw yesterday, God desires that we would take time to help people. Even if there’s no payback for us, we should always stop to do the right thing.
When we put others first and help them, we are helping Christ. Being kind to others, putting their well-being above our own, and telling them of Christ is our pattern for dealing with others.
How are your people skills? Are you known as somewhat stand-offish or rude to others? God says that whatever you do to others, you are doing to Him! Take these three principles, “The Order of the Mustard Seed,” and implement them in your life. Show others kindness through your speech and actions. Then, place their needs and desires above your own. Go out of your way to help them. And also, share the good news of God’s salvation with them. Next time you interact with someone, ask yourself, “How would I treat Christ in this situation?”
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Lord Is Our Rock
For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
Psalm 18:31
We often hear that the Lord is our rock, but what does this really mean? A rock in ancient Israel provided security in two ways: It served as a bulwark against attacking armies, and it provided an immovable foundation for great buildings. David realized that God was an unshakeable foundation for his faith, and he often ran to this refuge to regain his strength. We can find our security in the Lord as well. Let us praise God that He is our rock, upon which we can confidently build our life and faith.
Psalm 18:31
We often hear that the Lord is our rock, but what does this really mean? A rock in ancient Israel provided security in two ways: It served as a bulwark against attacking armies, and it provided an immovable foundation for great buildings. David realized that God was an unshakeable foundation for his faith, and he often ran to this refuge to regain his strength. We can find our security in the Lord as well. Let us praise God that He is our rock, upon which we can confidently build our life and faith.
FRMBC is Making a Difference
The increased mockery toward the name of Jesus Christ, although disheartening, should not come as a surprise to the believer. In fact, Jude 18 warns us that in the last times there will be mockers who walk after their own ungodly lusts. How far we have come from the Biblical authority on which our nation was founded!
Through almost every media outlet, the teachings of the Bible are belittled or misconstrued. The Christian faith has been the center for countless comedy sketches, yet we are the ones labeled “intolerant” because we hold to the literal interpretation of the Word of God.
So, the question arises: how can we make the difference God has called us to make in this troubled world?
Biblical Convictions Make a Difference
In the beginning verses of Jude, we are instructed to build up our faith because there are others who are trying to tear it down. Although unpopular, it is vital that as Christians we stand firm on our faith. It has been said, “The men and women who have moved the world have been the men and women the world could not move.”
Biblical Consecration Makes a Difference
We first make a difference by what we believe. Once we believe what is right, we can then make a difference by how we behave. Our behavior should be distinctly different than the behavior of the world. Second Corinthians 6:17 instructs us with these words, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” May we always remember that God desires for His children to remain unspotted from the world. In order to make a difference, we must be different. Someone has noted, “The greatest challenge facing the American Christians is not persecution by the world, but seduction from the world.”
Biblical Compassion Makes a Difference
The theme verse for our current series, "Making A Difference", is Jude 22 which says, “And of some have compassion, making a difference.” As we go through each day, we must remember the multitudes of people who have been blinded by the world’s philosophy. Where all other factors may fail, our biblical compassion can make a difference in their lives.
More than ever, after 15 years of pastoring, I am thrilled with the opportunity that God has given His people to make a difference. May we anticipate what He will do in and through our lives at FRMBC!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Jesus Christ is Precious
“My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.”
Psalm 139:15–18
There is no challenge so great in our lives that we can’t overcome it to tell others of Christ.
As captain of a slave ship, John Newton was a rough, dirty sailor with a foul mouth and an appetite for rotten living. When he was young, he had the gift of a good mother who told him about the Saviour, but he chose to reject Him. He hated life, and life hated him. Then someone placed in his hands a copy of Thomas a Kempis The Imitation of Christ, and he was saved. After that, he went all over England sharing his faith.
Well past his “retirement age,” he had to have an assistant stand in the pulpit with him on Sundays. He was nearly blind and spoke in whispers, but nothing could keep him from preaching while he still had breath.
One Sunday, while delivering his message he repeated the sentence: “Jesus Christ is precious.” His helper whispered to him: “But you have already said that twice.” Newton turned to his helper and said loudly, “Yes, I've said it twice, and I'm going to say it again.” The stones in the ancient sanctuary fairly shook as the grand old preacher said again: “Jesus Christ is precious!”
Most, if not all of us, have heard John Newton’s story of his salvation. He was once a slave ship owner, enslaving men for his own gain, he was saved and spent his life freeing men from the bond of sin for God’s glory!
But even when Newton was old and had physical limitations, he never ceased from declaring how good God had been to him. No matter where he was or who was around him, he took time to relay the miracle of his salvation to others.
Isn’t God’s salvation a miracle? The fact that God would send His only Son to die a cruel death on the Cross for people who had rejected Him is mind-boggling. But even more astounding to think of is the fact that with all Christ has done for us, we sometimes fail to tell others of Him.
John Newton didn’t allow blindness and a weak voice to keep him from declaring God’s goodness, so what excuse is there for us? God commands us to tell everyone we meet of His miracle of salvation in our lives!
What is holding you back from witnessing to others? There is no challenge so great in our lives that we can’t overcome it to tell others of Christ. Whether through a tract or even sharing your testimony with them, determine to tell at least one person today of God’s love. After all the Lord has done for you, what keeps you from obeying Him?
Psalm 139:15–18
There is no challenge so great in our lives that we can’t overcome it to tell others of Christ.
As captain of a slave ship, John Newton was a rough, dirty sailor with a foul mouth and an appetite for rotten living. When he was young, he had the gift of a good mother who told him about the Saviour, but he chose to reject Him. He hated life, and life hated him. Then someone placed in his hands a copy of Thomas a Kempis The Imitation of Christ, and he was saved. After that, he went all over England sharing his faith.
Well past his “retirement age,” he had to have an assistant stand in the pulpit with him on Sundays. He was nearly blind and spoke in whispers, but nothing could keep him from preaching while he still had breath.
One Sunday, while delivering his message he repeated the sentence: “Jesus Christ is precious.” His helper whispered to him: “But you have already said that twice.” Newton turned to his helper and said loudly, “Yes, I've said it twice, and I'm going to say it again.” The stones in the ancient sanctuary fairly shook as the grand old preacher said again: “Jesus Christ is precious!”
Most, if not all of us, have heard John Newton’s story of his salvation. He was once a slave ship owner, enslaving men for his own gain, he was saved and spent his life freeing men from the bond of sin for God’s glory!
But even when Newton was old and had physical limitations, he never ceased from declaring how good God had been to him. No matter where he was or who was around him, he took time to relay the miracle of his salvation to others.
Isn’t God’s salvation a miracle? The fact that God would send His only Son to die a cruel death on the Cross for people who had rejected Him is mind-boggling. But even more astounding to think of is the fact that with all Christ has done for us, we sometimes fail to tell others of Him.
John Newton didn’t allow blindness and a weak voice to keep him from declaring God’s goodness, so what excuse is there for us? God commands us to tell everyone we meet of His miracle of salvation in our lives!
What is holding you back from witnessing to others? There is no challenge so great in our lives that we can’t overcome it to tell others of Christ. Whether through a tract or even sharing your testimony with them, determine to tell at least one person today of God’s love. After all the Lord has done for you, what keeps you from obeying Him?
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