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TheLivingWord
15 November 2009 @ 09:33 pm
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews  

FAITH AND PATIENCE

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

Read Hebrews 5 - 6

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
Hebrews 5:12 NKJV
* * *
In the midst of persecution both physical and spiritual, these Hebrew believers need assurance. Some doubted their salvation, perhaps because of the areas where they felt so weak. This letter is an assurance that they have a high priest in Jesus Christ who already paid the price for their sins. Those who continue to go back to the beginning and renew their salvation “crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.” Hebrews 6:6 NKJV

Instead, they (and we) must press on in patience toward spiritual maturity. “But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.”(6:9) We should not be discouraged because “God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (6:10)
* * *
Lord, I pray that you will help me and the members of my family and church as we grow toward maturity in the things that matter. Help our spirit of apathy when things become difficult and keep us true to Your Word.
* * *
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:11-12
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TheLivingWord
05 November 2009 @ 01:05 pm
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews  

DISCERNER OF THE HEART

 

Read Hebrews 3 - 4

...exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.  Hebrews 3:13 NKJV
* * *
Writing to his audience of Jewish Christians, the author of Hebrews reminds them of the penalty of unbelief. The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because they did not believe God. “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest. (4:2-3a)

The rest that comes to the children of God in our day is through faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In our struggle against sin, He is the one who gives us rest. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16
* * *
Lord, I come to you today bowing before your throne to find grace to help in my time of need.
* * *
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a Discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12 NKJV
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TheLivingWord
02 November 2009 @ 07:05 pm
HE BECAME A MAN  

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

Read Hebrews 1 -2

     In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV

 * * *
      The book of Hebrews begins by introducing Jesus, the Son of God, and The Creator of the universe - the One who actually knows what happened, because He was there when it all began. But Jesus was not only there at the beginning, He remains as the power who holds it all together. “God’s Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. "(1:3a)
 
     There is no other power in the Heavens or on earth superior to Him. The author of Hebrews writes, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor..." (2:9a) Jesus voluntarily gave up His exalted position to identify with us and pay the ultimate price for our sin. so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil - and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (2:14b-15)
 
* * *
      Thank you Lord that you paid the ultimate price for our sin and that we can trust You as the One who sustains all things. Bless our home with Your presence.
 
* * *
      Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18 NIV
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TheLivingWord
15 October 2009 @ 03:33 pm
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Titus  

[35]

READY FOR EVERY GOOD WORK

Read Titus 2 and 3

            Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.  Titus 3:8b NKJV

* * *

            Paul’s letter to Titus instructs him to appoint godly men as elders of the church. These men will have a difficult job ahead of them because there are already disputes among the people. “Remind them,” he writes, “to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. (Titus 3:1-2)

            The quest for a gentle peaceable life should begin at home, so he tells Titus to gently instruct the older believers to live consistent Christian lives as examples for the young people. For instance, the older women were to “admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”  (Titus 2:4-5)

* * *

Lord, help us to make every effort to be at peace with those in the church and without. May our behavior reflect the graciousness of your mercy toward us. When our hearts are troubled, give us peace and wisdom to know how to respond.

* * *

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.  Titus 2:11-12 NKJV

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TheLivingWord
07 October 2009 @ 03:44 pm
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Timothy  

DIFFICULT TIMES

 [34]

Read 2 Timothy 3-4

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come 2 Timothy 3:1 NKJV
* * *
Paul tells Timothy that his own ministry is about to come to a close. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, he gives us some insight into what will happen prior to our Lord’s return: “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good..., lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. " (3:2-5)

In other words, the world will become an increasingly perilous place in the last days. In the face of this, what is Paul’s challenge? "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2) Even though people will not want to hear the truth, Timothy is to preach it anyway.
* * *
Lord, forgive me when I have been hesitant to answer those who deny the truth of Your Word. Give me courage to speak rather than remain silent when the name of Jesus is blasphemed. Grant me also the wisdom to know when I should remain silent and simply live the message.
* * *
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
 
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TheLivingWord
28 September 2009 @ 06:18 am
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Timothy  

[33]

GENTLE PATIENT TEACHING

Read 2 Timothy 1-2

            For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.   2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

* * *

            When Timothy took on the pastorate of the church at Ephesus there were already false teachers at work. Paul speaks of two men in particular “who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.” (2:18) But he encourages Timothy to stand fast to what he has been taught, in spite of the fact that some had followed these men. Paul continues, “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His...” (2:19)

            Paul urges Timothy to join him in willingness to suffer for the cause of Christ and to “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2:22) Citing his own example he says,  “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. (1:12)

* * *

            Lord, it is such a comfort that You know those who are yours. Sometimes it is necessary to stand alone in regard to the truth of Scripture. Help me to be gentle in presenting the gospel and the truth of the resurrection.

* * *

            And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.    2 Timothy 2:24-25 NKJV

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TheLivingWord
21 September 2009 @ 07:50 am
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Timothy  

RICH IN GOOD WORKS

 
[32]

Read 1 Timothy 4-6

For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10-11 NKJV
* * *
    Timothy had a very difficult job ahead of him. He was charged with the task of correcting false teaching. He had to do this in a way that would be accepted by those who were older than he in age, though perhaps not in the faith. He had been trained by his godly mother and grandmother and also by Paul himself to “be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith...” (4:6a)
 
 
    Paul writes, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (4:12)
     Concerning Timothy’s preparation, the apostle urges, “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine”, (4:13-15) making it clear that he is not only to teach right doctrine but also to show his faith by his works.
 
 
 
 
 
     Paul warns about greed saying, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (6:10-11)
* * *
Lord, like Timothy, I want my life to be an example of what I believe. Today I pray for the enabling power of Your Holy Spirit in my life
* * *
 
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
1 Timothy 6:11 NKJV
 

 
 
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TheLivingWord
14 September 2009 @ 08:44 pm
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Timothy  

A QUIET AND PEACEFUL LIFE

 
[31]

Read 1 Timothy 1-2

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15
* * *
Timothy had been a disciple and traveling partner of the apostle Paul. Now he is the pastor of the church at Ephesus. Paul begins the letter by expressing his thankfulness for God’s mercy in his own life. He is the “chief of sinners” whom Jesus came to save, because he was at one time a persecutor of Christians. “However,” he writes, “for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” (1 Timothy 1:16 NKJV)

In relationship to unbelievers, Paul writes, “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (2:1-2)
* * *
Lord, I pray for our President and for all in his administration that they will acknowledge your authority and that we may lead godly and reverent lives among our neighbors. Thank you for showing mercy to me, a sinner.
* * *
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all...” 1 Timothy 2:3-6 NKJV
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TheLivingWord
10 September 2009 @ 07:19 am
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Thessalonians  

STAND FAST

 
[30]

Read 2 Thessalonians 1-3

Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 NKJV
* * *
Paul writes this letter to correct false teaching about the Lord’s return. “Now, brethren,” he writes, “concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2)

Paul goes on to explain the events that will happen prior to the Lord’s return to earth. He tells them of the coming evil world leader who will oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:4)

Even though this man of sin will not be revealed until after the “gathering together” of believers, (2:7-8) the spirit of antichrist was and is already working in the world. Paul reminds them and us that “the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” (3:3)
* * *
Lord, it is so evident in our day that the spirit of antichrist is at work. Help us to keep our eyes on You and not be discouraged as Your coming draws closer. Above all, help us not to grow weary in serving you and others in Christian love.
* * *
"...But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. " 2 Thessalonians 3:13 NKJV
 
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TheLivingWord
01 September 2009 @ 07:44 pm
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Thessalonians  

IN VIEW OF HIS COMING

 
[29]

Read 1 Thessalonians 4-5

God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 NIV
* * *
Paul includes some very practical instructions in this letter on how to live the Christian life. Very clearly he says, "it is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality." (4:3) He says that when someone wrongs his brother in this way, he is really sinning against God and God will hold him accountable.

In regard to those who would tend to be lazy or obnoxious toward outsiders he says, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands,...so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (4:11-12)

Paul reminds them and us that we are in a spiritual battle and will be until the Lord returns. The time of Christ’s return is not as important as being ever ready and expectant. He writes, “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him." (5:9-10)
* * *
Lord, I pray that I will live my life in a way to win the respect of my friends and neighbors. I know we are surrounded by principalities and powers that would like to see us fail. But Lord, Your Holy Spirit within me is enough and today I am asking for Your guidance and strength.
* * *
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NIV
 
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TheLivingWord
27 August 2009 @ 03:33 pm
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Thessalonians  

OUR GLORY AND JOY

 
[28]

Read 1 Thessalonians 1 - 3

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV
* * *
Paul began his letter to the church at Thessalonica by saying, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord. In spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” (1:6-7)
 

Paul was a model for them and they became a model for other churches. He commended the testimony of these faithful believers by saying, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. (2:19-20)

The Bible tells us that we will receive rewards when we get to Heaven and stand in the presence of our Lord. What will those rewards be? I do not know for sure, but I know that it will include the joy of seeing people there – those we have influenced for eternity.
* * *
Lord, I pray that my life will be a light to those around me. Give me a joyful, thankful heart for all of the blessings you have given me and my family. Let us be a model to other believers in faith and obedience, so that they will be our glory and joy in Heaven.
* * *
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 1 Thessalonians 3:12 NIV
 
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TheLivingWord
22 August 2009 @ 04:16 pm
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Colossians  

THE NEW SELF

 
[27]

Read Colossians 3

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience Colossians 3:12 NIV
* * *
After writing that the Colossians should avoid meaningless religious activities and rules, Paul goes on to show how the life hidden in Christ will look. The spiritual changes that take place in a believer’s behavior will be real and practical.
 
He writes, “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (3:7-10)

It is human nature to either err in the making of endless rules or to continue to live in a worldly life with no change in behavior. Abiding in the Spirit of Christ will inevitably bring forth fruit, especially in our relationships with other people.
* * *
Lord, whenever I begin to move away toward worldly or legalistic attitudes, renew my heart to reflect my new self which is hidden in You.
 
* * *
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV
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TheLivingWord
16 August 2009 @ 08:25 pm
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Colossians  

MAN MADE RELIGION

Read Colossians 2

Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. Colossians 2:4-5 NKJV
 

* * *
This newly formed church worshiped in a city with a mixed culture of pagan religion and strict Judaism. The Jews insisted on keeping the traditions of the law while pagan philosophers called for extreme neglect of the body through self imposed religion and worship of angels.

Paul warns the Colossian church, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” (2:8-10)

* * *
Lord, I praise You that we are complete in You. I pray that as I have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so (I will) walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as (I) have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. (2:6-7) Thank You Lord, for the free gift of Your salvation.
* * *
And you, being dead in your trespasses...He has made alive together with Him...having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14 NKJV
 
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TheLivingWord
12 August 2009 @ 10:45 am
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Colossians  

SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING

 
[25]

Read Colossians 1

“We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints;” Colossians 1:3-4 NKJV
* * *
The apostle Paul is writing to the Colossian church expressing his thankfulness for the love they are showing to other believers. This church, Paul declares, “is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth.” (1:6) Now he urges them to go on to even greater spiritual growth in the things of Christ: “ For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding... (1:9)
 
* * *
There is nothing more exciting than to watch the enthusiasm of new believers and their desire to grow in love and acts of service. They must also grow in the knowledge of God’s Word so that they will understand His will for their lives.
* * *
Lord, I pray that my love for you and other Christians will not grow cold. I accept Paul’s prayer as my own; that I would “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.” (1:10-11)
* * *
Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus Colossians 1:27b-28 NKJV
 
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TheLivingWord
03 August 2009 @ 11:55 am
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Philippians  

CURE FOR ANXIETY

 
[24]

Read Philippians 4

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV

* * *
In this chapter, Paul is encouraging two women of the church to “agree with each other in the Lord.” He asks the rest of the church to help them, because they have been helpful co-workers in the past. This church, more than any others, was faithful to support Paul when he was in Thessalonica. He writes, “You sent me aid again and again when I was in need.” Philippians 4:16 NIV

Paul encourages the Philippians and us to face life and all of its stresses with a spirit of rejoicing and thanksgiving. If we do this he says, “... the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (4:7) It is natural to become disgruntled and easily offended when we face difficulties. Anger and frustration can turn into fear and anxiety if we don’t take it to the Lord in prayer.
* * *
Lord, help me to be willing to stop and pray when I am anxious or fearful. I know that You are always aware of what is happening and you have a purpose in it all. Help me to be an encouragement to others who may be experiencing a difficult time, especially fellow believers.
* * *
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things Philippians 4:8 NKJV
 
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TheLivingWord
29 July 2009 @ 08:02 pm
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Philippians  

[23]

THE GOAL OF LIFE

Read Philippians 3

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Philippians 3:12 NIV

* * *

In this portion of the letter, Paul speaks of the credentials he had as a Pharisee before he was converted. He was a zealous persecutor of Christians in the name of Judaism. His self righteousness and diligence about keeping the law made him proud. But when Paul discovered who Jesus was, his self righteousness became his shame. Now he describes himself as “not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” (3:9)

The goal is now to become more and more like Jesus. He writes, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (3:13-14)
* * *
Lord, I praise you that You accept me through the righteousness of Your Son. Like Paul, I need to forget what is behind and press forward for the goal of pleasing You today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life.
* * *
"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Philippians 3:7-8 NIV
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TheLivingWord
25 July 2009 @ 11:15 am
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Philippians  

ATTITUDE

 
[22]

Read Philippians 2


Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5 NIV
* * *
Paul continues his words of exhortation for unity in the church at Philippi. These new believers have trusted in Christ for their salvation and are growing in faith. He reminds them that they don’t have to do it in their own strength: “...work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” he writes, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.” (12b-16a)
* * *
Lord, I praise You for the gift of Your Spirit to help me to will and act according to Your purpose. Forgive me when I complain or argue, and give me the encouraging, uplifting words of life that will shine like stars in the darkness.
* * *
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:1-2 NIV
 
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TheLivingWord
19 July 2009 @ 02:24 pm
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Philippians  

TO LIVE IS CHRIST

 
[21]

Read Philippians 1

I always pray with joy… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:4b, 6 NIV
* * *
Paul begins his letter to the church at Philippi with a word of confidence in their growing maturity. He knows that they will face persecution and struggles from without and within. He warns, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then...I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.”(1:27)
 

He tells them that the hardships he has suffered, including his imprisonment, have served to further the spreading of the gospel. Though his very life has been threatened he says, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (1:20-21)
* * *
Lord, You are the One who will accomplish Your purpose in our lives. We are simply vessels in Your hands, being molded for the master’s use. Help me to be confident and willing to place my future in Your hands, not worrying, but trusting in You to use me for Your glory.
* * *
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more, ... 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. Philippians 1:9-11 NIV
 
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TheLivingWord
11 July 2009 @ 10:55 am
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Ephesians  

[20]

BE STRONG IN THE LORD

Read Ephesians 6

            Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV

 

* * *

            Paul concludes his letter by reminding them that it is no small adversary that they face. Satan then as now, wages war against Christ and His Church. He tells them and us to be prepared “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (6:12)

            Our preparation will be in knowing God’s Word and putting it into practice in our lives. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. (6:14-15)

* * *

            Lord, I know that we are no match for our enemy, the Devil. But I also know that You are greater than anything He can throw at us in this life. Help me to be diligent in preparing my soul through the reading of Your Word. Give me the gift of faith, as You have promised, to always trust and obey.

* * *

            In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Ephesians 6:16-17 NIV

 


 

 
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TheLivingWord
01 July 2009 @ 10:16 am
LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Ephesians  
WALK IN LOVE

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Read Ephesians 5

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
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Paul encourages the members of the Ephesian church to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (4:32) He goes on to warn of the false teachers who were saying that it doesn’t matter how we live now that we are Christians. He urges them, “for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (5:8-11)

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs,” he writes, “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (5:19-20)
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Lord, I am so thankful for Your kindness and compassion towards us. Help me to forgive others just as I have been forgiven. Help me to be faithful to carry the light of your gospel to those who do not know you and encouragement to those who do.
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Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV
 
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