And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve – Joshua 24:15
January 27, 2010
After 40 years of wondering in the wilderness, the Israelites have finally possessed the land the Lord God promised to his people. Israel has nearly expelled the original inhabitants of the land, most of the territory has been distributed among the tribes and there is at last peace in the Land. As the end of Joshua’s life draws to a close he assembles the people of Israel to declare unto them this word from the Lord. Joshua recounts Israel’s past; from the covenant God made with Abraham all the way up through Moses leading God’s chosen people out of Egypt. Joshua reminds the people of all that they have been through and what Jehovah God has done for them. “And I have given you a land for which ye did not labor, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and olive yards which ye planted not do ye eat” (verse 13). The generation prior to this one; those who were not allowed to inhabit the Promised Land were idolaters and because of their wickedness they died in the wilderness. And so Joshua decrees unto Israel a powerful mandate; choose. If after all that the Lord Jesus has done for this people if they imagine in their hearts that He is not God than they are to choose at the moment whom they will serve. God will not allow this stiff necked people the opportunity to apathy or ambivalence any longer, this day they must make a choice.
We are more than conquerors today because Christ has still empowered us to make a choice. In Deuteronomy 30:16 Moses issues a similar charge to the people of Israel; “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” In this life we are not the unfortunate victims of circumstance or fate, but rather we have the ability to dictate to our environment and alter our reality through the choices we make. Through Christ we can have abundant life, we can prosper as our soul prospers and we can overcome the circumstances of this world. Today choose Christ, choose life and declare as Joshua declared, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
More Than A Conqueror Devotional #5
Ye are the light of the world – Matthew 5:14 January 19, 2010
Jesus continues his sermon on the mount by prescribing an additional responsibility to his disciples; they are also to be the light of the world. As salt we have a very important role in ensuring that we bring out the flavor of the Lord in the earth, however this can be done rather passively. We can show love and be kind and act as salt without ever having to “witness” for Christ, however there is nothing passive about being a light. As a light we are not hid, we are clearly seen and must be visible so that we can lead our fellow man to the Rock of Ages. Furthermore as light the darkness cannot remain in our presence. In his second letter to the church at Corinth the Apostle Paul admonishes the church in chapter 6 verse 14 he asks “…what communion hath light with darkness?” Darkness and light cannot occupy the same place at the same time. When we let our light the shine the misery and pain of this world must go. Without us, without the light of Christ in us there is no hope, how can the world find Christ if we do not illuminate the pathway to heaven. Just as Jesus is the way the truth and the light, if Christ be in us than we must also be the light of this world. If we do not shine the world will slip into darkness.
We are more than conquerors today because the darkness disappears when the light is shone. We have a responsibility to share the light of Christ with the world. This is not a passive function. If our light is dim or tinted than how can our fellow man find Christ. We have a responsibility for ensuring humanity can see Christ in us. As light there is no darkness that can remain in our presence, we have the power to remove darkness and despair because we are hope, we are light. Do a self check and investigate if your light still shines bright. Jesus is the hope of glory and we are lights that will guide this world out from darkness into His peace and love.
Jesus continues his sermon on the mount by prescribing an additional responsibility to his disciples; they are also to be the light of the world. As salt we have a very important role in ensuring that we bring out the flavor of the Lord in the earth, however this can be done rather passively. We can show love and be kind and act as salt without ever having to “witness” for Christ, however there is nothing passive about being a light. As a light we are not hid, we are clearly seen and must be visible so that we can lead our fellow man to the Rock of Ages. Furthermore as light the darkness cannot remain in our presence. In his second letter to the church at Corinth the Apostle Paul admonishes the church in chapter 6 verse 14 he asks “…what communion hath light with darkness?” Darkness and light cannot occupy the same place at the same time. When we let our light the shine the misery and pain of this world must go. Without us, without the light of Christ in us there is no hope, how can the world find Christ if we do not illuminate the pathway to heaven. Just as Jesus is the way the truth and the light, if Christ be in us than we must also be the light of this world. If we do not shine the world will slip into darkness.
We are more than conquerors today because the darkness disappears when the light is shone. We have a responsibility to share the light of Christ with the world. This is not a passive function. If our light is dim or tinted than how can our fellow man find Christ. We have a responsibility for ensuring humanity can see Christ in us. As light there is no darkness that can remain in our presence, we have the power to remove darkness and despair because we are hope, we are light. Do a self check and investigate if your light still shines bright. Jesus is the hope of glory and we are lights that will guide this world out from darkness into His peace and love.
More Than A Conqueror Devotional #4
Ye are the salt of the earth – Matthew 5:13
Jesus began his ministry on earth by going up onto a high mountain to address his disciples. About halfway through the sermon Jesus calls his followers the salt of the earth. The Lord did not mean this to be simply a metaphor, but rather a responsibility, a duty. In order to be considered a follower of Christ one must take on the characteristics of salt. Salt was the first seasoning used by mankind. Before there was refrigeration, freeze drying, vacuum packed seals, etc there was salt. Salt was the first and is the most basic form of preservation. Salt also serves as flavoring; it is intended to bring out the natural flavor of our food. The right amount of salt can transform something very bland into something full of taste. As the earth’s salt it is every Christian’s responsibility to preserve the earth, to care for it, to keep it and its inhabitants. We are the seasoning that brings out God’s flavor; the earth should be a place of seasoned freshness because the Christian dwells here. However if we lose our savor, if we lose our ability to season than Jesus says that we are good for nothing, but to cast out and walked over. As a disciple of Christ we have the responsibility to ensure that the earth can taste God because our lives act as His seasoning.
We are more than conquerors today because Jesus Christ has called us to be his seasoning salt in the earth and thereby preserve the earth through the witness of our lives. We are the living embodiment of Christ’s preservation; we keep the earth from rotting away and decaying. We keep the earth fresh and as a result we have the power to take all the negative circumstances we encounter and transform them into something positive for the kingdom of God. As salt we can take the nasty things of life and season them with the love of God. Fellow believer do not lose your seasoning you have the ability to bring out the flavor of Christ in all things at all times. The earth does not season you, but you season the earth. Be salty for the Lord.
Jesus began his ministry on earth by going up onto a high mountain to address his disciples. About halfway through the sermon Jesus calls his followers the salt of the earth. The Lord did not mean this to be simply a metaphor, but rather a responsibility, a duty. In order to be considered a follower of Christ one must take on the characteristics of salt. Salt was the first seasoning used by mankind. Before there was refrigeration, freeze drying, vacuum packed seals, etc there was salt. Salt was the first and is the most basic form of preservation. Salt also serves as flavoring; it is intended to bring out the natural flavor of our food. The right amount of salt can transform something very bland into something full of taste. As the earth’s salt it is every Christian’s responsibility to preserve the earth, to care for it, to keep it and its inhabitants. We are the seasoning that brings out God’s flavor; the earth should be a place of seasoned freshness because the Christian dwells here. However if we lose our savor, if we lose our ability to season than Jesus says that we are good for nothing, but to cast out and walked over. As a disciple of Christ we have the responsibility to ensure that the earth can taste God because our lives act as His seasoning.
We are more than conquerors today because Jesus Christ has called us to be his seasoning salt in the earth and thereby preserve the earth through the witness of our lives. We are the living embodiment of Christ’s preservation; we keep the earth from rotting away and decaying. We keep the earth fresh and as a result we have the power to take all the negative circumstances we encounter and transform them into something positive for the kingdom of God. As salt we can take the nasty things of life and season them with the love of God. Fellow believer do not lose your seasoning you have the ability to bring out the flavor of Christ in all things at all times. The earth does not season you, but you season the earth. Be salty for the Lord.
More Than A Conqueror Devotional #3
January 11, 2010
And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall [any] word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout. – Joshua 6:10
You may be familiar with the story Israel’s Promised Land and the walled city of Jericho. At the end of their forty year journey through the wilderness God brings Israel to the door step of their deliverance represented by the city of Jericho. Jericho was a fortified city with massive impenetrable walls. Joshua was given very specific instructions by God as to how He would deliver the city unto Israel. In turn Joshua gives Israel very specific instructions to how they should carry out God’s plans which includes remaining silent for a period of time. Though the Israelites knew that their God was able and faithful to keep His word they were to remain silent until Joshua gave them instruction to shout. There are occasions when you know that God has delivered into your hands a mighty blessing however by putting your mouth on it too soon you put the very blessing itself in jeopardy. Given the nature of this particular fight Israel was not to say anything before time, but as soon as Joshua gave them the word they were to shout. We must learn to occasionally keep quiet until it is time to shout.
We are more than conquerors today because the Lord Jesus is a master strategist and has developed an infallible battle plan that will result in our absolute victory as long as we stick to the plan. We do not often understand the will of God; “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD” Isaiah 55:8. Dearly beloved recognize that our Lord exists in all time and sees the end from the beginning. The Lord may have been kind enough to give you a glimpse of the victory that is to come, but be certain that you are not to maintain a spirit of quietness until such time as you are then able to shout. Recognize that even our praise is subject to be attacked and the adversary would welcome the chance to foil God’s plan by our invitation. Remain faithful and steadfast. Do not hold back that which God has freed you to release and in turn hold tight to that which Christ has instructed you to retain. The day of jubilee will come and when it does be sure you SHOUT!
And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall [any] word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout. – Joshua 6:10
You may be familiar with the story Israel’s Promised Land and the walled city of Jericho. At the end of their forty year journey through the wilderness God brings Israel to the door step of their deliverance represented by the city of Jericho. Jericho was a fortified city with massive impenetrable walls. Joshua was given very specific instructions by God as to how He would deliver the city unto Israel. In turn Joshua gives Israel very specific instructions to how they should carry out God’s plans which includes remaining silent for a period of time. Though the Israelites knew that their God was able and faithful to keep His word they were to remain silent until Joshua gave them instruction to shout. There are occasions when you know that God has delivered into your hands a mighty blessing however by putting your mouth on it too soon you put the very blessing itself in jeopardy. Given the nature of this particular fight Israel was not to say anything before time, but as soon as Joshua gave them the word they were to shout. We must learn to occasionally keep quiet until it is time to shout.
We are more than conquerors today because the Lord Jesus is a master strategist and has developed an infallible battle plan that will result in our absolute victory as long as we stick to the plan. We do not often understand the will of God; “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD” Isaiah 55:8. Dearly beloved recognize that our Lord exists in all time and sees the end from the beginning. The Lord may have been kind enough to give you a glimpse of the victory that is to come, but be certain that you are not to maintain a spirit of quietness until such time as you are then able to shout. Recognize that even our praise is subject to be attacked and the adversary would welcome the chance to foil God’s plan by our invitation. Remain faithful and steadfast. Do not hold back that which God has freed you to release and in turn hold tight to that which Christ has instructed you to retain. The day of jubilee will come and when it does be sure you SHOUT!
More Than A Conqueror Devotional #2
January 4, 2010
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season – Psalm 1:3
In David's first psalm he offers the description of a righteous man. In the third verse David compares the righteous man of God to a tree planted by the river that brings forth its fruit in its season. I am reminded of Genesis 1:11-12 when God commands the earth to bring forth the vegetation; “And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, [and] the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed [is] in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, [and] herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed [was] in itself, after his kind: and God saw that [it was] good.” The fruit of the tree contains within itself the seeds necessary for its own reproduction. All that is required is that the seed be planted and watered. As righteous men and women of God as long as the Holy Spirit lives inside of us we can stand in the face of all adversity as Paul compels us to do in Ephesians 6:13; “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” We can stand as a tree planted beside the rivers because as we are watered by the Word of God we can bear fruit and that fruit contains the seeds of the Holy Spirit that are able to reproduce our Lord's will in the lives of others. David was not simply painting a poetic image of a Christ-like disciple; David is encourages us to be steadfast in our faith and to produce good fruit as unto the Lord so that our Father's kingdom can grow here on earth.
We are more than conquerors today because the Spirit of Christ that lives inside each and every one of us that has received His greatest gift has the strength to stand. We can stand like a tree with deep roots planted beside a river. We will not be blown away with every wind of doctrine; we will not be consumed by the fire from trials that come to build our faith. We will stand and we will bring forth fruit. The Word of God that waters us grows fruit inside us and in turn once the fruit is ripened we should give it to someone else so that they may consume the seed and thereby produce their own fruit. You are able to stand and you are able to reproduce; a seed has just been planted in you. Go reproduce!
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season – Psalm 1:3
In David's first psalm he offers the description of a righteous man. In the third verse David compares the righteous man of God to a tree planted by the river that brings forth its fruit in its season. I am reminded of Genesis 1:11-12 when God commands the earth to bring forth the vegetation; “And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, [and] the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed [is] in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, [and] herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed [was] in itself, after his kind: and God saw that [it was] good.” The fruit of the tree contains within itself the seeds necessary for its own reproduction. All that is required is that the seed be planted and watered. As righteous men and women of God as long as the Holy Spirit lives inside of us we can stand in the face of all adversity as Paul compels us to do in Ephesians 6:13; “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” We can stand as a tree planted beside the rivers because as we are watered by the Word of God we can bear fruit and that fruit contains the seeds of the Holy Spirit that are able to reproduce our Lord's will in the lives of others. David was not simply painting a poetic image of a Christ-like disciple; David is encourages us to be steadfast in our faith and to produce good fruit as unto the Lord so that our Father's kingdom can grow here on earth.
We are more than conquerors today because the Spirit of Christ that lives inside each and every one of us that has received His greatest gift has the strength to stand. We can stand like a tree with deep roots planted beside a river. We will not be blown away with every wind of doctrine; we will not be consumed by the fire from trials that come to build our faith. We will stand and we will bring forth fruit. The Word of God that waters us grows fruit inside us and in turn once the fruit is ripened we should give it to someone else so that they may consume the seed and thereby produce their own fruit. You are able to stand and you are able to reproduce; a seed has just been planted in you. Go reproduce!
More Than A Conqueror Devotional #1
January 1, 2010
Jesus Wept – John 11:35
The shortest verse written in the Holy Scripture; and yet one of the most profound and well known phrases found in the bible. No two words more clearly state just how awesome is the God we serve. This is elegant proof of how Jesus is both fully God and here as described by the apostle John also fully man. Earlier in this chapter Jesus receives word that his good friend Lazarus is deathly ill, “Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick”. However Jesus is not shaken by the news “When Jesus heard [that], he said, this sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby”. Through his divinity Jesus knew just how the events of Lazarus’ pending resurrection where going to proceed. Yet when he arrives on the scene some four days later in his flesh Jesus is overtaken by the emotion and mourning happening around him and in the clearest evidence of his humanity Jesus displays his anguish by crying. This man who will later endure Calvary, this man that will be scourged for the sin of all humanity, who will humiliated more than any man before or since, who will be beaten and bruised and yet will at no point cry out allows his flesh to express itself freely; Jesus son of the only living God weeps. He weeps not because he is doubtful as to what will happen next, he weeps not because he mourns the passing of his friend, he weeps because he is both fully man and fully God and in his humanity he cried to show you and I that there was no piece of the human experience, short falling to sin that he did not partake of. Jesus in every righteous way imaginable experienced life as a flesh and blood human being. What a blessed assurance we have to know that there is nothing we can experience on the road of life that in some manner or fashion our heavenly Father did not also experience.
We are more than conquerors today because we serve a God that can uniquely identify with our struggles, our hardships, our triumphs and our pain and therefore is able to prescribe just what is needed at any given moment in order for us to overcome. Realizing that in many instances what we may need most at any given moment is the strength to stay still. Be encouraged and know that you can overcome the world because though Jesus wept Lazarus still got up from the grave.
Jesus Wept – John 11:35
The shortest verse written in the Holy Scripture; and yet one of the most profound and well known phrases found in the bible. No two words more clearly state just how awesome is the God we serve. This is elegant proof of how Jesus is both fully God and here as described by the apostle John also fully man. Earlier in this chapter Jesus receives word that his good friend Lazarus is deathly ill, “Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick”. However Jesus is not shaken by the news “When Jesus heard [that], he said, this sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby”. Through his divinity Jesus knew just how the events of Lazarus’ pending resurrection where going to proceed. Yet when he arrives on the scene some four days later in his flesh Jesus is overtaken by the emotion and mourning happening around him and in the clearest evidence of his humanity Jesus displays his anguish by crying. This man who will later endure Calvary, this man that will be scourged for the sin of all humanity, who will humiliated more than any man before or since, who will be beaten and bruised and yet will at no point cry out allows his flesh to express itself freely; Jesus son of the only living God weeps. He weeps not because he is doubtful as to what will happen next, he weeps not because he mourns the passing of his friend, he weeps because he is both fully man and fully God and in his humanity he cried to show you and I that there was no piece of the human experience, short falling to sin that he did not partake of. Jesus in every righteous way imaginable experienced life as a flesh and blood human being. What a blessed assurance we have to know that there is nothing we can experience on the road of life that in some manner or fashion our heavenly Father did not also experience.
We are more than conquerors today because we serve a God that can uniquely identify with our struggles, our hardships, our triumphs and our pain and therefore is able to prescribe just what is needed at any given moment in order for us to overcome. Realizing that in many instances what we may need most at any given moment is the strength to stay still. Be encouraged and know that you can overcome the world because though Jesus wept Lazarus still got up from the grave.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)