Edward Everett Hale, the distinguished poet and former Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, eloquently captured the essence of every American’s duty: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, that I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I shall do.” Source unknown
Key Passage: Titus 2:7-8 “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”
I. Pattern of Good works
Good: excellent, commendable
Works: an act, deed, thing done
a) Matt 5:16 = having good works won’t get you saved, but others will see them. This will give you the opportunity to not only help people, but plant the seed of the gospel in their lives.
b) Jam 2:18 = Works are required for us to show the world our light. We cannot keep our faith to ourselves. Faith will not grow if it is not exercised.
II. In doctrine (teachings) shewing (your lifestyle, how you conduct yourself):
1) Uncorruptness (only time used in the Bible)
incorruptibility, soundness,
2) Gravity
the characteristic of a thing or person which entitles to reverence and respect, dignity, majesty, sanctity
3) Sincerity Phil 1:9-11
freedom from deceit, hypocrisy, or duplicity (www.dictionary.com)
4) Sound speech
Sound: metaph. teaching which does not deviate from the truth
This is not an easy thing to be done in ones life. But through constant study of the scriptures and prayer, God can help you achieve the above characteristics in your life. 2 Timothy 3:15-16 tells us the scripture is profitable to teach us, to show us what we are doing wrong, to tell us how to do it correctly and give us the tools to live "the condition acceptable to God" (Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for dikaiosynē (Strong's 1343)". Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2009. 16 Jun 2009).
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Till death
Job Chapter 27:5 “…till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.”
Integrity: adherence to moral and ethical principles
Job went through a lot. He lost all of his wealth, his children, his servants and his health. His own wife told him to curse God and die (Job 2:9). But through all the pain, the loss and emptiness he never once considered straying from his integrity. The LORD recognized this and mentions it in Job 2:3. What are we going through in our lives? Is it worse than Job? Have we stuck to our integrity? God is always with us, He does not leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Why at the first sign of adversity do we not run to Him? Throw away our integrity and our testimony? Psalm 46:1 tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” When the trouble comes, when the trials are set before us, when the floods wash us away from our comfort zone; remember God is ready and willing to help and to be our shelter. Never look to man to comfort you and help you during those difficult times. Man will fail, but God cannot. May God give you the peace (Psalm 29:11) and rest (Matthew 11:28) that you need from whatever may be going on in your life. Lean on Him, and you will maintain your integrity as well as be a witness to many others.
Integrity: adherence to moral and ethical principles
Job went through a lot. He lost all of his wealth, his children, his servants and his health. His own wife told him to curse God and die (Job 2:9). But through all the pain, the loss and emptiness he never once considered straying from his integrity. The LORD recognized this and mentions it in Job 2:3. What are we going through in our lives? Is it worse than Job? Have we stuck to our integrity? God is always with us, He does not leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Why at the first sign of adversity do we not run to Him? Throw away our integrity and our testimony? Psalm 46:1 tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” When the trouble comes, when the trials are set before us, when the floods wash us away from our comfort zone; remember God is ready and willing to help and to be our shelter. Never look to man to comfort you and help you during those difficult times. Man will fail, but God cannot. May God give you the peace (Psalm 29:11) and rest (Matthew 11:28) that you need from whatever may be going on in your life. Lean on Him, and you will maintain your integrity as well as be a witness to many others.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
My Redeemer Liveth
Job 19:25 “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:”
It is sad to say, but in the world we live in now, it is really easy to forget who God really is. Life takes over, and before we know it our Christian lifestyle doesn’t look so Christ like. With the internet, DVR and all of the new technology that comes out daily, we have to be on guard to not forget. I have said it before, but I still struggle with it; our focus needs to be on Jesus.
Proverbs 3: 5 tells us that we need to “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;” and verse 6 goes on to say “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.” These two verses give us two commandments. First we need to trust God with our whole being, every fiber that makes us human. Secondly we need to always acknowledge God in everything that we do. If we do both of those commandments, then God will direct our path.
The one thing that people tend to forget is that “all means all”. There is no mediocrity here; it is 100% or none at all. This is something that all Christians need to strive for. Take a second, sit back, and contemplate how much control God has on your life. I made a commitment to God last night. I have given everything to Him, and will follow His path. Are you willing to let go? I will pray for everyone to be able to give God the control of their lives. Psalm 78:35 says, “And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.” Lets all remember who God is today, tomorrow and everyday.
It is sad to say, but in the world we live in now, it is really easy to forget who God really is. Life takes over, and before we know it our Christian lifestyle doesn’t look so Christ like. With the internet, DVR and all of the new technology that comes out daily, we have to be on guard to not forget. I have said it before, but I still struggle with it; our focus needs to be on Jesus.
Proverbs 3: 5 tells us that we need to “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;” and verse 6 goes on to say “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.” These two verses give us two commandments. First we need to trust God with our whole being, every fiber that makes us human. Secondly we need to always acknowledge God in everything that we do. If we do both of those commandments, then God will direct our path.
The one thing that people tend to forget is that “all means all”. There is no mediocrity here; it is 100% or none at all. This is something that all Christians need to strive for. Take a second, sit back, and contemplate how much control God has on your life. I made a commitment to God last night. I have given everything to Him, and will follow His path. Are you willing to let go? I will pray for everyone to be able to give God the control of their lives. Psalm 78:35 says, “And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.” Lets all remember who God is today, tomorrow and everyday.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
TRUTH
John 16:13 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
John 16:14 "He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you."
John 16:15 "All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you."
Spirit : (Strong's G4151 - pneuma ) the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son
While an estimated 74 percent of Americans strongly agree that "there is only one true God, who is holy and perfect, and who created the world and rules it today," an estimated 65 percent either strongly agree or somewhat agree with the assertion that "there is no such thing as absolute truth." (Christianity Today, September 16, 1991, p. 48, from George Barna, The Barna Report: What Americans Believe, 1991.)
A) The Holy Spirit will guide us to the truth, not from itself, but what He hears will He tell us (13).
B) The Holy Spirit will receive from Jesus, and then show us (14).
C) Everything that God the Father has, Jesus has also. Therefore, the Holy Spirit can show us all truth. (15)
1) What is truth?
a) God is truth!!! Deut. 32:4; Psalm 31:5; Psalm 33:4; John 14:6
2) Where is truth?
a) Truth is in the Word of God John 1:1,14; John 17:1,17; Col 1:4-6; Eph 1:13
A) Word: (Strong's G3056 – logos) In John, denotes the essential Word of God, Jesus
Christ, the personal wisdom and power in union with God
3) What do we do with the truth?
a) Learn the truth Psalm 25:5; John 8:31-32; 2 Tim 2:15
b) Walk in truth Psalm 25:10; Psalm 86:11
c) Serve God in truth 1 Samuel 12:24; Joshua 24:14
d) Speak the truth Matthew 28:19-20; Proverbs 22:17-21; Acts 26:22-25
The Holy Spirit will teach us what the Bible says. We simply need to have the faith to listen. When you say, “I can’t understand that.” Then you are saying, “God cannot fulfill his scriptures”. Since when are we more intelligent than God? 1 Cor 1:25 tells us that the “foolishness of God is wiser than men”. Why are some limiting God’s power? God has all the answers, we simply need to seek them and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us.
John 16:14 "He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you."
John 16:15 "All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you."
Spirit : (Strong's G4151 - pneuma ) the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son
While an estimated 74 percent of Americans strongly agree that "there is only one true God, who is holy and perfect, and who created the world and rules it today," an estimated 65 percent either strongly agree or somewhat agree with the assertion that "there is no such thing as absolute truth." (Christianity Today, September 16, 1991, p. 48, from George Barna, The Barna Report: What Americans Believe, 1991.)
A) The Holy Spirit will guide us to the truth, not from itself, but what He hears will He tell us (13).
B) The Holy Spirit will receive from Jesus, and then show us (14).
C) Everything that God the Father has, Jesus has also. Therefore, the Holy Spirit can show us all truth. (15)
1) What is truth?
a) God is truth!!! Deut. 32:4; Psalm 31:5; Psalm 33:4; John 14:6
2) Where is truth?
a) Truth is in the Word of God John 1:1,14; John 17:1,17; Col 1:4-6; Eph 1:13
A) Word: (Strong's G3056 – logos) In John, denotes the essential Word of God, Jesus
Christ, the personal wisdom and power in union with God
3) What do we do with the truth?
a) Learn the truth Psalm 25:5; John 8:31-32; 2 Tim 2:15
b) Walk in truth Psalm 25:10; Psalm 86:11
c) Serve God in truth 1 Samuel 12:24; Joshua 24:14
d) Speak the truth Matthew 28:19-20; Proverbs 22:17-21; Acts 26:22-25
The Holy Spirit will teach us what the Bible says. We simply need to have the faith to listen. When you say, “I can’t understand that.” Then you are saying, “God cannot fulfill his scriptures”. Since when are we more intelligent than God? 1 Cor 1:25 tells us that the “foolishness of God is wiser than men”. Why are some limiting God’s power? God has all the answers, we simply need to seek them and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tough Times
We all will go through tough times. Some people may go through more, longer trials, but we all will be faced with some type of trial or tribulation. Getting saved and having a personal relationship with God does gurantee an easy life. These tribulations are used to strengethen us, help us to lean on God when we are in need of help (Psalms 37:24; Nahum 1:7). Through all the hard times, we need to keep God in the forefront of our lives.
It is easy to allow circumstances to control you, but we need to let God control our circumstances. Make the decisions His way. Proverbs 3:5,6 tells us that we need to trust the Lord, acknowledge him in all our ways and He shall direct our paths. There is no but or a contingency statement. If we do those things every day, then God will direct us in all aspects of our lives. John 16:33 says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Nothing we go through is beyond God's power. Stay in God and "thou shalt forget [thy] misery, [and] remember [it] as waters [that] pass away:" (Job 11:16).
It is easy to allow circumstances to control you, but we need to let God control our circumstances. Make the decisions His way. Proverbs 3:5,6 tells us that we need to trust the Lord, acknowledge him in all our ways and He shall direct our paths. There is no but or a contingency statement. If we do those things every day, then God will direct us in all aspects of our lives. John 16:33 says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Nothing we go through is beyond God's power. Stay in God and "thou shalt forget [thy] misery, [and] remember [it] as waters [that] pass away:" (Job 11:16).
Monday, May 11, 2009
Always
Matthew 28:20 "...I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world."
This really touched my soul this morning. To think that God will be with me until the end, no if, and or buts about it. I am not worthy of such dedication. If only I could show such dedication to Him. But in turn it is also a lesson. We call ourselves Christians (which means "Christ like"), so we need to act like them. I learned a very valuable lesson when I was a kid. Things learned must first be external, than internal, than external. Essentially what this is saying is, we learn from the Bible externally (i.e. Church, Bible Study). We then need to allow those principles to enter our heart and take root. Once they have taken root, then they will be shown externally in changes in our lifestyle. Until this cycle has been completed, you will never truly be Christ like. Take a moment today, examine yourself. How much dedication have you been giving to God?
This really touched my soul this morning. To think that God will be with me until the end, no if, and or buts about it. I am not worthy of such dedication. If only I could show such dedication to Him. But in turn it is also a lesson. We call ourselves Christians (which means "Christ like"), so we need to act like them. I learned a very valuable lesson when I was a kid. Things learned must first be external, than internal, than external. Essentially what this is saying is, we learn from the Bible externally (i.e. Church, Bible Study). We then need to allow those principles to enter our heart and take root. Once they have taken root, then they will be shown externally in changes in our lifestyle. Until this cycle has been completed, you will never truly be Christ like. Take a moment today, examine yourself. How much dedication have you been giving to God?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
CAST ALL YOUR CARES
1Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Worrying, how many of us worry? I think that all people worry at least once in their life, some of us have made it an art form. But God does not want that for us. He says in the key passage that He cares for us. God wants to take all of our burdens. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.” Twice Jesus tells us that we will get rest if we merely cast our cares to Him, and focus our life on God. The burdens of the world can be too much for us to carry, but the burdens of God will never be more than we can handle. Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Therefore, giving God all our cares and burdens; and taking on His yoke will allow us to focus on God and not on the things of this world which will pass away.
Worrying, how many of us worry? I think that all people worry at least once in their life, some of us have made it an art form. But God does not want that for us. He says in the key passage that He cares for us. God wants to take all of our burdens. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.” Twice Jesus tells us that we will get rest if we merely cast our cares to Him, and focus our life on God. The burdens of the world can be too much for us to carry, but the burdens of God will never be more than we can handle. Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Therefore, giving God all our cares and burdens; and taking on His yoke will allow us to focus on God and not on the things of this world which will pass away.
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