The Spirit of the Lord Brings Freedom

The Spirit of the Lord Brings Freedom

Whenever the Holy Spirit of God is present, there is also an atmosphere of freedom.  The Word shares this truth with us:

. . . and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.  (Joh 8:32 NASB)

If you read John 8:30-34, you’ll see that Jesus is speaking and is talking about the fact that His disciples follow and obey His teachings.  The Jews who believed in Jesus, responded by saying that they were Abraham’s descendants and had never been anyone’s’ slaves.  Jesus explained that anyone who sins is a slave of SIN.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  (2 Cor 3:17 NRSV)

Wherever the Spirit of the Lord is present and moving, there is also liberty, free will, and openness.  Glory to God!

For the Spirit’s law of life in the Messiah Jesus has set me free from the Law of sin and death.  (Rom 8:2 ISV)

Praise God, Romans 8 reminds us that every person who has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior has been set free from the Law of sin and death.  We are no longer slaves to sin, wickedness, and immorality.  Let us meditate upon this wonderful blessing and benefit of our salvation, and praise the Lord most High! 

Approved by God

Approved by God

God has approved every believer:  isn’t that a staggeringly beautiful thought?  Approved means:

  • Accepted,
  • Favored, and
  • Supported.

Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.  (Eccl 9:7 ESV)

In the above passage, we see that God has approved our eating our food and drinking our beverages with a merry heart.  He approves this because He is the One who has blessed us with these gifts and blessings.

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; 13 moreover, that every person who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—this is the gift of God.  (Eccl 3:12-13 NASB)

In this Bible selection above, the Lord agrees that there’s nothing better for us than to rejoice and to DO GOOD in our lives.  The Lord also likes us to appreciate our food and drinks and to value our work and our jobs because they are gifts from God.

. . . but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts.  (1 Thes 2:4 NET)

We have been approved (authorized and supported) by God to carry and to declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout our lifetimes.  We do this to please God, not people.  We need to recognize that the Lord examines our hearts and will see clearly what our motives are for all of our actions.  So, it’s important to have holy motivations for whatever we do in the Lord’s Name.  Blessings upon you.

Be An Example

Be An Example

As servants of the Lord and followers of Jesus, we are instructed to be a good example to our neighbors, even as Jesus was our example.  (See John 13:15; 1 Peter 2:21)

Here are some pertinent Scripture passages:

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.  (Phil 3:17 ESV)

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.  (1 Tim 4:12 NIV)

. . . in all things showing yourself to be a pattern [model] of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility . . .   (Tit 2:7 NKJV)

We are challenged by the Word of God to live in unity and harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ.  We do that by studying and memorizing the Word of God, and by pursuing spiritual maturity in our walk with Christ. We also fulfill this mandate by living peaceful and responsible lives.

We’re instructed to perform good deeds, and to be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.  Our lives will display integrity, reverence for God and for spiritual things, as well as an incorruptible spirit.  As we live in this way, we will be following Christ’s example, as well as being a good example, too.  God bless you.

An Eternal House

An Eternal House

The Bible refers to an ‘eternal house’ in heaven in 2 Corinthians.  This is our topic for meditation today.

Our future body will be “an eternal house in heaven.” Tents are bodies for dwelling in on this earth. Our new, heavenly body will be a “house in heaven” for dwelling in in our eternal home. Our next body is “not built by human hands.”  That means that the heavenly body will be spiritual and glorified, not physical and mortal.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, the excellency of the power being from God and not from ourselves.  (2 Cor 4:6-7 MEV)

The treasure referred to above is “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”  We carry this precious, beautiful and eternal treasure in our earthly bodies, therefore we must strongly guard what has been entrusted to us. 

This involves protecting and sheltering our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ jealously.  We must outwit and halt every attack from the enemy against our faith in Jesus Christ.

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.  (2 Cor 5:1 NIV, emphasis added)

This is an assurance to all believers that even though our human bodies will eventually pass away, our spirit and soul united in a spiritual body will move into the presence of God and remain with Him throughout eternity.

My dear friends, we are now God’s children, but it is not yet clear what we shall become. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he really is.  (1 Joh 3:2 GNT)

It is encouraging and comforting to know that we shall be like our Savior, our Redeemer, because we’ll be able to see Him in all of His glory and magnificence.  Praise God!

Wisdom Comes from God

Wisdom Comes from God

If anyone needs wisdom, ask the Lord to give it to you, for all wisdom comes from our Heavenly Father. 

Wisdom, especially spiritual wisdom, is not just about knowing what’s good for you, but it’s about applying that knowledge to your everyday life circumstances.

The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  (Pro 2:6 CEB)

17 I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. 18 My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and you will understand the hope given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all God’s people.  (Eph 1:17-18 CEV, emphasis added)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  (Jas 1:5 ESV)

We increase wisdom by walking with God.  As we revere and respect God, live in awe of His presence and power, make our choices based upon His Word, and love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, His wisdom grows and matures within us.  Reading the Bible regularly and memorizing Scripture passages plants wisdom in our hearts and nurtures it.

And of course, if we need God’s guidance or direction in a specific circumstance, all we need to do is pray and ask Him for His wisdom, and He will hear and answer us.

Receive and Accept One Another

Receive and Accept One Another

Do you realize that the Lord Jesus has made every believer ‘accepted in the Beloved’?  That means that you and I are:

  • Acknowledged,
  • Recognized and known,
  • Received,
  • Established, and
  • Understood—in Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer.

Let’s see what else the Bible has to say on this subject.

Those who receive you are also receiving me, and those who receive Me are receiving the one who sent Me.  (Mt 10:40 CEB)

Whoever received and welcomes a believer, receives and welcomes the Lord Jesus as well as God the Father, who sent Jesus to earth.

 I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another.  (Joh 13:34 AMP)

Jesus has commanded all believers to ‘love one another.’  This is not a suggestion.  It is very clear that believers should accept one another, and try to help and bless one another. We should never put any type of stumbling block in front of a brother or sister in Christ.

Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.  (Rom 15:7 NKJV)

Just as our Lord and Savior has received and established each one of us, we should also do the same with one another in order to bring glory to God.

. . . having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.  (Eph 1:5-6 NKJV, emphasis added)

It was the Lord’s good pleasure to make each one of us ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED, who is Jesus Christ our Savior. Hallelujah! 

Now, turn with open arms and be a welcoming committee to others!

The Crown of Life

The Crown of Life

Believers in Jesus Christ receive the crown of life. Let’s remember that before Jesus came, God had made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Jesus came so that the Gentiles might also be saved, and that atonement might be made for the sins of all of mankind.  Jesus is the Lamb of God, and he was the perfect sacrifice for all of mankind.  (see John 1:29, 36)

Believers are not promised an easy life in the Bible.  We are warned in 2 Timothy 3:12 that those who desire to live godly in Jesus will suffer persecution.  We must stop and realize that the enemy would not be attacking Christians so desperately if we did not possess something of great value.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.  (Jas 1:12 NIV, emphasis added)

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer for ten days. But be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life.  (Rev 2:10 NCV, emphasis added)

Trials of various types test a Christian’s faith, develop endurance in their lives, and help develop spiritual maturity in them.  We can all read in 1 Peter how Jesus responded to persecution:

Although he was abused, he never tried to get even.  And when he suffered, he made no threats.  Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly.  (1 Pet 2:23 CEV)

The Lord will give every believer the sustaining grace that they need to go through such trials victoriously.  We just need to hold onto our faith in God and in His ability to uphold and sustain us spiritually, mentally, and emotionally through persecution.

Let’s consider how we can stand firm in our resolve to continue speaking the Word of Life boldly, even under the threat of persecution.  

Before persecution begins, we must prepare for it by cultivating the Word of God in our hearts. This means that we memorize various passages from the Bible and review them regularly to make sure we retain them.

Scripture teaches that we carry the Word of God in two places: in our mouths, and in our hearts (see Romans 10:8, and Deuteronomy 30:14).  Remember this vital truth:  Whenever persecution attempts to silence the Word that is in our mouths, it is the Word that is in our hearts which will sustain us. 

We carry the incorruptible Seed of the Word of God in our mouths and in our hearts, and we cannot begin to fathom the fruit that will come from that Seed.  Hold fast to the Seed that has been sown in your hearts, brothers and sisters!  It will uphold and sustain you, along with the very real presence of the Prince of Peace who never leaves us.  Glory to God!

We Must Set Our Hope On God Alone

We Must Set Our Hope On God Alone

It is important that we set our hope upon the Lord, Himself—and nothing and no one else. 

The seed sown among thorns is the person who hears the word, but worldly cares and the seductiveness of wealth choke the word, so it produces nothing.  (Mt 13:22 NET)

We must try to stay clear from worldly cares and worldly desires, which will profit us nothing, spiritually.

Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.  (Lk 8:14 NKJV)

The cares and pleasures of earthly life will not bring any form of spiritual fruit to maturity.  And we must remember that we live for Christ—to serve Him and to bring Him glory and honor and praise.

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.  (1 Tim 6:17 NASB)

Believers should never allow themselves to feel confident in wealth or financial security, for these are fleeting and can crumble in a day or even a span of earthly hours. 

But true security comes from placing our hope and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ who has promised that He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us.  This means that Jesus will NEVER disown, abandon, reject, or renounce anyone who has accepted Him as their own Savior and Lord.

THAT is true security—now only for the moment but throughout eternity!  Hallelujah!

Happy is the Man Whom God Corrects

Happy is the Man Whom God Corrects

It’s unusual for us human beings to appreciate being corrected or when someone points out where we need to improve ourselves.  But God says that His correction is a sign of His love for us.  What a beautiful idea that is!

Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you.  (Deut 8:5 NIV)

How happy is the man whom God corrects!  Therefore do not despise the discipline of the Almighty . . .  (Job 5:17 MEV)

My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord or loathe His rebuke, 12 for whom the Lord loves He disciplines, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.  (Pro 3:11-12 NASB)

Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.  (Pro 13:24 ESV)

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.  (Rev 3:19 NKJV)

As these Scripture passages attest, correction from the Lord—as from a loving parent—is an affirmation of His love and care for us. 

In the natural realm, parents train and discipline their children in order to raise up polite, likeable, and confident human beings who will be loved and appreciated wherever they go.  We do this with our children because we love them, and want to see them grow into happy, well-adjusted adults who are an asset to their communities, churches, and families. 

The Lord disciplines us for our own good.  He is performing His work in us to transform us into the image of His own Son.  (2 Cor 3:18; Eph 4:22-24)  Praise God!

We Must Bear Fruit to the Father’s Glory

We Must Bear Fruit to the Father’s Glory

How does a Christian bear fruit?  If, as believers, we pursue goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love, we will be fruitful no matter where we are called.

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.  (Joh 15:8 NIV)

 I pray that you will then be filled with the fruit of righteousness, which comes from Jesus Christ, in order to give glory and praise to God.  (Phil 1:11 CEB)

I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who abides in me while I abide in him produces much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.  (Joh 15:5 ISV)

When we bear fruit, we bring glory to God the Father, and we prove ourselves to be the Lord’s followers.  The key to fruitfulness is abiding in Christ and being aware, moment by moment, of His presence and His love at work in our lives.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  (Gal 5:22-23)  Every GOOD tree bears GOOD fruit.  (Mt 7:17)  Each and every believer is a good tree, and every believer has been given the fruit of the Spirit.

The Lord tells us clearly in John 15:5:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” 

We must abide in Christ always, because without Him, we are powerless and can accomplish nothing.  But with Him, nothing is impossible!  Hallelujah!