tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13957079973972145372024-02-20T03:41:23.084-08:00Jack Fletcher's BlogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156876709586321325noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1395707997397214537.post-17145948376476211982016-02-13T14:42:00.000-08:002016-02-13T14:42:16.695-08:00In Light of Eternity
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">1 Timothy 6:6-8</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">“Now godliness with contentment is
great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can
carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be
content.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No possession of mine will ever leave this
world. When I die, only my spirit will be taken away from this earth. Everything
else will be left behind. In the moment that I die, my life will be measured by
one very important question: What I did I do to impact eternity? Even my impact
on other people only matters if godliness was gained. Only what is eternal has
significance. <br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In light of such a profound but
easily forgotten truth, a great importance is placed on what I do with my life
in the time that God has given me. In short, only those things which profit
godliness are worth pursuing. <br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have often pursued activities and
possessions in my life which are completely vain and profit nothing good.
Everything I do must be done in light of eternity. For example, I ask myself if
watching TV is beneficial in light of eternity. Right now, the Super Bowl is on
TV and millions of people are gathered to watch two teams run a ball down a
field, trying to outscore one another. Many Americans live with great
anticipation, waiting for the next Super Bowl. <br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder what kind of value God
places on such an event. <br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does it profit godliness?<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does it matter in light of eternity?<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The time is so short! Man’s life is
but a vapor. Imagine if I reached the end of my life and realized that all for
which I ever lived was only temporary! Riches are fading. Beauty is fading.
Popularity is fading. Finally, life will end. And what shall we say to God when
He asks each of us to give an account? What have we done with what God has
given? Have we wasted His talents on vain and worldly pursuits? Or have we
invested <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everything</i> in eternity?<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How then shall we live? What is the
principal thing in which we should invest? Thankfully, the Bible provides an
answer. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get
wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” Wisdom guides and directs.
Wisdom ensures that a person’s life is lived to the glory of God, and such a
life will profit much in light of eternity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will apply these verses to my life today
by memorizing Proverbs 4:7-9.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156876709586321325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1395707997397214537.post-32713296456919140432016-02-06T18:21:00.002-08:002016-02-06T18:21:15.624-08:00Seek the Lord for Strength
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">Colossians 1:11</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">"...strengthened with all might,
according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with
joy..."</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul's prayer
for the Corinthian church is that she be strengthened by God to endure every
manner of trial which comes her way. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"all
might" means that every ounce of strength has been given.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"glorious
power" means that his power is perfect, good, and true. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"all
patience" means that there is not a single scheme of man nor hell which
cannot be endured. Not only endured, but endured "with joy." The
beauty of God's work is that it is a mighty and powerful work. His work is also
complete and leaves no room for improvement, for it is already perfect. Notice
that Paul <i>prayed</i> for this kind of patience to be given. Such joyous
living is not something man is born with, nor is it something which just
happens to fall upon some people. Rather, it must be sought in the secret place
of prayer with diligence. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God does not
desire that, as Christians, we live our lives without joy and without power. We
must <i>strive </i>to seek the Lord and He will pour out the infinite riches of
His grace toward us. I only dare speak the word "grace" because the
work of Jesus Christ allows me to speak it. I deserve nothing of the sort. All
I deserve is condemnation before a God who is "holy, holy, holy." My
wickedness of heart is a damnable abomination to a God who is infinitely good.
But Jesus Christ bore my sin, and God the Father damned His own Son on my
behalf, that the price I could not pay is now paid in full.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will apply
this verse to my life today by praying for someone tonight regarding the
message of this verse: that he be strengthened by the Lord. </span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156876709586321325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1395707997397214537.post-67857147912849071932016-02-06T18:17:00.000-08:002016-02-06T18:17:04.391-08:00Self or Christ?
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">Psalm 16:8</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">“I have set the Lord always before
me;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">Because He is at my right hand I
shall not be moved. “</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How often, dear Christians, are we moved
with fear? How often are we moved with worry? How often are we moved by all
manner of things! The truth is, we are moved because we have failed to give God
the rightful place in our lives. For if He was at our right hand, we would not
be moved. <br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love to play the victim. We love
to act as though we have a right to act or feel a certain way based on our
events and circumstances. Too often we are waiting on God to answer, when all
the while, God is waiting on us to surrender! <br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hidden inside each one of our hearts
is a throne. Now let me ask you a question, and I only ask it because I ask
myself the same. Who sits on the throne in your heart? Is it Self, or is it
God? If any amount of introspection reveals that, in fact, Self sits on the
throne in your heart, then let me ask you another question. Are you content to
live your life in such a way? My dear friend, would it not be better to allow
an infinitely powerful and loving God to have the rightful place in your heart?
Think of it this way, before He created the heavens and the earth, His heart
has been set on you. Before He made any created thing, he had set Himself to
love you and lavish Himself upon you throughout all of eternity. If that wasn’t
enough, He actually came to this earth, became one of you, and then died for
you! God the Father spared nothing for you, not even the life of His only
begotten son whom He loved. How then, shall you spare from giving Him your
complete trust and affection? In fact, your soul was made by God, for God.
Listen to one author, John Flavel, as he speaks of Jesus Christ:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All other loveliness cannot satisfy the
soul of man. There is not scope enough in any one created thing, or in all the
natural universe of created things for the soul of man to reach out and expand;
but the soul still feels itself confined and narrowed within those limits. This
comes to pass from the inadequacy and unsuitableness of the creature to the
nobler and more excellent soul of man. The soul is like a ship in a narrow
river which does not have room to turn. It is always running aground and
foundering in the shallows. But Jesus Christ is in every way sufficient to the
vast desires of the soul; in him it has sea-room enough. In him the soul may
spread all its sails with no fear of touching bottom.”</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156876709586321325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1395707997397214537.post-70463289854184683272016-02-06T17:57:00.000-08:002016-02-06T17:57:46.751-08:00The Testing of Faith Produces Patience
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">Luke 21:19</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">"By your patience possess your souls."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is speaking here of the end times.
In the previous verses, He promises hardship and persecution. False teachers
will arise. Wars will begin. Parents will turn on their children. Christians
will be put to death. These troubles, however, can be endured if one has a mind
focused on the end goal. With a clear picture of eternity in mind, such trials
appear as nothing. Listen to Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"For our light affliction, which is
but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things
which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things
which are not seen are eternal."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Christians, we endure trials patiently
knowing that in the end, the reward is great. We endure trials joyfully because
we know that the testing of our faith produces patience (James 1:2-3). </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patience of this caliber demonstrates a
trust toward God. We endure with patience because we trust the God who is
directing our every step (Proverbs 16:9). His ways are perfect, not ours. His
ways are just, not ours. If we will fully trust Him and surrender ourselves to
His plan, we will walk in a manner of life far superior to that in which we
previously walked. </span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through patience, our peace is kept and
our minds set at ease. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will apply this verse to my life today
by thanking God for specific trials I have endured which gave me greater
patience. </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156876709586321325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1395707997397214537.post-33427568098172965072016-02-06T17:53:00.002-08:002016-02-06T17:53:15.761-08:00Wisdom Preserves Life
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">Psalm 90:12</span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">"So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom."</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order for a
man to know how to live his life, he must first understand that his time on the
earth is short. Knowing that man's life is only a vapor (Psalm 39), he will be
motivated by the grace of God to live his life in a manner that pleases the
Lord. The Psalmist asks God to "teach us," implying that a heart of
wisdom comes from the Lord and is not inherent in man. It must be pursued and
regarded as more valuable than gold and silver (Proverbs 3:15).</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often,
Christians believe they know what is best for their own lives. It can be easy
to neglect the calling of the Lord in favor of selfiesh, fleshly desires which
seem wise, but in the end lead to death (Proverbs 14:12 ; 16:25). Instead, the
Christian must renounce his own understanding (Proverbs 3:5) and ask that the
Lord teach him and give him a heart of wisdom. In doing so, he will preserve
his life, for anyone who loses his life for the sake of Christ will actually
gain it (Matthew 10:39). </span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156876709586321325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1395707997397214537.post-7708642271296604522016-02-06T17:50:00.001-08:002016-02-06T17:50:46.756-08:00Zeal and Knowledge
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">Colossians 1:9</span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"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" </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before this
verse can be expounded, it is important to know "this reason" which
Paul gives for why he does not cease to pray for the church of Colosse. Paul
gives his reason in verse four, which is that he heard of their faith in Christ
and their love for the saints. Such news prompts Paul to pray that the church
will be filled with knowledge and wisdom. Zeal without knowledge is dangerous,
and according to Hosea 4:6, </span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"My
people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The knowledge
being spoken of is a knowledge of God. </span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, it
is important that the Colossian church channel her zeal through the knowledge
and wisdom which God has revealed to her. Otherwise, she will be as </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"those
who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who
believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away (Luke 8:13)."</span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every
Christian will do well to pay attention to these words which are spoken by
Jesus, because "believing" the gospel is an easy thing to do until
one is buffeted, outwardly and inwardly, by every manner of trial which the
world, the flesh, and Satan can muster. In such trying times, those who have no
root will wither, while those who truly believe will be preserved through their
knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ which come by the grace of God. </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156876709586321325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1395707997397214537.post-63654032551780215042016-02-06T17:46:00.002-08:002016-02-06T17:46:26.844-08:00Boast in Christ
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">2 Corinthians 1:12</span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">"For our boasting is this: the
testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in
simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of
God, and more abundantly toward you."</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the subject
of boasting, Jeremiah 9:23-24 gives us a clear picture of what it means to
boast in the Lord. The text says:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Thus
says the LORD: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty
man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him
who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD
who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in
these things I delight, declares the LORD.'" (ESV)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul is an
example of what it means to boast in the Lord. He did not boast in his
knowledge of the scriptures. He did not boast in the number of churches he
founded. He did not boast in the number of men who were saved under his
ministry. Rather, he boasted in the grace which God had given him, and he was
able to have a clear conscience knowing that he acted in a manner which pleased
God. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we know
from 1 Corinthians chapter four, Paul was made as the "filth of the
world" for the sake of Christ. Yet, being utterly despised and scorned, he
did not lament the loss of his reputation, nor shy away from following Christ.
He continued to press forward, because his boasting was in the Lord. The anchor
to his soul was the grace which God had given him in Christ, and no amount of
hardship or persecution could rob Paul of such a gift. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Christians,
we often place too much concern upon that which matters not. The trite, vain
things of this world are not to be esteemed, even lightly. They are to be
counted as nothing so as to gain Christ. Many of us live for reputation,
position, and prominence. We want to be something to please another man or live
for our talents and abilities. Even good things, like ministry, can become
idols. Can any of us truly say we are living for CHRIST ALONE? </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156876709586321325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1395707997397214537.post-63623729959953014312016-02-06T17:42:00.000-08:002016-02-06T17:42:52.593-08:00Perservere in Prayer
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">James 1:5</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">"If any of you lacks wisdom, let
him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be
given to him."</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The text of
James is plain and clear. Simply ask God for wisdom, and He will give it. If,
as a Christian, you have asked God for wisdom and not received it, there are at
least two possibilities. The next verse in James gives one possibility: a lack
of faith. It is just as effective not to ask for wisdom at all than to ask with
doubt. Doubt does not merely rob the Christian of an answered prayer, but puts
him in danger, for James 1:8 says that such a man is </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"double-minded [and] unstable in all his ways."</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second
possibility for a lack of receiving comes from a lack of persistence in prayer.
According to Hebrews 11:6, God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Notice
the word "diligently." </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moses spent 40
days in prayer to receive the ten commandments. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremiah spent
10 days in prayer to receive an answer for the captains of the remnant of
Judah.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus spent
all night in prayer before choosing His 12 disciples. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often times,
we become angry at God for not answering our prayers, but what right do we have
to be angry at God when we do not persist in our prayers? Look at how the men
of the Bible prayed! We want the blessings they received without paying the
price they payed. He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. Our small
praying will never yield big results. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is both
able and <i>willing </i>to do abundantly more than we ask or think. He has
given us a blank check, He is just waiting for us to cash it. But as Jesus
tragically states in Luke 18:8, </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"...when
the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"</span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156876709586321325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1395707997397214537.post-38148552463872498522016-02-06T17:34:00.000-08:002016-02-06T17:34:16.027-08:00As in the Days of Noah
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">Matthew 11:19</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">"The Son of Man came eating and
drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax
collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children." </span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this text,
Jesus demonstrates the unwillingness of his generation to believe the gospel
which he preached. Even with the good fruit which His wisdom produced, the
people of his day refused to repent although they stood in the presence of the
God-Man. Such hardness of heart is common to all men in all ages of time. Jesus
says in Luke 17:26 that </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"as it
was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man"
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what were
the days of Noah like? Genesis 6:5 give us the answer. It is written: </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Then the
LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every
intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Psalm 51:5,
David writes, </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Behold,
I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me."</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore,
based on scripture, man is born completely devoid of any goodness within him
and, according to Romans 3:11, has no inclination in his heart to seek the
Lord. Any attempt by man to work his way to God through self-imposed religion
is exposed by scripture as a fraud, for it is written in Isaiah 64:6 that </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"all our
righteousnesses are like filthy rags"</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In light of
such truths, salvation by grace appears all the more wonderful. For it was not
I who sought God, it was Christ who sought me. It was not I who earned
salvation, but Christ who earned it for me. If my salvation was not gained by
something good I did, neither shall it be lost by something bad I have done. It
is written in Romans 5:8, </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"But God
demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us." </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156876709586321325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1395707997397214537.post-24568039795235225012016-02-06T17:25:00.001-08:002016-02-06T17:25:37.008-08:00Fear to Wisdom, Wisdom to Obedience
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">Psalm 111:10</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">"The fear of the LORD is the
beginning of wisdom; <br />
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.<br />
His praise endures forever."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To state that
wisdom begins with "the fear of the LORD" is to imply that all wisdom
ultimately comes from a knowledge of God, since a correct view (or knowledge)
of God will cause reverential fear in the heart of the one seeking to know God.
If all wisdom comes from God, then it necessarily follows that "worldly wisdom"
is really no wisdom at all. Thus, the apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:19
that </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"the
wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furthermore,
he states in chapter two verses six and seven that the wisdom of this age is
coming to an end, whereas the wisdom of God was ordained before time itself. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to
Psalm 111:10, the fear of the Lord not only leads to a right view of God and
the world (a.k.a. "wisdom"), but it also manifests itself in the
doing of the commandments of God. In other words, anyone who claims to fear the
Lord <i>must</i> also walk in God's commandments for his claim to be valid.
Listen to the words of Jesus in Matthew chapter seven verses 21 through 23: </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Not
everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but
he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day,
'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name,
and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never
knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus makes it
plain that a mere declaration of faith is no evidence of salvation. To take it
one step further, not even an <i>emphatic</i> declaration of Jesus Christ as
"Lord, Lord" is sufficient to merit salvation. Instead, salvation is
by faith alone in Christ's finished work, and the <i>evidence</i> of true faith
is a doing of the will of the Father, contrasted by those who claim true faith
yet are "workers of iniquity," whom Jesus will cast out "into
outer darkness [where] there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew
8:12; 22:13; 25:30)." </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To summarize
Psalm 111:10, the fear of the Lord leads to wisdom which in turn leads to the
doing of the commandments of God as a style of life. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will apply
this verse to my life today by thanking God in prayer for at least three
instances where He has taught me the fear of Himself. </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156876709586321325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1395707997397214537.post-56895683551020368222016-02-06T17:22:00.002-08:002016-02-06T17:22:43.178-08:00Through Faith
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matthew 8:5-13</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">A man in authority comes to Jesus, obviously desperate
because he is "pleading" with him. Even after Jesus commits to
arriving at the centurion's house, he will not allow Jesus to journey with him.
Rather, he recognizes his sin ("I am not worthy") and Jesus' power
and authority ("only speak a word"). Jesus stands in amazement at the
man's faith, and then declares to those following him that many in Israel will
not enter the kingdom of heaven while those from the far reaches of the earth
will enter because of faith. </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156876709586321325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1395707997397214537.post-45536372301980633202016-02-06T17:18:00.001-08:002016-02-06T17:18:24.533-08:00Faith is the Substance
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -1.15pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">Hebrews 11:1</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -1.15pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">(NKJV) "Now
<u>faith is </u>the <u>substance </u>of things hoped for, the <u>evidence</u>
of things not seen."</span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">(ESV) "Now <u>faith
is </u>the <u>assurance </u>of things hoped for, the <u>conviction</u> of
things not seen."</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">(YLT) "And <u>faith
is </u>of things hoped for a <u>confidence, </u>of matters not seen a <u>conviction</u>"</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">The previous
verse speaks of those "who believe to the saving of the soul."
Ultimately, faith is the medium by which the salvation of Jesus Christ is
transferred to man. Faith is not some vague wish, rather it is the substance of
things hoped for. Through faith, the Christian can be assured of the salvation
which is to come. Faith also creates a confidence in the Lord with regard to
his promises. For, "He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23)." </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156876709586321325noreply@blogger.com0