A Living Sacrifice...
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2
I present my body to you, O Lord, as a living sacrifice. May it be holy and pleasing to you. Let this be my spiritual act of worship constantly, moment by moment, day by day, night by night.
Let me be transformed by the renewing of my mind, so that I may be able to test and approve what your holy will for me is - what is good, pleasing, and perfect.
Teach me to notice others and value them just as you do. I know you loved me when I was not lovable, and redeemed me when I was not worthy. Help me to take my eyes off myself and see others as you see them.
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the {life} which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Search Me
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
Make this verse your prayer. If you ask the Lord to search your heart and your thoughts and to reveal your sin, you will be continuing on God's "way everlasting."
God loves you dearly, and he has called you to be his very own people.May grace and peace be yours from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Happy Valentine's Day to my precious girls - Cindi & Kayla.
Happy Valentine's Day, Mom!
Monday, February 13, 2006
Snow!
Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation! Isaiah 65:18It's about time about we have SNOW in Maryland/D.C./Virginia area! It is truly a beautiful sight that the Lord has given us on Sunday. God wanted us to enjoy His creation.
Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everywhere in his kingdom. As for me – I, too, will praise the LORD. Psalms 103:22
Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it. We may receive it gladly, with thankful hearts. 1 Timothy 4:4
We had a good day of bible reading and reading children's bible stories with Cindi and Kayla yesterday morning before we played and shoveled and shoveled and shoveled and shoveled!
Thank you, God, for opening up your heaven to give us the beautiful white snow. God, when's the next blizzard?!
Mark Lowenstein is right - Spring is just around the corner!! :) It's suppose to be near 60 degrees on Thursday & Friday! http://marklowenstein.blogspot.com/2006/02/noreaster.html
The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. Psalms 145:9
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
Have a great week. Pray without ceasing. Please continue to pray for Hazel Taylor.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
To Know and To Love God
What does God wants?
"I don't want your sacrifice - I want your love. I don't want your offering- I want you to know me", says the Lord. Hosea 6:6
Instead of trying to do and say all the right things to make God love you, you need to realize he already loves you. You just need to learn how to love him back. God wants to help you to know him and love him more. All you need to do is ask.
So help me, Father, to know and love you more today.
The first purpose of your life is to know and to love God because that gives God pleasure. The most important thing you can know in life is that God loves you.
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness," says the Lord.
Jeremiah 31:3
The most important thing you can do in your life is love him back.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:37-38
God knows everything about you and he still loves you. His deepest desire is for you to know him and love him in return.
God, if I do not get anything done today, help me to know you a little bit better and love you with a little bit more. If, at the end of the day, I know you a little better and I love you a little more, I will have not wasted this day.
"I don't want your sacrifice - I want your love. I don't want your offering- I want you to know me", says the Lord. Hosea 6:6
Instead of trying to do and say all the right things to make God love you, you need to realize he already loves you. You just need to learn how to love him back. God wants to help you to know him and love him more. All you need to do is ask.
So help me, Father, to know and love you more today.
The first purpose of your life is to know and to love God because that gives God pleasure. The most important thing you can know in life is that God loves you.
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness," says the Lord.
Jeremiah 31:3
The most important thing you can do in your life is love him back.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:37-38
God knows everything about you and he still loves you. His deepest desire is for you to know him and love him in return.
God, if I do not get anything done today, help me to know you a little bit better and love you with a little bit more. If, at the end of the day, I know you a little better and I love you a little more, I will have not wasted this day.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Lord's Supper - Examine Yourself
I posted a blog back in Saturday, August 06, 2005. It's important to understand the Lord's Supper and we need to examine ourselves before we take the Lord's Supper. This will help me focus when I take the Lord's Supper on Sundays.
Paul's Letter - Examine Yourself
http://denniscesone.blogspot.com/2005/04/examine-yourself.html
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Pray For Other Christians
Pray for other Christians.
For it has pleased God to tell his people that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. For this is the secret: Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory. Colossians 1:27
Be thankful for their and changed lives.
We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:3
Ask God to help them know what He wants them to do.
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom.
Colossians 1:9
Ask God to give them deep spiritual understanding.
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Colossians 1:9
Ask God to help them live for Him.
Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better. Colossians 1:10
Ask God to give them strength for endurance.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy. Colossians 1:11
Ask God to fill them with joy, strength, and thankfulness.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy. Colossians 1:11
So, then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness.
One day soon afterward Jesus went to a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. Luke 6:12
For it has pleased God to tell his people that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. For this is the secret: Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory. Colossians 1:27
Be thankful for their and changed lives.
We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:3
Ask God to help them know what He wants them to do.
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom.
Colossians 1:9
Ask God to give them deep spiritual understanding.
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Colossians 1:9
Ask God to help them live for Him.
Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better. Colossians 1:10
Ask God to give them strength for endurance.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy. Colossians 1:11
Ask God to fill them with joy, strength, and thankfulness.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy. Colossians 1:11
So, then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness.
One day soon afterward Jesus went to a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. Luke 6:12
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Holy In Seven Steps
How to be Holy in 7 Steps..
Go After It. "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord" ( Hebrew 12:14 ). We have to WANT IT. We must want it badly enough to do whatever it takes to have it.
Claim What God Gave You. "Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness" ( Ephesians 4:24 ). God has provided everything we need in order to be holy as He is holy. Don't let the enemy of your soul tell you that because you are not perfect and you have made mistakes that you cannot ever be holy.
Don't Defile Your Body. "If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are" ( 1 Corinthians 3:17 ). We have choices and we have to make right ones so what we do not pollute our lives. Value your body because the Holy Spirit lives there. Value your life because it is God's instrument to see His purposes fulfilled one arch.
Copy God. "Therefore be imitators of God as clear children" ( Ephesians 5:1 ). Study Him. Be in His presence as much as possible in PRAYER, PRAISE, and WORSHIP. Be fully aware of all His names and attributes so you can better understand all of who He is.
Be Loving and Merciful. "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy, and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering" ( Colossians 3:12 ). If there are any two qualities that would make you more like Christ, they would be to show love and mercy toward others. Ask yourself what is the merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient thing to do.
Stay On The Path Of Obedience. "A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray" ( Isaiah 35:8 ). The road is narrow and we have to be watchful that we do not stumble off it. Read God's Word and ask Him to help you follow it. Communicate with God frequently each day in PRAYER and PRAISE.
Be Like Jesus. "He who says is abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked" ( 1 John 2:6 ). In Jesus we have the perfect role model. Study Him in the Scriptures. Examine every word He said. Walk with Him. Talk with Him. Let Him live in you.
The Bible instructs us to "give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" ( Psalms 29:2 ). When we do that, great things happen in our lives.
WORSHIP is coming in contact with the holiness of God by the power of the Holy Spirit, and letting the beauty of His holiness rub off on you and make you beautifully holy and wonderfully whole.
Go After It. "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord" ( Hebrew 12:14 ). We have to WANT IT. We must want it badly enough to do whatever it takes to have it.
Claim What God Gave You. "Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness" ( Ephesians 4:24 ). God has provided everything we need in order to be holy as He is holy. Don't let the enemy of your soul tell you that because you are not perfect and you have made mistakes that you cannot ever be holy.
Don't Defile Your Body. "If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are" ( 1 Corinthians 3:17 ). We have choices and we have to make right ones so what we do not pollute our lives. Value your body because the Holy Spirit lives there. Value your life because it is God's instrument to see His purposes fulfilled one arch.
Copy God. "Therefore be imitators of God as clear children" ( Ephesians 5:1 ). Study Him. Be in His presence as much as possible in PRAYER, PRAISE, and WORSHIP. Be fully aware of all His names and attributes so you can better understand all of who He is.
Be Loving and Merciful. "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy, and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering" ( Colossians 3:12 ). If there are any two qualities that would make you more like Christ, they would be to show love and mercy toward others. Ask yourself what is the merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient thing to do.
Stay On The Path Of Obedience. "A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray" ( Isaiah 35:8 ). The road is narrow and we have to be watchful that we do not stumble off it. Read God's Word and ask Him to help you follow it. Communicate with God frequently each day in PRAYER and PRAISE.
Be Like Jesus. "He who says is abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked" ( 1 John 2:6 ). In Jesus we have the perfect role model. Study Him in the Scriptures. Examine every word He said. Walk with Him. Talk with Him. Let Him live in you.
The Bible instructs us to "give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" ( Psalms 29:2 ). When we do that, great things happen in our lives.
WORSHIP is coming in contact with the holiness of God by the power of the Holy Spirit, and letting the beauty of His holiness rub off on you and make you beautifully holy and wonderfully whole.
Monday, January 23, 2006
ASK
Ask, Seek, & Knock..
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8
Ask - So often we're afraid to ask for help because we have toadmit we don't have the answers.
Seek - Effort and interest and perseverance are necessary and that's sometimes hard.
Knock - In an era of doorbells, this is a forgotten action.
God wants us to use the A.S.K. principle and bring our hearts before him. So let's don not just whine, complain, desire, and want. Let's A.S.K. our Father and seek his glory.
If you remain in me and my Words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you. John 15:7-8
I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. And I will give you riches, wealth, and honor such as no other king has ever had before you or will ever have again. 2 Chronicles 1:12
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
Lord, you have been so generous with your love. Help me to keep my heart set on you and your will today as I ask you to minister to the things on my heart. In Jesus' name I ask, Amen.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8
Ask - So often we're afraid to ask for help because we have toadmit we don't have the answers.
Seek - Effort and interest and perseverance are necessary and that's sometimes hard.
Knock - In an era of doorbells, this is a forgotten action.
God wants us to use the A.S.K. principle and bring our hearts before him. So let's don not just whine, complain, desire, and want. Let's A.S.K. our Father and seek his glory.
If you remain in me and my Words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you. John 15:7-8
I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. And I will give you riches, wealth, and honor such as no other king has ever had before you or will ever have again. 2 Chronicles 1:12
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
Lord, you have been so generous with your love. Help me to keep my heart set on you and your will today as I ask you to minister to the things on my heart. In Jesus' name I ask, Amen.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Seven Things That Are True About Faith
Having faith pleases God. "Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must beleive He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. ( Hebrews 11:6 ). It is important to make God happy.
Having faith keeps us from sin. "Whatever is not from faith is sin" ( Romans 14:23 ). It is sinful to not have faith.
Having faith protects us from the enemy. "Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one " ( Ephesians 6:16 ). We need that kind of protection every day.
Having faith helps us fine peace. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" ( Romans 5:1 ). When we let doubt come in and swallow our faith, we lose our peace.
Having faith helps us find healing. "Then Jesus said to him, 'Receive your sight; your faith has made you well'" ( Luke 18:42 ). We all need healing at one time or another in order to stay alive.
Having faith helps us to live successfully. "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith'" ( Romans 1:17 ). We do not want to just get by in our lives, we want to have lives with impact. And that cannot happen without faith in the power of God to help us to be all He has called us to be.
Having faith breaks down walls in our lives. "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days" ( Hebrews 11:30 ). The only way we can break down the obstacles that are erected in our lives is by faith in God to do what we cannot.
With God, all things are possible. Miracles happen because people have faith. Not faith in miracles; faith in God, who performs miracles.
Worship is...a place where we can drown out the voices of fear and doubt with a flood of adoration and praise. As we come before the Lord, He reminds us of all that He is, and that increases our faith.
If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20
I pray that my faith, no matter how it is tested by fire, will glorify You and bring all the praise and honor and glory that belong to You. Thank you that You have given me Your Word whereby my faith can be increased. Help me to grow in my understanding of it. May your Word be mixed with my faith that it will glorify You. ( Hebrews 4:2 )
Having faith keeps us from sin. "Whatever is not from faith is sin" ( Romans 14:23 ). It is sinful to not have faith.
Having faith protects us from the enemy. "Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one " ( Ephesians 6:16 ). We need that kind of protection every day.
Having faith helps us fine peace. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" ( Romans 5:1 ). When we let doubt come in and swallow our faith, we lose our peace.
Having faith helps us find healing. "Then Jesus said to him, 'Receive your sight; your faith has made you well'" ( Luke 18:42 ). We all need healing at one time or another in order to stay alive.
Having faith helps us to live successfully. "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith'" ( Romans 1:17 ). We do not want to just get by in our lives, we want to have lives with impact. And that cannot happen without faith in the power of God to help us to be all He has called us to be.
Having faith breaks down walls in our lives. "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days" ( Hebrews 11:30 ). The only way we can break down the obstacles that are erected in our lives is by faith in God to do what we cannot.
With God, all things are possible. Miracles happen because people have faith. Not faith in miracles; faith in God, who performs miracles.
Worship is...a place where we can drown out the voices of fear and doubt with a flood of adoration and praise. As we come before the Lord, He reminds us of all that He is, and that increases our faith.
If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20
I pray that my faith, no matter how it is tested by fire, will glorify You and bring all the praise and honor and glory that belong to You. Thank you that You have given me Your Word whereby my faith can be increased. Help me to grow in my understanding of it. May your Word be mixed with my faith that it will glorify You. ( Hebrews 4:2 )
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Because of Jesus,
Seven good reasons to praise Jesus...
Because of Jesus, I am forgiven.
Whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate. His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:25-26
Because of Jesus, I have peace with God.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
Because of Jesus, I don't have to live with guilt or condemnation.
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1
Because of Jesus, I have a great inheritance.
If children, then heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8:17
Because of Jesus, I always have someone interceding for me.
It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Romans 8:34
Because of Jesus, I have entered life with Him.
If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:10-11
Because of Jesus, I can have more life in this life.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10
Because of Jesus, I am forgiven.
Whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate. His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:25-26
Because of Jesus, I have peace with God.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
Because of Jesus, I don't have to live with guilt or condemnation.
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1
Because of Jesus, I have a great inheritance.
If children, then heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8:17
Because of Jesus, I always have someone interceding for me.
It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Romans 8:34
Because of Jesus, I have entered life with Him.
If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:10-11
Because of Jesus, I can have more life in this life.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Unceasing Prayers
Fellow Workers
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with {an attitude of} thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, {as though} seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Colossians 4:2-6
Help me to be steadfast in my praying to you, even to stay awake that I may pray! Fill my life with thanksgiving to you.
I pray for all your servants everywhere that you may open a door for us to proclaim your Word, to declare the now-public secret- Christ crucified, glorified, and coming - and to make the message clear, as we ought to speak.
In the name of Jesus I ask you to fill our lives with your holy life.
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with {an attitude of} thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, {as though} seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Colossians 4:2-6
Help me to be steadfast in my praying to you, even to stay awake that I may pray! Fill my life with thanksgiving to you.
I pray for all your servants everywhere that you may open a door for us to proclaim your Word, to declare the now-public secret- Christ crucified, glorified, and coming - and to make the message clear, as we ought to speak.
In the name of Jesus I ask you to fill our lives with your holy life.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Merry Christmas
May God bless you this day with the gifts of His hope, His peace, His joy, His love, and especially His Son.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Put On the New Self
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:15-17
Let Christ's peace rule in our hearts. Let us be at peace in his one body. Fill our hearts and mouths with overflowing thanksgiving. Let Christ's word dwell in us richly. Let us teach and admonish each other in all wisdom. Let us impart grace through the songs flowing from thankfulhearts. May we do everything, whatever it is, in the name of our Lord Jesus.We give thanks to you, our God and Father, through his name. Amen.
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Colossians 3:12-13
Merry Christmas.
Let Christ's peace rule in our hearts. Let us be at peace in his one body. Fill our hearts and mouths with overflowing thanksgiving. Let Christ's word dwell in us richly. Let us teach and admonish each other in all wisdom. Let us impart grace through the songs flowing from thankfulhearts. May we do everything, whatever it is, in the name of our Lord Jesus.We give thanks to you, our God and Father, through his name. Amen.
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Colossians 3:12-13
Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Fruitful Prayer Life
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10
Prayer is the means by which we relate everything we do to a sovereign, almighty God. It is the process of acknowledging God as having a right to rule in our lives and to be the source of everything we are and have. He is our life, our hope, and our strength, and we owe Him all thanksgiving, and honor, and praise. We keep our total being licked in to God through His Word and by the link called prayer.
Through prayer we confess our sins and receive forgiveness and are cleansed from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Through prayer we reaffirm our position in Christ. Ephesians 1:15-23
Through prayer we take opportunity to give God the thanksgiving He deserves. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Through prayer we know God and become rooted in Him. Ephesians 3:14-21
We must also pray in the name of Jesus. "I will do whatever you ask in my name...You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." John 14:13-14
Praying in Jesus' name means pray in the character and nature of Jesus. According to Romans 8:34, Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for us, so, as we pray in His name, our prayers are passed on to the Father.
Our prayers must line up with God's Word. In John 15:7-8, Jesus says, "If you remin in me and my words remain n you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you may bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." If we are praying "in the Spirit" and according to God's Word, then we are in agreement with God.
We must pray according to God's will. In 1 John 5:14, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. As we seek God's kingdom and His righteousness, all the things we need will be given to us. Matthew 6:33 Sometimes this means denying our own desires, asd asking God instead for what we know He wants.
Prayer is, and should be, part of every Christian's life. It is the way we communicate with God, in order to give Him praise and thanksgiving, as well as to confess our sins.
We need to know how to pray..in His name, according to His will, with clean hearts, just as we need to pray with faith that our prayers will be answered and fruit may result.
Prayer is the means by which we relate everything we do to a sovereign, almighty God. It is the process of acknowledging God as having a right to rule in our lives and to be the source of everything we are and have. He is our life, our hope, and our strength, and we owe Him all thanksgiving, and honor, and praise. We keep our total being licked in to God through His Word and by the link called prayer.
Through prayer we confess our sins and receive forgiveness and are cleansed from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Through prayer we reaffirm our position in Christ. Ephesians 1:15-23
Through prayer we take opportunity to give God the thanksgiving He deserves. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Through prayer we know God and become rooted in Him. Ephesians 3:14-21
We must also pray in the name of Jesus. "I will do whatever you ask in my name...You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." John 14:13-14
Praying in Jesus' name means pray in the character and nature of Jesus. According to Romans 8:34, Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for us, so, as we pray in His name, our prayers are passed on to the Father.
Our prayers must line up with God's Word. In John 15:7-8, Jesus says, "If you remin in me and my words remain n you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you may bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." If we are praying "in the Spirit" and according to God's Word, then we are in agreement with God.
We must pray according to God's will. In 1 John 5:14, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. As we seek God's kingdom and His righteousness, all the things we need will be given to us. Matthew 6:33 Sometimes this means denying our own desires, asd asking God instead for what we know He wants.
Prayer is, and should be, part of every Christian's life. It is the way we communicate with God, in order to give Him praise and thanksgiving, as well as to confess our sins.
We need to know how to pray..in His name, according to His will, with clean hearts, just as we need to pray with faith that our prayers will be answered and fruit may result.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Salvation
I trust in you for salvation, O LORD! Genesis 49:18
This includes you who were once so far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions, yet now he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. Colossians 1:21 - 22
You made salvation possible! Thank you, Father. I am so thankful that in your love you gave up your Son to reconcile us to yourself through his body of flesh offered in death on the cross. You wanted me to be holy and you made it possible!
You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13
But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold. Psalms 18:2
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God." Psalms 50:23
You have given me the shield of your salvation; your help has made me great. 2 Samuel 22:36
This includes you who were once so far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions, yet now he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. Colossians 1:21 - 22
You made salvation possible! Thank you, Father. I am so thankful that in your love you gave up your Son to reconcile us to yourself through his body of flesh offered in death on the cross. You wanted me to be holy and you made it possible!
You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13
But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold. Psalms 18:2
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God." Psalms 50:23
You have given me the shield of your salvation; your help has made me great. 2 Samuel 22:36
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Psalms 23
The LORD the Shepherd of His People
A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Morning Prayer
"Pray always," St. Paul says in his letter to the Thessalonians. (1 Thessalonians 5,17)
Paul wants prayer to be part of our daily life. But that's not easy. As soon as our eyes open in the morning we're often in a rush. Get ready! Go! And we're off to work or school or gym or travel or the chores of the day.
Morning prayer gets us ready for what the day brings. St Basil, a wise 4th century saint from Asia Minor, said:
"We pray in the morning to give the first stirrings of our minds to God. Before anything else, let the thought of God gladden you."
Begin the day by seeking God's blessing, the saint advises. God meets us in the morning not as a taskmaster, but as a loving presence who strengthens and gladdens us for the day.
"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 22
Prayer - and it may be just a short prayer - enables us to begin the day, not alone, but with God. It raises and gladdens our tired spirits that so easily lose their appetite for life. It provides a strengthening grace so that we enter the day, not groaning, but hoping in our Savior and our God.
"Why are you cast down my soul, why groan within me? Hope in God. I will praise him still, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42
And what about living our day wisely? We need wisdom in our words, thoughts, and in the choices we make. Why not ask for the wisdom of God?
"Lord, teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart." Psalm 90
Before going into the day, let's pray.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20
We need Jesus in our midst, so we need to pray together with other believers.
Paul wants prayer to be part of our daily life. But that's not easy. As soon as our eyes open in the morning we're often in a rush. Get ready! Go! And we're off to work or school or gym or travel or the chores of the day.
Morning prayer gets us ready for what the day brings. St Basil, a wise 4th century saint from Asia Minor, said:
"We pray in the morning to give the first stirrings of our minds to God. Before anything else, let the thought of God gladden you."
Begin the day by seeking God's blessing, the saint advises. God meets us in the morning not as a taskmaster, but as a loving presence who strengthens and gladdens us for the day.
"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 22
Prayer - and it may be just a short prayer - enables us to begin the day, not alone, but with God. It raises and gladdens our tired spirits that so easily lose their appetite for life. It provides a strengthening grace so that we enter the day, not groaning, but hoping in our Savior and our God.
"Why are you cast down my soul, why groan within me? Hope in God. I will praise him still, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42
And what about living our day wisely? We need wisdom in our words, thoughts, and in the choices we make. Why not ask for the wisdom of God?
"Lord, teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart." Psalm 90
Before going into the day, let's pray.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20
We need Jesus in our midst, so we need to pray together with other believers.
Good Shepherd
Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:7, 9-10
In the sheep pen, the shepherd functioned as a gate, letting the sheep in and protecting them. Jesus is the gate to God's salvation for us. He offers access to safety and security. Christ is our protector. Some people resent that Jesus is the gate, the only way of access to God. But Jesus is God's Son - why should we seek any other way or want to customize a different approach to God?
Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. John 14:6-7
In the sheep pen, the shepherd functioned as a gate, letting the sheep in and protecting them. Jesus is the gate to God's salvation for us. He offers access to safety and security. Christ is our protector. Some people resent that Jesus is the gate, the only way of access to God. But Jesus is God's Son - why should we seek any other way or want to customize a different approach to God?
Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. John 14:6-7
Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Psalms 100:3
Thank you, God, for providing a sure way to get to you!
Have you taken Christ's offer of life?
Father,
May I never forsake Jesus, who has done so much and given up so much to bring me into your family. Forgive me when I deny my commitment to Him by selfish and weak actions and reactions and please mature me to be more like Him.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Our Helper
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send me in My name. He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26
When Jesus was about to leave His disciples, He told them He would leave behind a Helper - the Holy Spirit - to guide them. To teach them and to bring them remembrance of all He had taugh them. To live inside them. To help us in our weakness. To always point us to Jesus.
Pray that you will learn to rely on God's Spirit to teach you in all things. Pray you will find happiness in abiding in God's Words.
I pray with all my heart; answer me, LORD! I will obey your principles. Psalm 119:145
Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised. Psalm 119:170
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. Romans 8:26-27
Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it! "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper who will never leave you. John 14:14-16
Dear Holy Father,
Thank you for giving me a Helper. Thank you for giving me your Holy Spirit. Thank you for placing your Holy Spirit within me. Forgive me for not obeying your Words and not abiding in You. Forgive me for not being still, seeking Your Holy Spirit. Father, I ask You to draw me closer to You. Give me the faith to obey You. To ask all things of You.
In Jesus's name we pray,
Amen
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
When Jesus was about to leave His disciples, He told them He would leave behind a Helper - the Holy Spirit - to guide them. To teach them and to bring them remembrance of all He had taugh them. To live inside them. To help us in our weakness. To always point us to Jesus.
Pray that you will learn to rely on God's Spirit to teach you in all things. Pray you will find happiness in abiding in God's Words.
I pray with all my heart; answer me, LORD! I will obey your principles. Psalm 119:145
Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised. Psalm 119:170
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. Romans 8:26-27
Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it! "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper who will never leave you. John 14:14-16
Dear Holy Father,
Thank you for giving me a Helper. Thank you for giving me your Holy Spirit. Thank you for placing your Holy Spirit within me. Forgive me for not obeying your Words and not abiding in You. Forgive me for not being still, seeking Your Holy Spirit. Father, I ask You to draw me closer to You. Give me the faith to obey You. To ask all things of You.
In Jesus's name we pray,
Amen
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Rejoice In His Grace
Salvation belongs to the Lord!!! Mark shared his story of how he came to know Jesus through the power of God and His people. Brother Mark Lowenstein is a dear brother! He's wearing an awesome SALVATION "33" t-shirt! Mark's "The NIKE FORMULA" Blog.
Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Thessalonians 5:16-18
Want to know something you can do that will please God? Rejoice in his grace!Pray for others. Give thanks for your blessings. It's simply something that he wants us to do.
Lord please give me the patience to listen, the courage to speak, the honor to follow, and the wisdom to lead. -- Author Unknown
Almighty God,
I am thrilled at the very thought of being your child. Holy Father, please hear my prayer of concern for several people who are on my heart today ... Loving God, thank you so much for the blessings you pour into my life each day.
In Jesus' holy name I pray.
Amen.
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