2 Corinthians 4:1,13-16 - Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart…It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
Romans 7:22-23 - For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.
Isaiah 40:30-31 - Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Application:
· Has God through His mercy called and commissioned me? Has God supplied the strength necessary for me to persevere in the face of hardships and persecutions?
· Do I delight in God’s law?
· Do I clothe myself with Christ?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Let Light Shine Out Of Darkness
2 Corinthians 4:4-6 - The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Application:
· Is the light in my life the knowledge of the glory of God?
· Am I being gloriously transformed into the image of God?
· My redemption, effected by the power of the Spirit, is the beginning of the new creation destined to come
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Application:
· Is the light in my life the knowledge of the glory of God?
· Am I being gloriously transformed into the image of God?
· My redemption, effected by the power of the Spirit, is the beginning of the new creation destined to come
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Blinded The Minds Of Unbelievers
2 Corinthians 4:4,6 - The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God…For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
John 12:31 - Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
1 Corinthians 1:20 - Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
2 Corinthians 3:14,18 - But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away…And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Application:
· Am I being gloriously transformed into the image of God?
· Out of the cross flows the greatest good ever to come to the world
· All humanly devised philosophical systems end in meaninglessness because they have a wrong concept of God and His revelation
· Do I have the power to see how the new covenant has transcended and replaced the old covenant?
· Is the light in my life the knowledge of the glory of God?
· Am I made a partaker of the glory of God by being gradually transformed into the likeness of Christ?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
John 12:31 - Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
1 Corinthians 1:20 - Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
2 Corinthians 3:14,18 - But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away…And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Application:
· Am I being gloriously transformed into the image of God?
· Out of the cross flows the greatest good ever to come to the world
· All humanly devised philosophical systems end in meaninglessness because they have a wrong concept of God and His revelation
· Do I have the power to see how the new covenant has transcended and replaced the old covenant?
· Is the light in my life the knowledge of the glory of God?
· Am I made a partaker of the glory of God by being gradually transformed into the likeness of Christ?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
We Have Renounced Secret And Shameful Ways
2 Corinthians 4:2-3 - Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
2 Corinthians 2:17 - Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.
2 Corinthians 1:18 - But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.”
2 Corinthians 3:14,18 - But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away…And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Application:
· Do I speak before God with sincerity?
· Have I found the gospel message to be altogether true and free from ambiguity?
· Do I have the power to see how the new covenant has transcended and replaced the old covenant?
· Am I made a partaker of the glory of God by being gradually transformed into the likeness of Christ?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
2 Corinthians 2:17 - Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.
2 Corinthians 1:18 - But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.”
2 Corinthians 3:14,18 - But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away…And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Application:
· Do I speak before God with sincerity?
· Have I found the gospel message to be altogether true and free from ambiguity?
· Do I have the power to see how the new covenant has transcended and replaced the old covenant?
· Am I made a partaker of the glory of God by being gradually transformed into the likeness of Christ?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
This Ministry
2 Corinthians 4:1 - Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Isaiah 40:30-31 - Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
2 Corinthians 3:6 - He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Application:
· Has God, through His mercy, called and commissioned me? Has God supplied the strength necessary for me to persevere in the face of hardships and persecution?
· Do I clothe myself with Christ?
· I am provided with love for God’s law, which I previously had hated, and with the power to keep it, which previously I had not possessed.
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Isaiah 40:30-31 - Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
2 Corinthians 3:6 - He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Application:
· Has God, through His mercy, called and commissioned me? Has God supplied the strength necessary for me to persevere in the face of hardships and persecution?
· Do I clothe myself with Christ?
· I am provided with love for God’s law, which I previously had hated, and with the power to keep it, which previously I had not possessed.
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Reflect
2 Corinthians 3:18 - And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 13:12 - For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
2 Corinthians 4:4,6 - The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God…For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
Romans 8:29 - For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Application:
· Have I been made a partaker of the glory of God? Am I being gradually transformed into the likeness of Christ?
· Do I know the Lord to the fullest extent possible in my finite being?
· Am I being gloriously transformed into the image of God?
· Is the light in my life the knowledge of the glory of God?
· God foreknew, predestined and conformed me to Christ’s likeness so Christ can hold the highest honor.
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
1 Corinthians 13:12 - For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
2 Corinthians 4:4,6 - The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God…For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
Romans 8:29 - For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Application:
· Have I been made a partaker of the glory of God? Am I being gradually transformed into the likeness of Christ?
· Do I know the Lord to the fullest extent possible in my finite being?
· Am I being gloriously transformed into the image of God?
· Is the light in my life the knowledge of the glory of God?
· God foreknew, predestined and conformed me to Christ’s likeness so Christ can hold the highest honor.
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Its Glory
2 Corinthians 3:6-8 - He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?
Exodus 34:29 - When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD.
2 Corinthians 4:1 - Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Application:
· Do I reflect the divine glory?
· I am provided with love for God’s law, which previously I had hated, and with the power to keep it, which previously I had not possessed.
· When God calls and commissions me, He provides the strength necessary for me to persevere.
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Exodus 34:29 - When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD.
2 Corinthians 4:1 - Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Application:
· Do I reflect the divine glory?
· I am provided with love for God’s law, which previously I had hated, and with the power to keep it, which previously I had not possessed.
· When God calls and commissions me, He provides the strength necessary for me to persevere.
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Thursday, October 20, 2011
New Covenant
2 Corinthians 3:4-6 - Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Luke 22:20 - In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Romans 2:29 - No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.
2 Corinthians 4:1 - Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Jeremiah 31:31,33-34 - “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah…“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Ezekiel 11:19 - I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26 - I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Application:
· I am provided with love for God’s law, which previously I had hated, and with power to keep it, which previously I had not possessed.
· The new covenant is the administration of God’s saving grace found in and sealed by the death of Christ
· The true sign of belonging to God is the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit within
· When God calls and commissions me, He supplies the strength necessary for me to persevere
· The new covenant is made solemn by the blood of Christ
· Does the law govern my life?
· I am not ignorant of the Lord and His will for my life
· Is my commitment to the Lord and His will single-minded?
· Has the Lord transformed my mind and heart
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Luke 22:20 - In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Romans 2:29 - No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.
2 Corinthians 4:1 - Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Jeremiah 31:31,33-34 - “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah…“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Ezekiel 11:19 - I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26 - I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Application:
· I am provided with love for God’s law, which previously I had hated, and with power to keep it, which previously I had not possessed.
· The new covenant is the administration of God’s saving grace found in and sealed by the death of Christ
· The true sign of belonging to God is the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit within
· When God calls and commissions me, He supplies the strength necessary for me to persevere
· The new covenant is made solemn by the blood of Christ
· Does the law govern my life?
· I am not ignorant of the Lord and His will for my life
· Is my commitment to the Lord and His will single-minded?
· Has the Lord transformed my mind and heart
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
With The Spirit Of The Living God
2 Corinthians 3:1-3,6,14,18 - Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts…He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life…But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away…And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:12 - We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.
Jeremiah 31:33 - “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Ezekiel 36:26 - I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 11:19 - I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
Application:
· Do I take pride in what is seen rather than what is in the heart?
· Does the law govern my life?
· Is God transforming my mind and heart? Is God bringing about change? What God requires of His people He always provides
· The Spirit alone gives life because only the Spirit can change the heart, enabling me to keep His commands
· Do I have a single-minded commitment to the Lord and to His will?
· Has Christ removed the veil so that I can see the power of the new covenant?
· Do I partake of the glory of God and am I being gradually transformed into the likeness of Christ?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
2 Corinthians 5:12 - We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.
Jeremiah 31:33 - “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Ezekiel 36:26 - I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 11:19 - I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
Application:
· Do I take pride in what is seen rather than what is in the heart?
· Does the law govern my life?
· Is God transforming my mind and heart? Is God bringing about change? What God requires of His people He always provides
· The Spirit alone gives life because only the Spirit can change the heart, enabling me to keep His commands
· Do I have a single-minded commitment to the Lord and to His will?
· Has Christ removed the veil so that I can see the power of the new covenant?
· Do I partake of the glory of God and am I being gradually transformed into the likeness of Christ?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
We Do Not Peddle The Word Of God For Profit
2 Corinthians 2:16-17 - To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.
John 3:36 - Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
2 Corinthians 3:6 - He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
1 Corinthians 5:8 - Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
1 Corinthians 9:12 - If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
Application:
· God’s opposition to evil is both total and permanent
· Have I been provided with love for God’s law? Have I been provided with the power to keep it?
· Do I speak before God with sincerity?
· Do I live in holy dedication to God?
· Am I ready to surrender my rights?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
John 3:36 - Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
2 Corinthians 3:6 - He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
1 Corinthians 5:8 - Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
1 Corinthians 9:12 - If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
Application:
· God’s opposition to evil is both total and permanent
· Have I been provided with love for God’s law? Have I been provided with the power to keep it?
· Do I speak before God with sincerity?
· Do I live in holy dedication to God?
· Am I ready to surrender my rights?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Monday, October 17, 2011
Aroma
2 Corinthians 2:14-15 - But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
Genesis 8:21 - The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.
Exodus 29:18 - Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the LORD.
Application:
· Am I called to spiritual warfare? Am I triumphantly led by God in Christ?
· Does the Lord take delight in my worship of Him?
· Am I totally dedicated to the Lord?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Genesis 8:21 - The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.
Exodus 29:18 - Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the LORD.
Application:
· Am I called to spiritual warfare? Am I triumphantly led by God in Christ?
· Does the Lord take delight in my worship of Him?
· Am I totally dedicated to the Lord?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Friday, October 14, 2011
Comfort Him
2 Corinthians 1:23-2:9 - I call God as my witness—and I stake my life on it—that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.
Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Application:
· I have been forgiven in Christ. As a result, am I kind and compassionate, bringing to others what I have received from God?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Application:
· I have been forgiven in Christ. As a result, am I kind and compassionate, bringing to others what I have received from God?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Seal
2 Corinthians 1:20-22 - For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Romans 15:8-9 - For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.”
1 John 2:27 - As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
Haggai 2:23 - “‘On that day,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”
Application:
· Do I praise God for His mercy to me?
· Do I have the resources to determine doctrinal error?
· The Holy Spirit is the seal guaranteeing my future inheritance
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Romans 15:8-9 - For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.”
1 John 2:27 - As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
Haggai 2:23 - “‘On that day,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”
Application:
· Do I praise God for His mercy to me?
· Do I have the resources to determine doctrinal error?
· The Holy Spirit is the seal guaranteeing my future inheritance
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Not Yes And No
2 Corinthians 1:13-19 - For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus. Because I was confident of this, I wanted to visit you first so that you might benefit twice. I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea. Was I fickle when I intended to do this? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say both “Yes, yes” and “No, no”? But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.”
1 Corinthians 1:9 - God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Application:
· The gospel message is one great affirmative in Christ, in whom all God’s promises are Yes
· God may be trusted to do what He has promised: Keep believers strong to the end
· Christ is changeless and it will always be true
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
1 Corinthians 1:9 - God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Application:
· The gospel message is one great affirmative in Christ, in whom all God’s promises are Yes
· God may be trusted to do what He has promised: Keep believers strong to the end
· Christ is changeless and it will always be true
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Hope
2 Corinthians 1:10-12 - He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.
1 Timothy 4:10 - That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
Philippians 1:18-19 - But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
2 Corinthians 2:17 - Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.
Application:
· God is the Savior of all in that He offers salvation to all and saves all who come to Him
· I am saved to eternal life by God no matter what my circumstances on this earth
· Am I willing to persevere Christ-like suffering?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
1 Timothy 4:10 - That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
Philippians 1:18-19 - But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
2 Corinthians 2:17 - Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.
Application:
· God is the Savior of all in that He offers salvation to all and saves all who come to Him
· I am saved to eternal life by God no matter what my circumstances on this earth
· Am I willing to persevere Christ-like suffering?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Monday, October 10, 2011
Rely On God
2 Corinthians 1:6-9 - If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.
Romans 11:25-26 - I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Application:
· Does God’s merciful plan to include me in His great salvation plan humble me or fill me with arrogance?
· God’s grace is all-sufficient, and our weakness is precisely the opportunity for His power to be displayed
· God’s grace is sufficient for me. Do I boast gladly about my weaknesses?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Romans 11:25-26 - I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Application:
· Does God’s merciful plan to include me in His great salvation plan humble me or fill me with arrogance?
· God’s grace is all-sufficient, and our weakness is precisely the opportunity for His power to be displayed
· God’s grace is sufficient for me. Do I boast gladly about my weaknesses?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Friday, October 7, 2011
Our Brother
2 Corinthians 1:1-2 - Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all his holy people throughout Achaia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 1:1-2 - Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Corinthians 10:32-33 - Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
Hebrews 2:11 - Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
1 Corinthians 1:2-3 - To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:7 - To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Application:
· Am I holy and dedicated to God?
· Eternal life is available to all who will receive it through faith in Christ
· Do I live to glorify God?
· Jesus makes His people holy through His blood
· Am I set apart as holy? Do I reflect God’s holiness?
· Have I been called to God? Do I stand before Him as a holy one?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
2 Timothy 1:1-2 - Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Corinthians 10:32-33 - Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
Hebrews 2:11 - Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
1 Corinthians 1:2-3 - To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:7 - To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Application:
· Am I holy and dedicated to God?
· Eternal life is available to all who will receive it through faith in Christ
· Do I live to glorify God?
· Jesus makes His people holy through His blood
· Am I set apart as holy? Do I reflect God’s holiness?
· Have I been called to God? Do I stand before Him as a holy one?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Every Pot In Jerusalem...Holy
Zechariah 14:17-21 - If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, they will have no rain. If the Egyptian people do not go up and take part, they will have no rain. The LORD will bring on them the plague he inflicts on the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles. This will be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles. On that day HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the LORD’s house will be like the sacred bowls in front of the altar. Every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the LORD Almighty, and all who come to sacrifice will take some of the pots and cook in them. And on that day there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD Almighty.
Exodus 19:5-6 - Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
Romans 14:6-7 - Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.
1 Corinthians 10:31 - So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Nehemiah 8:10 - Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Joel 3:17 - “Then you will know that I, the LORD your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill. Jerusalem will be holy; never again will foreigners invade her.
Isaiah 35:8 - And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it.
Application:
· God’s original purpose for Israel will be realized
· Do I persevere in faithfulness?
· Even common things become holy when they are used for God’s service
· Do I honor the Lord and give thanks to Him?
· Do I live to please myself or do I live to please the Lord?
· Every aspect of my life has the potential to honor God
· Do I rejoice in God and delight in His presence?
· Where God is present all is purified and even ordinary deeds become acts of holy worship
· Only the redeemed can use the Way of Holiness
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Exodus 19:5-6 - Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
Romans 14:6-7 - Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.
1 Corinthians 10:31 - So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Nehemiah 8:10 - Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Joel 3:17 - “Then you will know that I, the LORD your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill. Jerusalem will be holy; never again will foreigners invade her.
Isaiah 35:8 - And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it.
Application:
· God’s original purpose for Israel will be realized
· Do I persevere in faithfulness?
· Even common things become holy when they are used for God’s service
· Do I honor the Lord and give thanks to Him?
· Do I live to please myself or do I live to please the Lord?
· Every aspect of my life has the potential to honor God
· Do I rejoice in God and delight in His presence?
· Where God is present all is purified and even ordinary deeds become acts of holy worship
· Only the redeemed can use the Way of Holiness
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Worship
Zechariah 14:12-16 - This is the plague with which the LORD will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. On that day people will be stricken by the LORD with great panic. They will seize each other by the hand and attack one another. Judah too will fight at Jerusalem. The wealth of all the surrounding nations will be collected—great quantities of gold and silver and clothing. A similar plague will strike the horses and mules, the camels and donkeys, and all the animals in those camps. Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles.
Psalm 86:9 - All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.
Obadiah 21 - Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the LORD’s.
Isaiah 2:2 - In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.
Application:
· Am I grateful for the Lord’s blessings? Do I rejoice over them?
· Do I believe God is sovereign and will rule universally?
· The Lord reigns and is my King
· I will worship the one true God
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Psalm 86:9 - All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.
Obadiah 21 - Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the LORD’s.
Isaiah 2:2 - In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.
Application:
· Am I grateful for the Lord’s blessings? Do I rejoice over them?
· Do I believe God is sovereign and will rule universally?
· The Lord reigns and is my King
· I will worship the one true God
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Lord Will Be King Over The Whole Earth
Zechariah 14:9 - The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.
Psalm 22:27-28 - All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.
Obadiah 21 - Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the LORD’s.
Habakkuk 2:14 - For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
Application:
· There is one Lord and His name is the only name
· The rule of God is universal
· The kingdom will be the Lord’s
· The knowledge of the glory of the Lord fills the earth
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Psalm 22:27-28 - All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.
Obadiah 21 - Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the LORD’s.
Habakkuk 2:14 - For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
Application:
· There is one Lord and His name is the only name
· The rule of God is universal
· The kingdom will be the Lord’s
· The knowledge of the glory of the Lord fills the earth
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Day Of Battle
Zechariah 14:1-3 - A day of the LORD is coming, Jerusalem, when your possessions will be plundered and divided up within your very walls. I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city. Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle.
Joel 1:15 - Alas for that day! For the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.
Zechariah 13:8 - In the whole land,” declares the LORD, “two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it.
Exodus 14:14 - The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Application:
· Is the day of the Lord near? Am I already in His presence, blessed by Him and saved through Him?
· God is merciful in the midst of judgment
· Even though I may be armed for battle and march out boldly, the victory will be won by God alone.
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Joel 1:15 - Alas for that day! For the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.
Zechariah 13:8 - In the whole land,” declares the LORD, “two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it.
Exodus 14:14 - The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Application:
· Is the day of the Lord near? Am I already in His presence, blessed by Him and saved through Him?
· God is merciful in the midst of judgment
· Even though I may be armed for battle and march out boldly, the victory will be won by God alone.
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)