When The Door Slams
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth."
Revelation 3:15
One of the characteristics of someone who is severely depressed is a flat affect. What this means is that they show little emotion. This kind of person does not respond with enthusiasm to anything. They are "lifeless." Even when surrounded by the celebrations of Christmas there is no display of emotion.
In Rev. 3:14-22 the Church in Laodicea had become complacent. They showed no vitality and no life. They were lukewarm spiritually. In their feasts as well as in their religious sacrifices, people in the ancient world customarily drank what was either hot or cold, never lukewarm.
Therefore this distasteful "lukewarm" label had a real impact. The imagery is sorrowful. They needed to find true richness, they needed to cover their shameful nakedness with clothes and put salve (ointment) on their eyes so they could have spiritual sight. The church was unconscious of its real need.
The warning comes to us today to be alert to our spiritual life, to see clearly our spiritual situation, and not to get complacent in our materialism. Lord, at this time of the year when we are bombarded by materialism, help us to have spiritual eyes to clearly evaluate our personal lives.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Facing Evil
When The Door Slams
Every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.
And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
I John 5:4-5
There is no doubt that evil exists in the world today. More than a concept or an intellectual point of argument, evil impacts us all in countless of ways. We can see the presence of evil in historical events, for example.
Wars have been fought because of evil man with evil ambitions. Entire cultures have been threatened through the evil of prejudice, discrimination, and hate. Even the natural world has lashed out with outbreaks of evil in the from of natural disasters and disease.
Today we can see evil on a large scale through practices such as sex trafficking, where millions of young people are abducted and sold into a life of slavery. We see evil when illegal drugs are distributed to children or when people rise up to oppress others because of greed or ambition and the love of power.
Evil does not exist exclusively on a large scale of its own, We are all intimately associated with evil in our own hearts. If we are honest under the scrutiny of the Holy Spirit, who knows we all think evil thoughts. We all take evil actions in our own self-interest. We all sin against God and against our neighbors.
How comforting, then, to know we are not forced to succumb to the evil of this world and to the evil in our hearts. We can fight back! The promise of 1 John 5:4-5 is that our choice to follow Jesus will strike a blow against evil. We are engaged in a battle against the evil of this world, and God has already promised victory for us even as we follow Him and lean on His strength.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.
And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
I John 5:4-5
There is no doubt that evil exists in the world today. More than a concept or an intellectual point of argument, evil impacts us all in countless of ways. We can see the presence of evil in historical events, for example.
Wars have been fought because of evil man with evil ambitions. Entire cultures have been threatened through the evil of prejudice, discrimination, and hate. Even the natural world has lashed out with outbreaks of evil in the from of natural disasters and disease.
Today we can see evil on a large scale through practices such as sex trafficking, where millions of young people are abducted and sold into a life of slavery. We see evil when illegal drugs are distributed to children or when people rise up to oppress others because of greed or ambition and the love of power.
Evil does not exist exclusively on a large scale of its own, We are all intimately associated with evil in our own hearts. If we are honest under the scrutiny of the Holy Spirit, who knows we all think evil thoughts. We all take evil actions in our own self-interest. We all sin against God and against our neighbors.
How comforting, then, to know we are not forced to succumb to the evil of this world and to the evil in our hearts. We can fight back! The promise of 1 John 5:4-5 is that our choice to follow Jesus will strike a blow against evil. We are engaged in a battle against the evil of this world, and God has already promised victory for us even as we follow Him and lean on His strength.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Common Sense
When The Door Slams
A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense.
Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.
Proverbs 24:3-4
When families are besieged on all sides by our secular culture, many want to know, How do I preserve my family? How do I keep us together? How do I protect everyone from the assaults of the world?
These verses provide a powerful answer: through wisdom, good sense, and knowledge. What are these abilities? Wisdom is the capacity to solve problems skillfully. Thus, a wise father will understand how to help a son learn to cope with taunts from classmates. A wise mother knows when to stoop down and give her little one a hug instead of a lecture.
Similarly, good sense might be better worded common sense, the ability to apply experience and wisdom God gives us all for difficult situations. As a result, parents will see when lax discipline would lead to further trouble, while a firm and steady hand would get everyone back on course.
Finally, knowledge is that reservoir of simple truth gleaned from the ages. Good families spend time in God's Word to gain that precious knowledge that will keep everyone safe through a storm. God clearly communicates the fact that if we cultivate and nurture such qualities in our home, God will fill it with every good thing.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense.
Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.
Proverbs 24:3-4
When families are besieged on all sides by our secular culture, many want to know, How do I preserve my family? How do I keep us together? How do I protect everyone from the assaults of the world?
These verses provide a powerful answer: through wisdom, good sense, and knowledge. What are these abilities? Wisdom is the capacity to solve problems skillfully. Thus, a wise father will understand how to help a son learn to cope with taunts from classmates. A wise mother knows when to stoop down and give her little one a hug instead of a lecture.
Similarly, good sense might be better worded common sense, the ability to apply experience and wisdom God gives us all for difficult situations. As a result, parents will see when lax discipline would lead to further trouble, while a firm and steady hand would get everyone back on course.
Finally, knowledge is that reservoir of simple truth gleaned from the ages. Good families spend time in God's Word to gain that precious knowledge that will keep everyone safe through a storm. God clearly communicates the fact that if we cultivate and nurture such qualities in our home, God will fill it with every good thing.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
A Thanksgiving Blessing
When The Door Slams
How joyful are those who fear the LORD-all who follow his ways!...
Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table.
That is the LORD's blessing for those who fear Him.
Psalm 128:1,3-4
For the average Israelite, the dream was not a house on the beach or an estate in Rome but a plot of land that grew grapes and olives. Wine and olive oil were two of the staples of life, and the person who had a measure of each was truly blessed.
Think about this: You want to see GOD's greatest blessing? The first blessing is a good, loving, and healthy wife. The second is children full of life and spunk." In other words, the blessing for those who followed the LORD included a happy, joyous, and fulfilled family-a spouse, kids, grand-kids. The whole family.
If you ever question whether the LORD GOD cares about you, don't look at the bank accounts, the number of rooms in your house, or the size of your backyard. GOD's care can be found in other ways. For example, look at the faces around your table. If they are smiling and laughing and just enjoying a great meal together, you will know GOD's face is shining on you this Thanksgiving.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin.
Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.
How joyful are those who fear the LORD-all who follow his ways!...
Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table.
That is the LORD's blessing for those who fear Him.
Psalm 128:1,3-4
For the average Israelite, the dream was not a house on the beach or an estate in Rome but a plot of land that grew grapes and olives. Wine and olive oil were two of the staples of life, and the person who had a measure of each was truly blessed.
Think about this: You want to see GOD's greatest blessing? The first blessing is a good, loving, and healthy wife. The second is children full of life and spunk." In other words, the blessing for those who followed the LORD included a happy, joyous, and fulfilled family-a spouse, kids, grand-kids. The whole family.
If you ever question whether the LORD GOD cares about you, don't look at the bank accounts, the number of rooms in your house, or the size of your backyard. GOD's care can be found in other ways. For example, look at the faces around your table. If they are smiling and laughing and just enjoying a great meal together, you will know GOD's face is shining on you this Thanksgiving.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin.
Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Christians Living In This World
When The Door Slams
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
1 Peter 5:8-9
We as Christians live in a world in which there are evil forces that attack us: Peter visualized Satan as a vicious lion on the prowl for its next meal. There are individuals who see a demon or evil forces behind every bush and who become obsessed with evil in everything around them.
There are other kind of individual who also exists in our world. This is the person who do not really believe there is any evil threat around them. We should not be obsessed with evil, but in a balanced way be alert, it is around us.
As you spot the evil, resist and stand firm in your faith in LORD JESUS. We do not need to live in fear. We can face evil, and with our faith in JESUS and His Word, we can take a stand. Let's not be blown away by evil, but let's be alert to its reality. Let's stand confidently in the LORD and resist the evil that is around us. JESUS my LORD, has overcome evil in this world. This is why we can stand in faith with CHRIST our LORD.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
1 Peter 5:8-9
We as Christians live in a world in which there are evil forces that attack us: Peter visualized Satan as a vicious lion on the prowl for its next meal. There are individuals who see a demon or evil forces behind every bush and who become obsessed with evil in everything around them.
There are other kind of individual who also exists in our world. This is the person who do not really believe there is any evil threat around them. We should not be obsessed with evil, but in a balanced way be alert, it is around us.
As you spot the evil, resist and stand firm in your faith in LORD JESUS. We do not need to live in fear. We can face evil, and with our faith in JESUS and His Word, we can take a stand. Let's not be blown away by evil, but let's be alert to its reality. Let's stand confidently in the LORD and resist the evil that is around us. JESUS my LORD, has overcome evil in this world. This is why we can stand in faith with CHRIST our LORD.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Wallowing In Self-pity
When The Door Slams
You also be patient. Establish Your hearts, for the coming of the LORD is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the LORD, as an example of suffering and patience. James 5:8-10
The typical reaction in the midst of suffering and struggle for many people is to grumble and complain. The root of their grumbling often centers on a comparison game that is played. If we are struggling financially, we look at someone who seems to be doing well financially and complain that we are not like them. They may in fact be struggling in some other area. The apostle Paul encouraged us not to compare ourselves with others.
We are also challenged not to gripe and focus on our problems and sufferings, but instead to follow the example of the prophets. The prophets stuck their necks out and pointed people to Christ. They were patient in the midst of their suffering they encountered because of the message they were sent to give.
James wants us to focus on the LORD's coming rather than on the suffering of the present. What is holding your gaze and catching your eye? Are you expectantly watching for Christ's return or wallowing in self-pity because of your circumstances? Why don't you just praise the LORD in your suffering right-now. LORD Jesus Christ, thank You for the serenity and joy that come from serving You with the perspective of Your eternal plan in my mind.
Ask the Spirit to, search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
You also be patient. Establish Your hearts, for the coming of the LORD is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the LORD, as an example of suffering and patience. James 5:8-10
The typical reaction in the midst of suffering and struggle for many people is to grumble and complain. The root of their grumbling often centers on a comparison game that is played. If we are struggling financially, we look at someone who seems to be doing well financially and complain that we are not like them. They may in fact be struggling in some other area. The apostle Paul encouraged us not to compare ourselves with others.
We are also challenged not to gripe and focus on our problems and sufferings, but instead to follow the example of the prophets. The prophets stuck their necks out and pointed people to Christ. They were patient in the midst of their suffering they encountered because of the message they were sent to give.
James wants us to focus on the LORD's coming rather than on the suffering of the present. What is holding your gaze and catching your eye? Are you expectantly watching for Christ's return or wallowing in self-pity because of your circumstances? Why don't you just praise the LORD in your suffering right-now. LORD Jesus Christ, thank You for the serenity and joy that come from serving You with the perspective of Your eternal plan in my mind.
Ask the Spirit to, search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Disciple's Prayer
When The Door Slams
"Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven."
Matthew 6:9-10
This is the first half of the Lord's Prayer. We could actually call it the Disciple's Prayer, because it is a model of how we should pray to God. Jesus began with worship, showing reverence for our Heavenly Father. As a perfect, loving, all-powerful God, our Heavenly Father deserves our respect.
Jesus also taught us to make a mysterious request: "Your kingdom come." What is God's kingdom? It is a spiritual kingdom that exists now, a future true Messianic Kingdom here on earth, or an eternal kingdom in heaven? It quite likely includes all three.
God will accomplish His will whether or not we ask Him to. But in the very act of seeking His will, our lives are put in proper perspective. If we ask sincerely, the Father will grant us wisdom to know His desires for our lives each day as we take part in helping others in building His kingdom on earth.
We also look forward to a faithful one thousand-year Millennial Kingdom here on earth, ruled by Jesus. The Father's eternal kingdom is in heaven. As believers, we will dwell in all three. ask God to guide you in your role in His kingdom. It is beyond our ability to comprehend God's eternal perspective. May God grant us enough of His insight to devote our lives daily to His will and to His kingdom.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
"Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven."
Matthew 6:9-10
This is the first half of the Lord's Prayer. We could actually call it the Disciple's Prayer, because it is a model of how we should pray to God. Jesus began with worship, showing reverence for our Heavenly Father. As a perfect, loving, all-powerful God, our Heavenly Father deserves our respect.
Jesus also taught us to make a mysterious request: "Your kingdom come." What is God's kingdom? It is a spiritual kingdom that exists now, a future true Messianic Kingdom here on earth, or an eternal kingdom in heaven? It quite likely includes all three.
God will accomplish His will whether or not we ask Him to. But in the very act of seeking His will, our lives are put in proper perspective. If we ask sincerely, the Father will grant us wisdom to know His desires for our lives each day as we take part in helping others in building His kingdom on earth.
We also look forward to a faithful one thousand-year Millennial Kingdom here on earth, ruled by Jesus. The Father's eternal kingdom is in heaven. As believers, we will dwell in all three. ask God to guide you in your role in His kingdom. It is beyond our ability to comprehend God's eternal perspective. May God grant us enough of His insight to devote our lives daily to His will and to His kingdom.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Why Do Bad things happen to good people
When The Door Slams
The Eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil.
1 Peter 3:12
Why do bad things happen to good people? In time you will pondered this question once or twice in your life time. Christians wrestle with the reality of pain and suffering all over our world. We struggle to understand why, when we try to help others and do the right thing, so often we find ourselves in difficult times--especially when we struggle to understand when the same thing happens to us.
Why do good things happen to bad people? At some level we can understand that the trials of life produce character in those who suffer through them (James 1:2-4), but what about those times when wicked people prosper? What good can come from cheaters and liars who seem to rise higher and higher each day on the wings of their own greed?
Peter's words in this verse offer comfort in the face of such big questions. "The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right" and "the LORD turns his face against those who do evil." That is a promise from God's Word. We may not always understand how that promise works itself out, but we can have confidence that God is listen, he wants to hear from us. You don't have to strain your-self to get God's attention.
We can rest assured that God works against those who do evil, even if they appear to be "getting away with murder." Even if evil is used against us personally, we know that God will work it out, for our good, so all we need is faith that God is quite capable and let God be Who I AM.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. Proverbs 3:5-7
The Eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil.
1 Peter 3:12
Why do bad things happen to good people? In time you will pondered this question once or twice in your life time. Christians wrestle with the reality of pain and suffering all over our world. We struggle to understand why, when we try to help others and do the right thing, so often we find ourselves in difficult times--especially when we struggle to understand when the same thing happens to us.
Why do good things happen to bad people? At some level we can understand that the trials of life produce character in those who suffer through them (James 1:2-4), but what about those times when wicked people prosper? What good can come from cheaters and liars who seem to rise higher and higher each day on the wings of their own greed?
Peter's words in this verse offer comfort in the face of such big questions. "The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right" and "the LORD turns his face against those who do evil." That is a promise from God's Word. We may not always understand how that promise works itself out, but we can have confidence that God is listen, he wants to hear from us. You don't have to strain your-self to get God's attention.
We can rest assured that God works against those who do evil, even if they appear to be "getting away with murder." Even if evil is used against us personally, we know that God will work it out, for our good, so all we need is faith that God is quite capable and let God be Who I AM.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. Proverbs 3:5-7
Sunday, September 8, 2019
You Know The Story
When The Door Slams
And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
1 John 5:11-12
A Wall Street Journal article reported on a survey in which men and women were asked, "What is it that you fear the most?" The number three fear of all participants was the fear of death. The fear of failure ranked number one, and the fear of loneliness was number two.
1 John 4:18 says that "perfect love casts out fear." Perfect love has only the good of the person being loved in mind. Perfect love was demonstrated when God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die in our place.
Fortunately that wasn't the end of the story. Jesus was the ultimate victim of my sin, but God wasn't going to leave Him a victim forever. Death had no power over Him. Resurrection was God's answer to the worst that human beings could dish out.
If I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, repent and be obedient to His Word I have eternal life. That frees me from my fear of death. Then I am welcomed into a caring, supportive group of believers. Together we support each other as we discover what it means to follow Jesus. We no longer need to fear loneliness.
The incredible power that raised Christ from the dead is also available to you today. That power can bring good out of even your most devastating failures. Therefore I don't have to fear failure. You know the story. Because of Christ I do not fear failure, loneliness or death.
Ask the Spirit to Search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin.
Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
1 John 5:11-12
A Wall Street Journal article reported on a survey in which men and women were asked, "What is it that you fear the most?" The number three fear of all participants was the fear of death. The fear of failure ranked number one, and the fear of loneliness was number two.
1 John 4:18 says that "perfect love casts out fear." Perfect love has only the good of the person being loved in mind. Perfect love was demonstrated when God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die in our place.
Fortunately that wasn't the end of the story. Jesus was the ultimate victim of my sin, but God wasn't going to leave Him a victim forever. Death had no power over Him. Resurrection was God's answer to the worst that human beings could dish out.
If I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, repent and be obedient to His Word I have eternal life. That frees me from my fear of death. Then I am welcomed into a caring, supportive group of believers. Together we support each other as we discover what it means to follow Jesus. We no longer need to fear loneliness.
The incredible power that raised Christ from the dead is also available to you today. That power can bring good out of even your most devastating failures. Therefore I don't have to fear failure. You know the story. Because of Christ I do not fear failure, loneliness or death.
Ask the Spirit to Search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin.
Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Monday, September 2, 2019
Jesus Christ is Light.
When The Door Slams
He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of this Son. Colossians 1:13
Think about this, the kingdom of darkness. What picture do they form in your mind? An impenetrable blackness all around that would keep you from seeing where to go? An enveloping darkness like a fog that would make you fear something will jump out and hurt you? A reeking swamp of despair that would keep you feeling terrified?
The kingdom of darkness is Satan's domain. The main thing he does is keep people in the dark so they can't see the light that would lead them out of it to a place of hope, joy, and peace. How does Satan's kingdom work?
Through dark lies, Satan keep people afraid, unable to move in any direction. Through accusations and guilt-inducing deception, through false leadership or authority in Cults where people become further immobilized. By keeping them chained to their sins, bad habits, lies, and addictions.
Practically in today's churches has certain characteristics that can tell the careful observer that something is wrong. A unwillingness of the leaders to let the people grow up. A true shepherd will do everything he can to bring Christian people to maturity as quickly as he can. He will not seek to avoid necessary teaching, nor will he try to keep people from maturity. Many cults perpetuate spiritual dependence so that their followers lose the ability to make independent, rational decisions.
But there is a way out. How? By the light of Christ's Kingdom. Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12), and when his light shines on you, He enables you to escape from this darkness. Do you ever feel guilt, fear, and despair? Look to the light of Christ. His promise is to lead you into his Kingdom.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin.
Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of this Son. Colossians 1:13
Think about this, the kingdom of darkness. What picture do they form in your mind? An impenetrable blackness all around that would keep you from seeing where to go? An enveloping darkness like a fog that would make you fear something will jump out and hurt you? A reeking swamp of despair that would keep you feeling terrified?
The kingdom of darkness is Satan's domain. The main thing he does is keep people in the dark so they can't see the light that would lead them out of it to a place of hope, joy, and peace. How does Satan's kingdom work?
Through dark lies, Satan keep people afraid, unable to move in any direction. Through accusations and guilt-inducing deception, through false leadership or authority in Cults where people become further immobilized. By keeping them chained to their sins, bad habits, lies, and addictions.
Practically in today's churches has certain characteristics that can tell the careful observer that something is wrong. A unwillingness of the leaders to let the people grow up. A true shepherd will do everything he can to bring Christian people to maturity as quickly as he can. He will not seek to avoid necessary teaching, nor will he try to keep people from maturity. Many cults perpetuate spiritual dependence so that their followers lose the ability to make independent, rational decisions.
But there is a way out. How? By the light of Christ's Kingdom. Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12), and when his light shines on you, He enables you to escape from this darkness. Do you ever feel guilt, fear, and despair? Look to the light of Christ. His promise is to lead you into his Kingdom.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin.
Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Besetting Sins
When The Door Slams
The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.
Proverbs 24:16
Have you ever struggled with a "besetting sin"? That 's the kind of sin people commit over and over. They simply fall into it repeatedly. No matter how many times they confess it, no matter how often they vow to stop doing it or try to resist it, they end up giving in. It can be smoking habit, a sexual addiction, abuse of drugs, anger, jealousy, greed, lies, or a multitude of other thing.
Think about this: You can't stop because your sins will-not let you stop. Sins like these can wreak havoc on your life. You feel constantly guilty, like a failure, a loser, and a sneak. You try hard not to let anyone else know about this problem in your life. And when you keep stumbling, even after you have confessed it to others, you are too ashamed to admit that it happen again.
What doses God say to those who have such problems, who have trusted him for their salvation but still struggle with sins they can't seem to overcome? Keep facing it. Keep trying. Don't give up. You belong to God, although you may not find victory quickly. He promises to be with you, to help you, to show you the path to victory. You know the story.
Peter was told he had to forgive his enemy seven times seventy; in the same way, we might fall that many times, instead of the seven times found in this verse. God doesn't fix everything in a Christian's life at once. We all struggle. But we can trust his promise that he will not give up on us--he will enable us to keep getting up and getting back into the fight
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin.
Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.
Proverbs 24:16
Have you ever struggled with a "besetting sin"? That 's the kind of sin people commit over and over. They simply fall into it repeatedly. No matter how many times they confess it, no matter how often they vow to stop doing it or try to resist it, they end up giving in. It can be smoking habit, a sexual addiction, abuse of drugs, anger, jealousy, greed, lies, or a multitude of other thing.
Think about this: You can't stop because your sins will-not let you stop. Sins like these can wreak havoc on your life. You feel constantly guilty, like a failure, a loser, and a sneak. You try hard not to let anyone else know about this problem in your life. And when you keep stumbling, even after you have confessed it to others, you are too ashamed to admit that it happen again.
What doses God say to those who have such problems, who have trusted him for their salvation but still struggle with sins they can't seem to overcome? Keep facing it. Keep trying. Don't give up. You belong to God, although you may not find victory quickly. He promises to be with you, to help you, to show you the path to victory. You know the story.
Peter was told he had to forgive his enemy seven times seventy; in the same way, we might fall that many times, instead of the seven times found in this verse. God doesn't fix everything in a Christian's life at once. We all struggle. But we can trust his promise that he will not give up on us--he will enable us to keep getting up and getting back into the fight
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin.
Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Sunday, July 21, 2019
The Battle Begins
When The Door Slams
Because you belong to Christ, the power of the life-giving Spirit
has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
Romans 8:2
People the world over struggle with addictions, bigotry, sinful attitudes, lies, and every kind of dysfunction imaginable. Many cry out for help, for someone to step in and show them the way out. When they don't find it, they turn to mediums, other religions, self-help books by weak-minded unbelievers. There is all kind of falsehood out there. It's only when we look to Christ, then, we will find true help.
Think about this, what this verse says happens when we belong to Christ: God gives us the Spirit, who will free us from sin. Many Christians will testify to how Christ empower them to overcome their sinful attitudes and habits. It doesn't happen overnight. Do you reality think you can just walk away from you old habits and attitudes without a struggle? There will be behavior battles, when you try to change the habits of your old life.
God's promise is that the "life-giving Spirit" will give us the life we crave-the life of joy and peace, the life of freedom and hope, the life of love and kindness. You can tap into His power at any time, for the Spirit lives within us and is always ready to begin the work that will truly set us free
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin.
Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Because you belong to Christ, the power of the life-giving Spirit
has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
Romans 8:2
People the world over struggle with addictions, bigotry, sinful attitudes, lies, and every kind of dysfunction imaginable. Many cry out for help, for someone to step in and show them the way out. When they don't find it, they turn to mediums, other religions, self-help books by weak-minded unbelievers. There is all kind of falsehood out there. It's only when we look to Christ, then, we will find true help.
Think about this, what this verse says happens when we belong to Christ: God gives us the Spirit, who will free us from sin. Many Christians will testify to how Christ empower them to overcome their sinful attitudes and habits. It doesn't happen overnight. Do you reality think you can just walk away from you old habits and attitudes without a struggle? There will be behavior battles, when you try to change the habits of your old life.
God's promise is that the "life-giving Spirit" will give us the life we crave-the life of joy and peace, the life of freedom and hope, the life of love and kindness. You can tap into His power at any time, for the Spirit lives within us and is always ready to begin the work that will truly set us free
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin.
Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Wretched Man
When The Door Slams
So I have learned this rule: When I want to do good, evil is there with me.
In my mind, I am happy with God's law. But I see another law working in my body,
which makes war against the law that my mind accepts. That other law working in my body is the law of sin, and it makes me its prisoner. What a miserable man I am! Who will save me from this body that brings me death? I thank God for saving me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Romans 7:21-24
Unless we can embrace the good and bad in ourselves, we can never be fully at peace. If we pretend that we are all goodness, we live in denial. Rather than seeing our journey through life as a process, we race through life consumed with and controlled by the quest for perfection. On the other hand, we see only badness in ourselves, we make ourselves and those around us miserable.
You know the story: When God accepts us because of what Christ has done, He accepts all of us. He embraces both our goodness and our badness, and covers it all with the blood of Jesus Christ.
Think about this: When we think that God only accepts the good part of us, we are deceived and we become pretenders. We go through life fabricating innocence and perfection and deny our need to grow.
Only as a result of facing God's unconditional acceptance of us can we embrace the deep insecurity and doubt underlying our constant need to impress by pretending and then be free in His love to know that He isn't finished with us yet. Each new day is an opportunity to embrace this reality at a new level.
I am God's child. I am in process. Today instead of pretending innocence, projecting blame and protecting my insecurities I am going to admit my powerlessness, and ask Christ to be my power.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord God and thank Him for His forgiveness.
So I have learned this rule: When I want to do good, evil is there with me.
In my mind, I am happy with God's law. But I see another law working in my body,
which makes war against the law that my mind accepts. That other law working in my body is the law of sin, and it makes me its prisoner. What a miserable man I am! Who will save me from this body that brings me death? I thank God for saving me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Romans 7:21-24
Unless we can embrace the good and bad in ourselves, we can never be fully at peace. If we pretend that we are all goodness, we live in denial. Rather than seeing our journey through life as a process, we race through life consumed with and controlled by the quest for perfection. On the other hand, we see only badness in ourselves, we make ourselves and those around us miserable.
You know the story: When God accepts us because of what Christ has done, He accepts all of us. He embraces both our goodness and our badness, and covers it all with the blood of Jesus Christ.
Think about this: When we think that God only accepts the good part of us, we are deceived and we become pretenders. We go through life fabricating innocence and perfection and deny our need to grow.
Only as a result of facing God's unconditional acceptance of us can we embrace the deep insecurity and doubt underlying our constant need to impress by pretending and then be free in His love to know that He isn't finished with us yet. Each new day is an opportunity to embrace this reality at a new level.
I am God's child. I am in process. Today instead of pretending innocence, projecting blame and protecting my insecurities I am going to admit my powerlessness, and ask Christ to be my power.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord God and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Sunday, June 30, 2019
The Change In Me
When The Door Slams
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity.
Proverbs 32:1
When we refuse to forgive ourselves for past sins or mistakes, are playing God-and God does want or need us to do so. We are God's children if we have trusted Christ, and we have no right to punish ourselves for our sins. Doing so leaves us chronically tired, depressed, and useless for God's service.
Thank about this: Christ paid for all our past, present and future sins.
When we reject His forgiveness, we reject what He did for us on the cross. He may need to discipline us in love to prevent the same sin in the future, and there may be natural consequences to our disobedience, but God dose not vindictively punish His children.
You know the story: When David "kept silent" and stuffed his guilt feelings, he "groaned all day long" with clinical depression until he finally accepted God's forgiveness and forgave himself. Then and only then he could write our passage for today:
"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven."
Blessed is the person whose sin is covered by the blood of the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, allowing the righteous Heavenly Father to "impute" our iniquity to Christ rather than hold it against us. The Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior, better than I deserve.
Forgive me, Lord, for my unwillingness to forgive myself. I know the price you paid for my sin, and that I am precious and clean in Your eyes. Thank you Lord God for forgiving me.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of confessed sin.
Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity.
Proverbs 32:1
When we refuse to forgive ourselves for past sins or mistakes, are playing God-and God does want or need us to do so. We are God's children if we have trusted Christ, and we have no right to punish ourselves for our sins. Doing so leaves us chronically tired, depressed, and useless for God's service.
Thank about this: Christ paid for all our past, present and future sins.
When we reject His forgiveness, we reject what He did for us on the cross. He may need to discipline us in love to prevent the same sin in the future, and there may be natural consequences to our disobedience, but God dose not vindictively punish His children.
You know the story: When David "kept silent" and stuffed his guilt feelings, he "groaned all day long" with clinical depression until he finally accepted God's forgiveness and forgave himself. Then and only then he could write our passage for today:
"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven."
Blessed is the person whose sin is covered by the blood of the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, allowing the righteous Heavenly Father to "impute" our iniquity to Christ rather than hold it against us. The Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior, better than I deserve.
Forgive me, Lord, for my unwillingness to forgive myself. I know the price you paid for my sin, and that I am precious and clean in Your eyes. Thank you Lord God for forgiving me.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of confessed sin.
Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Lawlessness,No Peace
When The Door Slams
The man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus
will kill him with the breath of his mouth and
destroy him by the splendor of his coming.
2 Thessalonians 2:8
Undoubtedly, The Most powerful human who will ever set foot on earth (apart from my Lord Jesus) will be this one: the man of lawlessness. Theologians identify him as the Antichrist, the one who will appear in the last days of the world. What will he be like, according to this passage?
Think about this: He will be lawless. When the door slams. That doesn't necessarily mean he will be a lawbreaker. Rather, he will be a law unto himself. Whatever he says to the world will be law, no matter how nasty, cruel, or crazy it might be. His wish will be the world's command.
Its people will bow in submission to his every demand an will be mesmerized by his power. From other Scripture passages we know that this person will possess supernatural ability to do miracles, show signs in the heavens, and demonstrate all kinds of amazing power. Most of the people alive at this time will worship him as God.
Nonetheless, he is simply an importer. And he will be destroyed with hardly a fight when Jesus returns. You can trust too, if you're around at that time, that Jesus our Lord will rescue you from this importer's deception and entrapment. Look to the Lord, and you will find him faithful and true.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of confessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
The man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus
will kill him with the breath of his mouth and
destroy him by the splendor of his coming.
2 Thessalonians 2:8
Undoubtedly, The Most powerful human who will ever set foot on earth (apart from my Lord Jesus) will be this one: the man of lawlessness. Theologians identify him as the Antichrist, the one who will appear in the last days of the world. What will he be like, according to this passage?
Think about this: He will be lawless. When the door slams. That doesn't necessarily mean he will be a lawbreaker. Rather, he will be a law unto himself. Whatever he says to the world will be law, no matter how nasty, cruel, or crazy it might be. His wish will be the world's command.
Its people will bow in submission to his every demand an will be mesmerized by his power. From other Scripture passages we know that this person will possess supernatural ability to do miracles, show signs in the heavens, and demonstrate all kinds of amazing power. Most of the people alive at this time will worship him as God.
Nonetheless, he is simply an importer. And he will be destroyed with hardly a fight when Jesus returns. You can trust too, if you're around at that time, that Jesus our Lord will rescue you from this importer's deception and entrapment. Look to the Lord, and you will find him faithful and true.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of confessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Sunday, June 16, 2019
Serenity
When The Door Slams
The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the habitation of the just.
Proverbs 3:33
Each time something replaces the love for Christ within us, inner conflict is the result. We can't have habitual, willful sin and also experience serenity.
Think about this: Sin is much like a splinter in our unconscious mind. Unless sin is removed through confession and repentance, it will fester just as a splinter festers. it will lead to feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. It's not as easy to stand tall and tell ourselves we're okay when we know we have violated God's standard.
Inner conflict rages. Still, we ignore it and sin continues to fester. There is a loss of creativity and perhaps even lowered efficiency. If we continue to ignore sin, we will experience a sense of failure. After all, we have been unfaithful to ourselves and to Jesus. Even ill health can be a result we refuse to acknowledge the presence of sin in our lives.
The fourth step of the Twelve Step program is to make a search and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Have you done that? Becoming a Christian ins't fire insurance. it's a relationship with a loving God that affects every area of our lives. It transforms our values, our lifestyles, our will, and even our sexuality. It involves obedience; unconditional love compels us to obey. Wholeness, serenity, and health are the result.
Think about this: Habitual, willful sin enslave me; obedience and confession set me free.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of confessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the habitation of the just.
Proverbs 3:33
Each time something replaces the love for Christ within us, inner conflict is the result. We can't have habitual, willful sin and also experience serenity.
Think about this: Sin is much like a splinter in our unconscious mind. Unless sin is removed through confession and repentance, it will fester just as a splinter festers. it will lead to feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. It's not as easy to stand tall and tell ourselves we're okay when we know we have violated God's standard.
Inner conflict rages. Still, we ignore it and sin continues to fester. There is a loss of creativity and perhaps even lowered efficiency. If we continue to ignore sin, we will experience a sense of failure. After all, we have been unfaithful to ourselves and to Jesus. Even ill health can be a result we refuse to acknowledge the presence of sin in our lives.
The fourth step of the Twelve Step program is to make a search and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Have you done that? Becoming a Christian ins't fire insurance. it's a relationship with a loving God that affects every area of our lives. It transforms our values, our lifestyles, our will, and even our sexuality. It involves obedience; unconditional love compels us to obey. Wholeness, serenity, and health are the result.
Think about this: Habitual, willful sin enslave me; obedience and confession set me free.
Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of confessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Sunday, June 9, 2019
True Wisdom
When The Door Slams
"Abide in Me, and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine,
neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches.
He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:4-5
True wisdom is found in establishing a balance in teamwork with God. it seems so often there is a tendency to go to one extreme or the other.
We can adopt the philosophy of "Let go and let God" and sit back and expect God to do everything. However, I have found that if I'm lazy, God won't do it for me. On the other hand, there have been times when I have gone to the other extreme of trying to do it all on my own and proceeding almost as if God was not around. That too, has usually ended in failure.
Think about this:
Philippians 4:13 brings these two contrasting extremes into balance: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." The verse is not saying I can do it all, period. Nor is it saying Christ does it all. it is a joint project, a teamwork relationship, a partnership, with the Holy Spirit.
Today's passage uses an example from nature to illustrate the same point. the branch without the vine or trunk soon withers and dies and produces no fruit. Teamwork is a relationship, the mode of God's operation. Be wise and team up with God. Watch excitedly for the results of your partnership in your daily accomplishments.
Prayer: O Heavenly Father, My soul silently waits for God alone; My salvation comes form Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my stronghold; I will never be shaken. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, From everlasting to everlasting. Praise the Lord everybody.
"Abide in Me, and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine,
neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches.
He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:4-5
True wisdom is found in establishing a balance in teamwork with God. it seems so often there is a tendency to go to one extreme or the other.
We can adopt the philosophy of "Let go and let God" and sit back and expect God to do everything. However, I have found that if I'm lazy, God won't do it for me. On the other hand, there have been times when I have gone to the other extreme of trying to do it all on my own and proceeding almost as if God was not around. That too, has usually ended in failure.
Think about this:
Philippians 4:13 brings these two contrasting extremes into balance: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." The verse is not saying I can do it all, period. Nor is it saying Christ does it all. it is a joint project, a teamwork relationship, a partnership, with the Holy Spirit.
Today's passage uses an example from nature to illustrate the same point. the branch without the vine or trunk soon withers and dies and produces no fruit. Teamwork is a relationship, the mode of God's operation. Be wise and team up with God. Watch excitedly for the results of your partnership in your daily accomplishments.
Prayer: O Heavenly Father, My soul silently waits for God alone; My salvation comes form Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my stronghold; I will never be shaken. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, From everlasting to everlasting. Praise the Lord everybody.
Sunday, June 2, 2019
Trust and Obey
When The Door Slams
Trust in the Lost with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 3:5-6 became my spiritual compass. Whenever I faced a difficult decision, I always turned to it for assurance. God etched its simple but profound truth in my mind and heart. it continues to be a signpost along life's road, ever pointing me to the bottom line for all decisions: trust and obey God. It is an eternal combination that always makes one a winner.
Thank about this: Because God is trustworthy. He is dependable. He is sovereignly working everything together for his glory and our good.
His wisdom is given to those who look to him, lean on him, rely on him. The more we depend on our Father for instruction, strength, hope, and guidance, the more abundantly he confers on us his divine wisdom.
We cannot receive wisdom from God apart from a relationship with him. God is not interested in teaching his ways to those who have no desire to please him or follow him. He express compassion, however, to teach men and woman who are bold enough to believe his promises and carry out his commands.
Trusting in the Lord means that we place our present and future circumstances in his hands, confident in his ability to orchestrate people and events to achieve his will. This wholehearted trust brings a secure peace of mind and contentment. Putting our full emotional and volitional weight on faithfulness of God activates his promises.
Listen to this: There is one catch, however. We must first admit our inadequacy: "Lean not on your own understanding." This is where many Christians falter. God has given us talents and skills. However, they are maximized for eternity when you trust him to direct and use them for his plans. Then the question is, When the door slams, Will you lean on your own understanding or depend on God?
Prayer: O Heavenly Father, keep me ever so mindful of my inadequacy, my-short-comings and your sufficiency. Continue to assure me that to lean on you is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom. I want to always to remember the wise choice-the decision that never fails to bring the richest rewards, through the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name.
Trust in the Lost with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 3:5-6 became my spiritual compass. Whenever I faced a difficult decision, I always turned to it for assurance. God etched its simple but profound truth in my mind and heart. it continues to be a signpost along life's road, ever pointing me to the bottom line for all decisions: trust and obey God. It is an eternal combination that always makes one a winner.
Thank about this: Because God is trustworthy. He is dependable. He is sovereignly working everything together for his glory and our good.
His wisdom is given to those who look to him, lean on him, rely on him. The more we depend on our Father for instruction, strength, hope, and guidance, the more abundantly he confers on us his divine wisdom.
We cannot receive wisdom from God apart from a relationship with him. God is not interested in teaching his ways to those who have no desire to please him or follow him. He express compassion, however, to teach men and woman who are bold enough to believe his promises and carry out his commands.
Trusting in the Lord means that we place our present and future circumstances in his hands, confident in his ability to orchestrate people and events to achieve his will. This wholehearted trust brings a secure peace of mind and contentment. Putting our full emotional and volitional weight on faithfulness of God activates his promises.
Listen to this: There is one catch, however. We must first admit our inadequacy: "Lean not on your own understanding." This is where many Christians falter. God has given us talents and skills. However, they are maximized for eternity when you trust him to direct and use them for his plans. Then the question is, When the door slams, Will you lean on your own understanding or depend on God?
Prayer: O Heavenly Father, keep me ever so mindful of my inadequacy, my-short-comings and your sufficiency. Continue to assure me that to lean on you is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom. I want to always to remember the wise choice-the decision that never fails to bring the richest rewards, through the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name.
Sunday, May 26, 2019
The Foundation of Wisdom
When the Door Slams
Therefore we do not lose heart.
Even though our outward man is perishing,
yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16
It's been said that young people look forward, old people look back and middle aged just look tied. There's truth in that statement, think about! How much better it would be if each age group would look at their present reality from a new perspective.
All of us are aging. We cannot avoid it no matter how hard we try. Yet how frantic we get trying to be younger, thinner, and wealthier. All we can see is ourselves.
If we viewed our aging process with an eternal perspective, we wouldn't be so quick to forget how important inner beauty is. We would be the kind of people who didn't forget to count their blessings even if it became a necessity to also count calories.
We would be aware that once we get to know good people, they all become beautiful. We, as older people, would build our lives into younger people so that when we die all our wisdom wouldn't die with us. We would live each day with compassion knowing that it is a precious, never to be repeated, gift.
The fear of the Lord is the foundation of a life built with wisdom. It is the first step toward a new adventure in knowing and following Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for who you are and what you have done for me. I need your wisdom every day, to bring together the pieces of my life with a new appreciation for your Word and a fresh commitment to obedience, with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore we do not lose heart.
Even though our outward man is perishing,
yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16
It's been said that young people look forward, old people look back and middle aged just look tied. There's truth in that statement, think about! How much better it would be if each age group would look at their present reality from a new perspective.
All of us are aging. We cannot avoid it no matter how hard we try. Yet how frantic we get trying to be younger, thinner, and wealthier. All we can see is ourselves.
If we viewed our aging process with an eternal perspective, we wouldn't be so quick to forget how important inner beauty is. We would be the kind of people who didn't forget to count their blessings even if it became a necessity to also count calories.
We would be aware that once we get to know good people, they all become beautiful. We, as older people, would build our lives into younger people so that when we die all our wisdom wouldn't die with us. We would live each day with compassion knowing that it is a precious, never to be repeated, gift.
The fear of the Lord is the foundation of a life built with wisdom. It is the first step toward a new adventure in knowing and following Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for who you are and what you have done for me. I need your wisdom every day, to bring together the pieces of my life with a new appreciation for your Word and a fresh commitment to obedience, with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Sunday, May 19, 2019
When The Door Slams
When the door in your life slams:
Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city broken down, without walls.
Proverbs 25:28
One of the tasks of healthy maturing involves setting appropriate boundaries. The codependent typically experiences a serious lack in the ability to set appropriate boundaries. Boundaries allow a person to set limits so that they do not feel walked on. Boundaries allow an individual to choose what to do or not do.
A friend struggled with boundaries. She could not choose what she wanted to do apart from what others wanted her to do, She couldn't say no. She felt power-less and resented the control others had over her.
If someone is manipulating or controlling you and you do not take control of yourself and your decisions, then you are like a city with broken-down walls. Such a city would be easy prey for another nation to besiege and control. Similarly, if you do not set boundaries, you can be easily taken over by others.
When that begins to happen, there is the tendency to lose control of your emotions and develop irrational thinking. Often there is the likelihood of distorting reality. Proverbs 28:1 speaks of one who flees "when no one pursues." Fleeing or running away can happen by escaping will all kinds of addictive behaviors such as alcohol, drugs, sex, or workaholic. But we do not need to run away. The righteous can be courageous and bold as a lion.
Prayer: Lord Jesus gives us the courage to set boundaries in order to help us see our limits, and to help us protect ourselves from others.
Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city broken down, without walls.
Proverbs 25:28
One of the tasks of healthy maturing involves setting appropriate boundaries. The codependent typically experiences a serious lack in the ability to set appropriate boundaries. Boundaries allow a person to set limits so that they do not feel walked on. Boundaries allow an individual to choose what to do or not do.
A friend struggled with boundaries. She could not choose what she wanted to do apart from what others wanted her to do, She couldn't say no. She felt power-less and resented the control others had over her.
If someone is manipulating or controlling you and you do not take control of yourself and your decisions, then you are like a city with broken-down walls. Such a city would be easy prey for another nation to besiege and control. Similarly, if you do not set boundaries, you can be easily taken over by others.
When that begins to happen, there is the tendency to lose control of your emotions and develop irrational thinking. Often there is the likelihood of distorting reality. Proverbs 28:1 speaks of one who flees "when no one pursues." Fleeing or running away can happen by escaping will all kinds of addictive behaviors such as alcohol, drugs, sex, or workaholic. But we do not need to run away. The righteous can be courageous and bold as a lion.
Prayer: Lord Jesus gives us the courage to set boundaries in order to help us see our limits, and to help us protect ourselves from others.
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Today's Insight for Living
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. -Psalms 103:8-9
The Scripture, which emphasizes the fact that God is love, states that anger is OK. God gets angry, but He is slow to anger. He doesn't have a quick fuse. His anger is linked to His mercy. In other words, at times He gets upset with us out of His love. He wants the best for us and desires that we get back on track. The psalmist also says that this God of mercy does not keep His anger if we repent. He deals with us directly, and then lets go of His anger.
Prayer:
Lord, help me not to run from my anger, but to look for what my anger means; then have the courage to confront it and to change.
The Scripture, which emphasizes the fact that God is love, states that anger is OK. God gets angry, but He is slow to anger. He doesn't have a quick fuse. His anger is linked to His mercy. In other words, at times He gets upset with us out of His love. He wants the best for us and desires that we get back on track. The psalmist also says that this God of mercy does not keep His anger if we repent. He deals with us directly, and then lets go of His anger.
Prayer:
Lord, help me not to run from my anger, but to look for what my anger means; then have the courage to confront it and to change.
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