1 Cor 4:20
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
The Word is used to give us faith. The Word encourages us, teaches us, corrects us, and energizes us. Yet, words are not enough.
We can say things anyway we want, but if we don’t have the Spirit of God behind us we will fail. More than any other way we open ourselves to the Spirit by reading God’s Word carefully and acting upon it. There are no shortcuts.
Pray for more openness to the Holy Spirit.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
model
Romans 14:17
For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Paul is specifically talking about whether Christians can buy and eat meat that is sold after being sacrificed in a Roman religious ceremony. He says for some it may be a sin because it causes you to stumble, and for others it’s not. Then, he makes the more general statement. Don’t get so caught up in matters of social protocol that you overlook the bigger picture. You are not a rule follower as much as you are a model of what kind of life is coming out of you.
Pray for God to keep you firm in his ways while giving you the grace to quietly decline living ways that are not his.
For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Paul is specifically talking about whether Christians can buy and eat meat that is sold after being sacrificed in a Roman religious ceremony. He says for some it may be a sin because it causes you to stumble, and for others it’s not. Then, he makes the more general statement. Don’t get so caught up in matters of social protocol that you overlook the bigger picture. You are not a rule follower as much as you are a model of what kind of life is coming out of you.
Pray for God to keep you firm in his ways while giving you the grace to quietly decline living ways that are not his.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
urges
Romans 8:12
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.
Somewhere we lost all logic when we began talking about genetic or physiological “causes” to behavior. There may be genetic and physiological urges that are within us, but that has nothing to do with behavior. There is nothing that says we have to act. Behavior is acting out on the urges. It is wrong to say humans have no choice. Of course we do. There is a gap between the urge and the chosen action. For almost everyone of us, we get up in the morning and we choose to do many things. We are not robots being controlled by our body “switches.”
The key to a healthy life includes doing things your body and urges are telling you not to do, and avoiding acting on what your body and urges are telling you to do. How will you know? Jesus and his Word are the measures of healthy living.
What excuses do you make for behavior you know at your core is sin? Pray about this.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
extremes
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
When we don’t know the freedom of Jesus and how he brings new life into our lives then we are not our best true selves. We will live on the extremes of being so self-loathing that we have a constant negative pall over everything and everyone around us, or we have deep self-centeredness, where narcissism is seen by the people forgotten in our path. Either way sin takes away from our lives rather than the abundant life Jesus has in mind.
Where do you lean the most: self-loathing or narcissism? Begin praying yourself out of it.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
When we don’t know the freedom of Jesus and how he brings new life into our lives then we are not our best true selves. We will live on the extremes of being so self-loathing that we have a constant negative pall over everything and everyone around us, or we have deep self-centeredness, where narcissism is seen by the people forgotten in our path. Either way sin takes away from our lives rather than the abundant life Jesus has in mind.
Where do you lean the most: self-loathing or narcissism? Begin praying yourself out of it.
Monday, October 08, 2007
body
Romans 6:13
13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.
If we are going to get into trouble, our bodies are likely to get involved. Whether it is addiction or being influenced by unhealthy habits, there is a way out. Jesus provides freedom and new life. We provide our presence and willingness. When Jesus works through us, we have new life and glorify God by our body.
What do you need to work on in regard to challenges of body?
13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.
If we are going to get into trouble, our bodies are likely to get involved. Whether it is addiction or being influenced by unhealthy habits, there is a way out. Jesus provides freedom and new life. We provide our presence and willingness. When Jesus works through us, we have new life and glorify God by our body.
What do you need to work on in regard to challenges of body?
Friday, October 05, 2007
favor
Acts 28:10
10 As a result we were showered with honors, and when the time came to sail, people supplied us with everything we would need for the trip.
Paul and his companions healed the sick on the island of Malta. When they were about to leave the people gave them honors and provisions. Notice Paul doesn’t refuse the honors nor the supplies with a sense of false modesty. He allows the people of Malta to be appreciative. It is a gift of hospitality to allows others to practice hospitality.
Pray for someone who has shown you favor recently.
10 As a result we were showered with honors, and when the time came to sail, people supplied us with everything we would need for the trip.
Paul and his companions healed the sick on the island of Malta. When they were about to leave the people gave them honors and provisions. Notice Paul doesn’t refuse the honors nor the supplies with a sense of false modesty. He allows the people of Malta to be appreciative. It is a gift of hospitality to allows others to practice hospitality.
Pray for someone who has shown you favor recently.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
pray for
Acts 23:11
That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.”
God is keen on getting his message out. On rare occasions, he actually has to tell us directly. Most often, though, we know what to to do, it is just a matter of doing it. Why not make it an ongoing habit to let it be known that you would like to pray for someone whenever they share a concern? This is the most effective way of intersecting faith and life, whether in friendships, at work, or in other public situations.
Pray for someone today.
That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.”
God is keen on getting his message out. On rare occasions, he actually has to tell us directly. Most often, though, we know what to to do, it is just a matter of doing it. Why not make it an ongoing habit to let it be known that you would like to pray for someone whenever they share a concern? This is the most effective way of intersecting faith and life, whether in friendships, at work, or in other public situations.
Pray for someone today.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Acts 19:20
20 So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.
After confessing their sins, residents of Ephesus see the power of forgiveness in action. The message and actions of the forgiven have a strong impact on the community. This is an invitation for us today.
When we honestly confess our sins to God and do not carry around the guilt, but instead begin to work for the Lord fresh, we will see his power. Unrealized forgiveness drags us down just like unrepentant sin. Either way we are focused on ourselves and not God.
Confess any current sins that are dragging you down and let them go.
20 So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.
After confessing their sins, residents of Ephesus see the power of forgiveness in action. The message and actions of the forgiven have a strong impact on the community. This is an invitation for us today.
When we honestly confess our sins to God and do not carry around the guilt, but instead begin to work for the Lord fresh, we will see his power. Unrealized forgiveness drags us down just like unrepentant sin. Either way we are focused on ourselves and not God.
Confess any current sins that are dragging you down and let them go.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
courtesy
Acts 15:12
Everyone listened quietly as Barnabas and Paul told about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.
Are you kidding? The Gentiles are enemies of the people of God up until this point. Yet, their fellow Christians listen quietly as Barnabas and Paul tell them that God is now at work around the Gentiles. There is no heckling or outcry as they tell their story. It is interesting when you have a common vision to spread God’s gospel around the world that you can show courtesy and respect.
Pray for this kind of courtesy to enter into your family conversations.
Everyone listened quietly as Barnabas and Paul told about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.
Are you kidding? The Gentiles are enemies of the people of God up until this point. Yet, their fellow Christians listen quietly as Barnabas and Paul tell them that God is now at work around the Gentiles. There is no heckling or outcry as they tell their story. It is interesting when you have a common vision to spread God’s gospel around the world that you can show courtesy and respect.
Pray for this kind of courtesy to enter into your family conversations.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Jesus
Acts 14:27
Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too.
When God is at work is extraordinary ways, it is not a good idea to keep it a secret. Yet, this is what is happening right now. Who knows that it is Christianity and not Islam that is growing most rapidly around the world? In Asia, Latin America, and Africa in particular, people are coming to saving faith in Jesus exponentially. In China, for instance, people are coming to Christ so quickly it amounts to 10,000 people a day.
God apparently has something else in mind then a common logical fallacy that “all religions lead to the truth.” If you mean by this, “All worldviews have inherent within them ways to connect to the Gospel of Jesus,” then, of course, you are correct. The difference between this and other missionary movements of the past is the current growth is under the leadership of native culture leaders who are able to contextualize the Gospel truths. Fascinating.
Pray for those who are translating the Bible into new native languages.
Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too.
When God is at work is extraordinary ways, it is not a good idea to keep it a secret. Yet, this is what is happening right now. Who knows that it is Christianity and not Islam that is growing most rapidly around the world? In Asia, Latin America, and Africa in particular, people are coming to saving faith in Jesus exponentially. In China, for instance, people are coming to Christ so quickly it amounts to 10,000 people a day.
God apparently has something else in mind then a common logical fallacy that “all religions lead to the truth.” If you mean by this, “All worldviews have inherent within them ways to connect to the Gospel of Jesus,” then, of course, you are correct. The difference between this and other missionary movements of the past is the current growth is under the leadership of native culture leaders who are able to contextualize the Gospel truths. Fascinating.
Pray for those who are translating the Bible into new native languages.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
for and against
for today and tomorrow
Acts 11:21
The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
When God is present in power, his blessing is abundant. A healing and helping hand from God through his people is a huge attraction for non-Christians to come to Christ. They might disagree with what is being taught but they can’t ignore the evidence. Signs and wonders address skepticism head on.
Pray for Jesus to work through you today to be a sign.
Acts 13:11
Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun."
God’s hand can also work against us and tear us down. In this verse, Saul, a hateful enemy of God is reprimanded in a way that only God can pull off. The bitter, spiteful opponent becomes Paul, the main biblical spokesman in the New Testament. The one who couldn’t see the light of the sun finally gives in to the “light of the Son.” Now you can’t stop him from sharing the Good News.
Pray for God to correct you if you are going against his ways.
Acts 11:21
The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
When God is present in power, his blessing is abundant. A healing and helping hand from God through his people is a huge attraction for non-Christians to come to Christ. They might disagree with what is being taught but they can’t ignore the evidence. Signs and wonders address skepticism head on.
Pray for Jesus to work through you today to be a sign.
Acts 13:11
Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun."
God’s hand can also work against us and tear us down. In this verse, Saul, a hateful enemy of God is reprimanded in a way that only God can pull off. The bitter, spiteful opponent becomes Paul, the main biblical spokesman in the New Testament. The one who couldn’t see the light of the sun finally gives in to the “light of the Son.” Now you can’t stop him from sharing the Good News.
Pray for God to correct you if you are going against his ways.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
no barriers
Acts 11:17
So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"
Here Peter is speaking about the message he received from God who told him that faith in Jesus is for all people, not just the Jews. God leads the non-Jewish people (Gentiles) to faith in Christ and so it is legitimate. The barriers are falling and being right with God is possible for all cultures.
Pray for your Jewish friends.
So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"
Here Peter is speaking about the message he received from God who told him that faith in Jesus is for all people, not just the Jews. God leads the non-Jewish people (Gentiles) to faith in Christ and so it is legitimate. The barriers are falling and being right with God is possible for all cultures.
Pray for your Jewish friends.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
open
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
When you were a kid, did you ask one of parents why you had to do something, and he/she replied, “Because I said so.”?
Well, here Jesus doesn’t even have to tell his disciples what to do. He has so much confidence in them that he simply states it as fact. Maybe it has something to do with the Holy Spirit coming to them.
With the Holy Spirit in your life you can’t help but witness. If you aren’t a witness of the love and power of Jesus does that mean the Holy Spirit hasn’t cracked your resistance? What do you think?
Pray for an openness to the Holy Spirit.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
When you were a kid, did you ask one of parents why you had to do something, and he/she replied, “Because I said so.”?
Well, here Jesus doesn’t even have to tell his disciples what to do. He has so much confidence in them that he simply states it as fact. Maybe it has something to do with the Holy Spirit coming to them.
With the Holy Spirit in your life you can’t help but witness. If you aren’t a witness of the love and power of Jesus does that mean the Holy Spirit hasn’t cracked your resistance? What do you think?
Pray for an openness to the Holy Spirit.
Monday, September 24, 2007
different
John 17:21-23
that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Christians are not called to think exactly alike. The Gospels are a great witness to this. Each of these four accounts of Jesus has a different emphasis by a different author for a different immediate audience. When someone uses the Gospels as an example of “discrepancies” in scripture, you know they haven’t actually thought about them for one minute or perhaps haven’t even read them.
Jesus comes in a specific culture and time and at the same time says all cultures in all times will have an opportunity to understand and trust. However, careful listening is required.
Pray for a local church you don’t attend.
that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Christians are not called to think exactly alike. The Gospels are a great witness to this. Each of these four accounts of Jesus has a different emphasis by a different author for a different immediate audience. When someone uses the Gospels as an example of “discrepancies” in scripture, you know they haven’t actually thought about them for one minute or perhaps haven’t even read them.
Jesus comes in a specific culture and time and at the same time says all cultures in all times will have an opportunity to understand and trust. However, careful listening is required.
Pray for a local church you don’t attend.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
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About Me
- Dana
- Pastor from LIFEhouse Church in Northridge CA, focusing on the theme, "How To Be A Christian Without Being A Jerk."
