Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in /home1/heartof6/public_html/blog/wp-content/themes/responsive-mobile/includes/functions-extentions.php on line 35
Home › Posts tagged Love › Page 4

Love

About Good Friday

Posted on by

Good Friday is the completion of Jesus Christ’s sin-cleansing and life-saving empathy that brings eternal life to all who put their confidence in him.

On Good Friday the Son of God who always loves everyone is betrayed by Judas, falsely accused and condemned by the religious leaders and Pilate, scourged almost to death, abandoned by his disciples, mocked by the crowds, and tortured to death on the cross. Far worse than these humiliations and sufferings, he who never sinned takes on the hideousness of humanity’s sin, choosing to receive the punishment that we deserve so that we could be healed (fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53).

He died with our sins so that we do not have to die today in our own. Jesus empowered us with the strength to resist what would come in our future.

Romans 5:6-10

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Jesus paid the price that covered us all

Romans 5:18

18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

He healed the things that would have went without healing on earth

1 Peter 2:24

24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Jesus suffered in His spirit so that the door could be opened for the spirit to have a worthy dwelling place

1 Peter 3:18

18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

He died so that we could become a people that could finally overcome our iniquity

Titus 2:14

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

He died so that we would no longer be segregated by anything and could become one church

Romans 3:22-24

22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

He died so that we could see an example of how what lengths we should go to when we help and love one another

1 John 3:16

16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Jesus died so that we could live in peace on Earth

Colossians 2:6

6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Jesus Died so that your sins could be forgiven

Acts 3:19

19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Jesus died so that you could be saved!

Romans 10:9-10

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Get Back Up Again

Posted on by

One of the most difficult struggles we face as mankind is dealing with ourselves after we fall. It’s not God that struggles with us to get back up again, it is ourselves. To be a victor in Christ means that you have defeated the fear of getting back up again. It means that once you are standing again that you learn from it and use it to establish you. To ever begin your change you must take the first step to start over.

Proverbs 24:16

16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

People have failed and still found a way to be successful. Abraham, Noah, Moses, Isaac, Jacob, David and Peter to name a few.

Psalm 37:23-24

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

1 Corinthians 10:12

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

1) Rest assured, God is interested in you, even when you have fallen

Psalm 145:14

14 The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

2) If you have fallen, do not lean on your own understanding. Do not rationalize, repent

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

James 4:7-8

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

3) Do not shun or shy away from those who can help.
Ecclesiastes 4:10

10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Galatians 6:1-2

6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Cause remember that if you are drowning, it doesn’t matter what hand is out to you.

4) Do not become discouraged and bitter.
Determine to become better by better confession of sin, better prayer time, better commitment, better response to the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 3:11

11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:

5) Do not listen to the voice of fear, doubt and anger. These will lead you deeper in sin and further from God.

Psalm 51:1-8

51 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

6) Determine to never give up for the last time!

Job. 13:15

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.”

The Power Of Encouragement

Posted on by

Romans 12:3-8

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

– Encouragement is necessary to our walk of faith.

– Without encouragement a will with purpose fades unto a state of unrest and unsatisfaction

Hebrews 3:13

13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

– Without encouragement, life would soon feel pointless and burdensome. Without encouragement, we can be overwhelmed by the very real pains of our lives. Without encouragement, we feel unloved. Without encouragement, we begin to think that God is a liar or is unconcerned with our welfare. So, the Bible tells us to encourage one another, to remind each other of the truth that God loves us, that God equips us, that we are treasured, that our struggles are worth it.

– Encouragement makes it easier to live in a fallen world in a holy way.

– Encouragement makes it easier to love as Jesus loved (see John 13:34-35).

John 13:34-35

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

– Encouragement gives hope (Romans 15:4).

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

– Encouragement helps us through times of discipline and testing (Hebrews 12:5).

Hebrews 12:5

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

– Encouragement nurtures patience and kindness (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

– Encouragement makes it easier to sacrifice our own desires for the advancement of God’s kingdom. In short, encouragement makes it easier to live the Christian life.

Proverbs 16:24 says, “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

– God’s Word is full of encouragement. Pleasant words, indeed.

– And even though at times the words of others may fail us we can have hope in the fact that when our strength is little in tribulation that Jesus steps in for us to God by our faith


John 16:33

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The Top 10 Reasons I Can Be Thankful To God

Posted on by

1) I am thankful to God for His love. Without His love I would wonder afraid of tomorrow. His love helps me to not fear and to be confident in whom I call my Heavenly father. Had God not loved me first I would not know how to show the love of God toward others.

1 John 4:19
19 We love him, because he first loved us

2) I am thankful to God for His mercy. He was merciful to me and did not punish me when I did not understand His will. He has been merciful to me and shown patience towards me when I had understanding and did not submit as I should have. And as I learn and improve He shows mercy to me and gives me another crack at being successful and what I go forth to do.

Titus 3:4-5
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

3) I am thankful to God for His grace. Without God’s grace we would not be saved through faith. In fact we do not deserve it but He gave it anyway. When God has had, or has, or could have every right and reason to withhold on us He has not. Rather through each moment where we could totally perish grace provides us the only right that justifies us to even get to walk by faith at all.

Ephesians 2:8
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

4) I am thankful to God for His compassion for others in need. Without compassion none of us would be saved. Without compassion the hungry would starve. Without compassion the poor would perish. Without compassion the lost and broken would lose their souls and burn forever. But since the dawn of creation God has given us compassion that without it we would have perished in our own lack.

Zechariah 7:10
10 And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.

Galatians 6:2
2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

5) I am thankful for the promise that God never leaves. When all others would forsake us for it being inconvenient or by other reasons we should all be reminded that every second of our lives is in the attention of God. He was with me before I knew Him and is with me as He is in me. And one day I will never leave His presence when He calls me from earth to Heaven.

Deuteronomy 31:6
6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6) I am thankful for God’s blessings. The things that happen that help us in the times we never expected, the things that happen suddenly or in the nick of time. The literal, spiritual and physical blessings that could only come from God remind me no matter what season that He is there!

Philippians 4:19
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

7) I am thankful for God’s protection. When things could have been worse and they were not God was there. When things didn’t even happen that never crossed my mind to comprehend He was there. When the angels of Heaven destroy the minions of Satan through my advocate of Christ I am not without a covering.

Psalm 138:7
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

8) I am thankful for the Holy Spirit. The spirit lets me know what true joy feels like. The spirit teaches me in things I am unlearned in or wrong about. The spirit keeps churches in perfect order, ministries refreshed and the works of the body of Christ with conviction. Without it we would be so far away from the will of God.

1 John 2:27
27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

9) I am thankful for my future in Heaven. It is the resting place of the righteous and a place where neither Satan nor his power can come. The curse of man will be left behind. The pains of life, confusion of all things why, mourning will cease, sorrow will be no more. Worship and joy forevermore.

Revelation 21:4
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

10) I am thankful for salvation through Jesus Christ. It has made my old sins to pass away and my forgiven life to become new. It has taught me to not live as I was and by what I know was God. It gives me hope for today and longing for a greater tomorrow. It provides the peace that surpasses all understanding.

John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life

Never Leave Anyone Behind

Posted on by

1 Thessalonians 5:6-15

9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

NIV

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Should we perceive that we have others around us that are weak, in distress or have need of encouragement then it is our Christian, fatherly and Godly responsibility to provide stability by fighting against the hindrances in others by the love in our hearts, gifts and talents in our lives, and the anointing that gives us the strength to do so.

Why is this important?

  • People who continue to live in an unbalance will find themselves more likely to stumble.
  • People whom do not receive the truth from a Godly individual are more likely to believe Satan’s deceptions
  • Youth who may not understand completely what is right and wrong may have the lines blurred to think what they are doing hurts no one or themselves
  • Under-encouraged people are more prone for aggravation, short-fused behavior and a defensive attitude fighting against you who is “judging” them or is “better than they are”

Remember: when we see others that are wounded or vulnerable we must help them to get out of trouble so they can one day gain strength and be able to fight for themselves

Romans 15:1-7

1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

One of the major issues of why mankind rejects showing compassion is that we want something in return or expect things to compensate us for the effort given.

Compassion is not compensation, nor is compensation compassion

Compensation is something awarded to someone as a recompense for loss, injury, or suffering.

Compassion: is sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

1 John 4:19

We love him, because he first loved us.

When God saved your soul he did not want compensation, he showed compassion

Mark 12:29-31

29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

The commandment of God shows the the model of what the first two things in our lives should represent: God and God’s compassion for others

Matthew 6:32-34

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

God is saying I’ll take care of the compensation if you will take care of giving compassion

Matthew 18:11-14

11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

If we never leave a person behind and we help them along we must celebrate their victories, honor their efforts, and love them in spite of the enemies attempts to destroy them. For even when one would perceive them as gone we should never leave them behind.

Let the lost be found, the found be celebrated and our mission never waiver from the pursuit of the hurt and the broken. So long as we stand as soldiers of Christ, let our work demonstrate His love for us that never left us behind, forsook us, and never let us be alone.

Understanding The Role Of Compassion

Posted on by

compassion-word-cloud

Before I get to what I want to discuss today I want to testify about one of the toughest issues of my life. I grew up the first half my life looking for love that was returned the same way I gave it. This varied from time to time from it being family, classmates, and friends. I also grew up my life mostly coming up empty on this search. And after a season of my life passed with this reality of no reciprocity coming back to me I essentially gave up on being a compassionate person. It then became all about me and what others were not doing. It was about living with the proverbial “chip on my shoulder” and being constantly frustrated with what others had not done. It became about how others had hurt me and how I could not let go of why people continued to do so. The bulk of my teenage years were in a selfish self-loathing hatred for those whom never were there and did not care. And as I lived as the victim the enemy was there to be my shoulder to cry on in the form of drugs, alcohol and all forms of hindrances that left me in utter misery and bondage. The greatest part of my testimony is not just the deliverance from the substances and hindrances that held me down for all of my youth; for when I had a heart that was hurt from not receiving an equal or more powerful love God came to my rescue. God’s love came to my detriment and picked me up again. God’s love was ultimately there for me even when I had done nothing or gave anything to God first. God had compassion on me. He not only transformed what was ailing me but caused me to be loved the way I had always longed for!

One of the hardest risks to take with a relationship another person is that the love, respect and understanding you give and share to that person is not given back in the same manner to which you gave it. The fact of the matter is that sometimes it is not or never returned. Sometimes people will only want what you can give and never show reciprocity in kind. And just like a crisp slap in the face reality comes and reminds us from time to time of just how frail our emotions really are when it comes to the impact of others. Whether this circumstance appears in your acquaintances, friend, foe or family does not make the pain any less hurtful to your heart. Boundaries and lines will be crossed, people you would expect more of will let you down, and emotions will flare irrationally and unexpectedly to your preparation. What you have to remember is that what you do for others should cause you to expect little in return and to be content with getting nothing back. Jesus gave his life for all of us who did nothing to be worthy of His love. This same love we should give to all. We should do our due diligence to help others, even when it is in the middle of the night and inconvenient. Compassion is the virtue of God that comes out of us when we still help people in spite of what they do to us.

This is why compassion is so powerful. Compassion does not give regard to reciprocity. Compassion gives in spite of what is given back. Compassion sees the need and meets it despite the want that may lie within. The most powerful miracles that Jesus brought forth as a man on earth all derived from the compassion he had upon those to whom others said were not deserving of love or help. Compassion is not shrouded under the weight of guilt or the obligation of ones duty to do something because they have to. If you want to know the rest of what compassion/charity/love is to be, read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Be reminded that the good you do for others should not be expecting an equal or greater investment back from them. In fact, people may give little or no respect for your life or decisions. And if I could go one step further I would say that they will even come after you to guilt you about what you have not done (even after all that you have already did).That comes as a surprise, right? Even though it does it should not alarm us at the rate it does. In fact, scripture leads us to tackle this sort of behavior with wisdom:

Matthew 7:1-11

1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.

2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Wait a minute! I have looked at this passage all my life with the wrong outlook.I now know that this is not a call for people to do things just because they want it done right to themselves; this is actually quite the deeper call to society to have compassion for the most difficult of needs. If people need you would you turn the compassion away that was shown you? By the simple fact alone that you were undeserving of God’s love yet you received it should tell us all that there is never a need too big nor too small that we should be attempting to do our best to help.

Compassion says: “I see that I do not have to do this for you. I was once given a love I did not deserve. So by this love I pay it forward to someone else.” The evidence of God in your life after all is that you love your brother with compassion (or as you would have yourself to be loved). I’m at peace today and will spend the latter part of my life doing my best to help others and to accept that it may never return. I’m at peace because I know even when others despitefully use me and give no respect that I have the favor and love of the greatest savior and friend I have ever known. Peace is with me today because of the compassion God gave me through Jesus Christ!

Let this small little blurb be a reminder of what compassion is, what it should mean to you, and what you should be doing with it!

 

Who’s In The Bottom Of Your Boat

Posted on by

 

Click To Play     

 

Click To Play     

Mark 4:35-41

[35] And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
[36] And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
[37] And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
[38] And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
[39] And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
[40] And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
[41] And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Here we begin at our lord’s long day of preaching.

The crowd was so great he had to teach from a boat

Topics were:

  • the parable of the sower
  • the candle under a bushel
  • the coming harvest
  • the mustard seed

He closes the day’s end with his disciples in an adventure they would never forget

The promise at evening 35 – let us pass over to the other side

  • speaks of a journey with Jesus
  • speaks of his fellowship on the other side
  • speaks of safe passage from the journey

The Christian life is like this journey

  • we may be weary when he calls us
  • we decide to travel with him
  • he goes with us through the entire journey
  • we are not only helped through the storm but are unto heaven eternal

The Peril of the storm (v. 37)

  • There arose a great storm of wind
  • The waves were beating upon the ship

Lessons we can learn from the disciples:

  • they were obeying yet the storm came
  • they were traveling with Jesus, yet the storm came
  • they were in the center of his will, yet the storm came

Storms come to us all!

The purpose of the storm (v. 38-41)

  • Jesus knew the storm would come
  • He was equipped to send the storm away
  • Rather than send it away he chose to go through the storm with his disciples

The storm enabled them to measure their faith

  • They learned that Christ was with them in the storm
  • They learned that he is up to any occasion

There are different storms for different purposes

  • Jonah’s storm was to bring him back to the lord
  • Paul’s storm was to provide a witnessing opportunity

This storm was to build their faith

Don’t judge the purpose of another’s storm

 

Tell My Servant Peter

Posted on by

 

Click To Play     

 

Mark 16:1-7

[1] And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
[2] And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
[3] And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
[4] And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
[5] And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
[6] And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
[7] But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

  • We begin at the early morning walk to the tomb
  • 3 women were coming bringing spices
  • They were coming to do the work of undertakers
  • They worried about moving the stone at the tomb
    • Unbelief is fertile ground for worrying
    • There was no need to worry
    • When they arrived it was already rolled away
  • The 3 were commissioned by an angel
    • They were to put away their fears: Christ was alive!
    • They were to tell the disciples Christ had risen
    • They were to be sure to tell Peter
  • So why did Peter had to be told?

Peter needed to know that he was not forsaken – Mark (14:22-72)

  • Jesus had prepared His disciples for what was ahead
    • The crucifixion
    • The persecution
    • and His resurrection
  • Peter vowed to never be offended, but broke the vow
    • He needed to know that Jesus still loved him
    • He needed to know that Jesus had kept this vow
  • To fail does not make one a lifelong failure
    • God’s love reaches out to those who have failed
    • The cross and the resurrection guarantee that love

Peter needed to know that he had been forgiven

  • He had followed Jesus from afar
  • He had mingled with the enemies of the Lord
  • He had warmed himself by the wrong fire
  • He had denied the lord three times
  • He didn’t want to be identified with Jesus
  • Cursed and swore while denying he knew Jesus

In spite of all of this you still can be forgiven!

Peter was a broken man, without Christ his foundation was unsure

Luke 6:6-11

[6] And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.
[7] And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.
[8] But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.
[9] Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
[10] And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
[11] And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

  • His net was broken (Luke 6:6)
    • His pride was broken (Luke 6:8)
    • His partnership was broken (Luke 6:9-10)
    • He left all to follow Jesus (Luke 6:11)
    • Now he felt disqualified
  • Peter needed to know he still belonged to the lord

1 Peter 1:5-8

[5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
[6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
[7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
[8] Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

  • He called the resurrection his “Living Hope”
  • He then knew that God had not given up on him

Be Strong In The Lord

Posted on by

 

Click To Play     

 

Click To Play     

Paul, under house arrest for 2 years, from 61-63 AD, begins to write to the churches at Colossae, personally to Philemon, Ephesus and Philippi. We know these letters by the chapter names of Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians and Philippians.

This epistle is addressed to the saints at the church in Ephesus, a prosperous port city in the Roman province of Asia Minor. Ephesus boasted international trade, a thriving silversmith guild, and a theater that seated 20,000 people. Paul wrote this letter to encourage Gentile believers, and to make it clear that Jews and Gentiles have been brought together as part of one body in Christ. Paul is also concerned that his audience be made aware of the moral laws they may have been lax in following (or that they were unaware of).

Paul opens up with polite greetings and He then gives thanks for their efforts and prays for them to begin to grow in God’s wisdom and power:

Ephesians 1:15-19

[15] Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
[16] Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
[17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
[18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
[19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

He then begins to remind them of their previous condition:

Ephesians 2:1-8

[1] And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
[2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
[3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
[5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

He then drives home the fact that through Christ that there is no more separation between Jew and Gentile.

Ephesians 2:18-22

[18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
[21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
[22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

And by this he opens to the truth of the spirit before them by giving his instruction:

Ephesians 4:17-32 

[17] This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
[18] Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
[19] Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
[20] But ye have not so learned Christ;
[21] If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
[22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
[23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
[24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
[25] Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
[26] Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
[27] Neither give place to the devil.
[28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
[29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
[30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
[31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
[32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Paul closes with a powerful and life-changing word:

Ephesians 6:10-12

[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
[11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
[13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
[14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Hope Renewed Through Christ

Posted on by

 

Click To Play     

 

Click To Play     

Matthew 17:24-27

[24] And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
[25] He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
[26] Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
[27] Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Hebrews 11:1-3

[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
[2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.
[3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Romans 5:2 – 5:5 

[2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
[3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
[4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
[5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Romans 8:24-25

[24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
[25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Romans 12:8-15

[8] Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
[13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
[15] Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Romans 15:4-13

[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
[5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
[6] That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[7] Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
[8] Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
[9] And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
[10] And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
[11] And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
[12] And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

If we are to realize the full potential of the promises we have received from God (whether by scripture or through prophetic exhortation) we must learn what is the substance that drives us as well as the determination that takes the substance and puts it into action.

Faith without action is dead for it is faith that brings the substance or energy to take action and uses it for its intended purpose. Faith is empty without hope. Taking action with faith and without hope in your life leads to no fruit (unprofitable). Without hope our faith is without substance…a vision…a final destination.

To take a shot on throwing your hook out there for 1 fish in a million would not only take hope that you would get the money…but hope that that you would hook that 1 fish.

To grow in God you must take action. To take action means you have got to be moving and not just be idle in the last days.

To save a lost world you must go after them. To rekindle hope in your brothers and sisters you must show it. To keep hope abounding in you the spirit must continually abide. The spirit will abide in a heart whom repents and is humble, believing in the propitiation for all of our sin.

So we know the money is in the fish. We know the fish is in the water. We know that we have the rod, reel and hook to go get it. That part in between is the very thing that is keeping you or has kept you from a deeper walk in God.

Such is the same of our pursuit for blessings in our lives. The money was enough for the tax, and god’s provision will be enough for you!