For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes....for in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. Romans 1: 16 - 17
The gospel of Christ, translated the good news of Christ, is the power of God to save individuals who will respond in faith. Many seeds are scattered which direct seekers to self-help, meditational thoughts from Buddha and direction from icons of the culture declaring you must ONLY believe and good things will happen. However, scripture very clearly says it is the gospel of Christ that God uses to save. Clearly, if we can scatter seeds directly related to the good news of the work of Christ, then it becomes possible for those seeds to grow into faith, trust, and hope.
Let's pray for the individuals we know who desperately need Christ to have open hearts and minds toward Him.
Father, we ask that you soften hearts toward Christ and reveal the lies being believed that offer only momentary relief.
Think about how you first believed in Christ. What seed from that experience can you offer to someone else?
Blessings
Showing posts with label Scripture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scripture. Show all posts
Monday, October 17, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Becoming a New Creation in 2011
Each year many of us make resolutions to change something in our life; we add something new or remove something that isn't working. Many abandon their resolutions when the enthusiasm ends and the real work begins, typically only a month or two later. How do we make major changes and how do the changes become habit? How many changes have you tried to make in your life only to fail? I can think of many.
Becoming a new creation is scriptural for those who know and rely on Christ. God intends for us to become new in the essence of our being; to hope in God, love God and one another, pray unceasingly, encourage each other, think in spiritual terms, battle in spiritual ways, etc. 2 Corinthians 5:17 gives us information on how spiritual rebirth takes place, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold new things have come.” When we believe in the person and work of Christ, we open the door to our spirits so that by the Holy Spirit we can live in Christ and He can live in us. His in-dwelling Spirit prompts us to desire to imitate Christ in character and life practices. The concept of taking off unattractive character traits and put on new traits is addressed many times in the New Testament. One of the greatest resources we have for "taking off" the old nature and putting on the new is the Bible. Reading and praying through scripture can change our hearts and minds as the concepts of God become clearer. A longing will develop to become Christ-like in our thoughts and actions (in other words - a new creation). Ephesians 4: 22-24 says to be renewed in the spirit of your mind and put on the new self which is in the likeness of God. Ask God to make you into a new creation. He will answer that prayer. God's work in you is spirit-work, His work through you is nothing short of miraculous.
If you have time this week, read through Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians which are letters written to the church in each city. Many sections of these letters describe the old life without Christ and the new life in Christ. Take some time to pray through some of the concepts that speak to you and jot them in your prayer journal for further prayer and meditation.
Lord, help us desire to be like you. We want to be new in our minds and hearts as we walk with you. We praise and worship you.
Blessings on your week,
Carol
Monday, January 10, 2011
A resolution to fall in love
Falling in love is great fun, isn't it? Your beloved spends all his or her time with you, surprises you with tokens of affection, tells you how wonderful you are, and makes you feel like the most important person in creation. Fun indeed.
And a lot of work. No wonder the fires of passion cool after a few months (years, if you're especially fortunate). It's not much different in our walk with God. As new believers, we read our Bibles and pray often. We spend time getting to know this Almighty One who fills a place in our hearts we never knew existed. We tell Him we love Him and we list all the reasons He is the most important thing in our lives.
And then we get busy. Kids come, work calls, distractions abound. Little by little, we stop spending time with Him. We forget to pray. We don't have time to read our Bibles. We grow distant and God grieves our absence. We mourn the relationship that once was so precious and important and seems to have taken a back seat to everything else in the world.
Maybe it's time to set another kind of resolution. A resolution to fall in love with your Creator again. Here are some of the many reasons to spend time enacting this change:
Scripture is full of people who loved the Lord and followed His ways. They give us a solid foundation for loving Him, too. When you feel like you're slipping away, take a few minutes to catch up with some of those followers and see yourself in them. Use your prayer journal to record these and other reasons you have for loving the Lord.
Praying many blessings on you,
Shelley
And a lot of work. No wonder the fires of passion cool after a few months (years, if you're especially fortunate). It's not much different in our walk with God. As new believers, we read our Bibles and pray often. We spend time getting to know this Almighty One who fills a place in our hearts we never knew existed. We tell Him we love Him and we list all the reasons He is the most important thing in our lives.
And then we get busy. Kids come, work calls, distractions abound. Little by little, we stop spending time with Him. We forget to pray. We don't have time to read our Bibles. We grow distant and God grieves our absence. We mourn the relationship that once was so precious and important and seems to have taken a back seat to everything else in the world.
Maybe it's time to set another kind of resolution. A resolution to fall in love with your Creator again. Here are some of the many reasons to spend time enacting this change:
- God is love. (1 John 4:8)
- We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
- God loved you so much that He sent His only Son as your Savior from eternal death. (John 3:16)
- As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed your transgressions from you. (Psalm 103:12)
- He heals all your diseases, redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies. (Psalm 103:3-4)
- He is faithful even when we are faithless. (2 Timothy 2:13)
- He provides rest for our weary souls. (Matthew 11:28)
- He has redeemed you and called you His own. (Isaiah 43:1)
- He is patient and waits for you with mercy. (Isaiah 30:18)
- He is your rock, your fortress, and your deliverer. Your stronghold and your refuge. (2 Samuel 22:2-3)
- He is worthy. (Revelation 5:12)
Scripture is full of people who loved the Lord and followed His ways. They give us a solid foundation for loving Him, too. When you feel like you're slipping away, take a few minutes to catch up with some of those followers and see yourself in them. Use your prayer journal to record these and other reasons you have for loving the Lord.
Praying many blessings on you,
Shelley
Friday, October 22, 2010
Light in the Darkness
I was driving to work early this morning and was struck by an image from nature. It was still dark but the moon was shining bright over the Rocky Mountains. Glory be what a beautiful sight!! As I drove towards that image, a small, wispy cloud moved horizontally in front of the moon. The moon was shining through the cloud from above, below, and ever so gently through its wispy tendrils. I could barely take my eyes off it. While continuing my trek to work and gazing at the moon, the words "light in the darkness" came to mind and made me think of the scriptural truths of the light that Christians bring to the darkness in another.
I often find myself feeling quite guilty at my human failings and of the fact that others see them. I can be moody and anxious, and my faith falters at times when I look at obstacles that seem bigger than I. But this morning as I looked at the light pouring through the cloud, I felt the Lord tell me that it is natural for the light to be filtered through the cloak of humanity. Glimmers of light are used by God to bring another soul to Him. Glimmers of light through a struggle can offer hope to another. Glimmers of light bring joy and peace to someone who is hurting.
Jesus is the true Light of mankind and we are but a reflection of His light. We gain His light in our own lives as we pray and read scripture and then practice its truth. The light of Jesus shines through my character and my life as I live to show others how much He loves them. The light of Jesus shines through your character and your life as you show others His love for them. It is the nature of God to move while using a human vessel. Scripture indicates that when perfection comes in the form of Jesus that the shadows are removed. I have to believe this is true with light in the darkness as well. The power of God far outweighs my weakness. Praise God!!
1 Corinthians 13: 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Lord Jesus,
Be our light and guide on this journey. I pray that you will draw us to yourself and that your light is evidenced in our lives even if through glimmers. Let us more and more see you as you are; our Lord and Saviour, the light of the world.
Blessings.
Scripture references: John 1:9; John 8:12, Romans 13:12, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Ephesians 5:8, 1 John 2:9
I often find myself feeling quite guilty at my human failings and of the fact that others see them. I can be moody and anxious, and my faith falters at times when I look at obstacles that seem bigger than I. But this morning as I looked at the light pouring through the cloud, I felt the Lord tell me that it is natural for the light to be filtered through the cloak of humanity. Glimmers of light are used by God to bring another soul to Him. Glimmers of light through a struggle can offer hope to another. Glimmers of light bring joy and peace to someone who is hurting.
Jesus is the true Light of mankind and we are but a reflection of His light. We gain His light in our own lives as we pray and read scripture and then practice its truth. The light of Jesus shines through my character and my life as I live to show others how much He loves them. The light of Jesus shines through your character and your life as you show others His love for them. It is the nature of God to move while using a human vessel. Scripture indicates that when perfection comes in the form of Jesus that the shadows are removed. I have to believe this is true with light in the darkness as well. The power of God far outweighs my weakness. Praise God!!
1 Corinthians 13: 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Lord Jesus,
Be our light and guide on this journey. I pray that you will draw us to yourself and that your light is evidenced in our lives even if through glimmers. Let us more and more see you as you are; our Lord and Saviour, the light of the world.
Blessings.
Scripture references: John 1:9; John 8:12, Romans 13:12, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Ephesians 5:8, 1 John 2:9
Monday, October 4, 2010
Monday prayer - a psalm in times of trouble
I heard from a friend today that she is experiencing possibly the most intimidating circumstances of her life. She is frightened, isolated, and more than a little lost.
Whatever the circumstances, many, many people can relate to those feelings.
What do you do when life throws you on your face and struts away chuckling? If you're smart, you stay there. Not just to hide, but to seek refuge and comfort. This is the perfect time to pray according to Scripture. And the perfect Scripture to pray? Consider one of the Psalms. David often wrote of being in trouble, being chased by the enemy, being alone and frightened and uncertain of everything but this: God was his refuge, his strong tower, and his shield. Once you've read what David and other writers said to the Lord, go to Him with your own psalm.
I offer the following prayer in honor of my friend, but also for those of you who feel alone, frightened, and lost.
O God, I'm in trouble.
My foes rise against me on either side. The enemy is so high I can not see the light.
My heart is weak. My strength is gone.
Where are you, El Shaddai, O God of the mountains?
How long will you hide your face from your beloved?
Have mercy on me, Lord. Return and deliver me for your own sake.
As the psalmist said, in the grave who will give you thanks? For in death there is no remembrance of You.
I know that you have heard the voice of my weeping.
You are a shield for me, my glory and the one who lifts up my head.
You are my refuge in times of trouble.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep, for you alone make me dwell in safety.
I will sing to the Lord, because you have dealt bountifully with me.
(Taken from Genesis 17:1, Psalm 3:3, 4:8, 6:5, 6:8, 9:9, 13:6)
Whatever the circumstances, many, many people can relate to those feelings.
What do you do when life throws you on your face and struts away chuckling? If you're smart, you stay there. Not just to hide, but to seek refuge and comfort. This is the perfect time to pray according to Scripture. And the perfect Scripture to pray? Consider one of the Psalms. David often wrote of being in trouble, being chased by the enemy, being alone and frightened and uncertain of everything but this: God was his refuge, his strong tower, and his shield. Once you've read what David and other writers said to the Lord, go to Him with your own psalm.
I offer the following prayer in honor of my friend, but also for those of you who feel alone, frightened, and lost.
O God, I'm in trouble.
My foes rise against me on either side. The enemy is so high I can not see the light.
My heart is weak. My strength is gone.
Where are you, El Shaddai, O God of the mountains?
How long will you hide your face from your beloved?
Have mercy on me, Lord. Return and deliver me for your own sake.
As the psalmist said, in the grave who will give you thanks? For in death there is no remembrance of You.
I know that you have heard the voice of my weeping.
You are a shield for me, my glory and the one who lifts up my head.
You are my refuge in times of trouble.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep, for you alone make me dwell in safety.
I will sing to the Lord, because you have dealt bountifully with me.
(Taken from Genesis 17:1, Psalm 3:3, 4:8, 6:5, 6:8, 9:9, 13:6)
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Praying for Prosperity
Happy Tuesday, Pray-ers! As always, last week slipped by when I wasn't looking, and the weekend... Well, I'm pretty sure it didn't happen. Here's hoping you all had a good few days.
And here's praying we all have a great week!
Do you ever pray for prosperity? I do. It's more biblical than some would think (see Joshua 1:7, 1 Kings 2:3, and 3 John 1:2 for a few examples), but it took a long time for me to recognize that my idea of prosperity is not necessarily God's idea. In fact, I think He has a much bigger plan for it than I do. I usually pray for financial income - especially in the wake of losing my job and my husband working too many 14-hour days to make up for it. Sometimes I'll ask for God to prosper us in another way, like joy or understanding, but mostly I just want money. Lol.
I think God wants more for us than that.
The Word says that our expectation comes from Him (Psalm 62:5), and that His plans for us are for good, for a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). That sounds like even more than financial prosperity to me. His idea is for us to have peace, joy, hope, and fullness of Spirit. The enemy can not gain a foothold and steal our prosperity if we're seeking and living in the Spirit of Christ. And money doesn't compare when I'm full of joy and hope. When I have these things, when I'm living in Jesus, I can do all things - even earn financial income.
How do you pray for prosperity? What does it look like to you? Share with us, and let's pray for each other!
Many blessings to you today,
Shelley
And here's praying we all have a great week!
Do you ever pray for prosperity? I do. It's more biblical than some would think (see Joshua 1:7, 1 Kings 2:3, and 3 John 1:2 for a few examples), but it took a long time for me to recognize that my idea of prosperity is not necessarily God's idea. In fact, I think He has a much bigger plan for it than I do. I usually pray for financial income - especially in the wake of losing my job and my husband working too many 14-hour days to make up for it. Sometimes I'll ask for God to prosper us in another way, like joy or understanding, but mostly I just want money. Lol.
I think God wants more for us than that.
The Word says that our expectation comes from Him (Psalm 62:5), and that His plans for us are for good, for a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). That sounds like even more than financial prosperity to me. His idea is for us to have peace, joy, hope, and fullness of Spirit. The enemy can not gain a foothold and steal our prosperity if we're seeking and living in the Spirit of Christ. And money doesn't compare when I'm full of joy and hope. When I have these things, when I'm living in Jesus, I can do all things - even earn financial income.
How do you pray for prosperity? What does it look like to you? Share with us, and let's pray for each other!
Many blessings to you today,
Shelley
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