1 Corinthians 1:18 For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (NAS)
The cross is definitely a defining line. The work of Christ on the cross was the complete redemption of mankind. If you are a believer in Jesus and His death, burial and resurrection then you will understand what the verse means when it says, “but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” It would seem foolishness to a person who rejects the cross as the way of salvation. The dividing line is faith in the person of Jesus and His death on the cross.
Maybe you have felt a need to find meaning in life beyond anything you could imagine. It requires death. It means death to yourself and acceptance of life in Christ. What a great trade. It is easy to understand why it would seem foolish to you who have rejected Jesus. But if you have trusted Him then you know the power of God over sin, self, and the world. Praise God for opportunity to live through the cross.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Harmony and Peace #80
Romans 14:19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.
Paul states that differences of opinions existed in the Roman church concerning food that has been offered to idols and then eaten. He reminds the Roman church that not everyone’s opinions are the same. He concludes that harmony, peace and the building up one another is more important than your personal opinions or preferences. Sometimes it is necessary to yield your personal preferences for the sake of others.
No one was any more adamant about your freedom in Christ than was the Apostle Paul. He often speaks of the freedom to live life without the restraints of the Law. His belief is that through God’s grace you have been set free through the blood of Christ. Yet your freedom should never cause a brother or sister to stumble in their faith. Don’t allow your freedoms to harm another believer.
Aim high! Work at harmony, peace and the building up of one another.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Paul states that differences of opinions existed in the Roman church concerning food that has been offered to idols and then eaten. He reminds the Roman church that not everyone’s opinions are the same. He concludes that harmony, peace and the building up one another is more important than your personal opinions or preferences. Sometimes it is necessary to yield your personal preferences for the sake of others.
No one was any more adamant about your freedom in Christ than was the Apostle Paul. He often speaks of the freedom to live life without the restraints of the Law. His belief is that through God’s grace you have been set free through the blood of Christ. Yet your freedom should never cause a brother or sister to stumble in their faith. Don’t allow your freedoms to harm another believer.
Aim high! Work at harmony, peace and the building up of one another.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
I Stand Amazed! #79
Acts 12:12-16
12 And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.
13 And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer.
14 And when she recognized Peter's voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate.
15 And they said to her, "You are out of your mind!" But she kept insisting that it was so. And they kept saying, "It is his angel."
16 But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed. (NAS)
Ever have an answer to prayer and then discover you were totally amazed that it was answered? Strange how you said you had faith and then when the answer to your prayer came you were amazed at the outcome. The early church was in the same situation. They prayed for the release of Peter from jail and yet when he appeared at the home where they were meeting they determined it must be his angel.
On the surface that seems like a major lack of faith. Amazement to answered prayer is more than likely your response also. Maybe because of lack of faith you are amazed. More than likely it is the realization you are in the presence of a God who answers prayer. Amazement is your only true response. Stand amazed at His answer to prayer and in His presence.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ.
May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
12 And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.
13 And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer.
14 And when she recognized Peter's voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate.
15 And they said to her, "You are out of your mind!" But she kept insisting that it was so. And they kept saying, "It is his angel."
16 But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed. (NAS)
Ever have an answer to prayer and then discover you were totally amazed that it was answered? Strange how you said you had faith and then when the answer to your prayer came you were amazed at the outcome. The early church was in the same situation. They prayed for the release of Peter from jail and yet when he appeared at the home where they were meeting they determined it must be his angel.
On the surface that seems like a major lack of faith. Amazement to answered prayer is more than likely your response also. Maybe because of lack of faith you are amazed. More than likely it is the realization you are in the presence of a God who answers prayer. Amazement is your only true response. Stand amazed at His answer to prayer and in His presence.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ.
May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Can't Keep Quiet #78
Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge;for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard." (NAS)
Peter never seemed to struggle for words. Often he stuck his foot in his mouth. But on this occasion he was speaking from the heart about a heart conviction. Do you have heart convictions; things you believe that nothing can change your mind, your response, or your words. Peter and John had just experienced the healing of a lame man at the gate of the temple. They were reprimanded and told to never speak in the name of Jesus again.
Peter’s boldness in face of the religious leaders of the day was simply, “I cannot keep from speaking what I have seen and heard.” Could your own boldness use an energizing of the work of God? It appears that when God is at work in your life and you see Him accomplishing His will that it becomes easier for you say something. Have you ever said, “I just don’t know what to say.” Maybe the issue is you haven’t seen God’s hand in your life for a while. Why not look around and see what God is doing and what He would like to do if you would just trust Him.
Peter and John saw God at work in healing the lame man and refused to keep their mouths shut.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ.
May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
___________________________Today's Personal Note From Dennis
Greetings in the Name of Jesus!
It is such a joy to write to you this week. God continues to bless. The Christmas and New Years' holidays were just great. Last Sunday I had the privilege of preaching at Church on Mill. It was the first time I had preached in many months. What a joy for me. The sermon is abailable on line at http://www.churchonmill.com/ and then check sermons. It is a quick download "Learning That Gratitude Is A Great Stress Reliever".
Sandy and I are planning to do our first mission project beginning on January 14th. It will be a 10 day trip with Campers on Mission in Quartzite, AZ at the First Baptist Church and at the Gem and Rock Show. Several hundred thousand people descend on Quartzite for the event. Our primary work will be street evangelism. Pray for us. We will be staying in our travel trailer. I cannot set it up so I will be dependent on people with Campers on Mission to help. What a great group.
I had CT scans and lab work done this week and will see the oncologist on the 13th. Pray for a good report. I would love to see all of you and tell you the wonderful things God is doing.
May He bless you in Christ.
Peter never seemed to struggle for words. Often he stuck his foot in his mouth. But on this occasion he was speaking from the heart about a heart conviction. Do you have heart convictions; things you believe that nothing can change your mind, your response, or your words. Peter and John had just experienced the healing of a lame man at the gate of the temple. They were reprimanded and told to never speak in the name of Jesus again.
Peter’s boldness in face of the religious leaders of the day was simply, “I cannot keep from speaking what I have seen and heard.” Could your own boldness use an energizing of the work of God? It appears that when God is at work in your life and you see Him accomplishing His will that it becomes easier for you say something. Have you ever said, “I just don’t know what to say.” Maybe the issue is you haven’t seen God’s hand in your life for a while. Why not look around and see what God is doing and what He would like to do if you would just trust Him.
Peter and John saw God at work in healing the lame man and refused to keep their mouths shut.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ.
May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
___________________________Today's Personal Note From Dennis
Greetings in the Name of Jesus!
It is such a joy to write to you this week. God continues to bless. The Christmas and New Years' holidays were just great. Last Sunday I had the privilege of preaching at Church on Mill. It was the first time I had preached in many months. What a joy for me. The sermon is abailable on line at http://www.churchonmill.com/ and then check sermons. It is a quick download "Learning That Gratitude Is A Great Stress Reliever".
Sandy and I are planning to do our first mission project beginning on January 14th. It will be a 10 day trip with Campers on Mission in Quartzite, AZ at the First Baptist Church and at the Gem and Rock Show. Several hundred thousand people descend on Quartzite for the event. Our primary work will be street evangelism. Pray for us. We will be staying in our travel trailer. I cannot set it up so I will be dependent on people with Campers on Mission to help. What a great group.
I had CT scans and lab work done this week and will see the oncologist on the 13th. Pray for a good report. I would love to see all of you and tell you the wonderful things God is doing.
May He bless you in Christ.
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