Paul was under house arrest in Rome and confined for 2 years in a little house under constant guard by the Roman soldiers. He could have had quite a pity party…but he instead chose to use his situation for good. Yes, he was confined in one spot…but his spirit was free, for the Kingdom of God was within his heart. He could have been intimidated by the soldiers, but he chose not to have restrictions and limitations placed on God’s Word that he preached. Paul’s fearless teaching to all who wandered into that house…including the soldiers listening, was a way of him saying, “What can man do to me? My physical body may be incarcerated, but my soul is free.”
Month: January 2017
Proverbs 13:10 ” Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”
Taking offense against another person only fosters conflict and produces anger. When our feelings are hurt, we rise up in righteous indignation and can easily allow arrogance to take over at that moment. We feel disrespected and insulted, not even listening to the wise counsel…for all we hear is an attack on our belief system…even if that belief system is corrupted. The world likes to take offense over the craziest things…But as a Believer, we need to be wary of allowing pride to color our interactions with others. Proverbs 9:9 states, ” Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.”
Acts 18: 9-10 ” One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘ Do not be afraid; Keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.’ “
Satan would like us to think we’re out there working for the Lord alone…like the Lone Ranger, isolated and unaided by others. Satan would like us to be fearful in talking to others about the Lord…not wanting to offend…wanting rather, to be “politically correct”, even if it goes against the Word of God. Satan would like us to keep quiet, not rocking the boat of this modern liberal society. Satan doesn’t care if we read the Bible or pray…just as long as we don’t do it in public. But Satan also knows the power of the spoken Word, and what a transformation could take place… if Christians weren’t silent.
I Chronicles 11:10 These were the Chiefs of David’s mighty men – they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the Lord had promised…”
All of Israel came together to support King David…just as we are to advocate for our local Pastor and Church Leadership. Being a Pastor isn’t just about running a business…it’s interacting with the congregation…a delicate balance of administration, counsel, compassion, and grit. Be that mighty warrior for your Pastor…pray for him daily, encourage him often, speak well of him in public. Pray also for the Leadership at your Church…instilling confidence and hope whenever you can into their lives, for most are volunteering their time, energy, and commitment for the Lord.
Ezra 4:24 ” Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a stand-still until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.”
The book of Ezra recounts the efforts of the Jewish exiles who returned from Babylon to rebuild the Temple. Sixteen years would pass between the laying of the foundation and when work would take up again. God gave them the vision for the Temple…it was started…but then suspended. Just like the exiles, we too hear from God and plunge forward only to be sometimes detained. Sadly, it’s usually at that stoppage we throw in the towel and claim failure. But just because there’s a delay doesn’t mean it’s a defeat. The Lord never goes back on His promises, and any vision He’s given you…even if it’s been years…is still viable in His eyes. Remember, a delay doesn’t mean a defeat.
Revelation 4:8 ” Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and is, and is to come.’ “
The Old Testament Prophet Isaiah also saw this vision in Isaiah 6:3. He saw the Lord on His throne with all the seraphs calling to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.” These magnificent creatures are continually encircling God’s throne giving glory, honor, and thanks to the Lord…And just think, someday we too will be able to join in that glorious chorus!
Psalm 119: 89 ” Your Word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens…”
To paraphrase Isaiah 51:6…the heavens will vanish, and the earth will wear out – but My salvation will last forever, My righteousness will never fail. The Lord is everlasting and forever…His authority supersedes all that we know and see. His dominion will never end….His love for you will never cease.
Mark 10:15 ” I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
In a toddler’s mind, all things are pretty simple…their priorities are food, sleep, and play. They trust at face value… always looking for the good in things. So as an adult, why can’t we do the same thing when it comes to the Gospel Message? Why can’t we readily accept and embrace the Kingdom of God and everything that goes with it? It’s sadly because the World has clouded and distorted our perception. The Gospel Message doesn’t need to be over-thought…there’s no hidden agenda or bait and switch tactics involved. You get what you see with God and His Word…for He is trustworthy and true, and His promises will never fail.
II Chronicles 30: 18-20 ” Although most of the many people who came from Ephraim, Manassh, Issachar, and Zebulum had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, ‘May the Lord, Who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God – the Lord, the God of his fathers – even if he is not clean according to the rules of the Sanctuary.’ And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people.”
In these verses we see the spirit of the Law vs the letter of the Law. In Matthew 23:23 Jesus chastised the Pharisees for their legalism and in doing so losing sight of the more important matters of the Law…things like justice, mercy, and faithfulness. The Lord always searches the heart for honesty and sincerity and will reward accordingly.
Colossians 2:12 ” …having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, Who raised Him from the dead.”
The act of water baptism is full of symbolism and meaning. For those watching, it’s a public declaration of the person’s inner decision. For the person being baptized, it’s a time of newness of soul and spirit. In Romans 6:4 it says, ” We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Therefore, within the action of water baptism, our old self dies, and our new self emerges out of the water.
Safetypinlove 