Walk toward the light...

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Continuing in 2 Peter chapter 1 ( http://tinyurl.com/5adcu7 )

Today's focus - verses 12-15:

We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

You will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place... Imagine waking up in a strange place, an unfamiliar room, a cave, deep in a forest, in the middle of the night, and with no light whatsoever. Suddenly, you see a light, the only source of light anywhere. You will do well to pay attention to it. Even though our eyes can see the physical things of this world, spiritually we are in the darkness, and that is no metaphor. The dark nature of this world is very real. We move about in this world spiritually as well as physically. And, unless we seek the Light of the World, we are blind to realities greater that what our physical eyes show us.

Matthew 4:16 says; The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You must not be fooled by what your eyes show you; you must recognize that yoiu live in spiritual darkness. Then you need only recognize that Christ is, indeed, the Light of the world, and that you will do well to pay attention to it.
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Questions:
1. Do you sense the darkness around you?
2. Have you seen His Light?
3. How did you respond?

THOUGHTS ON LIGHT AND DARKNESS

"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him
than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling 'darkness' on the wall of his cell..."

C.S. Lewis

"The Christian religion made its way through Paganism....
unassisted by the force of human power,

and as gentle as the triumphs of light over darkness."

Joseph Addison

"I have come across black men and women who remembered the only white man they ever saw before--

--David Livingstone; and as you cross his footsteps in that dark continent, men's faces light up as they

speak of the kind Doctor who passed there years ago. They could not understand him; but they felt the

Love that beat in his heart.

"Henry Drummond

"Though the light shines on things unclean, yet it is not thereby defiled."

Augustine

"How many are quite unworthy to see the light, and yet the day dawns."

Seneca

"As the sun can be seen only by its own light, so Christ can be known only by His own Spirit."

Robert Leighton

"God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life, that I may burn for Thee.
Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like You, Lord Jesus."

Jim Elliot

"It is not darkness you are going to, for God is Light. It is not lonely,
for Christ is with you. It is not unknown country, for Christ is there."

Charles Kingsley

"The issue is now clear. It is between light and darkness and everyone must choose his side."

G.K. Chesterton

"As in the candle I know there is both light and heat, but put out the candle, and they are both gone."

John Selden

"Virtue---even attempted virtue---brings light; indulgence brings fog."

C.S. Lewis

A reminder

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Continuing in 2 Peter chapter 1 ( http://tinyurl.com/5adcu7 )

Today's focus - verses 12-15: So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. As a pastor and occasional preacher, I get great affirmation from these words: ...I will always remind you of these things...

When I preach, I preach about Old Testament passages and New, but always about Jesus. I preach word studies and topical messages, but always about Jesus. I have been asked why I always mention salvation and always offer people a chance to accept Christ. Maybe you have had the same question about your pastor. Consider this story:

Which reminds me of the lesson that D. L. Moody, the Billy Graham of the 19th century, learned.

After proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to a crowded hall in Chicago, the evangelist closed

his message by encouraging the attendees to go home, consider the claims of the gospel, and

return the next week to settle the matter in their lives. But that night Chicago heard the ringing

of fire alarms and the clatter of horse-drawn water wagons being hurried through the streets. Mrs.

O'Leary's cow had kicked the lantern, and the Great Chicago Fire swept the city—hundreds of

lives were lost. Because of that, D. L. Moody committed himself to never again forget to urge

people to receive Christ immediately—before it is too late.

http://www.rbc.org/bible-study/strength-for-the-journey/2007/11/27/daily-message.aspx

And consider this information: How would your approach to evangelism be different if you

knew that one-half of the people attending your church were not Christians? As shocking

as this idea may appear, this is a hard reality for many churches in the United States.

Researcher George Barna has discovered the disturbing fact that "half of all adults who

attend Protestant churches on a typical Sunday morning are not Christian!" This fact was

reaffirmed in his recently released work, Boiling Point. Here he states that people who call

themselves Christians but are not born again are "a group that constitutes a majority of

churchgoers." Many who attend Protestant churches have been "anesthetized" to the Gospel,

he says. These are people who have mentally accepted correct beliefsbut have "lived without

a shred of insight into what a relationship with Christ was all about." Equally shocking is Barna's

discovery that the typical non-Christian church member has been attending church for at least

10 years. No longer, then,can it be assumed that regular church attendance, even for many

years, isa guarantee of a person's salvation.

http://www.kristenonline.com/download/book/Reaching%2pdf

So then, yes, this "reminder" is indeed justified. In addition, most of us 'church goers' spend an hour each week in church, maybe another hour or two in a Sunday School class or Bible study, maybe a few minutes here and there reading the Bible or a devotional. The rest of the time we are being blasted by the world. Radio, TV, the internet, aong other worldly influences that Satan uses to erode, or blow up, or chip away at our spiritual selves. And so friends, though I am certainly no Paul, I will always remind you (and myself!) of these things.
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Questions:
1. Are you sure of your calling?
2. If so, how did that happen?
3. If not, what steps are you taking to know?

"Christian, remember the goodness of God in the frost of adversity."Charles Spurgeon

Sure.

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Continuing in 2 Peter chapter 1 ( http://tinyurl.com/5adcu7 )

Today's focus - verses 10-11: Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.

Let us look at this verse, phrase by phrase:

Therefore... The 'therefore' refers to the previous verses. In other words, since you possess these qualities (goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love) in increasing measure, and you are not kept from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and you have not forgotten that you have been cleansed...since this is true...then move to the following my brothers.

...my brothers, This is a call to the believers. Sure, most of Peter's audience were men, but this is a message for all followers of Christ.

...be all the more eager... Eager. Eager! When was the last time a spiritual notion made you 'eager'? When was the last time your church made you 'eager'? Remember, the Lord of all creation is calling you! So be 'eager'...

... to make your calling and election sure. God sent His Son to live, die, and live again. For you. For me. We are made in His image. He has sent His Holy Spirit to comfort, encourage, and strengthen you, and me. We should want, should we not, to be doing exactly what He has called us to do?

Think about it; if you are a parent, or a supervisor, and you need certain work done in a timely fashion, is it enough that those you have entrusted with those tasks follow their own priorities? If the trash can has to be on the curb by seven, and you instruct someone to do it, and they sweep the porch instead, is your will being accomplished?

Friends, we must be careful that we are doing what God calls us to do. We must be sure. It is not enough, it is not right, to busy ourselves with church work, if it is not what God has called us to do. And we can know! Since we possess these qualities (goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love) in increasing measure, we can be EFFECTIVE and PRODUCTIVE in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Questions:
1. Are you sure of your calling?
2. If so, how did that happen?
3. If not, what steps are you taking to know?

THOUGHTS ON CALLING

“Next to faith this is the highest art,
to be content with the calling in which God has placed you."
Martin Luther

"Serve God by doing common actions in a heavenly spirit,
and then, if your daily calling only leaves you cracks and crevices of time,
fill them up with holy service."
Charles Spurgeon

"Monastic vows rest on the false assumption that there is a special calling,
a vocation, to which superior Christians are invited to observe the counsels of perfection
while ordinary Christians fulfill only the commands;
but there simply is no special religious vocation since the call of God
comes to each at the common tasks."
Martin Luther

The Portal

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Continuing in 2 Peter chapter 1 ( http://tinyurl.com/5adcu7 )

Today's focus - verses 5-9: For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. ("Them" of course, being the qualities of faith, goodness, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love in increasing measure.)

Let us look at this like a mathematical equation:

Not having "them" = forgetful of the cleansing from sin.
Having "them" = remembrance of the cleansing from sin.

An equal sign means that the statement is true in either order, therefore: remembrance of the cleansing from sin = having "them".

Satan wants you to think you are the same old person, with the same old sins, and that keeps you stuck where you are. His only real power over believers is to deceive them into thinking the Blood of Christ was ineffective. So remember...REMEMBER...if you have accepted Jesus Christ, He has cleansed you from ALL your sin, you are a new person in Him, and He is within you. Remember this and have a little faith...then...add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accurately restated, you will be EFFECTIVE and PRODUCTIVE in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

All from remembering that which you knew when you first accepted Him.

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Questions:
1. What do you think of this perspective?
2. Can we really forget that we have been cleansed?
3. What does that do?

THOUGHTS ON CLEANSING AND BEING CLEAN

How we have prayed for a Revival, we did not care whether it was old-fashioned or not,

what we asked for was that it should be such that would cleanse

and revive His children and set them on fire to win others.

Mary Booth

"I picked up a man from the street, and he was eaten up alive from worms.

Nobody could stand him, and he was smelling so badly.

I went to him to clean him, and he asked, 'Why do you do this?' I said, 'Because I love you.'"

Mother Teresa

"When you come to knowing God, the initiative lies on His side.

If He does not show Himself, nothing you can do will enable you to find Him.

And, in fact, He shows much more of Himself to some people than to others,

not because He has favourites,

but because it is impossible for Him to show Himself to a man

whose whole mind and character are in the wrong condition.

Just as sunlight, though it has no favourites,

cannot be reflected in a dusty mirror as clearly as in a clean one."

C.S. Lewis

Have you forgotten?

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Have you forgotten?

Continuing in 2 Peter chapter 1 ( http://tinyurl.com/5adcu7 )

Today's focus - verses 5-9: For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

This is a powerful statement: But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. It is powerful for it reflects the power of the Gospel itself. Note what it does not say.

It does not say that if your faith is not growing, or your perseverance, etc., that you are a bad person.
It does not say that if you are lacking in these attributes, that you are not working hard enough.
It does not say that if you are not maturing in your faith that you are weak.

It does say if you do not have these attributes then you have forgotten that you have been cleansed from (your) past sins. If we think we are who we were, before Christ, then is there any wonder that we do not grow?

Remember your salvation...and grow!

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Questions:

1. What do you think of this perspective?

2. Can we really forget that we have been cleansed?

3. What does that do?

THOUGHTS ON CLEANSING AND BEING CLEAN

How we have prayed for a Revival,
we did not care whether it was old-fashioned or not,
what we asked for was that it should be such that would cleanse
and revive His children and set them on fire to win others.

Mary Booth

"I picked up a man from the street, and he was eaten up alive from worms.
Nobody could stand him, and he was smelling so badly.
I went to him to clean him, and he asked, 'Why do you do this?' I said, 'Because I love you.'"

Mother Teresa

"When you come to knowing God, the initiative lies on His side.
If He does not show Himself, nothing you can do will enable you to find Him.

And, in fact, He shows much more of Himself to some people than to others, not because He has favourites,
but because it is impossible for Him to show Himself

to a man whose whole mind and character are in the wrong condition.
Just as sunlight, though it has no favourites,

cannot be reflected in a dusty mirror as clearly as in a clean one."

C.S. Lewis

Apple seeds

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Continuing in 2 Peter chapter 1 ( http://tinyurl.com/5adcu7 )

Today's focus - verses 5-9: For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Do we see this...add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love...as a line with a beginning and end? Do we begin with faith and end with love?

I don't think so; I think it is more of a circle. I think we start with a little faith, trusting in what that faith, we do the good it calls us to. When we do a little good we see...and gain the knowledge...that the process works somewhat. With that new knowledge comes the ability to practice self-control, because we see it working. When we gain that discipline, it allows us to keep going through tough times, to persevere. The goodness plus the knowledge plus the self-control plus the perseverance brings us a little closer to Godly behavior. Godly behavior makes us want to treat others better. When we treat others better, the love of God flows through us. When the love of God flows through us, it increases our faith, and the cycle continues and grows...and grows...and grows...and we take on these qualities in increasing measure.

We become more like Jesus.

It is like the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5). When we have a piece of fruit, we can eat it, and get all of the goodness, flavor, nutrition, and enjoyment of it. And what is left over? The seed! Which can be planted to provide immeasurable amount of fruit for others to enjoy.

"Anyone cans count the seeds are in an apple;

but only God can count the apples in a seed."

Unknown

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Questions:
1. What do you think of this perspective?
2. Are these steps you can take?
3. What might be the result?
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Peter's "How-to" Guide

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Continuing in 2 Peter chapter 1 ( http://tinyurl.com/5adcu7 )

Today's focus - verses 5-9: For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

We spend a lot of time reading the Scriptures and praying for discernment with tough passages, and that is right and good. And I find that process often brings a particular closeness to God as we rely on Him for understanding.

That being said, I also find great release and relief in very straight forward, explicit passages like this one. In this passage, God tells us, through Peter, how to keep from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge. This is a recipe, like Paul's recipe for peace in Philippians; step-by-step instructions for 'right' knowledge of Jesus.

Follow these steps and be effective and productive.

Ignore them and be ineffective, unproductive, nearsighted and blind, and we will have forgotten that we have been cleansed.


Our choice.

My choice.

Your choice.

Choose.

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Questions:

1. What do you think of this perspective?

2. Are these steps you can take?

3. What might be the result?

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"All men men will be Peters in their bragging tongue,
and most men will be Peters in their base denial;
but few men will be Peters in their quick repentance."

Owen Feltham

Escape!

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If you are able, pick up your Bible and read 2 Peter chapter one, or go here and read it: http://tinyurl.com/5adcu7

Here is the passage we will be focusing on:

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 1 Peter 1:3-4

...so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

...escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

...corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

...caused by evil desires.

...evil desires.

This takes us back to a recent discussion about our own thoughts as the beginning of trouble. Remember James 1 says each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. In this rather graphic language, James tells us that our desires, unchecked, move into relationship with temptation, and conceives and gives birth to the actual sin. Sin, of course, without Christ's intervention, leads to death.

We must remember, as upsetting as the idea may be, we are all born with a sinful nature. When we allow Satan a foothold the corruption begins.But we can escape that!

He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption...

Be part of the divine!

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Questions:

1. What does it mean to escape corruption?

2. What does it take to accept the gifts from God's divine power?

3. What does it mean to participate in the divine nature?

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"This is the mystery of the riches of divine grace for sinners,

for by a wonderful exchange our sins are now not ours but Christ's,

and Christ's righteousness is not Christ's, but ours." Martin Luther

Being a Part of the Divine

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If you are able, pick up your Bible and read 2 Peter chapter one, or go here and read it: http://tinyurl.com/5adcu7
Here is the passage we will be focusing on:

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 1 Peter 1:3-4

What do you need? Not what do you want, but what do you need? When the 23rd Psalm says the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, I believe that is a personal decision not to want anything other than what God supplies, and therefore, never to be 'in want', or 'wanting' for anything.

Back to what you need, what we need; God's divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness. Do we hear, understand, and believe this? The Creator of all that is promises to provide us, indeed already has, with everything we need.

Everything.

If we will receive His promises, we may participate in the divine nature. As part of the Body of Christ, we may be a part of the divine! And as we have discussed in recent days, we can avoid sin brought on by our desires coupled with Satan's attacks; and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. By submitting to His will and accepting His divine gifts, we can allow the Christ..who holds the keys to death and Hell...to overcome the evil in our lives.

Be part of the divine!

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Questions:

1. What does it mean to escape corruption?

2. What does it take to accept the gifts from God's divine power?

3. What does it mean to participate in the divine nature?

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"This is the mystery of the riches of divine grace for sinners,
for by a wonderful exchange our sins are now not ours but Christ's,
and Christ's righteousness is not Christ's, but ours."
Martin Luther

What weapons?

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For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3 - 5

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. Well, what are they then?

From another of Paul's letters we get a fairly comprehensive list of our available arms:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18

So then...truth...righteousness...the gospel...faith...salvation...prayer...the Spirit Himself!

The battle belongs to the Lord!
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Questions:
1. What do you think of this perspective?
2. Do you feel armed?
3. If so, how? If not, why not?
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"If the devil were wise enough and would stand by in silence and let the Gospel be preached, he would suffer less harm. For when there is no battle for the Gospel it rusts and it finds no cause and no occasion to show its vigor and power. Therefore, nothing better can befall the Gospel than that the world should fight it with force and cunning." Martin Luther

Why will it work?

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For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3 - 5

...and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

I hope this passage of Scripture is having the impact on you that it has had on me.

I know from what I am often told, and I suspect more than that, that many, maybe all people suffer in varying degrees, from their own thoughts. They range from moments of concern over the economy to dark bouts with depression; brief thoughts of inappropriate flirtation to compulsive pornography addiction; a flash of anger to murder; temptations are bred from momentary Earthly desires and can quickly bloom into full-grown sinful thoughts and actions. And yes, lingering thoughts themselves can be sinful. Remember Jesus' teaching (found in Matthew 5):

...Whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven..."You have
heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to
judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. ..."You have
heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.'But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has
already committed adultery with her in his heart...."You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and
hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be
sons of your Father in heaven.

Our improper thoughts can cause us so much trouble! The can drive us mad when we keep them in, and they can lead to great damage when we speak them or act upon them improperly.

But friends, I have good news...and I have Good News! 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. (John 3:16)

God loves you so much, that He sent Jesus to die...for you. He also sent His Holy Spirit, for you. Jesus loves you so much that He went through death and resurrection for you, and part of His mission is to be there for you, always, and to help you take control of your thought life. Can you hear that? The Son of God, Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, stands, ever at the ready, to take this burden from you. The work you do is to let Him have that burden.

...and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

You do not have to force your thoughts into obedience, you simply submit the source of your thoughts, yourself, to the one who holds the keys to death and Hell. All authority on Heaven and Earth has been given to Him. He is the Savior of the world!

He can handle your thoughts.

Give them to Him.

The battle belongs to the Lord!
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Questions:
1. What do you think of this perspective?
2. What would help you remember that you are always in God's presence?
3. What effect would that have on your life?
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Thoughts on thoughts:

"The neglected heart will soon be a heart overrun with worldly thoughts; the neglected life will soon become a moral chaos; the church that is not jealously protected by mighty intercession and sacrificial labors will before long become the abode of every evil bird and the hiding place for unsuspected corruption. The creeping wilderness will soon take over that church that trusts in its own strength and forgets to watch and pray." A.W. Tozer

"The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day." E.M. Bounds

"If you read history you will find out that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next." C.S. Lewis

"God hath my daily petitions, for I am at peace with all men, and He is at peace with me, and this witness makes the thoughts of death joyful." Richard Hooker

"There is mention of a sword turning every way: parallel whereto is the Word of God in a wounded conscience. Man's heart is full of windings, turnings, and doublings, to shift and shun the stroke thereof, if possible: but this sword meets them wheresoever they move; it fetches and finds them out; it haunts and hunts them, forbidding them, during their agony, any entrance into the paradise of one comfortable thought." Thomas Fuller Fuller

Who is in control?

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Do you remember Flip Wilson's TV show? How about his catch phrase when his character got in trouble..."The Devil made me do it."? Then there are all those images of someone in the midst of temptation, with the little angel on one shoulder, and the little demon on the other, each trying to convince the poor guy which way to act.

But the 'poor guy' still has a choice, and it is his (or her) decision. For though we live in the world...we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. From 2 Corinthians 10:3 & 5

...Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:14-15

James is saying that temptation comes when we are vulnerable, and we are vulnerable because of our own evil thoughts. It is as if Satan recognizes, [by an expression, or words, or actions, he cannot read our minds] that we are prime to be tempted. Hear it again: Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.

So then, how do we get rid of that desire?

We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Upon first reading, that might seem impossible. How can we control our thoughts? Don't some things just pop into our minds? When we inadvertently see or hear something improper, how can we control our thinking about it?

Pray without ceasing. (1Thessalonians. 5:17)

Pray without ceasing! I do not mean spending every minute on your knees, but spending every moment aware that Christ is with you...Lo, I am with you always. And in recognition of His constant presence, we submit our thoughts to Him. So the taking captive every thought, the controlling of our thoughts, is not about our supreme effort, it is a decision to submit to the supremacy of Christ.

Many large aircraft have a system similar to power steering in automobiles. The difference is, it can be turned on and off. The decision to work without it, is the decision to work harder and without a powerful assistance. Jesus said Lo, I am with you always, and He cannot lie! Your decision, then, to fly your own plane without His help is the decision to work harder and without the most powerful assistance!

When the improper image pops up on the TV or computer screen, cry out to Jesus.

When there is something you want, and no one is watching, cry out to Jesus.

Whenever anger, lust, jealousy, or any other thought begins to rise inside, before you expose yourself to the damage Satan wants so badly to do to and through you, cry out to Jesus!

Be in control by turning the reins over to the only one who can handle them. Think of an airplane again, you decide on a travel date, you buy the ticket, but you let the pilot do the flying!

God wants your all, but He will not take you by force. But what a life of joy awaits when you let God be God. When you have a thought that will expose you to the supernatural schemes of Satan, why would you do less than let the King of Heaven, who desires to be your protector, protect you?

The battle belongs to the Lord!

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Questions:
1. What does it mean to you, to pray without ceasing?
2. What would help you remember that you are always in God's presence?
3. What effect would that have on your life?
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Thoughts on thoughts:

"The neglected heart will soon be a heart overrun with worldly thoughts; the neglected life will soon become a moral chaos; the church that is not jealously protected by mighty intercession and sacrificial labors will before long become the abode of every evil bird and the hiding place for unsuspected corruption. The creeping wilderness will soon take over that church that trusts in its own strength and forgets to watch and pray." A.W. Tozer

"The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day." E.M. Bounds

"If you read history you will find out that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next." C.S. Lewis

"God hath my daily petitions, for I am at peace with all men, and He is at peace with me, and this witness makes the thoughts of death joyful." Richard Hooker

"There is mention of a sword turning every way: parallel whereto is the Word of God in a wounded conscience. Man's heart is full of windings, turnings, and doublings, to shift and shun the stroke thereof, if possible: but this sword meets them wheresoever they move; it fetches and finds them out; it haunts and hunts them, forbidding them, during their agony, any entrance into the paradise of one comfortable thought." Thomas Fuller Fuller

Do we do what we say we do?

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For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Paul used the word "we" frequently through this passage, and though we were not his contemporary "we", as followers of Christ, I believe the "we" includes us as well.

That being said, let us look and see how Paul's "we" statements in this passage compare to "we" in today's world:

For though we live in the world...well, so far so good.

we do not wage war as the world does...or do we? When we 'do battle' do we do it as God would have us do it? Or do we act just like everyone else. Are we spiteful, unrighteous-ly angry, gossipy, and deceitful (to name a few)? Does the world look at us as Christians en masse, individual churches, and individuals, and see us acting differently than the rest of the world?

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world...we certainly have these weapons available to us, things like the Fruits of the Spirit, and being slow to anger, and prayer. We must make certain that we are seeking God's help constantly, in making use of these weapons.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God...what a lofty goal! How do you feel about being part of this "we"?

and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ...this is the place to start! This is the linchpin for this passage. Taking every thought in our own minds, and making it obedient to Him. If we could do this one thing, the others would fall into place. If every thought of doubt and anger, every temptation, every fear, were immediately turned over to God, and submitted in obedience to His Son, our lives would change so drastically. Our vision would become so clear. We could then see those Heavenly weapons, see His use and purpose for them, and see others in the light of His love.

The battle belongs to the Lord!
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Questions:

1. How do you feel about these "we"s?
2. What would it take to submit each and every thought to Christ?
3. Is it worth it to you to try?
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Thoughts on thoughts:

"The neglected heart will soon be a heart overrun with worldly thoughts; the neglected life will soon become a moral chaos; the church that is not jealously protected by mighty intercession and sacrificial labors will before long become the abode of every evil bird and the hiding place for unsuspected corruption. The creeping wilderness will soon take over that church that trusts in its own strength and forgets to watch and pray." A.W. Tozer

"The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day." E.M. Bounds

"If you read history you will find out that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next." C.S. Lewis

"God hath my daily petitions, for I am at peace with all men, and He is at peace with me, and this witness makes the thoughts of death joyful." Richard Hooker

"There is mention of a sword turning every way: parallel whereto is the Word of God in a wounded conscience. Man's heart is full of windings, turnings, and doublings, to shift and shun the stroke thereof, if possible: but this sword meets them wheresoever they move; it fetches and finds them out; it haunts and hunts them, forbidding them, during their agony, any entrance into the paradise of one comfortable thought." Thomas Fuller Fuller

Feel the Power!

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For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 These are amazing words!!!

The weapons we fight with...we are to fight, and we are given weapons.

...are not the weapons of the world...we must then, submit all the weapons we usually would use. Earthly intelligence must be submitted to heavenly wisdom. This is not to say we do not use the gifts that God has given us, but rather, that alone they are not enough. But God provides.

On the contrary, they have divine power...wherever, whenever, and against what or whomever we are called to fight, we bear weapons of the Creator of the universe, of the Eternal, Almighty, Jehovah God.

The power that spoke the universe into being...the power that parted the Red Sea...the power that flooded the Earth...and the power that so loved the world, that He have His only Begotten Son.

We are given the power to fight, to turn the other cheek, and to love.

No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17
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Questions:
1. Do you feel armed by God?

2. If so, how did that happen?

3. If not, what must you do?

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"Kindness is the noblest weapon to conquer with." Thomas Fuller

"The reason why many fail in battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came...Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory. Reuben Archer Torrey

"If the devil were wise enough and would stand by in silence and let the Gospel be preached, he would suffer less harm. For when there is no battle for the Gospel it rusts and it finds no cause and no occasion to show its vigor and power. Therefore, nothing better can befall the Gospel than that the world should fight it with force and cunning." Martin Luther

Demolition

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Yesterday was Laity Sunday at our church, and we had three incredible messages, I was really blessed! In the first service, my dear sister Brenda Will spoke about controlling our thoughts. She made reference to a passage in 2 Corinthians that got me reading.

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Can you feel that power? We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God...

We do not have to make weak cases for Christ. God does not leave us hanging by our own logic. We don't have to be bashed by arguments against the faith.

We demolish them.

Remembering always, that we demolish arguments but we build relationships.

We demolish arguments but we build up people.

We demolish arguments but we build up the body.

We demolish arguments but we love with the Love of God.

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Questions:
1. How do we demolish arguments?
2. Is it possible to demolish and build at the same time?
3. Might some of the arguments to be demolished be our own?
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“Compassion costs. It is easy enough to argue, criticize and condemn, but redemption is costly, and comfort draws from the deep. Brains can argue, but It takes heart to comfort.” Samuel Chadwick

"When you are arguing against Him, you are arguing against the very power that makes you able to argue at all."C.S. Lewis

Stand Up and be Blessed!

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Stand Up and be Blessed!

In closing out our look at this passage, this theme, I would like to look at one more thing, being blessed by Jesus.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered,

"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in Heaven.

It just struck me this morning that Jesus did not single Peter out for these questions; When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples. They replied...

He asked the group about popular opinion, and the group gave the standard answers. Then He asked them what they thought. One of them, Simon Peter, was bold enough to answer.

He boldy, publicly proclaimed the truth. And Jesus blessed him.

The world needs to know the truth. They always need to know, but it seems as if many hearts might be open in these times of anxiety.

If you boldly, publicly proclaim the truth, Jesus will bless you as He did Peter.

Try it.

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Questions:

1. How is your anxiety level?

2. Have you ever publicly proclaimed Jesus?

3.Have you ever, in any forum outside of church, publicly proclaimed Jesus?

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"The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus." Hudson Taylor

Confession

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Confession time.

Yesterday, right after writing in this space, about 6:15 a.m., my cellphone rang. I was still at the computer. It was my oldest son, in an ambulance, on his way to the emergency room; he had just been in an automobile accident while driving to work. And, I confess, pangs of anxiety, thoughts of how badly he might be injured, a totalled car, rising insurance rates...worry and anxiety trickled over me.

But then...

...but then the mercy of God poured over me. It rained down through the words of His Word;

...and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

...your Heavenly Father knows what you need.

...the Lord is near...

...do not be anxious about anything...

...in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God...

...the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Oh, the fiery arrows of anxiety continued to fly, and occasionally one struck, but the shield of faith allowed me to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Does this sound like bragging? I certainly hope not. This is not about my strength, it is a confession of my weakness. I am as prone to anxiety as anyone, maybe more than most. But His grace is sufficient for me, for His power is made perfect in my weakness.

Friends, this is not a message about what I, or any of us can do, it is a message of the mighty power of the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Who do you say He is?

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Questions:
1. How is your anxiety level?
2. Can you break down and allow Him to be the Christ in your life?
3. Do you have questions about this? If so, please write
.
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"The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus." Hudson Taylor

God is Bigger than the Boogie Man

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For those of you familiar with classical music, you probably recognize today's title, taken from the VeggieTales song of the same name, in which Bob the tomato proclaims:

God is bigger than the boogie man
He's bigger than Godzilla, or the monsters on TV
Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man
And He's watching out for you and me.

While this is cute and funny, and aimed at childhood fears, the message is mighty and true.

Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matthew 16:17-18)

...and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

"It" is the church.

Remember, that the church is that entity that recognizes Christ as the Son of the living God.

Nothing, nothing (!) can overcome that church. If the gates of Hell itself were unleashed upon them, those that recognize the Son of the living God could not be overcome.

Who do you say He is?
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Questions:
1. How is your anxiety level?
2. How do your problems compare to the "gates of Hades"?
3. Does your church teach the invincibility of the Christ?
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"The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus." Hudson Taylor

Who is the Rock?

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Who is the Rock?

Last time, we saw that Peter recognized that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Son of the living God, and what that meant to Peter, from Matthew 16:16.

Now let us look at Jesus' response: Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matthew 16:17-18)

It is often taught that Jesus renamed Simon, Peter, meaning "rock", and that on Peter the church would be built. But the church is not built upon any man but the Man. Jesus was calling Simon "rock"as a permanent reminder of what he (Peter) had just recognized. Jesus did not say "I am building my church on you." The Rock upon which Jesus would build His church was this idea; that those who would be the church would be those who recognized that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Simon was called the rock, but Jesus is the Rock. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. (1 Cor. 3:3-4)

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (Matt. 7:24-25)

Amen.

How will you answer when He asks you "Who do you say I am?"

Do you want to feel better?

Go watch this video:http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=bf3c5b47bc9b50f214af Jim

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Questions:
1. How is your anxiety level?
2. Is your house built on the Rock?
3. How about your church?
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"The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus." Hudson Taylor

Worry? How can I not worry?

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Worry? How can I not worry?

Last time, I wrote that as Christians are commanded not to worry, and have a responsibility to be a non-anxious representative of Christ to the world, especially in anxiety filled times. Consider the exchange between Jesus and Peter. (Matthew 16:13-16)

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

We know that Peter stumbled a few times, but it was this realization, that Jesus is the Christ, that steeled him for all future trials. It was the comprehension that this Man he was following carried the keys to the universe that allowed him to be open to the Holy Spirit, to face ridicule, condemnation, and death. It allowed him to move forward, into an (in earthly terms of employment, income, and home ) uncertain future without anxiety. He now saw the world from a Heavenly perspective, from a Kingdom view.

Earthly woes shrink in the Light of the Christ.

Are you a Christian? Do you follow Jesus?

How will you answer when He asks you "Who do you say I am?"

Do you want to feel better?
Go watch this video:http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=bf3c5b47bc9b50f214af Jim
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Questions:
1. How is your anxiety level?
2. How are you seeking God to remain non-anxious?
3. Does the fact that the King of Heaven is your King, help you be peaceful?

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"The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus." Hudson Taylor

What, me worry?

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What, me worry?

These are rough times, tough times. We are at war on multiple fronts, gas prices are fluctuating, and the economy is...I'm not sure I have the proper adjective for what the economy is. Add in the elections...differing philosophies, TV ads stirring things up...the anxiety level among the American public is amazingly high.

And the anxiety level among Christians... ...should be non-existent.

That's right, Christians should not be worried. Jesus commanded us not to worry: Therefore I tell you, do not worry...

He spoke to His followers then, those under severe Roman persecution, without liberties, with an unfair tax structure, with concerns about taking care of their families and their futures: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:22-34

Hear His words!

Do not worry about your life...

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

O you of little faith!

But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

There is a retired pastor, Rev. Richard Hogue, who oversaw the Local Pastor Licensing School that I attended. One of the greatest pieces of wisdom that he shared was this; "Be a non-anxious presence." In other words, leaders should be following Christ's example, and modeling it for the church. But I don't think Richard's advice is solely for pastors. Jesus was talking to all His followers, and that includes you and I.

Do you believe in God? Then believe His Son, and Let not your hearts be troubled. John 14:1

Friends, believers have a tremendous responsibility...and opportunity...during trying times. When you can walk around your workplace, your neighborhood, your home, and your church, with the joy, what a tremendous witness that is to the peace and power of God! I am not talking about some Pollyanish, unrealistic view of current circumstances. I am talking about an actual recognition of serving, and being served by the God that is above these circumstances, the God that is bigger than Wall Street, and the King that is bigger than Capitol Hill.

"That's my King! Do you know Him?"*****

*****You want to feel better? Go watch this video:
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=bf3c5b47bc9b50f214af Jim

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Questions:
1. How is your anxiety level?
2. How are you seeking God to remain non-anxious?
3. Do you feel a responsibility to reflect His peace to non-believers?
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"The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus." Hudson Taylor

Everywhere all the Time

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Looking at the vastness and the intimacy of God. I got a great response to yesterday's reading, from my buddy and brother in Christ, Dave Hill:

Hi Jim,
Just a thought...I'm currently thinking of God as a Smaller / Greater God... God is the Spirit within (smaller)...Yet Greater in that the Triune God is the God of Creation, Redemption and Protection from the world for all who call upon His name...So herein lies the truth in this thought...He is all things to all people in all times...Just a thought...Peace, DH

Studying the doctrine of the Trinity is a worthwhile thing to do, but not today. This is bigger than doctrine, bigger than theology, this is truth. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are everywhere, all the time, always there for you.

I have loved you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20

"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth...you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17

So then, can we know? Yes! How can we know?

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. 1 John 3:16

And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. 1 John 3:24

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9

This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 1 John 5:2

As high as you go, He is there. As low as you feel, He is there. Just turn to Him and cry out; you don't even have to know what to say. The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. Romans 8:26-28

That's you, and that's God.
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Questions:
1. What is your take on this perspective?
2. Are you constantly aware of God's presence with you?
3. If not, what might you do to become aware?
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May we know that God is here for us, always. Jim

"If one starts with an impersonal beginning, the answer to morals eventually turns out to be the assertion that there are no morals." Francis Schaeffer

Why?

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Why?

Looking at the vastness and the intimacy of God...but why?

Someone told me yesterday that they were enjoying this topic, but was wondering where I was going with it. Let me explain; as a pastor, I often deal with people in crisis, and last week there were many individuals and families dealing with severe illness, surgeries, and death of a loved one. It struck me that the church often focuses on the New Testament, but there are times when we need to see that Old Testament, universe creating, Red Sea parting, dry bones resurrecting, great, big, BIG God. A God that is so much bigger than any circumstance that we happen to be in. A God so vast that we cannot even begin to imagine His capabilities.

Yet at the same time...

...at the same we need to know that He is in the middle of our circumstances with us. He is also an intimate God, holding us, loving us as we hurt. Surely He is the towering pillar of fire that guides us, but He is also the same-size-as-us Man, Jesus.

How big?

"By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth." He's a big star-breathing God! "The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before him? 2 Chronicles 2:5-6

He's a bigger than the heavens God!

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? To whom, then, will you compare God? What image will you compare him to? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God,the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. From Isaiah 40

He's a bigger than our imagination God!

Yet at the same time...

From Psalm 139:

O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. He's a God who knows you.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. He's a God who created you as an individual and knows you as an individual.

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. He's a God with a plan for your life!

[Luke 12:7]
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. He's a God that knows every detail about you.

[Revelation 3:20]
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. He's a God that desires a relationship with you.

[John 14:1-3]
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. He is a God who wants to spend eternity with you.

[John 3:16]
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. He is a God who sent His Son because He loves you that much..

Bigger than any circumstance, lovingly in the midst of your circumstances. That's God.
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Questions:
1. What is your take on this perspective?

2. Do you find more comfort in the vastness or the intimacy of God?

3. How do you see God?

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May we know the enormity of His love for us. Jim

"If one starts with an impersonal beginning, the answer to morals eventually turns out to be the assertion that there are no morals." Francis Schaeffer