Closer than a brother

Bible Reading: Leviticus ; Proverbs 18; John 21; Colossians 1

Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Are you a person who has friends? Think for a moment…how many friends do you have that you could tell something that you were struggling with and know that they would not judge you, but would give you godly counsel and pray for you? How many friends do you have that you could call if you were in need and know that if they could, they would help you? If you have a friend like that you are blessed. If you have several friends like that, you are truly blessed.

Here the Bible teaches us something VERY important about friendship. If you want to have friends, you must be a friend. Show yourself friendly and see what happens. Many people sit back and wait for someone to befriend them. The Bible says to have friends you must show yourself friendly. Being a friend to people you may not know or who are different from you is Christ-like!

Luke 7:34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!

Do you remember when Jesus came into Jericho? He made friends with the local tax collector. Jesus initiated the relationship and it led to Zacchaeus' conversion! Maybe you are not an outgoing person or one who is able to talk to strangers easily. You can still smile. You can be friendly and say, "Hello," or "Good morning," or "Thank you." You can look for ways to show kindness to a neighbor or a co-worker.

Many times people complain because people are not friendly to them. The Bible says we are to be friendly in order to have friends. If you are a follower of Jesus you already know a friend that sticks closer than a brother – Jesus! He is with you always and he will listen. You can pray to him anytime. He will never leave you and never forsake you. He calls you friend and lets you in on his plan for the ages!

John 15:14-15 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

A big part of following Jesus is showing yourself friendly. So learn from the friend of sinners and be a friend. Soon you will find that you have friends as well!

In Christ,

Rody

Touch me not

Bible Reading: Leviticus 1; Proverbs 17; John 20; Philippians 4

John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Mary Magdalene was the first to see Jesus after the resurrection.

Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

She did not recognize him at first but thought him to be the gardener. I suppose mistaking the One who planted the Garden of Eden as the Gardener is a legitimate mistake! When Jesus spoke her name, she recognized him. Then he instructed her not to touch him. His reason was that he was yet ascended to his Father. This is interesting in light of the fact that a little over a week later, Jesus is going to tell Thomas to touch him.

John 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

Why would Jesus tell Mary not to touch him? Was his transformed body so holy that he would be defiled? Was he not yet finished with his transformation and for her to touch him would have interrupted the process? I think the answer is more practical than all that. Jesus knew Mary. She was unbelievably grateful for what Jesus had done for her. She wanted to worship him and adore him. She would have fastened (that is one of the meanings of the Greek word translated 'touch') onto him and held him because she did not want to let him go.

We all have times like that. We have times when we just want to sit in the presence of Jesus and worship him. That is a good thing! It is a great thing! However, Jesus had a mission for her. She would have time to spend with him later. He was not ascended to his Father yet. It would be forty days before he would ascend on the Mount of Olives. He needed her to go and tell the disciples that Jesus was alive. He needed her to be a witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As followers of Jesus there is always the desire to stay and worship when we must go and tell. The thing we must remember is that being a witness is worship. To sit at the feet of Jesus and learn and adore him is good. However, there are times when he instructs us like he did Mary. Go…

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Jesus is not calling us to either / or. He is calling us to both / and. Stay and worship and go and tell.

In Christ,

Rody

Press toward the mark for the prize

Bible Reading: Exodus 40; Proverbs 16; John 19; Philippians 3

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

We have not yet arrived! We are a work in progress and as such, we still walk in the flesh and sin sometimes. That is not what God wants for us. As his children we are new creatures and he wants us to live out of the new life that Jesus Christ has given us. He does not want us to take the grace of God in vain and live like we are still lost!

1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Don't sin! But if you do sin, run to your advocate – Jesus Christ the righteous and receive cleansing and forgiveness.

We haven't yet reached heaven. We are not yet glorified. We have not experienced the resurrection of the body. But, while we are in this body we must live like Paul. We must live facing forward! To live facing forward, you must forget those things that are behind. Have you done sinful things in the past? (Yes, because we all have.) Then confess them to God and forsake them and press on! Have you been hurt in the past? (Yes, because we all have.) Then forgive those who hurt you and press on! Remember, not only did Jesus Christ die to pay for your sins but for the sins that were done to you as well.

Have you missed God in the past? Then get your eyes on Jesus now and press on! Have you started well in the past only to stumble and fall? Then get up and press on! The past is over and you must give it to God through confession and forgiveness and press on! If you run the race looking backward you will always be focusing on the past! Bitterness and grief come from running looking back. The Bible says to reach forth unto those things which are before. The mark is Jesus Christ! The mark is heaven! The mark is to live for him.

God has called us to a high calling in Christ Jesus. Run the race. Forget what happened yesterday and press toward the mark! Don't live in the past. Past victories and past failures are just that – past. Many times in the Word of God it says, "And it came to pass…" Those hard times pass. Those failures are past. Today – run toward Jesus and run for the prize!

In Christ,

Rody

My kingdom is not of this world

Bible Reading: Exodus 39; Proverbs 15; John 18; Philippians 2

John 18:33, 36 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Is Jesus a king? That is what Pilate wanted to know since the Jews had delivered him over wanting him put Jesus to death. Pilate was trying to distinguish if Jesus had done anything worthy of death. Jesus answered him with an interesting statement about his kingdom. It is not of this world. Jesus is the king, but this world is still under the power of Satan.

John 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Because the devil is the prince of the power of the air, the whole world is under his influence.

1 John 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

Because Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, it is a different kingdom than all the kingdoms of this world. If an earthly king were captured, his servants would fight to free him. But that is not what Jesus' servants did. It was not that he did not have servants that could fight! When Peter tried to defend him, Jesus told him to put up his sword.

Matthew 26:52-53 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

At a word, twelve legions of angels would have come rushing to the aid of the King of Glory! But that was not the plan. That is not how you save this world. You cannot set up a new regime and change the rules and hope for the best. This world must be saved one soul at a time. Jesus will bring his kingdom to this world one day. We are to constantly pray for this to come about:

Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Jesus reigns over the hearts of those who trust in him.

Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

If you have trusted in Christ you are a part of his kingdom now and some day he will bring his kingdom to a new heaven and a new earth! Let's live for the kingdom.

In Christ,

Rody

Striving together for the faith of the gospel

Bible Reading: Exodus 38; Proverbs 14; John 17; Philippians 1

Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.

What is it that guides your way of life? Do you strive to 'fit in' with your peers? Do you try to 'keep up with the Jones's'? Do you work to be known as an intellectual? Do you work hard to promote yourself and your business's reputation? Maybe your vision is to 'be unique'. The follower of Christ focuses on none of these things. As we are encouraged here, we must let the gospel of Christ dictate our 'conversation' or way of life. I once heard a man say that he was an evangelist and he worked as a plumber so he could afford his 'preaching habit'! Does your conversation become the gospel of Christ? What do you do that would bring shame and reproach to the name of Christ? What have you forsaken for the sake of the gospel?

It is interesting that Paul did not necessarily have to be with the believers at Philippi to know if they were walking with Christ. He said if he wasn't with them that he would hear of their manner of life. Our reputations are broadcast. If you live for Christ and for the gospel, people will know it. Living for self will be apparent to others as well.

A church that is walking in a way that becomes the gospel will have some things in common. First, they will stand fast in one spirit in the fight against the enemy. When it comes to spiritual warfare, the Biblical command is to STAND FIRM!

Ephesians 6:12-13 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Not only must we stand fast, but we must be in one spirit and with one mind. Alexander the Great conquered most of Europe and Asia and parts of Africa by training his men to fight in the phalanx. Te phalanx was a group of men who fought as a single unit. Later, the Romans adopted the phalanx into the cohort. Are you fighting arm-in-arm alongside your pastors and fellow believers? Can you say that your life is lived 'striving for the faith of the gospel'? Are you wrestling with the spiritual forces of wickedness?

Are you living in a way that focuses everything you have on the gospel of Christ? Are you fighting alone or are you fighting as a body with your church?

In Christ,

Rody

He that spareth his rod hateth his son

Bible Reading: Exodus 37; Proverbs 13; John 16; Ephesians 6

Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Have you ever heard someone say, "Spare the rod, spoil the child!"? What a perversion of Scripture! The Scripture is much more to the point. If you spare the rod, you hate your child! Think of the implications of that! Millions of Baby boomers read Dr. Spock's book and decided not to spank. Many Christian parents allowed the world to dictate their parenting practices instead of being discipled by the Word of God. Parenting is discipleship on both parts. The parents are following Jesus and learning what a godly marriage and a godly mom and dad are from the Word. The children are being disicpled by their parents to become fully devoted, reproducing followers of Christ.

Our heavenly Father uses chastening in our upbringing as his children.

Hebrews 12:6-8 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Let the weight and impact of that word strike home! If you belong to God he chastens you. He does it because he loves you. If you do not receive chastening, you are a bastard! If you don't spank your children to discipline them you hate them and are treating them as bastards!

If you love your children, you will learn from your loving Heavenly Father and chasten them betimes! Betimes means early when you can get their attention. Listen to the words of Jesus.

Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

It is a loving parent that spanks their children. To love enough to point out sin and rebuke and chasten is true discipleship. See yourself as a discipler with your children. Learn from the best Father of all – God himself! Take them to the woodshed when they need it. If you obey the Lord, they will learn to obey you!

In Christ,

Rody

Ye are the branches

Bible Reading: Exodus 36; Proverbs 12; John 15; Ephesians 5

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

It is a fallacy to think that we can do something for Jesus. That is what much of Christian ministry in our day is. It is a thought that we must in some way pay Jesus back for what he has done for us. That however, is man's thinking. Jesus uses the illustration of a vine and branches to help us understand the Christ-life. Think of the image – a vine with branches growing off of it. The life of the vine is the sap that runs through it. The branches do not support the vine. The branches receive life and nutrition from the vine. The vine draws water and nutrients from the ground which flows through it to the branches. Then, the fruit begins to grow. The branches do not produce the fruit. The vine produces the fruit. The branches are the 'hangers' where the fruit grows, but both the branch and the fruit get their life from the vine.

The necessary thing for the branch is to remain attached to the vine. If the branch is disconnected from the vine, it will wither and die. Jesus is telling us here that life comes from him. We must abide in him to stay connected to the life. He must abide in us. The vine and the branch are one at that node point where they connect. The point of our connection with Jesus is spiritual. The Holy Spirit has connected us to the life of Jesus the vine. Jesus is always producing fruit! The only way we will bring that fruit forth is if we are abiding in him.

Imagine a branch on its own wanting to produce something to bring to the vine. Well, that doesn't work, does it? That is why Jesus says, "Without me ye can do nothing." We only bear the fruit that the vine produces. That is why the Bible calls it "the fruit of the Spirit".

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Stay connected to the vine. Receive life from the vine. Abide in Christ and let his words abide in you. This is how you bear fruit and glorify God the Father.

John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

In Christ,

Rody

The liberal soul shall be made fat

Bible Reading: Exodus 35; Proverbs 11; John 14; Ephesians 4

Proverbs 11:24-25 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. 25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

How do you handle your money? The Bible has a lot to say about money and Jesus tells us that money is a test of discipleship.

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The proverb tells us that there is a liberal soul that scatters his money. This does not mean that he just walks down the road littering the trail with dollar bills. It means that he does not greedily hoard up what he has, but lets it flow loosely through his fingers. Even though he gives and invests in the kingdom of God, he increases. The greedy will never understand this. He is constantly looking to get more and hold tightly to what he has. However, the one who scatters experiences increase.

There is the stingy person contrasted here. He withholds more than is meet. In other words, he doesn't give what is due to those who deserve it. He cheats and shorts others. The Bible tells us that it tends to poverty. What kind of a person are you? Are you a person of blessing? The 'liberal soul' literally means a person of blessing. The Bible tells us that the person of blessing shall be made fat. In our day being 'fat' is not a good thing, but it means that you will have plenty. Do you scatter seed and sow into the kingdom of God? Do you water others when they are in need? Then you will be watered also. God will tend to this. You can trust him.

2 Corinthians 9:6-10 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

God is the giver of the increase. You cannot out-give the Lord! If you hold it tightly, you will lose it. But if you scatter and water, you will see an increase. You can say you trust God, but how you handle money will tell the real tale!

In Christ,

Rody

The LORD passed by before him

Bible Reading: Exodus 34; Proverbs 10; John 13; Ephesians 3

Exodus 34:5-7 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. 6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, 7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

After Moses had broken the first two tables of stone that the Ten Commandments were on, he was instructed by God to make two more. He was to present himself early in the morning and God would pass by and proclaim the name of the LORD before him. Here is one of the most wonderful declarations of the Lord's attributes in scripture all in one place. This is our God:

1. 
   The LORD – this is the covenant name of God Jehovah. It is the name that he revealed himself to Moses at the burning bush when he said, "I AM!"
   
2. The LORD God – He is the Almighty!
   
3. Merciful; Keeping mercy for thousands – God shows mercy to us and does not give us what we deserve.
   
4. Gracious – God is gracious and gives us gifts that we do not deserve. His gift of salvation is the most gracious gift of all!
   
5. Longsuffering – God suffers long with us and shows patience with us that is truly divine.
   
6. Abundant in goodness – God alone is good! He is abundant in the attribute of goodness.
   
7. Abundant in truth – God cannot lie! Jesus is the truth. God has given us his Word, which is truth!
   
8. Forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin – Our God forgives our sin in Christ when we confess it to him.
   
9. Will by no means clear the guilty – God is just and he does not just look over sin. He requires payment for sin.
   
10. Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and fourth generation – God has warned us that idolatry and sin will be learned and repeated by following generations. This is not God saying he will punish a child for a parent's sin. It means that he knows sin will be handed down and we must repent and teach the next generation the truth of our God!
    

This is God's self-revelation of his name to Moses. Do you know him? He is the Creator and the Redeemer. He loves you and wants you to walk with him every day!

In Christ,

Rody

His great love

Exodus 33; Proverbs 9; John 12; Ephesians 2

Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

God is a Benefactor who is rich in mercy. Mercy is the attribute of God whereby he does not give us what we deserve. We have not always loved him supremely. We have allowed other loves to come between us and our Creator. We have lived as if he did not even exist for periods of time. We have ignored him and broken his holy law. If God were to always give us what we deserve, he would have consumed Adam and Eve and been done with us all! But he is rich in mercy. You and I struggle to show mercy to others when we see them do wrong. God is rich in mercy.

His mercy flows from his great love wherewith he loved us. The Bible tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8). He has a great love for us that does not make sense because we are not lovely! As a matter of fact, we were dead in sins. Can you imagine the great love of God for a dead man? How overwhelming to think of this great love of his that I do not deserve. You and I find it a challenge sometimes to love those who love us and yet, God loves even his enemies!

Luke 6:32, 35-36 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Not only does God love us and show us mercy, but he also gives us life in Jesus Christ. Dead, sinful people receive the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. It is God who quickens us! Remember how God raised the three day dead body of Jesus? If we trust in Christ, God gives us life together with Christ. This is a grace gift that God gives to us. Dead sinners do not save themselves. God saves sinners because of his amazing grace!

This is the rich, great, merciful and loving work of God! We are saved! That is a past tense verb! It means that it is already done and it is done forever! Are you saved? Thank God and share the mercy, love and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ with someone today.

In Christ,

Rody

Hear instruction and be wise

Bible Reading: Exodus 32; Proverbs 8; John 11; Ephesians 1

Proverbs 8:32-33 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

Proverbs chapter eight is the cry of wisdom. The wisdom of God calls out to us to listen and pronounces a blessing upon those who keep the ways of wisdom. Just as Jesus told the story of the two men who built their houses, wisdom is only as good as our obedience! To hear and ignore is foolishness. To hear and obey is wisdom (Matthew 7:24-27). Wisdom comes into our lives by the ear! Hearken unto me! Hear instruction! We must listen to the Word of God. This is the source of wisdom. Unfortunately, we can hear and refuse to obey the voice of wisdom. Many have chosen this path, but God promises destruction on this path.

Proverbs 1:24-31 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; 27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. 28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

We must be careful to listen to the voice of wisdom and heed the call!

Proverbs 8:34-35 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

Do you watch daily at the gates of wisdom? Do you wait daily for the opportunity to hear what Jesus has to say to you for that day? Do you want to find life and favor from the Lord? Then you must hear the voice of wisdom!

Mark 13:37 [Jesus said]
And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Do you have a time each day when you get your Bible and get alone with God to watch and wait for his Word to speak to you?

Proverbs 8:36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

To sin against wisdom is to wrong your own soul. You neglect the Word of God to your own peril! Don't love death! Love God and get wisdom!

In Christ,

Rody

Bear ye one anothers burdens

Bible Reading: Exodus 31; Proverbs 7; John 10; Galatians 6

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

How do you fulfill the law? It is impossible for you and me to fulfill God's law. We have all broken God's law and are proven guilty.

Romans 3:19-20 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Jesus has fulfilled the law of God completely and perfectly.

Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Now in Christ, we are made into his body as brothers and sisters. As the church, we are called to bear one another's burdens. When we do this, the Bible says we are fulfilling the law of Christ. What is the law of Christ? It is the law of love.

John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

When you see a brother or a sister "overtaken in a fault" we are to restore them in a spirit of meekness. This is bearing one another's burdens. Instead of castigating and judging the person, we should work to restore them. The word translated 'restore' is also translated 'mending' in reference to fishermen mending their nets. Sometimes people get broken like nets. The spiritual act of love is to help mend them. Many times our brothers and sisters in Christ are dealing with burdens that are very heavy. Coming alongside and helping to bear these crushing burdens is what loving brothers and sisters is all about.

Who can you think of that needs help bearing a crushing burden? Who needs you to intercede on their behalf today? Who needs you to call them up and encourage them with the heavy burden they are bearing? Will you stoop down a shoulder and get under that burden with them? Will you fulfill the law of Christ?

In Christ,

Rody

Walk in the Spirit

Bible Reading: Exodus 30; Proverbs 6; John 9; Galatians 5

Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Notice the two verbs in this sentence: live and walk. There are two aspects to salvation that take place now before Jesus comes to get us and glorify us. These two aspects are justification and sanctification. Justification is what happens when you get saved. You are 'justified' by faith in Jesus Christ.

Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Justification is God regarding sinners as if they had never sinned and granting them righteousness. When you are justified, you are born again and you have life in Jesus Christ. Justification is a onetime event that will never be repeated again.

1 John 5:1a Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.

Sanctification is a life-long process of God making us holy. Sanctification is the work of conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ. Sanctification is Christian growth in maturity and holiness. This is important to distinguish between these two very important works that God does within us because if we confuse them, we will make salvation about works.

Are you alive in the Spirit? Do you trust Christ to save you from eternal hell and give you an abundant life here and now? Then, the Bible says, "Walk in the Spirit." Let the Holy Spirit of God have control of you so that you bear the fruit of the Spirit in your life. You can have life in the Spirit and not walk in the Spirit. This is what happens every time a child of God sins. In Galatians 5, we see the difference between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Can a true follower of Jesus sin? Not when they are walking in the Spirit! But when we are quenching the Spirit's work in our lives or grieving the Holy Spirit we have no choice but to sin because WE are running our lives. The flesh takes charge and it manifests in all manner of sin and wickedness. When you gossip – flesh. When you love – Spirit!

Will you walk in the Spirit? He wants you to surrender control of your life to him!

In Christ,

Rody

I know him

Bible Reading: Exodus 28; Proverbs 4; John 7; Galatians 3

John 7:28-29 Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. 29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.

Jesus was dealing with some VERY religious people. They studied the Bible (Old Testament) constantly. They memorized the first five books when they were little children and many of them had memorized the whole Old Testament. They fasted regularly; gave tithes of their income; attended worship services without fail; prayed daily; gave alms to the poor; and they did not believe in a secular government, but wanted a civil law based on the Bible! Wow! That sounds like the Religious right in our country!

BUT THEY WERE LOST!

The people said they did not know who Jesus was. They accused him of being possessed with a devil. They said he was just the carpenter's son from Nazareth. But Jesus insisted that they knew who he was and where he was from. He was not from Nazareth! He was from heaven and he had come because he was sent by his Father. The problem was that they did not know the Father. In the next chapter he will say:

John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

All over the world there are religious people. Some are Muslim. Some are Hindu, Seik, Buddhist, Taoist, Spiritist, Jewish, or Christian, but they are all lost. Jesus said these people did not know God. Do you know God? Religion will not make you righteous. You can be devout and practice your religion more than anyone else and still be lost. Being lost is not knowing God. Being righteous is knowing God. Listen to the words of one of the most religious people that ever lived:

Philippians 3:4-10 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.

Do you KNOW Jesus?

In Christ,

Rody

And he shall be hallowed

Bible Reading: Exodus 29; Proverbs 5; John 8; Galatians 4

Exodus 29:19-21 And thou shalt take the other ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram. 20 Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and upon the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about. 21 And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.

What a curious ritual! The preparation of Aaron and his sons for their priestly ministry is an interesting and BLOODY procedure. There was anointing oil poured all over them after the dressing in the priestly garments. Then sin offerings of a bull and a ram were offered on their behalf. Next came the sacrifice of another ram and his blood was used in an interesting way. The second ram is the ram of consecration. This means to devote wholly to the service of God. In consecrating Aaron and his sons, the blood was put on the tip or their right ear, on the thumb of their right hand and upon the great toe of their right foot.

Before we explore the significance of this, we must be reminded that we are priests if we believers in Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

As Aaron and his sons were consecrated to the service of God, so we are consecrated wholly to the service of God as a royal priesthood. We are called to be holy!

1 Peter 1:15-16 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

When the blood was applied to Aaron's right ear it signified the fact that his ears were consecrated to the Lord. He must HEAR the Word of the Lord. The blood upon his thumb signified his consecrated will and he was to DO the Word of the Lord. The blood upon his great toe signified his walk and he was to walk in the way of the Lord.

Are you consecrated to the service of the Lord? Does he have your ear to hear his word? Does he have your hand to do his will? Does he have your walk to follow in his way?

In Christ,

Rody

The flesh profiteth nothing

Bible Reading: Exodus 27; Proverbs 3; John 6; Galatians 2

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

When the Bible talks about quickening, it means to give life. The Spirit of God gives life or quickens the dead spirit of man.

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

This is a mighty miracle of God wrought by his spirit in us by grace. Jesus here tells us that the flesh profits nothing. Do you know the difference between the flesh and the spirit? It is absolutely necessary to be able to distinguish between the two. Both of them are at work in you if you are a child of God. If you do not have the Spirit of God living in you, you are only operating in the flesh and to God, you are dead.

The flesh always tries to perform and to achieve. Flesh is all about religion. Your flesh wants to offer a sacrifice to God. It wants to perform a religious ritual and earn salvation. But Jesus says it profits nothing. Your religion cannot add anything to the finished work of Jesus Christ. Your flesh brings nothing good to the Spirit-filled life.

Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

There is always a war going on between the flesh and the spirit within the child of God. Your flesh wants God to love you because of what you do. The Spirit teaches you that God loves you because of what Christ did for you and is please with what Christ is doing in you.

How do you understand this? The Words of Jesus!!! He said the words are spirit and they are life. It is only when you allow the Word of God to come into you and influence you that you will begin to understand what a spiritual quickening and walk with Jesus truly is. The Spirit of Jesus is constantly taking the Word of God and applying it to our lives. He takes the Word and makes it a part of our lives. So the need to HEAR God's Word is imperative! The Word is how the Holy Spirit helps us distinguish between our old religious flesh and God's life giving Spirit.

Do you have ears to hear?

In Christ,

Rody

Do I seek to please men

Bible Reading: Exodus 26; Proverbs 2; John 5; Galatians 1

Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

When Paul preached, he was not trying to persuade God, he was trying to persuade men! Preaching is meant to persuade men to believe God and his word.

Acts 18:4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

Acts 19:8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

Paul preached to persuade men and please God. Not the other way around. If we try to persuade God, we are in trouble because he already knows the truth. He is not in error that he should be persuaded. If we try to please men, we are in trouble. The Bible says:

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

If we seek to please men we will fall into a trap. We must choose. Will be try to please men and persuade God that our lifestyle is OK? Or will be please God and live to persuade men? There is all the difference in the world in these two positions. The man pleaser will always compromise his position with God. You cannot please both. Here the Bible tells us that if you live to please men, you cannot be the servant of Christ. You have to choose. Who will you live to please? Jesus said it like this:

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

As the servant of Christ, you and I must live in a way that is pleasing to him. It pleases him when we persuade men!

2 Corinthians 5:9-11 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

Who will you live to please? Will you serve Christ or men? I pray that you will live to please God and persuade men!

In Christ,

Rody

The Fear of the Lord

Bible Reading: Exodus 25; Proverbs 1; John 4; 2 Corinthians 13

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

What does it mean to fear the LORD? Should we be scared of God? No the Bible says…

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

When we love God and know that he loves us, we are not scared of God. However, we can love God and fear him at the same time. To fear God means to be careful to give him the respect that he deserves. He is God and we are not! You can love a person who is greater than you. You can love a great man or a great woman. Respect is an important way to understand the fear of the Lord. Do you respect God? Do you realize the holiness of God?

Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

If you want true knowledge, you must begin with a healthy fear of God. A reverential respect for his holiness and his majesty is a prerequisite for knowledge. A fool on the other hand will despise wisdom and instruction. He might want to know a lot of things, but he will not do anything with that knowledge. He will not be instructed. A person will learn who WANTS to learn. Do you value wisdom? Do you value instruction? Then apply the knowledge you have and God says you will have more. The fear of the LORD is the BEGINNING of wisdom. True wisdom is doing what Jesus says to do (see Matthew 7:24-27). When you encounter the Word of God and let it take root in your heart and grow that is the beginning. You will progress in knowledge and wisdom as you continue to apply what Jesus teaches you.

John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

Do you desire true knowledge then do what God says and you will gain more. Respect God enough to heed his word and obey. Then you will grow in wisdom and receive more instruction. Some have been hearing God's word for years but have done little with it. This shows a lack of respect for God and he will not give you more.

Fear God! He is holy!

In Christ,

Rody

Not yours but you

Bible Reading: Exodus 24; Job 42; John 3; 2 Corinthians 12

2 Corinthians 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

The apostle wanted to see the Corinthian believers. He preached the gospel to them. He loved them and was wanted to spend time with them. He wanted to know how they were doing and encourage them in their walk with Christ. This was his burden with all the churches.

Romans 1:11-12 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Paul saw himself as a father to the children that God had given to him in the new believers. He also uses the metaphor of a nursing mother caring for a child.

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

He did want to be a burden to these followers of Christ. He did not want their THINGS; he wanted THEM. He was interested in the relationship with the people. He was not interested in what he could get from them. For this reason, he uses a comparison between parents and children. He says that parents should save up for the children. Children do not save up for parents. As followers of Christ, we should desire the relationships with the people that we disciple. We should not be using people to get things. We should use things to help people.

What does it mean to seek not yours but you? It is very similar to our relationship with Jesus Christ. Do we go to God for what we can get from him? Or do we seek for God? God told Abraham:

Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

God was the reward of Abraham!

1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

The believers were the crown of rejoicing for Paul. He would meet them when he met Jesus and spend eternity together. Seek for relationships – not what you can get from them!

In Christ,

Rody

The Simplicity that is in Christ

Bible Reading: Exodus 23; Job 41; John 2; 2 Corinthians 11

2 Corinthians 11:2-3 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

A walk with Jesus Christ is not a complex thing. It is a simple faith in the living Lord that saves us and it is a simple faith in Jesus in which we stand and walk. The apostle was concerned for the Corinthian believers. He saw them as a father would his virgin daughter and he wanted them to remain faithful and pure for Jesus – the Bridegroom. Do you see yourself as the bride of Christ? You are a part of that bride if you have trusted in Jesus Christ! You are espoused to him and he has gone to prepare a place for you. He will come again and receive you to himself!

John 14:3 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.

But, like the very first bride in the Garden of Eden, there is a vile enemy that wants to seduce you into following him instead of God. Satan is always trying to deceive and lie. He wants you to doubt the goodness and faithfulness of God. He wants you to listen to his word instead of God's. You must keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and listen to his word! You cannot listen to the deceiving Serpent – he will lead you away from Christ.

What then is the simplicity that is in Christ? It is this – a love relationship. Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Even a young child can trust in Jesus and be saved.

Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Satan will make things complex. He will point you toward elaborate religious systems and rituals. Jesus says, "Follow me." Jesus says, "He who hath ears to hear, let him hear." Jesus says, "Believe on me." Eternal life is a relationship with Jesus.

John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Do you know him? Do you walk with him?

In Christ,

Rody

The Word was God

Bible Reading: Exodus 22; Job 40; John 1; 2 Corinthians 10

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Jesus did not have his beginning in Bethlehem! He was incarnated in Bethlehem, but he is from eternity to eternity! John begins his gospel in much the same way Genesis begins...In the beginning. God told us about the beginning of his creation in Genesis and John tells us about the beginning of the new creation. Jesus is the beginning of BOTH creations. He is the Word. Here we learn that the Word was with God. Jesus, the eternal Word of God was with God in the very beginning. Don't make the mistake of thinking that the God of the Old Testament is different than the loving Jesus of the New Testament. He was with God in the beginning.

We also learn the Word was God. Jesus is God. He made no bones about it! The Bible tells us that Jesus claimed to be God.

John 8:58-59 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

Here Jesus used the very words God had used to introduce himself to Moses. I AM. Jesus called himself the covenant name of God. Those Pharisees did not miss his claim because they took up stones to cast at him. They were accusing him of blasphemy and they were going to stone him for what he claimed. Jesus also declared:

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

John 12:44-45 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

What is God like? He is like Jesus. Or Jesus is God! Do you know him? Do you worship him? Do you follow him? Does he live in you? Religion brings up many interesting questions and many speculate about what God is like, but when we meet Jesus, we are meeting God!

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

The eternal Word who is God was made flesh and dwelt among us! God came to us and became like we are so that he could reveal himself to us. Our God is all about COMMUNICATION. Communication is so important to him that his very name is the Word of God. Do you listen to him?

In Christ,

Rody

Why seek ye the living among the dead

Bible Reading: Exodus 21; Job 39; Luke 24; 2 Corinthians 9

Luke 24:5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

Early the first day of the week the ladies went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus which was so hastily placed in the tomb because the Sabbath was coming on. Going into the tomb they found it empty. They were confused and suddenly two men suddenly stood by them in shining garments. This made the ladies fearful and not knowing what to do, they bowed down their faces to the earth. The angel's words are amazing – why seek ye the living among the dead? I imagine the angels were not trying to be sarcastic, they must scratch their heads at the foolish and inconsistent things we humans do at times. The angels do not understand why the ladies came here looking for Jesus. He already told him he would rise again!

Luke 24:6-7 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, 7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

The ladies are not being consistent. They are not acting as someone who believes what Jesus said. They would never go looking for a living man in a tomb! We need to hear this in our day as well! Where do we go looking for Jesus? Do we look to dead religious practices? What about ancient creeds and religious systems? Do we go on some trek to a 'holy site' looking for a religious experience?

Jesus told a woman from Samaria that there was no need to go to a holy mountain to worship him.

John 4:21-24 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Jesus is alive and he is not far from us. We need a relationship with him, not a religion! Do you know Jesus? Don't seek for the living among the dead! Jesus Christ is risen!

In Christ,

Rody

The fellowship of ministry

Bible Reading: Exodus 20; Job 38; Luke 23; 2 Corinthians 8

2 Corinthians 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

What is fellowship? Some believers see fellowship as getting together after a time of worshipping Jesus and talking. This might include sharing a meal and it might not. However, the Biblical doctrine of fellowship is a much deeper and more connecting idea than just discussing something. The Greek word translated 'fellowship' is koinonia and has the idea of a partnership or a shared life. When you have fellowship with someone you are in a partnership with them. Are you in partnership with your church? Are you in partnership with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Or do you just attend with no or very few strings attached?

The first mention of the Greek word koinonia in the New Testament is found here:

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Fellowship or a shared life in partnership with Jesus was something the early believers continued stedfastly in. They were committed and devoted to 'fellowship'.

As Paul writes to the Corinthian believers, he mentions the churches of Macedonia and how they 'prayed him with much intreaty' that he would receive the gift. They begged Paul to receive a monetary gift from their hand. There were apparently two parts to this gift. One part was to be taken to Jerusalem to relieve the suffering of the brothers there. The other part was to be used by Paul for ministry.

Paul speaks of the church at Philippi giving to propagate the spread of the gospel through Paul.

Philippians 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

Here is the question – have you taken upon yourself the fellowship of ministry? Are you partnering in the ministry and the spread of the gospel? Jesus said you put your heart where your money is.

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Do you have a heart for ministry? Put your fellowship and your money there. Do you have a heart for lost people? Put your fellowship and your money there. When was the last time you begged someone to take a monetary gift in order to get the gospel somewhere that it is not being preached?

In Christ,

Rody

Perfecting Holiness in the fear of God

Bible Reading: Exodus 19; Job 37; Luke 22; 2 Corinthians 7

2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

What promises is the apostle speaking of here? Let' go back one chapter and see!

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

The Bible tells us to come out from among the unbelieving yokes we are under. We are told not to touch the unclean thing. Then the Lord promises that he will receive us. He will be a Father unto us and we will be his sons and his daughters! Now those are some mighty promises! With those promises we can see that since God receives us as sons and daughters we are princes and princesses. Sons and daughters of the king do not live in the filth of the lost world. They cleanse themselves of the filthiness of this world.

The Bible tells us that we are to cleanse ourselves of all filthiness of the flesh and the spirit. Our cleansing should be of the outward actions that are sinful and the inward attitudes and desires that are sinful. The old Puritans used to talk about the 'affections'. These would be the appetites that we can indulge that are not what God wants for us to have.

This is holiness. The Bible tells us to be holy.

1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

How do we do this? We keep our eyes on Jesus and realize that we are the sons and daughters of God NOW!

1 John 3:1-3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Since we have these promises, let's purify ourselves. Live NOW like you are already there!

In Christ,

Rody

Your redemption draweth nigh

Bible Reading: Exodus 18; Job 36; Luke 21; 2 Corinthians 6

Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Jesus was discussing what was going to happen at his second coming. He talked of wars, famines, earthquakes, false Christ's and signs in the sun and moon. Jesus talked to his disciples of men's heart's failing them:

Luke 21:26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

As you and I look around us we see some of these things happening right now. Within the last few weeks we have seen massive earthquakes in Haiti and Chili. Our country is at war on two fronts right now. False Christ's and false doctrines abound. These things are beginning to happen. What should the Christian's response be?

Jesus says look up. Keep your eyes on Jesus and don't ever take them off!

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Jesus says lift up your head. Don't be down and gloomy. We know this must happen and we have a LIVING SAVIOR! Jesus is alive. Live for him every day. When these things begin to happen, our redemption draws near. This is what the Christian is hoping for!

Romans 8:23-25 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

These things mean the time for the return of our Savior is near. We must live everyday for him. There are many who are NOT waiting for the return of Jesus. They do not trust him and do not know them. We are his ambassadors to warn of the coming judgment and to give the good news that they can be saved from the wrath to come through him!

In Christ,

Rody

Ambassadors for Christ

Bible Reading: Exodus 17; Job 35; Luke 20; 2 Corinthians 5

2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Sent by God as his representatives, we have the calling of ambassador. We speak to men on Christ's behalf and ask men to be reconciled to God. This is our job. Have you ever thought about why God did not simply rapture you to heaven the moment you believed on Christ? Why are you still here? Is it so you can now have a free trip to heaven when you die but can enjoy the worldliness of sin for a season? Of course not; our lives matter. God has a great purpose for us.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

If you are a follower of Christ, you have been reconciled to God by Jesus Christ. Now, you have been given the ministry of reconciliation. You have the privilege of informing rebels that their Creator will forgive them because of the blood of Jesus Christ. The word of reconciliation has been committed unto us! This means that our lives not only belong to God but it matters how we live. We do not live for ourselves. We are citizens of another place – heaven. However, we are living here as ambassadors of the King. Our lives reflect upon the One we represent.

2 Corinthians 5:9-10 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

So whether we are at home in our heavenly country or living here as ambassadors, we must labor to be accepted of him! The King will call us home soon and we must appear before his heavenly throne. He will be interested to know how we have represented him here in this world. There will be reward for the good that we have done and we will have to answer for our misrepresentation of him.

Do you live with that in mind? Do you see your life as a stewardship entrusted to you by the King? Do you live as an ambassador? Hear the Word of the Lord! God wants to work through you! Let him!

In Christ,

Rody

We look not at the things which are seen

Bible Reading: Exodus 16; Job 34; Luke 19; 2 Corinthians 4

2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Where is your focus? How far down the road are you looking? For most people it depends on their age and station in life as to where their dreams and goals lie. As small children you may not be looking any farther than later in the day when you can go outside and play. Maybe a birthday or Christmas is as far away as you can see. Then when you get a little older you start aiming for times of more freedom like a driver's license and a first car or to graduation from high school. Then all the focus is on where you will go to college and the job you will get. Who you will marry and where you will live enter into that picture at that time as well. When you get out of college it is all about career and home. Then the focus is on building a home and a family…

But all of these are things which are seen! What about the Bible's emphasis on looking on the things that are eternal? How do we look to the eternal and live with our sighs fixed on things that are not seen? We begin with Jesus and his word.

John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Psalms 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

Jesus is eternal and so is his word. When we fix our eyes on Jesus and listen intently to his word, we are focusing on that which is eternal. We must also realize that people are eternal. Every man, woman, boy and girl will live forever. The question is whether they will live forever in heaven or in hell. So when we focus on relationships we are looking at that which will last.

When we have our eyes fixed on eternal things, it changes our priorities. Now instead of focusing on who we will marry we are seeking God for a husband or wife who is born again and will work together with us to live for the kingdom. We will not focus on the career that offers the most money or prestige, but on what the Lord wants for us to do. Our educational choices and entertainment choices will be affected. Most importantly we will view people as souls for whom Christ died and we will seek to win them to Christ.

Will you allow God to transform your mind and live for that which is eternal?

In Christ,

Rody

Shall he find faith on the earth

Bible Reading: Exodus 15; Job 33; Luke 18; 2 Corinthians 3

Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Jesus asked this question after he had told a parable about prayer. Here is the conclusion: if you have faith, you will pray and not give up. Do you have faith? Do you pray?

Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

What are you praying for right now? Have you received answers to your prayers? Are they according to the will of God? Are they selfish and self-centered prayers? Or are they God-honoring, Christ-exalting, Kingdom-building prayers? If they are don't give up! Keep on praying. Here is the parable:

Luke 18:2-5 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Jesus' story was about a woman that asked the judge for justice. The judge would not be bothered by her problem, but she would not give up. Finally, he decided to help her because she would not give up. The judge was not moved by a sense of justice or right and wrong. He just wanted her to leave him alone.

Luke 18:6-7 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

Jesus contrasts this unjust judge with God. God is good and he does care about justice. He is merciful, loving and compassionate and he will give justice to his children. It may seem like it takes a long time for him to answer, but Jesus says he will avenge them speedily! Many times, we give up too easily. We grow faint and stop praying. Just like the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. When his disciples fell asleep, Jesus told them:

Mark 14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

Don't grow faint! Keep on praying and trusting God. He hears prayer. He answers prayer. He will do it speedily!

In Christ,

Rody

Great men are not always wise

Bible Reading: Exodus 14; Job 32; Luke 17; 2 Corinthians 2

Job 32:9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

It is right to respect our elders and to give honor to whom honor is due.

Leviticus 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

However, wisdom is something that comes from God. Not all men have wisdom. Not all great men (in this world's eyes) have wisdom. As a young man this is disheartening at times because we are looking for older men with wisdom that we can learn from. Elihu recognized this as he sat quietly and listened to Job's three friends talk with Job. He did not like what they had to say, but because of his age, he did not speak. Finally he could stand it no more and he had to say what he was thinking. He did not know what he was talking about either – this we learn later on as we continue to read! However, he is right about the fact that age and station do not always denote Godly wisdom.

Wisdom is a gift from God given in answer to believing prayer:

James 1:5-6 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

A young man may be wiser than older men if he will prayerfully study the Bible and apply God's word to his life.

Psalms 119:98-100 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

Knowledge without application is a recipe to become an old fool. But when you hear God's word and do it, you will grow in wisdom. Jesus told a story about two men who built houses that had to weather storms. The wise man built his on the rock. The fool built his on the sand. The wise man's house stood and the fool's fell. Jesus said the wise man was the man who heard the word of Jesus and did it. The fool heard the word but did not do it.

Would you be wise? Would you have wisdom beyond your years? Then pray for wisdom and believe God's word. Put it into practice in your life and do what God says. You will be wise!

In Christ,

Rody

The God of all comfort

Bible Reading: Exodus 13; Job 31; Luke 16; 2 Corinthians 1

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Do you bless the Lord? Here Paul blesses God and declares him to be the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. What a wonderful name of God!

Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

We are the recipients of God's mercies and of his comfort. The word translated comfort here is from the same word that is used to describe the Holy Ghost. He is the Comforter. Jesus said:

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.

If we are a follower of Christ, we will NEVER be without the Comforter. Our God is the God of all comfort. What is comfort? It means to come alongside during a time of grief or calamity to give advice and to encourage. So the Bible tells us that God comforts us in all our tribulation. If we know God, there is never a difficulty that he is not with us to encourage and exhort during the trial. Not only that but he is the God of ALL comfort who comforts us in ALL our tribulations. God has ALL that we need. Do you believe this? Do you go to him in times of difficulty? Do you receive the comfort that he has for you?

Unfortunately, many think that they need the comfort of secular psychology or counseling when difficulties come. God has all that we need.

But that comfort does not stop there. When we have received the comfort from God we then are able to comfort others with what we have received from him. We are not reservoirs of God's comfort but conduits! God ministers to us so that we can minister to others with God's mercy and comfort! God turns our trials into training grounds to make us compassionate ministers of mercy.

Never let the trials of life get you down and put you out. Let them be times when God's Word is fulfilled in your life:

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

God can cause a horrible trial to work together for good as you receive God's comfort and then minister that same comfort to someone else in the midst of a trial. Don't waste your tribulations. Go to the God of all comfort and then pass that comfort on.

In Christ,

Rody

A Great Door

Bible Reading: Exodus 12:22-51; Job 30; Luke 15; 1 Corinthians 16

1 Corinthians 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthian church because he was not going to be able to be with them soon. He was going to stay in Ephesus because a great door and effectual was opened unto him. Sometimes the Lord Jesus sets an open door before us. When he does, we need to walk through it. Even though there were needs in Corinth, Paul stayed at Ephesus because of the open door. Paul had seen open doors for ministry before.

Acts 14:27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

There was a door opened on his first missionary journey. The Gentiles believed the gospel and many were saved.

2 Corinthians 2:12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord…

Paul asked for prayer that a door would be opened for the gospel.

Colossians 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.

An open door is an opportunity to get the gospel out. We should pray for an open door for the gospel and the courage to preach boldly when we have it. The Lord Jesus told the church at Philidelphia that he had set an open door before them.

Revelation 3:7-8 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Jesus set an open door before this church. They were not a big and powerful church, but they were faithful.

1. They had a little strength. They were not mighty and powerful, but they did have a little strength.
   
2. They had kept the Word of Jesus. They believed his word and lived by it. They had faithfully preached the Word of Jesus Christ
   
3. They had not denied his name. They were faithful to Jesus even in temptation.
   

We need to look for open doors for the gospel. We also need to know that even in the midst of great opportunity, there is also great adversity. Paul had many adversaries in Ephesus. Do not let adversity sidetrack you. Pray for the open door and then walk through it!

In Christ,

Rody