If I'm so smart...

3.22.12

Title: If i'm so smart - love!

Scripture:

...But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes. (1 Corinthians 8:1-3 NLT)

Observation:

It's definitely a scriptural principle that we should strive for knowledge, this is part of the personal spiritual growth process. The enemy will defeat us if we do not know the Word of God. Jesus rebuked Satan with the Word. So, knowledge of scripture is a good, needed thing. But the Word here says that knowledge may make us feel important but love strengthens the church. And we certainly can't miss the part that gets in the so called "know it all's" face so to speak. The one who thinks he has all the answers really doesn't know that much. Finally this text says that God recognizes those that love Him. (that's a lot said in 2 verses!)

Application:

So, we know that God is certainly not making a plea for ignorance here, He is saying that love is the principle thing. That when our knowledge is built upon our love for God and others, then it's powerful useful knowledge. But if our knowledge is "without the foundation of love" it's useless. So, if I'm so smart, I'll love God & others!!!!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus, I want to be recognized of & by You. Help me to love You and others that I might gain knowledge upon the correct foundation that will prosper my life and that ill be able to fulfill Your will. Amen.

What kind of work am I building?

3.20.12

Title: What kind of work am I building?

Scripture:

But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. (1 Corinthians 3:13 NLT)

Observation:

The scripture is clear that Jesus Christ is the only foundation for lives. It's also clear that as we work for the Lord, we are building on that foundation. It is also clear that it's possible to build works that have no value and will be burned up in the judgment seat of Christ. What's the key to building works that are fireproof? Motive.

Application:

The old saying goes, "God knows my heart"; the often alarming thing about that statement is that it's true!!! The "why" behind the things I'm doing for God is the real issue. If they are for selfish reasons or if they are hypocritical acts (such as to be seen of others), they will burn up & not stand the test. Works done for the Lord from a pure motive - to glorify God by serving Him & others - these works are fireproof and will be rewarded.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus, please help me to sincerely and honestly evaluate my motives as I serve You. May the illumination of the Holy Spirit cast light upon my heart. Forgive me of any selfish motives and may the goal of my heart be to glorify You. Amen.

Am I so different form Peter?

3.15.12

Title: Am I so different from Peter?

Scripture:

And immediately the rooster crowed the second time.

Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept. (Mark 14:72 NLT)

Observation:

Peter is known, better yet, famous for bold brash over confident statements. He blurted out things that many around wanted to say, like, "I'll die before I deny you Jesus!" Maybe he was caught up in the moment, over zealous, or just thinking out loud, but Peter said what most of us feel in our hearts. Then, he did exactly what he said he wouldn't do, he betrayed Jesus.

Application:

Am I so different from Peter? I hate to admit it, but no. Maybe my life has never been threatened over my faith, but I've missed opportunities to stand up for Christ. Times that I could have, should have stood or or spoke up and declared my allegiance to Jesus, that I chose to just slip through the crowd or quietly move on. In essence, I did just as Peter, I denied my implied promise to "die before I denied Christ". Ok, maybe I'm pushing the similarities here just a little bit but the point is made. The awesome thing about Jesus is that He forgave and restored Peter; He's done the same for me countless times. Later, Peter, filled with the Spirit, older, wiser, seasoned, and more resolute, faced the challenge and passed. He refused to deny Christ, even when it cost him his life. Am I so different from Peter? I hope not.

Witness continued

3.7.12

Scripture:

Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. You are to tell the world what you have seen and what I will show you in the future. (Acts 26:16 NLT)

Observation:

This verse is part of Paul's testimony to Agrippa concerning his conversion. Paul says that Jesus told him to witness of the things Paul had seen and would see. He was appointed by Jesus as a witness to the world & specifically the Gentiles. Jesus also told him to get up - and I'll add, get to it!

Application:

As Acts 1:8 says, we are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill our call to be a witness for Christ. Just as Paul, we can only be a truly credible witness of that which we have firsthand experience. Paul could testify about Jesus because he knew and experienced Him personally. We often recount others experiences to people and that's good, but we are a witness of and for Jesus when we testify of our firsthand experience with Him. So, I think He says to me, "get up!" & "get after it!"

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for revealing Yourself to me personally and saving me from my sins. Thank You for calling me to be Your witness and filling me with Your Spirit & power. I pray that You empower me afresh and anew today to fulfill this call, to witness of my firsthand experience with You! Amen!

Called to be a witness

3.6.12

Scripture:

That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.” (Acts 23:11 NLT)

Observation:

God's plan for Paul was that Paul would be a witness for Him. Jesus encouraged Paul to stay true to this purpose, even in the midst of confusing and tumultuous times.

Application:

Acts 1:8 says that we receive the power of the Holy Spirit to be a witness of Christ. This IS the purpose of the power. Before we are called to do anything else, we are called to be a witness for Jesus. And we are called to be a witness and declare the gospel even in confusing times and seasons.

Prayer:

Jesus, I feel Your encouragement to continue being a witness of You, to live and preach the gospel to all and any that will hear. Fill me afresh with Your Spirit and power, in Christ's name, Amen.