Christ

Ideas to Help Children Keep Christ in Christmas

12:00 AM


Have you struggled in the past to keep Jesus the center of your children's Christmas? You're definitely not alone. I remember the years when my children's wish list kept growing longer and I wondered what would be the best ways to refocus their attentions away from receiving to giving at Christmas. Over the years all sorts of ideas came to me, and I thought I'd take a minute to list a few that seemed to do the trick. 

Delivered Gifts: Each year we tried to get the children involved in giving to our neighbors, or those less fortunate, by first making gifts we were sure they would enjoy and then delivering them door to door just before Christmas Eve. Here's one of our favorites:

Chocolate Pretzel Treats were always a welcomed treat!
We liked using the Peanut M&M's

The Recipe calls for







Preheat over to 200 degrees.
On a cookie sheet have your children lay out the pretzels in a single layer (no over lapping). Place a Hershey's Kiss in the center of each pretzels. Place cookie sheet in the oven until candy is soften about 2 minutes. Remove from the over and lightly push a M&M down in the center of each Hershey Kiss and allow to cool. Once cooled wrap in air-tight, decorative packages or tins. 

Here's a few more winning recipes your neighbors would be sure to love: 





__ A Free Movie Night: One year I went online and purchased Red Box FREE MOVIE coupon codes for $2 a piece. I wrote each code into individual Christmas cards and tied the cards to wrapped bags of microwave popcorn for a free family movie night. I can tell you this was also very much appreciated!

__ Visiting Shut-in: Each year we'd try to visit a nursing home. Many of our seniors are on special diets, so we tried to stay away from food items. Christmas time is a great time to buy pairs of silly socks or mittens if they are still living on their own. Even a simple carnation and a warm hug will brighten their day. 

__ Christmas Caroling: Grab some neighbors and friends and head out caroling through the neighborhood! This was usually the night we delivered the homemade treats as well. Our favorite memory was a night we began singing at a house were no one came to the door, but we could see some movement inside, so we sang our hearts out until the curtains parted and we all discovered we'd been singing to their barking dogs!! We laughed, but the dogs didn't think it was so funny and wanted us to leave their property!

__ Attend a Cantata or Christmas Eve service at a local church! Sometimes it's nice to go to a local church you don't usually attend, for Christ unites us all on Christmas. Today I see more and more live nativity events which can also be fun for little ones. 

__ Make a Birthday Cake for Jesus! There's all kinds of great ideas out there to include in your birthday cake. Ours always includes,
_Chocolate Cake to symbolize our sin. 
_Pudding, raspberry filling, or other tasty treats in the center of the two layers to represent how sin always seems to be enticing at first. 
_White Frosting which reflects that Christ Jesus' sacrifice made our sins as white as snow. 
_ Red strips for his blood that was shed for us.
_Green candle for our new life and that we're to be lights in this world.
_Finally a golden star that appeared in the sky that pointed the Wise men to Jesus. 


These are just a few of my favorite ideas! If your family does something unique and special that reflects Jesus during the Christmas season, I'd love for you to share them with us!

From all of us here at Women in the Word,  Merry Christmas! 

Becky Austin

Citizens of Heaven (Philippians 3)

12:30 AM




Philippians 3

Paul was born among the elite of the Jews.  He also had the privilege of being a Roman citizen. In terms of social status and worldly standing, he could claim many benefits not offered to “the average Joe”. In terms of religious standing, he was at the top of the class, a zealous and devout Pharisee. He had much to trust in and much to place his identity in. But, Paul came to understand that none of those things mattered compared to Christ. None of those things could put him in right standing with God or give him the security of eternal life.  
“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ” (v8) 

In one of Spurgeon’s sermons, he gives a couple of great sailing examples for us to relate to. As many of us have likely seen in a movie, great ships often voyaged the seas laden with valuable supplies and treasures. When encountering potential death, however in terms of a storm or enemy they needed to outrun, they would often toss those supplies and treasures overboard to lighten the ship and save their lives. Life and death circumstances can certainly cause us to reevaluate how our possessions truly serve us. We all know that Paul’s personal encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus certainly caused him to reevaluate how his religious status and pious devotion to “religion” did not serve him in terms of gaining eternal life.  
Another circumstance in which sea voyagers would toss precious cargo overboard would be to gain speed to overtake a ship that offered them even more valuable treasures and profit. Paul began to realize that all he possessed hindered him from gaining the eternal life only Christ could provide. He was willing to give up all to pursue a more valuable prize.... 
 “in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”(3:8-11) 

Paul was privileged to be called a citizen of Rome but Paul knew that Christ offered him and each of us a more valuable citizenship.  
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (20-21) 



Do you have your personal vessel loaded down with earthly cargo. Are you ready to toss those things you cling to that hinder your attainment of more valuable treasure?  Are you ready to lighten your burden, shed your earthly treasures and to pursue Christ? Christ offers you the best treasure that could ever be obtained. He offers you citizenship in heaven where you will know eternal love, acceptance and joy. 

2 Corinthians

A Sweet Fragrance of Christ

12:00 AM

Do you know that you convey a message of eternal life or death without saying a word? To one you are a sweet pleasing aroma, but to another you have the aroma of death! Did you know that every Christ follower has this same power?

Everyone seem to be on the Essential Oil bandwagon these days, but even if you’re not I bet you can instantly think of an aroma or scent that is pleasing to your senses; like homemade bread, apple pie, lilacs. All of these will instantly transport me back to my childhood, but what of spoiled milk or rancid meat? I’m sure all of us have tentatively gone to check to see if the milk in the frig is still good only to discover it has soured!   
2 Corinthians 2:14-16 says, “In Christ the Messiah, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, He brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse. (MSG)
Have you ever thought of yourself as a diffuser?  The moment we accepted Christ as our Savior, we were filled with the Holy Spirit, and the pleasant aroma we are diffusing is the knowledge of God and the truth of the gospel. If we’re walking in faith like we’re supposed to be, then everywhere we go we should be giving off the aroma of Christ. Isn’t that neat?
Some people will be drawn to the aroma we give off, and will be eager to experience the life giving eternal Salvation that Jesus offers, while others will find the aroma offensive and cast us off.  It’s important to remember that we can’t control how someone will respond to the knowledge of God, all we can do is be a Spirit-filled conduit through which it can flow.
It's time we go out and "declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Psalm 96:3) everywhere we go!


Christ

Styling {Colossians 3-4}

8:00 PM



I couldn’t help but think back to my freshman year of high school when I read what Paul writes about here in chapter 3:
 “Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ. So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.”

Did you also find it strange that Paul is addressing our inward being like putting on clothing? We often judge others by what they’re wearing don’t we?

I flew home, after living for years in a third world country, only weeks before I began my freshmen year of high school. While living in this country, we only had the Sears catalog or the clothes our mothers made us to wear. Fashion wasn’t on anyone’s minds back then; we simply wore what we could find. Can you imagine then having to enter a school where fashion was the key to being accepted? You not only had to wear all the right name brand clothes, but you also needed all the right accessories!

My parents would only allow me to wear “dress slacks” once a week when everyone else was wearing jeans with patches! And the more patches the better! I never could convince my parents to let me sew patches on my jeans, but I did eventually talk them into letting me wear jeans---- on occasion. Needless to say, I’m surprised I ever made any friends, but I did eventually.  

Life was changing for the church in Colossae as well. It was out with the old ways of thinking and acting and in with the new! Only now they would no longer be judged by outward appearances; no longer would they be known as slave or free, Jew or Greek and so on, but they would all be accepted in Christ Jesus! How wonderful that must have seemed at that time, especially to those who struggled up until then to be accepted!  

In this new life we’re to be clothed in love, and our accessories are to be compassion and kindness, humility, quiet strength and discipline. But we’re not dressing up the outside to cover up what's within; we’re to be dressing from the inside out!

Seems rather strange doesn’t it? How do we go about doing that exactly?

I believe it's by letting the words of Christ dwell in us richly, for a man who is rich has far more than he needs, right? So let’s dwell in His word until we’re filled to overflowing.

For what we feed will naturally grow, and what we starve will eventually die away. And what we work to beautify on the inside will never fade away with age!!

Christ

The Mystery of our Faith {Colossians 1 - 2}

12:30 AM

Image result for colossians 1:27

Tuesday, November 27, 2018


When Paul uses the term “mystery” he is referring to the truth that was partially revealed under the old covenant but is now on display in all its fullness to the new covenant people of God.  “This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to his own holy people.” (v. 26).

When you were young, did you ever play or participate in a “club” with the children in your neighborhood?  Or perhaps you joined a sorority in college.  Either way, you had to perform certain rites and rituals in order to be accepted into the club.   I think we all take it for granted today that the gospel is for all people and that those who believe in it, become full citizens of the kingdom of God; heirs to all the promises that the Lord has made to His people throughout history. 

In the first century however, this was a radical idea.  Strict interpretations of the purity laws in the Torah (Genesis through Deuteronomy), made it difficult for the earliest Jewish Christians to believe Gentiles could remain Gentiles and become faithful servants of Yahweh.  We still see that today in some religions.  Some require you to make public appearances to convince the rest of the congregation that you “belong”.  Some have to take classes and convince a group of people they are worthy. 

There is only one sin that is unpardonable – the sin of unbelief.  God has provided a means for eternal salvation – Jesus Christ, and His death on the cross, for “whoever believes in Him” (John 3:16).  And the only condition under which forgiveness would not be granted is those who reject the only means of salvation.  Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).  This makes it clear that He and He alone is the path to God and to salvation.  To reject the only means of salvation is unpardonable, and in that sense, is the greatest sin of all.

As Paul continues to explain to the Colossians that the Gentiles are full-fledged brothers and sisters, he makes it clear that Jesus, by His Spirit, dwelling in all believers, no matter their background, makes Jews and Gentiles full citizens in the kingdom of God (1:27).  We are all so identified with Christ that it is impossible for any Christian to be a second-class citizen.  And we can add to this grace the fact that our hope of glory in Jesus has present and future aspects.  In the present, we are assured that we belong to Him and will persevere so that in the future we will enjoy the full benefits of redemption – life in a resurrected body before the presence of God in the new heaven and earth (Rev. 21).

So the next time you find yourself thinking of other people as lesser Christians than yourself because of how they dress, or what they eat and drink, or how knowledgeable they are about the finer points of theological arguments, or a number of other factors, bow your head and remember that Christ dwells in ALL who truly love Him, and He has given us all the same rights in His kingdom.


Buns

Hot Cross Buns

11:58 AM


Hot Cross Buns 

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
2 cups warm whole milk (110° to 115°)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
6 to 7 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dried currants
1/2 cup raisins
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons water

ICING:
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
4 to 6 teaspoons whole milk

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. In a large bowl, combine eggs, butter, sugar, salt, spices, yeast mixture and 3 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in currants, raisins and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).Turn onto a floured surface; knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide and shape into 30 balls. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover with kitchen towels; let rise in a warm place until doubled, 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°.Using a sharp knife, cut a cross on top of each bun. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolk and water; brush over tops. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool slightly. For icing, in a small bowl, mix confectioners' sugar and enough milk to reach desired consistency. Pipe a cross on top of each bun. Serve warm. Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.

Christ

Our Only and Secure Inheritance {Joshua 12-19}

10:30 PM



God speaks to an old Joshua about the land remaining to be possessed (Jos 13:1). His time and his ministry as leader was almost ending, and God gave him the final instructions regarding the remaining land to be conquered and how it was to be divided as an inheritance among “the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.” (13:7) Joshua was a faithful servant and even in an advanced age, God still instructs him about a job that needs to be done. This makes me realize how much have I, or have I not conquered as a Christian… and sadly I must confess there is still so much to be done!  No matter how much we have served in our Christian lives, there still remains much to do!!

Verses 13:8-32 describe the portion of land divided among Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh.  It was the land of king Sihon of the Amorites and king Og of Bashan.
We find something unique in verses 13:14 and 13:33:

“ 33 But to the tribe of Levi, Moses did not give an inheritance; the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as He told them.”

Yes, the Levites had no land for an inheritance, but instead had the sacrifices Israel brought to God. They also received a greater inheritance than that: God Himself.

In this sense, Christians are spiritually connected to the tribe of Levi, since we also are called priests: 1 Peter 2:5(AMP)

5 You [believers], like living stones, are [a]being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.

We also have a special inheritance in God:  Ephesians 1:11(AMP)

“11 In Him also we have [a]received an inheritance [a destiny—we were claimed by God as His own], having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will,”

1 Peter 1:4 (AMP)
4 [born anew] into an inheritance which is imperishable [beyond the reach of change] and undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,”

What undeserved privileges we attain as children of God!! (Col 3:24) And yet many of us are dissatisfied with our workplaces, our earthly possessions (finances), maybe even with our Church ministry!  We wish that God would have given us something different, and we can even get bitter towards Him about this! We must remember who we are in Christ (Ro 8:17) and see ourselves as priests, and understand that our real inheritance is God Himself!!



Before I close, let me ask you: How much of Jesus do you have?  Do you walk in the blessing of leading others to Jesus Christ, our only and Secure Inheritance? How much of the Promises God has given you, do you possess as yours?

There remains very much land yet to be possessed: while there is life, there is still much to do!  God wants us to keep pressing on!

Blessings!

Mari

1 Thessalonians

Words of Comfort

5:00 AM

Words of Comfort  {1 Thessalonians 4}


It seems everywhere I look I see dire predictions about the upcoming date, September 23. Supposedly the sun will be in the constellation Virgo (the virgin),  along with the moon near Virgo's feet. Additionally, Jupiter will be in Virgo, while the planets Venus, Mars, and Mercury will be above and to the right of Virgo in the constellation Leo. Some people claim that this a fulfillment of a sign given in Revelation 12:1-2, "And a great sign appeared in heaven: a women clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth." These events are supposed to cause death and destruction, ushering in the Rapture, the  beginning of the tribulation, and the end of the world. It is the latest among a long string of failed predictions used to conjure fear and panic in the heart of Christians everywhere. But here in 1 Thessalonians four when Paul speaks of death and the Rapture, his words are used for comfort and hope. 

The Thessalonian believers, who knew through Paul's teaching that Christ would indeed return, struggled with questions not only about the fate of those who died before Jesus came back, but about those who were still alive on that glorious day. Paul tackles first the subject of death with, "We do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus Himself died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus." (vs. 13-14) I love how Paul uses "asleep" to describe death. For Christians death isn't a final destination, but rather a beautiful transition from this world to heaven. 2 Corinthians 5:8 tells us that "To be absent from the body [is] to be home with the Lord." What a wonderful declaration! After all, isn't that our hope? Not only to see our loved ones again, but to be with our Lord and Savior for all of eternity! And that's just what Paul wants us to remember so that unlike unbelievers who grieve with no hope, we have the assurance of the promises of God. 

Next Paul goes on to describe what will happen when Jesus returns for His church. "The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord." Jesus will bring with Him the spirits of those who died as believers. Their bodies will rise and be reunited with their spirits, and they will receive new glorified bodies. And those who are alive will be gathered directly into His presence, and also receive new glorified bodies. This is known as the Rapture and is the fulfillment of the promise Jesus made in John 14:1-3  to prepare a place where we will be with Him forever. And in God's perfect timing, Jesus will come for us and take us to our eternal home. 


Could there be a more wonderful promise? In our new glorified bodies, the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will walk. No more will we experience pain, sickness, or decay. Our bodies will be perfect in every way! Paul ends with this encouragement, "Comfort one another with these words." (v. 18) Even though "we do not know the day nor the hour" (Matt. 25:13) of Jesus' return, we know He is returning. So "lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28), and cry, Maranatha, Maranatha!

Christ

Loving What You're Wearing {Colossians 3}

12:00 AM

Loving What You're Wearing  {Colossians 3}


I don't know about you, but I'm a bit of a fashionista. I love looking through magazines and seeing the latest styles. Although each of us has our own personal tastes, I think we can all agree that we want to look good. And what we wear can also impact how we feel. Whether it be a comfy pair of sweatpants or a brand new outfit, when we love what we're wearing, it shows. In this chapter of Colossians Paul becomes our personal stylist, providing us with the perfect Christian clothes.

He begins by telling us that as believers we are united with Jesus, who now sits at the right hand of God. And as such, it's time to get rid of the old and put on the new. Time to shed our old clothes of disobedience, sin, and earthly living. Time to dress for success, putting on our new clothes of righteousness and setting our hearts and minds on things that honor the Lord. "Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (vs. 2-3) Once we lived in darkness, eternally separated by sin from our heavenly Creator. But Jesus pulled us from that darkness, and purchased us at a great cost. He gives us a new identity and clothes us in His righteousness. And because of our relationship with Him, we are now citizens of heaven and should dress like it. No longer are we to wear the filthy rags of immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, but rather the designer clothes of glory that reflect "those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved." (vs. 12)



So what are the pieces that make up our godly attire? "Put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other; whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity." (vs. 12-14) Each of these godly accessories, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, Paul says, are created to perfectly coordinate over a foundation of love. In John 13:35 Jesus instructs us that, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." We are called to be distinguishable from the rest of the world. With love being so evident in everything we do that when seeing us in our godly outfits, people will want to know who the designer is.

Our godly wardrobe was perfectly created and stitched by the hands of our divine tailor. And Jesus who wears each piece perfectly, desires for us to follow His example. Why? So, "When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." (vs. 4) Jesus is returning very soon. And on that day what a glorious fashion show it will be when we will be revealed as His people. So, are you loving what you're wearing?

Christ

The Exceeding Riches of His Grace {Ephesians 2}

10:30 PM



In today’s chapter Paul continues reminding the Ephesians that without Christ they were dead and separated from God, and this was our condition, too! (2:1-3) But our Father did something amazing for us: “ But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and wonderful love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace—His undeserved favor and mercy—you have been saved from God’s judgment). 6 And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, [because we are] in Christ Jesus, 7 [and He did this] so that in the ages to come He might [clearly] show the immeasurable and unsurpassed riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us in Christ Jesus [by providing for our redemption]. “(2:4-7)

Then Paul continues to explain that we are saved by grace, through faith, and this faith is a gift of God, therefore no one can boast. (2:8-10)

“The grace that saves is the free, undeserved goodness and favor of God; and he saves, not by the works of the law, but through faith in Christ Jesus. Grace in the soul is a new life in the soul. A regenerated sinner becomes a living soul; he lives a life of holiness, being born of God: he lives, being delivered from the guilt of sin, by pardoning and justifying grace” (M. Henry)

Christianity is about God uniting Himself with man, through Jesus Christ, and men being united in Jesus Christ; In Him there are no differences between Gentiles or Hebrews; men or women (Galatians 3:28) This was in His heart as He prayed in John 17 and this great opportunity is God's gift.  Let us also make this our desire: to be in unity, serving one another in His love! 
  
“ Therefore, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, who are called “Uncircumcision” by those who called themselves “Circumcision,” [itself a mere mark] which is made in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that at that time you were separated from Christ [excluded from any relationship with Him], alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise [with no share in the sacred Messianic promise and without knowledge of God’s agreements], having no hope [in His promise] and [living] in the world without God. 13 But now [at this very moment] in Christ Jesus you who once were [so very] far away [from God] have been brought near [b]by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace and our bond of unity. “(2:11-14)

Yes in Him we are rich, we are full! But, it is heartbreaking to see how so many people in our Churches are hurting: their families are falling apart, financial issues, illness, etc.and sometimes we are not even aware of this because we are only interested in our own issues! Let us remember: we have been enriched by His Grace, so it is by grace we should give to others in return (Matthew 10: 7-8)



“So is it with the grace of God: he has as much grace as you want, and he has a great deal more than that. The Lord has as much grace as a whole universe will require, but he has vastly more. He overflows: all the demands that can ever be made on the grace of God will never impoverish him, or even diminish his store of mercy; there will remain an incalculably precious mine of mercy as full as when he first began to bless the sons of men.” (Spurgeon)
The Church of Jesus Christ is now the spiritual body of believers who represent Christ on earth. The great truth of Christianity is that God uniting the world to Himself through the believers. (2:19-22)
 Adam Clarke explained how God’s work in the Church gave glory to the wisdom, power, and love of God.  We should praise God for His glorious Church!!
· There is nothing as noble as the Church, seeing that it is the temple of God.
· There is nothing so worthy of reverence, seeing God who dwells in it.
· There is nothing so ancient, since the patriarchs and prophets worked to building it.
· There is nothing so solid, since Jesus Christ is the foundation of it.
· There is nothing so high, since it reaches as high as to the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
· There is nothing so perfect and well proportioned, since the Holy Spirit is the architect.
· There is nothing more beautiful, because it is adorned with building stones of every age, every place, every people; from the highest kings to the lowest peasants; with the most brilliant scientists and the simplest believers.
· There is nothing more spacious, since it is spread over the whole earth, and takes in all who have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
· There is nothing so Divine, since it is a living building, animated and inhabited by the Holy Spirit.

Let me close with a thought from M. Henry: “Let us then ask if our hopes are fixed on Christ, according to the doctrine of his word? Have we devoted ourselves as holy temples to God through him? Are we habitations of God by the Spirit, are we spiritually-minded, and do we bring forth the fruits of the Spirit? Let us take heed not to grieve the holy Comforter. Let us desire his gracious presence, and his influences upon our hearts. Let us seek to discharge the duties allotted to us, to the glory of God.”  May this become a reality in our lives.”


Blessings my sisters!!

2 Corinthians

Forgiveness... A Stronghold Against Satan {2Corinthians 2}

1:30 AM





In a previous visit to Corinth, known as the "painful visit",  Paul's authority had been openly challenged by a member of the Corinthian church.  Disheartened by the lack of defense for him by fellow church members, Paul returned to Ephesus.  There he wrote what is called the "severe letter" insisting the church turn away from their sinful actions and the offending brother be disciplined.  To Paul's joy, a majority of the Corinthian Christians responded by repenting of their rebellion against him and punishing the committer of the offense. Deciding that the time was still not right for another visit,  Paul instead writes this second letter explaining his reasons for his change in travel plans, his desire to spare the church more distress, and the important role of forgiveness in discipline.

Paul begins by saying, "But I determined this for my own sake, that I would not come to you in sorrow again. For if I cause you sorrow, who then makes me glad but the one whom I made sorrowful?" (vs. 1:2)  Paul was still feeling the sting of disappointment and rejection. His last visit was plagued with conflict and he didn't want to take the chance of damaging further his relationship with the Corinthian church. He thought it best to send a letter to pour out his heart and test the waters for a future trip.  Sometimes in strained relationships it's better to take a step back. Often times putting our thoughts and feelings in a letter instead of directly confronting the situation can help soften the rough patches and prevent the deterioration of a relationship.  

Now Paul moves on to the discipline of the one who had publicly rebelled against him. The church had done what Paul had asked and punished the offender, perhaps even too harshly. And so Paul tells them that although the punishment was correct, now was the time for forgiveness. "Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority, so that on the contrary, you should rather forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him." (vs. 6:8)  As Christians it's important to remember that discipline is meant for restoration and renewal, not retribution and rejection.  Never is the goal of discipline to beat someone down so emotionally and spiritually that their spirits become broken leaving them full of despair and hopelessness.  Always discipline must be tempered with love and followed by forgiveness.

Paul understood the stronghold forgiveness provides against the schemes of Satan. "But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven , if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ, so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes." (vs. 10:11)   The devil has many tricks in his bag of deception and unforgiveness is one of them.  He reminds us of the many ways a person has wronged us. How they should be made to feel guilt and shame. But by casting aside the lies of the enemy and choosing to forgive, we prevent bitterness from taking hold and festering in our spirits.  Bitterness only builds a wall between our hearts and God, and gives Satan a foothold in our lives.  And worst of all, it can cause us to exhibit behavior that might lead others away from God.

In Hebrews 12:15 we are told, "See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it may be defiled."  As followers of Jesus we are to show the grace of God to all we meet.  We are His ambassadors in the world.  And as Paul tells us in verse 15 we are, "...a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." Our lives should be such a testimony of the love and grace of Jesus that it is a light to those who would receive it, and condemnation to those who would reject it.  Ephesians 5:2 says that Christ loved us so much that He became a substitute for us and gave Himself up, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  Because of His sacrifice we are the aroma of Christ to God.  An aroma we should wear proudly, lovingly, and obediently.  So today ask yourself this....what fragrance are you wearing?