1 Peter 1:18-19

–Walking in Wisdom- Love, the Motivating Power (Galatians 5)

4:50 PM



Please read Galatians 5
Friday March 13th –Walking in Wisdom- Love, the Motivating Power (Galatians 5)
Please read Galatians 5.
This whole chapter brings us to a searching examination of ourselves.
In order to fully understand our first verse in chapter 5, we must mention the last verse of Galatians 4: “So then, believers, we [who are born again—reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] are not children of a slave woman [the natural], but of the free woman [the supernatural].” (4:31)
“It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed].” (5:1)
The main question here is: what are we as Christians doing with that “liberty”, which was bought with Jesus´ precious blood? (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Paul also reminds us in Colossians 3: 1

“Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  (AMP)
We often think that our problems and difficulties are all outside of ourselves. We think that we would not react if everyone just treated us right and if our circumstances got better. But that is not true: the problems are in us, and we need to surrender them completely to the Spirit of God. What we must do is yield to the Spirit of God and begin to walk in the freedom of the Spirit.
 “ For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the [e]sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through [f]love serve and seek the best for one another. For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit].” 15 But if you bite and devour one another [in bickering and strife], watch out that you [along with your entire fellowship] are not consumed by one another. (5:13-14)

Yes, Jesus first said this in response to a Pharisee who was testing Him:  “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 And Jesus replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’ 40 The whole Law and the [writings of the] Prophets depend on these two commandments.”  (Matt.22:36-40)
And at this very day we as Christians are continually put to the test, especially with the people closest to us! It is so sad to see so many torn relationships within families, marriages and in our churches!

It is not a matter of knowing God’s Word and Precepts, but of putting them into practice, by putting on …”a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; 13 bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. 14 Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others].” (Colossians 3:12-14)

For many years I tried to witness to my mother -who lived thousands of miles away and alone- but we usually ended up in a discussion. She had made her profession of faith when she was very ill with cancer, back in 2005. Almost 15 years later I was still worried about her spiritual life because she´d never read her Bible nor attend church. I´d visit her once or twice a year and it was always the same thing: she was always whining about her circumstances and complained bitterly about others. I would remind her about what the Word said regarding such matters and she´d ask me not to begin “preaching a sermon to her” again.

This last Dec. 2019 I received her call; she had been in the ER… she had been through a terrible back pain and lost the strength to both of her legs. She was home now bed-ridden and had to undergo through more medical tests. My family and I flew over to be with her. The results from the tests were: cancer. There was nothing else to do for her, but care for her until her time would come. This I did for the next two months. It was difficult at first, because my concern of her “spiritual” life would show up and we would end up in discussion.
Only through prayer, by seeking His Word, and through the power of His Holy Spirit I could discern all she needed –beside palliative care- was LOVE.

D.L. Moody explains this in his book “A life for Christ”: “Difficult people being reached for Christ, only need to realize that it is love, His love through us which reaches to them in service. The key to unlock their hearts is love”. “… if the love of God and souls isn´t the motivating power, the effects will all pass away like the morning cloud and early dew”.

O how amazing our heavenly Father is!! These last few months with momma were the best of our lives, even though we had to endure so much pain and suffering! But His amazing Spirit was there to empower us and fill her last days with the knowledge that she was loved and cherished! Thank you Abba!!

“All true Christians, being taught by the Holy Spirit, wait for eternal life, the reward of righteousness, and the object of their hope, as the gift of God by faith in Christ; and not for the sake of their own works.” M.Henry

2 Corinthians 5:17

-Walking in Wisdom- A Living Faith (James 2)

6:04 PM



Please read: James 2

As we begin reading today’s scripture James warns us:
“My fellow believers, do not practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of partiality [toward people—show no favoritism, no prejudice, no snobbery]. (James 2:1)
This first verse is where we should stop and consider:
Is this my attitude regarding my family, friends, neighbors, fellow workers... our elderly parents?
How about someone who is not Christian?; or someone who has no education because he is poor; or someone who is an immigrant (different race)?
It may be that apparently we are not looking down at people, but what about the words we say (and the tone we use) to our children, our spouse?

Let’s continue with the following verses:
“ If, however, you are [really] fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, if you have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit]” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality [prejudice, favoritism], you are committing sin and are convicted by the Law as offenders. 10 For whoever keeps the whole Law but stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of [breaking] all of it.” (2:8-10)

I love how James through these simple words of wisdom, brings conviction to our hearts.
Oh, but James still has something very important to say to us:

“What is the benefit, my fellow believers, if someone claims to have faith but has no [good] works [as evidence]? Can that [kind of] faith save him? [No, a mere claim of faith is not sufficient—genuine faith produces good works.] 15 If a brother or sister is without [adequate] clothing and lacks [enough] food for each day, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace [with my blessing], [keep] warm and feed yourselves,” but he does not give them the necessities for the body, what good does that do? “(2:14-16)

“To fail in the most simple good work towards a brother or sister in need demonstrates that one does not have a living faith, and we can only be saved by a living faith in Jesus.” (David Guzik)

Yes, we must be very receptive to the needs of all of those who are around us. Some people have had fewer opportunities in this life, than most of us. Some people may say that they have what they have, because they have worked hard for it. But does this mean that the rest of the people are lazy?

It is by our testimony –our faith- that many around us are touched and are eager to listen to God’s Word. We must remember:
“So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Are we really representing Christ to this fallen and needy world?
“So too, faith, if it does not have works [to back it up], is by itself dead [inoperative and ineffective]. “ (2:17)

 A living faith is simply real faith. If we really believe something, we will follow through and act upon it. If we really put our trust and faith on Jesus, we will care for the naked and destitute as He told us to.

 A living faith cannot be separated from works.
 "But James has quite another thing in view, even to shew that he who professes that he has faith, must prove the reality of his faith by his works. Doubtless James did not mean to teach us here the ground on which our hope of salvation ought to rest; and it is this alone that Paul dwells upon." (Calvin)


Works must accompany a genuine faith, because genuine faith will always show the evidence of becoming a new creation in Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). If there is no evidence of a new life, there was no genuine, saving faith.

 As Charles Spurgeon said: "The grace that does not change my life will not save my soul."
Faith is one of the attributes of the fruit of the spirit, and just as we read in Matthew 3:8:
 “So produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn away from sin]"

May we yield in obedience to His Holy Spirit so that we will produce this living fruit: a living faith.

"Man is not justified by faith alone, that is, by a bare and empty knowledge of God; he is justified by works, that is, his righteousness is known and proved by its fruits." (Calvin)

Blessings,
 Mari


diet

Celebrating our Freedom in Christ! {Galatians 5-6}

8:00 PM


Recently I decided it was time to start changing my eating habits! Have you noticed all the diet plans out there lately?? We have Paleo, Clean, Gluten Free, Sugar, Dairy, and Grain Free… Low Fat… Low Carb… just to name a few! The truth is, as good as these programs may be, they won’t work if you don’t stick to the plan. And that’s my problem! I’m usually pretty good for a few days...until the weekend arrives!

 This is definitely one instance where following all the rules can pay off, but let me ask you, have you, or do you know someone who has followed the plans completely, no cheating…ever!? Their entire life!? It’s good to have a plan until you stop following it!

Following a list of rules and regulations can make our journey easier at times, but when it comes to choosing a list of rules over following Christ it becomes “legalism”. What exactly is legalism?

The best definition I could find was, pursuing “good works” with the intention of earning God’s favor.  John Piper explained it this way: “The essence of legalism is when faith is not the engine of obedience”. Essentially, when we work toward earning God’s favor, we are not choosing to walk in faith. Instead, our actions seem to convey that we believe it’s all about “faith plus works”. Jesus’ work wasn’t enough, and therefore we must work to somehow gain God’s approval.

I was taught this growing up until someone showed me Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” These two verses tell us that there is nothing we could ever do to earn God’s favor and therefore, there is also nothing we can do to loose it. That’s freeing!

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery!”- Galatians 5:1


Jesus came to set us free! We discovered in the Old Testament that the Israelites were forever breaking The Law and choosing to follow other gods and other ways, and God promised, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you,” the Lord promised. “I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws” (Ezek. 36:26–27).

The first evidence of this new heart, or the Spirit’s presence in our life, is that we will have a deep love for God and desire to please Him, BUT will we obey Him and His commands completely?

 No. In this life, even the holiest have not been perfect. No believer is completely pure, but we now possess the beginnings of purity. Each of us, once we accept Christ, we posses the beginning of, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…”(Gal 5:22-23).  These "fruits of the Spirit" are evidences of who is now large and in charge in our life.

Each day of our Christian life we are offered fresh opportunities for the life that God has begun in you to grow stronger; along with the promise that when you stand in the presence of God, what He has begun in you will be complete (Phil. 1:6).

We have the freedom to know we’ll never be perfect this side of heaven, but we’ve been given the freedom to journey through this life with a Friend who will promises to stick closer than a brother and has the power to perfect what God began in you!  

Becky Austin

Straight Paths, Prepared Hearts (Luke 3-4:13)

3:25 AM


As John the Baptist is called forth by God to start his ministry, we are given some historical markers. From these facts, we learn that it is a time when Israel is under oppressive rule by the Romans.  The Roman rulers are immoral, self-seeking and cruel. Evil and corruption are prevalent in the surrounding cultures and society. John the Baptist is sent to prepare the hearts of the people to be receptive of the spiritual Messiah they so desperately need.

“As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”” (3:4-6)

I love the wording of these verses. The world is skewed by the evil influence of Satan.  God, however wants to put things back in order. He wants to get the people off of wrong paths, and steer them clear of wrong thinking, wrong attitudes, and wrong perspectives. He wants them to see clearly the path that He wants them to follow. He wants them to clearly see their greatest need...Jesus.

As the crowds gathered, John warned the people that they couldn’t bank on being the son of Abraham for acceptance by God. Instead, they were accountable for the condition of their heart and their heart had to be truly repentant of sin. The same is true for us. It doesn’t matter if we were raised in Church, if we attend church regularly, or whatever else in our life there might be that makes us appear to be a Christian. What matters is if our hearts are humbled, repentant and obedient. 

John warns that not everyone would be saved “Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (3:9)
The people wanted to know what they could do to bear good fruit. John gave 3 specific examples.
1.     To Those Who Had Been Blessed With Material Means: “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” (3:11)
2.     To The Tax Collectors: “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” (3:13)
3.     To The Soldiers: “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.” (3:14)

Each of these examples addressed how people treated each other and how they manifested the selfless love of Christ in their daily life. When you reflect upon your own particular station or position in life, what do you think John would have said to you as examples of ways that you could extend the love of Christ to others. 
May I encourage you to seek the straight path of God’s selfless love and abundant truth and bring a repentant heart with you. Be receptive to God as He reveals to you ways that you can bless and serve the people you have direct impact and influence upon. 

Jesus is always there for you, to clearly show you the path to travel.
In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11

The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him..Psalm 37:23

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

The Holy Spirit will help you to bear good fruit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Galations 5:22-23