The Gift, Part 4
Shared by Margie Johnson
To love the Lord with all your mind,
With all your heart and soul;
To live for Him, is great reward,
And to serve Him…your pleasure and goal.
Please know that His love is so real and so great;
It is yours, if you want it…or not.
But only the one who follows His Son,
Is forgiven of every blot.
My prayer is that this Christmas you’ll see…
Far greater than all you can gain for a fee,
Is the gift that’s not under the tree!
John 1:14
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Thursday, December 21, 2017
| Daily Devotional The Gift, Part 3 Shared by Margie Johnson It’s the gift of life God offers to man Through His Only Begotten Son; It’s not mine to give ~ only mine to share, And it’s offered to everyone. In order to receive and call it your own, You must first think, once or twice… The gift is free; it’s through Jesus given, Because He paid the price. So before I go, I must let you know Though you can’t earn God’s gift of life; It will still cost you dearly; giving up your own will, To deny self…is your sacrifice. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Daily Devotional
The Gift, Part 2
Shared by Margie Johnson
If only once-a-year, or two,
Or maybe once-a-week,
We acknowledge that Jesus Christ the Lord
Is real, but for whom we’ve no need…
Then we’ll not understand God’s salvation plan,
To bring us under His wings.
We’ll still be a slave, to sin and the grave…
And death will still have its sting.
God never intended we simply agree
That Jesus is kind and good.
It’s flowers God seeks and call to Himself;
Those whose heart find His Word to be true.
Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
The Gift, Part 2
Shared by Margie Johnson
If only once-a-year, or two,
Or maybe once-a-week,
We acknowledge that Jesus Christ the Lord
Is real, but for whom we’ve no need…
Then we’ll not understand God’s salvation plan,
To bring us under His wings.
We’ll still be a slave, to sin and the grave…
And death will still have its sting.
God never intended we simply agree
That Jesus is kind and good.
It’s flowers God seeks and call to Himself;
Those whose heart find His Word to be true.
Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
The Gift, Part 1
Shared by Margie Johnson
Is there room in your heart for the
gift from above?
For the gift that’s not under
the tree;
The only one that won’t wear out;
The only gift precious…yet
free!
The child born of a virgin 2,000
years ago,
Was not created by God above,
But was sent down to earth to save
all mankind;
He was sent from the Father, with
love.
It was for us He came; his
enemies…
Due to our disobedient ways.
It was for us He came to pay
the price
To bring us to His heavenly place.
"For God so
loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in
Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Daily Devotional - by Faith Peay
One of the bible stories that has always intrigued me was the story of Enoch walking with God in Genesis 5:22-24. “Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years……and he was not, for God took him.” Hebrews 11:5 tells us that Enoch had “obtained the witness, he was pleasing to God.”
I mean seriously, Enoch walked with God 300 years. Every day, Enoch arose and sought the Lord, walking faithfully with the Almighty. Eventually, Enoch became so pleasing to God that, without passing through death, he was taken home to be with the Lord. I try to wrap my head around that. I wonder what they talked about for three hundred years. I would like to have one day like that, let alone three hundred years. Sometimes we forget, or I do, to just walk with God, and carry on a conversation without asking for things or to just to be in His presence being enough. The trouble is, the troubles of the world crowd around us and we get nervous and frightened about what lies ahead.
Whatever may happen in the future, the God of the future is walking with us today. And while we may not be able to see into tomorrow, our faithfulness to Christ today is our best security for whatever lies ahead.
As the first person raptured by Christ, Enoch sets the standard for all whom Jesus will one day gather to Himself. Simply and passionately walk with God.
Your friend in Christ
Faith
One of the bible stories that has always intrigued me was the story of Enoch walking with God in Genesis 5:22-24. “Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years……and he was not, for God took him.” Hebrews 11:5 tells us that Enoch had “obtained the witness, he was pleasing to God.”
I mean seriously, Enoch walked with God 300 years. Every day, Enoch arose and sought the Lord, walking faithfully with the Almighty. Eventually, Enoch became so pleasing to God that, without passing through death, he was taken home to be with the Lord. I try to wrap my head around that. I wonder what they talked about for three hundred years. I would like to have one day like that, let alone three hundred years. Sometimes we forget, or I do, to just walk with God, and carry on a conversation without asking for things or to just to be in His presence being enough. The trouble is, the troubles of the world crowd around us and we get nervous and frightened about what lies ahead.
Whatever may happen in the future, the God of the future is walking with us today. And while we may not be able to see into tomorrow, our faithfulness to Christ today is our best security for whatever lies ahead.
As the first person raptured by Christ, Enoch sets the standard for all whom Jesus will one day gather to Himself. Simply and passionately walk with God.
Your friend in Christ
Faith
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
"Iniquities"
Psalm 130:3 "If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O LORD, who could stand?"
I am often grateful for Grace. (Getting what l don't deserve.) An acronym for G.R.A.C.E. is "God's Riches At Christ's Expense". If God responded without grace and mercy to our iniquities, there would only be scorch marks left where we were once standing or sitting. Definition of iniquity: guilt worthy of punishment, sin at its worst, premeditated, continuing and escalating sin. Awful definition huh? I am capable and culpable of such sin. Whether in word, thought or deed, l am aware of where l have been and where l can go. I am so grateful that His forgiveness washes me clean. I am so glad that Christ's sacrifice on the cross settles my debt. Wipes my slate clean and evens out my score. His victory overcomes my defeat. Otherwise, l could not stand before Him, nobody could. I am free of guilt and shame today. His grace is sufficient. Because of Him, l am snatching victory from the jaws of certain defeat.
Praise God!
Pastor Fred
Psalm 130:3 "If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O LORD, who could stand?"
I am often grateful for Grace. (Getting what l don't deserve.) An acronym for G.R.A.C.E. is "God's Riches At Christ's Expense". If God responded without grace and mercy to our iniquities, there would only be scorch marks left where we were once standing or sitting. Definition of iniquity: guilt worthy of punishment, sin at its worst, premeditated, continuing and escalating sin. Awful definition huh? I am capable and culpable of such sin. Whether in word, thought or deed, l am aware of where l have been and where l can go. I am so grateful that His forgiveness washes me clean. I am so glad that Christ's sacrifice on the cross settles my debt. Wipes my slate clean and evens out my score. His victory overcomes my defeat. Otherwise, l could not stand before Him, nobody could. I am free of guilt and shame today. His grace is sufficient. Because of Him, l am snatching victory from the jaws of certain defeat.
Praise God!
Pastor Fred
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
"According to Scripture"
By Greg Metcalf
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (Acts 1:13-14)
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (Acts 2:1)
Accord-homothymadon (G3661)
Vines Expository-with one mind, with one accord, with one passion
A unique Greek word, used 10 of its 12 New Testament occurrences in the Book of Acts, helps us understand the uniqueness of the Christian community. Homothumadon is a compound of two words meaning to "rush along" and "in unison". The image is almost musical; a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonize in pitch and tone. As the instruments of a great concert under the direction of a concert master, so the Holy Spirit blends together the lives of members of Christ's church.
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Phil 2:1-2)
Accord-sympsychos (G4861)
Vines Expository-of one mind, of one accord
This word is made up of two words syn (together with) and psychos (soul, self, inner life, or the seat of the feelings, desires, affections). So the word refers to being 'united in spirit' or harmonious (BDAG). Paul desired the Philippians to be united in their affections—one in Christ in all desires! Phil 2:2 is the only occurrence of this word in the NT.
By Greg Metcalf
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (Acts 1:13-14)
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (Acts 2:1)
Accord-homothymadon (G3661)
Vines Expository-with one mind, with one accord, with one passion
A unique Greek word, used 10 of its 12 New Testament occurrences in the Book of Acts, helps us understand the uniqueness of the Christian community. Homothumadon is a compound of two words meaning to "rush along" and "in unison". The image is almost musical; a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonize in pitch and tone. As the instruments of a great concert under the direction of a concert master, so the Holy Spirit blends together the lives of members of Christ's church.
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Phil 2:1-2)
Accord-sympsychos (G4861)
Vines Expository-of one mind, of one accord
This word is made up of two words syn (together with) and psychos (soul, self, inner life, or the seat of the feelings, desires, affections). So the word refers to being 'united in spirit' or harmonious (BDAG). Paul desired the Philippians to be united in their affections—one in Christ in all desires! Phil 2:2 is the only occurrence of this word in the NT.
Monday, December 11, 2017
"Comfort, Comforts, Comforted"
2 Cor.1:3-4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Indeed, what a blessing it is to be comforted by God, who is the ultimate source of every true act of comfort. The Greek word for "comfort" is related to the familiar word Paraclete, "one who comes alongside to help", another name for the Holy Spirit. Comfort often connotes softness and ease, but that is not the meaning here. Paul is saying that God came to him in the middle of his sufferings and troubles to strengthen him and give him courage and boldness. We are not only blessed to be a blessing. We are comforted to be comforter. I hope this comforts you, to know He is emboldening you to comfort others.
With His grace,
Pastor Fred
2 Cor.1:3-4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Indeed, what a blessing it is to be comforted by God, who is the ultimate source of every true act of comfort. The Greek word for "comfort" is related to the familiar word Paraclete, "one who comes alongside to help", another name for the Holy Spirit. Comfort often connotes softness and ease, but that is not the meaning here. Paul is saying that God came to him in the middle of his sufferings and troubles to strengthen him and give him courage and boldness. We are not only blessed to be a blessing. We are comforted to be comforter. I hope this comforts you, to know He is emboldening you to comfort others.
With His grace,
Pastor Fred
Thursday, December 7, 2017
"Too Important?"
"If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important."
Galatians 6:3
Sometimes the Word of God is very clear. The context of this is Paul exhorting believers when they see other believers straying or getting into bad habits to "gently and humbly" help them back into His will. He warns them not to dwell on sin or get caught up in it. The focus is on the move back not on the straying. And he reminds us to keep on the ministry we are called to, help others but not dwell in their business or compare ourselves to others. Our standard is Christ, not others in the church.
And remember we are not too important or above sharing each other's burdens and lending a helping hand.
Feeling humbled,
Angie Wahl
"If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important."
Galatians 6:3
Sometimes the Word of God is very clear. The context of this is Paul exhorting believers when they see other believers straying or getting into bad habits to "gently and humbly" help them back into His will. He warns them not to dwell on sin or get caught up in it. The focus is on the move back not on the straying. And he reminds us to keep on the ministry we are called to, help others but not dwell in their business or compare ourselves to others. Our standard is Christ, not others in the church.
And remember we are not too important or above sharing each other's burdens and lending a helping hand.
Feeling humbled,
Angie Wahl
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
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Tuesday, December 5, 2017
"Psalm 146"
The Word of God is just good to read without commentary. After all, it is The Word of God. Here is an example.
Psalm 146 "Praise the LORD O my soul. While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth, and that very day his plans perish. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them, Who keeps truth forever, Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked he turns upside down. The LORD shall reign forever, Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!
In His Word,
Pastor Fred
The Word of God is just good to read without commentary. After all, it is The Word of God. Here is an example.
Psalm 146 "Praise the LORD O my soul. While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth, and that very day his plans perish. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them, Who keeps truth forever, Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked he turns upside down. The LORD shall reign forever, Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!
In His Word,
Pastor Fred
Monday, December 4, 2017
"Generations"
Lamentations 5:19 "You O LORD remain forever; Your throne from generation to generation."
Nothing else remains. Only God has no beginning or end. Everything else is transitory. Can you imagine though? He, eternal God, has invited us to join Him in eternity. Amazing. What a gift! He has been on His throne from eternity past. He will remain on His throne forever. No one or anything will replace or supplant Him.
We must pass this truth from generation to generation. Only The LORD is on His throne, Only He will remain. Tell someone. Particularly someone in the next generation. The LORD and His throne have always been and are forever. That should affect your choices today. Make an eternal difference with your choices. The next generation needs to know this truth. The consequences of knowing and not knowing are eternal. Share today.
With His blessings,
Pastor Fred
Lamentations 5:19 "You O LORD remain forever; Your throne from generation to generation."
Nothing else remains. Only God has no beginning or end. Everything else is transitory. Can you imagine though? He, eternal God, has invited us to join Him in eternity. Amazing. What a gift! He has been on His throne from eternity past. He will remain on His throne forever. No one or anything will replace or supplant Him.
We must pass this truth from generation to generation. Only The LORD is on His throne, Only He will remain. Tell someone. Particularly someone in the next generation. The LORD and His throne have always been and are forever. That should affect your choices today. Make an eternal difference with your choices. The next generation needs to know this truth. The consequences of knowing and not knowing are eternal. Share today.
With His blessings,
Pastor Fred
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