I am the temple of the Holy Spirit...
I Corinthians 6:19,20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
From John MacArthur's Study Bible (1 Corinthians 6: 12-20)
"As one who is washed, sanctified, and justified eternally by God's grace, the believer is set free. The Corinthians had done with that freedom just what Paul had warned the Galatians not to do: 'Do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh' (Galatians 5:13). So in this section, Paul exposed the error in the Corinthian Christians' rationalization that they were free to sin, because it was covered by God's grace.
6:19 - "A Christian's body belongs to the Lord (v. 13), is a member of Christ (v. 15), and is the Holy Spirit's temple. Every act of fornication, adultery or any other sin is committed by the believer in the sanctuary, the Holy of Holies, where God dwells. In the OT, the high priest only went in there once a year, and only after extensive cleansing, lest he be killed (Lev. 16).
6:20 - "The precious blood of Christ is the price that was paid - and our supreme purpose is to glorify God in everything."
I'd never thought of it quite like that - we bring our sin right into the Holy of Holies - right into the presence of Jesus - who shed His blood so we could be free from the bondage of sin. How our sin must break His heart! How can we continue to drag our muck and mire into the sanctuary of the Most High God?! I hope you'll take a really good look at your life and think about what you're bringing into His presence.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
In Christ - I am a new creature in Christ
I am a new creature in Christ...
II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
KPRZ Encouragement for Today
April 6, 2011
Hidden Potential by Tracie Miles
“Christ sees your value and hidden potential. Do you?
“I was challenged by this thought recently after putting my son to bed.
“Every night, I receive the same request when I tuck him in. He looks at me with big, blue eyes, pokes his bottom lip out for sentimental effect, and asks for a bedtime story. Last night was no exception. As usual, I skimmed the contents of his room. Searching for an item that might plant a story idea in my head, I noticed his gray sock monkey.
“Instantly, my thoughts started weaving a tale about an old gray piece of cloth that lived on a shelf in a fabric store for many years. The story easily unfolded in my imagination as my little man sat wide-eyed, intently listening to the details.
“When the story ended, I kissed my son goodnight and immediately felt a gentle whisper in my spirit reminding me of the truth held in today's key verse. "You were once just like that little, old piece of fabric, but God transformed you into a new creation, too."
“You see, I started the bedtime story by explaining how this dull, gray piece of fabric would sit quietly on the shelf each day, desperately longing for someone to notice him. From his place on the dusty shelf, he had a bird's eye view of all the beautiful fabrics that held so much more potential.
“He admired the fabrics of vibrant orange and pink polka dots that would one day be transformed into frilly toddler dresses; the fabrics with elegant stripes that would make fine draperies for beautiful homes; the fabrics with tassels and shimmering coins dangling from their edges; and the myriad of fun fabrics, adorned with colorful cartoon characters.
“But he was just a boring old piece of gray fabric.
“Nothing special. Nothing elegant. Nothing valuable. Old. Outdated. Worthless.
“Certainly nothing worthy of being transformed into anything new and wonderful.
“One spring day, a frail elderly woman wandered into the store. The gray piece of fabric could tell she was a seamstress by the wrinkled tape measure around her neck and the rusty thimble on her finger.
“As she meandered around the store, continually brushing wisps of white hair from her face, she seemed to be searching for something special. Suddenly, her eyes fell upon the little piece of gray fabric tucked shyly away in the corner.
“He dared to think that maybe, just maybe, she would see potential in him.
“As the woman drew closer, his heart began to race. She gently picked him up and headed towards the cash register, adding buttons, fabric scraps, and thread to her hands along the way.
“When the seamstress returned home, she diligently set about her task. Gradually she transformed the piece of old gray fabric into an adorable new sock monkey, to be loved and cherished by her grandchildren. He made a difference in the hearts of children for many generations.
“The little piece of gray fabric, who thought he had no purpose, was transformed into something new in the hands of the seamstress. Although he felt worthless at one time, she looked beyond what he was; beyond his old life as a scrap of fabric. She saw him as something new, and helped him discover his value and hidden potential.
“After telling my son this story, God gently reminded me how I once felt much like that old piece of gray fabric sitting on the shelf. Ashamed, overlooked, unimportant, and paling in comparison to others. I didn't see how anything about me or my past — any of the old stuff — could be valuable. I felt like a scrap of leftover material.
“I believe God helped my imagination soar that night while sitting on the edge of my child's bed. He helped me remember that I have been transformed by Him, and although I spent most of life not seeing my hidden potential, He always had a plan and a purpose for me.
“Just like that little piece of gray fabric, which was transformed from something old into something new, we are new creations in Christ.
“Remember, Christ sees your value and hidden potential. And He wants to help you see it, too.
“Dear Lord, help me remember that I became a new creation when I accepted You as my Savior, and that my value is in You and You alone. Thank You for Your promise of having a plan and a purpose just for me. Help me to embrace the plans You have for me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.”
SO – how are you living today? Like that piece of gray fabric – feeling worthless and unusable – or like the sock monkey? (I’m not sure I want to life like a sock monkey – but you know what I mean!) Are you living the TRUTH of who you are “in Christ” today – or do you still live like that old person who died with Christ and has been raised to a NEW life? Unlike the fabric, we carry all sorts of baggage into our new life – old habits really do die hard – and it can feel like hard work to change and conform into His image. Let me tell you a secret - it IS hard work! That’s why it feels hard! Every day we get the choice to live like Daughters/Sons of the King – set free – dead to sin – the Bride of Christ – a NEW CREATURE – or we can choose to drag that old man around with us everywhere we go. It’s up to us – to you – to me – to decide how we’re going to live. I hope – and pray – that you are choosing to live as that new person – radically changed for the Savior! Sharon
II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
KPRZ Encouragement for Today
April 6, 2011
Hidden Potential by Tracie Miles
“Christ sees your value and hidden potential. Do you?
“I was challenged by this thought recently after putting my son to bed.
“Every night, I receive the same request when I tuck him in. He looks at me with big, blue eyes, pokes his bottom lip out for sentimental effect, and asks for a bedtime story. Last night was no exception. As usual, I skimmed the contents of his room. Searching for an item that might plant a story idea in my head, I noticed his gray sock monkey.
“Instantly, my thoughts started weaving a tale about an old gray piece of cloth that lived on a shelf in a fabric store for many years. The story easily unfolded in my imagination as my little man sat wide-eyed, intently listening to the details.
“When the story ended, I kissed my son goodnight and immediately felt a gentle whisper in my spirit reminding me of the truth held in today's key verse. "You were once just like that little, old piece of fabric, but God transformed you into a new creation, too."
“You see, I started the bedtime story by explaining how this dull, gray piece of fabric would sit quietly on the shelf each day, desperately longing for someone to notice him. From his place on the dusty shelf, he had a bird's eye view of all the beautiful fabrics that held so much more potential.
“He admired the fabrics of vibrant orange and pink polka dots that would one day be transformed into frilly toddler dresses; the fabrics with elegant stripes that would make fine draperies for beautiful homes; the fabrics with tassels and shimmering coins dangling from their edges; and the myriad of fun fabrics, adorned with colorful cartoon characters.
“But he was just a boring old piece of gray fabric.
“Nothing special. Nothing elegant. Nothing valuable. Old. Outdated. Worthless.
“Certainly nothing worthy of being transformed into anything new and wonderful.
“One spring day, a frail elderly woman wandered into the store. The gray piece of fabric could tell she was a seamstress by the wrinkled tape measure around her neck and the rusty thimble on her finger.
“As she meandered around the store, continually brushing wisps of white hair from her face, she seemed to be searching for something special. Suddenly, her eyes fell upon the little piece of gray fabric tucked shyly away in the corner.
“He dared to think that maybe, just maybe, she would see potential in him.
“As the woman drew closer, his heart began to race. She gently picked him up and headed towards the cash register, adding buttons, fabric scraps, and thread to her hands along the way.
“When the seamstress returned home, she diligently set about her task. Gradually she transformed the piece of old gray fabric into an adorable new sock monkey, to be loved and cherished by her grandchildren. He made a difference in the hearts of children for many generations.
“The little piece of gray fabric, who thought he had no purpose, was transformed into something new in the hands of the seamstress. Although he felt worthless at one time, she looked beyond what he was; beyond his old life as a scrap of fabric. She saw him as something new, and helped him discover his value and hidden potential.
“After telling my son this story, God gently reminded me how I once felt much like that old piece of gray fabric sitting on the shelf. Ashamed, overlooked, unimportant, and paling in comparison to others. I didn't see how anything about me or my past — any of the old stuff — could be valuable. I felt like a scrap of leftover material.
“I believe God helped my imagination soar that night while sitting on the edge of my child's bed. He helped me remember that I have been transformed by Him, and although I spent most of life not seeing my hidden potential, He always had a plan and a purpose for me.
“Just like that little piece of gray fabric, which was transformed from something old into something new, we are new creations in Christ.
“Remember, Christ sees your value and hidden potential. And He wants to help you see it, too.
“Dear Lord, help me remember that I became a new creation when I accepted You as my Savior, and that my value is in You and You alone. Thank You for Your promise of having a plan and a purpose just for me. Help me to embrace the plans You have for me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.”
SO – how are you living today? Like that piece of gray fabric – feeling worthless and unusable – or like the sock monkey? (I’m not sure I want to life like a sock monkey – but you know what I mean!) Are you living the TRUTH of who you are “in Christ” today – or do you still live like that old person who died with Christ and has been raised to a NEW life? Unlike the fabric, we carry all sorts of baggage into our new life – old habits really do die hard – and it can feel like hard work to change and conform into His image. Let me tell you a secret - it IS hard work! That’s why it feels hard! Every day we get the choice to live like Daughters/Sons of the King – set free – dead to sin – the Bride of Christ – a NEW CREATURE – or we can choose to drag that old man around with us everywhere we go. It’s up to us – to you – to me – to decide how we’re going to live. I hope – and pray – that you are choosing to live as that new person – radically changed for the Savior! Sharon
Thursday, April 4, 2013
In Christ - I am dead to sin
Romans 6:1-4,17,18 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
KPRZ – Encouragement for Today Devotional
April 10, 2012
I Gotta Die
Karen Ehman
"[I assure you] by the pride which I have in you in [your fellowship and union with] Christ Jesus our Lord, that I die daily [I face death every day and die to self]." 1 Corinthians 15:31 (AMP)
“My 14-year-old son has a fondness for iPod games; ones where a creature has to jump, twist, dodge and dart in an effort to stay alive. Often he plays them on our short commute to school each morning.
“As we drive, we go over pick-up instructions. (At the middle school after wrestling practice? Or at the high school if there is optional weight-lifting that day? And what time?)
“I also give my ‘Be sure your sins will find you out’ lecture that my own sweet mama often gave me.
“The man cub just keeps playing his game, acting as if he's not listening. But I know he is.
“Often, when jockeying for position in the parental carpool line, I will inform my boy it's time to get out of the vehicle. Usually, still engaged in the game he will utter the same phrase to me, ‘Hang on a second. I gotta die.’
“As in, ‘I'm still finishing this round. I don't want to power off just yet. Let my character finish this round until it dies. Then I will get out of the car.’
“As he uttered it this morning, it spoke to my soul.
“As a follower of Christ, I am to die to self. But so often, I do not. I elevate self. I promote self. I think little of the other person and much of me.
“But before I react ... before I hurl a harsh word ... before I pass judgment or speak unkindly to my husband or snap at my child, perhaps I need to take a deep breath ...
“To pause and ponder ...
“To say in a spiritual sense, ‘Hang on a second. I gotta die.’
“Die to self.
“Die to flesh.
“Die to my ‘rights’ that often result in my acting wrongly.
“Yes, Paul said it best in today's key verse, ‘I die daily.’
“Does this mean in everything?
“So often when we think of Jesus' admonition that there is no greater love than to lay down your life for a friend, we think of the dramatic ways that might happen. We might jump in front of a car in order to get our friend out of harm's way. A soldier might willingly give up his life on the battlefield.
“But what if it also means that we learn to die to self in the every day details of life? In my interactions with others, especially those within my own family? These daily, hourly and even moment-by-moment decisions sometimes seem difficult!
“And, if trying in our own strength, they will also be impossible. It is at these junctures that we must draw deep from the power the Holy Spirit offers and let His proper response over-ride our natural and sinful one.
“So, the next time we want to react in a way to another person that won't please God, let's remember my game-lovin' man cub. And before we speak, let's take a deep breath; a pause that centers our heart, snaps our soul to attention and gently declares ...
“Hang on a second. I gotta die.
“Dear Lord, may I purpose to die daily. To both act and react in a way that pleases You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.”
OUCH! Dying to self doesn’t feel good at all – in fact, there are times when it’s downright PAINFUL! BUT – there’s something about it that brings a sense of inner peace, too – when you know you’ve died to yourself and your own needs, you’ve just experienced a little taste of what it means to “life for Christ.” It’s a question – and a choice – we need to ask ourselves daily. Have you died today? I’ve tried – but I have to admit that the flesh is a lot stronger than it looks!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
In Christ - I am at peace with God
HI, friend! I know it’s been several weeks since I sent a devotional to you – I’ve been to Israel and back during that time! I hope you missed hearing from me!
I am at peace with God...
Romans 5:1,2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Psalms 29:11 The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace.
Psalms 85:8 I will listen to what God the LORD will say; He promises peace to His people, His saints--but let them not return to folly.
Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, Who has compassion on you.
KPRZ Encouragement for Today Devotions
March 7, 2012
How Do I Let Peace Rule?
Samantha Reed
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
“No more able are we to drive the rain back into the clouds by holding hands to the sky...
“Or stretch a rainbow's colors wide by scurrying to grasp its tails...
“Or force the tides to retreat by running at the sea...
“No more capable of these feats are we, than to pursue and capture peace.
“Peace.
“That for which the world wars. Families crumble. People roam. That for which we compromise, and improvise, and televise: It's here... if only you race after it with your time, your money, your life.
“But for all our chasing, we never lay hold of peace. Not until we reckon with these nine words that beckon a stillness. A truth that causes shoulders to fall and jaws to relax. This scripture tells us there's peace a' plenty, free for all.
"’Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts’ (Colossians 3:15 NIV).
“If we're to find peace, we must become a pupil of He who is our Peace, Jesus Christ. He who is the Word. And this bit of Word, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts," is a fine educator.
“This truth teaches us to slow down. Those two strong words, "let" and "rule" mean to "umpire" our hurried heart. So when circumstances crumble and we worriedly scramble to right them, we are taught to pause and call our heart to peace. How do we do this? Through intimate knowledge of He who is our Peace.
“Christ is just, as Esther's courage and Haman's defeat reflects. (Esther 7)
“Christ redeems, as Job's great loss and even greater gain assures. (Job 42:7-17)
“Christ is trustworthy, as His promised resurrection proves. (Matthew 28:1-10)
“Christ controls the storms, as calmed winds and waves attest. (Mark 4:35-41)
“It will take time to teach our hearts to let peace rule. Umpires don't begin careers in the World Series. Indeed, umpires go through rigorous training and schooling. They must work for years in the minor leagues before even dreaming of the majors.
“We too must set our heart and mind to learning. A good place to start is with the minors. Calling our hearts to peace when running late, dinner burns, scrapes and bruises happen, and fender benders occur. This is our practice and preparation for when the doctor calls, the pink slip is given, the papers are served, and the accusations fly.
“We call our hearts to trust in He who is faithful to us in the small things, so we learn His character again and again. This gives our hearts the training needed to know He is trustworthy to us in the big things, the in-between things... everything.
“Each call leads to another, which leads to an eventual place of surety. A place where the chase ends. And peace begins.
“Dear Lord, You are our Peace. Teach me Your ways, direct me in Your truth. Help me relax my shoulders, loosen my tense jaw, calm my hurried heart. I want to know You more and more. In Jesus' Name, Amen.”
People all around you are seeking after peace. Some will try to find it in a bottle – a pill – a new relationship – but we know that true peace is found only in Jesus! I’ve tried some of the other ways to peace – and they may have helped for the moment, deep in my heart I was anything BUT peaceful. The turmoil I felt as a result of being separated from God became unbearable – and there were times when suicide looked like a really good way out. Praise JESUS I didn’t fall for that lie from the enemy! I fell for Jesus instead! Right into His waiting arms! From that moment on I have experienced a peace that truly does “surpass understanding.” That’s not to say that I don’t ever feel anxious – I do – but now I know I can turn to the One who died to make real – lasting – eternal - peace possible! When I do struggle I get deep into God’s word – because the mind that is steadfast will be at peace – that’s a promise! Sharon
I am at peace with God...
Romans 5:1,2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Psalms 29:11 The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace.
Psalms 85:8 I will listen to what God the LORD will say; He promises peace to His people, His saints--but let them not return to folly.
Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, Who has compassion on you.
KPRZ Encouragement for Today Devotions
March 7, 2012
How Do I Let Peace Rule?
Samantha Reed
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
“No more able are we to drive the rain back into the clouds by holding hands to the sky...
“Or stretch a rainbow's colors wide by scurrying to grasp its tails...
“Or force the tides to retreat by running at the sea...
“No more capable of these feats are we, than to pursue and capture peace.
“Peace.
“That for which the world wars. Families crumble. People roam. That for which we compromise, and improvise, and televise: It's here... if only you race after it with your time, your money, your life.
“But for all our chasing, we never lay hold of peace. Not until we reckon with these nine words that beckon a stillness. A truth that causes shoulders to fall and jaws to relax. This scripture tells us there's peace a' plenty, free for all.
"’Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts’ (Colossians 3:15 NIV).
“If we're to find peace, we must become a pupil of He who is our Peace, Jesus Christ. He who is the Word. And this bit of Word, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts," is a fine educator.
“This truth teaches us to slow down. Those two strong words, "let" and "rule" mean to "umpire" our hurried heart. So when circumstances crumble and we worriedly scramble to right them, we are taught to pause and call our heart to peace. How do we do this? Through intimate knowledge of He who is our Peace.
“Christ is just, as Esther's courage and Haman's defeat reflects. (Esther 7)
“Christ redeems, as Job's great loss and even greater gain assures. (Job 42:7-17)
“Christ is trustworthy, as His promised resurrection proves. (Matthew 28:1-10)
“Christ controls the storms, as calmed winds and waves attest. (Mark 4:35-41)
“It will take time to teach our hearts to let peace rule. Umpires don't begin careers in the World Series. Indeed, umpires go through rigorous training and schooling. They must work for years in the minor leagues before even dreaming of the majors.
“We too must set our heart and mind to learning. A good place to start is with the minors. Calling our hearts to peace when running late, dinner burns, scrapes and bruises happen, and fender benders occur. This is our practice and preparation for when the doctor calls, the pink slip is given, the papers are served, and the accusations fly.
“We call our hearts to trust in He who is faithful to us in the small things, so we learn His character again and again. This gives our hearts the training needed to know He is trustworthy to us in the big things, the in-between things... everything.
“Each call leads to another, which leads to an eventual place of surety. A place where the chase ends. And peace begins.
“Dear Lord, You are our Peace. Teach me Your ways, direct me in Your truth. Help me relax my shoulders, loosen my tense jaw, calm my hurried heart. I want to know You more and more. In Jesus' Name, Amen.”
People all around you are seeking after peace. Some will try to find it in a bottle – a pill – a new relationship – but we know that true peace is found only in Jesus! I’ve tried some of the other ways to peace – and they may have helped for the moment, deep in my heart I was anything BUT peaceful. The turmoil I felt as a result of being separated from God became unbearable – and there were times when suicide looked like a really good way out. Praise JESUS I didn’t fall for that lie from the enemy! I fell for Jesus instead! Right into His waiting arms! From that moment on I have experienced a peace that truly does “surpass understanding.” That’s not to say that I don’t ever feel anxious – I do – but now I know I can turn to the One who died to make real – lasting – eternal - peace possible! When I do struggle I get deep into God’s word – because the mind that is steadfast will be at peace – that’s a promise! Sharon
Monday, March 4, 2013
In Christ - I am valued by God
I am valued by God...
Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Today’s Devotion by Mike MacIntosh
May 8, 2012
When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it."
Mark 8:34-35
“What makes a diamond so valuable? Essentially, a diamond is just a rock -- a pretty, sparkling rock. Intrinsically, it is basically composed of the same earthly elements as other rocks, and is even usually pretty small in comparison. But diamonds are valuable because people love them. Boy, we spend entire savings accounts on diamonds because we love them. Unless diamonds were in demand -- unless they were loved -- they would have no value. In the same way, absent God's love for us, our lives would be without value. You see, your life is valuable not because you own assets, or give money to charity, or even because you are a good person and love others. Your life is valuable because you are loved by God.
“You are loved by the Lord of heaven and earth, who formed your inwards parts (Psalm 139:14) and who ‘knew you before you were born’ (Jeremiah 1:5). You are loved by the Creator of everything you've ever known, whose thoughts toward you are ‘more than can be numbered’ (Psalm 40:5) – ‘thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope’ (Jeremiah 29:11). God so loved you that He gave His only begotten Son to die for you. Why? So that by believing in Him, you would ‘not perish, but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16). Whether you choose to believe it or not, God loves you. And whether you realize it or not, your life is invaluable because of His infinite love for you.
“But imagine a diamond sitting lifelessly under glass in a store. If someone came and offered the full asking price for the diamond -- in cash -- wouldn't you think it absurd for the shopkeeper to refuse the sale? Why would he essentially render the diamond worthless, both to himself and to the potential buyer, by refusing the cash for it? Until the diamond is purchased, its value is not realized.
“In the same way, Jesus Christ offers to pay -- in full -- the debt for sin of anyone who will believe in Him. And make no mistake, it's a steep price; only He could pay it. He sacrificed His very life as a ransom for ours, that we might no longer be ‘slaves of sin’ (Romans 6:17). So why would we refuse? Why would we reject His love when our entire value rests in it? Why would we choose not only to render His love worthless, but to render ourselves worthless?
“You see, we fool ourselves if we think we are anything apart from the love and grace of God. Jesus says in Mark 8:35 that ‘whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.’ If you reject Jesus, you reject the value of your own life, but if you surrender to Him, He will save your life!
“Let me encourage you today to surrender to Him anew. If there is anything you are holding back from Him -- anything you cling to because it is ‘too valuable’ to give up -- surrender it to Him. Maybe you've never surrendered your heart to Him at all. Today is the day of salvation. Or maybe you're struggling through a difficult time in your life. Today is the day of restoration. Let God's love for you be your strength, your hope, and your reason for living. Let it be the foundation under your feet and the protection over your head. Let His Spirit wash over you like a liquid waterfall of love. He loves you! You are valuable because you are loved by God.”
What can I add to that? It’s pretty clear, isn’t it? God values us because He CHOOSES to – and He values us so much that He was willing to die rather than spend eternity without us! THAT, my friend, is amazing love! Rest is how valued you are by the King of kings this day! Sharon
Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Today’s Devotion by Mike MacIntosh
May 8, 2012
When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it."
Mark 8:34-35
“What makes a diamond so valuable? Essentially, a diamond is just a rock -- a pretty, sparkling rock. Intrinsically, it is basically composed of the same earthly elements as other rocks, and is even usually pretty small in comparison. But diamonds are valuable because people love them. Boy, we spend entire savings accounts on diamonds because we love them. Unless diamonds were in demand -- unless they were loved -- they would have no value. In the same way, absent God's love for us, our lives would be without value. You see, your life is valuable not because you own assets, or give money to charity, or even because you are a good person and love others. Your life is valuable because you are loved by God.
“You are loved by the Lord of heaven and earth, who formed your inwards parts (Psalm 139:14) and who ‘knew you before you were born’ (Jeremiah 1:5). You are loved by the Creator of everything you've ever known, whose thoughts toward you are ‘more than can be numbered’ (Psalm 40:5) – ‘thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope’ (Jeremiah 29:11). God so loved you that He gave His only begotten Son to die for you. Why? So that by believing in Him, you would ‘not perish, but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16). Whether you choose to believe it or not, God loves you. And whether you realize it or not, your life is invaluable because of His infinite love for you.
“But imagine a diamond sitting lifelessly under glass in a store. If someone came and offered the full asking price for the diamond -- in cash -- wouldn't you think it absurd for the shopkeeper to refuse the sale? Why would he essentially render the diamond worthless, both to himself and to the potential buyer, by refusing the cash for it? Until the diamond is purchased, its value is not realized.
“In the same way, Jesus Christ offers to pay -- in full -- the debt for sin of anyone who will believe in Him. And make no mistake, it's a steep price; only He could pay it. He sacrificed His very life as a ransom for ours, that we might no longer be ‘slaves of sin’ (Romans 6:17). So why would we refuse? Why would we reject His love when our entire value rests in it? Why would we choose not only to render His love worthless, but to render ourselves worthless?
“You see, we fool ourselves if we think we are anything apart from the love and grace of God. Jesus says in Mark 8:35 that ‘whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.’ If you reject Jesus, you reject the value of your own life, but if you surrender to Him, He will save your life!
“Let me encourage you today to surrender to Him anew. If there is anything you are holding back from Him -- anything you cling to because it is ‘too valuable’ to give up -- surrender it to Him. Maybe you've never surrendered your heart to Him at all. Today is the day of salvation. Or maybe you're struggling through a difficult time in your life. Today is the day of restoration. Let God's love for you be your strength, your hope, and your reason for living. Let it be the foundation under your feet and the protection over your head. Let His Spirit wash over you like a liquid waterfall of love. He loves you! You are valuable because you are loved by God.”
What can I add to that? It’s pretty clear, isn’t it? God values us because He CHOOSES to – and He values us so much that He was willing to die rather than spend eternity without us! THAT, my friend, is amazing love! Rest is how valued you are by the King of kings this day! Sharon
Thursday, February 21, 2013
In Christ - I am the salt of the earth and the light of the world
I am the salt of the earth and the light of the world...
Matthew 5:13-16 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
January 5, 2013
Daily Devotional – Charles Spurgeon/Alistair Begg
Reflecting on Light
“And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:4
“Light might well be good since it sprang from that fiat of goodness, ‘Let there be light.’ We who enjoy it should be more grateful for it than we are, and see more of God in it and by it. Physical light is said by Solomon to be sweet, but gospel light is infinitely more precious, for it reveals eternal things and ministers to our immortal natures. When the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual light and opens our eyes to behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, we behold sin in its true colors, and ourselves in our real position; we see the Most Holy God as He reveals Himself, the plan of mercy as He propounds it, and the world to come as the Word describes it. Spiritual light has many beams and prismatic colors, but whether they be knowledge, joy, holiness, or life, all are divinely good. If the light received be thus good, what must the essential light be, and how glorious must be the place where He reveals Himself. O Lord, since light is so good, give us more of it, and more of Yourself, the true light.
“No sooner is there a good thing in the world than a division is necessary. Light and darkness have no communion; God has divided them--let us not confound them. Sons of light must not have fellowship with deeds, doctrines, or deceits of darkness. The children of the day must be sober, honest, and bold in their Lord's work, leaving the works of darkness to those who will dwell in it forever.
“Our churches should by discipline divide the light from the darkness, and we should by our distinct separation from the world do the same. In judgment, in action, in hearing, in teaching, in association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, and maintain the great distinction that the Lord made upon the world's first day.
“O Lord Jesus, be our light throughout the whole of this day, for Your light is the light of men.”
Do you remember the song “This little light of mine – I’m gonna’ let it shine?” It was a favorite song in Sunday School and VBS – and it’s probably still being sung by children all around the world! The simple truth of that song is this – God has given us spiritual light, and by that light we have been guided out of the darkness of this world. AND by that light we’re to help guide others out of that same darkness. We can only do that when we are “turned on” – much like a flashlight is useless when it’s turned off, we offer no light to those around us if we’re not daily “plugged in” to our power source and making every effort to caste a bright light into our environment. How bright is your light today? Have you been plugging in – daily – to the source of power? Are you consistently and faithfully avoiding the darkness in your own life? God hasn’t asked us to leave this world (yet!) – but He REQUIRES that we do not walk as those who are without the light. We can shine our lights INTO the darkness – but we cannot be effective if we are choosing to walk/play/persist in the darkness of this world. Be the light of the world God has called you to be today! Sharon
Matthew 5:13-16 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
January 5, 2013
Daily Devotional – Charles Spurgeon/Alistair Begg
Reflecting on Light
“And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:4
“Light might well be good since it sprang from that fiat of goodness, ‘Let there be light.’ We who enjoy it should be more grateful for it than we are, and see more of God in it and by it. Physical light is said by Solomon to be sweet, but gospel light is infinitely more precious, for it reveals eternal things and ministers to our immortal natures. When the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual light and opens our eyes to behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, we behold sin in its true colors, and ourselves in our real position; we see the Most Holy God as He reveals Himself, the plan of mercy as He propounds it, and the world to come as the Word describes it. Spiritual light has many beams and prismatic colors, but whether they be knowledge, joy, holiness, or life, all are divinely good. If the light received be thus good, what must the essential light be, and how glorious must be the place where He reveals Himself. O Lord, since light is so good, give us more of it, and more of Yourself, the true light.
“No sooner is there a good thing in the world than a division is necessary. Light and darkness have no communion; God has divided them--let us not confound them. Sons of light must not have fellowship with deeds, doctrines, or deceits of darkness. The children of the day must be sober, honest, and bold in their Lord's work, leaving the works of darkness to those who will dwell in it forever.
“Our churches should by discipline divide the light from the darkness, and we should by our distinct separation from the world do the same. In judgment, in action, in hearing, in teaching, in association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, and maintain the great distinction that the Lord made upon the world's first day.
“O Lord Jesus, be our light throughout the whole of this day, for Your light is the light of men.”
Do you remember the song “This little light of mine – I’m gonna’ let it shine?” It was a favorite song in Sunday School and VBS – and it’s probably still being sung by children all around the world! The simple truth of that song is this – God has given us spiritual light, and by that light we have been guided out of the darkness of this world. AND by that light we’re to help guide others out of that same darkness. We can only do that when we are “turned on” – much like a flashlight is useless when it’s turned off, we offer no light to those around us if we’re not daily “plugged in” to our power source and making every effort to caste a bright light into our environment. How bright is your light today? Have you been plugging in – daily – to the source of power? Are you consistently and faithfully avoiding the darkness in your own life? God hasn’t asked us to leave this world (yet!) – but He REQUIRES that we do not walk as those who are without the light. We can shine our lights INTO the darkness – but we cannot be effective if we are choosing to walk/play/persist in the darkness of this world. Be the light of the world God has called you to be today! Sharon
Thursday, February 14, 2013
In Christ - I am loved by God
I am loved by God...
Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."
Romans 8:38,39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 3:17-19 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
I John 4:16-19 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us.
Joni and Friends Daily Devotional February 13, 2013
Love Displayed
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39
"’This is a verse I'm supposed to believe,’ we sigh, full of doubts. It sounds more like theological doctrine than practical reality, especially when we are the ones facing trouble, hardship, danger or the sword. But the apostle - who, incidentally, suffered a lot more than persecution or famine - wrote this sweeping statement specifically for those who would doubt the love of God in the midst of hardships.
“Look at the last ten words, ‘The love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ If ever we are tempted to doubt God's good intentions, if ever He seems to be an uncaring deity sequestered in an ivory tower untouched by pain, we must remember the love of God that is in Christ. Christ who bore the weight of sin, the sting of spit, the bite of the whip, the accusations of ignorance, and the sufferings of the world. This is love poured out like wine as strong as fire. This is love never to be doubted or betrayed.
“Thomas Merton said, ‘In order to suffer without dwelling on our own affliction, we must think about a greater affliction and turn to the cross.’ If you are questioning the love of God because of a disappointment or trial, turn your eyes upon Jesus. He is the love of the Father in the flesh displayed. When Jesus hung on the cross, God was saying, ‘I love you;’ and nothing can separate you from that.
“If I'm tempted to doubt your love today, Lord, place before me the cross.”
Thomas Merton, No Man Is an Island (New York: Harcourt, Brace and Co., 1955), 94.
How awesome it is that this day’s devotional is about the love of God – when “love” is in the air and all around us! I know that Valentine’s Day can be a really hard day for single women – a REALLY hard day. It’s like the enemy works overtime rubbing our faces in our singleness. I learned LONG ago that I could either let it get me down – or I could embrace my singleness as the gift that it is, and glory in the amazing love of my Jesus! There is no lover that can compare with Him! He never gets “fed up” – He never tires of showing me how much He loves me – He never throws my past failures in my face – He has promised to NEVER leave me or forsake me! No one else will ever love me – or you – like that! It’s doubtful – HIGHLY doubtful – that anyone else would be willing to take the brutal punishment my sin deserves to prove how much he loves me! How can I resist a love like that? How can you? How can I betray a love like that? How can you? If you’re single I hope you will spend some time thinking about how VERY much you are loved! If you’re married – or in a relationship – enjoy that love – but never let it be a substitute for your First Love! Sharon
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