Paul reminds us, "The God of peace will sanctify you wholly" (1 Thessalonians 5:23). When I was younger a speaker referred to our hearts as a house with many rooms. Some of these rooms have locked doors so that God cannot deal with us on those hidden issues. The speaker said we must open every door to God.
I wonder if the speaker had forgotten the story of Jesus suddenly appearing to the disciples behind locked doors (John 20:19-29). We cannot prevent God from dealing with any issue in our lives (Hebrews 4:12-16). If we try, we only prolong our misery.
Let's run to our healing Father today (Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:3; Psalm 147:3-6).
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
Instructions for Battle
Sometimes we are like the child dressed in army fatigues ready to do imaginary battle, but as soon as something goes wrong, we have one of two reactions. Either we hide behind the nearest rock, or we react in our own strength. Both actions have disastrous outcomes.
Scripture tells us "The God of peace will bruise Satan under your feet" (Romans 16:20). God gives us specific instructions on how he will accomplish this in, through and for us. 1. We are to put on the full arm our of God (Ephesians 6:11-17). 2. We are to keep standing (Ephesians 6:13). 3. Pray in the Spirit and pray for all fellow believers ( Ephesians 6:18). 4. Commit ourselves to God (James 4:7). 5. Resist the Devil ( James 4:7). 6. Draw near to God (James 4:8). 7. Remain in the shadow of his presence (Psalm 91).
God will receive glory in every circumstance. If that is our prayer, we have much to rejoice over.
Scripture tells us "The God of peace will bruise Satan under your feet" (Romans 16:20). God gives us specific instructions on how he will accomplish this in, through and for us. 1. We are to put on the full arm our of God (Ephesians 6:11-17). 2. We are to keep standing (Ephesians 6:13). 3. Pray in the Spirit and pray for all fellow believers ( Ephesians 6:18). 4. Commit ourselves to God (James 4:7). 5. Resist the Devil ( James 4:7). 6. Draw near to God (James 4:8). 7. Remain in the shadow of his presence (Psalm 91).
God will receive glory in every circumstance. If that is our prayer, we have much to rejoice over.
Friday, July 5, 2013
The God of Peace
God is referred to as the God of peace five times in the New Testament. There are four promises connected with those references.
The God of peace will be with you (Romans 15:33; Philippians 4:9)
The God of peace will bruise Satan under your feet (Romans 16:20)
The God of peace will sanctify you wholly (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
The God of peace will perfect you in every good work to do his will (Hebrews 13:20-21)
The God of peace will work in you that which is well pleasing in his sight (Hebrews 13:20-21)
Today we remember we serve the God of peace.
The God of peace will be with you (Romans 15:33; Philippians 4:9)
The God of peace will bruise Satan under your feet (Romans 16:20)
The God of peace will sanctify you wholly (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
The God of peace will perfect you in every good work to do his will (Hebrews 13:20-21)
The God of peace will work in you that which is well pleasing in his sight (Hebrews 13:20-21)
Today we remember we serve the God of peace.
Walking in the Rain
Paul instructs us to abstain from every form of evil. The King James Version is translated avoid every appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
Billy Graham once said he would not give his sister a ride in the car in the rain if he was by himself because passers by would not know it was his sister. Rather than risk someone stumbling, he would give his sister the car keys and walk by himself.
Most of us are not as famous as this world evangelist and do not need to worry about being misrepresented by the press. But there are activities that we may feel comfortable doing that may cause other believers to question. A believer is wise to sacrifice his or her freedom for the sake of another brother or sister in Christ (Romans chapter 14).
Billy Graham once said he would not give his sister a ride in the car in the rain if he was by himself because passers by would not know it was his sister. Rather than risk someone stumbling, he would give his sister the car keys and walk by himself.
Most of us are not as famous as this world evangelist and do not need to worry about being misrepresented by the press. But there are activities that we may feel comfortable doing that may cause other believers to question. A believer is wise to sacrifice his or her freedom for the sake of another brother or sister in Christ (Romans chapter 14).
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