Jesus is Lord!

1 Corinthians 12:18-31
18 But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it. 19 What a strange thing a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” 22 In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect from the eyes of others those parts that should not be seen, 24 while other parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other equally. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 27 Now all of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it. 28 Here is a list of some of the members that God has placed in the body of Christ:
first are apostles,
second are prophets,
third are teachers,
then those who do miracles,
those who have the gift of healing,
those who can help others,
those who can get others to work together,
those who speak in unknown languages.
29 Is everyone an apostle? Of course not. Is everyone a prophet? No. Are all teachers? Does everyone have the power to do miracles? 30 Does everyone have the gift of healing? Of course not. Does God give all of us the ability to speak in unknown languages? Can everyone interpret unknown languages? No! 31 And in any event, you should desire the most helpful gifts.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

The body of Christ can be compared to smooth stones in a river. Before the stones were in the river, they broke off from a larger rock and the edges were very jagged. But once the stone fell into the river it joined all of the other stones and together they each had their rough edges smoothed. As they tumbled along in the river they each worked together to make them all smooth stones and they became useful to all those who used the river for life. The body of Christ is a place where we can go to get the rough edges of our life smoothed. God works through our lives to help each other become a useful vessel for His love, for His work. And only by being a part of the larger group of Christ can we have our rough edges smoothed. This is how God’s plan for our lives works. He never meant for you to be alone or serve Him alone. Being a part of a believing body of His people will help to make you into useful vessel for the work God has called to. Are you part of His body? If you are severing God alone, you are not a part of His body. And even though many bodies of believers are not perfect, join them anyway. Because without being a part of a corporate group of believers, you can not walk in obedience to Him. And if you are not walking in obedience to Him, you will have a difficult time staying connected to Him. So find a church that believes in salvation through Christ and join them in worship and working for Christ.

Have a God Day!

Philippians 3:7-11
7 I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God’s law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 As a result, I can really know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I can learn what it means to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that, somehow, I can experience the resurrection from the dead!
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

Paul at the end of his life still had the ambition to know more of Christ. Today some saints give the impression that they have complete knowledge and they only need to polish their halo every morning and are ready to take off at any moment. Yet Paul, the greatest missionary the world has ever seen, said at the end of his life, “My ambition is still to know Christ his person and the power of his resurrection.” If Paul felt this way, then how much more should we? As long as we live in this world, there will be more to know about Christ and His love. We will never “arrive” this side of heaven. That means we never stop working at becoming more like Him. We never stop working for Him, no matter what our circumstances are. Any Christian, who sits back and does nothing for God, does not understand the power of the Spirit living in them. We are not saved by works but we are saved for works. Never stop growing in your relationship with Christ and the work you do for Him will never stop. His will for you will be a constant motivation for you to live for God.

Have a God Day!

1 John 4:13-19
13 And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. 14 Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 All who proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in him. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we are like Christ here in this world. 18 Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us. 19 We love each other as a result of his loving us first.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

Have you proclaimed that Jesus is the Son of God and that the Father sent Him to be the Savior of the world? Have you confessed your sins and nailed them to the Cross of Christ? If so, then you have God living in you, and you live in God. There will be no fear as you stand before God because Jesus Christ took the judgment for your sin and you are without sin. As we live in this perfect love, our love grows more perfect because of the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Living in God’s love gives us strength to face discouragement and failure. We know that no matter what happens to us in this world, God is living in us and will never forsake us. We will never be separated from God’s love as stated in Romans 8:38 “And l am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t the angels can’t, and the demons can’t Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. 39 Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Go into your world and live with the love of God in your heart and mind and know that He is always with you!

Have a God Day!

John 4:50-53
49 The official pleaded, “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.” 50 Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed Jesus’ word and started home. 51 While he was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. 52 He asked them when the boy had begun to feel better, and they replied, “Yesterday afternoon at one o’clock his fever suddenly disappeared!” 53 Then the father realized it was the same time that Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” And the officer and his entire household believed in Jesus. 54 This was Jesus’ second miraculous sign in Galilee after coming from Judea.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

This miracle was more than a favor to one official; it was a sign to all people. First the official believed; then he saw a miracle. He not only believed Jesus could heal, he also obeyed Jesus by returning home. He demonstrated his faith by his action of returning home before he knew of the healing of his son. It isn’t enough for us to say we believe that Jesus can take care of our problems. We need to act as if He can. When you pray about a particular need, live as though you believe Jesus can do what He says He will do. Live as though it has already happened. It is a time for you to show Him and the world that you will live what you believe. It is a time to walk in obedience to the Word of God before you see the results. What miracle do you need today? Believe the Word and walk as though it has already happened and God will make more than just miracle happen, He will change your heart!

Have a God Day!

2 Corinthians 5:13-21
13 If it seems that we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Whatever we do, it is because Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for everyone, we also believe that we have all died to the old life we used to live. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live to please themselves. Instead, they will live to please Christ, who died and was raised for them. 16 So we have stopped evaluating others by what the world thinks about them. Once I mistakenly thought of Christ that way, as though he were merely a human being. How differently I think about him now! 17 What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun! 18 All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. 20 We are Christ’s ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, “Be reconciled to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

Do you have an opinion about Jesus Christ or a conviction? Is it His love that directs you or is it the world? An opinion is something you argue about and a conviction is something you would die for. Not that serving Christ means we want to die. But if it meant to deny Christ and live, would you? Right now at this present time, there are more Christian put to death for their faith in Christ than at any other time in history. And it is only going to get worse. That is why you must examine your own heart and determine if you are willing to be totally abandoned to the redemption that Christ died to give you. This is the only thing that will bring fruit in your life. Being completely sold out for Jesus Christ is the only thing that will bring the life of Christ in you. Take a look at where you spend your time, money and energy, is the work of Jesus Christ getting anything from you? Maybe you just have an opinion of Christ and not a conviction.

Have a God Day!

Good Morning!

Job 1:6-12
6 One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan the Accuser came with them. 7 “Where have you come from?” the Lord asked Satan. And Satan answered the Lord, “I have been going back and forth across the earth, watching everything that’s going on.” 8 Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth a man of complete integrity. He fears God and will have nothing to do with evil.” 9 Satan replied to the Lord, “Yes, Job fears God, but not without good reason! 10 You have always protected him and his home and his property from harm. You have made him prosperous in everything he does. Look how rich he is! 11 But take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!” 12 “All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to Satan. ‘Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

The earth is the domain of Satan. He states that he has been going up and down east, west, north, and south on the earth. Scripture calls him the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4) and the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2). So we know that he has great access and freedom on this earth today. We are warned by Peter, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) This is exactly what we are told in the Book of Job. Satan himself said that he has the freedom to go up and down this earth. When Satan tempted the Lord Jesus he offered to him the kingdoms of this earth. The Lord Jesus never said, “You don’t have them to offer.” He simply refused the temptation. Apparently those kingdoms are accessible to Satan, and he has that kind of freedom. When you look at the world today, it does look like Satan is running things. But God is overruling all things and He has given Satan limited freedom. We are told that this world in which you and I live is controlled by Satan. But we can overcome him by the Blood of the Lamb. Remember who you really belong to and that as a Christian you are not part of this world, you only live in it. God is ultimately in control and Satan only has limited power and soon that will be taken away. So, live in the power of the One who died for you and not in fear of the god of this world.

Have a God Day!

2 Corinthians 3: 12-18
12 Since this new covenant gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory fading away. 14 But the people’s minds were hardened, and even to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, a veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. 15 Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, then the veil is taken away. 17 Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom. 18 And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

When Moses came down Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments his face glowed from being in God’s presence. He had to put on a veil to keep the people from being terrified by the brightness of his face and from seeing it fade away. (Exodus 34:29-35) This literal veil illustrates the spiritual veil which covers the hearts of those who hear the Word and turn away from it. Pride, hardness of heart and refusal to repent are what veil the hearts and minds of people. Because of the condition of their hearts Christ is veiled from them. But when anyone turns to Christ and becomes a Christian, the veil is lifted. The Law can not save us, it only points out our sin. But when we trust Christ to save us, He removes the heavy burden of trying to please Him. By trusting Christ we are loved, accepted, forgiven, and freed to live for Him. If you are trying to please God by keeping certain rules or ceremonies, your heart is veiled. You will not be able to please Him. Only by believing in the work Christ did on the cross will you be made right with God. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” ( John 3: 16)

Have a God Day!

Good Morning!

2 Corinthians 10:1-6
1 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ-who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Philippians 4:6-9
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

The source of all your spiritual battles are found in your mind. We walk and live in the flesh, but Satan is a spirit and works in the spirit world all around us. The good news is, so do God’s angels and they are constantly in battle for us. But they only have power as we give them power. In other words, if we allow Satan to set up a stronghold in our mind and we do not fight him with opposite and godly thoughts, words and actions God’s angels have little power to help us. But when we pray and continually affirm the Word of God in our minds and with our mouth, this releases God’s ministering agents to fight Satan on his turf. That is why Paul tells us we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. But we can fight them with the help of God’s angels. We give them power with our godly thoughts and words. Strongholds are broken down and we are freed from our sins whatever they may be. There is no power on earth that is greater than the power of God working through His people. Don’t allow Satan a home in your mind any longer, you know what is sin and you know what God would have you do. And you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!

Have a God Day!

James 3:2-12
2 We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. 3 We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself. 7 People can tame all kinds of animals and birds and reptiles and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Can you pick olives from a fig tree or figs from a grapevine? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty pool.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

There is no way to get around the fact that what we say reflects what we think and how we feel. How we treat others will show in what we say to them. Are we short and critical or are we kind and affirming? Do we sometimes treat those we love with unkind words and sarcasm in our words to them? James gives us a glimpse of what heaven will be like by telling us that our tongues are not always under control. In the place where God’s will is done all the time, there are no unkind or mean words. No one treats another with disrespect or hurtful words. But here on earth, we must all learn to control our tongues. Even for the most devote Christian, this is a problem. Our words are so powerful that they can be remembered in a head of a child for years. It is when we are under the control of the Spirit of God that we are able to control what we say. Only through His power will we ever be able to tame the tongue. We have no power within ourselves to do so, but God can. Only when we turn to Him and make Him first in our lives will our speech reflect His will. Let the power of God within you show you how to let His love reflect in what you say.

Have a God Day!

John 1:10-14
10 But although the world was made through him, the world didn’t recognize him when he came. 11 Even in his own land and among his own people, he was not accepted. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn! This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan-this rebirth comes from God. 14 So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

John the Baptist recognize that the Man he was preparing the way for would not be only a man, but was also the creator of everything that exists. He understood by the power of the Holy Spirit in him that Christ would be fully Man and fully God when he made this statement. John was given a great insight into what God was doing with man at this time in history. A little later when Jesus came to him, John said, “Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” He knew that every morning and every evening, a lamb was sacrificed in the Temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29:38-42). To pay the penalty for sin, a life had to be given-and God chose to provide the sacrifice Himself. The sins of the world were removed when Jesus died as the perfect sacrifice. Even though that forgiveness is there for all, only those who believe Him and accept Him will receive it as John stated above. Those who believe and accept Him will have the right to be become children of God. To be a child of God means that you believe Him and trust that His Word is true. Do you believe Him? Do you trust Him? Read His Word and then ask Him to show you the truth. As Hebrews 11:5 states, “…Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” If you seek Him, you will find Him and His love and forgiveness.

Have a God Day!