Love comes from God - 1 John 4:7 (Amplified Bible)
1 John 4:7 (Amplified Bible)7Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [his fellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him].
God is love - 1 John 4:8 (Amplified Bible) 8He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV).
“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
“God shows His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, KJV).
John 15:12-15“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9, KJV).
“The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5, KJV).
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1, KJV).
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.—Romans 8:38-39
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.—1 John 3:1
1 John 4:9-18In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
On the Path to Surrender
February 25, 2009
I was listening to a message my pastor did, and he brought up the scripture: "Be willing and Obedient to eat the fat of the land". He was explaining that we may not be "eating the fat of the land" so to speak (i.e walking in the fullness of what the Lord has for us) because sometimes we're not willing, and sometimes we're outright not obedient - and the root of all that is self.
To me, "Self" is the opposite of trusting God. The bible says Stubborness is as the sin of idolatory, which is self worship. ...so if I want to come after Him I have to crucify self, which means I have to identify and put in check anywhere where I'm not trusting God.
It's easy to say "I'm trusting God with this or that", but am I really?
I have to say it seems so overwhelming sometimes that it seems I'm trying so hard (yeah, sure) and it's still not good enough! But that's because I'm focusing on my efforts and my ability to do.
The key is to surrender ALL to the Lord and let Him do these things through me - because His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
But while I know this intellectually, it's quite another to actually walk it.
Something Pastor does mention that helps is to trust the Lord's love and His purposes in order to have the victory. I can definitely see how as I grow in trusting the Lord and trusting His purposes, I can surrender more and more to Him because I know He cares for me and won't let me down... But I can't do it on my own though.
So my prayer each day is asking the Lord to teach me HOW to surrender, and help me to just do it. Just bite the bullet and do it - one thing at a time. The sky will not fall if I let go. really.
That's why I'm trying to meditate daily on scriptures that speak of God's love for me, so I can get it in there. It needs to get into my heart, get mixed with some faith so that it can power this surrender thing.
I guess it's one day/issue/experience at a time... It requires practise just like everything else.
Excerpt From "the practice of the presence of God" by brother Lawrence:
http://www.amazon.com/Practice-Presence-God-Brother-Lawrence/dp/0924722193/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235599621&sr=1-1
In the beginning, Brother Lawrence declared that a little effort was needed to form the habit of continually coversing with God, telling Him everything that was happening. However, after a little careful practice, God's love refreshed him, and it all became quite easy.
When he considered doing some good deed, he always consulted God about it saying, "Lord, I will never be able to do that if you don't help me." Immediately he would be given more than enough strength.
When he sinned he confessed it to God with these words: "I can do nothing better without you. Please keep me from falling and correct the mistakes I make." After that, he did not feel guilty about sin.
Brother Lawrence pointed out that he spoke very simply and frankly to God. He asked for help with things as he needed it, and his experience had been that God never failed to respond.
by Brother Lawrence Scroll Publishing Co. · 2007ISBN: 978-0-924722-19-6
I was listening to a message my pastor did, and he brought up the scripture: "Be willing and Obedient to eat the fat of the land". He was explaining that we may not be "eating the fat of the land" so to speak (i.e walking in the fullness of what the Lord has for us) because sometimes we're not willing, and sometimes we're outright not obedient - and the root of all that is self.
To me, "Self" is the opposite of trusting God. The bible says Stubborness is as the sin of idolatory, which is self worship. ...so if I want to come after Him I have to crucify self, which means I have to identify and put in check anywhere where I'm not trusting God.
It's easy to say "I'm trusting God with this or that", but am I really?
I have to say it seems so overwhelming sometimes that it seems I'm trying so hard (yeah, sure) and it's still not good enough! But that's because I'm focusing on my efforts and my ability to do.
The key is to surrender ALL to the Lord and let Him do these things through me - because His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
But while I know this intellectually, it's quite another to actually walk it.
Something Pastor does mention that helps is to trust the Lord's love and His purposes in order to have the victory. I can definitely see how as I grow in trusting the Lord and trusting His purposes, I can surrender more and more to Him because I know He cares for me and won't let me down... But I can't do it on my own though.
So my prayer each day is asking the Lord to teach me HOW to surrender, and help me to just do it. Just bite the bullet and do it - one thing at a time. The sky will not fall if I let go. really.
That's why I'm trying to meditate daily on scriptures that speak of God's love for me, so I can get it in there. It needs to get into my heart, get mixed with some faith so that it can power this surrender thing.
I guess it's one day/issue/experience at a time... It requires practise just like everything else.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hope this encourages you as you practise the presence of God:
Excerpt From "the practice of the presence of God" by brother Lawrence:
http://www.amazon.com/Practice-Presence-God-Brother-Lawrence/dp/0924722193/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235599621&sr=1-1
In the beginning, Brother Lawrence declared that a little effort was needed to form the habit of continually coversing with God, telling Him everything that was happening. However, after a little careful practice, God's love refreshed him, and it all became quite easy.
When he considered doing some good deed, he always consulted God about it saying, "Lord, I will never be able to do that if you don't help me." Immediately he would be given more than enough strength.
When he sinned he confessed it to God with these words: "I can do nothing better without you. Please keep me from falling and correct the mistakes I make." After that, he did not feel guilty about sin.
Brother Lawrence pointed out that he spoke very simply and frankly to God. He asked for help with things as he needed it, and his experience had been that God never failed to respond.
by Brother Lawrence Scroll Publishing Co. · 2007ISBN: 978-0-924722-19-6
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
How Grateful I am to THE I AM
February 24, 2009
God is so good. Just started reading a book from Bill Weise titled 23 minutes in Hell. My pastor asked us to read this book as a wake up call to see how real hell is and truly get our act together as a church. However, I have to admit, since I'm a very visual person and reading paints pictures in my mind that sometimes are difficult to erase, I was very concerned about what pictures this book might paint, and I wasn't sure how ready I was for all that.
In anycase, as I started reading, I asked the Lord to help me get out of it what He wanted, and I asked the Holy Spirit to help me as I read. Well, He did.
You see, as I started reading, I skipped a few pages from Bill Weise's intro and first couple pages to where he met Jesus - and boy that got me overwhelmed. The Lord started giving me a different view of this book as I read. It wasn't just a terrifying book about hell, but rather a book about what Jesus has saved me from. It made me sooo grateful to know the Lord and eager to share about Him to others.
I just started reading, so I'm looking forward to all the Lord has forme as I continue reading the book. Today has been great and I'm loving Jesus more already. I look forward to loving Him even more tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow, each day with a new height and depth of His love. Amen!
Scripture that comes to mind for today:
Free from Indwelling Sin
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,
4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Sonship Through the Spirit
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;
21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us[b] with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written: “ For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”[c]
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God is so good. Just started reading a book from Bill Weise titled 23 minutes in Hell. My pastor asked us to read this book as a wake up call to see how real hell is and truly get our act together as a church. However, I have to admit, since I'm a very visual person and reading paints pictures in my mind that sometimes are difficult to erase, I was very concerned about what pictures this book might paint, and I wasn't sure how ready I was for all that.
In anycase, as I started reading, I asked the Lord to help me get out of it what He wanted, and I asked the Holy Spirit to help me as I read. Well, He did.
You see, as I started reading, I skipped a few pages from Bill Weise's intro and first couple pages to where he met Jesus - and boy that got me overwhelmed. The Lord started giving me a different view of this book as I read. It wasn't just a terrifying book about hell, but rather a book about what Jesus has saved me from. It made me sooo grateful to know the Lord and eager to share about Him to others.
I just started reading, so I'm looking forward to all the Lord has forme as I continue reading the book. Today has been great and I'm loving Jesus more already. I look forward to loving Him even more tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow, each day with a new height and depth of His love. Amen!
Scripture that comes to mind for today:
Free from Indwelling Sin
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,
4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Sonship Through the Spirit
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;
21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us[b] with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written: “ For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”[c]
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Welcome to My Daily Blog
Welcome and God bless you!
I wanted to start a blog to jot down any words or revelations the Lord gives me as I meditate on His word daily. I'm hoping this would aid me in my study and reflection on the Word and on Christ daily. This is primarily for my own purposes, but you are more than welcome to read if you like. I hope you are blessed as you do so - as I'm sure I will be as well.
I wanted to start a blog to jot down any words or revelations the Lord gives me as I meditate on His word daily. I'm hoping this would aid me in my study and reflection on the Word and on Christ daily. This is primarily for my own purposes, but you are more than welcome to read if you like. I hope you are blessed as you do so - as I'm sure I will be as well.
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