Scripture Reading for Wednesday 30 November 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for for 30 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "Jesus' Greatest Claim"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 10:1-42
Today's Key Verse: John 10:27-30 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my My hand.  My father who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand.  I and My Father are One."

Jesus in this chapter of John speaks of familiar things that those who were listening to could relate to.  He describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, willing to give His life for the sheep.  Jesus came as Israel's rightful Messiah and He came openly and honestly. 

When Jesus says in verse 8, "All who come before Me," he is referring to the many false prophets, who aroused national passions and claimed to be sent by God to deliver the people from foreign enemies.  They, however, come to exploit the people rather than serve them, to gain, rather than give.   

The religious leaders here, are only concerned with their own safety and ease and not with the sheep.  Jesus is the Good Shepherd because the sheep are His and we are precious to Him.  He cares about us so much that He willingly that He gave His life for us.  This self-sacrifice is completely voluntary, the true measure of God's love sinful and dying world.  How do we recognize God's people?  What are the marks of faith?  They believe in Jesus, they listen to the voice of Jesus and they follow Him.  Confession, obedience, and allegiance are the marks of the true believer.    Jesus described three characteristics of His sheep: (1) They hear His voice, and he knows them (2) The follow Him (3) They have eternal life that never can be taken away.  God's hands is more powerful than that of any enemy.

Jesus is God.  this is another clear claim by Jesus of deity.  His hearers understood exactly what He meant and they were ready to stone Him for blasphemy.  The Hebrew term for blasphemy means, "to spurn" or "to treat with contempt.  The Greek words means, "to slander", "to speak abusively of", or "to speak lightly of the sacred."  This charge was far more serious that the casual curse or misuse of God's name common in out time.  Jesus was charged with blasphemy because He claimed the right and authority that belonged to God alone.  This fact reminds us that no one can dismiss Jesus as a "good man."  He was either an impious deceiver, a mad man, or exactly what we as believers know is true,  He was the God the Son, God with us in human flesh.

Today's Hymn: "Amazed"

You dance over me while I am unaware, You sing all around, But I never hear the sound
Lord I am amazed by you, Lord I am amazed by You, Lord I am amazed by You
And How You love me
You paint the morning sky with miracles and lines, My hope will always stand
You hold me in Your hand, Lord I am amazed by You, Lord I am Amazed by You
And How You love me
How wide, How deep, How great is your love for me, How wide,
How deep, How great is Your Love for me, And Lord I am amazed by You
Lord I am amazed by You, Lord I am Amazed by You, and how deep Your love is for me

Heaven Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, how thankful we are that through Your shed blood and Your Resurrection from the Grave we have through You the victory over Satan.  How wonderful it is to know that You are faithful and good in the promises that You make, and You are there with us to carry us and strengthen us when we need it the most.  May as we speak to others about You, be able to speak out boldly and proclaim as Peter, "Thou art Christ, the son of the living God."
                                                                                                                                      Amen

Today's Biblical Truth: "The joy of the righteous will be great when there is an end to evil."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness.  Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sister in Christ who are been persecuted for there Faith and Trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Pray also for God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T". GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

"Bless the Lord , O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." Psalm 103:2

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi  
  

  

Bible Scipture Reading for Tuesday 29 November 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 29 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "The Obvious Is True"
Today's Scripture Reading: "John 9:1-41
Today's Key Verse: John 9:33 "If this man were not from God, He could go nothing."

Chapter 9 deals with a man who was born blind is healed by Jesus and the opposition to Jesus continues to intensify when this healing is done.  Popular theology held that sickness was a punishment for sin.  In the case of a person born blind, this posed a theological riddle. Was the man punished for sins he would commit? Or were sins of the parents being punished in the son?

Jesus' answer to this question is important.  "Neither sinned."  God had allowed the man to be born so that Jesus could heal him and thus reveal the works of God and His healing power.  Mixing clay with saliva was a common practice used for eye infection.  Jesus may have used the clay on his eyes instead of simply speaking the words for the man to exercise his faith in washing it off.  Christ's healing of this blind man reminds us that, in often unexpected ways, our suffering can be used by God for His Glory.

When the Pharisee's find out about the healing they begin to badger the man.  After repeatedly answering the same question over and over the blind man finally cuts through to the heart of the issue:  "If this man were not from God, He could do nothing." The blind mans remark" Do you want to become His disciples too?", drips with sarcasm and reflects the blind man's frustration with the constant nagging of the Pharisees.  The blind man is thrown out by the religious leaders, but is found by Jesus, and believes in Him.

We will note that the blind man is bolder than his parents, who refused to take any position on their sons healing because of the known hostility of the religious leaders to Jesus.  The once blind man openly expresses the obvious fact that the leaders were intent on trying to hide.  The blessing of sight restored was so great that nothing the leaders could do would intimidate him.

In verse 36 the blind man finds Jesus and asks Jesus "Who is He?"  We see here that faith must have proper object.  Jesus, not faith saves.  Faith is only a channel to the worthy object, the Lord Jesus Christ.  We see the progression throughout this chapter of the healed man's understanding of the person of Christ.  First, he called Jesus "a Man" (verse 11), then "a prophet" (verse 17), and finally he realized that Jesus is the Son of God (verses 35-38).

Jesus did come into this world to execute judgment. Nevertheless, the inevitable result of His coming judgment, because some refuse to believe.  As the light of the world, Jesus came that the blind might see and those who think they can see will be made blind.  There was no way that the Pharisees could claim ignorance.  Their rejection of Jesus was deliberate, so they were guilty of the most terrible of all sins, the rejection of Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

Today's Hymn: "Come Let us Worship"

Come, let us worship and bow down, Before the Lord Most Holy,Before the King of Glory
Come and lay your burdens down, Before the Friend who's faithful, Before the One's who's able
For he is our God, And we are His people, Yes He is our God, And we shall never be forsaken
Come let us lift our voice in praise, Unto the rock of Ages, Unto the God who saves us
Come and Glorify His Name, All the earth together, All the saints forever
You are our God, And we are your people, You are our God, And we will be with You Forever

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, may our faith be that of the blind man who was healed by Jesus.  May we when led by the Holy Spirit step out in faith and follow in the footsteps of Jesus.  May our eyes be opened that we may freely share our own faith in Christ.  May we as Christians remember that in serving and standing up for Christ, there is nothing we could possibly lose that compares with what we have gained.
                                                                                                                               Amen
"Today's Biblical Truth: "As the light of the world, Jesus exposes sin and gives sight."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Pray also God's Blessings be on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma n your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Psalm 23:6

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi 

Bible Scripture Reading for Monday 28 November 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 28 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "Jesus Is, And Always Was"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 8:1-59
Today's Key Verse: John 8:58 "Jesus said to them, "Most Assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM."

In this chapter, Jesus is again teaching in the temple courts when the religious leaders drag in a woman caught in the act of adultery (notice that the man involved was not brought) and challenged Him to sentence her.  Old Testament Law called for the death sentence for adultery which was done with stoning.  He avoids their trap by saying, "anyone of you without sin, cast the first stone."  In my mind after Jesus says this, I hear the rocks dropping as they walk away, leaving her alone with Jesus, and Jesus reaching down with those strong arms and pulling her to her feet and looking into her eyes with eyes of love and telling her that he neither condemned her and to go and sin no more. (Wow).

When Jesus next preaches,  He calls Himself the "Light of the World."  When the Pharisee's demand proof, Jesus points out that God, His Father has already testified, through the miracles that He has performed.  In the Book of John "light" is closely linked with distinguishing between the true and the false, between reality and illusion. As the "Light of the World" Jesus becomes the one and only source of illumination of spiritual reality.  Believe in Him and you will see Him as He really is.  Refuse to believe in Him, and you will be left with only "human standards" and darkness.The confused Pharisee's press the point, and Jesus bluntly warms them they will "die in their sins" unless they believe in Him.

In John "truth" is that which is in full correspondence with reality.  We can't know this kind of truth in theory, but experience the reality Jesus' words portray by putting them into practice.  If we want to "know the truth" about anything, we must be disciples, holding firmly ho Jesus' teaching and putting His words into practice.

In verse 32 "you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free", is freedom.  Freedom is the experience of life-with God, with one's self, and with others, and with the material world, as God intends it to be for human beings.    

Today's Hymn "Let It Rain"

Let it rain, Let it rain, Open the floodgates of heaven, and let it rain
The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad, Let the distant shores rejoice
Clouds and thick darkness surround Him
Righteousness and Justice are the foundation of His throne
A fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side
His lightening lights up the world, The earth sees and trembles
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, Before the Lord of all the earth
The heavens proclaim His righteousness, And all peoples will see His glory
We want to see Your Glory, God! Do you want to see His Glory
Lift up your voices, Lift your hands, Let it rain, let it rain
Open the floodgates of heaven and let it rain

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, how thankful we are to have the freedom of life when we have a relationship with You are Abba Father.  Thank you for the conviction of our hearts that we needed you in our lives and needed you to go from eternal death into eternal life.  May we always be obedient to You so that we will have a daily relationship with You, protection from sin, and experience Your neverending Love.
                                                                                                                                   Amen
"Today's Biblical Truth: "One who abides in the Word of God know the truth."

Clink on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Isaiah 41:10.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness  Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters who are being persecuted for there Faith and Trust in our Lord and Savior.  Pray also for God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", GOD Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading for Friday 25 November 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 25 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "Commitment Produces Certainty"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 7:1-52
Today's Key Verse: John 7:38 "He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."

As we begin Chapter 7 we see that Jesus delays going up to Jerusalem for one of Judaism's three required religious festivals.  We are told by John that Jesus' brothers argued, "If You are really working miracles and thus claiming to be the Messiah, do not hide in obscure Galilee.  If you are doing miracles at all, then do them in Jerusalem at the Feast to convince the who nation."  These words were sarcastic, because even His own brothers did not believe Him.  Later though two of Jesus' brothers, James and Jude, did believe and will become leaders in the Book of Acts of the young church.  Don't write off those who don't respond at once to the Gospel.  Often it takes time.

Halfway through the eight day day festival Jesus begins teaching publicly in the temple courtyard.  Jesus attributes  His teaching directly to God, rather that rabbinical "seminary training," and insists that anyone who chooses to do God's will, will recognize it.  When He is challenged, He bluntly states that the judgment of the religious leaders is flawed and that they do not keep the Law they claim to honor.  In verse 12 John uses the phrase "the Jews" of Judaism's religious hierarchy.  Their power to cut of any Jewish person off from Israel's religious and social life kept those who did think Jesus was the Messiah from speaking out.

Choosing to doing God's Will is a vital and basic principle.  To know Jesus and develop spiritual understanding, a person must make a conscious, determined choice to do God's Will.  If we make that choice, God will show us what His Will is, and we can live it, step by step.

Widespread speculation that Jesus is the Christ angers the Jewish leaders even as His sayings puzzle them.  The Jews assumed Jesus was born in Galilee, because He lived in Nazareth.  Yet if they had checked the records, that given the Jewish concern with genealogies surely existed, they would have learned He was born in Bethlehem, of David's family line. 

 But the crowds also hesitate when, on the last day of the festival, Jesus calls on His listeners to believe in Him.  The religious leaders' fury is intensified when their own guards refuse to arrest Jesus, and Nicodemus, one of their members, defended Him.  It's clear that the leaders absolutely refuse to believe Jesus could be the Christ.

Jesus promises to pour out the Holy Spirit as the source of "Living Water", for those who would believe in Him.

Today's Hymn: "Amazing Grace"

Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I am found, Was blind but now I see
"Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed
My chains are gone, I've been set free, My God, My Savior has ramsoned me
And like a flood His mercy reigns, unending love, Amazing grace
The Lord has promise good to me, His Word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below. Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine, You are forever mine

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, how thankful we are Father, that the moment we take Jesus into our lives, that we receive an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, whom walks with us, guides us, and teaches us.  How happy we are as Christians, to follow You in Your footsteps, and to be sons and daughters of the King.  May we continue to grow in your mercy and grace, and grow stronger in our relationship with Thee.
                                                                                                                         Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "As with Jesus, so with us; no one can touch us without the Father's consent."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from John 7 which is Titled: "Commitment Produces Certainty."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in our Lord and Savior.  Also Pray for God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", God Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

"Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you." Psalm 50:15

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading for Wednesday 23 November 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 23 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "Trust Jesus Fully"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 6:1-71
Today's Key Verse: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life."

As this chapter opens we see that Jesus feeds a great crowd that followed Him because they were intrigued by His miracles.  This is the only miracle reported in all four Gospels.  It reminds us that Jesus is able to stretch any resources we may have to meet our needs and the needs of others.

The crowd was enthusiastic over Jesus' ability to feed them, the crowd intends to make him king "by force".  Kings rule, they are not ruled by their people.  The very intent of the crowds to force Jesus to become king, shows how weak their allegiance was to Him.  That evening the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water and the following day the crowds set out, intent on finding Jesus wherever He may have gone.

When they found Him on the other side of the sea they said to Him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?"  Jesus challenges their motives for seeking Him, and when the crowds still insist, He provides bread, presenting Himself as the true bread from Heaven.  Believing in Jesus means "eating" His flesh as bread and "drinking" His blood.  Only by fully participating through faith in all Jesus is, and has done, will men and women find salvation.

Material bread must be eaten and digested, it becomes part of us.  In the same way all that Christ is, must become part of us.  We must appropriate Him by faith, take Him in completely that He might become part of us and sustain us.  Jesus alone is able to meet our need for eternal life."

This difficult teaching offends many who had called themselves "Jesus' disciples" and many leave. The twelve disciples stay, convinced there is no place better to go except to be with Jesus.  Jesus has the words of eternal life.  He is the Holy One of God.

It is interesting to note that Judas Iscariot never made Peter's confession of faith in Jesus Christ.  Though he was a disciple and even on of the twelve, it never said in Scripture that he believed.  Don't come to Jesus intending to use faith for your own purposes.  Come to Jesus as a subject, willing to let Him rule in your heart.

Today's Hymn: "Better Is One day In Your Courts"

Better is one day in Your courts, Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts, Than thousands eleswhere
One thing I ask and I would seek, To see Your Beauty
To find You in the place Your glory dwells
One thing I ask and I would seek, To see Your Beauty
To find You in the place Your glory dwells
How lovely is Your dwelling place, Oh, Lord Almighty
My soul longs and even faints for You 
For here my heart is satisfied within Your Presence
I sing beneath the shadow of Your wings
I could sing of Your love forever, I could sing of your love forever

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, How thankful is is that we can come to You through Your Son Jesus.  How wonderful it is to be within your Loving Presence and have an inimate relationship with You.  May we always remember that You and You alone are able to meet our physical as well as our spiritual needs and that we can completely trust in Your promise that You would never leave nor forsake us.
                                                                                                                                     Amen
Today's Biblical Trust: "Though a person has not seen the Father, he or she can believe in Christ and have everlasting life."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Psalm 63:3-4.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness.  Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for there Faith and Trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Also pray for God's Blessings on the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", God Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi       

Bible Scripture Reading for Tuesday 22 November 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 22 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "Belief Brings Life"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 5:1-47
Today's Key Verse: John 5:24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes in Him who sent me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life."

Today's chapter starts with Jesus back in Jerusalem and the healing of a paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda.  The question, "Do you want to get well?", was a psychologically and spiritually question.  Many do not want to see their situation change, no matter how grim it is.  The paralyzed man undoubtedly made his living begging.  He would be responsible to make his own living.

Physical, physiological, and spiritual healing all have this in common: one who is healed must change and take responsibility for his or her own self.  All too many people resist the Gospel because they do not want to "get well!"

This healing stimulates a controversy, as Jesus had told the man to pick up his bedding and walk, and it was the Sabbath.  When the man reports Jesus is the one who healed him and told him to carry his bedding the Jew persecuted Him.  The healed man has never been criticized for a lack of gratitude and even for "blaming" Jesus when he was caught carrying his bedding.  Jesus never told the healed man not to report who had healed him. 

Jesus in verses 17-18 now publicly identifies Himself with God the Father and not only goes on at length to prove His claim is valid, but also insists that He is the source of eternal life.  Sin condemns and kills.  All have sinned, so all are both condemned and spiritually dead.  Belief in Christ removes condemnation and brings eternal life.

Eternal life is more than endless.  It has a  unique quality and character of its own.  Eternal life is God's own life, infused with his vitality and normal character, given to us through spiritual rebirth.  Those that have been reborn spiritually have a intimate and close relationship with God and fellowship with other believers for we are linked to Him and one another by eternal bonds.

This chapter in John is one of the New Testaments basic passages on eternal life.  Possession of eternal life will show itself in obedience and love.  The bondage that is our heritage with death was broken when Jesus died on the cross and arose on the third day.  When we accept Jesus the Holy Spirits power flows through us and we have the "Living Water" within us, enabling us to express our new nature in righteous living here and now.  It is this new and wonderful eternal life, that we possess immediately when we take Jesus Christ as out Lord and Savior.

Today's Hymn: "The Wonderful Cross"

When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I can but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride
See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown
O the wonderful Cross, O the wonderful Cross,
Bids me come and die and find that I might live
O the wonderful Cross, O the wonderful Cross
All who are gathered here by grace draw near and bless Your Name 
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all

Heaven Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, how amazing, how divine Your love for us your children.  May we as Christians Lord, take time throughout our busy day to take time to come to you in prayer, and have that intimate relationship that we have, by talking to You, our Abba Father.  May we in everything that we do and say, bring Glory and Honor to Your Name, so that others will want what we have, and that is, the saving power and grace, of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
                                                                                                                  Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "All believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, not for punishment of sin, but to determine inheritance in the Messiah's kingdom."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Also pray for the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", God Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of good mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
                                                                                                      

      

Bible Scripture Reading for Monday 21 November 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus for 21 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "What God Is Looking For"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 4:1-54
Today's Key Verse: John 4:23 "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such worship Him."

When Jesus is traveling through Samaria He engages a woman at the well in conversation. When Jesus speaks of the "Living Water" that He can provide that would quench her deepest thirst, and that He knows her sins, she turns the conversation to a theological controversy.  

The phrase "Living Water" indicates a spring of flowing water in contrast to water in a well.  Jesus is speaking of humanity's greatest thirst, for a right relationship with God.  The woman is thinking of physical thirst.  When people know what God is willing to do for them, all as a free gift, then and only then are they able to face their sins and seek the Lord.

Sin is not threatening when the sinner realizes punishment is not an issue.  God is seeking worshipers.  He isn't looking for for new ways to judge us.  When the woman linked this message of hope to the Messiah, and Jesus announced He was the Promised One then she was ready to surrender all.

Convinced that Jesus is the Messiah, the woman hurries to call her fellow villagers out to see Him.  The salvation of the woman at the well is deeply satisfying to Jesus.  The Samaritan's come out to the well to see Jesus for themselves.  Jesus stayed two more days with them and many more are saved.  The message of Salvation will set off a chain reaction.  One who is won to the Lord will lead to many, many more.

When Jesus leaves Samaria and arrives back into Galilee, Jesus is approached by a royal official desperate over the illness of his son.  The nobleman is said to have believed twice, once in verse 50 and again in verse 53.  In verse 50, he believed Jesus' promises that his son would not die.  But believing that Jesus can and will heal is not enough to save.  What was it that the nobleman believed in Verse 53?  

The answer to that question is found in verse in verse 54.  The miracle of his sons healing was His second sign.  These signs were performed so that the people might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing they might have life.  

When the Jewish nobleman realized that his son had been healed, he knew that Jesus was more than just a mortal.  The nobleman placed his faith in Jesus along with his household and they were saved.

Today's Hymn: "I can Only Imagine"

I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see, When Your face is before me, I can only imagine
I can only imagine when that day comes, When I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine
I can only imagine what I will do forever, Forever worship You, I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your Presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all, I can only imagine
I can only imagine, when all I will do is forever, forever worship You,
I can only imagine

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, may we like the woman at the well, listen to the Holy Spirits guiding, and go out and bring others to Your free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ Your Son.  May we, as like the nobleman believe and have faith in what you say in Your Word and in our hearts, and worship you each and every day of our life's here on this our temporary home, till one day we will be able to stand in Your Presence and forever and ever worship You.

Today's Biblical Truth: "God is Spirit, worship Him in spirit and truth"

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sister in Christ who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Also pray for the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", God Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

                                                         


   

Bible Scripture Reading for Friday 18 November 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 18 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "The Life Jesus Gives Us is Eternal"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 3:1-32
Today's Key Verse: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever would believe in Him would NOT perish, but have everlasting life."

The fact that Jesus did perform miracles was beyond dispute. This brought a Pharisee named Nicodemus by night to question Jesus.  Unlike the the other Pharisees who came to Jesus with closed hearts, Nicodemus came to Jesus with a open mind, ready to listen to Jesus whose miracles suggested God intended to give a new revelation through Him.  Jesus stunned Nicodemus by saying that before any spiritual questions can be dealt with a man must be "born again".  Even though the concept of spiritual rebirth has roots in  the Old Testament, Nicodemus was totally confused .

To be "born again" God acts supernaturally to make us His children.  The spiritual life He infuses leads to moral transformation and enables us to love God and others.  As a natural birth begins our life here on this earth, so spiritual birth brings us into the spiritual world and makes us God's "born ones".  Jesus challenges Nicodemus to accept Christ's testimony and goes on to explain the awesome cost to God of making eternal life available to mankind. 

Jesus tells Nicodemus that He would be lifted up.  Everytime the words lifted up occur in the Gospel of John there is a reference to Jesus death.  When Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, those who looked at it lived.  All of us are helpless before the deadly curse of sin.  In lifting Christ up on the Cross, also a symbol of judgement, God makes Him the object of faith.

In the first century one word for "love", agape, was quite weak, expressing only fondness.  The writers of the New Testament picked and used the word "love" and infused it with a new and stunning meaning.  1 John 4:9 says, ''This is how God showed His love....He send His one only Son into the world that we might live through Him."  God chose to love sinners.  God expressed His Love in self-sacrifice.  Christ incarnate and crucified forever givens meaning to the phrase, "God is love" and fills us with awe as we realize, "God loves me".

Salvation is an issue of "BELIEF" or "UNBELIEF": ONLY BY TRUST in the Son of God can those who are "CONDEMNED ALREADY" pass from DEATH to LIFE. 

Now John in this Chapter introduces another witness to the truth Jesus has presented: John the Baptist.  By divine revelation John confirms what Christ has said and Christ's miracles have attested.  Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.  Whoever rejects the Son remains under the wrath of God.

Today's Hymn: "Pass Me O Gentle Savior"

Pass me not O gentle Savior, Hear my humble cry
While on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by
Let me at Thy throne of mercy, Find a sweet relief
Kneeling there in deep contrition Help my unbelief
Trusting only in Thy merit, Would I seek Thy face
Heal my wounded broken spirit, Save me by Thy grace
Thou the spring of all my comfort, More than life to me
Whom have I on earth beside Thee? Whom in heaven but Thee?
Savior, Savior, Hear my humble cry
While on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit how thankful we are that we have such a Loving, Merciful, and Gracious God, whom loved us so much that he would send His only Son to this earth and sacrifice Him upon the Cross of Calvary where He shed His living giving Blood to wash us from our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Thank you Jesus that at the moment of the confession of our sins that You send to us the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit who leads us, teaches us and walks with us that we might walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
                                                                                                                                                     Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "The ultimate reason that people don't come to Christ is because they do not want to."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Exodus 3:5.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for there Faith and Trust in our Savior Jesus Christ.  Also pray for the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", God Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

"As for God, His way is perfect: the Word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him." Psalm 18:30

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

Bible Scripture Reading for Thursday 17 November 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 17 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: " Miracles Encourage Faith"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 1:19-2:25
Today's Key Verse: John 2:11 "This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him."

John the Baptist's ministry stirs the Jew's ancient hope of Messiah's appearance, and John himself is mistaken for the coming King.  We as Christians need to model ourselves after John the Baptist and point others to Jesus.

God then shows John that his cousin, Jesus, is actually the Son of God when Jesus is baptized.  The Lamb of God given to Jesus here reflects the atonement theme in this Gospel.  Lambs were sacrificed on Old Testament alters as sin offerings.   But the true Lamb of God which Old Testament sacrifices symbolized is Jesus who "takes away the sins of the world."  When the Spirit descended on Jesus, God revealed to John who Jesus really was: "the Son of God".

The first contact of Jesus with men who later become His disciples is made when John points Christ out as the Lamb of God, and two men curiously trail after Jesus .  On that same occasion Jesus calls two others to follow Him.  The interplay of Jesus' deity and humanity is a fascinating study.  At times the Gospels describe Jesus and His human limitations: He is tired, discouraged, lonely, in anguish, and near despair in Gethsemane.  Then His essential deity shines through, as here when Jesus is aware of something not available through the senses.  Nathanael, a "true Israelite", in his spiritual insight as well as character, realized at once that Jesus was the Son of God.  

Jesus now leads His informal little company back to Galilee, where they see Him turn water into wine at a wedding.  The miracle stimulates their belief and Jesus spends more time with them in Capernaum, where the men lived.  But the disciples see a different Jesus when they travel together to Jerusalem for the passover festival.  In Jerusalem He explodes with anger and clears the temple of traders and money exchangers.  There too He bluntly confronts the religious leaders and performs many additional miracles.

Jesus' miracles caused onlookers great amazement.  His opponents tried to explain them away, by sating that Jesus was in league with Satan.  His disciples found their faith strengthened and some were stimulated to a superficial kind of "belief" about Jesus that fell short of trusting themselves to Him and Nicodemus would be an illustration of that.

Today's Hymn: "Leaning On The Arms Of Jesus"

Leaning on the arms of Jesus, Oh, it is so sweet and precious!
He will surely bless and keep us, Calmly resting free from care
Leaning on His arms of power, Jesus is my strong high tower
He's my Peace, my constant shower, He will every need supply
Leaning on His arms, I'm trusting, What do I have to fear? I'm resting
Jesus is my constant blessing, He will all my burdens bear
Leaning, leaning, Safely on the arms of Jesus
I'm leaning, yes, I'm leaning, Leaning on the arms of Jesus

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit how thankful we are that Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life.  How thankful we are that because of His sacrifice upon the Cross of Calvary that we now as Christians can come boldly into the throne room of grace and humbly kneel and lay our prayers and supplications before our Almighty, All Loving, All Powerful God.  May we commit our lives to you knowing that in faith You will provide for our every need.
                                                                                                                                            Amen

Today's Biblical Truth: "Jesus Christ was the Lamb that God gave to us as a sacrifice for not only the sins of Israel, but of the whole world."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Proverbs 3:5-6. 

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Tomorrow.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Pray for the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", God Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

"In all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:6 

Your Sister in Christ
Cindi

             

   

Bible Scripture Reading for Tuesday 15 November 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 15 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "God Has Been Among Us"
Today's Scripture Reading: John 1:1-18
Today's Key Verse: 1:14 "And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

John in Chapter 1, takes us back beyond Creation, to show that Jesus has been God from eternity past.  He existed before His birth, was co-equal with God the Father, the source of light and of life itself.

The Greek word for word is "logos", which usually emphasizes the message of a spoken word.  Johns point is this (1) a key role of the Second Person of the Trinity has always been communication.  The Son is the spoken Word, the living expression of all God has ever sought to communicate about Himself (2) Jesus is both identical with the God of the Old Testament, and yet is distinct from Him (3) John credits the Word with Creation.  Psalm 19 exalted the created universe for speaking so plainly of God without language, so that its message can be "heard" in every language.  Jesus spoke, and the universe sprang into existence.  The saying that life was "the light of men" means, that as the source of all life, Jesus is the focus of all our hopes.  

Before He began His ministry on earth the presence of Jesus, the preexistence Word, was announced and pointed out by John.  Yet, though He made the world itself, and came to a people, He as God called out long ago, He was neither recognized nor received by His own.  Christ made humankind and created the world in which we live.  But when He came to join us, humanity had no awareness of who He was or the significance of His Presence.

John here, introduces a central theme of his Gospel.  Those who do receive Him by believing on His name, become the children of God.  The awesome truth is that in Jesus Christ, God Himself did become flesh and live among us.  Jesus was recognized as God incarnate by some!  These "received" Him.  This image, "receive", is the first John uses to define "believe". 

  Jesus is the turning point of sacred history, the source of grace that surpasses law, the visible expression of the unseen God.  If you do not see a gift held out to you, or if you see it, but do not receive it as real, you won't reach out your hand to take it.  Believing in Jesus involves seeing Him presented as God's Son, accepting the description as real, and simply holding out your hand to accept God's gift of eternal life.  You then become what you were not: a child of God.

Today's Hymn: "Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven"

Praise my soul, the King of heaven, To the throne thy tribute bring
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, Evermore God's praises sing
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the everlasting King
Praise the Lord for grace and favor, To all people in distress
Praise God, still the same as ever, Slow to chide, and swift to bless
Alleluia! Alleluia! Glorious now God's faithfulness
Father like God tend and spares us, Well our feeble frame God knows
Mother like, God gently bears us, Rescues us from all our foes
Alleluia! Alleluia! Widely yet God's mercy flows
Angels in the heights adorning, You behold God face to face
Saints triumphant now adorning, Gathered in from every race
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise with us the God of grace

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, may we as Christians bear witness and testify to the saving love and grace of Jesus Christ who was, who is, and who is to come.  May we as Christians and as followers of Jesus proclaim to others that Jesus is the word, the life and that light and that He is Christ, the Son of God.  Thank you Abba Father that by believing we as undeserving sinners, become full members of God's family.
                                                                                                                              Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "Christ entered this world to give it spiritual light"

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse for 2 Timothy 3:16-17."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Pray also for the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", God Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

"The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in, From this time forth, and even forevermore" Psalm 121:8

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi   

Weekday Bible Scripture Reading for Thursday 10 November 2011

"Greeting in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 10 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "Introduction into the Book of John"

John's portrait of Jesus is the most theological of the four gospels.  He launches his work by presenting Jesus who existed with God and as God before the creation of the universe.  He entered His creation as a human being, lived among His creatures, and His every act and teaching calls us to believe in Him as Savior and Lord. 

John's unique style features contrasting concepts that confront us with the necessity of belief.  Christ is the focus of a cosmic struggle between life and death, light and darkness, true and falsehood, love and hate.  No wonder John is consumed with concern that we, his readers, respond to Jesus by placing our complete trust in Him, and live out that trust daily.  In fact John's key word, "belief", occurs 98 times in the Greek text of his 21 chapters!

This feature of John helps us sense the Gospel's value to you and me.  Study of John's unique portrait of Jesus can enrich our faith in Christ and enable us to walk trustingly hand in hand with our Lord.

The Book of John is the only book in the Bible that states it's purpose clearly and succinctly: It was written to tell individuals how to find eternal life.  This clearly identified purpose sets the gospel of John apart from the other Gospels.  It is not so much a life of Jesus as it is a powerful presentation of His Deity.

Every chapter presents evidence, both signs and statements, for His divine authority.  According to John, believing that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, is the beginning of eternal life.  John reveals the Bible's most important message: Believe and follow Jesus, because He is the way to eternal life. What could be more important? 

THEOLOGICAL THEMES IN JOHN'S GOSPEL

Jesus' Deity: John wants us to realize that Jesus Christ truly is with the Father (1:1,14), who in 
                       His own Person reveals the Father (1:18), and is Himself the only way through
                       whom God can approached (14:6).  Jesus' claim of Deity is clearly seen in 
                        5:18, 9:35-37, 17:5.

Atonement:   John understands Jesus' death as a sacrifice made to pay for mankind's sins.  
                       As the Lamb of God, He takes away the sins of the world (1:29), is lifted up
                       on the Cross that those who believe might have eternal life (3:14-15), and
                       gives His life for the world (6:51; 10:10). 

Eternal Life: John sees life as more than earthly existence, but as a fulfillment of human
                       destiny that extends on through eternity.  As Creator Jesus is the source of
                       all life (1:4).  As Savior Jesus gives the gift of eternal life to all believers 
                       (3:15-16; 10:10; 20:31).

Belief/Faith: Faith is our response to Jesus, a response marked by trust in Him and by trusting 
                       ourselves to Him.  Because of who Jesus is, all who trust Him are secure.

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit as this study in the Book of John starts it is my prayer that all who read this will fully understand that we need to place our faith in Jesus Christ as Our Lord and Savior.  May we as we read the words of John may we see that Jesus is the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Door for the Sheep, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and the Life, the Way,the Truth, the Life and that He is the True Vine.  May we see that Jesus is the ONLY WAY to the Father.  May we see that Jesus was fully man as well in that His body grew weary, His soul was troubled, and He groaned in His spirit.  May we trust in Jesus Christ for Eternal Life and built our faith and trust in the belief that the Father is in Christ, and Christ is in the Father, Christ came from God, and God sent Him and He is the Son of God.
                                                                                                                                             Amen
Click on the Link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Matthew 28:6.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness
Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Also pray for the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", God Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces." Psalm 121:7

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi           

Weekday Scripture Reading for Wednesday 9 November 2011

"Greeting in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 9 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "It Won't Be Long"
Today's Scripture Reading: James 5:1-20
Today's Key Verse: James 5:9 "Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned.  Behold, the Judge is standing at the door."

James began his letter by encouraging us to accept trails with joy, as God has a maturing purpose in permitting them.  Now he looks at resources which enable us to endure even under severe, continuing persecution.  James warns the rich oppressors of the poor.  The rich live in luxury now, but face certain judgment for their mistreatment of the innocent.

In Chapter 5 the charges James makes against the rich are: (1) they greedily hoard wealth when others are suffering (2) they defraud their employees (3) they live in extravagance and self-indulgence, and (4) they "murder" innocent men.    Even under persecution we as believers are to be patient and stand firm until the Lord returns.   We can afford to be patient even when provoked by the exploitation of the wealthy.  Like farmers, we wait for harvest time.  We know that Christ, the Judge, "is standing at the door."

James lists Job as an example of faith. After Job's terrible suffering God blessed Him with double of all the good things that He had before.  His example ensures us a believers that when the Lord returns we too will experience the compassion of the Lord.

The passages from verses 14-16 linking prayer, sickness, church elders, anointing with oil, and confessions of sins has fascinated Christians throughout the ages.  Several things are clear fro these passages. (1) Prayer is needed when sickness comes (2) One role of the elders of a church is to pray for the sick (3) Prayer is primary, anointing with oil is secondary. (4) Oil was the most common ingredient in ancient medical treatments.. The passages teaches application of both prayer and normal medical treatments (5) "Confession" is important if sin should happen to be the case of the sickness, and thus sickness is disciplinary. (6) Since confession and prayer are associated with good health, it is important for Christians to be sensitive to sin, confess their sins to each other and also to pray for one another.  The prayers of a person that has a right relationship with God, is truly powerful.

Today's Hymn: "Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary"

Days are filled with sorrow and care, Hearts are lonely and drear
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near
Cast your care on Jesus today, Leave your worry and fear
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near
Troubled soul the savior can see, Every heartache and tear
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Calvary, Calvary
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near

Heaven Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, as we struggle with the things of this world, may we as Your children realize that if we but come to You in prayer and supplication You will hear our prayers and that You are indeed very near.  May our faith continue to Look up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary.    Amen
                                                                                                                 
Today's Biblical Truth: "Being spiritually minded means, "overcoming the deadness of the body and experiencing life and peace."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Psalm 139:23-24. 

Today concludes the Book of James.  Tomorrow (God Willing) will be an Introduction into the Book of John. 

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.  Also pray for the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T, God Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".


"The Lord upholds all who fall, And raises up all who are bowed down to Him." Psalm 145:14

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi


                                                                                                                   

Weekday Scripture Reading for Tuesday 4 November 2011

"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 8 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "Rely on Grace"
Today's Scripture Reading: James James 4:1-17
Today's Key Verse: James 4:6 "But He gives more grace.  Therefore He says: "God resists the proud. But gives grace to the humble."

James looks at more problems for the person committed to living a life of faith.  Faith's lifestyle demands that the believer submit to God, despite the presence of warped desires stimulated by the flesh, the world and the devil.  The conflict within us is between our sinful desires for pleasure and the desire for God's will, an attitude the Holy Spirit has placed within us.  The source of conflict among believers is often material.  James here attributes fighting, murder, and war to materialism.  John in 1 John 2:15,16 also warms believers of lusting after "the things in the world."

We as believers must also struggle against the temptation to usurp (to take or assume) God's place as a judge, rather than accept our rightful place as a mere citizen in God's kingdom.   Envy in verses 4 and 5 is God's jealous longing for our love.  God is truly disturbed when we abandon friendship with Him with the world. and disturbed for our sake.  But how does God respond?  Not with punishment, but with "more grace" to lead us back into His arms.  Only our pride can keep us from responding to His grace.  We as Christians need to turn our backs on the world, and experiencing His blessings.

However powerful Satan is, if we set ourselves against him, he then is unable to prevail against us and he will flee from us. 

Verses 7-10 contain 10 sharp commands calling for immediate action.  In essence they tell us how to humble ourselves before God, so that we can experience His grace.  The 10 commands are: (1) submit, (2) resist (verse 7), (3) come near, (4) wash (5) purify (verse 8),  (6) grieve, (7) mourn (8) wail (9) change (verse 9), (10) humble (verse 10).  Together they picture a complex reversal of the attitudes that shape the spiritually immature and unfaithful.

We as Christians must live each day with the awareness of our mortality and thus of our total dependence on God for all things.

Today's Hymn: "Glory To His Name"

Down at the cross where my Savior died, Down where for cleansing from sin I cried
There to my heart was the blood applied, Glory to His name!
I am so wondrously saved from sin, Jesus so sweetly abides within
There at the cross where He took me in, Glory to His name!
Oh precious fountain that saves from sin, I am so glad I have entered in
There Jesus saves me and keeps me clean, Glory to His name!
Come to this fountain so sweet and sweet, Cast thy poor soul at the Savior's feet,
Plunge in today and be made complete, Glory to His Name!
Glory to His Name, Glory to His Name, There to my heart was the blood applied
Glory to His Name!

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit,  may we as your son and daughters when the evil one attacks us and puts things that are not of God in our minds, may we seek your help Father that in seeking You and Your Protection Satan has no power and he will flee from us.  How thankful we are to know that You will never ever leave nor forsake us and that no one can EVER pluck us out of Your hands.
                                                                                                                                        Amen
"Today's Biblical Truth: "When we resist the any temptation from the evil one, he will have no choice but to flee, for we all belong to the Army of the Living God."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Psalm 139:14.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness.  Love God More Today.  Prayer for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are persecuted for there faith in Jesus Christ.  Also pray for the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", God Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

"And he said to them, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi


  
    

Monday thru Friday Bible Scripture Reading for 7 November 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 7 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "Wisdom That We Can Boast Of"
Today's Scripture Reading: James 3:1-18
Today's Key Verse: James 3:Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in meekness of wisdom."

Being able to control what we say is a mark of spiritual maturity and significant accomplishment.  It seems the tongue tell more than what we suspect.  James describes the power and perversity of the tongue.  It has the power to inflame passions.  It participates in men and women's wicked acts and even sets our thoughts in their direction, so corrupting our whole lives with evil whose source is hell itself.  As a "restless evil" it is almost impossible to control and totally inconsistent in that the tongue that blesses some who curse others.

To "bless" is to "endue with power for success."  As Christians we are called to bless others, in the sense of seeking the best for them, no matter how we may be treated.

Evil produces confusion.  On the other hand, God brings harmony and wisdom.  Anyone who is involved in envy and strife is confused.  This confusion corrupts human relationships.  The main characteristic of godly wisdom is that it is pure, meaning "free from defilement." 

Today's Hymn: "All Hail The Power of Jesus Name"

All hail the power of Jesus Name! Let angels prostrate fall
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all
Let highborn seraphs tune the lyre, and as they tune it fall
Before His face who tunes their choir, and crown Him Lord of all
Before His face who tunes their choir, and crown Him Lord of all
Crown Him ye morning stars of light, who fixed this floating ball
Now hail the strength of Israel's might and crown Him Lord of all
Now hail the strength of Israel's might and crown Him Lord of all

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit may we seek the the divine wisdom of the Holy Spirit that we as Christians might control our tongues.  May we show godly wisdom meekly in our works and not just words.  May we be slow to speak and be more of a listener with patience just as Christ is patient with us.  May we realize that bitterness, envy, and selfish behavior will thoroughly corrupt a person.  May we use godly wisdom which provides tranquillity and calmness.
                                                                                                                              Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "The solution for the problem of controlling our tongues is to seek divine wisdom."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verses from 1 John 1:5-7.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith and trust on Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Also pray for the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T",  God Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

"But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi  

Bible Scripture Reading for Friday 4 November 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 4 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "No Conflict"
Today's Scripture Reading: James 2:1-24
Today's Key Verse: James 2:23 "And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to Him for righteousness."  And he was called a friend of God."

The practice of showing partiality to the rich discriminates against the poor and is evil. If God and Christ show grace and mercy without favoritism, so should believers.  It is also strange as the rich rather than the poor exploit Christians and slander that name.  Worst of all, it is sin, for God's Law calls on everyone to love a neighbor as yourself.  Breaking that Law is the same as indulging in the more "serious sins," for the law is like a balloon: Stick a pin in one part and the whole thing breaks.

Sin is a violation of the perfect righteousness of God, who is the Lawgiver.  James is saying that the whole divine law has to be accepted as an expression of God's will for His people.  The violation of even one commandment separates us from God and His promises.

We are to speak and act as those who are freed by the law of love from the law of rules.  We will be evaluated on this basis: He who received mercy must himself be merciful.  James them moves to evaluate Christian faith itself.  Genuine faith will naturally produce good works; the two complement each other.  When someone truly believes in a cause that belief will change the way a person lives.  Works are actions which follow the "royal law" of love.  James is telling us that faith in Christ will demonstrate itself in love for others.

In verse 19 James is telling us that "Intellectual acceptance is not faith" for the demons know there is one God and they shutter, but they do not love Him.  Their kind of belief does not lead to love, submission, and obedience; instead it leads to hatred, rebellion, and disobedience.

We prove to others our genuine faith in Christ through our works.  But the justification that comes through faith is before God and we do not "prove" ourselves to Him; instead, God declares us righteous through our association with Christ, the One who died for our sins (Romans 3:28). 

Faith and works are not enemies.  True faith and righteous works go hand in hand. They are two parts of God's work in us.  Faith brings a person to salvation, and works bring that person to faithfulness.  Faith is the cause; works are the effect. James believed it and so did Paul.

Today's Hymn: "Take My Life And Let It Be"

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord to thee,
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands, and let them move, at the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet, and let them, be swift and beautiful for Thee

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, as we serve Thee and reach out to this sinful and dying world may we as Christians bear much fruit for Thee as we spread the Good News of Salvation.  May our faith continue to be strong in Thee and may our works be pleasing to Thee.  Use our whole being Lord as we take up our cross and follow You to wherever you want us to go.
                                                                                                                                           Amen
"Today's Biblical Truth: "Sin is a violation of the perfect righteousness of God, who is the Lawgiver."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Titus 3:5,6.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.  Also pray for the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", God Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

"Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble." Psalm 119:165.

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi

   

   

Bible Scripture Reading for Thursday 3 November 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 3 November 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "It's Easier When You Know"
Today's Scripture Reading: James 1:1-27
Today's Key Verse: James 1:2-5 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

James writes to Jewish Christians everywhere.  He encourages them to greet trails with joy, aware of their potential benefits.  Anyone who feels a need for guidance in such situations may ask God.  But when a person asks, he or she must be willing to do what God directs, rather than waver between obedience and going one's own way.  As far as financial trails are concerned, rich and poor must find life's meaning in something other than material circumstances.

It is particularly between "trials" and "temptations."  Temptations come from within and is a response of man's sin nature to circumstances.  God has nothing to do with temptation.  All that God brings into our lives is a good gift, and that includes trials.  Whatever happens we must be committed to a righteous life and practicing God's Word.

Don't evaluate yourself by the world's standards. Poor? Focus in your high position in Christ. Rich? Remember that you are nothing but a human being, destined to die, whose only hope is in the Lord.  Keep these things in mind and your financial situation will be irrelevant.

The pull toward evil that we feel when tested, a pull toward anger, striking out, or surrender to passion, DOES NOT come from God.  That is, temptation is not located in the test, but in our sins nature response to the test.  If we realize God intends the test as a "good and perfect gift," our perspective changes.  Rather than view tests as temptation and give in, we can welcome test as blessings intended yo help us a Christians grow.  That new life is the source of inner power that will enable us to triumph not over over the circumstances but our sinful tendencies as well.

James 1:19 is a key verse because it expresses three topics that James develops later: hearing (1:19-27); speaking (3:1-12); and wrath (4:1-12).  Trails require silence and patience because talk inflames anger, and anger inflames talk.  Anger also distracts from listening to God.

Just listening to the Word of God won't help us with the tests God sends.  But a commitment to doing the Word will lead to a blessing in all that we do.

Today's Hymn: "Give Thanks"

Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thank to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ His Son,
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ His Son
And now let the weak say I am strong, Let the poor say I am rich
Because what the Lord has done for us,
And now, let the sick say I am healed Let the blind say I can see
Because of what the Lord has done for us, Give thanks

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit our focus at times is too easily distracted from You on lesser things.  Please draw us back to Your ways and teach us what's most important.  May we learn to always put you first.  May our wisdom begin with a genuine reverence for you Almighty God and a steadfast  confidence that You Abba Father controls all circumstances, and You guide them to Your Good purpose.
                                                                                                                        Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "The believer in the midst of a trail needs to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from 1 Thessalonians 4:18.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Love God More Today.  Pray for our Brothers and Sisters that are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ and also pray for the Nation of Israel.  Always remember that when you have a spiritual dilemma in your life and you yell out, "I CAN'T", God Whispers to you, "BUT I CAN".

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi