Bible Scripture Reading for Monday 10 October 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 10 October 2011"

Today we begin in the Book of Hebrews.  The structure of Hebrew is unique among the Epistles of the New Testament.  Was it a letter or a sermon?  It has the ending of a letter but not the salutation of one.  It does not name its author or ts intended audience, yet it contains personal greetings , assumes that the readers knew who was writing to them, and mentions some well known mutual acquaintances, such as Timothy (Hebrews 13:23).   This mix of elements has caused much debate over the the Book of Hebrews really is, with no solid conclusion.  The author himself calls it "The word of exhortation" (Hebrews 13:22).

Today's Blog Title: "God, Exactly"
Today's Scripture Reading: Hebrews 1:1-14
Today's Key Verse: Hebrews 1:1-4 " God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who bring the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Hebrews begins with a grand affirmation.  God, who spoke to man through intermediaries, has now spoken to us by His Son, a Son who God Himself in all splendor and power. (Hebrews 1:1-4).  The author underlines the fact that the Son is Superior to angels.  Jewish tradition held that angels gave the Old Covenant (the law) to Moses.  This One through whom God  has now spoken is superior for He, not the angels, is spoken to by God as "My Son" (verse 5). He is superior because angels are commanded to worship the Son (verse 6).  He is superior because angels are servants, while the Son sits on the throne (verses 7-9).

The Son is superior not only as Creator of the universe, but as One who in endless life sits at God's right hand (verses 10-13).  Angels are ministering spirits; not masters of the universe, but servants of God's saints (verse 14).  

Today's Hymn: "Lead Me To Calvary"

King of my life, I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow, Lead me to Calvary
Show me the tomb where Thou was laid, Tenderly mourned and wept
Angels in robes of light arrayed, Guarded Thee while Thou slept
Let me like Mary, through the gloom, Come with a gift to Thee
Show to me now the empty tomb, Lead me to Calvary
May I be willing, Lord, to bear, Daily my cross for Thee
Even Thy cup of grief to share, Thou hast borne all for me
Lest I forget Gethsemane, Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me, Led me to Calvary

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, how thankful we are that You have the whole world and the vast universe in Your hands and that You are in total control of all that happens.  How we as Christians look forward to the day when we shall spend all eternity with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  How we are looking forward to inherit our share of the kingdom as a reward for our faithful and obedient service to Thee.
                                                                                                                          Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "The Son not only created the universe by His powerful word, but also maintains and directs it course."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Scripture Reading from 1 John 2:22.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness.  Love God More Today and 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 love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me." Proverbs 8:17 (Wow what a promise from God)

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi


  

Bible Scripture Reading for Sunday 9 October 2011

"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 9 October 2011"

Since yesterday was the Completion of the Book Of Romans I will will going into the Book of Hebrews starting Monday 10 October.  Today's will be a Bible verse from God's Holy Word. 

Today's Bible Verse: Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."

Both Jesus (Luke 18:1) and Paul (1 Timothy 2:1) emphasized the importance of prayer, noting that people ought always to pray.  Prayer includes asking and getting answers from God.  But it is more than just asking; it is a confession, adoration, thanksgiving, and fellowship with God. 

By its nature, prayer is talking with God.  It is the basis of the successful Christian life, and is so important that not praying is considered a sin (1 Samuel 12:23). When we pray we should follow the model prayer Jesus gave His disciples and address it to our Heavenly Father-- beginning with adoration, including thanksgiving and confession of sins, making reconciliation with others, praying for our needs and the needs of others, and concluding in Jesus name (Matthew 6:9-15; John 14:14).

Jesus pointed out that god heard the prayer of a humble publican rather than that of a proud Pharisee (Luke 18:14).  God will answer our prayers when we obey Him (1 John 3:22), confess sin (Psalm 66:18), abide in Christ (John 15:7), ask according to the will of God (1 John 5:14), ask in Faith (Mark 11:24), have pure motives (James 4:3), and live peaceably with our mate (1 Peter 3:7).

Today's Scripture tells us to ask, seek and knock which should always remind us that we as Christians are to pray actively and persistently.  How much better to pray for others and not to judge them.  How much better to pray that God will remove our own faults and flaws than to hide them.  All these things should remind us of our dependence on God and of His willingness to shower us with good gifts.

Today's Hymn: "Beautiful Garden of Prayer"

There's a Garden where Jesus is waiting, There's a place that is wondrously fair;
For it glows with the light of His presence, 'Tis that beautiful garden of prayer
Oh, the beautiful garden, the garden of prayer, Oh, the beautiful garden of prayer
There my Savior awaits, and he opens the gates, To the beautiful garden of prayer

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, how thankful we are as Your children of Your willingness to give us gifts and to shower us each day with Your blessings.  As we come before You in prayer may we ask that we might receive from You, may we seek that we might find You, and may we knock that You will open for us the blessing that You have to give to us Your children.
                                                                                                                                Cindi

Today's Biblical Truth: "The promise of future eternal rest helps the suffering Christian to endure present trials."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness.
Love God More Today and 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." Psalm 145:14

Your Sister in Christ
Cindi
    

Bible Scripture Reading for Friday 7 October 2007

"Greeting in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 7 October 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "He Is Able"
Today's Scripture Reading: Romans 16:1-27
Today's Key Verse: Romans 16:20 "And the God of Peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen."

As we close our study in the Book of Romans we see that Paul in Chapter 16 closes this great letter to the Romans he gives much space to personal greetings.  We might well wonder why?  Why would God choose to include a lengthy list of names? 

The answer may be simply that in these names we sense more clearly what it means to practice a "by faith righteousness" in a Christian Community.  Paul did not write theory.  He shared what he himself practiced.  And the proof is that he knows and loves such a diverse group of persons so well.

There are men and women, both of whom are viewed as "fellow workers in Christ."  There are Greek names and Jewish names.  There are simple folk and city officials, the likely poor and the undoubtedly rich.  All these, together, are united in Paul's heart and mind.   All these brothers and sisters, bound to the apostle by ties of God-inspired love.  In these last chapters of Romans he urges us to have the same love for those who in our day are, in Christ, brothers and sisters of our own.

My last question and comment as we end the Book of Romans is this.  How is it possible to take sinful human beings, motivated by selfish and sinful passions, separated by racial prejudice and vast social differences, and create a community bonded together by selfish love?  The answer is: Only God could do it in the world of the 1st Century and only God can do it today. 

Today's Hymn: "This Is The Day The Lord Hath Made"

This is the day the Lord hath made; He calls the hours His own;
Let Heaven rejoice, let earth be glad, And praise surround the throne.
Today He rose and left the dead, And Satan's empire fell;
Today the saints His triumphs spread, And all His wonders tell
Hosanna to the anointed King, To David's holy Son;
Help us, O Lord; descend and bring, Salvation from Thy throne
Blest be the Lord, who comes to men, With messages of grace;
Who comes in God His Father's Name, To save our sinful race

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, may we as Christians not be a stumbling block to others.  May our love for You demonstrate Your love for us and reflect God's justice.  How we as Christians look forward to the day when You will totally defeat Satan and bring peace to the church and when the Prince of peace will bring lasting peace to this world.
                                                                                                                                        Amen

Today's Biblical Truth: "Since Christ had fully justified us and is presently interceding for us, then no one can possibly condemn us."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from 1 Corinthians 12:13.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness.
Love God More Today and 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 You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon you." Psalms 86:5

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                         

Bible Scripture Reading for Thursday 6 October 2011

"Greeting in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 6 October 2011"

Today's Blog Title: "A Pathway To Praise"
Today's Scripture Reading: Romans 15:1-33
Today's Key Verse: Romans 15:13 "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

In Chapter 15 Paul continues the topic developed in Romans 14.  Practicing righteousness requires us to live love with one another.  This means we must stop judging others and instead evaluate how the exercise of our freedoms affect them!   We strong ones must "bear with" the weak, in the interest of building them up (verses 1-4).  Our goal is the experience of a God-given spirit of unity enabling us to glorify Him together (verses 5,6)  Paul says it again.  accept and welcome on another in the same way Jesus welcomed us, UNCONDITIONALLY, just as we were (verses 7,8).  Our unity will glorify God.  We in turn will be filled with joy and peace and overflow with hope (verses 9-13).

Paul now begins a lengthy conclusion.  He has written not because he doubts the Roman Church, but because he has such confidence in it (verses 14-16).  He has not visited Roman yet, in part because he is driven to preach to those who have not yet heard of Jesus (verses 17-22).  Yet Paul plans to visit, perhaps on the way to Spain.  Meanwhile. he asks them simply to pray for him in his struggles to please God (verses 23-33).  In the closing verses of this Chapter, even the great apostle Paul felt a need for prayer support.  How much greater our needs must be even today.

Today's Hymn: "Beautiful Garden Of Prayer"

There's a garden where Jesus is waiting, There's a place that is wondrously fair;
For it glows with the light of His presence, "This that beautiful garden of prayer.
Oh, the beautiful garden, the garden of prayer, Oh, the beautiful garden of prayer;
There my Savior awaits, and He opens the gates, To the beautiful garden of prayer

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, may we as Christians be united for Thee in everything that we say and do.  May we as we read Thy Word have Patience, Endurance, Comfort and Encouragement as we read the Scriptures where we have Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ through are faith and trust in Him.
                                                                                                                              Amen

Today's Biblical Truth: "Christians have been sanctified, that is, set apart by the Holy Spirit for God's service."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Matthew 6:34.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness.
Love God More Today and 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 sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me." Psalms 13:6

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi



 

  

Bible Scripture Reading for Wednesday 5 October 2011

Today's Blog Title: "One Lord"
Today's Scripture Reading: Romans 14:1-23
Today's Key Verse: Romans 14:9-12 "For to this end Christ died and arose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.  But why do you show contempt for your brother?  For we all shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ.  For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.  So then each of us shall give account of Himself to God."

Paul in Romans 14, now returns to focus his thoughts on the practice of faith based righteousness in relationships within the Christian community.  Believers are to accept one another without condemnation for personal convictions (14:1,2).  We have no right to judge others on such issues, for they are matters of conscience, to be settled between the individual and the Lord.

Believers must then "stop passing judgment on one another" (14:3-12).  Instead each person needs to sensitive to how his or her choices affect others (14:13-18), and choose to do those things which "lead to peace and to mutual edification" (14:19-21).  In this way we protect each other's conscience and the quality of his or her personal relationship with the Lord (14:22-23).

Passing judgment means determining, on the basis of our own beliefs and convictions, that another person is sinning.  When a person engages in an act which the Bible calls sin, we are not "passing judgment" to call that act sin, but we are agreeing with God.  It's important to have this distinction clearly in mind.  The church is to discipline believers who sin.  But neither individual nor the congregation has any right to pass judgment.

In 14;15, the word "destroy" is used here in the sense of causing ruin or downfall.  The next verses help us to understand Paul's meaning.  A misuse of freedom may "tear down" God's work in a fellow believer rather than build up that person.  

Lets not flaunt our freedoms in front of others of weak conscience, who may be torn down by our actions rather than being built up spiritually.  How can you tell when to give up a freedom?  There are no rules.  But Jesus is Lord and He Lives.  Ask Him!

Today's Hymn: ""At The Cross"

Was it for crimes that I have done, He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing Pity! Grace unknown! And love beyond degree
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light
And the burden of my heart rolled away, It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, may we who are strong in the faith stand by and help strengthen those who are weak in there faith.  May we as Christians live and die in our relationship with Thee.  May we as Christians not be indifferent to the suffering or joy of fellow believers, but rejoice with them and comfort as brothers and sisters in Christ.
                                                                                                                                          Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "Christ is the ultimate model for all believers."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Psalm 13:5,6.

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."  Psalm 18:2

Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi   
     

Bible Scripture Reading for Tuesday 4 October 2011

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

Today's Blog Title: "Why submit to government"
Today's Scripture Reading: Romans 13:1-14  
Today's Key Verse: Romans 13:1 "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God."


Living out God's "by-faith righteousness" affects our relationships with other believers (Romans 12).  It also affects our relationship with the secular state and all our fellow human beings.  We as Christians must submit to governing authorities by obeying their rulers, paying taxes, and following established laws (13:1-5).  Authorities are in fact God's (often unwilling) servants, and our submission is a mark of respect for God (13:6-7).


Christians must also show love to their fellow humans beings (13:8).  All the commandments are rooted in love: each calls us to avoid that which might harm a neighbor and in living love, will in practice fulfill God's Law (13:9,10).  

This obligation is urgent, for history rushes towards its end and we must clothe ourselves with Christ rather than gratify the desires of our sinful nature (13:11-14).  The closing verse of Chapter 13 says, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts."  Believers should clothed themselves with Christlike characteristics such as, truth, righteousness and peace.

Today's Hymn: "He Leadeth Me" 

He leadeth me, O blessingd thought! O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whatever I do, Wherever I be, Still it is God's hand that leadeth me
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,  By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be, For by His hand He leadeth me.

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, how thankful we are as Christians, that indeed by Your powerful hand You lead us every day.  May be always remember that those who are in charge of us in governement have been  put there by You and may we we submit to that authority because it has been ordained by You.
                                                                                                                 Amen

Today's Biblical Truth: "The greatest proof of the truth of the gospel message and of the reality of Jesus' love is the love believers show to each other."

Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from John 8:31,32.

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness.  Love God More Today and 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".

"A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor." Proverbs 29:23

Your Sister in Christ
Cindi 

Bible Scripture Reading for Mon 3 October 2011

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

Today's Blog Title: Try It, You'll Like It"
Today's Scripture Reading: Romans 12:1-21
Today's Key Verse: Romans 12:1,2: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God. which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

God has acted to provide (Romans 3-5) and impart (Romans 6-8) righteousness.  Now Paul moves to  practical issues that are deeply rooted in theology of this treatise on righteousness.  "By-faith righteousness" has a distinctive, beautiful shape all its own!

On the basis of all God has done Paul urges believers to open themselves up to transformation rather than conform to the world's ways (verses 1,2).  He shows that the practice of righteousness requires intimate ties to the new faith community.  God has created a new thing: a living body.  He has given each member gifts that enable him or her to contribute to the welfare of the whole (verses 3-8).

To function as a body, believers must practice love and serve one another.  They must strengthen those interpersonal bonds that enable them to minister.  God wants us to be 'living sacrifices".  He wants us to live for Him daily.  We are not longer to look at life's issues as mere human beings, but let our perceptions be reshaped by God's own revelation of reality in the Bible.  "Trust God's will to be good, test your confidence by doing God's will, and you will discover God's way truly is goo, pleasing, and perfect."

The Christian Life

Description of the Christian                                     Result

Present himself or herself to God (Rom 12:1          Becomes a sacrifice that is living, holy, and
                                                                                     pleasing to God (Rom 12:1)
Receives transformation by a renewed mind          Discovers and displays the will of God (Rom12:2)                                                                   (Rom 12:2)
Has spiritual gifts according to grace from             Uses spiritual gifts as part of Christ's body
(Rom 12:6-8)                                                               (Rom 12:6)
Honors civil law (Rom 13:1)                                     Honors God (Rom 13:1)
Loves others (Rom 13:8)                                           Fulfills God's Law (Rom 13:8)
Pursues peace (Rom 14:19)                                       Serves to edify all (Rom 14;19)
Becomes like minded toward others (Rom 15:5)    Glorifies God with others (Rom 15:6)

Today's Biblical Truth: "Christians cannot be indifferent to the suffering or joy of their fellow believers."

Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day.  Go In Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness.
Love God More Today and 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 love those who love Me, and those who seek me diligently will find Me." Proverbs 8:17

Your Sister in Christ
Cindi