"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
"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 2 November 2011"
Today's Blog Title: "Introduction into the Book of James"
Today we will introduce you to the Book of James. The was written by James, the younger brother of Jesus, who became a leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18; Galatians 1:19; 2:9). James, as a pastor of the Jerusalem church, is thus primarily concerned that believers live a Christian life in the face of increasing local persecution. James speaks often of faith, but in the context of exhortations to live a life that is in harmony with a professed faith in Christ.
As far as doctrine is concerned, Those James does express are in fullest harmony with the rest of the New Testament. God is holy (1:13), a giver of good gifts (1:17), and the father of His people (3:9). Sin infects human nature 1:14,15), and expresses itself in anger (1:20), immorality 1:21), discrimination (2:9-11), bitterness and passion (4:1-3). Only faith that works can enable the believer to live a godly life.
The Epistle of James is an important New Testament Book for any to see Christianity as a matter of just "believing right things." James reminds us "that kind of faith" is worthless, for only faith that transforms us and our way of life is truly Christian.
None of Jesus half brothers responded to Christ's early claims of messiahship (John 7:2-5). But Acts shows us that James and the other brothers did believe after the Resurrection (Acts 1:14). James himself quickly became a person of influence and played a significant role in the Jerusalem council, which he may have chaired (Acts 15).
Tradition gives James the nickname "the Just" and tells us his influence extended to the Jewish believers throughout the Roman Empire. He was also reputedly called "camel knees," because of his fervent dedication to prayer causes calluses to develop on his knees. This pastoral letter written by James gives us insight in to the earliest days of the church, when believers "devoted themselves to the apostles' teachings and to the fellowship of breaking bread and prayer (Acts 2:42). James was martyred in A.D. 62.
THEOLOGICAL OUTLINE OF JAMES
1. Practicing Faith Chapters 1-2
2. Problems For Faith Chapters 3-4
3. Prospects Of Faith Chapter 5
Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit as we begin to look in the 5 Chapters of James, open our hearts and our minds on what James writes on Faith. May our Faith in You grow stronger knowing that you are always there for us and that You will never ever leave nor forsake us. Thank you for all the You do for us.
Amen
Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Luke 4:18,19.
Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for their Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ and 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 opens the eyes of the blind; The Lord raises those who are bowed down; The Lord loves the righteous." Psalm 146:8
Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus for 1 November 2011"
Today's writing will conclude the Book of Hebrews. Tomorrow God Willing we will start in the Book of James. If anyone reading these and you would like to see a Book of the Bible as a Study on this Blog Site please feel free to contact me at: cindilynn53@yahoo.com. Also anyone who wishes to comment on these writings can email me as well.
Today's Blog Title: "Jesus the Same Yesterday, Today and Forever"
Today's Scripture Reading: Hebrews 13:1-25
Today's Key Verses:
Hebrews 13:5,6 "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."
The Book of Hebrews ends with a series of exhortations to the us concerning how to live the life of faith. We as believers are to keep on loving (verses 1-5a), and to keep on trusting God (verses 5b-6).
Believers are to continue responding to their leaders (verses 7-8), and the whole community is to keep on praising God (verses 9-16). After two more exhortations, one concerning leaders (verse 17) and the other prayer (verses 18,19) the Book of Hebrews concludes with a powerful doxology (verses 20-21) and brief greetings (verses 22-25).
We as Christians need to always remember that the bottom line isn't how much we have in the bank or the S&L. The bottom is that God is committed to us and will never leave nor forsake us. Jesus has been and always will be the same YESTERDAY, TODAY, and FOREVER. That my Christian Brothers and Sisters is REAL SECURITY. What has been said about grace in this letter the closing words are appropriate, "Grace be with you all. Amen."
Today's Hymn: "Love Lifted Me"
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to raise no more;
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I
Love lifted me (even me), Love lifted me (even me)
When nothing else could help, Love lifted me!
Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, what a promise you have made to us Father that You would never ever leave nor forsake us. Help us Holy Spirit to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and to remember that the grace of Christ is presently and permanently available to all who have trusted in Him as there Lord and Savior. May we as believers not seek this earth as our permanent home but to seek the eternal city which is in the eternal kingdom.
Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "A good conscience is one that is not accusing."
Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Luke 12:22-31.
Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Pray for our Brothers and Sisters who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for the nation of Israel 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".
Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
"Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 31 October 2011"
"Today's Blog Title: "Struggles Strengthen and Purify Us"
Today's Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-29
Today's Key Verse: Hebrews 12:1,2 "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weigh, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance that race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Faith is especially needed when we face experiences intended to discipline us. Yet Jesus Himself endured extreme suffering and opposition, setting us an example of perseverance up to the very point of death (verses 1-3).
What we must remember when difficulties come is that any good parent disciplines children. Thus hardships are evidence that God is treating us like the sons and daughters we are (verses 4-7). Surely if we respect human parents who discipline us, we must respect God, whose discipline is wiser and directed toward a greater goal (verses 8-11). So we are not to crumple under difficulties, but proceed with courage and hope (verses 12,13).
The writer in the chapter now pauses to introduce a final warning. Faith calls for us to live with others in holiness and peace (verses 14-17). The first covenant was given to a frightened mob who stood before an earthly mountain that trembled and shook. Our covenant was given by Jesus who opens heaven itself (verses 18-24). God now intends to shake not just a mountain, but the earth and heavens as well, and we alone will inherit the unshakable kingdom of our God (verses 25-27). How holy our lives should be, and how fervent the worship of our Awesome Lord (verses 28,29).
The Christian life is like a relay race. Persons of faith who have run before us have passed the baton to us and now watch us carry on. As we run we can look back and see how Jesus ran His race. When we look ahead we can see His exaltation. He is our example as starter and finisher.
If we fail to sense the love and purposefulness the underlies God's discipline we them are likely to become bitter and "miss the grace of God." If we see our trials and difficulties in the perspective provided by God's grace we will then accept God's discipline.
Today's Hymn: "Wrap Me In Your Arms"
There is a God who loves me, Who wraps me in His arms
And that is the place where I'm changed, and that's where I belong
Take me to place Lord, To that secret place where I can be with you
You can make me like You, Wrap me in Your arms
Wrap me in Your arms, Wrap me in Your arms
Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, may we as Christians Lord listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say to us and may we if we have any unconfessed sins in our life's that is taking away our blessings from You, may we humbly come before Thee confessing our sins so that You Abba Father will forgive us of our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. May You wrap Your Loving arms around us and keep us in your mercy and grace.
Amen
God's Biblical Truth: "Christ has done everything necessary for us to endure in our faith."
Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.
blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Ephesians 3:3-5.
Have a God Filled and Spirit Led Day. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord our God with Gladness. Pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for there faith in Jesus Christ. 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".
"Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me the rock that is higher than I." Psalm 61:1,2
Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
Today's Blog Title: "How Has Faith Expressed Itself In Your Life"
Today's Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:1-40
Today's Key Verse: Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him."
Verse one of this chapter is not so much a definition of what faith is, as it is a description of what faith does. Substance means "essence" or "reality". Faith it self proves that what is unseen is real such as the believer's rewards at the return of Christ. Real faith produces startling results.
Creation is one of those things that by nature cannot be seen. No one was there, and no evidence available today can demonstrate origins. Throughout history various theories of origins have abounded. The believer, however, shapes his or her view of origins by revelation and so understands that all that came into being by the commands of God (verse 3).
Stripped down to it's basics, faith is confidence that God exists, and the conviction that He "rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Only those who know God not only as a power, but also as a Person who loves will truly seek Him (verse 6)
In verses 7-16 the writer goes on to further develop our grasp of this illusive thing called "faith". Noah and Abraham both show us that faith is exhibited as an obedient and persistent response to God's Word. For Noah faith meant a 120 year commitment despite popular ridicule to the construction of a great boat. Abraham 's faith meant a lifetime living a nomadic life, and seeing his son and grandson live that same kind of faith. Faith obeys God and keeps on obeying (verses 7-16)
Abraham's faith is most stunning. He was told to sacrifice his son Isaac, he was totally convinced that God would keep His promise to give him off spring by Isaac that he concluded God would raise his son from the dead. Abraham knew that the vision God gave of the future would come true, as he continued to obey God (verses 17-23).
As "son of Pharaoh's daughter" Moses was in line to inherit Egypt's throne. Yet he chose to cast his lot with the slave people of his parents, valuing God's promises more than earthly treasures. Faith transforms our values and sharpens our choices (verses 24-28).
Faith is no guarantee of earthly success, through faith has won great victories. What acts of faith do guarantee is that we will please God and ultimately be rewarded by Him (verses 29-38).
It's easy to wonder at the Bible's hero's of the faith. Especially when we realized they had relatively little knowledge of God. How motivated we who know Jesus should be to complete what we have begun and live a life of faith today.
Today's Hymn: "I Need Thee Every Hour"
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord, No tender voice like thine can peace afford
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby, Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain, Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain
I need Thee every hour, teach me Thy Will, and Thy rich promises in me fulfill
I need Thee every hour, mos Holy One, O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son
I need Thee, O I need Thee, Every hour I Need Thee
O bless me now, My Savior, I come to Thee
Heavenly father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit how we as Christian's in faith believe in the resurrection, the return of Jesus and the glorification of all that have taken You as there Lord and Savior. How thankful we are of the forgiveness of our sins through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary and His present intercession for us before our Abba Father. Our hope is faith relating to the future and our faith is conviction relating to the present.
Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "Genuine faith perseveres to the end; emotional decisions do not."
Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from Psalm 23.
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 He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:9
Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 26 October 2011"
Today's Blog Title: "No More Sacrifice"
Today's Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:1-39
Today's Key Verse: Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."
In Today's Scripture Reading we read how he identified ways in which the sacrifice of Christ is superior. The endless repetition of sacrifices made under the Mosaic Law is proof they could not perfect the worshiper. Similarly Christ's offering of a single sacrifice is proof that He makes men and women holy! (verses 1-10)
Jesus after making one sacrifice "sat down" at God's right hand, signifying that His work was finished (verses 11-14). Scripture adds it testimony in that it reminds us that under the New Covenant those who come to Christ for forgiveness are forgiven. Once we are truly forgiven no more sacrifice is required (verses 15-18).
In verses 19-25 the writer urges his readers to draw confidence from Christ's High Priesthood and so "hold unswervingly to the hope that we profess" as Christians. There are terrible consequences for anyone who refuses to respond to God's saving act in Christ (verses 26-31).
In verses 32-39 the writer knows his audience has made a very different choice--a choice exhibited in their commitment to Christ despite persecution, prison, or confiscation of property. He urges them to hold on to their initial confidence, sure that soon Jesus will come, and we will be ready for Him then.
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 a sinful race.
Hosanna in the highest strains, The Church on earth can raise;
The highest heavens, in which He reigns, Shall give Him nobler praise
Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit how we as Christians thank you Jesus for the ultimate sacrifice that you made upon the Cross of Calvary where You shed Your blood that when we come to You and ask for forgiveness we are washed in the blood of the Lamb that cleanses us of all our sins and our unrighteousness. Thank you Abba Father that we have been separated from our sins and set apart to You by the once and for sacrifice of Your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you Jesus for being our High Priest who having been tempted as we are yet without sin can sympathize with our weakness and who can perfectly represent us before Your Father.
Amen
Today's Biblical Truth: "Confession of our hope is the believer's confident expectation of the future."
Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse from John 10:27-30.
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 is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth." Psalm 145:18.
Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
"Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 25 October 2011"
Today's Blog Title: "Free At Last"
Today's Scripture Reading: Hebrews 1-28
Today's Key Verse: Hebrews 9:27,28 "And as it is appointed for en to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him, He will appear a second time, apart from din, for salvation."
In Chapter 9 the writer reminds us that every element of the Mosaic Covenant had special significance, for it reflected realities in heaven (verses 1-5). The most important significant act of all was performed on the Day of Atonement.
There the high priest entered the inner room of the tabernacle, the holy place, carrying blood of an atoning sacrifice (verse 6,7). The curtain separating this inner room symbolized the fact that under the Mosaic Law no one had direct access in to God's presence (verses 8-10).
Jesus Christ, our High Priest, entered heaven itself, bearing His own blood. By His sacrifice he obtained eternal salvation for us (verses 11-14). Christ is then the mediator of a New Covenant, activated by His death. This is in fact the significance of Old Testament sacrifices: in cleansing earthly things they symbolize the cleansing Jesus won for us (verses 15-22).
Animal sacrifices were sufficient for earthly copies, but Christ alone could enter heaven and then with His own blood, put away our sin once and for by the one sufficient and awesome sacrifice of Himself (verses 23-28).
Today's Hymn: "Blessed Assurance"
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood
Perfect submission, perfect delight! Visions of rapture now burst on my sight
Angels descending bring from above, Echoes of mercy , whispers of love
Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest:
Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long
Heavenly Father Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit because of the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the Cross we have been saved from all our sins and unrighteousness. What a loving and merciful Heavenly Father that we serve that send His Son to die the sinners death upon the Cross of Calvary that none would perish if they but believed and trusted in the name of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. How thankful to be born of His Spirit and washed in His blood.
Amen
Today's Spiritual Truth: "Christ's death has the power to purify a sinners mind and soul"
Click on the link at www.cindi-davis.blogspot.com for Today's Bible Verse form 1 Corinthians 11:24,25.
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 fear of man brings a snare, But whosoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe." Proverbs 29:25.
Your Sister in Christ,
Cindi
