Message from Scripture: 7/11/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 Pet. 4:7: “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”
As Christians, Scripture speaks to us of living between two worlds, the world of the flesh we know here and now, and that of the spiritual, the eternal, that which we live today in anticipation of having. We must realize how close we are to eternity. Living on the edge of eternity, how should we live to reach the eternity we desire? Peter offer us three things that will help us along the way.
First, be at your very best for God. The ideas of having sound judgment and a sober spirit is to take life seriously, not to be deceived by the philosophy of the world, but to show discernment, exercising self-control, knowing the right path to follow. We should live in the hope of God working His grace out in every day living (1 Pet. 1:13).
Next, stay in contact with God. Scripture reveals prayer as something that is to be a constant part of the Christian’s lifestyle. To maintain an attitude of prayer keeps us in God’s will and helps us focus on life from a spiritual perspective. We need to be devoted to prayer (Col. 4:2).
Lastly, do everything from love. Love is the foundation on which everything we do in Christ is built. Love is that which will last when all of that which is physical is gone. Of the triad of qualities that guide us, love is the one that always endures (1 Cor. 13:13).
We’re on the edge of eternity, until eternity becomes the existence we have. We don’t know when it will come, but we live each day prepared. As this week ends and another, Lord willing, begins, make your life about living for the right one. God bless.
Robert
Bible
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Friday, July 10, 2020
Message from Scripture: 7/10/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 Cor. 15:10: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.”
Where would we be without the grace of God? We all would be lost, without hope today and without eternal life beyond this existence. Peter speaks of God’s grace as manifold, or varied, diverse (1 Pet. 4:10). God’s grace is revealed and offered through Christ and His sacrifice for us. Only by our obedience to the gospel are we able to receive God’s grace and forgiveness. In this passage from 1 Peter, we are reminded of the various gifts, or talents and abilities, God has given us by His grace.
Paul also speaks of God’s grace to Titus as that which reveals what God has done for us in Christ. It teaches us how God’s will applies to everyday living, in what we should abandon as sinful, and instead embrace what is godly (Titus 2:11-14). We come to realize just how much we need the grace of God each day, not only to cleanse our sins through the blood of Christ, but to live life abundantly, to its fullest, as God meant for it to be.
It’s sad, then, when people mistakenly believe God’s grace gives them permission to sin. Jude speaks of those false teachers who “pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 4). Paul warned the congregations of Galatia, such causes one to fall from grace (Gal. 5:4). This is the saddest thing that can be said of anyone, that God’s grace has been negated.
Let’s seek to be like Paul, that God’s grace not be in vain to us, not ineffective in what it can accomplish. May we join with God in Christ and live life in the fulness God intends. Have a great day today doing this very thing. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 Cor. 15:10: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.”
Where would we be without the grace of God? We all would be lost, without hope today and without eternal life beyond this existence. Peter speaks of God’s grace as manifold, or varied, diverse (1 Pet. 4:10). God’s grace is revealed and offered through Christ and His sacrifice for us. Only by our obedience to the gospel are we able to receive God’s grace and forgiveness. In this passage from 1 Peter, we are reminded of the various gifts, or talents and abilities, God has given us by His grace.
Paul also speaks of God’s grace to Titus as that which reveals what God has done for us in Christ. It teaches us how God’s will applies to everyday living, in what we should abandon as sinful, and instead embrace what is godly (Titus 2:11-14). We come to realize just how much we need the grace of God each day, not only to cleanse our sins through the blood of Christ, but to live life abundantly, to its fullest, as God meant for it to be.
It’s sad, then, when people mistakenly believe God’s grace gives them permission to sin. Jude speaks of those false teachers who “pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 4). Paul warned the congregations of Galatia, such causes one to fall from grace (Gal. 5:4). This is the saddest thing that can be said of anyone, that God’s grace has been negated.
Let’s seek to be like Paul, that God’s grace not be in vain to us, not ineffective in what it can accomplish. May we join with God in Christ and live life in the fulness God intends. Have a great day today doing this very thing. God bless.
Robert
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Message from Scripture: 7/9/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Matt. 7:12: “Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them—this is the Law and the Prophets.”
This passage of Scripture is in part a summary statement of all that Jesus said concerning our treatment of our fellow human beings. Those who follow after Jesus are not merely to refrain from harming others; they are to go and relate to others in the manner in which they would have others relate to them. What does this mean when we consider how we deal with others as it affects our relationship with God?
First, we are to treat our fellow humans as we desire to be treated by our heavenly Father. We are not to let our conduct be determined by how others treat us, but rather by how God has treated us. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).
In addition to this, the principle Jesus sets before us here is the fulfillment of the entire Law in regard to one's personal relationships. Think of what practicing this principle could mean not just in our relationships with others, but for the influence the gospel in us could have on others. “For it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good” (1 Pet. 2:15).
Only those who have experienced the love of God in Christ can even begin to love others as themselves. Only by the grace of God can one rise up to the high level of living the Golden Rule in every relationship. Applying this principle to our life transforms our actions. If we put ourselves in the place of others, and do for them what we would like done for ourselves, what would it mean for us, others, and the world in which we live? Try it in your interactions with others today, and find the rich blessings of God. Have a great day.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Matt. 7:12: “Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them—this is the Law and the Prophets.”
This passage of Scripture is in part a summary statement of all that Jesus said concerning our treatment of our fellow human beings. Those who follow after Jesus are not merely to refrain from harming others; they are to go and relate to others in the manner in which they would have others relate to them. What does this mean when we consider how we deal with others as it affects our relationship with God?
First, we are to treat our fellow humans as we desire to be treated by our heavenly Father. We are not to let our conduct be determined by how others treat us, but rather by how God has treated us. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).
In addition to this, the principle Jesus sets before us here is the fulfillment of the entire Law in regard to one's personal relationships. Think of what practicing this principle could mean not just in our relationships with others, but for the influence the gospel in us could have on others. “For it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good” (1 Pet. 2:15).
Only those who have experienced the love of God in Christ can even begin to love others as themselves. Only by the grace of God can one rise up to the high level of living the Golden Rule in every relationship. Applying this principle to our life transforms our actions. If we put ourselves in the place of others, and do for them what we would like done for ourselves, what would it mean for us, others, and the world in which we live? Try it in your interactions with others today, and find the rich blessings of God. Have a great day.
Robert
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Message from Scripture: 7/8/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Eph. 6:18: “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit…”
Prayer is an important and essential aspect of our relationship with God. In this verse, Paul speaks of two aspects of prayer. He identifies the need for prayer in general, addressing God as He who alone is worthy of being approached in prayer, who alone can both know and fulfill what is needful for us. He also reminds us God desires us to be specific in our prayers, to make petition, to express our needs to Him as they present themselves to us in life. This is so important he uses a participle that carries the force of an imperative. It is not just a request from God, but a command He expects from us “at all times.”
Why does God expect this from His followers? For one thing, it reveals the hearts of those who call Him their God, a submission to Him and desire for Him to be actively involved in their lives. Only by humbling ourselves before God and pouring our hearts out to Him in genuine faith can we expect God to honor our petitions and provide what we need to follow Him.
Another aspect of this command is that God wants us to seek Him and make our petitions known to Him. He wants no mistaken concepts about the God we serve. He loves us and wants to bless us, and His rich blessings are available to those who are drawn to Him in prayer. He is always ready to help, forgive, comfort, and offer what we need, as we are to pray at all times. What a God we have! Physically, emotionally, spiritually, in any and everything, He is capable and willing to provide what we need to live in Him and for Him. Do you have concerns? Do you have problems? Do you have thanks to offer? God is always present to hear and provide. Wouldn’t now be a good time to find that help and strength He wants us to have? Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Eph. 6:18: “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit…”
Prayer is an important and essential aspect of our relationship with God. In this verse, Paul speaks of two aspects of prayer. He identifies the need for prayer in general, addressing God as He who alone is worthy of being approached in prayer, who alone can both know and fulfill what is needful for us. He also reminds us God desires us to be specific in our prayers, to make petition, to express our needs to Him as they present themselves to us in life. This is so important he uses a participle that carries the force of an imperative. It is not just a request from God, but a command He expects from us “at all times.”
Why does God expect this from His followers? For one thing, it reveals the hearts of those who call Him their God, a submission to Him and desire for Him to be actively involved in their lives. Only by humbling ourselves before God and pouring our hearts out to Him in genuine faith can we expect God to honor our petitions and provide what we need to follow Him.
Another aspect of this command is that God wants us to seek Him and make our petitions known to Him. He wants no mistaken concepts about the God we serve. He loves us and wants to bless us, and His rich blessings are available to those who are drawn to Him in prayer. He is always ready to help, forgive, comfort, and offer what we need, as we are to pray at all times. What a God we have! Physically, emotionally, spiritually, in any and everything, He is capable and willing to provide what we need to live in Him and for Him. Do you have concerns? Do you have problems? Do you have thanks to offer? God is always present to hear and provide. Wouldn’t now be a good time to find that help and strength He wants us to have? Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Message from Scripture: 7/7/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 Thess 1:3; “We remember before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
What does it mean to be a Christian? A Christian literally is a follower of Christ. To follow Jesus it means we must not only believe what Scripture says about Him, but we also respond to Him, to do what He says. It applies not just in obeying the gospel, but in living every day for Him.
Paul illustrates this truth by praising the brothers and sisters in Thessalonica for their response to the gospel. He remembers their work of faith, a faith that is living and active. A faith that doesn’t motivate one to do what God asks is called by James a dead faith, unfruitful and unable to please God (Jas. 2:26).
He also recalls their labor of love, a love that works. This is indicated by the term Paul chose, which is a laborious service, the weariness such labor produces. Love leads one to serve, even when that service demands hardship to fulfill (1 Cor. 15:58).
He then keeps in mind their steadfastness of hope, enduring whatever life brings, the things and circumstances difficult to deal with. Hope motivated them not to give in or give up, but to press on in their lives in Christ (2 Cor. 6:4).
Christian living demands the best from us, not the least. We never give up and stop, but press on and keep on at all times. It is what our Lord offered for us, and what we should offer Him. What type of faith, hope, and love do you possess? May it be seen in what you say and do. Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 Thess 1:3; “We remember before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
What does it mean to be a Christian? A Christian literally is a follower of Christ. To follow Jesus it means we must not only believe what Scripture says about Him, but we also respond to Him, to do what He says. It applies not just in obeying the gospel, but in living every day for Him.
Paul illustrates this truth by praising the brothers and sisters in Thessalonica for their response to the gospel. He remembers their work of faith, a faith that is living and active. A faith that doesn’t motivate one to do what God asks is called by James a dead faith, unfruitful and unable to please God (Jas. 2:26).
He also recalls their labor of love, a love that works. This is indicated by the term Paul chose, which is a laborious service, the weariness such labor produces. Love leads one to serve, even when that service demands hardship to fulfill (1 Cor. 15:58).
He then keeps in mind their steadfastness of hope, enduring whatever life brings, the things and circumstances difficult to deal with. Hope motivated them not to give in or give up, but to press on in their lives in Christ (2 Cor. 6:4).
Christian living demands the best from us, not the least. We never give up and stop, but press on and keep on at all times. It is what our Lord offered for us, and what we should offer Him. What type of faith, hope, and love do you possess? May it be seen in what you say and do. Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Monday, July 6, 2020
Message from Scripture: 7/6/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 John 4:16; “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
Scripture is filled with passages that affirm God’s love for us. “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). No created thing “will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:39). “The God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11).
Saying you love, however, isn’t the same as actually showing your love. We know God loves us, not only because God is truth, but because of how He shows it to us. He provides the seasons in their times (Psa. 104:19). He makes the sun shine, and the rain fall, on both the righteous and unrighteous (Matt. 5:43). Whatever it takes for our world to be sustained and provide what we need for life, He is accomplishing it through Christ (Col. 1:17).
Everything physical God provides for our well-being. Beyond this, the greatest measure of God’s love is what He offers us in Christ, who became flesh and blood, lived a perfect life among us, and died the cruel death on the cross so His blood could wash away our sins. He cares for us throughout the days of our lives, and promises eternal life when this life ends. That is how we know we are truly loved.
Jesus told His disciples, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). If life seems to get you down, never forget God loves you, and how great that love is, seen in Christ. Knowing this, you can have a great day any day. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 John 4:16; “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
Scripture is filled with passages that affirm God’s love for us. “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). No created thing “will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:39). “The God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11).
Saying you love, however, isn’t the same as actually showing your love. We know God loves us, not only because God is truth, but because of how He shows it to us. He provides the seasons in their times (Psa. 104:19). He makes the sun shine, and the rain fall, on both the righteous and unrighteous (Matt. 5:43). Whatever it takes for our world to be sustained and provide what we need for life, He is accomplishing it through Christ (Col. 1:17).
Everything physical God provides for our well-being. Beyond this, the greatest measure of God’s love is what He offers us in Christ, who became flesh and blood, lived a perfect life among us, and died the cruel death on the cross so His blood could wash away our sins. He cares for us throughout the days of our lives, and promises eternal life when this life ends. That is how we know we are truly loved.
Jesus told His disciples, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). If life seems to get you down, never forget God loves you, and how great that love is, seen in Christ. Knowing this, you can have a great day any day. God bless.
Robert
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Message from Scripture: 7/1/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Gal. 6:4-5; “But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.”
While New Testament Christianity is universal in its scope, Christianity focuses on us as individuals, and can accurately be described as the religion of the individual. Christ didn’t expect kingdoms, nations, or states as a whole to follow Him, but countless individuals have found the peace and hope that is in Christ.
For example, only you alone can obey the gospel for the forgiveness of sin. No one else can do that for you. Only you can, through faith which comes through the word of God, believe, repent of your sins, confess Jesus as Lord, and be immersed to have the blood of Christ wash away your sins. Only you and you alone can do this and find the hope of eternal life for you (Acts 2:38).
Only you alone can live the Christian life to please God and show your commitment to Christ as Lord. Applying the Word of God to your own life, to your own unique situations in life every day, is something only you can do. Only you can choose to live as God desires (1 Pet. 4:10-11).
Only you alone will answer for the life you have lived on the day of judgment. We won’t stand before God as a congregation, as a family unit, or any other way other than as individuals (Rom. 14:12). Others might want to do so on your behalf, but they can only answer for themselves.
God loves each of us individually, and wants each of us saved, to live for Him, to stand approved in judgment. How will you personally respond? God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Gal. 6:4-5; “But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.”
While New Testament Christianity is universal in its scope, Christianity focuses on us as individuals, and can accurately be described as the religion of the individual. Christ didn’t expect kingdoms, nations, or states as a whole to follow Him, but countless individuals have found the peace and hope that is in Christ.
For example, only you alone can obey the gospel for the forgiveness of sin. No one else can do that for you. Only you can, through faith which comes through the word of God, believe, repent of your sins, confess Jesus as Lord, and be immersed to have the blood of Christ wash away your sins. Only you and you alone can do this and find the hope of eternal life for you (Acts 2:38).
Only you alone can live the Christian life to please God and show your commitment to Christ as Lord. Applying the Word of God to your own life, to your own unique situations in life every day, is something only you can do. Only you can choose to live as God desires (1 Pet. 4:10-11).
Only you alone will answer for the life you have lived on the day of judgment. We won’t stand before God as a congregation, as a family unit, or any other way other than as individuals (Rom. 14:12). Others might want to do so on your behalf, but they can only answer for themselves.
God loves each of us individually, and wants each of us saved, to live for Him, to stand approved in judgment. How will you personally respond? God bless.
Robert
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