Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 5:7-8
It’s A Fact
We will reap what we sow. It doesn’t matter if we are saved or unsaved, if we sow the seeds of our flesh, we will garner corruption. Oh, our salvation is still intact (our inadvertent sinful dabblings will not condemn us), but the fruit of those occurrences will still be manifest.
Manifested How?
I am not proud of it, but yes, I have seen X-rated movies (and more than a few adult magazines) in my life. The very good news is that I have been forgiven for all that illicit activity and (I am happy to say) I don’t consider them any longer. However, those seeds were still planted. So guess what images pop-up from time-to-time when my eyes might happen upon an alluring situation? You guessed it! The reality is that those images would not appear if those seeds were never planted in the first place.
Plant Better Seeds
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
It’s been years since those aforementioned sins of mine and I am pleased to announce that although the ‘images’ are not completely vanished, their appearances are far and few between. Why? Because I have been sowing a new crop of seeds; seeds of faith and seeds of the Spirit, and their fruit is crowding-out the bad fruit—my Spirit crop is overtaking my fleshly one.
Praise Be to God
Be patient. If we are sowing good seed, the yield will be evident in due season and according to God’s perfect timing. So let us not be deceived, we will reap what we sow—God will never be mocked.
COMPASSION dave
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Stewardess, I've Changed My Mind
What purpose then does the law serve? Galatians 3:19
“Would you like a beverage?” the flight attendant asks sweetly.
“I’ll have a diet coke please, ” you respond.
“Would you like a parachute as well?” she calmly adds.
“Huh?”
“A parachute sir. Your life will be much better if you have one…I guarantee it! In fact your life will be full of peace and joy. Having a parachute is the only way sir—I have one, you should have one as well.”
“Thank you, ” you say as you look at her oddly through the corner of your eye, “But I have no need for a parachute, but I am very happy for you and your need to have one. I am glad your parachute gives you peace, comfort, and joy.”
What’s missing?
The attendant, not wanting to upset the passengers, failed to tell them that the plane was in fact going down. Why upset them she likely assumed, they were having such a good time. However, had she shared that little bit of ’critical information’ she would have had more success doling out the chutes.
That’s the purpose of the law!
The law in a sense, lets us know that we are going down--we are in fact all sinners. Tell most folks about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and they will likely respond that they have no need for saving—they consider themselves ‘basically’ good people. The law declares otherwise.
"There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.." Romans 3:10-11
No one seeks after God, at least not until after they realize that God was seeking them first. God sought us by providing the ‘Law’ as a mirror; a mirror that reveals to us how we truly look to Him…Dirty. It is that realization—that we are sinners in need of salvation, that leads us to the parachute that is Christ Jesus.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes… Psalm 19:7-8
In case you missed it…
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
COMPASSION dave
***Hey everyone! Pray and fast with us today as we prepare for our nation-wide Compassion Sunday event (April 13, 2008). Can't wait for Compassion Sunday? Then click here --->Compassion Child to sponsor.
“Would you like a beverage?” the flight attendant asks sweetly.
“I’ll have a diet coke please, ” you respond.
“Would you like a parachute as well?” she calmly adds.
“Huh?”
“A parachute sir. Your life will be much better if you have one…I guarantee it! In fact your life will be full of peace and joy. Having a parachute is the only way sir—I have one, you should have one as well.”
“Thank you, ” you say as you look at her oddly through the corner of your eye, “But I have no need for a parachute, but I am very happy for you and your need to have one. I am glad your parachute gives you peace, comfort, and joy.”
What’s missing?
The attendant, not wanting to upset the passengers, failed to tell them that the plane was in fact going down. Why upset them she likely assumed, they were having such a good time. However, had she shared that little bit of ’critical information’ she would have had more success doling out the chutes.
That’s the purpose of the law!
The law in a sense, lets us know that we are going down--we are in fact all sinners. Tell most folks about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and they will likely respond that they have no need for saving—they consider themselves ‘basically’ good people. The law declares otherwise.
"There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.." Romans 3:10-11
No one seeks after God, at least not until after they realize that God was seeking them first. God sought us by providing the ‘Law’ as a mirror; a mirror that reveals to us how we truly look to Him…Dirty. It is that realization—that we are sinners in need of salvation, that leads us to the parachute that is Christ Jesus.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes… Psalm 19:7-8
In case you missed it…
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
COMPASSION dave
***Hey everyone! Pray and fast with us today as we prepare for our nation-wide Compassion Sunday event (April 13, 2008). Can't wait for Compassion Sunday? Then click here --->Compassion Child to sponsor.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The First and the Last
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"*) Galatians 3:13
The First Adam
What we know about the first Adam (at least as it pertains to today’s verse) is found in God’s admonition to him recorded in Genesis 3:17-19:
"Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return."
The Last Adam
We know from 1Corinthians 15:45 that Jesus Christ is the last Adam, but what is the significance you might ask? We notice that sin, specifically the sin of the 1st Adam, brought about the curse, the thorns, and the sweat, but Jesus, the last Adam absorbed it all for the sake of all mankind.
Our Jesus took the entire curse upon Himself, He bore the thorns, and He sweat the blood. He prepared His body as bread that in faith we might partake of His flesh thus freely accepting His mercy and grace.
Saved By Faith
In light of all that, why would anyone think that any work of our flesh is required? The work was finished on the cross and all we need do to believe it is done. Our works unto salvation are pointless; attempts to adhere to the law, to rules, and to regulations are futile…Receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
But What About…
But doesn’t James 2:17 say, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead, ” what is that all about? James is simply telling us that works are manifested as a result of faith – faith is not a result of works. Christians do not have to go to church, pray, fellowship, or spend time in the word…We GET to do these things.
We Get To !!!
COMPASSION dave
The First Adam
What we know about the first Adam (at least as it pertains to today’s verse) is found in God’s admonition to him recorded in Genesis 3:17-19:
"Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return."
The Last Adam
We know from 1Corinthians 15:45 that Jesus Christ is the last Adam, but what is the significance you might ask? We notice that sin, specifically the sin of the 1st Adam, brought about the curse, the thorns, and the sweat, but Jesus, the last Adam absorbed it all for the sake of all mankind.
Our Jesus took the entire curse upon Himself, He bore the thorns, and He sweat the blood. He prepared His body as bread that in faith we might partake of His flesh thus freely accepting His mercy and grace.
Saved By Faith
In light of all that, why would anyone think that any work of our flesh is required? The work was finished on the cross and all we need do to believe it is done. Our works unto salvation are pointless; attempts to adhere to the law, to rules, and to regulations are futile…Receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
But What About…
But doesn’t James 2:17 say, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead, ” what is that all about? James is simply telling us that works are manifested as a result of faith – faith is not a result of works. Christians do not have to go to church, pray, fellowship, or spend time in the word…We GET to do these things.
We Get To !!!
COMPASSION dave
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Closeness Doesn’t Count
He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5
Weeks ago I stumbled upon a phrase, "our effectiveness in ministry is relative to our closeness to Jesus, ” and I thought at the time, “What a wonderfully true sentiment!” After all, any effective ministry is borne out of a deepening relationship with Christ Jesus. Having said that, today I re-stumbled upon this Bible verse from John 15 realizing that it paints a truer picture.
When I read this piece of scripture I envision myself sawing a limb off an apple tree. Should I have any expectation that fruit will now grow from that limb? Of course not. Might I expect growth if I take that same branch and hold it but a centimeter from the tree, or better yet, prop it against the trunk? No. I would have no fruitful expectations.It is obvious to everyone that in order for fruit to appear, the branch must be attached or grafted back in—closeness does not count. John 15:5 demonstrates practically that my catchy little phrase missed the mark--closeness, it seems is not the same as being attached.
Semanticist
Arguably, this is merely a case of semantics, since those ‘in’ Christ likely consider themselves to be close to Him as well. In that respect I would agree. But the danger exists when a person falsely believes that because there is an appearance of closeness they actually are close. Showing others your picture taken with a celebrity would be an example: “Why yes, me and Bruce Springsteen are very close friends!”
Similarly, we might pray daily, go to church weekly, and fast monthly, but unless we are grafted into the branch, we are no more than limbs leaning up against trees—we appear close, but in reality we’re miles and miles away.
Show me the fruit
We all know plenty of folks who claim closeness to Jesus, but through the years there is no fruit. Oh, they might believe and love Him, but they are not in Him, and He is not in them—if He were there would be fruit all around that trunk. And what does fruit look like?
We can start here:By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35
COMPASSION dave
Weeks ago I stumbled upon a phrase, "our effectiveness in ministry is relative to our closeness to Jesus, ” and I thought at the time, “What a wonderfully true sentiment!” After all, any effective ministry is borne out of a deepening relationship with Christ Jesus. Having said that, today I re-stumbled upon this Bible verse from John 15 realizing that it paints a truer picture.
When I read this piece of scripture I envision myself sawing a limb off an apple tree. Should I have any expectation that fruit will now grow from that limb? Of course not. Might I expect growth if I take that same branch and hold it but a centimeter from the tree, or better yet, prop it against the trunk? No. I would have no fruitful expectations.It is obvious to everyone that in order for fruit to appear, the branch must be attached or grafted back in—closeness does not count. John 15:5 demonstrates practically that my catchy little phrase missed the mark--closeness, it seems is not the same as being attached.
Semanticist
Arguably, this is merely a case of semantics, since those ‘in’ Christ likely consider themselves to be close to Him as well. In that respect I would agree. But the danger exists when a person falsely believes that because there is an appearance of closeness they actually are close. Showing others your picture taken with a celebrity would be an example: “Why yes, me and Bruce Springsteen are very close friends!”
Similarly, we might pray daily, go to church weekly, and fast monthly, but unless we are grafted into the branch, we are no more than limbs leaning up against trees—we appear close, but in reality we’re miles and miles away.
Show me the fruit
We all know plenty of folks who claim closeness to Jesus, but through the years there is no fruit. Oh, they might believe and love Him, but they are not in Him, and He is not in them—if He were there would be fruit all around that trunk. And what does fruit look like?
We can start here:By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35
COMPASSION dave
Monday, March 31, 2008
Practice Your Follow Through
For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God…they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 2 Corinthians 9:12-14
Administration of what service?The service of giving…Long story short, Paul is encouraging the church of Corinth to part with the gift they promised (a year earlier) to the church in Jerusalem. In so doing, he is reminding the Corinthians (and us) that in 'giving' they are not only providing for the receivers practical needs, but their spiritual needs as well.
God is Glorified
When an individual comes to realize that Jesus is the reason behind a person's generosity, it causes them to give thanks to God. I believe this is one reason why relationship building is so important in the Compassion Ministry. When the child you sponsor comes to realize that Jesus put you up to it (so to speak), that child will tend to give thanks to God for His moving through that sponsor. Essentially your relationship with a sponsored child sets in motion their relationship with Jesus Christ.
That's What Compassion is All
AboutLook at Compassion's Mission Statement—it reads, "In response to the Great Commission, Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults."
The most important words of this declaration are the first six, "In response to the Great Commission." The people, who were inspired by God to embark on this Compassion ministry must have been well-aware of the spiritual phenomenon revealed in 2 Corinthians 9; the recipient of grace will respond to both giver ~and~ Source. And since we know God is the source of all good things, it is only natural Christians would share that fact with others.
Start the Process
Actually, I want to address this invitation to 'sponsor a child' to a specific group of Christians. The Apostle Paul wrote his exhortation to a body of believers who had previously made a commitment, but for whatever the reason, had not followed through. I would like to extend an exhortation to the person or persons who have similarly made a pledge to the Lord, but as of yet, have fallen short. Perhaps now is your time.
Follow Through
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15
Cd
Administration of what service?The service of giving…Long story short, Paul is encouraging the church of Corinth to part with the gift they promised (a year earlier) to the church in Jerusalem. In so doing, he is reminding the Corinthians (and us) that in 'giving' they are not only providing for the receivers practical needs, but their spiritual needs as well.
God is Glorified
When an individual comes to realize that Jesus is the reason behind a person's generosity, it causes them to give thanks to God. I believe this is one reason why relationship building is so important in the Compassion Ministry. When the child you sponsor comes to realize that Jesus put you up to it (so to speak), that child will tend to give thanks to God for His moving through that sponsor. Essentially your relationship with a sponsored child sets in motion their relationship with Jesus Christ.
That's What Compassion is All
AboutLook at Compassion's Mission Statement—it reads, "In response to the Great Commission, Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults."
The most important words of this declaration are the first six, "In response to the Great Commission." The people, who were inspired by God to embark on this Compassion ministry must have been well-aware of the spiritual phenomenon revealed in 2 Corinthians 9; the recipient of grace will respond to both giver ~and~ Source. And since we know God is the source of all good things, it is only natural Christians would share that fact with others.
Start the Process
Actually, I want to address this invitation to 'sponsor a child' to a specific group of Christians. The Apostle Paul wrote his exhortation to a body of believers who had previously made a commitment, but for whatever the reason, had not followed through. I would like to extend an exhortation to the person or persons who have similarly made a pledge to the Lord, but as of yet, have fallen short. Perhaps now is your time.
Follow Through
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15
Cd
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Suppose There Were Fifty Righteous
Suppose there were fifty righteous…would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? So the Lord said, "If I find…fifty righteous…then I will spare all the place for their sakes." Genesis 18:24+26
The PlanThis verse was NOT the inspiration for my plan. Fact is, the Lord just led me to it today (and I pray He is not bothered by my paraphrase). The plan is not a new plan; you have likely read about it in an earlier thread. The truth be told, the plan is not really a plan at all, but rather a desire of my heart. In reality, there is only aspect of it that has any semblance of a plan…that I have determined to make God a part of it.
Or maybe its God’s plan and He’s going to make me a part of it…
May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion…May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose. Psalm 20:2 + 4
50/50
I once heard somebody say that if you want to hear God laugh, just tell Him your plans. Having said that, I believe my proposal is in accordance with His will, otherwise, I wouldn’t keep jabbering on about it. What is it you say? I want to visit 50 churches in 50 weeks in order to share the message of COMPASSION .
I have reached out to the Lord and again I feel led to reach out to you. I while back I even reached out to Oprah Winfrey (and to you) with my Tell Oprah to put COMPASSION dave on her show campaign. I haven’t given up on Oprah. I would jump at the chance to speak to her TV audience about sponsoring children ~and~ to speak to her about Jesus the Christ.
What YOU Can Do
Now you can reach out for Oprah if you like, but it would be much more practical if your reached out for the pastor of your church. Simply ask your pastor, “Can we have a Compassion Sunday at our church?”
What If Pastor Says, “YES”
Let me know—I’ll be certain to get a ton of free information into his hands and to make all the arrangements. My hope and prayer is to be overwhelmed to the point where God must step in so that His power and might will be displayed—and of course, for His honor and praise.Want To Know More?Drop me a note, or reply to this message and I will be prompt in my response. Would you like to check out the children waiting to be sponsored right now? Then just click on the Compassion banner or my name.
COMPASSION dave
The PlanThis verse was NOT the inspiration for my plan. Fact is, the Lord just led me to it today (and I pray He is not bothered by my paraphrase). The plan is not a new plan; you have likely read about it in an earlier thread. The truth be told, the plan is not really a plan at all, but rather a desire of my heart. In reality, there is only aspect of it that has any semblance of a plan…that I have determined to make God a part of it.
Or maybe its God’s plan and He’s going to make me a part of it…
May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion…May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose. Psalm 20:2 + 4
50/50
I once heard somebody say that if you want to hear God laugh, just tell Him your plans. Having said that, I believe my proposal is in accordance with His will, otherwise, I wouldn’t keep jabbering on about it. What is it you say? I want to visit 50 churches in 50 weeks in order to share the message of COMPASSION .
I have reached out to the Lord and again I feel led to reach out to you. I while back I even reached out to Oprah Winfrey (and to you) with my Tell Oprah to put COMPASSION dave on her show campaign. I haven’t given up on Oprah. I would jump at the chance to speak to her TV audience about sponsoring children ~and~ to speak to her about Jesus the Christ.
What YOU Can Do
Now you can reach out for Oprah if you like, but it would be much more practical if your reached out for the pastor of your church. Simply ask your pastor, “Can we have a Compassion Sunday at our church?”
What If Pastor Says, “YES”
Let me know—I’ll be certain to get a ton of free information into his hands and to make all the arrangements. My hope and prayer is to be overwhelmed to the point where God must step in so that His power and might will be displayed—and of course, for His honor and praise.Want To Know More?Drop me a note, or reply to this message and I will be prompt in my response. Would you like to check out the children waiting to be sponsored right now? Then just click on the Compassion banner or my name.
COMPASSION dave
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Shouldn’t You Be Somewhere Else Right Now?
And the Lord said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever…” Genesis 6:3
What time is it?
What did God mean when He said He would not strive with man forever? Essentially the Lord is telling us that He is in pursuit; pursing us so that we might exercise the faith He has given (us) and follow Him. However, His quest will not last perpetually. There will come a time when His pursuit will cease and hearts will be hardened.
It happened to Pharaoh
Did you ever wonder why the Lord said to Moses (regarding Pharaoh), “I have hardened his heart…” (Exodus 10:1)? It happened because the Lord pursued Pharaoh and no doubt gave him numerous opportunities to repent and turn to Him, but he refused. There came a point when the Father knew this man was not going to change, and thus hardened his heart. And it happened--at least in part, as an example for us.
And He will do it to you to if you continue to refuse His grace and gift. It’s called blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy of this kind is not a one time event, but the continual refusal and denial of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Whoever does this is subject to eternal condemnation Matthew 3:29 tells us.
Now is the time!
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2b
You know what, maybe now is not your time. Just maybe, the Lord will not accept your denial as permanent and harden your heart. Maybe he will give you another day, week, month, or year to decide. Or maybe He won’t. Maybe this is your last chance—maybe your future is not a heart-hardening, but a radical heart-softening, the likes of which occur when one meets a semi head-on. Either one signals an ugly scenario if you don’t know Jesus as Christ.
Think about it
Why are you here anyway? I don’t mean ‘why are you here’ as in a cosmic kind of way, but why are you here, in a Christian forum, reading threads written by Christians, when you don’t even believe in Jesus Christ. I suggest to you that you were led here by the Holy Spirit because your time as come…The day of your salvation has arrived.The choice is yours, but God will not strive with you forever.
Thus says the Lord: "In an acceptable time I have heard You, And in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You As a covenant to the people, To restore the earth, To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages… Isaiah 49:8
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out) Saved?
What time is it?
What did God mean when He said He would not strive with man forever? Essentially the Lord is telling us that He is in pursuit; pursing us so that we might exercise the faith He has given (us) and follow Him. However, His quest will not last perpetually. There will come a time when His pursuit will cease and hearts will be hardened.
It happened to Pharaoh
Did you ever wonder why the Lord said to Moses (regarding Pharaoh), “I have hardened his heart…” (Exodus 10:1)? It happened because the Lord pursued Pharaoh and no doubt gave him numerous opportunities to repent and turn to Him, but he refused. There came a point when the Father knew this man was not going to change, and thus hardened his heart. And it happened--at least in part, as an example for us.
And He will do it to you to if you continue to refuse His grace and gift. It’s called blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy of this kind is not a one time event, but the continual refusal and denial of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Whoever does this is subject to eternal condemnation Matthew 3:29 tells us.
Now is the time!
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2b
You know what, maybe now is not your time. Just maybe, the Lord will not accept your denial as permanent and harden your heart. Maybe he will give you another day, week, month, or year to decide. Or maybe He won’t. Maybe this is your last chance—maybe your future is not a heart-hardening, but a radical heart-softening, the likes of which occur when one meets a semi head-on. Either one signals an ugly scenario if you don’t know Jesus as Christ.
Think about it
Why are you here anyway? I don’t mean ‘why are you here’ as in a cosmic kind of way, but why are you here, in a Christian forum, reading threads written by Christians, when you don’t even believe in Jesus Christ. I suggest to you that you were led here by the Holy Spirit because your time as come…The day of your salvation has arrived.The choice is yours, but God will not strive with you forever.
Thus says the Lord: "In an acceptable time I have heard You, And in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You As a covenant to the people, To restore the earth, To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages… Isaiah 49:8
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out) Saved?
Friday, March 21, 2008
Burn Out
For the love of Christ compels us… 2 Corinthians 5:14a
What is the source of your passion for ministry; or more accurately, who is the source of your passion? If it is not the love of Christ, that is, the love Jesus freely gave and continues to give, then it is only a matter of time before you will burn out. Consider Nadab and Abihu--remember them from Leviticus 10:1?
Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them.
You could say they were burnt-out.What happened?
The source of their fire; their passion if you will, was not the altar of God, but themselves. Had they relied solely on God, following His direction and guidance, burn-out would have never occurred. And that’s the picture for us—when we try to maintain our own fire, when God alone should be our source, we will suffer burn-out.
Think about it
Remember your last burn-out; unappreciated; feeling like a door mat? Chances are you forgot—you forgot why you were doing what you were doing. Somehow, some way, it was no longer about Jesus and Him crucified; it was about you and your needs.
NP
Not a problem. Don’t panic and don’t despair—just change fuel. Empty your ‘tank’ of ‘you’ and fill it with ‘Him’ and let the love of Christ compel you once again.
...God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him…He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Be loved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:9-11, 19
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
What is the source of your passion for ministry; or more accurately, who is the source of your passion? If it is not the love of Christ, that is, the love Jesus freely gave and continues to give, then it is only a matter of time before you will burn out. Consider Nadab and Abihu--remember them from Leviticus 10:1?
Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them.
You could say they were burnt-out.What happened?
The source of their fire; their passion if you will, was not the altar of God, but themselves. Had they relied solely on God, following His direction and guidance, burn-out would have never occurred. And that’s the picture for us—when we try to maintain our own fire, when God alone should be our source, we will suffer burn-out.
Think about it
Remember your last burn-out; unappreciated; feeling like a door mat? Chances are you forgot—you forgot why you were doing what you were doing. Somehow, some way, it was no longer about Jesus and Him crucified; it was about you and your needs.
NP
Not a problem. Don’t panic and don’t despair—just change fuel. Empty your ‘tank’ of ‘you’ and fill it with ‘Him’ and let the love of Christ compel you once again.
...God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him…He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Be loved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:9-11, 19
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Piano Man
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Piano Man
A full size piano (depending upon the brand) has about 240 strings which together wield about 20 tons (40, 000 lbs.) of pressure. However, tension and stress alone does not produce sweet tones—access must be granted to the one who can adjust and tweak the strings so that beautiful music might flow.
When we work or operate in our flesh it is akin to a novice tuning a piano—to much pressure on one string and it breaks, break enough strings and we render the instrument useless. Perplexed and in despair, feeling empty, we are defeated.
In Christ
Same tension, same stress, but now it’s under the control of the Master who knows how much pressure each string can bear. We soon recognize the familiar strain and the pressure, but listen, the music is different—it is in fact pleasing to the ear. Same characteristics, but different results—Joy! Why? Because we discovered that our ‘old man’ was an imposter masquerading as a piano tuner and now have submitted ourselves to the One who created us.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Piano Man
A full size piano (depending upon the brand) has about 240 strings which together wield about 20 tons (40, 000 lbs.) of pressure. However, tension and stress alone does not produce sweet tones—access must be granted to the one who can adjust and tweak the strings so that beautiful music might flow.
When we work or operate in our flesh it is akin to a novice tuning a piano—to much pressure on one string and it breaks, break enough strings and we render the instrument useless. Perplexed and in despair, feeling empty, we are defeated.
In Christ
Same tension, same stress, but now it’s under the control of the Master who knows how much pressure each string can bear. We soon recognize the familiar strain and the pressure, but listen, the music is different—it is in fact pleasing to the ear. Same characteristics, but different results—Joy! Why? Because we discovered that our ‘old man’ was an imposter masquerading as a piano tuner and now have submitted ourselves to the One who created us.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Glorious Road Signs
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18
From Glory to Glory
Have you ever been driving along a stretch of highway, mile after mile wondering if you are even on the right road? It can be distressing. In the distance you see a sign. As you near it your heart rate quickens, ”What will it reveal?” At last you discover that you are on the proper road and, joy of joys, you’re heading in the right direction. At that particular moment, is not the seeing of that sign a splendid thing?
The true glory though lies ahead, doesn’t it? Whether it is Disney World or grandma’s house, the real glory is in the destination. We might recall the beauty of the road sign, and how it directed us, but alas its glory fades as we scoot by. Ever grateful we drive on to our ultimate glory.
Paul reminds us that Christians are traversing from one glory to another, the latter being exceedingly better than the first. He goes on to tell us what these glories are: the Law and Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:7-9 make it clearer.
But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
Ministry of Death
The ministry of death (and the ministry of condemnation) are one and the same; they are references to the ‘Law’, while Jesus is the ministry of righteousness. While the ‘Law’ was glorious, the glory of Christ exceeds it. The only reason the ‘Law’ had any glory at all is so we sinners would stand up and take notice; its sole purpose being to identify us (as sinners) and then to operate as a road sign directing us to Jesus Christ—the ultimate glory.
We are grateful for the Law and we recognize its glory and purpose, but to stop at the Law so that we might bask in its fading glory would be as silly as stopping at a road sign and basking in its diminishing glow. Let us move on from glory to glory.
For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.
2 Corinthians 3:11
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
From Glory to Glory
Have you ever been driving along a stretch of highway, mile after mile wondering if you are even on the right road? It can be distressing. In the distance you see a sign. As you near it your heart rate quickens, ”What will it reveal?” At last you discover that you are on the proper road and, joy of joys, you’re heading in the right direction. At that particular moment, is not the seeing of that sign a splendid thing?
The true glory though lies ahead, doesn’t it? Whether it is Disney World or grandma’s house, the real glory is in the destination. We might recall the beauty of the road sign, and how it directed us, but alas its glory fades as we scoot by. Ever grateful we drive on to our ultimate glory.
Paul reminds us that Christians are traversing from one glory to another, the latter being exceedingly better than the first. He goes on to tell us what these glories are: the Law and Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:7-9 make it clearer.
But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
Ministry of Death
The ministry of death (and the ministry of condemnation) are one and the same; they are references to the ‘Law’, while Jesus is the ministry of righteousness. While the ‘Law’ was glorious, the glory of Christ exceeds it. The only reason the ‘Law’ had any glory at all is so we sinners would stand up and take notice; its sole purpose being to identify us (as sinners) and then to operate as a road sign directing us to Jesus Christ—the ultimate glory.
We are grateful for the Law and we recognize its glory and purpose, but to stop at the Law so that we might bask in its fading glory would be as silly as stopping at a road sign and basking in its diminishing glow. Let us move on from glory to glory.
For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.
2 Corinthians 3:11
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Who is Buried in Grant’s Tomb?
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14
Tone
Don’t you hate it when you write a letter, an email, or an IM, and the person for which it was intended didn’t ‘get it’? Oh, I don’t mean that they didn’t receive it, but they just didn’t understand what you were trying to say. Quite often the problem is that it is difficult to convey attitude (our tone) when we write. Paul was having the same problem.
While these occurrences tend to frustrate and anger us, Paul chose to diffuse the tension with Godly praise. Why did Paul choose the high road, when we so often choose the low one? A clue is found in your refrigerator—tip it over and what falls out? The answer of course is, ‘whatever is inside of it’. The same is true for the heart: whenever it is nudged, it spills forth whatever is inside. Paul’s heart was filled with love and adoration for Jesus Christ.
What’s in your heart?
But You, O Lord, know me; You have seen me, And You have tested my heart toward You. Jeremiah 12:3a
How many of us see the ‘guy’ who cut us off on the road, or took our parking space as an answer to prayer. Did we not ask that the Lord to search our hearts? Did not our hearts spill-out before us as we slammed on the brakes to avoid a collision? Next time, instead of being angry with the person, let us be grateful to the Lord. After all, He revealed something about us and He responded to our prayers yet again! Can you imagine then thanking that guy for being used by God? Talk about an opportunity to witness!
...Beaten with rods…into prison, But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…Suddenly…all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. Acts 16:22-26
Paul’s heart was filled with love for Jesus and when it’s disturbed, prayer and song springs forth. Please take notice, Paul did not have Acts 16 to read; he could not have surmised, “Ok Silas, we need to pray and sing so God will open these doors.” Paul merely did what he always did. Was the Lord responding to Paul’s adoration? Perhaps, but we know for certain He wasn’t responding to manipulation.
For He knows the secrets of the heart…Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties…And give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men) Psalms 139:23; 44:21b; 1 Kings 8:39b
What’s in your heart?
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Tone
Don’t you hate it when you write a letter, an email, or an IM, and the person for which it was intended didn’t ‘get it’? Oh, I don’t mean that they didn’t receive it, but they just didn’t understand what you were trying to say. Quite often the problem is that it is difficult to convey attitude (our tone) when we write. Paul was having the same problem.
While these occurrences tend to frustrate and anger us, Paul chose to diffuse the tension with Godly praise. Why did Paul choose the high road, when we so often choose the low one? A clue is found in your refrigerator—tip it over and what falls out? The answer of course is, ‘whatever is inside of it’. The same is true for the heart: whenever it is nudged, it spills forth whatever is inside. Paul’s heart was filled with love and adoration for Jesus Christ.
What’s in your heart?
But You, O Lord, know me; You have seen me, And You have tested my heart toward You. Jeremiah 12:3a
How many of us see the ‘guy’ who cut us off on the road, or took our parking space as an answer to prayer. Did we not ask that the Lord to search our hearts? Did not our hearts spill-out before us as we slammed on the brakes to avoid a collision? Next time, instead of being angry with the person, let us be grateful to the Lord. After all, He revealed something about us and He responded to our prayers yet again! Can you imagine then thanking that guy for being used by God? Talk about an opportunity to witness!
...Beaten with rods…into prison, But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…Suddenly…all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. Acts 16:22-26
Paul’s heart was filled with love for Jesus and when it’s disturbed, prayer and song springs forth. Please take notice, Paul did not have Acts 16 to read; he could not have surmised, “Ok Silas, we need to pray and sing so God will open these doors.” Paul merely did what he always did. Was the Lord responding to Paul’s adoration? Perhaps, but we know for certain He wasn’t responding to manipulation.
For He knows the secrets of the heart…Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties…And give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men) Psalms 139:23; 44:21b; 1 Kings 8:39b
What’s in your heart?
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Monday, March 17, 2008
Consolation Prize
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
One More Reason
Nothing bad happens to the Christian unless God allows it. Do you believe that? If you do, you might then ask, “Why would God allow these things; why would God make us uncomfortable just so He could make us comfortable again? The verse tells us why and reminds us that our suffering is ultimately for the benefit of others.
BBB
What’s BBB? It’s my acronym for ‘Blessed to Be a Blessing’. Where in the Bible does it say that the reason for our blessing is to be a blessing to others? Right here in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. When we have gone through a trial ‘relying’ on the Lord, come out on the other side blessed, we have been specially equipped to now share that prosperity with others.
Our Gain is Not Ours
The fact that we are blessed at all is really just a miraculous byproduct of God’s handiwork. The Father purposes to bring Himself honor, glory, and praise, but in His mercy and grace chooses to bless us as well. The truth is that everything we call blessed belongs to Him and in our striving to selfishly keep them we could likely lose them. Let us hold our blessings as if we hadn’t any knuckles.
Remember Your Baptism
Ah baptism-- the time we symbolically die to ourselves; that blessed time when we handed over the reins of our lives to the One who Reigns over our lives. Baptism also symbolizes the tribulation and comfort spoken of in 2 Corinthians, as baptism is a picture of God’s promise to us. Let us share the promise—let us comfort those who now suffer.
Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. Matthew 5:42
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
One More Reason
Nothing bad happens to the Christian unless God allows it. Do you believe that? If you do, you might then ask, “Why would God allow these things; why would God make us uncomfortable just so He could make us comfortable again? The verse tells us why and reminds us that our suffering is ultimately for the benefit of others.
BBB
What’s BBB? It’s my acronym for ‘Blessed to Be a Blessing’. Where in the Bible does it say that the reason for our blessing is to be a blessing to others? Right here in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. When we have gone through a trial ‘relying’ on the Lord, come out on the other side blessed, we have been specially equipped to now share that prosperity with others.
Our Gain is Not Ours
The fact that we are blessed at all is really just a miraculous byproduct of God’s handiwork. The Father purposes to bring Himself honor, glory, and praise, but in His mercy and grace chooses to bless us as well. The truth is that everything we call blessed belongs to Him and in our striving to selfishly keep them we could likely lose them. Let us hold our blessings as if we hadn’t any knuckles.
Remember Your Baptism
Ah baptism-- the time we symbolically die to ourselves; that blessed time when we handed over the reins of our lives to the One who Reigns over our lives. Baptism also symbolizes the tribulation and comfort spoken of in 2 Corinthians, as baptism is a picture of God’s promise to us. Let us share the promise—let us comfort those who now suffer.
Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. Matthew 5:42
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Friday, March 14, 2008
Submission to Addiction
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas…that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.1 Corinthians 16:15-16
The truth is that we are all addicted to something. When I was a cop, I was addicted to police work. Simultaneously I was addicted to golf. At other times in my life I have been addicted to drugs, alcohol, and women. Bob Dylan balanced addiction with service, conceding that we’re all going to ‘Serve somebody’ or something:
You may be an ambassador to England or France,
You may like to gamble,
you might like to dance,
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world,
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody,
yes indeedYou’re gonna have to serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.
We should not be shocked
When the Lord created us, He incorporated into our framework ‘a need to worship’, but because God is love, he also incorporated the ability to freely choose. Paul reminds us (as does Bob) that we should choose wisely and that we should submit ourselves to those who are presently addicted to Christ Jesus and His ministries.
Let us submit ourselves first to God, and then according to His will, to those who are addicted and devoted to Him and the fulfilling of His creation on earth and beyond. Let us beware the embrace of our adversary.Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 27:5-6
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
The truth is that we are all addicted to something. When I was a cop, I was addicted to police work. Simultaneously I was addicted to golf. At other times in my life I have been addicted to drugs, alcohol, and women. Bob Dylan balanced addiction with service, conceding that we’re all going to ‘Serve somebody’ or something:
You may be an ambassador to England or France,
You may like to gamble,
you might like to dance,
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world,
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody,
yes indeedYou’re gonna have to serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.
We should not be shocked
When the Lord created us, He incorporated into our framework ‘a need to worship’, but because God is love, he also incorporated the ability to freely choose. Paul reminds us (as does Bob) that we should choose wisely and that we should submit ourselves to those who are presently addicted to Christ Jesus and His ministries.
Let us submit ourselves first to God, and then according to His will, to those who are addicted and devoted to Him and the fulfilling of His creation on earth and beyond. Let us beware the embrace of our adversary.Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 27:5-6
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Thursday, March 13, 2008
God’s Not My Co-Pilot ~ He’s My Travel Agent
Now I will come to you…And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go…if the Lord permits. 1 Corinthians 16:5-7
Paul was one smart fellow. He had the spiritual insight to know that whatever he did, or wherever he went was first and foremost dependant upon the will of his travel agent—God the Father. Do you trust your itinerary to God?
You Should
Consider Romans 1:13 and its implication:
Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.
Did you see it?
I bolded it, but you might have missed the significance. If Paul had not been hindered [in his going to see the brothers], the Letter to the Romans would have never been written. The other significant aspect is Paul had no idea that his letters would some day make up a large portion of the New Testament.
Let us remember…
The next time we’re stuck in traffic, or get fired from a job, or wind up in jail (like Paul)—God can and will use us in any situation we find ourselves…If we allow Him access to our agenda.
Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." James 4:13-15
Embrace a hindrance
Do you view sponsoring a child as a hindrance to your plans? If you do, then perhaps you should prayerfully consider allowing this hindrance in order that you might see what the Lord has planned.
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Paul was one smart fellow. He had the spiritual insight to know that whatever he did, or wherever he went was first and foremost dependant upon the will of his travel agent—God the Father. Do you trust your itinerary to God?
You Should
Consider Romans 1:13 and its implication:
Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.
Did you see it?
I bolded it, but you might have missed the significance. If Paul had not been hindered [in his going to see the brothers], the Letter to the Romans would have never been written. The other significant aspect is Paul had no idea that his letters would some day make up a large portion of the New Testament.
Let us remember…
The next time we’re stuck in traffic, or get fired from a job, or wind up in jail (like Paul)—God can and will use us in any situation we find ourselves…If we allow Him access to our agenda.
Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." James 4:13-15
Embrace a hindrance
Do you view sponsoring a child as a hindrance to your plans? If you do, then perhaps you should prayerfully consider allowing this hindrance in order that you might see what the Lord has planned.
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Of Boxcars and Thimbles
There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:41-42
There is much talk as to what awaits us in Heaven and how the rewards we receive from the Father will be made manifest. One thing is for certain: we will all be pleased because we will all be filled. But what of the vessel, for both a thimble and a boxcar can be filled.
While each star in the Heavens is indeed glorious, they are not the same size; while some are mere specks in the sky, others are enormous. The issue becomes not if we will shine, but how brightly; will we become spiritual midgets or giants.
Does it matter?
Some might say it doesn’t matter—as long as they get to heaven they will be jubilant. That is true: all who make it to Heaven are overjoyed, regardless of their capacity to be filled, or the intensity of their glory. However, I suggest to you that what matters is not our yet-future Heavenly outlook, but our now-present earthly attitude. How happy are you in Jesus at this moment?
I further submit to you that Spiritual happiness is displayed in gratitude, and gratitude manifests itself in works – not works we have to do, but works, or service to the Lord, that we ‘get’ to do.
Do you see the difference?
We don’t have to go to church, we get to go. We don’t have to read our Bibles, we get to. We get to pray, we get to fellowship, and we get to love on one another. We get to share the Good News and we get to be the Body of Christ. We get to shine on earth, and the brighter we shine on earth, the brighter we will shine in Heaven – all for His glory.
Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3
Shine Brighter Right Now--Click on the Compassion banner to sponsor a child
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
There is much talk as to what awaits us in Heaven and how the rewards we receive from the Father will be made manifest. One thing is for certain: we will all be pleased because we will all be filled. But what of the vessel, for both a thimble and a boxcar can be filled.
While each star in the Heavens is indeed glorious, they are not the same size; while some are mere specks in the sky, others are enormous. The issue becomes not if we will shine, but how brightly; will we become spiritual midgets or giants.
Does it matter?
Some might say it doesn’t matter—as long as they get to heaven they will be jubilant. That is true: all who make it to Heaven are overjoyed, regardless of their capacity to be filled, or the intensity of their glory. However, I suggest to you that what matters is not our yet-future Heavenly outlook, but our now-present earthly attitude. How happy are you in Jesus at this moment?
I further submit to you that Spiritual happiness is displayed in gratitude, and gratitude manifests itself in works – not works we have to do, but works, or service to the Lord, that we ‘get’ to do.
Do you see the difference?
We don’t have to go to church, we get to go. We don’t have to read our Bibles, we get to. We get to pray, we get to fellowship, and we get to love on one another. We get to share the Good News and we get to be the Body of Christ. We get to shine on earth, and the brighter we shine on earth, the brighter we will shine in Heaven – all for His glory.
Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3
Shine Brighter Right Now--Click on the Compassion banner to sponsor a child
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Shame of the Husband
And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. 1 Corinthians 14:35
Men
This verse is directed at us. And we need to understand its implication. If our wives have been placed in a position of having to ask spiritual questions in the church then that means they are not getting their answers at home. The shame is not on the wives; the shame is upon the husbands.
In other words, if they are not being spiritually fed, we are not being the providers we ought to be, which likely means we are not in the Word and/or doing the saintly things we should be doing. As a result we are forcing our wives to look for answers outside of the home.
What’s the danger ?
Are not the answers to Biblical questions things to be treasured; are they not of great value? Well consider what Jesus has to say about those things:
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
If we force our women out of the house because we are not being the Godly men we are supposed to be, we are setting ourselves up for ruined marriages, or at the very least, marriages that are not all that they can be. The recipe for a fruitful marriage begins with a husband seeking to please the Lord.
But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 1 Corinthians 11:3
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Men
This verse is directed at us. And we need to understand its implication. If our wives have been placed in a position of having to ask spiritual questions in the church then that means they are not getting their answers at home. The shame is not on the wives; the shame is upon the husbands.
In other words, if they are not being spiritually fed, we are not being the providers we ought to be, which likely means we are not in the Word and/or doing the saintly things we should be doing. As a result we are forcing our wives to look for answers outside of the home.
What’s the danger ?
Are not the answers to Biblical questions things to be treasured; are they not of great value? Well consider what Jesus has to say about those things:
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
If we force our women out of the house because we are not being the Godly men we are supposed to be, we are setting ourselves up for ruined marriages, or at the very least, marriages that are not all that they can be. The recipe for a fruitful marriage begins with a husband seeking to please the Lord.
But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 1 Corinthians 11:3
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Monday, March 10, 2008
Bible Formula Revealed
Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40
Different churches have different approaches when it comes to exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit . Some churches have the “let all things” part down cold, but aren’t to keen on the “decent and orderly” part, while other congregations have the “decent and orderly” component correct, but aren’t practicing ‘all’ the gifts.
The Apostle Paul adds these verses to help clarify matters.Let all things be done for edification.
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:27, 33
Edification is just a fancy word for strengthening, or building up another person, or in this case the entire church. In the previous chapter we learned that God is love, but here we discover He is the author of peace. Where there is no peace there is likely no body-building going on; and where there’s no strengthening of the body there is probably no order or decency.
The Formula:
A+D+O = S+P+CAll things + Decency + Order = a Strong Peaceable Church.
Are you looking for a place to exercise your gifts, or an area to share the blessings of the Lord that He has freely given? Then I would suggest to you that perhaps it is no accident that you have stumbled upon this post today.
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Different churches have different approaches when it comes to exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit . Some churches have the “let all things” part down cold, but aren’t to keen on the “decent and orderly” part, while other congregations have the “decent and orderly” component correct, but aren’t practicing ‘all’ the gifts.
The Apostle Paul adds these verses to help clarify matters.Let all things be done for edification.
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:27, 33
Edification is just a fancy word for strengthening, or building up another person, or in this case the entire church. In the previous chapter we learned that God is love, but here we discover He is the author of peace. Where there is no peace there is likely no body-building going on; and where there’s no strengthening of the body there is probably no order or decency.
The Formula:
A+D+O = S+P+CAll things + Decency + Order = a Strong Peaceable Church.
Are you looking for a place to exercise your gifts, or an area to share the blessings of the Lord that He has freely given? Then I would suggest to you that perhaps it is no accident that you have stumbled upon this post today.
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
10/W/40 Love
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1
Love is that fruit of the Spirit that allows God’s power to flow through us by way of the gifts that He has provided. Removing love from this blueprint would be akin to removing the oil from your engine’s crankcase. A car without oil will run for a while, make a whole lot of noise, and then stop entirely.
A Better Illustration From God
And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates on the hem of the robe all around between the pomegranates: a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, all around the hem of the robe to minister in, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
Notice how the bells might be symbolic of the Lord’s gifts and also how the pomegranates represent love; a fruit of the Spirit. Bell-fruit-bell-fruit-etc-etc. Without this buffer of love between each gift, we would be left with a cacophony of metal clanging against metal, but with love in-between, each bell’s clear tone can be distinguished one from another.
Don’t Ever Forget the Love
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group
While on the topic of love…(*sponsor a child)
Love is that fruit of the Spirit that allows God’s power to flow through us by way of the gifts that He has provided. Removing love from this blueprint would be akin to removing the oil from your engine’s crankcase. A car without oil will run for a while, make a whole lot of noise, and then stop entirely.
A Better Illustration From God
And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates on the hem of the robe all around between the pomegranates: a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, all around the hem of the robe to minister in, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
Exodus 39:25-26
Notice how the bells might be symbolic of the Lord’s gifts and also how the pomegranates represent love; a fruit of the Spirit. Bell-fruit-bell-fruit-etc-etc. Without this buffer of love between each gift, we would be left with a cacophony of metal clanging against metal, but with love in-between, each bell’s clear tone can be distinguished one from another.
Don’t Ever Forget the Love
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group
While on the topic of love…(*sponsor a child)
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
One Million Candles
Jeffry is four years old and he lives with his grandparents in Nicaragua. Jeffry lives in the kind of poverty you and I cannot really comprehend. Jeffry is also the one-millionth registered child through the children Compassion International.We Celebrate!
First and foremost we celebrate our Creator, for it is He who has willed the Compassion ministry ~and~ all the other ministries founded on the Rock that is His Son, Jesus Christ. All praise, honor, and glory to God the Father, the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
We celebrate the church; that is, the Body of Christ—His hands and feet that continually yield to the will of the Father here on earth. We also celebrate in anticipation that others will be provoked to jealousy; to becoming active, yielding contributors to this same body.
We celebrate Jeffry and all the children that came before him and Lord willing, the countless millions that will follow him. For it is in these children we see the power of our living God displayed; one million candles burning brightly for God’s glory in one million corners of the globe.
How can you not celebrate?
The celebration continues. I ask you, should we not be as exuberant for that nameless kid who represents the one-millionth-and-one registered child, for that child has been registered as well. I submit to you that the best way to celebrate is to have more children at the party. Onward Christians—onward towards saving His second-million children and in Jesus’ name.
Sponsor a Child Today (there must be a link somewhere on this page)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
How Will You Be Remembered
How Will You Be RememberedIn the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. Martin Luther King Jr
By now it may be apparent to you that I am an advocate for children living in poverty around the globe, seeking to connect Christian sponsors with them in order that they might rise above the ranks of poverty and become fulfilled, Christian adults, who are able to care for themselves and their families. To that end I am a volunteer with the Christian ministry Compassion International.
I came upon Martin Luther King’s quote this morning and my thoughts went immediately to these children. Actually I envisioned a parent. A parent of one of these kids who, at the end of an exhausting day of trying to make ends meet and scraping together enough food to feed the family collapses in a pile of silent tears and frustration.
“Where are my friends?”
“I understand why my enemies do not speak up to help me,” the parent continues, “but where are my friends? Where are the people who say they love me?” The silence to these parents must be deafening. Perpetually waiting for a friend who is not coming likely qualifies as the most frightening experience known to man.
But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 1 John 3:17
As Christian Americans we have (at the very least) two things in our favor. First, we have Jesus Christ and all the wonderful things that go along with that blessed relationship. Second, as Americans, we possess the world’s goods. While the world’s goods do not compare to Heavenly riches, it does not negate the fact that we enjoy them.
Friend or Foe
I doubt I would be hard pressed to find anyone who would openly acknowledge that they hate children living in poverty. However, as Christians we determine the goodness of a tree not by what it declares, but by what it produces. A fruitless tree does not have the capacity to hate its owner, but a fruitless Christian does bear witness to that truth. If you are a friend then you will likely act like one.
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18
Compassion dave
By now it may be apparent to you that I am an advocate for children living in poverty around the globe, seeking to connect Christian sponsors with them in order that they might rise above the ranks of poverty and become fulfilled, Christian adults, who are able to care for themselves and their families. To that end I am a volunteer with the Christian ministry Compassion International.
I came upon Martin Luther King’s quote this morning and my thoughts went immediately to these children. Actually I envisioned a parent. A parent of one of these kids who, at the end of an exhausting day of trying to make ends meet and scraping together enough food to feed the family collapses in a pile of silent tears and frustration.
“Where are my friends?”
“I understand why my enemies do not speak up to help me,” the parent continues, “but where are my friends? Where are the people who say they love me?” The silence to these parents must be deafening. Perpetually waiting for a friend who is not coming likely qualifies as the most frightening experience known to man.
But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 1 John 3:17
As Christian Americans we have (at the very least) two things in our favor. First, we have Jesus Christ and all the wonderful things that go along with that blessed relationship. Second, as Americans, we possess the world’s goods. While the world’s goods do not compare to Heavenly riches, it does not negate the fact that we enjoy them.
Friend or Foe
I doubt I would be hard pressed to find anyone who would openly acknowledge that they hate children living in poverty. However, as Christians we determine the goodness of a tree not by what it declares, but by what it produces. A fruitless tree does not have the capacity to hate its owner, but a fruitless Christian does bear witness to that truth. If you are a friend then you will likely act like one.
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18
Compassion dave
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