So why should you take part and do private devotions?continued
By doing devotions, you can find peace and stability.
Philippians 4:6-7 says...."Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 119:105 says...."Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
Psalm 119:165 says...."Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble."
How can I have private devotions?
Find a time and a place to have them.
Time may vary between every individual. Early birds may start of their day with something to think about. Night owls may end their day as a reflection time. I do my devotions at night, but again, it varies between different people. Try to find a time free of worldly distractions.
Place will also vary between every individual. Some might follow the example of Jesus and go outside for their devotional time.
Mark 1:35 says...."Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed"
Others might follow the teaching of Jesus and stay inside for devotional time.
Matthew 6:6 says...."But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Whatever your time or place for devotions may be, just make sure it is a quiet and peaceful place so you can focus on God.
Should I engage in prayer and praise during devotion time?
Yes!
First approach God in prayer.
-Thank him for all his many blessing toward you!
Colossians 4:2 says...."Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
-Confess your sins!
1 John 1:9 says...."If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
-Make supplication of needs!
Philippians 4:6 says...."Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
-Intercede on behalf of others!
1 Timothy 2:1-2 says...."I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
Next, simply praise him!
The world we are living in right now is....lets just say...a tough one. We need God more than just once a week at church! Devotion are a very important key to a closer walk with God. Start simple and grow in your devotions. Stick to it and make it a habit. God bless and I hope you will take my advice!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Importance Of Private Devotions (Part I)
You may attend public worship faithfully, but do you also take the time to do daily devotions by yourself? Private devotions are the hint to having a better relationship with our Lord and Savior. Great men of God were noted in the bible doing private devotions.
Genesis 24:63 speaks of Issac...."And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming."
Psalm 55:17 speaks of David...."Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice."
Psalm 63:6 also speaks of David...."On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night."
Daniel 6:10 speaks of Daniel...."Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
The Son of God even engaged in private devotions throughout his time here on earth.
Mark 1:35 speaks of Jesus...."Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."
Luke 6:12 speaks of Jesus...."One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God."
Jesus instructed the disciples to pray to their heavenly father while alone.
Matthew 6:6 speaks of this...."But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
So why should you take part and do private devotions?
By doing private devotions, you can draw nearer to God.
James 4:8 speaks of this...."Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
By doing private devotions, you can also receive spiritual nourishment.
Matthew 4:4 speaks of this...."Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Spiritual nourishment comes from the Word of God.
1 Peter 1:23 speaks of the seed...."For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."
1 Peter 2:2 speaks of spiritual growth...."Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation."
Private devotions will give you spiritual strength.
Ephesians 6:10-17 speaks of this strength in armor...."10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
Do you want a stronger spiritual life, and a closer walk with God? Then engage in private devotions! ***Check back in at www.jesusstillsaves.blogspot.com tomorrow for Part II!***
Genesis 24:63 speaks of Issac...."And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming."
Psalm 55:17 speaks of David...."Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice."
Psalm 63:6 also speaks of David...."On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night."
Daniel 6:10 speaks of Daniel...."Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
The Son of God even engaged in private devotions throughout his time here on earth.
Mark 1:35 speaks of Jesus...."Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."
Luke 6:12 speaks of Jesus...."One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God."
Jesus instructed the disciples to pray to their heavenly father while alone.
Matthew 6:6 speaks of this...."But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
So why should you take part and do private devotions?
By doing private devotions, you can draw nearer to God.
James 4:8 speaks of this...."Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
By doing private devotions, you can also receive spiritual nourishment.
Matthew 4:4 speaks of this...."Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Spiritual nourishment comes from the Word of God.
1 Peter 1:23 speaks of the seed...."For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."
1 Peter 2:2 speaks of spiritual growth...."Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation."
Private devotions will give you spiritual strength.
Ephesians 6:10-17 speaks of this strength in armor...."10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
Do you want a stronger spiritual life, and a closer walk with God? Then engage in private devotions! ***Check back in at www.jesusstillsaves.blogspot.com tomorrow for Part II!***
Monday, June 20, 2011
A Special Father's Day Post
My fathers have taught me so much. Yes, my two fathers. They would be my earthly father AND my heavenly father. I believe that God put earthly fathers on earth to...
1. Love their children
2. Discipline their children
3. Teach their children
4. Lead their children
**Love their children... Psalm 103:13 says, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him."
**Discipline their children... Hebrews 12:7 says, "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" Proverbs 3:11-12 says, "My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life."
1. Love their children
2. Discipline their children
3. Teach their children
4. Lead their children
**Love their children... Psalm 103:13 says, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him."
**Discipline their children... Hebrews 12:7 says, "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" Proverbs 3:11-12 says, "My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
**Teach their children... Proverbs 23:22 says, "Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old."
**Lead their children... Proverbs 4:11-13 says, "11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life."
My heavenly father and my earthly father have both shown me most importantly...how to love.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
I hope you all will take time to thank God today for your father, and for Him being a great father too! He sent his one and only Son to die on the cross just so he could call us his children! How great is our God!
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
I hope you all will take time to thank God today for your father, and for Him being a great father too! He sent his one and only Son to die on the cross just so he could call us his children! How great is our God!
Monday, June 13, 2011
The Armor Of God
The whole armor of God is described in Ephesians 6:10-20. Please take time to read it. It says, "10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
We as christians need armor..........
1. to resist temptation! -There are many sinful temptations in this world but to resist them you must have on your armor of God.
2. to be a servant for God and tell other! -We need to know the bible to tell others right? Get to know your bible and learn what Jesus did to be a servant and tie this into your daily life.
3. to remove doubt and ignorance! -Satan will try to put doubt into your life. Don't let him! Hold tight to God and use your armor. When someone asks you a question about the bible, don't be ignorant. Know your bible and know God!
The armor consists of....
1. the belt of truth - know the truth about God, the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
2. the breastplate of righteousness - The holy and perfect righteousness of Jesus in those who are "born again" and filled with His Spirit
3. the sandals of peace - have inner peace and readiness
4. the shield of faith - live by faith
5. the helmet of salvation - salvation through Jesus Christ today and forever!
6. the sword (God's Word) - the double sided sword of truth and accusation
How can I get this armor?
1. Know your bible!
2. Ask God for strength and guidance!
3. Memorize scripture!
The battle is the LORD'S
1 Sam. 17:47 (NKJ) [David, speaking to Goliath] "Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands."
Deut. 20:3-4 (NIV) ..."Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be faint-hearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
Psalm 18:32-35 (NIV) It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
We as christians need armor..........
1. to resist temptation! -There are many sinful temptations in this world but to resist them you must have on your armor of God.
2. to be a servant for God and tell other! -We need to know the bible to tell others right? Get to know your bible and learn what Jesus did to be a servant and tie this into your daily life.
3. to remove doubt and ignorance! -Satan will try to put doubt into your life. Don't let him! Hold tight to God and use your armor. When someone asks you a question about the bible, don't be ignorant. Know your bible and know God!
The armor consists of....
1. the belt of truth - know the truth about God, the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
2. the breastplate of righteousness - The holy and perfect righteousness of Jesus in those who are "born again" and filled with His Spirit
3. the sandals of peace - have inner peace and readiness
4. the shield of faith - live by faith
5. the helmet of salvation - salvation through Jesus Christ today and forever!
6. the sword (God's Word) - the double sided sword of truth and accusation
How can I get this armor?
1. Know your bible!
2. Ask God for strength and guidance!
3. Memorize scripture!
The battle is the LORD'S
1 Sam. 17:47 (NKJ) [David, speaking to Goliath] "Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands."
Deut. 20:3-4 (NIV) ..."Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be faint-hearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
Psalm 18:32-35 (NIV) It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Examine Yourself Before Others
Good afternoon! Today we will be looking at the parable in Luke 6:41-42 and the meaning behind it. Luke 6:41-42 says
41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
1. The meaning ~ We all know a christian like the men in this parable. Parables are often told as stories but can be related to a real life situation. This parable speaks of a person who will point out a very small sin in another person's life but fails to notice the giant unforgiven sin in there own life. Admit it, it is easier to pick faults out in other people rather than ourselves. You may sin the same sin but we are reluctant to examine our own lives and faults.
2. Don't misunderstand what God is telling us ~ This parable does not mean to not point out sins and a person's need to get it right. It just means we need to examine ourselves before we do so. I have plenty of posts that I have gotten about half way through but I did not post because I was not ready. I do not post on this website to change others. If it does, praise the Lord but when I make a new blog post I am straightening out myself. I didn't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ for a while and yes I did give up on God once and that is why I posted those blogs!
3. This is a visually understandable parable ~ Jesus tries to make it simple for us in this parable. Think about a speck of saw dust in someone's eye. Now think about a plank in someone's eye. Do you see the obvious difference?
4. Other lessons learned by this passage ~ Jesus shows us the factor of hypocrisy as being a problem. I write blogs and I make sure to enforce them in my daily life. I would not write "Obey your parents" and then not obey my parents. I would then become a hypocrite. We should not point out faults in others yet not notice our own! He also doesn't want us to judge. Only God knows their heart and we are wrong to jump to conclusions. Guilty of any of these sins? I know I am. Get your heart right with God. Before I posted this I prayed to God and asked Him that His will be done and to prepare me for this passage. I always do, and I hope this will bless you as much as it has blessed me.
41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
1. The meaning ~ We all know a christian like the men in this parable. Parables are often told as stories but can be related to a real life situation. This parable speaks of a person who will point out a very small sin in another person's life but fails to notice the giant unforgiven sin in there own life. Admit it, it is easier to pick faults out in other people rather than ourselves. You may sin the same sin but we are reluctant to examine our own lives and faults.
2. Don't misunderstand what God is telling us ~ This parable does not mean to not point out sins and a person's need to get it right. It just means we need to examine ourselves before we do so. I have plenty of posts that I have gotten about half way through but I did not post because I was not ready. I do not post on this website to change others. If it does, praise the Lord but when I make a new blog post I am straightening out myself. I didn't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ for a while and yes I did give up on God once and that is why I posted those blogs!
3. This is a visually understandable parable ~ Jesus tries to make it simple for us in this parable. Think about a speck of saw dust in someone's eye. Now think about a plank in someone's eye. Do you see the obvious difference?
4. Other lessons learned by this passage ~ Jesus shows us the factor of hypocrisy as being a problem. I write blogs and I make sure to enforce them in my daily life. I would not write "Obey your parents" and then not obey my parents. I would then become a hypocrite. We should not point out faults in others yet not notice our own! He also doesn't want us to judge. Only God knows their heart and we are wrong to jump to conclusions. Guilty of any of these sins? I know I am. Get your heart right with God. Before I posted this I prayed to God and asked Him that His will be done and to prepare me for this passage. I always do, and I hope this will bless you as much as it has blessed me.
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