Made of Many Members

1Co 12:14  For the body does not consist of one member but of many.

1Co 12:15  If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body.

A body cannot function without many members. If the body was just hands, or just feet it wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything. There are many different parts to the body and when they are all working together and in obedience to the head they can accomplish a lot. We as the church are the body. Just like in the human body the church has many different parts and we have Christ as the head. We should all be obedient to Christ. Not everyone has the same skills or gifts. So we are all going to able to accomplish different things. Just because not everyone is going to be preaching doesn’t make it any less important. The hands are just as important as the mouth and the feet are just important as the hands.  Every part of the body is important. Belittling yourself as useful in the body doesn’t change that you are a part of the body. If a foot says that they don’t belong to the body, it doesn’t change the fact that they are still connected to the body. So feet should do what they can do. Every part of the body has a purpose so just like the body, in the church every person should do what they can do, because every person is useful for the body when they are all obedient to the head and working together. If there are two feet, but they are trying to walk different directions the entire body will suffer and not be able to go anywhere. So the body of Christ should be obedient to Him as the head and be united together.

Application

Today I will pray that the Lord would strengthen the entire church and that He would continue to use it and expand it. I will also pray that God would continue to show me where in the body I should be.

Free From All, So Now Serve

1^st Corinthians 9:19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.

In Christ we are free from the law. We have grace and forgiveness from our sins, but that doesn’t mean we should just sin as much as we want to. Since we are now under the law of Christ we are saved by grace not by what we do, but also since we are saved we shouldn’t want to sin. We are free from the chains of sin and Jesus has set us free from the bondage that comes from a life of sin. Yes, we are still going to sin, but we shouldn’t want to sin, because we are forgiven. I want to glorify God in everything that I do. I don’t want to just sin, because I can. I want to die to myself and my desires and become a servant to all. Firstly, I want to serve God in everything that I do and do everything unto the Lord. I also want to serve everyone I am with. I don’t want to be focused on myself, but I want to first be worried about other’s needs. I can be a witness to others by sharing the love of Christ through my actions. If I am only worried about my own needs, I am not living a life that shows the love of Jesus. By sharing the love of Jesus through my actions I hope to bring people to Jesus and I hope that they would see the love that Jesus has for us all. John 13:1 says,

John 13:1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

Jesus washes the disciple’s feet and he is serving them and showing the love that he has for them. I want to be like Jesus and love until the end and be a servant of all.

Application

Today I will be a servant and die to myself. So today at all of the meals I will pick up plates from people. 

Three Strand Cord

Ecclesiastes 4:12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone” It’s not good to be alone. The enemy can prevail against us much easier when we are alone. When we are alone we don’t have someone to come beside us and encourage us and pick us up when we fall. Just like David had Jonathon, we should have someone to come beside us and encourage us. Verse 10 of this chapter says,

Ecclesiastes 4:10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

In life we will fall and we will have hard times so we should have other believers in our lives who encourage us and help us press on in what God has for us. Unity among believers is a very important thing. “a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Rope or cord is twisted together and it is so much stronger when twisted together than it is in single strands. The same goes for us. When we are by ourselves, we are weak, but when we are in unity with other believers we are much stronger. Also when I think of a threefold cord it makes me think of me as being one strand, another believer being the second strand and the Lord being the third strand. Or as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When we are in fellowship with other believers and the Lord is in it, the enemy will have struggles breaking it. Another way I thought of a threefold cord is multiple believers in fellowship and unity.

Application

Today I will pray for unity in our group here and that we would be able to stand against the enemy and his attacks. I will also look for opportunities to encourage my brothers and help them press on in the call God has for them.

All Things To All Men

1^st Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.

Paul isn’t saying here to sacrifice what we know to be true in the scriptures and to compromise. He isn’t saying to now go do what the world is doing. Instead we should change to the customs and of the people we are trying to save. If we are causing people to stumble or be in unbelief because we don’t have convictions about certain things, but they do. We should stop so that they may be saved or so that we won’t cause a brother to stumble. Verses 9-13 of chapter 8 say,

1^st Corinthians 8:9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

1^st Corinthians 8:10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols?

1^st Corinthians 8:11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died.

1^st Corinthians 8:12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.

1^st Corinthians 8:13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

This could be talking about the ungodly and the “weak” believers. We shouldn’t cause our brothers to stumble so we should become as them so that they may be saved for the work that God has for them. If they have convictions about something and we are causing them to stumble, they aren’t going to be able to be fully used by God. We should be there to encourage them and die to ourselves and become as they are.

Romans 15:1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Application

If I see a brother or sister in the Lord who has a conviction about something and I don’t I will die to myself and become like them. For example, if listening to Christian rap makes someone here stumble, I will stop listening to it.

Through Love Serve One Another

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

We were called by Christ and in Christ we have freedom from the law. The law judges us and we have to follow what it says. If we do anything that is drawing us away from God or that is against what God says we are sinning. So we are sinners and we are saved from the law. Jesus paid the price for our sin by dying on a cross and being the perfect sacrifice for us. Even though we have this “freedom” in Christ, we shouldn’t just do whatever we want. We are under Christ still, so we should strive to follow the commandments. We may not have a conviction about something, but that doesn’t mean we should do it. If it causes a brother to stumble, then we shouldn’t do it. Romans 14:20-23 say,

Romans 14:20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats.

Romans 14:21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.

Romans 14:22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.

Romans 14:23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

Even if we aren’t convicted about something if we are causing another brother to stumble by doing it, we should stop. This is a process of dying to ourselves and our own desires, because of the love we have through and in Christ. God loved us, so we can love others. God sent his son down to this earth to be the sacrifice for our sins. He allowed his son to be nailed to a cross, spat on, mocked and beaten. He saved us from our sins. If Jesus can sacrifice everything for us, we should be able to sacrifice our own desires for others. We should be serving each other. This goes along with dying to ourselves. Not only do we now not do something, because it causes a brother to stumble, but we now serve each other as well. We are in the Spirit and we are serving each other, though love. We should now be grumbling because we had to give up our own desires and serve each other. We should do this with joy!

Application

Today I will put others needs before my own and I will sacrifice what I want for others. I will do this by picking up dishes at each meal and by helping when I see a need. 

Obey Your Leaders

Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Who our leaders are is explained in verse 7 Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” So our leaders are the people in our lives that are above us and that are speaking the word of God to us. We aren’t to obey our leaders if they are telling us to do something that is wrong or that would be sinning, but we should listen to them if it lines up with what God says. We should obey our leaders with things that are commanded in God’s word and just everyday tasks. These are the people who are speaking the word of God to us so they have a big impact on our lives and they are watching over our souls, they aren’t trying to control what we do. Leaders have to give an account for the people that are under them. If we are disobedient how would they be able to give an account for us joyfully and without groaning or grumbling. If we are disobedient and don’t submit or obey our leaders it doesn’t help us, but it hurts us.

Application

Today I will obey the leaders in whatever I am asked to do

Obey Your Parents

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

“Children” so those who are under their parents still. We are to obey our parents. As children or being under our parents we don’t always know what is best for us. We are obeying God by obeying and honoring our parents. Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” So with fathers obeying the Lord as well they will be bringing their children up in discipline and instruction of the Lord. The verses say “in the Lord” and “in everything” so children are to obey their parents unless it is contrary to the will or the word of God. If parents are telling their kids to steal, cheat or lie, this isn’t what God wants us to be doing. Obeying our parents is what is right and what pleases the Lord. This is God’s design for order in the home. It is also god for children to be taught the law and obedience from a young age. Not just doing whatever they want, but learning to be in submission to someone and obeying what they say. This is a model for obeying the Lord.

God has commanded us to honor our father and mother in Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” By honoring our father and mother we are honoring God, because this is what he has commanded children to do.

Application

I will honor my parents by asking what they think I should do in my life and taking their advice.

Slave to Sin... Or Freedom In Christ?

Romans 6:16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

We can’t serve two masters. God wants us to serve Him alone, not the things of the world. If we are slaves to sin how would we be able to be effective for the kingdom of God? Verses 6-11 say,

Romans 6:6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

Romans 6:7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.

Romans 6:8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.

Romans 6:9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.

Romans 6:10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.

Romans 6:11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Jesus died for our sins and our old self died with Him on that cross. Our life of unrepentant sin and of being a slave to sin is over. Not only does our old life of sin die, but we should now be living a new life for and with Christ. Not only did we die with Him, but also raised with Him as a new creation as 2^nd Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Verse 14 says, Romans 6:14 “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” We have grace and forgiveness from our sins, because there is no way that we can just stop sinning now that we are saved, but this doesn’t mean that we should just sin as much as we want since we are forgiven. We should strive to live a life pleasing to the Lord. Being a slave to sin leads to death, but being a slave to God leads to eternal life. There was no fruit from our lives of sin, but now in our new life our fruit leads to sanctification. Like verse 21 says, “But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.” Living a life that is obedient to the Lord leads to righteousness. We are only righteous through Jesus and Him cleansing us.

Application

Today I will pray for my brother who is a slave to sin and a life of drugs. I will pray that he would be set free from the bondage of that life and turn to the Lord.

Obey God Before Men

Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.

Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.

Acts 5:31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 5:32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

The verses before this Peter and the Apostles are teaching about Jesus and the Sadducee’s put them in prison. During the night an Angel of the Lord came and brought them out and gave them the command too, "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life."  The Sadducees are upset with the Apostles and then the Apostles respond to them that they must obey God rather than men. The Angel of the Lord told them to do something so they listened to the Lord before they listened to what men told them to do. In verses 30 and 31 they share what God did in sending Jesus and that he came to be the sacrifice for our sins. He not only died on the cross but he also rose from the dead and is at the right hand of the Father as Leader and Savior. “we are to witness to these things” We should be witnessing to non-believers how Christ has worked in our lives and what He did for us. The Holy Spirit leads us to do this and God has given the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him and believe in Him. I want to be a witness to Christ and what He has done.

Application

When I feel the Holy Spirit leading me to be a witness I will do whatever the Spirit is leading me to do.

Obedience Through Suffering

Hebrews 5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.

“Although he was a son,” This is talking about Jesus and Jesus is the Son of God. He was God’s only son and God sent Jesus into this world to die for our sins and be the sacrifice or propitiation, which means the perfect payment, for our sins. He suffered death on a cross and he was obedient to the Father all the way to death. Not only did Jesus suffer the death of the cross but he also suffered beatings and hardships of the world. Philippians 2:8 says, “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

“he learned obedience through what he suffered.” Jesus learned obedience through what he was going through. Jesus was perfect and did not sin so he was always obedient to the Father’s will. He learned this obedience through what he suffered though. Jesus didn’t want to die on the cross he asked the Father to take the cup from him, but he was still obedient to the Father’s will. In my life it usually takes trials for me to learn something. I am a stubborn person so when I go through trials or I suffer I usually learn obedience through it.

Application

Today I will pray that God would continue to show me His will and that I would be obedient to it.

Satisfied In You

Psalm 17:15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.

“As for me” David is making a contrast from what he was just saying about the wicked man in the verses before. He is saying unlike them, “I shall behold your face in righteousness.” Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” We are only righteous through Christ and His sacrifice for us. So we can behold the face of God because of the righteousness we have through Christ. “When I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.” Thinking of death as going to sleep as it is seen in Acts 7:59-60,

Acts 7:59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Acts 7:60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

 This is talking about the first martyr of Jesus Christ, Stephen. He was stoned to death and it says that he fell asleep. This is for him dying. So awaking from death I will be satisfied with God’s likeness. I will be in heaven with the Lord and I will truly be satisfied.

1^st John 3:2 says, “Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”

I don’t have to wait until I am in heaven to be satisfied in the Lord though. I can always be satisfied and content in Him. Whenever I awake, so every morning I want to be satisfied in the Lord. He is an amazing God and he is so worthy of my praise and worship. He created everything. We can’t even fathom how big and how amazing our God is. He wants to have a relationship with me so He sent His only son to this world to save me… Me? A sinner who is completely unworthy of the free gift that God has given me. Yes, God came to this world to save me. Why wouldn’t I be satisfied in this amazing God who loves me more than I can even imagine. 

Content In Everything

Philippians 4:11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

Here Paul is explaining to the Philippians that he is content in whatever situation that he is in. In the next two verses he says,

Philippians 4:12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Like Paul is saying here, I want to be able to be content in whatever situation. I want to be content in the Lord in any situation. I want to know how to be brought low and how to abound. Since I can do all things through him who strengthens me, it doesn’t matter what situation I am in. It doesn’t matter if I am poor or rich. God is the one who gives me strength and I can be content where he has me. This verse doesn’t say I am content when I am abounding or everything in life is going great. It says, “for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” The part of this that says, “I have learned” tells me that it wasn’t something that just happened or came naturally, but through trials and different circumstances he learned how to be content.

Application

Today I will pray that God would teach me how to be content in any situation.

Content In The Lord

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Things can become idols in our lives and money is one of those things. We can look to people, belongings, money or lifestyles before we look to God and these are idols in our lives. So “Keep your life free from the love of money” This isn’t saying don’t have money, but it is saying not to love money. 1^st Timothy 6:10 says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” Loving money can draw us to the world and what we can buy, instead of drawing us to the Lord. “and be content with what you have” I have Jesus and since I have Jesus I can be content. The next thing that is said is, “I will never leave or forsake you.” So we have Jesus and he will never leave or forsake us. At times I feel like God isn’t speaking to me or like I don’t feel him, but this isn’t God being distant from me. This is me not drawing near to Him. I can be content being poor or rich. Money shouldn’t matter to me. Jesus will never leave or forsake me so why would I not be content? Hebrews 13:8-9 say,

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.

I want to be content in God alone so today I am fasting. I am hungry right now and this verse really speaks to me. Food isn’t going to draw me closer to the Lord. I want the Lord to be my everything not food or money.

Application

Today I am fasting because the Lord is more than enough for me and I want to be devoted to him.

Help Me Be Content

Luke 3:14 Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages."

Soldiers are here while John is baptizing and answering the crowd and tax collectors. The soldiers ask what they shall do. He is telling the soldiers not to threaten people to get money or goods from them. This is a normal thing for soldiers to do. The soldiers would sometimes accuse fellow soldiers to impress their officers. They would be able to have more than normal wages could afford. Then John says, “be content with your wages.” This can be a hard thing in life. John is telling the soldiers to not get more money from evil practices, but to be content with what they are getting for the wages. In life a lot of the time we want more than we are given, but here John is saying to be content with your wages. “Be content” so don’t complain or grumble about wanting more or don’t take unlawful action to get more money. Where in my life am I not content with my “wages” do I grumble or want more? Even though I have more than enough. I should be content with what I have. Philippians chapter 4 verses 11-13 say,

 Philippians 4:11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

Philippians 4:12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

God is all that I need. I should be content whether I have an abundance or I have need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. I can be content with my wages, because I am content in the Lord. Circumstances aren’t what bring me contentment, but it is the Lord who strengthens me.

Application

Today I will pray that the Lord would show me where I am not content and that He would work in me to change those areas. 

Godliness with Contentment Is Great Gain

1^st Timothy 6:6-8

1^st Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain,

1^st Timothy 6:7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

1^st Timothy 6:8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

True godliness with contentment is better than anything that money can buy or anything in this world. Godliness here means true Christianity. We possess nothing when we come into this world and we can’t take any of our worldly possessions with us when we die. Food and clothing are the main things that we need to live and we should be content with these simple things. We shouldn’t strive to be rich or have a lot and not be content until we are, but we should be content where the Lord has us. I want to be content where God has me. Not always wanting something more or something else that I don’t have. God gives me everything that I need and I want to be content in this. Being content in God alone is great gain.

Application

Today at our meals I will not take seconds because I want to be content with what I need. I don’t need more food so I won’t take it. 

Do Not Be Slothful

Hebrews 6:12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Being sluggish or slothful can deprive us from having faith and hope in the promise that God has for us. I want to be diligent in all that He has for me. “imitators of those” Abraham was a man of faith. He laid down Isaac in a complete surrender of the thing that he loved the most. He had faith in God’s will for his life. He was patient in the promise of God as well. I want to have faith or confidence in God during trials, knowing that his promises are true and that He has a perfect plan for my life. Patience is needed during trials. God is working in our lives and we need to have confidence in this and patience in trials and we will inherit His promises. Hebrews 6:11 says, “And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end,” With earnestness of the full assurance we will not want to be sluggish. The end is Heaven and we should be diligent with no doubts in the hope of God. Romans chapter 4 verses 20 and 21 say,

Romans 4:20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,

Romans 4:21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.

These verses are talking about Abraham. We should be like him; we should have full assurance with no doubts in the promises of God.

Application

Today I will be diligent in all that I do and not be slothful or sluggish. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” So I will do everything as for the Lord. 

The Lord Is At My Right Hand

Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

“I have set the LORD always before me” I want to be in the presence of God at all times. I want to be in His presence during the day as I am living my life and during the night and as well as when I am by myself. I want Him to be at my right hand. This phrase brings to mind what a right hand man is. For me this would be someone I would come to for wisdom, guidance, protection, and they would be my friend and I would be close to them. I would trust this person with my life. They would be my best friend the person I would look to when in trouble and the person that I would most enjoy being around. I want the LORD, the creator of everything, to be at my right hand. With the Lord at my right hand I will not be shaken.

Psalm 23:4 says “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

I will fear no evil because God is with me and because he is at my right hand I will not be shaken. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God gives us peace even through trials or hard times. This peace surpasses all understanding, because it is from God. His peace will guard my heart and my mind in Christ.

Application

Today I will pray for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes before I go to sleep and continually coming to the Lord throughout the day.

God's Strength

Colossians 1:11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,

“May you be strengthened with all power”, In trials we should have power and strength and through them we will be strengthened. Not our own strength, but the Lords.

Eph 3:16 says, “that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,”

God gives us the power that we need. It isn't by anything we do but by asking him and he will grant it to us through his Spirit that is in us. During this time in IGNITE I have already found myself tired and I have exhausted my own strength and been stretched in ways that I know I am not able to do on my own, but by asking the Lord to give me what I need He always has. The strength is according to God's might and His glory. Through these times of trial I want to be rejoicing not grumbling or complaining.

2^nd Corinthians 8:2 says, “ for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.”

I want to have an abundance of joy even when I am in a severe time of testing. The Lord puts us through trials to grow us.

Application

Today I will pray that the Lord will continue to give me strength in what I am doing and that all I do would be glorifying to Him.

Patient Endurance

Luke 21:19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.

By your endurance, or patience, you will gain your lives or posses your souls. When Pastor Don was here he talked about the patience in Nehemiah Chapter 2. Nehemiah was patient in where the Lord had him. Patience builds character and God grows us by bringing us through trials. Romans chapter 5 verses 3-5 say,

Rom 5:3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,

Rom 5:4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

Rom 5:5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Paul says here that we should rejoice in sufferings because it builds endurance. And we know from Luke 21:19 that by endurance we will posses our souls. So how can we endure trials? This doesn't mean simply tolerating them but trusting that the Lord will give you what you need to get through the trial and stepping out in faith. Verses 12 through 15 say,

Luke 21:12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.

Luke 21:13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness.

Luke 21:14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer,

Luke 21:15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.

In these verses Jesus is saying that he will give them what they need. We should not give up in trials but this also isn't by our own strength that we are able to get through the trial. It is by the power of God. We should be standing firm and praying and trusting in the Lord, because if we are doing this we will gain our lives. Those who truly have faith in Christ will endure for his namesake. So since we endured the trial trusting in Christ and bearing witness to his name we gain life and show that we truly have faith in Christ.

Application

Today I will pray that the Lord would show me where I am relying on my own strength in trials and not relying on him.

Praying For His Will Not My Own

Colossians 1:9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

When they heard about the churches faith in Christ they prayed without ceasing. Verse 4 says that they always thank the Lord for them when they pray. This church is expanding and growing in the knowledge of the Lord and his love and grace. 1^st Thessalonians 5:17 says “pray without ceasing” and this is what the apostles did. The apostles were constantly coming to the Lord with their prayers and when they were praying they were lifting up the Colossian church. As verses 10 through 12 say the apostles are praying for this for this for the church.

Col 1:10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Col 1:11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,

Col 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

In the verse 8 the church shows that they have a desire to do God's will so he is now saying that they pray that the church would have a clear understanding of God's will for them and that it would be in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. They shouldn't be looking to this world for wisdom about what to do, but what they are doing should be God's will and it should be in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Application

I will ask the Lord in prayer to show me his will for me and what I should do and I want it to be in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. I don't want it to be my own thoughts but I want His thought to be my thoughts and I will pray for missionaries that I hear about even if I don't know them.

Teach Me To Number My Days

Psalms 90:12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

We have a limited amount of time on this earth. “So teach us to number our days” Psalm 39:4 says "O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!” Without God my life is just useless toil. I want to make my life count towards the kingdom of God and I want to be the vessel that the Lord uses. I don't want to waste my life. I want to number my days and make each day count. Our lives are fleeting and we should be used by God through our lives. Since we know that are lives are fleeting we should act wisely. Not earthly wisdom, but Godly wisdom. With the goal of my end (heaven) in mind I should be living a life that looks different from the world. Not living for myself, but living in a way that I am impacting the world for the kingdom of God. This can be in everything that I'm doing Colossians 3:23 says “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” Having this verse in mind will change the way that I act when given a task I don't want to do or just in everything that I am doing. I can have a heart of wisdom from fearing the Lord, numbering my days, living with simplicity and godly sincerity.

Application

In everything that I do whether it is washing dishes, sweeping or even sharing the gospel I should to it to the Lord not to man. I shouldn't be looking to man for approval or to impress anyone. With my days numbered I will live for the kingdom and not for this world or for myself.

Simplicity and Godly Sincerity

2 Corinthians 1:12 For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

Our boast or rejoicing is this.. The testimony of our conscience. Paul knew that his conscience was upright. He is rejoicing because of this fact. The apostles have behaved in the world with simplicity or holiness and godly sincerity. When Paul says simplicity, I think he means that they weren't double minded and that they had integrity. And godly sincerity. God is perfect, this means that this is true sincerity that is not of this world. Not by earthly wisdom. This is not by fleshly man made wisdom but instead it is by the grace of God that they can behave this way in the world. God gives us the strength that we need even though we don't deserve it. Paul is now saying that they have witnessed the way that the apostles act and the holy manner of how they act.

Application

Today I will pray for godly sincerity in all that I do.

The Generous Giver Of Wisdom

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

“If any of you lacks wisdom” This says “If” so it is for a time of trial. Needing wisdom in times of trials. There are many times in life when we don't know what to do and it says here “let him ask God” So when we are in trials we should ask God. It doesn't say to do anything besides ask. This is what we can do as Christians in times of trials. Instead of turning to the world for answers we can ask God and we will give us wisdom. He gives generously to all without reproach or rebuke. We don't have to feel embarrassed coming to God and asking for wisdom. God will give us the wisdom that we need in the time of trial. The last words of this verse are “it will be given him” 1^st John 5:14 and 15 says,

1^st John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

1^st John 5:15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

Asking for wisdom from God is in his will. He will hear us and he will answer us.

Application

The next time that I find myself in a difficult situation I will not look to the world for answers but I will look to God and ask Him for wisdom because he gives generously to all.

The Lost Sheep

Matthew 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds."

“The Son of Man came eating and drinking.” Jesus wasn't eating or drinking in excess, but in a normal way. Just to live. He was not in sin by doing this. The Jews are accusing him of being a drunkard and a glutton. These accusations are completely false. He was neither a drunk or a glutton. The Jews then say that he is a friend of tax collectors and sinners. In Luke chapter 15 verses 2 through 7 Jesus gives a parable about why he is a friend to sinners.

Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them."

Luke 15:3 So he told them this parable:

Luke 15:4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?

Luke 15:5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

Luke 15:6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'

Luke 15:7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Jesus had a heart to save sinners from their sin. Again in the book of Mark the Jews are asking why Jesus is eating with sinners and tax collectors and Mark chapter 2 verse 17 says “And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." We are all sinners and Jesus came to save us. The last part of the verse says “Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” 1^st Corinthians chapter 1 verse 30 says “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,” Jesus is wisdom and we are the children of God. I will boast in the Lord and not in myself. Because all wisdom or anything good that I have is from the Lord.

Application

Today I will apply this verse to my life by boasting in God and not myself. And I will pray for the unsaved people in my life.

Reverence For God

Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

Interpretation- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. This isn't a fear of his judgments, but it is a reverence of Him. It is respect for his will and for his commandments. It is more of a fear of offending him than a fear of his judgments. Psalm 112:1 Says, “Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!” So when fearing the LORD we delight in his commandments. Wisdom can't even start until we are fearing the LORD or have a reverence for God since the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. We can't find wisdom in this world. We should be practicing and living out God's commandments. God is worthy to be praised forever.

Application- I can apply this today by delighting in God's word and praying and thanking Him for his commandments. 1 Jn 3:23 says “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.” So I will strive to love my brothers and encourage them.

True Faith In Christ

Matthew 8:5-13

Mat 8:5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him,

Mat 8:6 "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly."

Mat 8:7 And he said to him, "I will come and heal him."

Mat 8:8 But the centurion replied, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Mat 8:9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

Mat 8:10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.

Mat 8:11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,

Mat 8:12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Mat 8:13 And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; let it be done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed at that very moment.

Most officials aren't worried about their servants but this man comes to Jesus asking for him to heal his servant. This man shows the faith that he has in Jesus. He says that he gives commands to the people under him and that he also gets commands from the people above him. He says that Jesus' word has authority and he has faith in him. Jesus says that he hasn't even found this much faith among, Israel, God's chosen people. He says that Gentiles are going to be in fellowship with Abraham, Jacob and Issac in heaven. He then says that Jews by birth that are unconverted will be in hell. Jesus isn't present at the place where the servant is healed. This is like us with Jesus healing us from our sin. He isn't present but with faith we have the healing power of Jesus. Jesus says that because he believed his servant is healed. This can be applied to our lives by having faith in Christ that he will give us what we need. Not just praying or saying it, but truly believing and having faith in Jesus.

Definition of Faith

Hebrews 11:1 - “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is confidence of the trustworthiness of God. We can have confidence in the belief of the things hoped for. Like the new heaven and new earth and eternal life with Jesus. The things that are not seen are things like God's existence and heaven and salvation. Hebrews 11:3 helps explain the things that are not seen. Verse 3 says, “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” So when verse one says the conviction or evidence of the things not seen. The things not seen could be God's word. Because everything was created from God speaking. Faith is what helps give us the understanding of this. The confidence of God's trustworthiness is the belief of heaven and salvation. The evidence of salvation. Faith is belief. In God's promises and salvation. I can apply this by having faith that God's word is true and listening to his word and acting on it and having confidence in what He says.