Colossians 4:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
The child of God has a great responsibility to be a light in a world which is blinded by darkness. Paul starts by telling us that we need to walk in wisdom in this world. Walking has the idea of a continual pattern, a repetitive action which you have established in your life. We need to walk in wisdom. God’s wisdom is different than the “wisdom” of the world. God’s wisdom requires us to observe all things in the same way in which He would look at them. We then need to respond in such a way that would reflect the principles of scripture.
The people who are outside of the church need to see the love of God in God’s people. God’s people need to show His kindness and His unfailing forgiveness. God has chosen His children to be His examples of Jesus Christ to the rest of the world. The idea of “redeeming the time” has the idea of buying up every opportunity to be an example of Christ to others. Paul also wants to realize that there is urgency in letting others know that they are sinners and with a repentant heart, they can believe in Jesus in order to send them to heaven.
Paul also urges us to speak with grace. Grace is an undeserved, unearned gift, given purely out of love for the sake of the recipient’s best good. If our words are to reflect grace, we need to step back, think before we speak and then use the best words possible to help others. The only way that we can be able to do this is by the power of the Spirit of God. We need to start our day in God’s word and prayer, allowing God to prepare us, in love. We then can take on the challenges that will be ahead of us. We can then, by God’s Spirit, through God’s wisdom, respond to others in the ways in which God desires for us to reflect the light in a dark world.
It is interesting that Paul uses the idea of salt with our words. It only takes a small amount of salt to accent the flavor of food. Salt also causes the natural flavor of food to be tremendously enhanced. This accent makes us desire to eat more. Even so, we need to use our words sparingly and also use the greatest amount of care, love and grace within these words. If others find kindness, approval, encouragement and positivity in our words, they will then be drawn to the Savior, in whom all people need to believe and trust.
Once again, we need to constantly be aware of the fact that we must look at others from God’s perspective. Then we need to pick our words wisely in order to be shining example of Christ to a hurting, sin fallen world.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
The Sweet Fragrance of Prayer
Psalms 141:2-3 (NKJV)
2 Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. 3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips.
Throughout the Old Testament incense was burned within the temple. The alter of incense was an alter which burned a very aromatic incense which was pleasant to all the senses of the person who inhaled the satisfying aroma. Pleasant incense calms your body, puts you at rest and makes you want to prolong such a wonderful experience.
Both, in the Psalms and in the book of Revelation, incense is directly related to the prayers of the saints. When the saints of God pray, it is very pleasant in God’s sight, His mind is well pleased because people are seeking Him, and His heart is thrilled because His people are displaying faith. All in all it is an extremely pleasant aroma to God, pleasing Him to the uttermost.
Our prayers, which please God, can also be extremely satisfying to us. Christ is our advocate before the Father (I John 2:1-2). Christ is our representative to God, offering our prayers to the Father on our behalf. Since He paid the price of His life for our sins, He will only offer our prayers to the Father in love and with selfless intensity.
When our prayers are pleasing to God, this sacrifice is always worth the effort. Prayer, many times, causes us to lift our hands in praise. Many times prayer is not easy. We have an enemy that knows the power of prayer and wants to stop it. But, when we, through God’s Spirit, overcome our own feelings and participate in regular committed prayer, we will find it a pleasant aroma to God and to us.
What is our part in having pleasant, aromatic, lovely prayers unto the holy God of heaven? As David says in verse 2, we need to ask God to put a guard on our mouth and a watch on the door of our lips. Fresh water and salt water cannot co-exist without the pure being corrupted. Even so, a pure mouth cannot allow wickedness to proceed and then expect to praise God from the some well spring. Solomon says it well, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, keeps his soul from troubles”, (Proverbs 21:23, NKJV). James says that a man who able to keep his tongue from stumbling is able also to bridle his whole body (Jas 3:2).
When we choose to control our tongue, we can then, by the power of the Spirit of God, offer beautiful aromatic praise and thanksgiving unto a God Who is worthy of all praise and adoration.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
2 Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. 3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips.
Throughout the Old Testament incense was burned within the temple. The alter of incense was an alter which burned a very aromatic incense which was pleasant to all the senses of the person who inhaled the satisfying aroma. Pleasant incense calms your body, puts you at rest and makes you want to prolong such a wonderful experience.
Both, in the Psalms and in the book of Revelation, incense is directly related to the prayers of the saints. When the saints of God pray, it is very pleasant in God’s sight, His mind is well pleased because people are seeking Him, and His heart is thrilled because His people are displaying faith. All in all it is an extremely pleasant aroma to God, pleasing Him to the uttermost.
Our prayers, which please God, can also be extremely satisfying to us. Christ is our advocate before the Father (I John 2:1-2). Christ is our representative to God, offering our prayers to the Father on our behalf. Since He paid the price of His life for our sins, He will only offer our prayers to the Father in love and with selfless intensity.
When our prayers are pleasing to God, this sacrifice is always worth the effort. Prayer, many times, causes us to lift our hands in praise. Many times prayer is not easy. We have an enemy that knows the power of prayer and wants to stop it. But, when we, through God’s Spirit, overcome our own feelings and participate in regular committed prayer, we will find it a pleasant aroma to God and to us.
What is our part in having pleasant, aromatic, lovely prayers unto the holy God of heaven? As David says in verse 2, we need to ask God to put a guard on our mouth and a watch on the door of our lips. Fresh water and salt water cannot co-exist without the pure being corrupted. Even so, a pure mouth cannot allow wickedness to proceed and then expect to praise God from the some well spring. Solomon says it well, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, keeps his soul from troubles”, (Proverbs 21:23, NKJV). James says that a man who able to keep his tongue from stumbling is able also to bridle his whole body (Jas 3:2).
When we choose to control our tongue, we can then, by the power of the Spirit of God, offer beautiful aromatic praise and thanksgiving unto a God Who is worthy of all praise and adoration.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Confidence In God’s Work
Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul had a deep joy in his heart for the Philippian believers. Throughout chapter 1, he tells them over and over again how he is in continuous thanks to God for them and how much he loves them. In this verse he wanted to remind them that God began a work in them and God would keep this work going if they only allow Him.
When Paul used the word “confident”, he chose a word that means that he was tranquilized with persuasion that God would perform this. He was completely confident that Paul had begun a good work in them and God was going to perform this work. Paul’s confidence was in the promises of God (God’s very Word itself). Paul was so completely convinced of God’s work and promises that he gave no thought to anything other than God accomplishing His work.
The same is true for us today. When God begins a work in our life, He will always stay true to His promises. Salvation is one of these promises. When God says that he saves a repentant soul that believes on Jesus, God will deliver that person to heaven at death. The same is true daily. When God begins a great work in us, He will always perform it. But, our obedience is the determining factor on whether or not God can continue to bless us and complete that work. We cannot continue to live in sin and think that God will bless us. God will come through if we allow Him, we just need willing obedience.
David said, “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it”, (Psalms 127:1a, NKJV). We need to make sure that we are involved in the paths and projects that the Lord Himself wants and approves. God’s promises are throughout scripture, so we need to search the scripture daily, in order to find what these promises are and obey them. But, we all have individual purposes, gifts, talents and opportunities. Seek God with all your heart and He will show you what you need to do individually – both daily and long term.
Always remember that God’s time table is usually different from ours. Always be willing to accept God’s plans for your life. If we get ahead of God then we are just as much in disobedience as if we openly walk away or disobey God. Ask God daily for understanding, willingness and a filling of His Spirit in order to always be ready to follow God and not our own ways.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul had a deep joy in his heart for the Philippian believers. Throughout chapter 1, he tells them over and over again how he is in continuous thanks to God for them and how much he loves them. In this verse he wanted to remind them that God began a work in them and God would keep this work going if they only allow Him.
When Paul used the word “confident”, he chose a word that means that he was tranquilized with persuasion that God would perform this. He was completely confident that Paul had begun a good work in them and God was going to perform this work. Paul’s confidence was in the promises of God (God’s very Word itself). Paul was so completely convinced of God’s work and promises that he gave no thought to anything other than God accomplishing His work.
The same is true for us today. When God begins a work in our life, He will always stay true to His promises. Salvation is one of these promises. When God says that he saves a repentant soul that believes on Jesus, God will deliver that person to heaven at death. The same is true daily. When God begins a great work in us, He will always perform it. But, our obedience is the determining factor on whether or not God can continue to bless us and complete that work. We cannot continue to live in sin and think that God will bless us. God will come through if we allow Him, we just need willing obedience.
David said, “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it”, (Psalms 127:1a, NKJV). We need to make sure that we are involved in the paths and projects that the Lord Himself wants and approves. God’s promises are throughout scripture, so we need to search the scripture daily, in order to find what these promises are and obey them. But, we all have individual purposes, gifts, talents and opportunities. Seek God with all your heart and He will show you what you need to do individually – both daily and long term.
Always remember that God’s time table is usually different from ours. Always be willing to accept God’s plans for your life. If we get ahead of God then we are just as much in disobedience as if we openly walk away or disobey God. Ask God daily for understanding, willingness and a filling of His Spirit in order to always be ready to follow God and not our own ways.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Focus On God
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We could avoid many of the struggles within our hearts by implementing the principles in these verses. Paul commands us to be anxious for nothing. Anxiety is a fear of the unknown. It shows that we are not fully trusting God. When Paul says “be anxious for nothing”, he means it. Do not let anything be allowed in your mind where worry can gain control.
We need to bring everything to God. Paul uses three forms of prayer we need to use when coming to God.
1) Prayer - Jesus said that we need to ask in order to receive. There is nothing too small or too large that we cannot tell God. He is concerned about all things.
2) Supplication - Bring your request before God time and time again. When God sees your unrelenting desire to ask for something (within His will), He then knows how much you want it. A cursory prayer shows a non-interest, but persistent beckoning before the throne shows God that you are serious.
3) The key phrase is “with thanksgiving” - We need to thank the Lord, as if He had already answered our prayer. A thankful spirit gives us a Mindset of gratefulness and a positive attitude which looks at the situation as claimed victory and not defeat.
We can thank God for answering our prayers during the difficulty because we know He is in control and He knows best. Many times God answers differently than our timing. He may be preparing you or another person or situation in order to answer in His perfect way. If He says no, we can thank Him for saving us from potential danger. If He says wait, He has something better for us later.
This spirit of thankfulness keeps our minds fixed on God and does not zero in on the request. Our anxiety will only get worse if all we do is concentrate on what we do not have. We must reflect on the bountiful blessings with which God has blessed us, both now and in the past. The child of God has plenty to thank God about, because He is generous in blessing, when we walk in His ways. Concentrating on God’s generous blessings can only bring peace.
This peace is beyond all understanding. When God grants His peace in the midst of the storm, our minds cannot fully comprehend the greatness of God’s gifts. Most people zero in on what they do not have and the fact that they are lacking that one thing. When we can keep our eyes on Jesus and not the item, God can now do the work, not us. His peace will then guard our hearts from discouragement and pain, by granting us His power to bear it while He works victoriously.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We could avoid many of the struggles within our hearts by implementing the principles in these verses. Paul commands us to be anxious for nothing. Anxiety is a fear of the unknown. It shows that we are not fully trusting God. When Paul says “be anxious for nothing”, he means it. Do not let anything be allowed in your mind where worry can gain control.
We need to bring everything to God. Paul uses three forms of prayer we need to use when coming to God.
1) Prayer - Jesus said that we need to ask in order to receive. There is nothing too small or too large that we cannot tell God. He is concerned about all things.
2) Supplication - Bring your request before God time and time again. When God sees your unrelenting desire to ask for something (within His will), He then knows how much you want it. A cursory prayer shows a non-interest, but persistent beckoning before the throne shows God that you are serious.
3) The key phrase is “with thanksgiving” - We need to thank the Lord, as if He had already answered our prayer. A thankful spirit gives us a Mindset of gratefulness and a positive attitude which looks at the situation as claimed victory and not defeat.
We can thank God for answering our prayers during the difficulty because we know He is in control and He knows best. Many times God answers differently than our timing. He may be preparing you or another person or situation in order to answer in His perfect way. If He says no, we can thank Him for saving us from potential danger. If He says wait, He has something better for us later.
This spirit of thankfulness keeps our minds fixed on God and does not zero in on the request. Our anxiety will only get worse if all we do is concentrate on what we do not have. We must reflect on the bountiful blessings with which God has blessed us, both now and in the past. The child of God has plenty to thank God about, because He is generous in blessing, when we walk in His ways. Concentrating on God’s generous blessings can only bring peace.
This peace is beyond all understanding. When God grants His peace in the midst of the storm, our minds cannot fully comprehend the greatness of God’s gifts. Most people zero in on what they do not have and the fact that they are lacking that one thing. When we can keep our eyes on Jesus and not the item, God can now do the work, not us. His peace will then guard our hearts from discouragement and pain, by granting us His power to bear it while He works victoriously.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, June 7, 2012
The Completed Work of Christ
Jude 1 (NKJV)
Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ.
Jude is writing concerning the foundational matters of faith in Christ and walking with the Lord. He starts out in this first verse by showing that salvation is performed by Christ alone. Jesus calls all people to come unto Himself, but only those who repent of their sins and believe in Him are truly saved. The word “called” has the idea of being invited to a banquet. Heaven is a banquet that every believer can earnestly anticipate.
Paul tells us in Eph. 2:8-9 that salvation is “by grace” and “not of works”, it is “the gift of God”. We cannot earn or work for salvation in any way, so it is God must perform this work. In Jude 1, it also says that we are “sanctified” by God, which has the idea of being cleansed and dedicated to God. The tense of this word in the Greek describes an action which is viewed as having been completed in the past, once and for all, not needing to be repeated. Once we are cleansed by Christ at salvation, it is a complete and finished work done by Him that cannot be undone.
We know that this work cannot be undone because this same verse goes on to tell us that we are preserved in Jesus Christ. The word “preserved” has the idea of being guarded or kept in your current state in which you have been put. The amazing part of salvation that is so wonderful is the fact that Christ performs the work, preserves us, and promises that we will always be His. Since God has never yet broken a promise, we can rest assured that once we are His we will always be His. The tense of this word is also one of a work completed in the past, once and for all, not needing to be repeated.
Once we are saved, we now have a responsibility of our own. Even though we are securely preserved in Christ Jesus, we live in a sin fallen world and we must contend for our faith. Jude tells us in verse 3, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3, NKJV). The word “earnestly contend” comes from a root word that has the idea of fighting with adversaries or struggling with difficulties and dangers. Living the life of faith is, by no means, simple. It is a struggle, because, just as the world hated Christ, even so it will hate us. But, in the strength of Christ we can make it though this life with Him. We may have to fight with strenuous zeal to keep the faith. The walk of faith is not as easy or simple as the gift of salvation. But, all believers can live a victorious faith if they only obey Him and His word.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ.
Jude is writing concerning the foundational matters of faith in Christ and walking with the Lord. He starts out in this first verse by showing that salvation is performed by Christ alone. Jesus calls all people to come unto Himself, but only those who repent of their sins and believe in Him are truly saved. The word “called” has the idea of being invited to a banquet. Heaven is a banquet that every believer can earnestly anticipate.
Paul tells us in Eph. 2:8-9 that salvation is “by grace” and “not of works”, it is “the gift of God”. We cannot earn or work for salvation in any way, so it is God must perform this work. In Jude 1, it also says that we are “sanctified” by God, which has the idea of being cleansed and dedicated to God. The tense of this word in the Greek describes an action which is viewed as having been completed in the past, once and for all, not needing to be repeated. Once we are cleansed by Christ at salvation, it is a complete and finished work done by Him that cannot be undone.
We know that this work cannot be undone because this same verse goes on to tell us that we are preserved in Jesus Christ. The word “preserved” has the idea of being guarded or kept in your current state in which you have been put. The amazing part of salvation that is so wonderful is the fact that Christ performs the work, preserves us, and promises that we will always be His. Since God has never yet broken a promise, we can rest assured that once we are His we will always be His. The tense of this word is also one of a work completed in the past, once and for all, not needing to be repeated.
Once we are saved, we now have a responsibility of our own. Even though we are securely preserved in Christ Jesus, we live in a sin fallen world and we must contend for our faith. Jude tells us in verse 3, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3, NKJV). The word “earnestly contend” comes from a root word that has the idea of fighting with adversaries or struggling with difficulties and dangers. Living the life of faith is, by no means, simple. It is a struggle, because, just as the world hated Christ, even so it will hate us. But, in the strength of Christ we can make it though this life with Him. We may have to fight with strenuous zeal to keep the faith. The walk of faith is not as easy or simple as the gift of salvation. But, all believers can live a victorious faith if they only obey Him and His word.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Friday, June 1, 2012
Spiritual Warfare
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV)
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ
Every believer in Christ Jesus has now entered a war. This war is not, as verse 4 tells, a physical war, but one of the mind. All who know Christ as savior are now on the enemy’s direct hit list because they are now God’s possession. They are also the instruments that God uses to spread His word.
We need to beware, the devil works deceptively, viciously and at the times that we least expect it. He does this by putting thoughts into our minds when we are weakest. He knows our every point of weakness and seeks to destroy and kill every thought that is good or right. He seeks to divert our thoughts from God and toward evil. He does this by pointing out what we are lacking and how incomplete our life is without that particular point of temptation.
If we entertain these kinds of thoughts the devil will gain a toehold in our minds. This can be removed easily by resisting the devil. But by continuing to entertain these ideas, he then gains a foothold. A foothold is a place the devil can stand and move around. If we do not properly deal with these destructive patterns, they will become an established pattern and turn into a stronghold.
Paul tells us in vs. 5 how to fight these fiery darts to our mind. “Casting down” has the idea of throwing something away with the intent of destroying it. We need to cast down (swiftly dismiss) the thoughts that the devil puts into our minds with vengeance. These kinds of thoughts that the devil implants in our minds come in the form of doubt, fear, guilt, loneliness, unforgiveness and many other destructive forms. Dismiss them quickly or they will gain a stronger hold over time. The greatest problem we have is that these thoughts are so subtle and they come when we least expect them.
We not only need to quickly and vengefully dismiss improper thoughts in our mind, but we need to seek passionately for the thoughts on which God wants us to dwell. The idea of “bring into captivity” has the idea of putting something into secure holding. We need to grab onto God’s desire of love, joy, peace and obedience to Him. Once we have these thoughts we need to seek them with all our heart and mind. Paul tells us, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things”, (Phil. 4:8, NKJV). Thinking on these thoughts needs to dominate our mind and not thoughts of vengeance, bitterness, unforgiveness and disobedience to God. If we spend all our time thinking on honorable thoughts and His word, we will not have time to do anything else.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ
Every believer in Christ Jesus has now entered a war. This war is not, as verse 4 tells, a physical war, but one of the mind. All who know Christ as savior are now on the enemy’s direct hit list because they are now God’s possession. They are also the instruments that God uses to spread His word.
We need to beware, the devil works deceptively, viciously and at the times that we least expect it. He does this by putting thoughts into our minds when we are weakest. He knows our every point of weakness and seeks to destroy and kill every thought that is good or right. He seeks to divert our thoughts from God and toward evil. He does this by pointing out what we are lacking and how incomplete our life is without that particular point of temptation.
If we entertain these kinds of thoughts the devil will gain a toehold in our minds. This can be removed easily by resisting the devil. But by continuing to entertain these ideas, he then gains a foothold. A foothold is a place the devil can stand and move around. If we do not properly deal with these destructive patterns, they will become an established pattern and turn into a stronghold.
Paul tells us in vs. 5 how to fight these fiery darts to our mind. “Casting down” has the idea of throwing something away with the intent of destroying it. We need to cast down (swiftly dismiss) the thoughts that the devil puts into our minds with vengeance. These kinds of thoughts that the devil implants in our minds come in the form of doubt, fear, guilt, loneliness, unforgiveness and many other destructive forms. Dismiss them quickly or they will gain a stronger hold over time. The greatest problem we have is that these thoughts are so subtle and they come when we least expect them.
We not only need to quickly and vengefully dismiss improper thoughts in our mind, but we need to seek passionately for the thoughts on which God wants us to dwell. The idea of “bring into captivity” has the idea of putting something into secure holding. We need to grab onto God’s desire of love, joy, peace and obedience to Him. Once we have these thoughts we need to seek them with all our heart and mind. Paul tells us, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things”, (Phil. 4:8, NKJV). Thinking on these thoughts needs to dominate our mind and not thoughts of vengeance, bitterness, unforgiveness and disobedience to God. If we spend all our time thinking on honorable thoughts and His word, we will not have time to do anything else.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, May 24, 2012
The Peace of God
John 14:27 (NKJV)
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Jesus promises His peace to those who trust Him. Nearly everyone is actively seeking for peace in their life. The greatest problem is the fact that many are seeking peace the wrong way. Jesus Himself said in this verse that peace cannot be achieved by worry or fear. We all have great concerns and are tempted to fear. But if we think about it, it is foolish to think that we can be at peace when there is turmoil and the apprehensive of fear going on in our mind.
It is interesting that when Jesus spoke this verse concerning peace, He was telling the disciples (and us) about another Helper. The more we allow the Holy Spirit to control our mind, the more peace and rest we will possess. As we learn to trust the Lord more and more throughout life, we will find that we can rest, knowing that the Lord is in control despite the wars and difficulties around us.
Jesus never said that we would have no problems at all. In fact He said the opposite. He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NKJV). When we trust Jesus as our savior we overcome eternal death. Even so, if we trust Jesus each day and moment by moment, He will grant us the strength and peace that we need to make it though each challenge in life. At these times we need our mind fastened on God and not the challenge. Isaiah says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV).
We will also face difficulties from others around us. In order to help this situation we need to actively pursue peace among others. David said, “Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14, NKJV). Paul reminds us to seek peace will all men. He says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18, NKJV). We may not always achieve peaceful situations among others. But Paul reminds us to do everything we can to live at peace with others. If they accept our peace, then we have obeyed God. But, if they don’t accept it, then that is their disobedience.
We only have peace when we are in Christ. Paul said, “For He Himself is our peace”, (Ephesians 2:14a, NKJV). The more often we trust Christ, we will find greater rest and less anxiety. Paul states it so well when he says, “6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV). Trust God, praise Him always, bring all things to Him, do not let anxiety overtake your mind and then God’s peace with guard you heart and mind with overwhelming amazement.
Thoughts, comment, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Jesus promises His peace to those who trust Him. Nearly everyone is actively seeking for peace in their life. The greatest problem is the fact that many are seeking peace the wrong way. Jesus Himself said in this verse that peace cannot be achieved by worry or fear. We all have great concerns and are tempted to fear. But if we think about it, it is foolish to think that we can be at peace when there is turmoil and the apprehensive of fear going on in our mind.
It is interesting that when Jesus spoke this verse concerning peace, He was telling the disciples (and us) about another Helper. The more we allow the Holy Spirit to control our mind, the more peace and rest we will possess. As we learn to trust the Lord more and more throughout life, we will find that we can rest, knowing that the Lord is in control despite the wars and difficulties around us.
Jesus never said that we would have no problems at all. In fact He said the opposite. He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NKJV). When we trust Jesus as our savior we overcome eternal death. Even so, if we trust Jesus each day and moment by moment, He will grant us the strength and peace that we need to make it though each challenge in life. At these times we need our mind fastened on God and not the challenge. Isaiah says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV).
We will also face difficulties from others around us. In order to help this situation we need to actively pursue peace among others. David said, “Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14, NKJV). Paul reminds us to seek peace will all men. He says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18, NKJV). We may not always achieve peaceful situations among others. But Paul reminds us to do everything we can to live at peace with others. If they accept our peace, then we have obeyed God. But, if they don’t accept it, then that is their disobedience.
We only have peace when we are in Christ. Paul said, “For He Himself is our peace”, (Ephesians 2:14a, NKJV). The more often we trust Christ, we will find greater rest and less anxiety. Paul states it so well when he says, “6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV). Trust God, praise Him always, bring all things to Him, do not let anxiety overtake your mind and then God’s peace with guard you heart and mind with overwhelming amazement.
Thoughts, comment, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Spiritual Food
John 4:34 (NKJV)
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work”
Just before this verse, the disciples asked the Lord if He wanted something to eat. He answered them by saying, “I have food to eat of which you do not know”, (John 4:32b, NKJV). They were unsure of His answer, so they asked if someone had brought Him some food. They were only thinking of physical food, not realizing what Christ was saying.
Jesus responded by sharing one His main purposes in life. He said that His food was to do the will of the Father. By this He was saying a few different things. This phrase implies, ‘My very nourishment for existence comes from doing My Father’s will’, or ‘My health and well being is based on doing the will of My Father’, or ‘There is nothing else in life greater than doing the will of My Father’. Doing the will of God was of utmost importance to Christ.
Shouldn’t we hold the same value? If our purpose in life, our desire at the start of each day and our full focus is to do the will of God, we surely will have much more victorious lives. We can only find God’s will, purpose and plan for our life by spending time in His word, spending time in prayer and seeking godly friends and counsel. God’s may not reveal His will right away. We may have to actively seek Him, wait for Him or pray for long periods of time. But God will show us if we seek Him. James tells us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much”, (James 5:16b, NKJV).
Jesus was not only committed to accomplishing the will of God, but He was also committed to fulfill God’s total purpose in life for Him. This is why He stated that He wanted to finish the work of God. He didn’t want to do anything half way or leave anything undone that God had for Him to do at the end of His life. This is what sent Him to the cross. Jesus’ unwavering desire to accomplish His Father’s will put His own will secondary. He and the Father realized that He was the perfect sacrifice for sin. The Father saw in necessary to give His own Son in redemption for the salvation of souls. It was the Father’s will that Jesus die, so naturally Jesus complied with His Father’s will.
We also need to be just as committed to doing only the will of God. We need to start each day asking God to show us His will for that day. Just as a good servant or ambassador, we need to begin the day by saying to God, “Oh Lord, here I am, reporting for duty, whatever is Your will, that I will do.”
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work”
Just before this verse, the disciples asked the Lord if He wanted something to eat. He answered them by saying, “I have food to eat of which you do not know”, (John 4:32b, NKJV). They were unsure of His answer, so they asked if someone had brought Him some food. They were only thinking of physical food, not realizing what Christ was saying.
Jesus responded by sharing one His main purposes in life. He said that His food was to do the will of the Father. By this He was saying a few different things. This phrase implies, ‘My very nourishment for existence comes from doing My Father’s will’, or ‘My health and well being is based on doing the will of My Father’, or ‘There is nothing else in life greater than doing the will of My Father’. Doing the will of God was of utmost importance to Christ.
Shouldn’t we hold the same value? If our purpose in life, our desire at the start of each day and our full focus is to do the will of God, we surely will have much more victorious lives. We can only find God’s will, purpose and plan for our life by spending time in His word, spending time in prayer and seeking godly friends and counsel. God’s may not reveal His will right away. We may have to actively seek Him, wait for Him or pray for long periods of time. But God will show us if we seek Him. James tells us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much”, (James 5:16b, NKJV).
Jesus was not only committed to accomplishing the will of God, but He was also committed to fulfill God’s total purpose in life for Him. This is why He stated that He wanted to finish the work of God. He didn’t want to do anything half way or leave anything undone that God had for Him to do at the end of His life. This is what sent Him to the cross. Jesus’ unwavering desire to accomplish His Father’s will put His own will secondary. He and the Father realized that He was the perfect sacrifice for sin. The Father saw in necessary to give His own Son in redemption for the salvation of souls. It was the Father’s will that Jesus die, so naturally Jesus complied with His Father’s will.
We also need to be just as committed to doing only the will of God. We need to start each day asking God to show us His will for that day. Just as a good servant or ambassador, we need to begin the day by saying to God, “Oh Lord, here I am, reporting for duty, whatever is Your will, that I will do.”
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Contradiction or Confirmation
Matthew 1:16 (NKJV)
And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.
There are no other passages that are so avoided and viewed with such disdain, more than the genealogies. Today’s verse is the end verse of the genealogy recorded in Matthew 1:2-16. It begins with Abraham and ends with Joseph. Whereas, in Luke 3:23-38 we have the genealogy of Jesus which begins with Joseph and ends at Adam. Already, just by these few words, it seems like these passages do not agree.
There is no other task that some people want to accomplish more than to prove that there is error in the bible. This is impossible. God’s word is truth, all His words are right. David says, “The words of the LORD are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times”, (Psalms 12:6, NKJV). How then, do we deal with this seeming contradiction of these passages?
First of all, Matthew 1 records the family line of Joseph. In the first century, and also today, the child receives the name of the father. All the people around Jesus, as He grew up, accepted Him as Joseph’s son. Joseph was the step-father of Jesus since Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:16 says that Joseph was the husband of Mary and Jesus was born of Mary. Mary physically bore Jesus, but He was conceived of the Holy Spirit. Joseph and Mary never came together until after the birth of Jesus. Even though Joseph was considered the father of Jesus by all his peers, he was merely the step-father. All would have accepted that Joseph was the physical father. But, we (and those in the first century) need to receive, by faith, the fact that Jesus was born of Holy Spirit, so that we can then be saved.
The other genealogy in Luke 3 is the family line of Mary. This genealogy descends, beginning with Jesus and ending with Adam. Adam is the father of man. Adam’s line shows the human side of Jesus. This was needed in order to show that for Jesus Christ was fully human.
Jesus was fully God and fully human at the same time. He needed to become a man in order to live out the same experiences and temptations that man did. He also needed to die a martyr’s death in order to be the savior of the mankind. But, He needed to be conceived of the Holy Spirit in order to be God. This enabled Him to live the perfect life that He did.
So we see, these two passages do not deny each other, but they confirm each other. They do not contradict. They merely share the same historical facts from a different perspective. The heavenly side of Christ needs to be supported and so does the human side. God came to earth in all perfection and needs to be trusted by faith. But, Christ the human needed to die in the flesh in order to be the perfect sacrificial lamb of God. The death of Christ pays all our sins and all we need to do is trust Him by faith with a repentant heart.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.
There are no other passages that are so avoided and viewed with such disdain, more than the genealogies. Today’s verse is the end verse of the genealogy recorded in Matthew 1:2-16. It begins with Abraham and ends with Joseph. Whereas, in Luke 3:23-38 we have the genealogy of Jesus which begins with Joseph and ends at Adam. Already, just by these few words, it seems like these passages do not agree.
There is no other task that some people want to accomplish more than to prove that there is error in the bible. This is impossible. God’s word is truth, all His words are right. David says, “The words of the LORD are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times”, (Psalms 12:6, NKJV). How then, do we deal with this seeming contradiction of these passages?
First of all, Matthew 1 records the family line of Joseph. In the first century, and also today, the child receives the name of the father. All the people around Jesus, as He grew up, accepted Him as Joseph’s son. Joseph was the step-father of Jesus since Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:16 says that Joseph was the husband of Mary and Jesus was born of Mary. Mary physically bore Jesus, but He was conceived of the Holy Spirit. Joseph and Mary never came together until after the birth of Jesus. Even though Joseph was considered the father of Jesus by all his peers, he was merely the step-father. All would have accepted that Joseph was the physical father. But, we (and those in the first century) need to receive, by faith, the fact that Jesus was born of Holy Spirit, so that we can then be saved.
The other genealogy in Luke 3 is the family line of Mary. This genealogy descends, beginning with Jesus and ending with Adam. Adam is the father of man. Adam’s line shows the human side of Jesus. This was needed in order to show that for Jesus Christ was fully human.
Jesus was fully God and fully human at the same time. He needed to become a man in order to live out the same experiences and temptations that man did. He also needed to die a martyr’s death in order to be the savior of the mankind. But, He needed to be conceived of the Holy Spirit in order to be God. This enabled Him to live the perfect life that He did.
So we see, these two passages do not deny each other, but they confirm each other. They do not contradict. They merely share the same historical facts from a different perspective. The heavenly side of Christ needs to be supported and so does the human side. God came to earth in all perfection and needs to be trusted by faith. But, Christ the human needed to die in the flesh in order to be the perfect sacrificial lamb of God. The death of Christ pays all our sins and all we need to do is trust Him by faith with a repentant heart.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Labor For The Lord
John 6:27 (NKJV)
Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.
Within this chapter, Jesus provides for and ministers to the masses. He fed 5000 people with 2 fish and 5 loaves. He walked on water and then the people wanted more. He then told the people where their focus needed to be within God’s provision.
He tells us not to labor for earthly food or possessions. Is Jesus telling us not to have a job, have a career or provide for our family? In no way is He saying this. Timothy reminds us, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever”, (I Timothy 5:8, NKJV). We need to provide for our family, work for a living and do all that we can to show excellence in professionalism and moral character amidst a fallen world.
But, our primary focus in life should not be labor or money. Our first and foremost desire in life must be to please God. If we please God in all that we do, walking by faith, it is then that we will give no thought for food or clothes. God will provide all our needs when we trust Him. We need to labor, primarily for heavenly treasure. Some of these treasures are the salvation of the souls for others and our family, the spread of the gospel, a morally pure life style and seeking God with our whole heart, soul and mind.
Food and possessions will decay and/or get lost or stolen. But heavenly treasure will endure eternally. These things are the least we can do for Jesus Who gave us His very life. He also has sealed us with His Spirit, making heaven unchangeably secure for His children. Once the Holy Spirit lives in our heart, we need to respond in complete dedication.
The major difference between earthly and heavenly treasures is timing and endurance. When we labor for money or things, we will see the reward of our labor very quickly. But, God’s rewards for eternal labor, many times, will not actualize until heaven. God’s amazing memory forgets nothing. He will remember all self-less deeds, whether done in public or private. God’s bank account cannot be stolen or changed like an earthly account. Matthew tells us, “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”, (Matthew 6:20-21, NKJV) Examine your own heart, is your primary treasure heavenly or earthly?
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.
Within this chapter, Jesus provides for and ministers to the masses. He fed 5000 people with 2 fish and 5 loaves. He walked on water and then the people wanted more. He then told the people where their focus needed to be within God’s provision.
He tells us not to labor for earthly food or possessions. Is Jesus telling us not to have a job, have a career or provide for our family? In no way is He saying this. Timothy reminds us, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever”, (I Timothy 5:8, NKJV). We need to provide for our family, work for a living and do all that we can to show excellence in professionalism and moral character amidst a fallen world.
But, our primary focus in life should not be labor or money. Our first and foremost desire in life must be to please God. If we please God in all that we do, walking by faith, it is then that we will give no thought for food or clothes. God will provide all our needs when we trust Him. We need to labor, primarily for heavenly treasure. Some of these treasures are the salvation of the souls for others and our family, the spread of the gospel, a morally pure life style and seeking God with our whole heart, soul and mind.
Food and possessions will decay and/or get lost or stolen. But heavenly treasure will endure eternally. These things are the least we can do for Jesus Who gave us His very life. He also has sealed us with His Spirit, making heaven unchangeably secure for His children. Once the Holy Spirit lives in our heart, we need to respond in complete dedication.
The major difference between earthly and heavenly treasures is timing and endurance. When we labor for money or things, we will see the reward of our labor very quickly. But, God’s rewards for eternal labor, many times, will not actualize until heaven. God’s amazing memory forgets nothing. He will remember all self-less deeds, whether done in public or private. God’s bank account cannot be stolen or changed like an earthly account. Matthew tells us, “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”, (Matthew 6:20-21, NKJV) Examine your own heart, is your primary treasure heavenly or earthly?
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, April 26, 2012
How To Betray Jesus
Matthew 26:14-16 (NKJV)
14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.
The person of Judas Iscariot has a very negative image in the mind of most people. His betrayal of Jesus earned him this right. Judas did not start his life with such desires. His beginning mission in life was not to destroy the life of Christ in every way that he could. He started small and gradually grew into the ability to commit the most heinous crime ever committed. We will examine the lives of Judas and Peter in order to see how they could make such extremely faulty decisions.
Judas followed Jesus’ words to be His disciple (a request He gives to all). Judas performed all the “right” tasks in front of others so as to appear to be “good”. He may have fooled many, but it was himself that he fooled the most. Judas may have thought that he was doing the right things by following Jesus. But in his heart he had not fully committed to the Lord. This is true today. So many people, within the church, are tares among the wheat. Many think that they are “right” with God, but they do not know Christ, truly as Savior.
Judas spent three years, along with the other disciples, observing Jesus and His ways. He did all the right things and put on the appearance of a disciple. Slowly but surely he got hardened in his ways. This resulted out of a lack of purity in his heart. It was then, when he had the opportunity to betray the Lord, he took it. He eventually got so deceived in his heart and hardened so much that he sold out the very God of heaven for mere money. He then sought every opportunity to use trickery to seize the Lord.
His ultimate response was hanging himself. He displayed a desperate attempt to rid himself of extreme guilt and fear. He knew nothing about a relationship with God, so he only could commit suicide to run from his crime.
Peter, on the other hand, denied Christ. He walked with Christ for three years, followed Christ, observed His ways and sought to know Him more. Peter’s denial was one of confusion and weakness. His response shows that he wept bitterly and had a repentant heart. He did not plan to hurt the Lord as he did. He just made a very poor decision in an awkward time because he was afraid of the reaction of others. After repentance, the Lord was able to use him again greatly. We can sin tremendously, but the Lord can use us again. We need a fully repentant heart, a heart that seeks God in every way. The Lord knows we are not perfect, but our failures many times allow God’s perfecting process to happen. All we need is a heart fully given over to the Lord and willing to follow Him always.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.
The person of Judas Iscariot has a very negative image in the mind of most people. His betrayal of Jesus earned him this right. Judas did not start his life with such desires. His beginning mission in life was not to destroy the life of Christ in every way that he could. He started small and gradually grew into the ability to commit the most heinous crime ever committed. We will examine the lives of Judas and Peter in order to see how they could make such extremely faulty decisions.
Judas followed Jesus’ words to be His disciple (a request He gives to all). Judas performed all the “right” tasks in front of others so as to appear to be “good”. He may have fooled many, but it was himself that he fooled the most. Judas may have thought that he was doing the right things by following Jesus. But in his heart he had not fully committed to the Lord. This is true today. So many people, within the church, are tares among the wheat. Many think that they are “right” with God, but they do not know Christ, truly as Savior.
Judas spent three years, along with the other disciples, observing Jesus and His ways. He did all the right things and put on the appearance of a disciple. Slowly but surely he got hardened in his ways. This resulted out of a lack of purity in his heart. It was then, when he had the opportunity to betray the Lord, he took it. He eventually got so deceived in his heart and hardened so much that he sold out the very God of heaven for mere money. He then sought every opportunity to use trickery to seize the Lord.
His ultimate response was hanging himself. He displayed a desperate attempt to rid himself of extreme guilt and fear. He knew nothing about a relationship with God, so he only could commit suicide to run from his crime.
Peter, on the other hand, denied Christ. He walked with Christ for three years, followed Christ, observed His ways and sought to know Him more. Peter’s denial was one of confusion and weakness. His response shows that he wept bitterly and had a repentant heart. He did not plan to hurt the Lord as he did. He just made a very poor decision in an awkward time because he was afraid of the reaction of others. After repentance, the Lord was able to use him again greatly. We can sin tremendously, but the Lord can use us again. We need a fully repentant heart, a heart that seeks God in every way. The Lord knows we are not perfect, but our failures many times allow God’s perfecting process to happen. All we need is a heart fully given over to the Lord and willing to follow Him always.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Forgive And Forget
Psalm 103:12 (NKJV)
As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
God is omniscient. He knows all things and God’s power is without limit. He knows even the number of hairs on our head and the number of grains of sand on the earth. But, within God’s vast ability to know all things He has just as much power to forget our past sins, when we confess them to Him. When we come to Him with a repentant heart, asking forgiveness of all our sins, He will reward us with eternal life. After salvation, we then can come to Him, often, in confidence and ask His forgiveness in order to renew our fellowship.
God showed this to Israel many times throughout their journey with Him. He showed them His mercy and forgiveness time after time, proving His love and compassion toward His people. David says, “You answered them, O Lord our God, You were to them God-Who-Forgives, though You took vengeance on their deeds” (Psalm 99:8, NKJV). Israel knew that God forgave sin, but He also showed them the consequences of disobedience. Many times God had to discipline them for their sin. This does not show a lack of love on God’s part, it actually shows the opposite. Any father will discipline his child when they are about to hurt themselves, because the father loves the child.
If we come to God in confession, we do not ever need to seek forgiveness again for that particular sin. Once God forgives, He remembers it no more. Confessing a previously forgiven sin shows lack of faith in God and His ability to forgive. It is like telling God that His word and His promises are not true, thus denying His integrity and truth.
When we partake of God’s forgiveness, we must also be willing to demonstrate this to others. When we say that we have forgiven someone for an offense, but yet we harbor it in our heart, this is bitterness. This is not forgetting, but it is replaying the issue in our mind. This not only shows that we have not fully forgiven the other person. It also brings more damage to us than to the other person. All bitterness accomplishes is the fact that it eats away at us and it enrages us again and again. God’s intension for forgiveness is peace. When we practice forgiveness and forgetting the offence, we then can live a blessed life.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
God is omniscient. He knows all things and God’s power is without limit. He knows even the number of hairs on our head and the number of grains of sand on the earth. But, within God’s vast ability to know all things He has just as much power to forget our past sins, when we confess them to Him. When we come to Him with a repentant heart, asking forgiveness of all our sins, He will reward us with eternal life. After salvation, we then can come to Him, often, in confidence and ask His forgiveness in order to renew our fellowship.
God showed this to Israel many times throughout their journey with Him. He showed them His mercy and forgiveness time after time, proving His love and compassion toward His people. David says, “You answered them, O Lord our God, You were to them God-Who-Forgives, though You took vengeance on their deeds” (Psalm 99:8, NKJV). Israel knew that God forgave sin, but He also showed them the consequences of disobedience. Many times God had to discipline them for their sin. This does not show a lack of love on God’s part, it actually shows the opposite. Any father will discipline his child when they are about to hurt themselves, because the father loves the child.
If we come to God in confession, we do not ever need to seek forgiveness again for that particular sin. Once God forgives, He remembers it no more. Confessing a previously forgiven sin shows lack of faith in God and His ability to forgive. It is like telling God that His word and His promises are not true, thus denying His integrity and truth.
When we partake of God’s forgiveness, we must also be willing to demonstrate this to others. When we say that we have forgiven someone for an offense, but yet we harbor it in our heart, this is bitterness. This is not forgetting, but it is replaying the issue in our mind. This not only shows that we have not fully forgiven the other person. It also brings more damage to us than to the other person. All bitterness accomplishes is the fact that it eats away at us and it enrages us again and again. God’s intension for forgiveness is peace. When we practice forgiveness and forgetting the offence, we then can live a blessed life.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, April 12, 2012
How Secure Are You?
1 Peter 1:4-5 (NKJV)
4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Where do you find security and comfort? Many find security in money, things, power, authority, position, control and many other forms of self-contrived security. As we analyze these verses, we will find that Jesus Christ is the only security that exists. He even goes above and beyond our greatest imagination to grant us ultra-security.
When we repent of our sins and trust Jesus as our savior, we now have a promise from God that we will receive an inheritance. This inheritance includes the special privileges that only a child of the King receives. This means that heaven is for sure. God’s word and His promises are rock solid and Peter shows how sure our hope of heaven is in Christ.
Our inheritance is incorruptible. Another word for this is imperishable. God’s promise of heaven for the believer is beyond the ability to decay. God’s promises cannot happen in any other way other than what He says. We are also told that this promise is undefiled or unsoiled. God’s promises are fully pure and only good. He would not promise anything that would hurt us in any way at all. His love is fully pure and only good.
God’s promise of heaven does not fade away. His promises and His word are as strong and sure today as the day that He promised them. Heaven is also reserved for the child of God. This has the idea that it is guarded for the sake of His children. Nothing can change this and thus the believer can rest securely in the fact that God’s promises do not change.
Peter then switches to us in vs. 5. God first promises us heaven. He also secures us as eternally His forever. To be kept by the power of God has the idea of being guarded by military enforcement. God’s heart wants to be with His children so tremendously that He secures us unto Himself at the moment of belief in Christ throughout eternity. This cannot be broken and it is eternally secure. God cannot lie and He jealously desires our love to be devoted to Him alone. When we love Him with our whole heart, we then can love others as God desires us to.
All of this happens at the moment of salvation through faith. But, He does not take us out of this world instantly, because we must carry out His work. So, we will endure much pain and difficulty on this earth. Christ will return soon and our hope of heaven will then be actualized. When we are in Christ there is no greater security.
Thoughts, comment, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Where do you find security and comfort? Many find security in money, things, power, authority, position, control and many other forms of self-contrived security. As we analyze these verses, we will find that Jesus Christ is the only security that exists. He even goes above and beyond our greatest imagination to grant us ultra-security.
When we repent of our sins and trust Jesus as our savior, we now have a promise from God that we will receive an inheritance. This inheritance includes the special privileges that only a child of the King receives. This means that heaven is for sure. God’s word and His promises are rock solid and Peter shows how sure our hope of heaven is in Christ.
Our inheritance is incorruptible. Another word for this is imperishable. God’s promise of heaven for the believer is beyond the ability to decay. God’s promises cannot happen in any other way other than what He says. We are also told that this promise is undefiled or unsoiled. God’s promises are fully pure and only good. He would not promise anything that would hurt us in any way at all. His love is fully pure and only good.
God’s promise of heaven does not fade away. His promises and His word are as strong and sure today as the day that He promised them. Heaven is also reserved for the child of God. This has the idea that it is guarded for the sake of His children. Nothing can change this and thus the believer can rest securely in the fact that God’s promises do not change.
Peter then switches to us in vs. 5. God first promises us heaven. He also secures us as eternally His forever. To be kept by the power of God has the idea of being guarded by military enforcement. God’s heart wants to be with His children so tremendously that He secures us unto Himself at the moment of belief in Christ throughout eternity. This cannot be broken and it is eternally secure. God cannot lie and He jealously desires our love to be devoted to Him alone. When we love Him with our whole heart, we then can love others as God desires us to.
All of this happens at the moment of salvation through faith. But, He does not take us out of this world instantly, because we must carry out His work. So, we will endure much pain and difficulty on this earth. Christ will return soon and our hope of heaven will then be actualized. When we are in Christ there is no greater security.
Thoughts, comment, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, April 5, 2012
The Battle Gods Way
Psalm 18:35 (NKJV)
You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.
Within Psalm 18 we are shown the trials and difficulties that David faced when God delivered him from the hands of Saul. David shares the many trials that he faced and how God helped him through all of them. He starts out the Psalm by saying that God is his strength and his rock upon which he stands (vs. 2). He then relates the many times that he was afraid and many times that God fought the battle and delivered him from the enemy (vs. 17).
He continues by telling the degree to which God fought for him. David relates that, many times, he walked in God’s ways, he obeyed God and God rewarded him for his righteous deeds (vs. 20). This is why he tells us in today’s verse that God shielded him and was his salvation. God will reward us if we walk according to His word and seek Him with all of our heart. He will bless us with the confidence to combat many enemies at once (vs. 29). He will grant us light in our darkness and help us in all situations (vs. 28).
The ironic fact is that David says that God trained his hands for war (vs. 34), and He armed him for the strength of the battle (vs. 39). These terms sound extremely cruel and very brutal. But God’s ways of fighting are quite the opposite. Today’s verse shows us that we need to use God’s power, not our own, to fight the battle. We need to use gentleness and not brute force in order to fight the battles that come our way.
How does this happen? The key to most battles is humility. James says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up“, (James 4:10, NKJV). When others use cruelty to fight, God says to use gentleness. We tend to want to revenge. Paul writes, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.”, (Romans 12:19, NKJV). If we respond in love and forgiveness it is then that God will deal with them. He may not deal with them in our timing or in our way. We may be hurt and want them to be repaid in the same way that we were hurt. But, if we respond in the way that God desires of us, it is then that He can deal with them in a much more powerful way. We always have to realize that God’s timetable is different from ours. This is when we need to respond in faith and not in feelings.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.
Within Psalm 18 we are shown the trials and difficulties that David faced when God delivered him from the hands of Saul. David shares the many trials that he faced and how God helped him through all of them. He starts out the Psalm by saying that God is his strength and his rock upon which he stands (vs. 2). He then relates the many times that he was afraid and many times that God fought the battle and delivered him from the enemy (vs. 17).
He continues by telling the degree to which God fought for him. David relates that, many times, he walked in God’s ways, he obeyed God and God rewarded him for his righteous deeds (vs. 20). This is why he tells us in today’s verse that God shielded him and was his salvation. God will reward us if we walk according to His word and seek Him with all of our heart. He will bless us with the confidence to combat many enemies at once (vs. 29). He will grant us light in our darkness and help us in all situations (vs. 28).
The ironic fact is that David says that God trained his hands for war (vs. 34), and He armed him for the strength of the battle (vs. 39). These terms sound extremely cruel and very brutal. But God’s ways of fighting are quite the opposite. Today’s verse shows us that we need to use God’s power, not our own, to fight the battle. We need to use gentleness and not brute force in order to fight the battles that come our way.
How does this happen? The key to most battles is humility. James says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up“, (James 4:10, NKJV). When others use cruelty to fight, God says to use gentleness. We tend to want to revenge. Paul writes, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.”, (Romans 12:19, NKJV). If we respond in love and forgiveness it is then that God will deal with them. He may not deal with them in our timing or in our way. We may be hurt and want them to be repaid in the same way that we were hurt. But, if we respond in the way that God desires of us, it is then that He can deal with them in a much more powerful way. We always have to realize that God’s timetable is different from ours. This is when we need to respond in faith and not in feelings.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Our Understanding Savior
Hebrew 4:15-16 (NKJV)
15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Who is Jesus? Some people say that He is a good man. Some say that He is merely a historical figure and some are still trying to disprove Him altogether. Those who know Him as savior also see Him in many different ways and this is because He has earned so many different titles. In this verse a very personal side of Jesus is shown forth.
The title given Him, in this verse, is High Priest. The high priest in the Old Testament was the spiritual leader who made sacrifices for sin and offerings for the people. He went into the presence of God for the people and managed the house of God. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice, He is our advocate and it is Him who pleads our case in presence of God on our behalf.
When Christ left heaven, He left an atmosphere of perfection, holiness, goodness and everything that is wonderful and glorious. He did this to become a man. Man is God’s creation. He, the Creator, willingly became the created. Jesus became a man in order to experience everything that we can and will experience on this earth. He was tempted in every way as we are and yet He did not sin. He experienced every situation as we do, yet without sin. He was humiliated, shamed, abandoned, hated, spurned, lied to, hurt, stolen from, hungry, treated unfairly and many other atrocities happened to Him, but He never responded in evil.
Jesus knew every feeling and hurt that we would experience, but He still came to earth because of the greatness of His love for us. He knew that we could not make it to heaven on our own, so He put Himself in our shoes, experienced the same things as we do and then He went to the point of taking our penalty on Himself for our sake. This is how He can sympathize with us in every way.
On top of all of this He wants us to spend time with Him in His presence. Grace is an undeserved, unearned gift given to us when we deserve judgment. The presence of God is called the throne of grace. We don’t deserve to come into His presence, but by His grace, He tells us to come. We can come boldly. This is a word that has the idea of freedom, confidence, courage and assurance. We can come to Him in full assurance that He will accept us and listen to our prayers. He has felt all our hurts, so He knows what we are feeling. He then offers grace and mercy when we come to His throne, showing us His generous heart and deep desire to help us in our need.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Who is Jesus? Some people say that He is a good man. Some say that He is merely a historical figure and some are still trying to disprove Him altogether. Those who know Him as savior also see Him in many different ways and this is because He has earned so many different titles. In this verse a very personal side of Jesus is shown forth.
The title given Him, in this verse, is High Priest. The high priest in the Old Testament was the spiritual leader who made sacrifices for sin and offerings for the people. He went into the presence of God for the people and managed the house of God. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice, He is our advocate and it is Him who pleads our case in presence of God on our behalf.
When Christ left heaven, He left an atmosphere of perfection, holiness, goodness and everything that is wonderful and glorious. He did this to become a man. Man is God’s creation. He, the Creator, willingly became the created. Jesus became a man in order to experience everything that we can and will experience on this earth. He was tempted in every way as we are and yet He did not sin. He experienced every situation as we do, yet without sin. He was humiliated, shamed, abandoned, hated, spurned, lied to, hurt, stolen from, hungry, treated unfairly and many other atrocities happened to Him, but He never responded in evil.
Jesus knew every feeling and hurt that we would experience, but He still came to earth because of the greatness of His love for us. He knew that we could not make it to heaven on our own, so He put Himself in our shoes, experienced the same things as we do and then He went to the point of taking our penalty on Himself for our sake. This is how He can sympathize with us in every way.
On top of all of this He wants us to spend time with Him in His presence. Grace is an undeserved, unearned gift given to us when we deserve judgment. The presence of God is called the throne of grace. We don’t deserve to come into His presence, but by His grace, He tells us to come. We can come boldly. This is a word that has the idea of freedom, confidence, courage and assurance. We can come to Him in full assurance that He will accept us and listen to our prayers. He has felt all our hurts, so He knows what we are feeling. He then offers grace and mercy when we come to His throne, showing us His generous heart and deep desire to help us in our need.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
Friday, March 23, 2012
Love In Action
2 Peter 1:5,6 (NKJV)
5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
The final link in the godly qualities that Peter tells us to add to our faith is love. Love needs to be the primary motive by which we do all things. Any act of kindness needs to be done in love. All qualities listed here and all the fruit of the Spirit need to be displayed in love. Without love, anything done for God can become duty and it is done from the wrong motive. Love is the main theme of scripture. The only two laws of the New Testament are to love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love others as ourselves.
In these verses alone there is a drastic contrast between performing each of these godly characters and displaying them in love. If we look at the list that Peter gave us we can see the contrast.
· Virtue – without love virtue becomes self righteous acts which seek to impress others and gain personal glory. Whereas virtue displayed in love is purity out of gentleness. This shows the holiness of Christ in order to help and guide others to act right.
· Knowledge – without love, knowledge is puffed up and seeks self superiority. On the other hand, knowledge displayed with love seeks to inform, guide, build up and direct others to the Lord.
· Self-control – without love, self-control can be displayed by a fearful employee trying to keep his job. A person can control their temper but continue to carry out corrupt behavior. But, self-control displayed in love, remains calm in all situations and seeks what is best for the other person.
· Perseverance – perseverance without love is shown everyday by a business man or a team sticking to the task unto the end. But love controlled perseverance keeps looking to God in trust and calmness unto the end despite what things look like.
· Godliness – Godliness apart from love is religion, which is man working his way to God. But, God is love and true Godliness can only be shown by someone who has a deep intimate relationship with the very God of love.
· Brotherly kindness – brotherly kindness without love can be shown between team members or co-workers who want to accomplish the same task. But, in love, brotherly kindness seeks the good of others first, the needs of body of Christ are handled as if they were our own needs.
In order to love, we need a selfless desire to meet the need of another. We need pure motives in which we only desire to do what is best for the other person and we need to treat the other person with the same preference that we would give our own selves. While here on earth, this will be a battle every day. We need to actively seek this, pray for this and search the scriptures as to how to show love to others. By seeking this you will have a savior who is very well pleased with your endeavors.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
The final link in the godly qualities that Peter tells us to add to our faith is love. Love needs to be the primary motive by which we do all things. Any act of kindness needs to be done in love. All qualities listed here and all the fruit of the Spirit need to be displayed in love. Without love, anything done for God can become duty and it is done from the wrong motive. Love is the main theme of scripture. The only two laws of the New Testament are to love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love others as ourselves.
In these verses alone there is a drastic contrast between performing each of these godly characters and displaying them in love. If we look at the list that Peter gave us we can see the contrast.
· Virtue – without love virtue becomes self righteous acts which seek to impress others and gain personal glory. Whereas virtue displayed in love is purity out of gentleness. This shows the holiness of Christ in order to help and guide others to act right.
· Knowledge – without love, knowledge is puffed up and seeks self superiority. On the other hand, knowledge displayed with love seeks to inform, guide, build up and direct others to the Lord.
· Self-control – without love, self-control can be displayed by a fearful employee trying to keep his job. A person can control their temper but continue to carry out corrupt behavior. But, self-control displayed in love, remains calm in all situations and seeks what is best for the other person.
· Perseverance – perseverance without love is shown everyday by a business man or a team sticking to the task unto the end. But love controlled perseverance keeps looking to God in trust and calmness unto the end despite what things look like.
· Godliness – Godliness apart from love is religion, which is man working his way to God. But, God is love and true Godliness can only be shown by someone who has a deep intimate relationship with the very God of love.
· Brotherly kindness – brotherly kindness without love can be shown between team members or co-workers who want to accomplish the same task. But, in love, brotherly kindness seeks the good of others first, the needs of body of Christ are handled as if they were our own needs.
In order to love, we need a selfless desire to meet the need of another. We need pure motives in which we only desire to do what is best for the other person and we need to treat the other person with the same preference that we would give our own selves. While here on earth, this will be a battle every day. We need to actively seek this, pray for this and search the scriptures as to how to show love to others. By seeking this you will have a savior who is very well pleased with your endeavors.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Brotherly Kindness
2 Peter 1:5,6 (NKJV)
5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
Throughout this these verses, Peter has told us the godly qualities that we need to add to our faith in order to exemplify Christ. We now come to the means by which we need to display virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance and godliness. In I Corinthians 13:2b, we are told that “without love we are nothing”. Since God is love and love is the greatest quality of God that we can show to Him and others. Peter says that without love we are nothing. Love must then be an amazingly important part of God’s plan.
Peter starts with brotherly kindness or love, in vs. 7. The Greek word used here is ‘philadelphia’ or brotherly love. We need to show love amongst our family first. If we cannot love our brothers and sisters in Christ, how can we love people in a world that is antagonistic to God and to His children.
First of all, brotherly love is not always easy. We all have flaws and weaknesses and not all personalities work well together. But when we choose to handle others in love, the difficulties can be worked out. True brotherly love is completely selfless. Paul says, “[Be] kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another,11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord”, (Romans 12:10-11, NKJV). Giving preference to others first, many times, means self sacrifice and denial of our own desires for the sake of another. We need to actively and fervently seek to love each other. Some people are not easy to respond to in love, so in order to respond as Christ did, we need to pursue such a desire with all fervency. God can give you the ability to love the other person(s), just ask Him. Be patient and keep asking, this ability will probably not come over night.
Paul says, “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart”, (1 Peter 1:22, NKJV). The only we can love others consistently, in the way that God desires, is by obeying Him in all purity. Only a heart of purity and selflessness wants what is best for the other and seeks their good first. A heart set on God and pleasing Him in fullness can accomplish this in His power.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
Throughout this these verses, Peter has told us the godly qualities that we need to add to our faith in order to exemplify Christ. We now come to the means by which we need to display virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance and godliness. In I Corinthians 13:2b, we are told that “without love we are nothing”. Since God is love and love is the greatest quality of God that we can show to Him and others. Peter says that without love we are nothing. Love must then be an amazingly important part of God’s plan.
Peter starts with brotherly kindness or love, in vs. 7. The Greek word used here is ‘philadelphia’ or brotherly love. We need to show love amongst our family first. If we cannot love our brothers and sisters in Christ, how can we love people in a world that is antagonistic to God and to His children.
First of all, brotherly love is not always easy. We all have flaws and weaknesses and not all personalities work well together. But when we choose to handle others in love, the difficulties can be worked out. True brotherly love is completely selfless. Paul says, “[Be] kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another,11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord”, (Romans 12:10-11, NKJV). Giving preference to others first, many times, means self sacrifice and denial of our own desires for the sake of another. We need to actively and fervently seek to love each other. Some people are not easy to respond to in love, so in order to respond as Christ did, we need to pursue such a desire with all fervency. God can give you the ability to love the other person(s), just ask Him. Be patient and keep asking, this ability will probably not come over night.
Paul says, “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart”, (1 Peter 1:22, NKJV). The only we can love others consistently, in the way that God desires, is by obeying Him in all purity. Only a heart of purity and selflessness wants what is best for the other and seeks their good first. A heart set on God and pleasing Him in fullness can accomplish this in His power.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Godliness Not Godlessness
2 Peter 1:5,6 (NKJV)
5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness
Godliness is the next godly character that Peter encourages us to add to our faith. It may seem odd that he has waited so long in this chain to emphasize godliness. But, we start as an infant in faith. Virtue or purity is a sign that our faith is real. Adding knowledge shows that we have a deep thirst for God. But we need self-control and perseverance to advance and grow in our faith. Now is the time for God to establish reverence and a deep awe of God. Living godly does not come haphazardly, we must have a fully sold out desire for God, willing to be broken and used for God’s service in whatever way that He desires most.
The word that Peter uses for godliness is a word that implies deep reverence for God and committed devotion. We need an awed respect for who God is, an undying commitment to be like Christ and a desire to fulfill His will in every way possible. Paul tells Timothy to put most of His efforts into developing godliness. He says, “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things”, (I Timothy 4:8a, NKJV). Even though the exercise of our physical body has some profit, it is the development of godliness and our spiritual development upon which we need to concentrate.
We not only need to put our efforts into developing godliness, but we also need to be content with it. Paul says, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain”, (I Timothy 6:6, NKJV). We need a comfort zone that is only satisfied with righteousness and holiness all in the fear of God.
A true godly example is when others see the Lord Jesus, when they look at us. When others leave our presence, they need to know that we have been with the Lord. A true sense of godliness is shown by seeing the purity and love of the Lord Jesus through us. This does not mean that we do not show who we are and display the personality that God has given us. We need to show Christ, not apart from self, but apart from selfishness.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer request.
Daniel A. Smith
5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness
Godliness is the next godly character that Peter encourages us to add to our faith. It may seem odd that he has waited so long in this chain to emphasize godliness. But, we start as an infant in faith. Virtue or purity is a sign that our faith is real. Adding knowledge shows that we have a deep thirst for God. But we need self-control and perseverance to advance and grow in our faith. Now is the time for God to establish reverence and a deep awe of God. Living godly does not come haphazardly, we must have a fully sold out desire for God, willing to be broken and used for God’s service in whatever way that He desires most.
The word that Peter uses for godliness is a word that implies deep reverence for God and committed devotion. We need an awed respect for who God is, an undying commitment to be like Christ and a desire to fulfill His will in every way possible. Paul tells Timothy to put most of His efforts into developing godliness. He says, “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things”, (I Timothy 4:8a, NKJV). Even though the exercise of our physical body has some profit, it is the development of godliness and our spiritual development upon which we need to concentrate.
We not only need to put our efforts into developing godliness, but we also need to be content with it. Paul says, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain”, (I Timothy 6:6, NKJV). We need a comfort zone that is only satisfied with righteousness and holiness all in the fear of God.
A true godly example is when others see the Lord Jesus, when they look at us. When others leave our presence, they need to know that we have been with the Lord. A true sense of godliness is shown by seeing the purity and love of the Lord Jesus through us. This does not mean that we do not show who we are and display the personality that God has given us. We need to show Christ, not apart from self, but apart from selfishness.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer request.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Never Give Up
2 Peter 1:5,6 (NKJV)
5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness
Within the ladder of godly characters, the next rung of the ladder, Peter now wants to emphasize perseverance. This subject, once again, is not a popular topic in the church and definitely not in America. We do not want to wait for anything and anything less than instant is unacceptable. But God states quite the opposite story. He constantly encourages us that waiting on Him and His timing is always worth the pain and difficulty it takes to accomplish the goal.
The main reason that we do not want to discuss patience is because of the method which God uses to breed patience. Paul says, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance”, (Romans 5:3, NKJV). If trials and tribulations allow patience to be worked out in our life, no wonder we try to avoid this. Most of us want to choose the easiest way or the way of least resistance. But anyone who has journeyed on a difficult long-term challenge knows that they need to work through some very difficult problems and stick to it in order to accomplish the goal. God also uses the same method. He has goals and potentials for each of us individually and He will bring us through the trials of life if we trust Him. In order to pass His tests successfully we must invoke endurance and patience.
Our job is to obey. If we obey, the testing period will last much less time. But if we resist or ignore God, He may have us take and retake the test until we get it right. If we harden our heart, then God cannot use us in that way. We need to submit to the will of God, persevere in trust, let Him work out the problems in our life and then we can reap the benefits of blessing.
James even encourages us to anticipate trials with joy, looking forward to the end result of greater godliness. He says, “2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4, NKJV).
So often, we want God to give us patience, but we want Him to give it to us right NOW. We cannot go from childhood to adulthood overnight. We also need to persevere with others. We need to continually present the gospel and live a godly life in front of others, no matter if we are accepted or rejected. Look at Noah, he built a boat in the middle of the desert before it ever had even rained. It took him 120 years and much rejection of others around him. In the end, he and his family were saved, but the rest of the world was destroyed.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness
Within the ladder of godly characters, the next rung of the ladder, Peter now wants to emphasize perseverance. This subject, once again, is not a popular topic in the church and definitely not in America. We do not want to wait for anything and anything less than instant is unacceptable. But God states quite the opposite story. He constantly encourages us that waiting on Him and His timing is always worth the pain and difficulty it takes to accomplish the goal.
The main reason that we do not want to discuss patience is because of the method which God uses to breed patience. Paul says, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance”, (Romans 5:3, NKJV). If trials and tribulations allow patience to be worked out in our life, no wonder we try to avoid this. Most of us want to choose the easiest way or the way of least resistance. But anyone who has journeyed on a difficult long-term challenge knows that they need to work through some very difficult problems and stick to it in order to accomplish the goal. God also uses the same method. He has goals and potentials for each of us individually and He will bring us through the trials of life if we trust Him. In order to pass His tests successfully we must invoke endurance and patience.
Our job is to obey. If we obey, the testing period will last much less time. But if we resist or ignore God, He may have us take and retake the test until we get it right. If we harden our heart, then God cannot use us in that way. We need to submit to the will of God, persevere in trust, let Him work out the problems in our life and then we can reap the benefits of blessing.
James even encourages us to anticipate trials with joy, looking forward to the end result of greater godliness. He says, “2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4, NKJV).
So often, we want God to give us patience, but we want Him to give it to us right NOW. We cannot go from childhood to adulthood overnight. We also need to persevere with others. We need to continually present the gospel and live a godly life in front of others, no matter if we are accepted or rejected. Look at Noah, he built a boat in the middle of the desert before it ever had even rained. It took him 120 years and much rejection of others around him. In the end, he and his family were saved, but the rest of the world was destroyed.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Self-Controlled Saint
2 Peter 1:5,6 (NKJV)
5But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness
Notice the succession. We start our relationship with Christ in faith. We need to display this faith in virtue and purity. The virtue that we show needs to be displayed in godly knowledge and wisdom in order for people to see the Christ in us. Peter now says that this knowledge needs self-control added to it. This is incredible for someone like Peter to be saying this. If there was anyone who jumped at opportunities impulsively, opened his mouth and stuck his foot in it or did the wrong thing without thinking, it was Peter. But, under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, he wrote this epistle. Who else would know more about self-control than someone who has had problems with it?
What is self-control? It is one of the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit. “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law”, (Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV). The Greek word for “fruit” is a word that is used for the fruit of a tree or plant and it is also used for the result of work, actions or deeds. In each case we see that one small amount creates a much larger result later. One seed creates many, many more fruit later when the plant is mature. One action creates many results from that action later.
It is interesting that the ability of self-control is directly related to being Spirit controlled. The Spirit controlled life is only accomplished by using God’s direction book (His word) to implement such actions. It is also accomplished by spending time with Him. When we spend time with moral people the product tends to be goodness and morality. When we spend time with the wicked, the only product can and will be corruption. So, the more time we spend with the very God of heaven Himself in prayer, praise, supplication, listening to Him and enjoying Him in every way. It is then that we will become more and more like Him. The battle of self control is one of the most difficult battles of the Spirit controlled believer. The battle may be long, difficult or painful, but the result of godly fruit is always worth it.
We all have issues of self-control in which we are weak. Some of these areas of weakness are controlling our tongue, our money, our emotions, our time, our ability to say yes or no, our lusts, our choices and many other matters can have problems of control. Many aspects of self-control are own responsibility, like doing the right thing or not going to the place of temptation. But, some matters of self-control involve a extended amount of time and determined commitment to God, allowing Him to mold us and cleanse us of ingrained bad habits. What do we want in our walk with the Lord? Do want an average, unproductive faith or a committed walk of the shining beauty that shows that we have spent time with Christ.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
5But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness
Notice the succession. We start our relationship with Christ in faith. We need to display this faith in virtue and purity. The virtue that we show needs to be displayed in godly knowledge and wisdom in order for people to see the Christ in us. Peter now says that this knowledge needs self-control added to it. This is incredible for someone like Peter to be saying this. If there was anyone who jumped at opportunities impulsively, opened his mouth and stuck his foot in it or did the wrong thing without thinking, it was Peter. But, under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, he wrote this epistle. Who else would know more about self-control than someone who has had problems with it?
What is self-control? It is one of the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit. “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law”, (Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV). The Greek word for “fruit” is a word that is used for the fruit of a tree or plant and it is also used for the result of work, actions or deeds. In each case we see that one small amount creates a much larger result later. One seed creates many, many more fruit later when the plant is mature. One action creates many results from that action later.
It is interesting that the ability of self-control is directly related to being Spirit controlled. The Spirit controlled life is only accomplished by using God’s direction book (His word) to implement such actions. It is also accomplished by spending time with Him. When we spend time with moral people the product tends to be goodness and morality. When we spend time with the wicked, the only product can and will be corruption. So, the more time we spend with the very God of heaven Himself in prayer, praise, supplication, listening to Him and enjoying Him in every way. It is then that we will become more and more like Him. The battle of self control is one of the most difficult battles of the Spirit controlled believer. The battle may be long, difficult or painful, but the result of godly fruit is always worth it.
We all have issues of self-control in which we are weak. Some of these areas of weakness are controlling our tongue, our money, our emotions, our time, our ability to say yes or no, our lusts, our choices and many other matters can have problems of control. Many aspects of self-control are own responsibility, like doing the right thing or not going to the place of temptation. But, some matters of self-control involve a extended amount of time and determined commitment to God, allowing Him to mold us and cleanse us of ingrained bad habits. What do we want in our walk with the Lord? Do want an average, unproductive faith or a committed walk of the shining beauty that shows that we have spent time with Christ.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
Friday, February 17, 2012
The Knowledge of God
2 Peter 1:5 (NKJV)
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge
The next quality that Peter encourages us to add to our faith is knowledge. Upon starting in faith, we need to display virtue and purity. But we need to express this purity in the knowledge and wisdom of God. The use of anything without knowledge and practical experience is dangerous and can be harmful. We all know that a small amount of knowledge in the wrong hands is dangerous. Even so, we need godly virtue displayed with wisdom and knowledge.
Knowledge comes in many forms. Many people merely know about God, but this does not get us to heaven. Each person born on this earth has been instilled, by God, with knowledge of a greater being than themselves. But it is our decision as to what to do with it. We need to believe in Christ, and then, we can know God to a greater degree and to a deeper level. Knowing God personally, intimately, how He works and what He thinks comes from faithfully spending time in His word and prayer. Walking in obedience to God is the greatest way to find out who He is. God is never too big or too busy to spend time with us. In fact, He is delighted when we bow before Him and spend time with Him. We need reverence and awe to come to God. Solomon says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction”, (Proverbs 1:7).
Peter tells us, in verse 2, about the knowledge of God. He says, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord”, (2 Peter 1:2, NKJV). Gaining the knowledge of God allows us to be blessed with amazing amounts of grace and peace. All people are seeking peace. Many are seeking it by acquiring money, popularity, things, sex and/or many other ways. But the only way that we will obtain peace is by knowing God. What greater way in there to be at peace than to receive the grace of God. Receiving a reward when we deserve judgment, obtaining a pardon when we deserve a sentence, what greater peace of mind is this?
Verse 4 of this same chapter says that by the knowledge of God we can be “partakers of the divine nature”. Isn’t this tremendous? When we know God greater, we can share His very nature. We can be a partner or an associate with the very nature of God. Experiencing God at the very core of His being and knowing Him to this degree is available for every one of us. We can know Him personally, uniquely and awesomely if we flee corruption and put our complete trust in the grace and goodness of God. The depths of the goodness of God are ours to share, we just need to want them.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge
The next quality that Peter encourages us to add to our faith is knowledge. Upon starting in faith, we need to display virtue and purity. But we need to express this purity in the knowledge and wisdom of God. The use of anything without knowledge and practical experience is dangerous and can be harmful. We all know that a small amount of knowledge in the wrong hands is dangerous. Even so, we need godly virtue displayed with wisdom and knowledge.
Knowledge comes in many forms. Many people merely know about God, but this does not get us to heaven. Each person born on this earth has been instilled, by God, with knowledge of a greater being than themselves. But it is our decision as to what to do with it. We need to believe in Christ, and then, we can know God to a greater degree and to a deeper level. Knowing God personally, intimately, how He works and what He thinks comes from faithfully spending time in His word and prayer. Walking in obedience to God is the greatest way to find out who He is. God is never too big or too busy to spend time with us. In fact, He is delighted when we bow before Him and spend time with Him. We need reverence and awe to come to God. Solomon says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction”, (Proverbs 1:7).
Peter tells us, in verse 2, about the knowledge of God. He says, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord”, (2 Peter 1:2, NKJV). Gaining the knowledge of God allows us to be blessed with amazing amounts of grace and peace. All people are seeking peace. Many are seeking it by acquiring money, popularity, things, sex and/or many other ways. But the only way that we will obtain peace is by knowing God. What greater way in there to be at peace than to receive the grace of God. Receiving a reward when we deserve judgment, obtaining a pardon when we deserve a sentence, what greater peace of mind is this?
Verse 4 of this same chapter says that by the knowledge of God we can be “partakers of the divine nature”. Isn’t this tremendous? When we know God greater, we can share His very nature. We can be a partner or an associate with the very nature of God. Experiencing God at the very core of His being and knowing Him to this degree is available for every one of us. We can know Him personally, uniquely and awesomely if we flee corruption and put our complete trust in the grace and goodness of God. The depths of the goodness of God are ours to share, we just need to want them.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The Virtuous Believer
2 Peter 1:5 (NKJV)
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge
After trusting Jesus Christ as our savior, He desires that we grow. Within 2 Peter 1:5-7, we are given guidelines as to what is needed to assist our faith. Virtue is the first godly quality that Peter encourages us to supply to our faith is Christ. Virtue is a quiet subject in the church and even the bible talks about it only a few times. But, Peter uses it as the first character quality that we need in order for our faith to grow.
In order to have a deeper and more vital walk with Christ, we need to go above and beyond simple faith. It only takes a mustard seed of faith to become a Christian, but it is trust and faith that Christ wants to strengthen as we walk with Him. The writer of Hebrews tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him”, (Hebrews 11:6a, NKJV). We see here that God cannot be pleased without faith. God is delighted and thrilled when we trust Him in a walk of faith.
Virtue is a sign of moral excellence and purity. Someone who desires to display virtue seeks to go above and beyond normal. This is someone who is not satisfied with status quo. This is someone who is willing to step out of their comfort zone. When we seek purity in our walk with God, we find that our total life needs to be consumed with God and His word. Others need to see that faith and God’s word is working in our life, so we need a higher standard to live by. As salt of the earth, we need to be the spice that helps others desire Christ.
Our focus needs to be on the Lord and His ways, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things”, (Philippians(4:8),NKJV). Notice, it is a virtuous thing to think on these things. This will not be easy. Many times we will not feel like doing these things and sometimes we may not even want to. Just tell the Lord your thoughts and ask Him for His strength to overcome. Thank Him, in faith, before things even happen that He has already answered your prayers. Then watch Him answer.
A person walking virtuously and in purity is someone that everyone desires to be around. This is why Solomon says, “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies”, (Proverbs 31:10, NKJV). All who have a virtuous spouse know that no amount of money could buy this.
Thought, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge
After trusting Jesus Christ as our savior, He desires that we grow. Within 2 Peter 1:5-7, we are given guidelines as to what is needed to assist our faith. Virtue is the first godly quality that Peter encourages us to supply to our faith is Christ. Virtue is a quiet subject in the church and even the bible talks about it only a few times. But, Peter uses it as the first character quality that we need in order for our faith to grow.
In order to have a deeper and more vital walk with Christ, we need to go above and beyond simple faith. It only takes a mustard seed of faith to become a Christian, but it is trust and faith that Christ wants to strengthen as we walk with Him. The writer of Hebrews tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him”, (Hebrews 11:6a, NKJV). We see here that God cannot be pleased without faith. God is delighted and thrilled when we trust Him in a walk of faith.
Virtue is a sign of moral excellence and purity. Someone who desires to display virtue seeks to go above and beyond normal. This is someone who is not satisfied with status quo. This is someone who is willing to step out of their comfort zone. When we seek purity in our walk with God, we find that our total life needs to be consumed with God and His word. Others need to see that faith and God’s word is working in our life, so we need a higher standard to live by. As salt of the earth, we need to be the spice that helps others desire Christ.
Our focus needs to be on the Lord and His ways, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things”, (Philippians(4:8),NKJV). Notice, it is a virtuous thing to think on these things. This will not be easy. Many times we will not feel like doing these things and sometimes we may not even want to. Just tell the Lord your thoughts and ask Him for His strength to overcome. Thank Him, in faith, before things even happen that He has already answered your prayers. Then watch Him answer.
A person walking virtuously and in purity is someone that everyone desires to be around. This is why Solomon says, “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies”, (Proverbs 31:10, NKJV). All who have a virtuous spouse know that no amount of money could buy this.
Thought, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, February 2, 2012
The Opposite Ways of God
I Peter 6:6,7 (NKJV)
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
While walking with God, many times we need to realize that His ways are different from ours. Sometimes they are opposite. Isaiah tells us this, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD”, (Isaiah 55:8, NKJV). We need to realize that God’s wisdom and knowledge are extremely greater and more infinite than ours. Our response should be to step back in faith and trust Him that He knows what He is doing.
In today’s verse we find that humility will exalt us. Humility is so foreign to the world that we live in that it is not even considered as an option. But God says that He can use us to a greater extent if we display humility. We first of all need to humble ourselves before Him. God cannot use us if pride resides within us. Pride demands that we are in control. But humility realizes that God’s ways are always greater that ours and His ways are the only way to go. We need to always be ready to obey God, no matter what it costs us. Humility shows God that we are His possession and it shows the world and we are God’s possession.
The phrase “in due time” also implies that God’s timing is, many times, different from ours. We want instant answers. We want things done in our timing, but God may need to prepare us, prepare others or the situation in order to answer our prayers perfectly. When God does things in His timing, we will always be amazed at how He worked it out and that He is the only One who could have accomplished this task.
In verse 7 we are told to cast our cares on him because He cares for us. God wants to take responsibility and ownership of handling all of our cares and concerns. This again is so opposite of the ways of the world. Think of a boss. Many times a boss wants to pass off difficult work to others so that they don’t have to deal with. God wants to handle all our cares and difficulties because He loves us and He knows that we are weak. He wants us to be concerned with more important things than the cares of this world. A boss tends to want us to be concerned with the details of the job and not to be caught up with other things. God cares for us and wants to bear the burden instead of us.
Why do we, so often, not want to cast our cares on God? So many times we think that we can handle it better than God. Just remember, give all your concerns and cares to Him and He will work it out much greater than we can. Throw your cares upon Him and don’t take them back. God knows what He’s doing, even when we don’t.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
While walking with God, many times we need to realize that His ways are different from ours. Sometimes they are opposite. Isaiah tells us this, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD”, (Isaiah 55:8, NKJV). We need to realize that God’s wisdom and knowledge are extremely greater and more infinite than ours. Our response should be to step back in faith and trust Him that He knows what He is doing.
In today’s verse we find that humility will exalt us. Humility is so foreign to the world that we live in that it is not even considered as an option. But God says that He can use us to a greater extent if we display humility. We first of all need to humble ourselves before Him. God cannot use us if pride resides within us. Pride demands that we are in control. But humility realizes that God’s ways are always greater that ours and His ways are the only way to go. We need to always be ready to obey God, no matter what it costs us. Humility shows God that we are His possession and it shows the world and we are God’s possession.
The phrase “in due time” also implies that God’s timing is, many times, different from ours. We want instant answers. We want things done in our timing, but God may need to prepare us, prepare others or the situation in order to answer our prayers perfectly. When God does things in His timing, we will always be amazed at how He worked it out and that He is the only One who could have accomplished this task.
In verse 7 we are told to cast our cares on him because He cares for us. God wants to take responsibility and ownership of handling all of our cares and concerns. This again is so opposite of the ways of the world. Think of a boss. Many times a boss wants to pass off difficult work to others so that they don’t have to deal with. God wants to handle all our cares and difficulties because He loves us and He knows that we are weak. He wants us to be concerned with more important things than the cares of this world. A boss tends to want us to be concerned with the details of the job and not to be caught up with other things. God cares for us and wants to bear the burden instead of us.
Why do we, so often, not want to cast our cares on God? So many times we think that we can handle it better than God. Just remember, give all your concerns and cares to Him and He will work it out much greater than we can. Throw your cares upon Him and don’t take them back. God knows what He’s doing, even when we don’t.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
Friday, January 27, 2012
A Shield of Protection
Psalm 18:35 (NKJV)
You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.
A shield is a necessary element in the hands of a battle ready soldier. In biblical times hand to hand battles where common and a shield was used for protection from the enemy’s weapons. It was a defensive tool for the sake of fortifying the warrior from harm. Today, we may not be in a physical hand to hand battle, but we are continually in a spiritual battle. We battle the unseen forces of an enemy who attacks our mind, our family, our health, our finances and many other things that can subtly destroy us.
In today’s verse David reminds us that our shield is God’s salvation. Salvation in completely the work of God, we cannot save ourselves or earn it in any way. We just need to repent of our sins and trust Him. When we put our trust in God it is the very power of heaven that shields us from danger. Solomon states is, “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him”, (Proverbs 3:5, NKJV). Our only defense to be saved eternally and protected daily is faith. Paul tells this in Ephesians, “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one”, (Ephesians 6:16, NKJV). Paul is showing us here that the enemy uses fiery darts, which only are used for the sake of hurt and destroying the opponent.
The main battle ground is our mind. If Satan can deceive us, divert our path or destroy our desire to trust in God, he claims it as victory. We have a powerful tool which is called faith. Faith can and will make these weapons have no effect. Faith keeps our mind on the Lord and His goodness to us, not on the difficulties in the situations at hand. Just as Solomon notes that every word of God is pure, our responsibility relies in the fact that we need to stay in the word of God daily, meditating on Him and His principle. God’s word, infused in our mind will comfort us, strengthen us and stabilize our heart in the midst of all battles. Faith in God and His word diverts our mind unto Him and not the situation.
David goes on to tell us that God’s hand holds us up as we trust in Him. God shows His children individual loving care which daily proves to us and others that He is concerned about every care of our life. It is by gentleness that He establishes this in our mind. He deals with us in all gentleness and expects the same out of us. Gentleness is not weakness. In fact, greater strength is exercised by showing gentleness and not harshness. Paul says that showing gentleness displays the Lord’s presence, “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand”, (Phil. 4:5, NKVJ).
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.
A shield is a necessary element in the hands of a battle ready soldier. In biblical times hand to hand battles where common and a shield was used for protection from the enemy’s weapons. It was a defensive tool for the sake of fortifying the warrior from harm. Today, we may not be in a physical hand to hand battle, but we are continually in a spiritual battle. We battle the unseen forces of an enemy who attacks our mind, our family, our health, our finances and many other things that can subtly destroy us.
In today’s verse David reminds us that our shield is God’s salvation. Salvation in completely the work of God, we cannot save ourselves or earn it in any way. We just need to repent of our sins and trust Him. When we put our trust in God it is the very power of heaven that shields us from danger. Solomon states is, “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him”, (Proverbs 3:5, NKJV). Our only defense to be saved eternally and protected daily is faith. Paul tells this in Ephesians, “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one”, (Ephesians 6:16, NKJV). Paul is showing us here that the enemy uses fiery darts, which only are used for the sake of hurt and destroying the opponent.
The main battle ground is our mind. If Satan can deceive us, divert our path or destroy our desire to trust in God, he claims it as victory. We have a powerful tool which is called faith. Faith can and will make these weapons have no effect. Faith keeps our mind on the Lord and His goodness to us, not on the difficulties in the situations at hand. Just as Solomon notes that every word of God is pure, our responsibility relies in the fact that we need to stay in the word of God daily, meditating on Him and His principle. God’s word, infused in our mind will comfort us, strengthen us and stabilize our heart in the midst of all battles. Faith in God and His word diverts our mind unto Him and not the situation.
David goes on to tell us that God’s hand holds us up as we trust in Him. God shows His children individual loving care which daily proves to us and others that He is concerned about every care of our life. It is by gentleness that He establishes this in our mind. He deals with us in all gentleness and expects the same out of us. Gentleness is not weakness. In fact, greater strength is exercised by showing gentleness and not harshness. Paul says that showing gentleness displays the Lord’s presence, “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand”, (Phil. 4:5, NKVJ).
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
Friday, January 20, 2012
Never Alone
Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
We cannot fully understand the degree of sorrow that the Lord Jesus bore on the cross for each one of us. He is perfect, He is God, He lived a spotless life and shameless in every aspect. But we rejected Him and He died in our place anyway. Most of us cannot fathom dying in the place of someone else who hates us. But that is what the Lord Jesus did for us.
Jesus had such a close relationship with His Father that it must to have been devastating to experience the rejection of His Father. This is why He cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”, (Matt. 27:46b, NKJV). Forsaking someone has the idea of turning your back on someone, leaving them or abandoning them. In order for Christ to experience the judgment that we deserve, the Father needed to turn away from Him. At this point Christ experienced the agony of hell that we deserve. This had to have been the deepest spiritual, emotional, mental and physical hurt ever endured by anyone. But Christ’s love for us and His desire to spend eternity with us was greater than His desire for even His own life. Only this kind of love comes from God. But, it does not end there. The victory lies in the fact that He did not stay in the grave.
When He was raised on the third day, He was raised in newness of life. This is why, when we trust Christ as savior He promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. Just as the Father did not leave Him in judgment, even so Jesus will not leave us, if we trust Him. He will be there with us eternally and daily.
After trusting Christ, our natural response should be to give all for His sake. This will probably take sacrifice, but it order to be His disciple we must learn to be like Him. This takes giving of ourselves even when we don’t like the consequences. Jesus said, “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple”, (Luke 14:33, NKJV). Just remember, He sacrificed a whole lot more for us. So, when it seems that life is not fair or that too much is required of you, remember what Jesus gave up for you and me.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
We cannot fully understand the degree of sorrow that the Lord Jesus bore on the cross for each one of us. He is perfect, He is God, He lived a spotless life and shameless in every aspect. But we rejected Him and He died in our place anyway. Most of us cannot fathom dying in the place of someone else who hates us. But that is what the Lord Jesus did for us.
Jesus had such a close relationship with His Father that it must to have been devastating to experience the rejection of His Father. This is why He cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”, (Matt. 27:46b, NKJV). Forsaking someone has the idea of turning your back on someone, leaving them or abandoning them. In order for Christ to experience the judgment that we deserve, the Father needed to turn away from Him. At this point Christ experienced the agony of hell that we deserve. This had to have been the deepest spiritual, emotional, mental and physical hurt ever endured by anyone. But Christ’s love for us and His desire to spend eternity with us was greater than His desire for even His own life. Only this kind of love comes from God. But, it does not end there. The victory lies in the fact that He did not stay in the grave.
When He was raised on the third day, He was raised in newness of life. This is why, when we trust Christ as savior He promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. Just as the Father did not leave Him in judgment, even so Jesus will not leave us, if we trust Him. He will be there with us eternally and daily.
After trusting Christ, our natural response should be to give all for His sake. This will probably take sacrifice, but it order to be His disciple we must learn to be like Him. This takes giving of ourselves even when we don’t like the consequences. Jesus said, “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple”, (Luke 14:33, NKJV). Just remember, He sacrificed a whole lot more for us. So, when it seems that life is not fair or that too much is required of you, remember what Jesus gave up for you and me.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Gifted Believers
I Timothy 4:14 (NKJV)
14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.
When God gives a gift it is given because of His grace. We cannot earn it and we do not deserve it. If fact, we actually deserve the opposite. But God gives gifts in grace and mercy. Salvation is a gift of God we cannot earn and it is completely given by means of grace. God also gives each believer specific gifts for the sake of His kingdom.
Paul gives us instructions as to how to go about using these gifts. We should not neglect the gifts that God gives us. God has a purpose and plan for each of us. We need to intensely seek to accomplish the plan that He has for us individually. We need to use His gifts for this purpose. The word ‘neglect’ has the idea of being careless with something or making light of it. Christ gave us salvation and it cost Him His very life and the gifts He gives at salvation are also very valuable. Paul encourages us to get going and use our gifts to the fullest extent throughout life. This takes desire, commitment, love for God and staying in His word and prayer daily.
In verse 15 Paul tells us to meditate on these things. We need to think of every way possible that we can utilize God’s gifts to be a fit soldier for His kingdom. We then need to be given over entirely to the use of His gifts and callings in order to have progress in maturity and usefulness for His work.
In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he tells us to stir up this gift. He says, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands”, (2 Timothy 1:6, NKJV). We need to kindle or set aflame our desire for Christ and use our gifts for His pleasure. In the next verse Paul tells us not to be timid when serving God. He says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”. (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV). Do not be fearful when using the gift that God has given you. Be bold in His power, but always operate in love. We need to have a sound mind and plenty of love to accurately represent Christ to the world. Ask God how and where He can use you and He will show you where to get involved.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.
When God gives a gift it is given because of His grace. We cannot earn it and we do not deserve it. If fact, we actually deserve the opposite. But God gives gifts in grace and mercy. Salvation is a gift of God we cannot earn and it is completely given by means of grace. God also gives each believer specific gifts for the sake of His kingdom.
Paul gives us instructions as to how to go about using these gifts. We should not neglect the gifts that God gives us. God has a purpose and plan for each of us. We need to intensely seek to accomplish the plan that He has for us individually. We need to use His gifts for this purpose. The word ‘neglect’ has the idea of being careless with something or making light of it. Christ gave us salvation and it cost Him His very life and the gifts He gives at salvation are also very valuable. Paul encourages us to get going and use our gifts to the fullest extent throughout life. This takes desire, commitment, love for God and staying in His word and prayer daily.
In verse 15 Paul tells us to meditate on these things. We need to think of every way possible that we can utilize God’s gifts to be a fit soldier for His kingdom. We then need to be given over entirely to the use of His gifts and callings in order to have progress in maturity and usefulness for His work.
In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he tells us to stir up this gift. He says, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands”, (2 Timothy 1:6, NKJV). We need to kindle or set aflame our desire for Christ and use our gifts for His pleasure. In the next verse Paul tells us not to be timid when serving God. He says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”. (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV). Do not be fearful when using the gift that God has given you. Be bold in His power, but always operate in love. We need to have a sound mind and plenty of love to accurately represent Christ to the world. Ask God how and where He can use you and He will show you where to get involved.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.
Daniel A. Smith
Friday, January 6, 2012
Salty Speech
Colossians 4:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Our words are extremely powerful. They can build up others or destroy others. Solomon says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue”, (Proverbs 18:21a). We need to be careful with the words that we use. We are an example of Christ to a dying world that so desperately needs Him.
Paul begins these verses by telling us that it is imperative that we use wisdom when dealing with people in the world. We need to use the wisdom of God, the principles of scripture and a mind focused on heaven when we deal with others. The good of the other person should be our primary goal. Most people have not partaken of God’s great gift of salvation and we need to tell them about this awesome gift that we have in Christ. Paul also says that we need to redeem the time. We need to get to work. We need to buy back every opportunity that we have missed. We need share Christ to a sin stained world the greatest gift known to man – Christ Jesus.
In verse 6, Paul gives us the principles that we need to follow in order to share the truth with others. He tells us to have our speech always be shown with grace. Grace is an undeserved gift that is given despite how the person has acted or what they have done. Isn’t that what salvation is – an underserved gift in spite of our sin. In our speech we need to show this kind of grace by kindness, love and gentleness. We need to show the difference that Christ has made in our life.
Our speech needs to be seasoned with salt. Salt is a seasoning which, when used sparingly, accents the flavor of food tremendously. Salt also creates a thirst in our mouth so that we desire more of what we eat. Our words need to be used in wisdom and love so as to accent the greatness of Christ. This will put a desire in the minds and hearts of others so that they will want to learn more about Him. We cannot do this any other way but by being abandoned of ourselves and filled with Christ. It is only when we have this Mindset that we can provide this gift of grace in our speech. It is then that we can know how to answer other people, because we are then focused on Christ, the need of the other person and not ourselves.
We also need to realize that we are told to use salt and not sugar. Sugar is a substance most people desire, but too much sugar makes one sick. Whereas salt accents the natural flavor of the food and enhances the needed tastes of the food. In the spiritual realm, the gospel is not always well accepted by some and offensive to many. We need to give people the message that they need to hear and not what they want to hear. This means we may need to speak things that are unpopular but extremely needed. We need to be the salt of the earth are not to sugar coat the gospel, giving people only what they want to hear.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer request.
Daniel A. Smith
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Our words are extremely powerful. They can build up others or destroy others. Solomon says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue”, (Proverbs 18:21a). We need to be careful with the words that we use. We are an example of Christ to a dying world that so desperately needs Him.
Paul begins these verses by telling us that it is imperative that we use wisdom when dealing with people in the world. We need to use the wisdom of God, the principles of scripture and a mind focused on heaven when we deal with others. The good of the other person should be our primary goal. Most people have not partaken of God’s great gift of salvation and we need to tell them about this awesome gift that we have in Christ. Paul also says that we need to redeem the time. We need to get to work. We need to buy back every opportunity that we have missed. We need share Christ to a sin stained world the greatest gift known to man – Christ Jesus.
In verse 6, Paul gives us the principles that we need to follow in order to share the truth with others. He tells us to have our speech always be shown with grace. Grace is an undeserved gift that is given despite how the person has acted or what they have done. Isn’t that what salvation is – an underserved gift in spite of our sin. In our speech we need to show this kind of grace by kindness, love and gentleness. We need to show the difference that Christ has made in our life.
Our speech needs to be seasoned with salt. Salt is a seasoning which, when used sparingly, accents the flavor of food tremendously. Salt also creates a thirst in our mouth so that we desire more of what we eat. Our words need to be used in wisdom and love so as to accent the greatness of Christ. This will put a desire in the minds and hearts of others so that they will want to learn more about Him. We cannot do this any other way but by being abandoned of ourselves and filled with Christ. It is only when we have this Mindset that we can provide this gift of grace in our speech. It is then that we can know how to answer other people, because we are then focused on Christ, the need of the other person and not ourselves.
We also need to realize that we are told to use salt and not sugar. Sugar is a substance most people desire, but too much sugar makes one sick. Whereas salt accents the natural flavor of the food and enhances the needed tastes of the food. In the spiritual realm, the gospel is not always well accepted by some and offensive to many. We need to give people the message that they need to hear and not what they want to hear. This means we may need to speak things that are unpopular but extremely needed. We need to be the salt of the earth are not to sugar coat the gospel, giving people only what they want to hear.
Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer request.
Daniel A. Smith
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