John 15:9
Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
Jesus speaks of the differences between the Father’s commandments and His commandments. As I looked at this, I realized that Jesus said, "love one another, just as I have loved you." Notice that it is not as you love yourself, but as Jesus has loved you. There is a difference from the letter of the law and the law of the Spirit.
There are 5 things that Jesus basically commands us: to believe in Him, to love one another the way that He has loved you, to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, to preach the Kingdom, and to make disciples.
What are the things that the devil is always fighting against? Us believing, loving, being baptized in the Holy Spirit, preaching the Kingdom and making disciples?
That is why the devil is happy to let us be religious, independent and full of ourselves, walking in the traditions of man that keep us divided.
That is why when you are born again, you become spiritual beings in Christ, walking in the Spirit and you are no longer human beings walking in the flesh.
I would encourage you to see what Jesus has commanded you to do, so you will abide in His love.
Blessings
Doug
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
God's Pleasure
While I was reading in Galatians, I saw where Paul said that it pleased (or was the will or wish of) God to reveal His Son to Paul that he might preach Him among the Gentiles.
I think that most people think God is out to get them and that He stands waiting for them to mess up so He can judge them. But if we understand the heart of the Father, we realize that He is for us and not against us. He wants us to fulfill what He has predestined us to be in His Son. It gives Him pleasure when we walk in the grace of His calling.
Jesus tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added. Do not fear, for it is your Father’s good pleasure (His wish, will, or choice) to give you the kingdom.
Paul said in Philippians that it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
I believe that there is a difference between what God’s pleasure is and what pleases Him.
We need to have our minds renewed in the understanding of what pleases God. Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Faith is what gives God pleasure--enjoyment, delight, satisfaction--and He has given to each a measure of faith. What pleases Him, He has already given us. How cool is that.
God is pleased to give His will, and it pleases God when we fulfill it.
Hidden in Christ with God.
Food for thought.
Doug
I think that most people think God is out to get them and that He stands waiting for them to mess up so He can judge them. But if we understand the heart of the Father, we realize that He is for us and not against us. He wants us to fulfill what He has predestined us to be in His Son. It gives Him pleasure when we walk in the grace of His calling.
Jesus tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added. Do not fear, for it is your Father’s good pleasure (His wish, will, or choice) to give you the kingdom.
Paul said in Philippians that it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
I believe that there is a difference between what God’s pleasure is and what pleases Him.
We need to have our minds renewed in the understanding of what pleases God. Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Faith is what gives God pleasure--enjoyment, delight, satisfaction--and He has given to each a measure of faith. What pleases Him, He has already given us. How cool is that.
God is pleased to give His will, and it pleases God when we fulfill it.
Hidden in Christ with God.
Food for thought.
Doug
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
What do you have on?
I was thinking about 2007 and all that had happened and the places we had been. Then I realized that 2007 is gone, and 2008 is here. I was reminded of what Paul said in 2 Cor. 5: if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.
Eph 4
We have been taught, with regard to our former way of life, to put off our old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of our mind; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Rom 8
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on the nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by sinful nature cannot please God.
We need to start out this year by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lust. We need to prepare our minds for action and keep sober in spirit, fixing our hope completely on the grace to be brought to us in Jesus Christ. We need to take every thought captive by the word that is hidden in our hearts.
Eph 6
Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
My question for you: What do you have on?
Blessings on your journey in 2008.
Doug
Eph 4
We have been taught, with regard to our former way of life, to put off our old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of our mind; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Rom 8
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on the nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by sinful nature cannot please God.
We need to start out this year by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lust. We need to prepare our minds for action and keep sober in spirit, fixing our hope completely on the grace to be brought to us in Jesus Christ. We need to take every thought captive by the word that is hidden in our hearts.
Eph 6
Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
My question for you: What do you have on?
Blessings on your journey in 2008.
Doug
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