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
Thursday, January 17, 2008
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
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Where is your peace?
We are living in a world where nothing seems to be certain. You hear one thing one day and another the next. You put your hope in what you have been told, and then find that what you have been told is not the whole truth. The world seems to have little to no understanding of what is going on and what is going to happen. One man tells us one thing and another man tells us something completely different. Who and what can we believe?
Jesus tells us that "in the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." He tells us, "My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." I hope that you are catching what He is saying here--that He himself is our peace. We can only find real peace, the peace that passes understanding, in Him. That is why we put our hope and trust in Him and not in the world.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Did you catch that? The God of peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think it can get any better than that. But it does. The Father of peace will send the Holy Spirit in Jesus’s name to teach us all things and to bring to remembrance all that Jesus has said to us. Think about it--we have the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, so nothing can steal our peace that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts and let the words of Christ dwell in you richly.
Blessings
Doug
Jesus tells us that "in the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." He tells us, "My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." I hope that you are catching what He is saying here--that He himself is our peace. We can only find real peace, the peace that passes understanding, in Him. That is why we put our hope and trust in Him and not in the world.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Did you catch that? The God of peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think it can get any better than that. But it does. The Father of peace will send the Holy Spirit in Jesus’s name to teach us all things and to bring to remembrance all that Jesus has said to us. Think about it--we have the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, so nothing can steal our peace that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts and let the words of Christ dwell in you richly.
Blessings
Doug
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Reap What You Sow
Have you ever wondered why some people are more blessed than others?
I think one of the reasons might be in what Paul talked about in Gal. 6. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
2Cor. 9 tells us that he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver, and God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.
Did you catch the part that God loves?
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality.
Most people use these words to talk about money, but I think it talks about more than just money. God wants us to sow ourselves bountifully into the work that He has predestined us to. Most of the time, it is easier to give our money than our time. God wants us to present ourselves a living and holy sacrifice.
I would encourage you to sow yourself to the work of the Spirit and watch what the Father will do on your behalf.
Blessings
Doug
I think one of the reasons might be in what Paul talked about in Gal. 6. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
2Cor. 9 tells us that he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver, and God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.
Did you catch the part that God loves?
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality.
Most people use these words to talk about money, but I think it talks about more than just money. God wants us to sow ourselves bountifully into the work that He has predestined us to. Most of the time, it is easier to give our money than our time. God wants us to present ourselves a living and holy sacrifice.
I would encourage you to sow yourself to the work of the Spirit and watch what the Father will do on your behalf.
Blessings
Doug
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
What is a Father's heart?
I realized that my heart as a father towards my children is like the heart of God the Father towards us, His children.
I have two children, one of which is a son. He is married and has two children himself. When they come home for a visit, I have realized that he thinks that what is mine is his. He will go into my closet and wear my clothes. Without asking, he will open my ice box and drink out of my water jar and it doesn’t bother him the least bit. I have two pairs of house shoes--when he is here visiting, I find that at times both pairs are in his room. When he comes to my house, he just makes himself at home and acts like it is his house and they are his things.
My daughter has the same understanding. She also is married and has two children. My wife and I will be gone for a few days and when we return, we will find things are missing from our home and they will be at her home because she needed to use them while we were gone. It doesn’t bother her a bit to get whatever she might need out of my house and take to her home.
You know, I like that they still feel like this too is their home, and these things of mine they are welcome to use. They are my children and they have a key to the front door.
I think that is what the Father wants us to understand. All things that are His, He gave to us. He has given us access to Him though His Son Jesus. The word tells us to come boldly before Him, letting our request be made known. You have not because you haven’t asked, and when you asked you didn’t believe you would receive.
I believe that God wants us to understand His heart toward us as His children, and to walk fully in the purpose that He had predestined for us before we were born.
Jer 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give a future and a hope.
John 15:16
You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.
Walk as children of God and heirs to His Kingdom.
Blessings
Doug
I have two children, one of which is a son. He is married and has two children himself. When they come home for a visit, I have realized that he thinks that what is mine is his. He will go into my closet and wear my clothes. Without asking, he will open my ice box and drink out of my water jar and it doesn’t bother him the least bit. I have two pairs of house shoes--when he is here visiting, I find that at times both pairs are in his room. When he comes to my house, he just makes himself at home and acts like it is his house and they are his things.
My daughter has the same understanding. She also is married and has two children. My wife and I will be gone for a few days and when we return, we will find things are missing from our home and they will be at her home because she needed to use them while we were gone. It doesn’t bother her a bit to get whatever she might need out of my house and take to her home.
You know, I like that they still feel like this too is their home, and these things of mine they are welcome to use. They are my children and they have a key to the front door.
I think that is what the Father wants us to understand. All things that are His, He gave to us. He has given us access to Him though His Son Jesus. The word tells us to come boldly before Him, letting our request be made known. You have not because you haven’t asked, and when you asked you didn’t believe you would receive.
I believe that God wants us to understand His heart toward us as His children, and to walk fully in the purpose that He had predestined for us before we were born.
Jer 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give a future and a hope.
John 15:16
You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.
Walk as children of God and heirs to His Kingdom.
Blessings
Doug
Monday, November 26, 2007
Rejoice in Suffering
God uses circumstances to develop our character.
2. Cor 4:17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Life is a series of problems. Every time you solve one, another one is waiting.
John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
You are measured by the way you handle your problems.
1 Peter 4: 12-19
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
Mat. 5: 1-12
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Sometime we suffer for someone else.
Col. 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.
Problems forces us to look to God and depend on Him instead of ourselves.
2. Cor. 1: 3-11
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
We learn obedience in suffering.
Heb. 5:8
Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.
We need to be like Paul when he said "whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I haven suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and be found in Him." Phil. 3
Learning how to rejoice in suffering will keep your heart right and bring peace.
Blessings
Doug
2. Cor 4:17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Life is a series of problems. Every time you solve one, another one is waiting.
John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
You are measured by the way you handle your problems.
1 Peter 4: 12-19
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
Mat. 5: 1-12
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Sometime we suffer for someone else.
Col. 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.
Problems forces us to look to God and depend on Him instead of ourselves.
2. Cor. 1: 3-11
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
We learn obedience in suffering.
Heb. 5:8
Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.
We need to be like Paul when he said "whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I haven suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and be found in Him." Phil. 3
Learning how to rejoice in suffering will keep your heart right and bring peace.
Blessings
Doug
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Being Convinced that God is Faithful.
The Lord spoke to me about being convinced that He is able to bring to pass what He has spoken and that He is able to keep what I have trusted to Him.
Heb 11:6
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 that seeks Him.
He gives each a measure of faith. Did you catch it? He gives us what pleases Him to start with so that we can please Him. How cool is that.
We must believe that He is. Is what? He is God, He's the Man, He is the beginning before the end. He holds the universe in the palm of His hand. That means He is BIG.
"Seek you first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you." He tells us that when we seek Him first all these things will be added because He knows we have need of them. How cool is that.
I made a list of things that I am convinced of:
1. God loves me. John 3:16
2. God chose me. John 15:16
3. God will never leave me or forsake me. Duet 31:6
4. Greater is He who is in me than against me. 1 John 4:4
5. His word will not return to Him without accomplishing what He sent it for. Isa 55:11
6. He is a rewarder of those that seek Him. Heb 11:6
7. All things work together for good. Rom 8:28
8. No weapon formed against me will prosper. Isa 54:17
9. Whatever I ask according to His will, He hears me. 1 John 5:14
10. That signs and wonders follow me. Mark 16:17
11. That His blessings will overtake me as I walk believing.
12. He is able to finish what He has begun. 2 Tim 1:12
I would encourage you to make your list of the things that you are convinced God will do.
He is faithful and He keeps proving Himself faithful.
Blessings
Doug
Heb 11:6
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 that seeks Him.
He gives each a measure of faith. Did you catch it? He gives us what pleases Him to start with so that we can please Him. How cool is that.
We must believe that He is. Is what? He is God, He's the Man, He is the beginning before the end. He holds the universe in the palm of His hand. That means He is BIG.
"Seek you first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you." He tells us that when we seek Him first all these things will be added because He knows we have need of them. How cool is that.
I made a list of things that I am convinced of:
1. God loves me. John 3:16
2. God chose me. John 15:16
3. God will never leave me or forsake me. Duet 31:6
4. Greater is He who is in me than against me. 1 John 4:4
5. His word will not return to Him without accomplishing what He sent it for. Isa 55:11
6. He is a rewarder of those that seek Him. Heb 11:6
7. All things work together for good. Rom 8:28
8. No weapon formed against me will prosper. Isa 54:17
9. Whatever I ask according to His will, He hears me. 1 John 5:14
10. That signs and wonders follow me. Mark 16:17
11. That His blessings will overtake me as I walk believing.
12. He is able to finish what He has begun. 2 Tim 1:12
I would encourage you to make your list of the things that you are convinced God will do.
He is faithful and He keeps proving Himself faithful.
Blessings
Doug
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