Eph 4:4-6
There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
I have just returned from Peru where I had been invited to come share the word of God. I found that the word of God is the same in Peru as it is in America. If were not, then something is wrong. Because God is not building something in the USA and something else in the rest of the world. I am reminded of what He said: If God is not building the house, the labors are working in vain.
I feel alot of what is being built today is not the heart of God. Most of what we see being built today is the tradition of men or a spider web. The spider web, I guess, is not bad if you are the spider, but if you are not the spider, then you are just food for the spider. There seems to be alot of fat spiders or Apostles and Pastors in what is called the church today.
God has called us to build His Church, make disciples and establish His Kingdom on Earth. What causes the body to grow, is when every part is working. We need to understand that every part is important; we need each part walking in the grace that was given to them in Christ's gift.
That is why Christ gave gifts to men for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
The heart of a Father should be to see everyone complete in Christ, who is the head of His body. We need to think about what Jesus said--He came to serve, not to be served. If you want to be great, you must be a servant of all. Paul said that he was the least of all saints. I feel that is a different mindset than what we see in today's so-called Fathers.
Paul implores us to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Blessing on your journey.
Doug
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Abide in His Love
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
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
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
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
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