Romans 13
Inspired thots
As some function approaches nearer, it is natural for the participants to be more excited or anxious; as in celebrations or examinations. There is a Greater URGENCY to Be Ready. There will be Many things to get readied, including self.
And ONE Important Aspect in Being Ready is to be PERFECT in EVERYTHING;
~ Submitting to Authorities (as they are established by God)
~ Owing No one Anything
~ Loving your Neighbor
~ Understand the Times
~ Take off the works of darkness
~ Wake up from Slumber
~ Put on the Armour of Light
~ Behave decently
~ Clothe self with Christ
It is TIME to be READY. The night is nearly over ~ the NEW DAY is dawning.
AM I READY?
A daily time out with the Lord Jesus, to hear Him speak to ME. I am asking the Lord to share HIS thoughts with ME, to teach me more about Himself, and how I can be drawn closer to Him... for 'His thoughts are not my thoughts and neither are His ways my ways' Isaiah 55:8,9. This blog is not a theological exegesis. This blog is to record down the INSIGHTS & INSPIRATIONS of God's Word to me; speaking LIFE into my life for Abundant life! :)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Righteous Living for a Righteous God
Romans 12
Inspired thots
Before the NEW can come, the OLD must go. Something always has to MAKE WAY.
If I want GOD's BEST, I must RELEASE the WORLD's WAYS.
Staying HUMBLE and not Exalting self will put me on the RIGHT path with God...
~ March lesson point/revelation: DO NOT ROB GOD of His GLORY!
! Do not SAY 'It WAS I' for the success of any task done.
! Do not say 'I was capable' for it was God who worked IN me and THROUGH me... it is a PRIVILEGE to be CHOSEN by God to work FOR Him...
It is to HIS GLORY...
There are SO MANY Gifts that God can EQUIP His people with... Just ASK for the TAKING...
THEN, use it for the COMFORT of OTHERS... Bless others with your Gifts.
RIGHTEOUS Living... as a good testimony for God..
Inspired thots
Before the NEW can come, the OLD must go. Something always has to MAKE WAY.
If I want GOD's BEST, I must RELEASE the WORLD's WAYS.
Staying HUMBLE and not Exalting self will put me on the RIGHT path with God...
~ March lesson point/revelation: DO NOT ROB GOD of His GLORY!
! Do not SAY 'It WAS I' for the success of any task done.
! Do not say 'I was capable' for it was God who worked IN me and THROUGH me... it is a PRIVILEGE to be CHOSEN by God to work FOR Him...
It is to HIS GLORY...
There are SO MANY Gifts that God can EQUIP His people with... Just ASK for the TAKING...
THEN, use it for the COMFORT of OTHERS... Bless others with your Gifts.
RIGHTEOUS Living... as a good testimony for God..
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
God is a God of Purpose
Romans 11
Inspired thots
It is reassuring to know that:
~ God has all things planned and in control of them
~ all God has planned is Excellent and Good for me
~ what God has planned may seem adverse to one but fruitful to another.
There is a relation between people.
Be thankful for the opportunity given to be part of God's kingdom and plans.
Be not boastful or arrogant for the opportunity or blessing as it is not my own doing.
Continue in the manner God has called;
~ He can be STERN to one and KIND to another;
~ He can REJECT one and ACCEPT another;
~ He can BREAK OUT one and GRAFT IN another;
Each one has their own time with God.
Inspired thots
It is reassuring to know that:
~ God has all things planned and in control of them
~ all God has planned is Excellent and Good for me
~ what God has planned may seem adverse to one but fruitful to another.
There is a relation between people.
Be thankful for the opportunity given to be part of God's kingdom and plans.
Be not boastful or arrogant for the opportunity or blessing as it is not my own doing.
Continue in the manner God has called;
~ He can be STERN to one and KIND to another;
~ He can REJECT one and ACCEPT another;
~ He can BREAK OUT one and GRAFT IN another;
Each one has their own time with God.
Monday, March 28, 2011
A GOD Who Never Gives Up on His People
Romans 10
Inspired thots
It is truly God's GRACE and MERCY compelled by His love for me (and all man) to do what He DID, is DOING and will DO! He is truly a God of the Past, Present and Future!
There is really NOTHING more I can do to make God love me more, for HE has DONE it ALL!
The Heavenly Father through Christ, sets the Pace to prepare the BEST. All questions and 'what if's DO NOT QUALIFY because God has answered them all excellently.
Indeed, praise God for His SALVATION call to ME! Now that all has been done, it is for ME to DO what I can do until All is Done for Eternity!
Inspired thots
It is truly God's GRACE and MERCY compelled by His love for me (and all man) to do what He DID, is DOING and will DO! He is truly a God of the Past, Present and Future!
There is really NOTHING more I can do to make God love me more, for HE has DONE it ALL!
The Heavenly Father through Christ, sets the Pace to prepare the BEST. All questions and 'what if's DO NOT QUALIFY because God has answered them all excellently.
Indeed, praise God for His SALVATION call to ME! Now that all has been done, it is for ME to DO what I can do until All is Done for Eternity!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Merciful God who Loves All
Romans 9
Inspired thots
Today I reflected on WHAT is the NEXT step in my life. Everything is going well...life is smooth going although the income is not fantastic but God provides sufficiently. What else can I complain of, or worry about? My God is able to care for all my needs. Praise God!
So, I ask God,"What is it TODAY You would speak to me?"
And today's chapter points out that it's no longer about ME; it's about OTHERS who have yet to know Christ as Lord and Saviour. I have had MY time. I have heard the Gospel and am Saved. The promise to Abraham was for Me, and others. It is the 'others' time.
With the world in turmoil today, 'others' need God more. My BEST action is to PRAY for them to KNOW and ACCEPT God as He has designed for all men... such a MERCIFUL GOD, who has 'mercy on whom He will have mercy". God is merciful to love all man.
Each one is created by God for A PURPOSE (v17). As per yesterday's sermon, let us then 'WORK OUT our salvation in fear and trembling.' (Philippians 2:12)
Inspired thots
Today I reflected on WHAT is the NEXT step in my life. Everything is going well...life is smooth going although the income is not fantastic but God provides sufficiently. What else can I complain of, or worry about? My God is able to care for all my needs. Praise God!
So, I ask God,"What is it TODAY You would speak to me?"
And today's chapter points out that it's no longer about ME; it's about OTHERS who have yet to know Christ as Lord and Saviour. I have had MY time. I have heard the Gospel and am Saved. The promise to Abraham was for Me, and others. It is the 'others' time.
With the world in turmoil today, 'others' need God more. My BEST action is to PRAY for them to KNOW and ACCEPT God as He has designed for all men... such a MERCIFUL GOD, who has 'mercy on whom He will have mercy". God is merciful to love all man.
Each one is created by God for A PURPOSE (v17). As per yesterday's sermon, let us then 'WORK OUT our salvation in fear and trembling.' (Philippians 2:12)
Friday, March 25, 2011
Role of the Holy Spirit
Romans 8
Inspired thots
So very often the Holy Spirit is neglected. The BEST Source from God, besides the Bible, is often ignored or unrecognized. How I wish He would be a bit more of a 'disciplinarian' ~ then I will be more alert to His voice and presence. But perhaps God is training ME to Be Still and KNOW He is God.
I may not say it often enough, but,
THANK YOU, HOLY SPIRIT...
1) for setting me FREE from the law of Sin and Death
2) for helping me LIVE according to Your way
3) for controlling my Mind to have LIFE and PEACE
4) for LIVING in Me
5) for LEADING me
6) for HELPING me put to death the Misdeeds of the body
7) for TESTIFYING on my behalf that I am a Child of God
8) for HELPING me in my weakness
9) for TEACHING me how to PRAY
10) for INTERCEDING for me
Holy Spirit, You do SO much for me, and I dont even acknowledge it much. Please forgive me. Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU. I love you! Help me to know YOU More... less of me.
Inspired thots
So very often the Holy Spirit is neglected. The BEST Source from God, besides the Bible, is often ignored or unrecognized. How I wish He would be a bit more of a 'disciplinarian' ~ then I will be more alert to His voice and presence. But perhaps God is training ME to Be Still and KNOW He is God.
I may not say it often enough, but,
THANK YOU, HOLY SPIRIT...
1) for setting me FREE from the law of Sin and Death
2) for helping me LIVE according to Your way
3) for controlling my Mind to have LIFE and PEACE
4) for LIVING in Me
5) for LEADING me
6) for HELPING me put to death the Misdeeds of the body
7) for TESTIFYING on my behalf that I am a Child of God
8) for HELPING me in my weakness
9) for TEACHING me how to PRAY
10) for INTERCEDING for me
Holy Spirit, You do SO much for me, and I dont even acknowledge it much. Please forgive me. Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU. I love you! Help me to know YOU More... less of me.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Overcoming the Struggle Against Sin
Romans 7
Inspired thots
It is SO easy to get side-tracked from God...
From salvation, my faith is built up easily and readily with the heart soil opened to the new things of God...
But once I start growing, it seems the sinful nature keeps springing up on me.
The STRUGGLE begins... the saga continues throughout life as I must consciously be alert to the deceptions and the creeping up of the sinful nature time and again.
It is so easy to let my guards down; but then, I shall be engulfed! How horrifying the thought... when I had invested so much time and effort to reach this level of understanding and maturity. Letting my guards down would mean taking 2 steps back when I have made 1 step forward. How awful the thought! No way I want that path. God, have mercy on me. Keep a FRESH Spirit within me. Let me have your joy.
Thank you, Jesus.
Inspired thots
It is SO easy to get side-tracked from God...
From salvation, my faith is built up easily and readily with the heart soil opened to the new things of God...
But once I start growing, it seems the sinful nature keeps springing up on me.
The STRUGGLE begins... the saga continues throughout life as I must consciously be alert to the deceptions and the creeping up of the sinful nature time and again.
It is so easy to let my guards down; but then, I shall be engulfed! How horrifying the thought... when I had invested so much time and effort to reach this level of understanding and maturity. Letting my guards down would mean taking 2 steps back when I have made 1 step forward. How awful the thought! No way I want that path. God, have mercy on me. Keep a FRESH Spirit within me. Let me have your joy.
Thank you, Jesus.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Death First, Then LIFE
Romans 6
Inspired thots
God's plan is always the Best! Though the start of it may seem unfavorable to me... like dying first before living.
But it is IMPORTANT to DIE to the OLD Self; for it is so wicked and unrighteous that it has to be SERIOUSLY Dealt with before I can enjoy the NEW life God has promised me.
There must be a THOROUGH Cut Away from the Old self and SIN which beleague me. So hard but it is NOT Impossible. It is a matter of my WILL... how badly do I want it? WHAT do I really want?
Yes, I should not harp on God's GRACE to indulge in my old self and sin. There must be a constant EFFORT in steering AWAY from sin. The FURTHER I go away (consciously) from Sin, the LESS its clutches on me.
There are only TWO choices: SIN or GOD
I am created to belong; either to SIN or GOD
A slave ... condemned to forever (SIN) or freed and made righteous forever (GOD)
Actually, the decision is quite simple... but it is the CURRENT that clouds my focus and decisions.
Inspired thots
God's plan is always the Best! Though the start of it may seem unfavorable to me... like dying first before living.
But it is IMPORTANT to DIE to the OLD Self; for it is so wicked and unrighteous that it has to be SERIOUSLY Dealt with before I can enjoy the NEW life God has promised me.
There must be a THOROUGH Cut Away from the Old self and SIN which beleague me. So hard but it is NOT Impossible. It is a matter of my WILL... how badly do I want it? WHAT do I really want?
Yes, I should not harp on God's GRACE to indulge in my old self and sin. There must be a constant EFFORT in steering AWAY from sin. The FURTHER I go away (consciously) from Sin, the LESS its clutches on me.
There are only TWO choices: SIN or GOD
I am created to belong; either to SIN or GOD
A slave ... condemned to forever (SIN) or freed and made righteous forever (GOD)
Actually, the decision is quite simple... but it is the CURRENT that clouds my focus and decisions.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
It's All about JESUS
Romans 5
Inspired thots
Truly Jesus is the FOUNDATION of my faith.
My Justification through Faith, gives me Peace with God to Stand by Grace and Rejoice in the Hope of God's glory.
From Hope, I have God's Love and Holy Spirit and am Saved by the precious blood of Jesus!
Contrast Jesus and the Sinful nature
~ Grace vs Condemnation
~ Justification vs Judgment
~ Life vs Death
~ Righteousness vs Trepass
~ Obedience vs Disobedience
Inspired thots
Truly Jesus is the FOUNDATION of my faith.
My Justification through Faith, gives me Peace with God to Stand by Grace and Rejoice in the Hope of God's glory.
From Hope, I have God's Love and Holy Spirit and am Saved by the precious blood of Jesus!
Contrast Jesus and the Sinful nature
~ Grace vs Condemnation
~ Justification vs Judgment
~ Life vs Death
~ Righteousness vs Trepass
~ Obedience vs Disobedience
Monday, March 21, 2011
One FAITH, One DESTINATION
Romans 4
Inspired thots
From Abraham, GRACE, FAITH and RIGHTEOUSNESS flow to all mankind.
It is up to each one to reach out and accept God's Grace by Faith to be made Righteous for Eternity.
Like Abraham, serious consideration of the world's offerings will bring up your true decision on God;
only God is able to do ALL things. Only God can be trusted.
That should be kept in mind and heart all the time to continue the walk of Faith in God.
Inspired thots
From Abraham, GRACE, FAITH and RIGHTEOUSNESS flow to all mankind.
It is up to each one to reach out and accept God's Grace by Faith to be made Righteous for Eternity.
Like Abraham, serious consideration of the world's offerings will bring up your true decision on God;
only God is able to do ALL things. Only God can be trusted.
That should be kept in mind and heart all the time to continue the walk of Faith in God.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Only GOD is Great!
Romans 3
Inspired thots
God is OVERALL in All. He is Sovereign!
ONLY GOD is...
1) Faithful all the time
2) Righteous
3) Just
4) God of All
It is up to Me to view matters: God's way or Man's ways
It is easy to 'logic' out a situation to justify the sinful self, but God's ways should be applied and accepted.
There is no need to 'reason' out any matter; accept God's ways by faith in Christ and be counted as righteous because of Jesus' blood.
Self righteousness and self justification will not justify me before God. I would be 'robbing' God of His glory, honor and greatness.
Inspired thots
God is OVERALL in All. He is Sovereign!
ONLY GOD is...
1) Faithful all the time
2) Righteous
3) Just
4) God of All
It is up to Me to view matters: God's way or Man's ways
It is easy to 'logic' out a situation to justify the sinful self, but God's ways should be applied and accepted.
There is no need to 'reason' out any matter; accept God's ways by faith in Christ and be counted as righteous because of Jesus' blood.
Self righteousness and self justification will not justify me before God. I would be 'robbing' God of His glory, honor and greatness.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Obedience to God Deters Judgment
Romans 2
Inspired thots
Only God can JUDGE for only HE is Righteous.
It is BEST for Me to OBEY God according to His word so that I will not judge others and thus, not be judged.
v11 God does not show Favoritism. v6 He will give to EACH one according to what he has done.
Self-righteousness must die; obedience must rise within to prove faith.
It is the INWARD that counts, not the OUTWARD.
It is the HEART that matters, not the PHYSICAL.
It is God's PRAISE that's worthy, not Man's.
Inspired thots
Only God can JUDGE for only HE is Righteous.
It is BEST for Me to OBEY God according to His word so that I will not judge others and thus, not be judged.
v11 God does not show Favoritism. v6 He will give to EACH one according to what he has done.
Self-righteousness must die; obedience must rise within to prove faith.
It is the INWARD that counts, not the OUTWARD.
It is the HEART that matters, not the PHYSICAL.
It is God's PRAISE that's worthy, not Man's.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
God Has Spoken!
Romans 1
Inspired thots
Like Jesus, through our human nature and the Spirit of holiness, I receive grace and apostleship to 'call people from among all the Gentiles to the OBEDIENCE that comes from Faith.' (v5)
Christians can mutually encourage each other through their faith (v12)
How Powerful is that! By being Faithful and exercising my Faith, I can encourage another. It shows that people need Hope.
The GOSPEL has POWER ~ God's power;
The Gospel has God's RIGHTEOUSNESS.
But those who do not seek after God will bear the brunt of His wrath;
He has put all things in place for man to seek after Him for His blessings.
Why do we not seek after Him?
How sad that God gave them over to their own detrimental desires (v26) when they could have the Best.
Why does man choose outside of God's will?
Why is the human character so strong in its own ways?
Inspired thots
Like Jesus, through our human nature and the Spirit of holiness, I receive grace and apostleship to 'call people from among all the Gentiles to the OBEDIENCE that comes from Faith.' (v5)
Christians can mutually encourage each other through their faith (v12)
How Powerful is that! By being Faithful and exercising my Faith, I can encourage another. It shows that people need Hope.
The GOSPEL has POWER ~ God's power;
The Gospel has God's RIGHTEOUSNESS.
But those who do not seek after God will bear the brunt of His wrath;
He has put all things in place for man to seek after Him for His blessings.
Why do we not seek after Him?
How sad that God gave them over to their own detrimental desires (v26) when they could have the Best.
Why does man choose outside of God's will?
Why is the human character so strong in its own ways?
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Salvation Through Jesus
1 Corinthians 15,16
Inspired thots
1) The GOSPEL that Jesus, the Son of God, DIED for our Sins, was BURIED and ROSE on the Third day.
2) It is THROUGH the Gospel that one has salvation.
3) God can CALL ANYone to Serve after Salvation.
4) There is HOPE for the Future; Life is NOT about NOW only.
5) How PITIFUL for Christians to be living for NOW only. My DESTINATION is HEAVEN. (15:19)
6) God is in CONTROL of EVERYTHING! (15:28) Everything is UNDER His feet.
7) Be WISE to WALK in God's WAYS (15:34)
8) Jesus has CONQUERED Death ~ the LAST Enemy (15:26)
9) WORK well for the LORD so that you LABOUR not in vain. (15:58; 16:9,13)
10) CHOOSE to Direct your life now for later.
Inspired thots
1) The GOSPEL that Jesus, the Son of God, DIED for our Sins, was BURIED and ROSE on the Third day.
2) It is THROUGH the Gospel that one has salvation.
3) God can CALL ANYone to Serve after Salvation.
4) There is HOPE for the Future; Life is NOT about NOW only.
5) How PITIFUL for Christians to be living for NOW only. My DESTINATION is HEAVEN. (15:19)
6) God is in CONTROL of EVERYTHING! (15:28) Everything is UNDER His feet.
7) Be WISE to WALK in God's WAYS (15:34)
8) Jesus has CONQUERED Death ~ the LAST Enemy (15:26)
9) WORK well for the LORD so that you LABOUR not in vain. (15:58; 16:9,13)
10) CHOOSE to Direct your life now for later.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Speaking With God & For God
1 Corinthians 14
Inspired thots
It is great to be able to speak TO God and WITH God.... in words and in tongues.
There is a peace that fills my heart when I pray in tongues...
It is for believers... PRACTICED by Believers as A SIGN for UNbelievers (v22)
Believers speak in Tongues to SHOW to unbelievers God is with them
PROPHECY is FOR Believers... to be used as God's spokesman
With the TONGUES as a SIGN to unbelievers, PROPHECY interpreting the Tongue is HEARD BY UNbelievers, can be convicted.
Hence, a Prophecy CONVICTS an UNbeliever and EDIFIES the Church (v4)
All the Spiritual Gifts are given by God...
.... to be used to Strengthen the Church. (v26)
.... for instructing and encouraging (v31)
.... done in an orderly and fitting manner (v40)
Inspired thots
It is great to be able to speak TO God and WITH God.... in words and in tongues.
There is a peace that fills my heart when I pray in tongues...
It is for believers... PRACTICED by Believers as A SIGN for UNbelievers (v22)
Believers speak in Tongues to SHOW to unbelievers God is with them
PROPHECY is FOR Believers... to be used as God's spokesman
With the TONGUES as a SIGN to unbelievers, PROPHECY interpreting the Tongue is HEARD BY UNbelievers, can be convicted.
Hence, a Prophecy CONVICTS an UNbeliever and EDIFIES the Church (v4)
All the Spiritual Gifts are given by God...
.... to be used to Strengthen the Church. (v26)
.... for instructing and encouraging (v31)
.... done in an orderly and fitting manner (v40)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
LOVE is it!
1 Corinthians 13
Inspired thots
Easily summarised:
Nothing is more worthy than LOVE.
Not easy to act out; yes, I can love myself but if no one else loves me, it is a very sad and lonely life.
Thank God that He loves me inspite of everything. Hence, it is for me to love not only Him, but all that He loves.
Not easy...
But with knowledge come responsibility.
It is true that when I was young, I acted childishly;
When I grow up, I must put childish ways behind and take on the wisdom of God.
It is all part of the perfect nature that I aim for in Christ. (Matt. 5:48)
Inspired thots
Easily summarised:
Nothing is more worthy than LOVE.
Not easy to act out; yes, I can love myself but if no one else loves me, it is a very sad and lonely life.
Thank God that He loves me inspite of everything. Hence, it is for me to love not only Him, but all that He loves.
Not easy...
But with knowledge come responsibility.
It is true that when I was young, I acted childishly;
When I grow up, I must put childish ways behind and take on the wisdom of God.
It is all part of the perfect nature that I aim for in Christ. (Matt. 5:48)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Gifts for Unity
1 Corinthians 12
Inspired thots
It is so true that when one part of the body aches, the rest of the body does not feel good too (v26). The connection of body parts is amazing. That is how it is with the body of Christ; but man is hardened in spirit to reject or numb the connection out of selfishness. How sad!
There are so many gifts that God wants to make available to His body, yet our selfishness gives Him no access.There is no room for God's gifts when we are self-indulgent, for God's gifts are for the building up of His body - His people. His gifts are a display of His glory and working.
God's gifts are to bless His people - uniting them as they are His body.
Inspired thots
It is so true that when one part of the body aches, the rest of the body does not feel good too (v26). The connection of body parts is amazing. That is how it is with the body of Christ; but man is hardened in spirit to reject or numb the connection out of selfishness. How sad!
There are so many gifts that God wants to make available to His body, yet our selfishness gives Him no access.There is no room for God's gifts when we are self-indulgent, for God's gifts are for the building up of His body - His people. His gifts are a display of His glory and working.
God's gifts are to bless His people - uniting them as they are His body.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Order of AUTHORITY in the Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 11
Inspired thots
There is an order of authority that exists in the body of Christ;
~ GOD : Head over Christ
~ CHRIST : Head over man
~ Man : head over woman
Man was created first by God; hence, he is the image and glory of God
Woman was created OUT OF Man; hence, she is the glory of Man
Hence, a woman should cover her head when she prays or prophesies, so that her head (man) is not dishonored. Her hair reflects the glory of man. But being made from man makes her total being the glory of man anyways.
Moreover, man is born of Woman, after that.
So, how literal should this portion of Scriptures be taken as taught by Paul?
Yet, just the chapter before, (10:23) "Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial and constructive"
The covering of a woman's hair is to reflect a covering of her glory (man) in the presence of God.
But let us consider our HEART condition instead of the Physical, for God looks at the heart. It is well to remember to 'honor' the man without a physical expression. Let us focus on God directly and together when we are to pray or prophesy; for that which is done with a clear conscience is pleasing to God.
As Paul requests in verse 13, judge for yourself; let God speak to each one on every matter.
The Lord's Supper is to be partaken with reverence and unity in the body. That is the display of honoring Christ as our Head.
Inspired thots
There is an order of authority that exists in the body of Christ;
~ GOD : Head over Christ
~ CHRIST : Head over man
~ Man : head over woman
Man was created first by God; hence, he is the image and glory of God
Woman was created OUT OF Man; hence, she is the glory of Man
Hence, a woman should cover her head when she prays or prophesies, so that her head (man) is not dishonored. Her hair reflects the glory of man. But being made from man makes her total being the glory of man anyways.
Moreover, man is born of Woman, after that.
So, how literal should this portion of Scriptures be taken as taught by Paul?
Yet, just the chapter before, (10:23) "Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial and constructive"
The covering of a woman's hair is to reflect a covering of her glory (man) in the presence of God.
But let us consider our HEART condition instead of the Physical, for God looks at the heart. It is well to remember to 'honor' the man without a physical expression. Let us focus on God directly and together when we are to pray or prophesy; for that which is done with a clear conscience is pleasing to God.
As Paul requests in verse 13, judge for yourself; let God speak to each one on every matter.
The Lord's Supper is to be partaken with reverence and unity in the body. That is the display of honoring Christ as our Head.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
All for the Glory of GOD
1 Corinthians 10
Inspired thots
How appropriate the chapter after reading an article of hell; truly, if not for God's grace, all will end up in hell.
Over time, God has been reminding man, (me), of the finale! Will man (me) really heed God's woo?
Can I claim 'ignorance' to God's ways when He has spoken and kept reminding with His word?
v5 God was not pleased...
v6 these things occurred as EXAMPLES to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did..
v11 these things... were written down as WARNINGS for us...
~ do not be idolaters
~ should not test the Lord
~ do not grumble
~ do not commit sexual immorality
v12 ...IF you think you are STANDING FIRM, be careful that you dont FALL!
If what I do is not God's way, then it is the devil's.
v21 ... CANNOT drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too...
v23 EVERYTHING is PERMISSIBLE but not everything is Beneficial or Constructive.
v24 NOBODY should seek his own good, but the good of others.
v 31 Whatever I do, DO IT ALL for the Glory of God.
Bottomline:
v33 try to please everybody in every way... seek not my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
Inspired thots
How appropriate the chapter after reading an article of hell; truly, if not for God's grace, all will end up in hell.
Over time, God has been reminding man, (me), of the finale! Will man (me) really heed God's woo?
Can I claim 'ignorance' to God's ways when He has spoken and kept reminding with His word?
v5 God was not pleased...
v6 these things occurred as EXAMPLES to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did..
v11 these things... were written down as WARNINGS for us...
~ do not be idolaters
~ should not test the Lord
~ do not grumble
~ do not commit sexual immorality
v12 ...IF you think you are STANDING FIRM, be careful that you dont FALL!
If what I do is not God's way, then it is the devil's.
v21 ... CANNOT drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too...
v23 EVERYTHING is PERMISSIBLE but not everything is Beneficial or Constructive.
v24 NOBODY should seek his own good, but the good of others.
v 31 Whatever I do, DO IT ALL for the Glory of God.
Bottomline:
v33 try to please everybody in every way... seek not my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Becoming All For All
1 Corinthians 9
Inspired thots
Each is entitled to reap according to what he sows although it is a higher level to forsake the rights of reward.
There must be truly only one Apostle Paul who can be what others are to win them. It is not easy to step into someone else's shoes, being a creature of familiarity.
But the body is such that pommeling and discipline are required to set it on the right track (v27)
It is easy to be disqualified; hence, much effort is required for consistency.
Inspired thots
Each is entitled to reap according to what he sows although it is a higher level to forsake the rights of reward.
There must be truly only one Apostle Paul who can be what others are to win them. It is not easy to step into someone else's shoes, being a creature of familiarity.
But the body is such that pommeling and discipline are required to set it on the right track (v27)
It is easy to be disqualified; hence, much effort is required for consistency.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
God is still at Work in Me
1 Corinthians 8
Inspired thots
I may think I know but that is really not truly knowing what I think I know.
Hence, it is wiser to love God without thinking how wise one is. Wisdom is not important compared to knowing God; for then, God will know me. (Gal. 4:9)
An idol is nothing iat all in the world. There is no other God but my Heavenly Father, from whom all things came and for Whom I live. (v6)
Hence, it is important to learn more about God ~ Know God ~ and build up the conscience so that it is not weak with foolishness and ignorance.
From darkness to light, a lot of unlearning and relearning need to take place.
With salvation, there is freedom. Then, there must be the unlearning and relearning process to know God and draw near to Him.
Food is not any consideration in building the faith or drawing closer to God.
But with freedom, comes responsibility ~ towards others, whom Christ has also died for.
When a brethren is hurt, we sin against Christ.
So hard to live a Christ-like life...
Inspired thots
I may think I know but that is really not truly knowing what I think I know.
Hence, it is wiser to love God without thinking how wise one is. Wisdom is not important compared to knowing God; for then, God will know me. (Gal. 4:9)
An idol is nothing iat all in the world. There is no other God but my Heavenly Father, from whom all things came and for Whom I live. (v6)
Hence, it is important to learn more about God ~ Know God ~ and build up the conscience so that it is not weak with foolishness and ignorance.
From darkness to light, a lot of unlearning and relearning need to take place.
With salvation, there is freedom. Then, there must be the unlearning and relearning process to know God and draw near to Him.
Food is not any consideration in building the faith or drawing closer to God.
But with freedom, comes responsibility ~ towards others, whom Christ has also died for.
When a brethren is hurt, we sin against Christ.
So hard to live a Christ-like life...
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Honoring God
1 Corinthians 6,7
Inspired thots
There are many ways to HONOUR GOD;
1) Living peaceably with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ
2) Keeping my body in righteous living
One is to the people around me; the other to God. It's a Relational lifestyle.
No matter what the situation, God wants His people to live harmoniously with each other.
3) Keeping God's Commands (7:14)
This is ABOVE ALL.
4) Live devotedly to the Lord (7:34,35) in body and spirit
Inspired thots
There are many ways to HONOUR GOD;
1) Living peaceably with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ
2) Keeping my body in righteous living
One is to the people around me; the other to God. It's a Relational lifestyle.
No matter what the situation, God wants His people to live harmoniously with each other.
3) Keeping God's Commands (7:14)
This is ABOVE ALL.
4) Live devotedly to the Lord (7:34,35) in body and spirit
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Staying Right All the Time with God
1 Corinthians 5
Inspired thots
Truly man is sinful, and personally, Christians are the worst. Perhaps that is why we come forward to Christ ~ for forgiveness and salvation.
But after that, one must change: REPENT and TURN AWAY from the sinful nature once and for all;
not just a REMORSE ~ which is just experiencing Grief for a time, and we go away again, forgetting.
How sad that in the name of 'endurance' and 'compassion', Christians compromise and accommodate the sinful nature.
Beware that when a little 'compromise' against God's way is made, it is likened to the yeast which grows and works its way around the whole batch of dough. Soon, everyone is infected! Danger!
Hence, one must always keep alert to remain uncompromising on the ways of God.
Inspired thots
Truly man is sinful, and personally, Christians are the worst. Perhaps that is why we come forward to Christ ~ for forgiveness and salvation.
But after that, one must change: REPENT and TURN AWAY from the sinful nature once and for all;
not just a REMORSE ~ which is just experiencing Grief for a time, and we go away again, forgetting.
How sad that in the name of 'endurance' and 'compassion', Christians compromise and accommodate the sinful nature.
Beware that when a little 'compromise' against God's way is made, it is likened to the yeast which grows and works its way around the whole batch of dough. Soon, everyone is infected! Danger!
Hence, one must always keep alert to remain uncompromising on the ways of God.
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