Saturday, March 28, 2009
Week 3 Day 1
Praises be to God Sisters and Brothers...been homeworking, cooking, folding clothes...and fellowshipping. It has been a full day of the Lord's blessings. I will post today and tomorrow's blog tomorrow...until then, Ask and Ye Shall Receive; Seek and ye shall Find; Knock and the Door will be opened to you. Love and peace, Sister Lisa
Friday, March 27, 2009
First Place Week 2, Day 7
Week 2 Day 7
This week we learned a lot about prayer. Our memory verse stated that if we believe, whatever we ask we will receive. We know this means we need to pray in accordance with God's Will and open our hearts to the possibility that our Heavenly Father knows what is in our best interest better than we do.
Jesus wasn't happy nor excited about being crucified; he even asked the Father to let his task pass from him. But, he knew enough to say to God, "Not my will but thine be done." And THANK HIM for that--where would we be? We would be lost without a Savior, still searching for how we could connect and have a relationship with God. Thank God that Jesus was obedient to the Cross.
Are you ready for His Will to be done in your life? Delight yourself in Him, commit your ways to His. If you fall, get up and ask the Father to order your steps according to His Word. Trust in the Lord.
Humble yourself and ask Him for faith, strength and answers. They are all to be found in His Holy Word. God, turn my head toward you and away from the statues and distractions of this life. I fail you daily Lord but know that all things are possible with You. I ask you to cleanse me, prepare me and give me all that I need to do your Will. Father, turn my eyes from wickedness, competitiveness and trying to 'please man'. I know that perfection only exists in You and I will stop striving for it.
Answer me when I call, relieve me of distress, be merciful to me and my family. Give me faith Lord and confirm my heart with your promises. I know you want me to earnestly seek you and I seek you with all my heart, mind, soul and body. Say your scripture memory verse and meditate on these truths: Believing, Receiving, Faith, Praying, Hoping, Humbling---they are all good for the soul. Beloved, another new week tomorrow Sister Lisa
This week we learned a lot about prayer. Our memory verse stated that if we believe, whatever we ask we will receive. We know this means we need to pray in accordance with God's Will and open our hearts to the possibility that our Heavenly Father knows what is in our best interest better than we do.
Jesus wasn't happy nor excited about being crucified; he even asked the Father to let his task pass from him. But, he knew enough to say to God, "Not my will but thine be done." And THANK HIM for that--where would we be? We would be lost without a Savior, still searching for how we could connect and have a relationship with God. Thank God that Jesus was obedient to the Cross.
Are you ready for His Will to be done in your life? Delight yourself in Him, commit your ways to His. If you fall, get up and ask the Father to order your steps according to His Word. Trust in the Lord.
Humble yourself and ask Him for faith, strength and answers. They are all to be found in His Holy Word. God, turn my head toward you and away from the statues and distractions of this life. I fail you daily Lord but know that all things are possible with You. I ask you to cleanse me, prepare me and give me all that I need to do your Will. Father, turn my eyes from wickedness, competitiveness and trying to 'please man'. I know that perfection only exists in You and I will stop striving for it.
Answer me when I call, relieve me of distress, be merciful to me and my family. Give me faith Lord and confirm my heart with your promises. I know you want me to earnestly seek you and I seek you with all my heart, mind, soul and body. Say your scripture memory verse and meditate on these truths: Believing, Receiving, Faith, Praying, Hoping, Humbling---they are all good for the soul. Beloved, another new week tomorrow Sister Lisa
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Week 2 Day 6
Week 2, Day 6
Bible study requires discipline and priority! I struggle with discipline...I get going on something and then I lose interest or I find other things to do. I constantly over schedule, overcommit and think I can do all things. Well, what to do about it? I can only do ALL things through CHRIST. That much I must remind myself of everyday, sometimes more than once a day or hour.
Are you struggling with discipline? Wonder what will happen if you commit and then slip? We are so hard on ourselves to be perfect (well, I know that I am on myself)--sometimes we don't commit or start to avoid the inevitable disappointment. What I am learning from this is that I really, really need to believe and act as if God is totally in control. I must give up my pride that I can do all things by myself, that I can be perfect.
Lord, please take this pride from me and let me know that I can commit, each day, to you. If I believe, asking from You, I will receive. Let me remember to pray on the four dimensions that we learned about Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. Let me pray for others and take the focus off of me. Help me to overcome my need to control and perfect things. Let me not give-up on my dreams, my obedience, my hope in you.
Read Psalm 98:4; James 5:16; Psalm 106:1 and Ephesians 6:18. Follow the Word! Get up now, do it now, make a new day NOW! God is in control, God is Omnipresent and He will heal us, hold us and help us. Let your peace Lord, that passes all understanding, permeate my soul and my life. Let me guard my heart by hiding your Word in it and trusting that ALL things work together for good.
Praise your holy name Jesus, thank you Holy Spirit for teaching me and thank you Most High Jehovah for pulling me close to you in love and peace. Sister, Lisa
Bible study requires discipline and priority! I struggle with discipline...I get going on something and then I lose interest or I find other things to do. I constantly over schedule, overcommit and think I can do all things. Well, what to do about it? I can only do ALL things through CHRIST. That much I must remind myself of everyday, sometimes more than once a day or hour.
Are you struggling with discipline? Wonder what will happen if you commit and then slip? We are so hard on ourselves to be perfect (well, I know that I am on myself)--sometimes we don't commit or start to avoid the inevitable disappointment. What I am learning from this is that I really, really need to believe and act as if God is totally in control. I must give up my pride that I can do all things by myself, that I can be perfect.
Lord, please take this pride from me and let me know that I can commit, each day, to you. If I believe, asking from You, I will receive. Let me remember to pray on the four dimensions that we learned about Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. Let me pray for others and take the focus off of me. Help me to overcome my need to control and perfect things. Let me not give-up on my dreams, my obedience, my hope in you.
Read Psalm 98:4; James 5:16; Psalm 106:1 and Ephesians 6:18. Follow the Word! Get up now, do it now, make a new day NOW! God is in control, God is Omnipresent and He will heal us, hold us and help us. Let your peace Lord, that passes all understanding, permeate my soul and my life. Let me guard my heart by hiding your Word in it and trusting that ALL things work together for good.
Praise your holy name Jesus, thank you Holy Spirit for teaching me and thank you Most High Jehovah for pulling me close to you in love and peace. Sister, Lisa
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
First Place Week 2 Day 5
Week 2 Day 5
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
Prayer Protection
Do you think that God just rains down things and answers from heaven upon us? Is He more like Santa Claus than a Holy and Just God? Well, lest you believe that any type or thing is for the asking we will examine other verses on prayer today that show us the proper perspective on praying God's Word and His Will!
STUDY VERSES:
1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Matthew 26:39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. What do these verses say about God and prayer?
2. What condition and promise does God give to us in these verses?
3. Do you think that God's will is a limitation on your prayers?
4. Would you want God to answer every prayer from everyone without limitation? Why or why not?
5. How does Jesus' example help us with our prayer life? Will you use His example?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beloved, how marvelous our Father is! He has given us all we need for life and godliness in the gospel! Prayer is so freeing; thank Him that He doesn't give in to all of our immature, wicked and petulent requests. The world would be far more wicked if He did! He has all wisdom and all power and all knowledge. To pray for His will is a privilege. Seek Him first, ask believing and let His will be done. I pray for us to continue in faithfulness and to give mercy to the wicked, to forgive the unforgivable, to love the unlovable and to mke peace with those who would persecute us. Love, love love Beloved, that is the answer! Praise Him, Sister, Lisa
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
Prayer Protection
Do you think that God just rains down things and answers from heaven upon us? Is He more like Santa Claus than a Holy and Just God? Well, lest you believe that any type or thing is for the asking we will examine other verses on prayer today that show us the proper perspective on praying God's Word and His Will!
STUDY VERSES:
1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Matthew 26:39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. What do these verses say about God and prayer?
2. What condition and promise does God give to us in these verses?
3. Do you think that God's will is a limitation on your prayers?
4. Would you want God to answer every prayer from everyone without limitation? Why or why not?
5. How does Jesus' example help us with our prayer life? Will you use His example?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beloved, how marvelous our Father is! He has given us all we need for life and godliness in the gospel! Prayer is so freeing; thank Him that He doesn't give in to all of our immature, wicked and petulent requests. The world would be far more wicked if He did! He has all wisdom and all power and all knowledge. To pray for His will is a privilege. Seek Him first, ask believing and let His will be done. I pray for us to continue in faithfulness and to give mercy to the wicked, to forgive the unforgivable, to love the unlovable and to mke peace with those who would persecute us. Love, love love Beloved, that is the answer! Praise Him, Sister, Lisa
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
First Place Week 2 Day 4
Week 2 Day 4
More Than Words
Memory verse: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask in prayer." Matt 21:22
Does praying to God make you nervous? Are you reluctant to pray outloud or in a group because you don't have scripture memorized? Or you haven't attended "Bible school"? Do you have doubts about your effectiveness when praying? We all can experience fear and reluctance at times--but God tells us to "fear not"!
If you really meditate on the Word and look back at the major and minor prophets of the Old Testament along with the Apostles in the New Testament--you know what they all had in common? Not much! BUT, they all believed God. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, Our Comforter and Our Teacher-let Him do His work.
My favorite prophet is Jeremiah. He is known as the Weeping Prophet. He had to deliver a very harsh message during a sinful time. When God called Jeremiah, he had no training, no faith in his ability to speak for God. Look at God's call:
The Call of Jeremiah
4 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,and before you were born I consecrated you;I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”
7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’;for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,declares the Lord.”
9 Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me,
“Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.10 See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down,to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Jeremiah had no formal training, he was young, he was full of fear, and God asked him to deliver a harsh message about sin to a people who had abandoned and denied God. Sound familiar?
I share this with you to give you confidence! God will provide and guide. Use the power of prayer to form a relationship wtih God.
Read Romans 8:26-27 and let it sink into your heart. Know that God understands our weaknesses, the Holy Spirit helps us to pray, God hears our thoughts and longings, we can silently pray before God and He listens!
Read the following verses and write down what God promises us:
Matthew 6:8 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
Now commit to your time, place, and daily promise! Be wonderful and full of peace today, Beloveds, Sister, Lisa
More Than Words
Memory verse: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask in prayer." Matt 21:22
Does praying to God make you nervous? Are you reluctant to pray outloud or in a group because you don't have scripture memorized? Or you haven't attended "Bible school"? Do you have doubts about your effectiveness when praying? We all can experience fear and reluctance at times--but God tells us to "fear not"!
If you really meditate on the Word and look back at the major and minor prophets of the Old Testament along with the Apostles in the New Testament--you know what they all had in common? Not much! BUT, they all believed God. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, Our Comforter and Our Teacher-let Him do His work.
My favorite prophet is Jeremiah. He is known as the Weeping Prophet. He had to deliver a very harsh message during a sinful time. When God called Jeremiah, he had no training, no faith in his ability to speak for God. Look at God's call:
The Call of Jeremiah
4 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,and before you were born I consecrated you;I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”
7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’;for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,declares the Lord.”
9 Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me,
“Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.10 See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down,to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Jeremiah had no formal training, he was young, he was full of fear, and God asked him to deliver a harsh message about sin to a people who had abandoned and denied God. Sound familiar?
I share this with you to give you confidence! God will provide and guide. Use the power of prayer to form a relationship wtih God.
Read Romans 8:26-27 and let it sink into your heart. Know that God understands our weaknesses, the Holy Spirit helps us to pray, God hears our thoughts and longings, we can silently pray before God and He listens!
Read the following verses and write down what God promises us:
Matthew 6:8 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
Now commit to your time, place, and daily promise! Be wonderful and full of peace today, Beloveds, Sister, Lisa
Monday, March 23, 2009
First Place Week 2 Day 3
Week 2, Day 3
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
Four Dimensions of Prayer
Do you think that prayer is merely requesting God for things? That is not what the Word tells us. There are at least four dimensions of prayer: ACTS
Adoration - Express your love to God for who He is
Confession - Seek God's forgiveness for sin in your life
Thanksgiving - Express your thanks to God for what He has done
Supplication - Seek God's answers for your need and the needs of others
STUDY VERSES:
Psalm 9:1-2
Psalm 100:4
1 John 1:9
1 John 5:14-15
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. What do each of these verses show you about prayer?
2. How do you express your adoration to God?
3. Have you asked God for forgiveness today? Do you routinely ask Him to forgive your sins?
4. Do you keep a gratitude list, journal or prayer? If not, will you start today?
5. Do you bring needs that are not your own to God? Do you pray for more than your family? Do you pray for persecuted Christians around the world? World leaders? Oppressed people? Dying children and elderly?
Father, help me to express my love for you and my belief in you through my prayer. Guide me to a righteous and lively prayer life. Give me the discipline and strength to pray on a regular basis. You said in your Word that through prayer and fasting You will break the strongholds of sin and evil in our life. Let me develop a routine prayer life that is filled by your Holy Spirit. Praise You Jesus, Thank You Jehovah Jireh, Glory to You YAHWEH, Guide us Holy Spirit in love, obedience and patience. Until tomorrow Beloveds, Sister, lisa
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
Four Dimensions of Prayer
Do you think that prayer is merely requesting God for things? That is not what the Word tells us. There are at least four dimensions of prayer: ACTS
Adoration - Express your love to God for who He is
Confession - Seek God's forgiveness for sin in your life
Thanksgiving - Express your thanks to God for what He has done
Supplication - Seek God's answers for your need and the needs of others
STUDY VERSES:
Psalm 9:1-2
Psalm 100:4
1 John 1:9
1 John 5:14-15
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. What do each of these verses show you about prayer?
2. How do you express your adoration to God?
3. Have you asked God for forgiveness today? Do you routinely ask Him to forgive your sins?
4. Do you keep a gratitude list, journal or prayer? If not, will you start today?
5. Do you bring needs that are not your own to God? Do you pray for more than your family? Do you pray for persecuted Christians around the world? World leaders? Oppressed people? Dying children and elderly?
Father, help me to express my love for you and my belief in you through my prayer. Guide me to a righteous and lively prayer life. Give me the discipline and strength to pray on a regular basis. You said in your Word that through prayer and fasting You will break the strongholds of sin and evil in our life. Let me develop a routine prayer life that is filled by your Holy Spirit. Praise You Jesus, Thank You Jehovah Jireh, Glory to You YAHWEH, Guide us Holy Spirit in love, obedience and patience. Until tomorrow Beloveds, Sister, lisa
Sunday, March 22, 2009
First Place Week 2 Day 2
Week 2 – Day 2
Prayer-A Priority in Your Life
Memory Verse: If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” Mark 1:35
Jesus gives us three principles of prayer:
1. Commitment to pray
2. Time to pray
3. Place to pray
STUDY VERSES/QUESTIONS:
Mark 1:21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.
Jesus Heals Many
29 v And immediately he [1] w left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now x Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and y took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or z oppressed by demons.
33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door.
34 a And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And b he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
STUDY QUESTIONS
Mark 1:21-34 describes what Jesus did the day before He rose to pray.
1. After reading these verses how do you think Jesus felt?
2. Are you surprised He rose early to pray after such a tough day? Would you be willing to do that?
Why or why not?
3. Jesus prayed in the morning and other times He prayed in the evening and sometimes all night. What is the best time for you to pray?
4. Jesus found a place to pray. Do you have a place to call your own? A place where you can meet the Father and be free to pray?
Make a commitment today to spend time each day in prayer. Ask yourself if you are willing to make the following commitments:
Yes/No – I commit to pray each day
Yes/No – I commit to pray at _______________ time each day for _________ minutes
Yes/No – I commit to pray in _________________room or space to be alone with God
Did you make a commitment? In my study downstairs I have an altar. I can shut the door, I have a few icons—an angel my mother gave me, four tea candles and incense, the Lord’s Prayer on a Cross and pink rose that my mom-in-law gave me and both my grandmother’s rosaries. It isn’t the icons that I pray to—it sets the ambience and takes my mind away from all the other things and people I need to finish, please, quell, etc.
I have a small cushion for my knees to rest on so I can kneel before the Lord. When my knees creak and start hurting I contemplate the Cross and the pain that Jesus felt for me and I feel that it is a joy to experience some of that pain to be thankful for all He did for me. I also kneel at night and cleanse my conscious, lift my family in prayer and think of three things for which I am grateful for that day. Sometimes it is seeing a bird, other times it is the answer to a serious request. Many times, it is for the strength to brush my teeth! Start small but stay with it and your will reap the rewards from our Most High God.
Be blessed Beloved until tomorrow, Sister, Lisa
Prayer-A Priority in Your Life
Memory Verse: If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” Mark 1:35
Jesus gives us three principles of prayer:
1. Commitment to pray
2. Time to pray
3. Place to pray
STUDY VERSES/QUESTIONS:
Mark 1:21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.
Jesus Heals Many
29 v And immediately he [1] w left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now x Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and y took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or z oppressed by demons.
33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door.
34 a And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And b he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
STUDY QUESTIONS
Mark 1:21-34 describes what Jesus did the day before He rose to pray.
1. After reading these verses how do you think Jesus felt?
2. Are you surprised He rose early to pray after such a tough day? Would you be willing to do that?
Why or why not?
3. Jesus prayed in the morning and other times He prayed in the evening and sometimes all night. What is the best time for you to pray?
4. Jesus found a place to pray. Do you have a place to call your own? A place where you can meet the Father and be free to pray?
Make a commitment today to spend time each day in prayer. Ask yourself if you are willing to make the following commitments:
Yes/No – I commit to pray each day
Yes/No – I commit to pray at _______________ time each day for _________ minutes
Yes/No – I commit to pray in _________________room or space to be alone with God
Did you make a commitment? In my study downstairs I have an altar. I can shut the door, I have a few icons—an angel my mother gave me, four tea candles and incense, the Lord’s Prayer on a Cross and pink rose that my mom-in-law gave me and both my grandmother’s rosaries. It isn’t the icons that I pray to—it sets the ambience and takes my mind away from all the other things and people I need to finish, please, quell, etc.
I have a small cushion for my knees to rest on so I can kneel before the Lord. When my knees creak and start hurting I contemplate the Cross and the pain that Jesus felt for me and I feel that it is a joy to experience some of that pain to be thankful for all He did for me. I also kneel at night and cleanse my conscious, lift my family in prayer and think of three things for which I am grateful for that day. Sometimes it is seeing a bird, other times it is the answer to a serious request. Many times, it is for the strength to brush my teeth! Start small but stay with it and your will reap the rewards from our Most High God.
Be blessed Beloved until tomorrow, Sister, Lisa
First Place Week 2
Week 2 – Day 1
Lord Teach Us to Pray!
Memory Verse: If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22
Prayer is one of the daily commitments anyone who walks in Christ must develop. It is vital to your spiritual health and well-being. Jesus’ disciples asked Him to help them pray and he showed them how using the “Lord’s Prayer” as a guide.
The Whole Bible is our Prayer and Our Guideline. Don’t restrict your prayer to those you may have memorized but open your heart, mind and mouth to new possibilities and miracles with God.
STUDY VERSES: What You Believe About God
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Matthew 21:21-22 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
Mark 9:23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”
Mark 11:22-24 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
James 1:6 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. What is the main idea of the verses above?
2. After reading these verses, list the condition and promise:
a. Matthew 21:21, 22
b. Mark 11:24
c. Mark 11:25
d. John 15:7
e. 1 John 3:21, 22
When you pray, believe and don’t doubt! Each verse affirms God promise to us. Pray with faith and confidence that your heavenly Father will see you through and wishes to prosper you. Thank God for His promises, His answer to prayer and trust and believe that He will work it all out for the good of those who seek Him. Have a blessed day Beloved, Sister, Lisa
Lord Teach Us to Pray!
Memory Verse: If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22
Prayer is one of the daily commitments anyone who walks in Christ must develop. It is vital to your spiritual health and well-being. Jesus’ disciples asked Him to help them pray and he showed them how using the “Lord’s Prayer” as a guide.
The Whole Bible is our Prayer and Our Guideline. Don’t restrict your prayer to those you may have memorized but open your heart, mind and mouth to new possibilities and miracles with God.
STUDY VERSES: What You Believe About God
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Matthew 21:21-22 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
Mark 9:23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”
Mark 11:22-24 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
James 1:6 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. What is the main idea of the verses above?
2. After reading these verses, list the condition and promise:
a. Matthew 21:21, 22
b. Mark 11:24
c. Mark 11:25
d. John 15:7
e. 1 John 3:21, 22
When you pray, believe and don’t doubt! Each verse affirms God promise to us. Pray with faith and confidence that your heavenly Father will see you through and wishes to prosper you. Thank God for His promises, His answer to prayer and trust and believe that He will work it all out for the good of those who seek Him. Have a blessed day Beloved, Sister, Lisa
Giving Christ First Place Week 1 Day 7
Week 1 – Day 7
Overcoming strongholds are laid out in God’s Word. “God, you’ve said I live in the world, but do not wage war as the world does. My weapons are no the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish stronholds. I can demolish arguments and every pretension that sets iself up against the knowledge of God, and I take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Thank You in advance for workin in my life. Amen
You need to identify the battlefield before you can tackle the stronghold. The enemy wages war on us constantly so we must protect where he sets himself up—that is first in our mind! Your mind is the control over your heart and soul so we must use the power of God in us rather than of this world to protect our mind, heart body and soul. Nothing is bigger or more powerful than God’s Holy Spirit in me!
Demolish every argument that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. Take your thoughts captive now for the good of God. Repeat the memory verse each day. Your journey have begun Beloved. Let us walk together in victory, harmony, unity and love.
There is no fear in love because perfect love casts our all fear. God is love! Thank Him today for His mercies, His tenderness and His love in our lives. Until Week 2 Beloved, walk with joy in your heart and mercy for others. Sister, Lisa
Overcoming strongholds are laid out in God’s Word. “God, you’ve said I live in the world, but do not wage war as the world does. My weapons are no the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish stronholds. I can demolish arguments and every pretension that sets iself up against the knowledge of God, and I take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Thank You in advance for workin in my life. Amen
You need to identify the battlefield before you can tackle the stronghold. The enemy wages war on us constantly so we must protect where he sets himself up—that is first in our mind! Your mind is the control over your heart and soul so we must use the power of God in us rather than of this world to protect our mind, heart body and soul. Nothing is bigger or more powerful than God’s Holy Spirit in me!
Demolish every argument that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. Take your thoughts captive now for the good of God. Repeat the memory verse each day. Your journey have begun Beloved. Let us walk together in victory, harmony, unity and love.
There is no fear in love because perfect love casts our all fear. God is love! Thank Him today for His mercies, His tenderness and His love in our lives. Until Week 2 Beloved, walk with joy in your heart and mercy for others. Sister, Lisa
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Giving Christ First Place Week 1 - Day 6
HAD BLOG PROBLEMS...SO POSTING PAST FIVE STUDIES!
Giving Christ First Place
Week 1 – Day 6
In this series, the last two days of each week are spent on reflection. First, our scripture memory verse is Matthew 6:33
Can you say it for yourself? Go ahead, let God know you have hidden His Word in your heart! But…seek…ye…
So you’ve gone through five days of this study and are trying to make seeking His Kingdom a daily priority. Establishing new patterns, routines and discipline is not easy but you can do it! He is worthy to be first in your life and He wants each of us to put ourselves next so that we can let His light shine before men!
The study suggests that we pray through the scriptures—this is very powerful. It is the method Jesus used to rebuke satan and put him in his place. Jesus wants us to pray His Word, Him, back to the Mighty Jehovah.
His Word will break strongholds in your life. Addiction, poisonous thoughts, unforgiving spirit, despair, unbelief—whatever you need His Word will provide!
“Lord, help me to overcome the strongholds in my life. I long for You to be first. I want to seek first your Kingdom and Your righteousness. Thank You for your promise to give me the other things I need.
Father, when Your words come to me, help me to eat them, make them my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your name, O Lord God Almighty.
God through the victories You give, may Christ’s glory be great. Amen”
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Week 1 Day 5
Week 1 Day 5
Memory Verse: But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Matt 6:33
STUDY VERSES:
Matt 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matt. 5:16 The world will see the light of the kingdom through the good works done by Jesus' disciples (and believers today), with the result that the Father who is in heaven will be glorified.
1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said,“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,and to listen than the fat of rams.
1 Sam. 15:22 The Lord himself does not need sacrifices like gods in other religions. Rather, the people need to bring sacrifices in order to approach the holy God (see Leviticus 1–5). Even the best sacrifice without obedience gains nothing.
Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your wealthand with the firstfruits of all your produce;10 then your barns will be filled with plenty,and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Prov. 3:9–10 Honor the Lord. This requires giving proper weight to your wealth by using it only for righteous, just, and equitable purposes (“in all your ways acknowledge him,” v. 6), which begins with offering the firstfruits of everything to the Lord (see Deut. 18:1–5). To give the firstfruits is to imply that the whole belongs to God, indeed the whole worshiper. The prosperity described in Prov. 3:10 is the blessing of the covenant (Deut. 28:1–14), a kind of restored Eden. Your barns will be filled with plenty is a generalization concerning the effect of honoring the Lord with all that one has and is. It is not, however, more than a generalization (as Job's comforters held), for to view this as a mechanical formula dishonors God and his inscrutable sovereign purposes.
Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Rom. 12:1 Therefore points back to the entire argument from 1:18–11:36. mercies of God. Christians are to give themselves entirely to God because of his saving grace, as shown in 3:21–11:36. Sacrificial language from the OT is used to denote the new life of Christians, and this means that the word bodies here refers to Christians as whole persons, for both body and soul belong to God. They are a living sacrifice, meaning that they are alive from the dead since they enjoy new life with Christ (6:4). “Living” also means that they will not be put to death as OT animal sacrifices were (see notes on sacrifices in Leviticus 1–7), for Christ has fulfilled what was predicted by those sacrifices. Whereas OT worship focused on offering animal sacrifices in the temple, Paul says that spiritual worship in a broad sense now includes offering one's whole life to God (cf. Heb. 13:15–16). Elsewhere, however, the NT can also use the word “worship” in a narrower sense, to speak of specific acts of adoration and praise (Matt. 2:2; John 4:20; Acts 13:2; 1 Cor. 14:25; Heb. 12:28; Rev. 11:1).
Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Rom. 13:8 Verses 8–10 focus on the Christian's relationship to the Mosaic law. Owe no one anything links back to v. 7, and thus the command does not prohibit all borrowing but means that one should always “pay what is owed” (see v. 7), fulfilling whatever repayment agreements have been made. The debt one never ceases paying is the call to love one another. Indeed, love fulfills what the Mosaic law demands.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing.
1 Thess. 5:17 Pray without ceasing suggests a mental attitude of prayerfulness, continual personal fellowship with God, and consciousness of being in his presence throughout each day.
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. Why should we let our lights shine?
2. How would you respond to someone who said, "you are so disciplined and have so much self-control"?
3. What characteristics should we have in living for Jesus?
4. Rate the following statements either Strong, Average or Weak:
I desire to know and obey God
I offer myself to God as a living sacrifice
I give to God from my material possessions
I love others on an ongoing basis
I sustain a lifestyle of prayer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In your journal write a prayer for someone other than yourself and your immediate family. Commit to praying that prayer each day. Write down a prayer for someone who doesn't know Christ. Commit to praying for them each day. If you get the opportunity, let that person know you are lifting them up in prayer.
Lord we thank you so much for the opportunity to let our light shine with the Light of the World! We know that when the Light shines, no darkness can hide from it. Draw unto us people that need your light, give us wisdom and power to witness and share the hope we have in You Father. We pray that we live and give to honor You. Holy Spirit, we seek your wisdom and might and courage to minister to the lost and help them to hear the Word. We know that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God! We love you today Lord, Amen.
Let your light shine Beloved! Sister Lisa
Memory Verse: But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Matt 6:33
STUDY VERSES:
Matt 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matt. 5:16 The world will see the light of the kingdom through the good works done by Jesus' disciples (and believers today), with the result that the Father who is in heaven will be glorified.
1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said,“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,and to listen than the fat of rams.
1 Sam. 15:22 The Lord himself does not need sacrifices like gods in other religions. Rather, the people need to bring sacrifices in order to approach the holy God (see Leviticus 1–5). Even the best sacrifice without obedience gains nothing.
Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your wealthand with the firstfruits of all your produce;10 then your barns will be filled with plenty,and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Prov. 3:9–10 Honor the Lord. This requires giving proper weight to your wealth by using it only for righteous, just, and equitable purposes (“in all your ways acknowledge him,” v. 6), which begins with offering the firstfruits of everything to the Lord (see Deut. 18:1–5). To give the firstfruits is to imply that the whole belongs to God, indeed the whole worshiper. The prosperity described in Prov. 3:10 is the blessing of the covenant (Deut. 28:1–14), a kind of restored Eden. Your barns will be filled with plenty is a generalization concerning the effect of honoring the Lord with all that one has and is. It is not, however, more than a generalization (as Job's comforters held), for to view this as a mechanical formula dishonors God and his inscrutable sovereign purposes.
Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Rom. 12:1 Therefore points back to the entire argument from 1:18–11:36. mercies of God. Christians are to give themselves entirely to God because of his saving grace, as shown in 3:21–11:36. Sacrificial language from the OT is used to denote the new life of Christians, and this means that the word bodies here refers to Christians as whole persons, for both body and soul belong to God. They are a living sacrifice, meaning that they are alive from the dead since they enjoy new life with Christ (6:4). “Living” also means that they will not be put to death as OT animal sacrifices were (see notes on sacrifices in Leviticus 1–7), for Christ has fulfilled what was predicted by those sacrifices. Whereas OT worship focused on offering animal sacrifices in the temple, Paul says that spiritual worship in a broad sense now includes offering one's whole life to God (cf. Heb. 13:15–16). Elsewhere, however, the NT can also use the word “worship” in a narrower sense, to speak of specific acts of adoration and praise (Matt. 2:2; John 4:20; Acts 13:2; 1 Cor. 14:25; Heb. 12:28; Rev. 11:1).
Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Rom. 13:8 Verses 8–10 focus on the Christian's relationship to the Mosaic law. Owe no one anything links back to v. 7, and thus the command does not prohibit all borrowing but means that one should always “pay what is owed” (see v. 7), fulfilling whatever repayment agreements have been made. The debt one never ceases paying is the call to love one another. Indeed, love fulfills what the Mosaic law demands.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing.
1 Thess. 5:17 Pray without ceasing suggests a mental attitude of prayerfulness, continual personal fellowship with God, and consciousness of being in his presence throughout each day.
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. Why should we let our lights shine?
2. How would you respond to someone who said, "you are so disciplined and have so much self-control"?
3. What characteristics should we have in living for Jesus?
4. Rate the following statements either Strong, Average or Weak:
I desire to know and obey God
I offer myself to God as a living sacrifice
I give to God from my material possessions
I love others on an ongoing basis
I sustain a lifestyle of prayer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In your journal write a prayer for someone other than yourself and your immediate family. Commit to praying that prayer each day. Write down a prayer for someone who doesn't know Christ. Commit to praying for them each day. If you get the opportunity, let that person know you are lifting them up in prayer.
Lord we thank you so much for the opportunity to let our light shine with the Light of the World! We know that when the Light shines, no darkness can hide from it. Draw unto us people that need your light, give us wisdom and power to witness and share the hope we have in You Father. We pray that we live and give to honor You. Holy Spirit, we seek your wisdom and might and courage to minister to the lost and help them to hear the Word. We know that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God! We love you today Lord, Amen.
Let your light shine Beloved! Sister Lisa
Monday, March 16, 2009
Week 1 Day 4
Week 1 Day 4
Memory Verse: But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. Matt 6:33
STUDY VERSES:
Luke 9:23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:23 Come after me means to become a disciple (cf. 14:27) and requires that a disciple: (1) deny himself (not simply denying certain things but denying personal control of one's life); (2) take up his cross (cf. 14:27; notes on Matt. 10:38 and Mark 8:34; make a commitment that will lead to rejection and possibly even death); and (3) follow me (following the example and teachings of Jesus). In Jesus' day, “follow me” also meant joining the company of his disciples who traveled in ministry with Jesus around Palestine.
Luke 9:57-62 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:58 The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head is Jesus' challenge to a would-be follower, reminding him that the path of following Jesus is not easy and comfortable, for ultimately Jesus is not at home in this world. In this and the following two brief stories (vv. 59–62), Luke does not tell his readers how the person responded.
Luke 9:59 To go and bury a deceased parent was an important duty, and Jesus clearly upholds honoring one's parents (Matt. 15:1–9). The request seems reasonable on the surface, but this man's first response was not to obey Jesus immediately (as others did, cf. Luke 5:21, 28) but to make an excuse for not following him. Burial at this time in Judaism often involved a year-long period from the time when the body was first buried until a year later when the bones of the deceased were placed in an ossuary box. Though this was a basic family obligation, Jesus is teaching the priority of the kingdom over family.
Luke 9:60 Leave the dead to bury their own dead constitutes a pun in which “dead” means both “spiritually dead” (cf. 15:24, 32) and “physically dead.” Here (as in 14:25–26) Jesus insists that following him must take precedence over every other relationship and obligation. This does not imply that Jesus' followers can never care for their family obligations, but when they do, it must be out of obedience to Jesus, not instead of obedience to Jesus. In this man's case, Jesus was clearly not his highest commitment (see 9:59).
Luke 9:61 As in v. 59, this man's halfhearted discipleship begins with a “but”: I will follow you, Lord, but. This recalls 1 Kings 19:19–21, where Elijah permitted Elisha to say farewell; but Jesus does not permit this. Jesus' summons to discipleship takes precedence over everything else.
Luke 9:62 Anyone who puts his hand to the plow has to keep looking forward to guide the plow, for if he looks back the plow will quickly veer off course.
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. What are the three commitments we must make if we want to follow Jesus?
2. Describe one area in which you need to deny yourself so can follow Him more closely.
3. Considering the cross as a personal ministry, what could you do to take up your cross today?
4. What is one step you could take today to follow Christ more closely?
5. What were some excuses given by those following Jesus as to why they could not follow Hom?
6. What excuses do people use when asked to follow Christ?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jesus asks us to take up our cross everyday. I love that He knows we must make the commitment new everyday! If we only tell Him one time, then we are missing a relationship with Him. How do you think your spouse, your children, your friends would react if you only told and/or showed your love for them one time? Remember, we said LOVE is a verb! God is love and therefore, we must act to keep our relationship real with Him.
Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, ministered to the lost and confused. Do you know that He wants us to do the same? Do you believe that you have the power? It is not your power, but the power that works in you--the power of God, the power of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit. If we align ourselves rightly with Him and do what His Word says we must do--speak the Word, study the Word, love the Word, know the Word then all these things will be added to us.
Ask Him to put your past behind you, to lift up His name to glorify Him in all that you do today. Whatever you think, eat, say, pray, respond to; do all unto Him and watch His miraculous love heal the sick and dying! We love you Lord and we worship you, we magnify your name, your word, your promises. Help us Lord to be obedient and to remember you in everything. Be blessed brothers and sisters. Sister Lisa
Memory Verse: But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. Matt 6:33
STUDY VERSES:
Luke 9:23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:23 Come after me means to become a disciple (cf. 14:27) and requires that a disciple: (1) deny himself (not simply denying certain things but denying personal control of one's life); (2) take up his cross (cf. 14:27; notes on Matt. 10:38 and Mark 8:34; make a commitment that will lead to rejection and possibly even death); and (3) follow me (following the example and teachings of Jesus). In Jesus' day, “follow me” also meant joining the company of his disciples who traveled in ministry with Jesus around Palestine.
Luke 9:57-62 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:58 The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head is Jesus' challenge to a would-be follower, reminding him that the path of following Jesus is not easy and comfortable, for ultimately Jesus is not at home in this world. In this and the following two brief stories (vv. 59–62), Luke does not tell his readers how the person responded.
Luke 9:59 To go and bury a deceased parent was an important duty, and Jesus clearly upholds honoring one's parents (Matt. 15:1–9). The request seems reasonable on the surface, but this man's first response was not to obey Jesus immediately (as others did, cf. Luke 5:21, 28) but to make an excuse for not following him. Burial at this time in Judaism often involved a year-long period from the time when the body was first buried until a year later when the bones of the deceased were placed in an ossuary box. Though this was a basic family obligation, Jesus is teaching the priority of the kingdom over family.
Luke 9:60 Leave the dead to bury their own dead constitutes a pun in which “dead” means both “spiritually dead” (cf. 15:24, 32) and “physically dead.” Here (as in 14:25–26) Jesus insists that following him must take precedence over every other relationship and obligation. This does not imply that Jesus' followers can never care for their family obligations, but when they do, it must be out of obedience to Jesus, not instead of obedience to Jesus. In this man's case, Jesus was clearly not his highest commitment (see 9:59).
Luke 9:61 As in v. 59, this man's halfhearted discipleship begins with a “but”: I will follow you, Lord, but. This recalls 1 Kings 19:19–21, where Elijah permitted Elisha to say farewell; but Jesus does not permit this. Jesus' summons to discipleship takes precedence over everything else.
Luke 9:62 Anyone who puts his hand to the plow has to keep looking forward to guide the plow, for if he looks back the plow will quickly veer off course.
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. What are the three commitments we must make if we want to follow Jesus?
2. Describe one area in which you need to deny yourself so can follow Him more closely.
3. Considering the cross as a personal ministry, what could you do to take up your cross today?
4. What is one step you could take today to follow Christ more closely?
5. What were some excuses given by those following Jesus as to why they could not follow Hom?
6. What excuses do people use when asked to follow Christ?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jesus asks us to take up our cross everyday. I love that He knows we must make the commitment new everyday! If we only tell Him one time, then we are missing a relationship with Him. How do you think your spouse, your children, your friends would react if you only told and/or showed your love for them one time? Remember, we said LOVE is a verb! God is love and therefore, we must act to keep our relationship real with Him.
Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, ministered to the lost and confused. Do you know that He wants us to do the same? Do you believe that you have the power? It is not your power, but the power that works in you--the power of God, the power of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit. If we align ourselves rightly with Him and do what His Word says we must do--speak the Word, study the Word, love the Word, know the Word then all these things will be added to us.
Ask Him to put your past behind you, to lift up His name to glorify Him in all that you do today. Whatever you think, eat, say, pray, respond to; do all unto Him and watch His miraculous love heal the sick and dying! We love you Lord and we worship you, we magnify your name, your word, your promises. Help us Lord to be obedient and to remember you in everything. Be blessed brothers and sisters. Sister Lisa
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Week 1 Day 3 Giving Christ First Place
Week 1 Day 3 - First Place
Memory Verse: Matt 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all these things will be added unto you."
The Priorities of the Kingdom of God
Read Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. What are the three things that are priorities in the kingdom of God?
2. What two things are not priorities?
3. What is the difference between these things?
4. The Bible doesn't teach us that our physical life is unimportant, rather it is a matter of setting priorities in order. Read 2 Thess 3:10 and 1 Tim 5:8 "For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." and "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Do we have responsibility to care for the physical?
5. Read 1 Cor 10:31 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." This verse gives us a guideline to transform every day into a spiritual focus. What does it command us to do?
6. What does "for the glory of God" mean to you? Write it in your journal. If you wanted to live today for His glory, what should you do?
7. How would it change the way you normally live?
8. Do you feel God's righteousness and peace in your life? If not, why not?
9. How are you glorifying Him through your eating and exercise habits? Do you lack energy and focus? Remember the memory verse and start there...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lord I pray that we all make you our first priority today. I pray that we praise, worship and honor you in all we do with our bodies, our minds, our hearts, our eating and drinking. Jesus, bring to remembrance the way you walked and talked and celebrated and wept with others. Let us remember that it is what you have done and not our "doing" that please you but rather our hearts, minds, body and should worshipping you in reverence and motivation.
Father, we seek to glorify you and to walk with you Holy Spirit in every nook and place you would direct us. Where there is wrong, let us make it right. Where we need to forgive, let us do it with mercy and joy. Where we need to forgive ourselves Father, help us to set aside our pride and think of ourselves as your glorious children, joint heirs with Christ. We have the right attitude and seek to put you first in all we do and say. When we slip, Father please lift us up.
Let no man judge us but let us be an example of righteousness, mercy, forgiveness, love and humility. Humble us and put your words in our mouths today. Let us hunger for your Word and not for the world's food. Let us move this temporary house, our body, so as to preserve it for your mighty work. Let us be thankful in all things, for all things, with all things. Amen
Be blessed Beloved, Sister Lisa
Memory Verse: Matt 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all these things will be added unto you."
The Priorities of the Kingdom of God
Read Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. What are the three things that are priorities in the kingdom of God?
2. What two things are not priorities?
3. What is the difference between these things?
4. The Bible doesn't teach us that our physical life is unimportant, rather it is a matter of setting priorities in order. Read 2 Thess 3:10 and 1 Tim 5:8 "For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." and "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Do we have responsibility to care for the physical?
5. Read 1 Cor 10:31 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." This verse gives us a guideline to transform every day into a spiritual focus. What does it command us to do?
6. What does "for the glory of God" mean to you? Write it in your journal. If you wanted to live today for His glory, what should you do?
7. How would it change the way you normally live?
8. Do you feel God's righteousness and peace in your life? If not, why not?
9. How are you glorifying Him through your eating and exercise habits? Do you lack energy and focus? Remember the memory verse and start there...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lord I pray that we all make you our first priority today. I pray that we praise, worship and honor you in all we do with our bodies, our minds, our hearts, our eating and drinking. Jesus, bring to remembrance the way you walked and talked and celebrated and wept with others. Let us remember that it is what you have done and not our "doing" that please you but rather our hearts, minds, body and should worshipping you in reverence and motivation.
Father, we seek to glorify you and to walk with you Holy Spirit in every nook and place you would direct us. Where there is wrong, let us make it right. Where we need to forgive, let us do it with mercy and joy. Where we need to forgive ourselves Father, help us to set aside our pride and think of ourselves as your glorious children, joint heirs with Christ. We have the right attitude and seek to put you first in all we do and say. When we slip, Father please lift us up.
Let no man judge us but let us be an example of righteousness, mercy, forgiveness, love and humility. Humble us and put your words in our mouths today. Let us hunger for your Word and not for the world's food. Let us move this temporary house, our body, so as to preserve it for your mighty work. Let us be thankful in all things, for all things, with all things. Amen
Be blessed Beloved, Sister Lisa
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Week 1 Day 2 Giving Christ First Place
Week 1, Day 2
Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you"
God's Promise
Read Matthew 6:25-30
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Commentary from ESV:
Matt. 6:25 Therefore . . . do not be anxious. If one makes the right choices, there is (“therefore”) no reason that one should be anxious. Jesus gives two a fortiori (“how much more”) examples—“look at the birds” (v. 26), “consider the lilies” (v. 28)—to show that, since God cares even for the birds and the lilies, how much more will he care for his own. To be anxious, then, demonstrates a lack of trust in God, who promises that he will graciously care for “all these things” See also Phil. 4:5–6.
Matt. 6:26 Human beings are of more value than animals (cf. 10:31; 12:12) because only humans, out of all God's creatures, are created “in the image of God” (Gen. 1:27), because God gave the human race dominion over all the earth and all its creatures (Gen. 1:28), and because God loved human beings so much “that he gave his only Son” to die for our sins (John 3:16).
Matt. 6:30 Grass was a natural source of fuel for fire and a common biblical metaphor for human frailty (e.g., Ps. 37:2; 102:4). Little faith implies a deficiency rather than an absence of faith (cf. Matt. 8:26).
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. What causes you worry?
2. How much time do you give each week to worrying about these things? Keep a journal each day and jot down a "tick" mark every time you worry. Count them up at the end of the day.
3. When you find yourself worrying, what else could you do?
4. Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6:9-13, in that prayer He says, "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." How would your life change if you invested the time you spend worrying in prayer, Bible study, exercise, witnessing?
5. Read Matthew 21:22 and find God's promise to you. He will provide for your every need. Ask Him now to use you wherever you are.
Pray The Serenity Prayer:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference.
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Keep writing things down in your prayer journal, even if it is just one line. Don't forget to list at least three things for which you are grateful. Work on the memory verse and repeat it often throughout the day.
Beloved, He is always with us. In the good times, the boring times, the tough times--His kingdom marches on toward that wonderful day when Jesus will crack the sky for His bride! I've been on such a wonderful spiritual plane these past few months. Today I find myself a little jumbled-up with priorities and concerns. It is time to take a deep breath, breathe in the mighty Holy Spirit and allow His overflowing love to envelope me.
Oh Holy Spirit fuel me with love and wisdom today. Lead me on the path to righteousness, temper my salt with light and love; cause my mind to remember that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Remove my stony heart, any pebbles that hinder the work you would have me do today. Give me a heart that is soft, pliable, filled with the blood of Jesus and the breathe of the Holy Spirit. Father, protect me from every hindering spirit, let not my foot slip on the rocks of life but keep it firmly planted on Your Word. I love you today God, Jehovah, Lord, Master...keep me still to hear your voice and know that you are God! Amen
Have an awesome and focused day in the Lord Beloved, until tomorrow, Sister Lisa.
Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you"
God's Promise
Read Matthew 6:25-30
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Commentary from ESV:
Matt. 6:25 Therefore . . . do not be anxious. If one makes the right choices, there is (“therefore”) no reason that one should be anxious. Jesus gives two a fortiori (“how much more”) examples—“look at the birds” (v. 26), “consider the lilies” (v. 28)—to show that, since God cares even for the birds and the lilies, how much more will he care for his own. To be anxious, then, demonstrates a lack of trust in God, who promises that he will graciously care for “all these things” See also Phil. 4:5–6.
Matt. 6:26 Human beings are of more value than animals (cf. 10:31; 12:12) because only humans, out of all God's creatures, are created “in the image of God” (Gen. 1:27), because God gave the human race dominion over all the earth and all its creatures (Gen. 1:28), and because God loved human beings so much “that he gave his only Son” to die for our sins (John 3:16).
Matt. 6:30 Grass was a natural source of fuel for fire and a common biblical metaphor for human frailty (e.g., Ps. 37:2; 102:4). Little faith implies a deficiency rather than an absence of faith (cf. Matt. 8:26).
STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. What causes you worry?
2. How much time do you give each week to worrying about these things? Keep a journal each day and jot down a "tick" mark every time you worry. Count them up at the end of the day.
3. When you find yourself worrying, what else could you do?
4. Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6:9-13, in that prayer He says, "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." How would your life change if you invested the time you spend worrying in prayer, Bible study, exercise, witnessing?
5. Read Matthew 21:22 and find God's promise to you. He will provide for your every need. Ask Him now to use you wherever you are.
Pray The Serenity Prayer:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Keep writing things down in your prayer journal, even if it is just one line. Don't forget to list at least three things for which you are grateful. Work on the memory verse and repeat it often throughout the day.
Beloved, He is always with us. In the good times, the boring times, the tough times--His kingdom marches on toward that wonderful day when Jesus will crack the sky for His bride! I've been on such a wonderful spiritual plane these past few months. Today I find myself a little jumbled-up with priorities and concerns. It is time to take a deep breath, breathe in the mighty Holy Spirit and allow His overflowing love to envelope me.
Oh Holy Spirit fuel me with love and wisdom today. Lead me on the path to righteousness, temper my salt with light and love; cause my mind to remember that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Remove my stony heart, any pebbles that hinder the work you would have me do today. Give me a heart that is soft, pliable, filled with the blood of Jesus and the breathe of the Holy Spirit. Father, protect me from every hindering spirit, let not my foot slip on the rocks of life but keep it firmly planted on Your Word. I love you today God, Jehovah, Lord, Master...keep me still to hear your voice and know that you are God! Amen
Have an awesome and focused day in the Lord Beloved, until tomorrow, Sister Lisa.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Giving Christ First Place - New Study
Giving Christ First Place - Based on the Bible Series "First Place" by Carole Lewis. Link to website: www.firstplace4health.com
I first started this study in 2001. It was August and I wanted a way to get the "whole" person in line with God's Word and His plans for my life. As with many things in my life, I started with gusto and energy----then 9/11 came. I retreated to work, I was leading a big project and working hours and hours gave me comfort. The boys were teenagers, my husband was stuck in New York City working under "new" rules and I felt lost.
I abandoned the study and picked up the book several times in the past eight years. Now I feel compelled to come back to it and share that study with you. This is a program of wellness. I encourage you to visit the website and purchase the study "Giving Christ First Place". This study is ten weeks long--that takes us right up to Summer!
The goal is to put Christ in the center of our lives and let Him extend into the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional portions of our selves--the WHOLE person. I pray you'll embark on this journey with me. Comment on the post or drop me an email and let me know how you are doing with the plan.
Each study will take about 20 minutes to complete. I encourage you to get a journal or start an e-journal in Word or another word processing program of your choice. You should track your progress, write your thoughts and scripture verses so you ca look back on your progress. I've been keeping journals of some form for the past 15 years. While all of my entries aren't fun to re-read, I can see God working in my life and also rejoice in answers to prayer over the years.
Here are a few guidelines to get started:
1. Pray before each study
2. Have your Bible ready or your e-Bible link up and ready to go
3. Be prepared with a pen and paper or online journal
5. Enjoy!
Week 1 - Day 1
Time for What You Seek First
Weekly Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33 Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things will be added to you
Look at your calendar and note where you spend most of your time and energy--is it with God? Do you have time pencilled in each day with Him?
Now look at your checkbook or debit slips--where are you spending most of your money? Is it on basic needs and giving to the Kingdom? If not, notice where you are placing priorities. Is there a vacuum or hole in your heart? I know the One who can fill that space! His name is Jesus--or Jehovah Jireh, My Provider.
Read Matthew 6:25 and jot down some of the things that Jesus says will divert our attention from His priorities:
Read Matthew 6:26-30 and write down what God wants you to learn from the birds and the flowers.
When you start to understand how God provides for your needs you believe that He will do all His Word says it will do in your life. Read Philippians 4:19. Do you believe that He will supply ALL of your needs? Why or why not?
What needs in your life do you have? Will you turn them over to God now?
Wanting Christ to be in first place and Living with Christ in first place are two different things. When you begin to put Christ first in your life, your priorities and decisions will change. Meditate on the weekly memorization verse.
When you put Him first, Seek Him first, He will sustain you and meet your every need. As you go about your day, be mindful of where you spend your time, money and energy. Say a prayer of thanks to Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you and praise you that you put me first in your heart; as I put you first let me seek you, know you, meditate on you and your Word. I thank you Father for the time to spend in your Word, fellowshipping with each other in holy communion. Thanks Jesus for your comforter, the Holy Spirit in guiding and teaching me. I praise you and give you honor and glory. Amen, Sister Lisa
I first started this study in 2001. It was August and I wanted a way to get the "whole" person in line with God's Word and His plans for my life. As with many things in my life, I started with gusto and energy----then 9/11 came. I retreated to work, I was leading a big project and working hours and hours gave me comfort. The boys were teenagers, my husband was stuck in New York City working under "new" rules and I felt lost.
I abandoned the study and picked up the book several times in the past eight years. Now I feel compelled to come back to it and share that study with you. This is a program of wellness. I encourage you to visit the website and purchase the study "Giving Christ First Place". This study is ten weeks long--that takes us right up to Summer!
The goal is to put Christ in the center of our lives and let Him extend into the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional portions of our selves--the WHOLE person. I pray you'll embark on this journey with me. Comment on the post or drop me an email and let me know how you are doing with the plan.
Each study will take about 20 minutes to complete. I encourage you to get a journal or start an e-journal in Word or another word processing program of your choice. You should track your progress, write your thoughts and scripture verses so you ca look back on your progress. I've been keeping journals of some form for the past 15 years. While all of my entries aren't fun to re-read, I can see God working in my life and also rejoice in answers to prayer over the years.
Here are a few guidelines to get started:
1. Pray before each study
2. Have your Bible ready or your e-Bible link up and ready to go
3. Be prepared with a pen and paper or online journal
5. Enjoy!
Week 1 - Day 1
Time for What You Seek First
Weekly Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33 Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things will be added to you
Look at your calendar and note where you spend most of your time and energy--is it with God? Do you have time pencilled in each day with Him?
Now look at your checkbook or debit slips--where are you spending most of your money? Is it on basic needs and giving to the Kingdom? If not, notice where you are placing priorities. Is there a vacuum or hole in your heart? I know the One who can fill that space! His name is Jesus--or Jehovah Jireh, My Provider.
Read Matthew 6:25 and jot down some of the things that Jesus says will divert our attention from His priorities:
Read Matthew 6:26-30 and write down what God wants you to learn from the birds and the flowers.
When you start to understand how God provides for your needs you believe that He will do all His Word says it will do in your life. Read Philippians 4:19. Do you believe that He will supply ALL of your needs? Why or why not?
What needs in your life do you have? Will you turn them over to God now?
Wanting Christ to be in first place and Living with Christ in first place are two different things. When you begin to put Christ first in your life, your priorities and decisions will change. Meditate on the weekly memorization verse.
When you put Him first, Seek Him first, He will sustain you and meet your every need. As you go about your day, be mindful of where you spend your time, money and energy. Say a prayer of thanks to Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you and praise you that you put me first in your heart; as I put you first let me seek you, know you, meditate on you and your Word. I thank you Father for the time to spend in your Word, fellowshipping with each other in holy communion. Thanks Jesus for your comforter, the Holy Spirit in guiding and teaching me. I praise you and give you honor and glory. Amen, Sister Lisa
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Trinity - Day 10
The Trinity - Day 10
It seems that we just started on this study--already 10 days to study, pray and ponder the miracle of God in Three Persons! Continue to ask Him for revelation and peace and He will give it all to you!
STUDY VERSES:
What Difference Does the Doctrine of the Trinity Make?
Sovereignty: Because the three persons have each other, we can be assured that God created us only to share the love they have and not as a means to His own end: Acts 17:25; John 17:21-26.
Mystery: The triune God is totally unlike anything in our world, and therefore greater than anything we can comprehend: Rom. 11:33-36; Isa. 40:18.
Salvation: God alone planned our salvation, came to save us, and dwells in us to complete our salvation: 1 Pet. 1:2; Eph. 1:3-18; etc.
Prayer: We pray to the Father through the Son, and also pray to the Son directly, in the Spirit: John 14:13-14; Eph. 2:18; etc.
Worship: We worship Father and Son in the Spirit: John 4:23-24; Phil. 3:3; Heb. 1:8; etc.
Love: The love among the three persons is the basis and model for our love for one another: John 17:26.
Unity: The unity of the three persons is the basis and model for the unity of the church: John 17:21-23.
Humility: As the persons of the Trinity seek the glory of each other, so we should seek the interests of others above our own: Phil. 2:5-11; John 16:13-14.
Sonship: We are "sons of God" as we are united with the Son of God by the work of the Holy Spirit and the adoption of the Father: John 1:12-23; Rom. 8:14-17.
Truth: All those who wish to worship and love God must seek to know Him as He is in truth, for God, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is truth: John 4:24; 14:6, 14:17; 15:26; 16:13.
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Worship Him in Spirit and in Truth! We have all we need in Him, through Him, with Him, because of Him. Let us partake of the blood and the body with great humility and reverence, Beloved. Let us partake of all that He is, Who He is, and What He is so that we may be complete in Him. New study tomorrow and blessings for a most Holy Day in the name of Jehovah--YAHWEH, Jesus, Holy Spirit! Sister Lisa
It seems that we just started on this study--already 10 days to study, pray and ponder the miracle of God in Three Persons! Continue to ask Him for revelation and peace and He will give it all to you!
STUDY VERSES:
What Difference Does the Doctrine of the Trinity Make?
Sovereignty: Because the three persons have each other, we can be assured that God created us only to share the love they have and not as a means to His own end: Acts 17:25; John 17:21-26.
Mystery: The triune God is totally unlike anything in our world, and therefore greater than anything we can comprehend: Rom. 11:33-36; Isa. 40:18.
Salvation: God alone planned our salvation, came to save us, and dwells in us to complete our salvation: 1 Pet. 1:2; Eph. 1:3-18; etc.
Prayer: We pray to the Father through the Son, and also pray to the Son directly, in the Spirit: John 14:13-14; Eph. 2:18; etc.
Worship: We worship Father and Son in the Spirit: John 4:23-24; Phil. 3:3; Heb. 1:8; etc.
Love: The love among the three persons is the basis and model for our love for one another: John 17:26.
Unity: The unity of the three persons is the basis and model for the unity of the church: John 17:21-23.
Humility: As the persons of the Trinity seek the glory of each other, so we should seek the interests of others above our own: Phil. 2:5-11; John 16:13-14.
Sonship: We are "sons of God" as we are united with the Son of God by the work of the Holy Spirit and the adoption of the Father: John 1:12-23; Rom. 8:14-17.
Truth: All those who wish to worship and love God must seek to know Him as He is in truth, for God, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is truth: John 4:24; 14:6, 14:17; 15:26; 16:13.
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Worship Him in Spirit and in Truth! We have all we need in Him, through Him, with Him, because of Him. Let us partake of the blood and the body with great humility and reverence, Beloved. Let us partake of all that He is, Who He is, and What He is so that we may be complete in Him. New study tomorrow and blessings for a most Holy Day in the name of Jehovah--YAHWEH, Jesus, Holy Spirit! Sister Lisa
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Trinity - Day 9
The Trinity - Day 9
Viewing all the Persons of God together and separately:
STUDY VERSES:
VIII. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Are Distinct Persons
A. Matt. 28:19
"the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit": use of definite article before each personal noun indicates distinct persons unless explicitly stated otherwise; compare Rev. 1:17; 2:8, 2:26
The views that "Father" and "Son" are distinct persons but not the Holy Spirit, or that the Holy Spirit is not a person at all, or that all three are different offices or roles of one person, are impossible in view of the grammar (together with the fact that in Scripture a "spirit" is a person unless context shows otherwise).
Does singular "name" prove that the three are one person? No; cf. Gen. 5:2; 11:14; 48:6; and esp. Gen. 48:16 "Name" need not be personal name, may be title: Isa. 9:6; Matt. 1:23. If a single personal name is sought, the name shared by all three persons is "Yahweh" or "Jehovah."
Acts 2:38 and Matt. 28:19
Neither passage specifies that certain words are to be spoken during baptism; nor does the Bible ever record someone saying, "I baptize you in the name of…"
Those said to be baptized in the name of Jesus (whether or not the formula "in the name of Jesus" was used) were people already familiar with the God of the OT:
1. Jews: Acts 2:5, 2:38; 22:16
2. Samaritans: Acts 8:5, 8:12, 8:16
3. God-fearing Gentiles: Acts 10:1-2, 10:22, 10:48
4. Disciples of John the Baptist: Acts 19:1-5
5. The first Christians in Corinth were Jews and God-fearing Gentiles: Acts 18:1-8; 1 Cor. 1:13
6. Trinitarian formula for baptism (if that is what Matt. 28:19 is) was given in context of commissioning apostles to take the gospel to "all the nations," including people who did not know of the biblical God
B. God the Father and the Son Jesus Christ are two persons
1. The salutations: Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2; 6:23; Phil. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1-2; 1 Tim. 1:1-2; 2 Tim. 1:2; Tit. 1:4; Phm. 3; James 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:2; 2 John 3
2. Two witnesses: John 5:31-32; 8:16-18; cf. Num. 35:30; Deut. 17:6; 19:15
3. The Father sent the Son: John 3:16-17; Gal. 4:4; 1 John 4:10; etc.; cf. John 1:6; 17:18; 20:21
4. The Father and the Son love each other: John 3:35; 5:20; 14:31; 15:9; 17:23-26; cf. Matt. 3:17 par.; Matt. 17:5 par.; 2 Pet. 1:17
5. The Father speaks to the Son, and the Son speaks to the Father: John 11:41-42; 12:28; 17:1-26; etc.
6. The Father knows the Son, and the Son knows the Father: Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22; John 7:29; 8:55; 10:15
7. Jesus our Advocate with the Father: 1 John 2:1
Jesus is not God the Father
Isa. 9:6: "Father of eternity" means eternal; compare other names formed with word "father": Abialbon, "father of strength" = strong (2 Sam. 23:31); Abiasaph, "father of gathering" = gatherer (Ex. 6:24); Abigail, a woman's name(!), "father of exultation" = exulting (1 Chron. 2:16).
John 10:30
8. Jesus did not say, "I am the Father," nor did He say, "the Son and the Father are one person."
The first person plural esmen ("we are") implies two persons.
The neuter word for "one" (hen) is used, implying essential unity but not personal unity (compare John 17:21-23).
John 5:43: Jesus' coming in His Father's name means not that He was the Father because He had the Father's name, but that, while others come in their own name (or their own authority), Jesus does not; He comes in His Father's name (on His Father's authority).
John 8:19; 16:3: Ignorance of Jesus is indeed ignorance of the Father, but that does not prove that 9. Jesus is the one He calls "My Father."
John 14:6-11
10. Jesus and the Father are one being, not one person. Jesus said, "I am in the Father," not "I am the Father." The statement, "the Father is in Me," does not mean Jesus is the Father; compare John 14:20; 17:21-23.
John 14:18: An older adult brother can care for his younger siblings, thus preventing them from being "orphans," without being their father.
Colossians 2:9: Does not mean that Jesus is the Father, or that Jesus is an incarnation of the Father; rather, since "Godhead" (theotês) means Deity, the state of being God, the nature of God, Jesus is fully God, but not the only person who is God. "The Godhead" here does not = the Father (note that Jesus is in the Father, John 10:38; 14:10, 14:11; 17:21), but the nature of the Father.
The Father and the Son are both involved in various activities: raising Jesus (Gal. 1:1; John 2:19-22), raising the dead (John 5:21; 6:39-40, 6:44, 6:54, 1 Cor. 6:14), answering prayer (John 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23), sending the Holy Spirit (John 14:16; 15:26; 16:7), drawing people to Jesus (John 6:44; 12:32), etc. These common works do prove that the two persons are both God, but not that Jesus is the Father.
The Son existed before his Incarnation, even before creation
Prov. 30:4: This is not predictive prophecy; "prophecy" in Prov. 30:1 translates massa, which is rendered elsewhere as "burden."
The Son created all things:Jesus was "with" (pros or para) God the Father before creation: John 1:1; 17:5; pros in John 1:1 does not mean "pertaining to," although it does in Hebrews 2:17; 5:1 Jesus, the Son of God, existed before John the Baptist (who was born before Jesus): John 1:15, cf. John 1:14-18, 1:29-34
Jesus, the Son, came down from heaven, sent from the Father, and went back to heaven, back to the Father: John 3:13, 3:31; 6:33; 6:38, 6:41, 6:46, 6:51, 6:56-58, 6:62; 8:23, 8:42; 13:3; 16:27-28; cf. Acts 1:10-11; cf. the sending of the Holy Spirit, John 16:5-7; 1 Pet. 1:12
Jesus, speaking as the Son (John 8:54-56), asserts His eternal preexistence before Abraham: John 8:58
The Son explicitly said to exist "before all things": Col. 1:17, cf. Col. 1:12-20
These statements cannot be dismissed as true only in God's foreknowledge
We are all "in God's mind" before creation; yet such passages as John 1:1 and John 17:5 clearly mean to say something unusual about Christ. To say that all things were created through Christ means that He must have existed at creation. No one else in Scripture is ever said to have been with God before creation.
Jesus is not the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit is "another Comforter": John 14:16; compare 1 John 2:1.
- Jesus sent the Holy Spirit: John 15:26; 16:7.
- The Holy Spirit exhibits humility in relation to, and seeks to glorify, Jesus (John 16:13-14).
- The Son and the Holy Spirit are distinguished as two persons in Matt. 28:19.
- The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus: Luke 3:22.
- Is Jesus the Holy Spirit?
2 Cor. 3:17: the Spirit is here called "Lord" in the sense of being Yahweh or God, not Jesus (cf. 2 Cor. 3:16, citing Ex. 34:34; cf. 2 Cor. 3:17 in the Revised English Bible); note Acts 28:25-27, cf. Isa. 6:8-10.
1 Cor. 15:45: Jesus is "a life-giving Spirit," not in the sense that He is the Holy Spirit whom He sent at Pentecost, but in the sense that He is the glorified God-man; and as God He is Spirit by nature. All three persons of the Trinity are Spirit, though there are not three divine Spirits; and only one person is designated "the Holy Spirit."
Rom. 8:27, 8:34: the fact that two persons intercede for us is consistent with the fact that we have two Advocates (John 14:16; Rom. 8:26; 1 John 2:1).
John 14:18: Jesus here refers to His appearances to the disciples after the resurrection (compare John 14:19), not to the coming of the Spirit.
Jesus and the Holy Spirit are both involved in various activities: raising Jesus (John 2:19-22; Rom. 8:9-11), raising the dead (John 5:21; 6:39-40, 6:44, 6:54, Rom. 8:9-11), dwelling in the believer (John 14:16; 2 Cor. 13:5; Col. 1:27), interceding for the believer (Rom. 8:26; Heb. 7:25), sanctifying believers (Eph. 5:26; 1 Pet. 1:2), etc. These works prove that the two persons are both God, but not that Jesus is the Holy Spirit.
The Father is not the Holy Spirit
- The Father sent the Holy Spirit: John 14:15; 15:26.
- The Holy Spirit intercedes with the Father for us: Rom. 8:26-27.
- The Father and the Holy Spirit are distinguished as two persons in Matt. 28:19.
- Is the Father the Holy Spirit?
Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:35: It is argued that the Holy Spirit is the Father of the incarnate Son of God; this argument ignores the fact that the "conception" is not a product of physical union between a man and a woman!
The Father and the Holy Spirit are both said to be active in various activities; the resurrection of Jesus (Gal. 1:1; Rom. 8:11), comforting Christians (2 Cor. 1:3-4; John 14:26), sanctifying Christians (Jude 1; 1 Pet. 1:2), etc. The most these facts prove is that the two work together; they do not prove the two are one person.
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Beloved, do not be dismayed if you haven't quite digested all of this meat from God. We were meant to chew it thoroughly, savoring each flavor, distinguishing each nuance, and digging further for information to build confidence in His Word. Tomorrow is the conclusion of this study and I pray that you will print it out or come back on a regular basis to check, study, pray and claim all the unending insight that God has for you. Cheers until til tomorrow, in the love of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. May He bless you today, Sister Lisa
Viewing all the Persons of God together and separately:
STUDY VERSES:
VIII. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Are Distinct Persons
A. Matt. 28:19
"the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit": use of definite article before each personal noun indicates distinct persons unless explicitly stated otherwise; compare Rev. 1:17; 2:8, 2:26
The views that "Father" and "Son" are distinct persons but not the Holy Spirit, or that the Holy Spirit is not a person at all, or that all three are different offices or roles of one person, are impossible in view of the grammar (together with the fact that in Scripture a "spirit" is a person unless context shows otherwise).
Does singular "name" prove that the three are one person? No; cf. Gen. 5:2; 11:14; 48:6; and esp. Gen. 48:16 "Name" need not be personal name, may be title: Isa. 9:6; Matt. 1:23. If a single personal name is sought, the name shared by all three persons is "Yahweh" or "Jehovah."
Acts 2:38 and Matt. 28:19
Neither passage specifies that certain words are to be spoken during baptism; nor does the Bible ever record someone saying, "I baptize you in the name of…"
Those said to be baptized in the name of Jesus (whether or not the formula "in the name of Jesus" was used) were people already familiar with the God of the OT:
1. Jews: Acts 2:5, 2:38; 22:16
2. Samaritans: Acts 8:5, 8:12, 8:16
3. God-fearing Gentiles: Acts 10:1-2, 10:22, 10:48
4. Disciples of John the Baptist: Acts 19:1-5
5. The first Christians in Corinth were Jews and God-fearing Gentiles: Acts 18:1-8; 1 Cor. 1:13
6. Trinitarian formula for baptism (if that is what Matt. 28:19 is) was given in context of commissioning apostles to take the gospel to "all the nations," including people who did not know of the biblical God
B. God the Father and the Son Jesus Christ are two persons
1. The salutations: Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2; 6:23; Phil. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1-2; 1 Tim. 1:1-2; 2 Tim. 1:2; Tit. 1:4; Phm. 3; James 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:2; 2 John 3
2. Two witnesses: John 5:31-32; 8:16-18; cf. Num. 35:30; Deut. 17:6; 19:15
3. The Father sent the Son: John 3:16-17; Gal. 4:4; 1 John 4:10; etc.; cf. John 1:6; 17:18; 20:21
4. The Father and the Son love each other: John 3:35; 5:20; 14:31; 15:9; 17:23-26; cf. Matt. 3:17 par.; Matt. 17:5 par.; 2 Pet. 1:17
5. The Father speaks to the Son, and the Son speaks to the Father: John 11:41-42; 12:28; 17:1-26; etc.
6. The Father knows the Son, and the Son knows the Father: Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22; John 7:29; 8:55; 10:15
7. Jesus our Advocate with the Father: 1 John 2:1
Jesus is not God the Father
Isa. 9:6: "Father of eternity" means eternal; compare other names formed with word "father": Abialbon, "father of strength" = strong (2 Sam. 23:31); Abiasaph, "father of gathering" = gatherer (Ex. 6:24); Abigail, a woman's name(!), "father of exultation" = exulting (1 Chron. 2:16).
John 10:30
8. Jesus did not say, "I am the Father," nor did He say, "the Son and the Father are one person."
The first person plural esmen ("we are") implies two persons.
The neuter word for "one" (hen) is used, implying essential unity but not personal unity (compare John 17:21-23).
John 5:43: Jesus' coming in His Father's name means not that He was the Father because He had the Father's name, but that, while others come in their own name (or their own authority), Jesus does not; He comes in His Father's name (on His Father's authority).
John 8:19; 16:3: Ignorance of Jesus is indeed ignorance of the Father, but that does not prove that 9. Jesus is the one He calls "My Father."
John 14:6-11
10. Jesus and the Father are one being, not one person. Jesus said, "I am in the Father," not "I am the Father." The statement, "the Father is in Me," does not mean Jesus is the Father; compare John 14:20; 17:21-23.
John 14:18: An older adult brother can care for his younger siblings, thus preventing them from being "orphans," without being their father.
Colossians 2:9: Does not mean that Jesus is the Father, or that Jesus is an incarnation of the Father; rather, since "Godhead" (theotês) means Deity, the state of being God, the nature of God, Jesus is fully God, but not the only person who is God. "The Godhead" here does not = the Father (note that Jesus is in the Father, John 10:38; 14:10, 14:11; 17:21), but the nature of the Father.
The Father and the Son are both involved in various activities: raising Jesus (Gal. 1:1; John 2:19-22), raising the dead (John 5:21; 6:39-40, 6:44, 6:54, 1 Cor. 6:14), answering prayer (John 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23), sending the Holy Spirit (John 14:16; 15:26; 16:7), drawing people to Jesus (John 6:44; 12:32), etc. These common works do prove that the two persons are both God, but not that Jesus is the Father.
The Son existed before his Incarnation, even before creation
Prov. 30:4: This is not predictive prophecy; "prophecy" in Prov. 30:1 translates massa, which is rendered elsewhere as "burden."
The Son created all things:Jesus was "with" (pros or para) God the Father before creation: John 1:1; 17:5; pros in John 1:1 does not mean "pertaining to," although it does in Hebrews 2:17; 5:1 Jesus, the Son of God, existed before John the Baptist (who was born before Jesus): John 1:15, cf. John 1:14-18, 1:29-34
Jesus, the Son, came down from heaven, sent from the Father, and went back to heaven, back to the Father: John 3:13, 3:31; 6:33; 6:38, 6:41, 6:46, 6:51, 6:56-58, 6:62; 8:23, 8:42; 13:3; 16:27-28; cf. Acts 1:10-11; cf. the sending of the Holy Spirit, John 16:5-7; 1 Pet. 1:12
Jesus, speaking as the Son (John 8:54-56), asserts His eternal preexistence before Abraham: John 8:58
The Son explicitly said to exist "before all things": Col. 1:17, cf. Col. 1:12-20
These statements cannot be dismissed as true only in God's foreknowledge
We are all "in God's mind" before creation; yet such passages as John 1:1 and John 17:5 clearly mean to say something unusual about Christ. To say that all things were created through Christ means that He must have existed at creation. No one else in Scripture is ever said to have been with God before creation.
Jesus is not the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit is "another Comforter": John 14:16; compare 1 John 2:1.
- Jesus sent the Holy Spirit: John 15:26; 16:7.
- The Holy Spirit exhibits humility in relation to, and seeks to glorify, Jesus (John 16:13-14).
- The Son and the Holy Spirit are distinguished as two persons in Matt. 28:19.
- The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus: Luke 3:22.
- Is Jesus the Holy Spirit?
2 Cor. 3:17: the Spirit is here called "Lord" in the sense of being Yahweh or God, not Jesus (cf. 2 Cor. 3:16, citing Ex. 34:34; cf. 2 Cor. 3:17 in the Revised English Bible); note Acts 28:25-27, cf. Isa. 6:8-10.
1 Cor. 15:45: Jesus is "a life-giving Spirit," not in the sense that He is the Holy Spirit whom He sent at Pentecost, but in the sense that He is the glorified God-man; and as God He is Spirit by nature. All three persons of the Trinity are Spirit, though there are not three divine Spirits; and only one person is designated "the Holy Spirit."
Rom. 8:27, 8:34: the fact that two persons intercede for us is consistent with the fact that we have two Advocates (John 14:16; Rom. 8:26; 1 John 2:1).
John 14:18: Jesus here refers to His appearances to the disciples after the resurrection (compare John 14:19), not to the coming of the Spirit.
Jesus and the Holy Spirit are both involved in various activities: raising Jesus (John 2:19-22; Rom. 8:9-11), raising the dead (John 5:21; 6:39-40, 6:44, 6:54, Rom. 8:9-11), dwelling in the believer (John 14:16; 2 Cor. 13:5; Col. 1:27), interceding for the believer (Rom. 8:26; Heb. 7:25), sanctifying believers (Eph. 5:26; 1 Pet. 1:2), etc. These works prove that the two persons are both God, but not that Jesus is the Holy Spirit.
The Father is not the Holy Spirit
- The Father sent the Holy Spirit: John 14:15; 15:26.
- The Holy Spirit intercedes with the Father for us: Rom. 8:26-27.
- The Father and the Holy Spirit are distinguished as two persons in Matt. 28:19.
- Is the Father the Holy Spirit?
Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:35: It is argued that the Holy Spirit is the Father of the incarnate Son of God; this argument ignores the fact that the "conception" is not a product of physical union between a man and a woman!
The Father and the Holy Spirit are both said to be active in various activities; the resurrection of Jesus (Gal. 1:1; Rom. 8:11), comforting Christians (2 Cor. 1:3-4; John 14:26), sanctifying Christians (Jude 1; 1 Pet. 1:2), etc. The most these facts prove is that the two work together; they do not prove the two are one person.
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Beloved, do not be dismayed if you haven't quite digested all of this meat from God. We were meant to chew it thoroughly, savoring each flavor, distinguishing each nuance, and digging further for information to build confidence in His Word. Tomorrow is the conclusion of this study and I pray that you will print it out or come back on a regular basis to check, study, pray and claim all the unending insight that God has for you. Cheers until til tomorrow, in the love of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. May He bless you today, Sister Lisa
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