“Our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5)

October 9, 2011

Your words carry only your influence and authority. Can you back up your own words? But the gospel word is backed up by the Lord. They contain His power to save, HIs Spirit to convict and redeem. Therefore we speak it with deep conviction.

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them” (Colossians 3:18-19)

October 8, 2011

How Christian families live when they have set their hearts and minds on Christ. Submit is in the Greek middle voice, literally, “choose to align yourselves under.” Love is in the present active imperative. Husbands must continually love their wives.

“Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house” (Proverbs 24:27)

October 7, 2011

Good instruction for families and church planters too. Do the work first so that you have something to sustain the house. Otherwise, both will fail. For the church planter this is a good reminder to put outreach ahead of buildings. Families, a house does not a home make.

“He commanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children” (Psalm 78:5-6)

October 6, 2011

Have you taught your children about Jesus? Do they know the way of salvation? You cannot delegate this job. Parents, teach your children and your children’s children about God.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him” (Colossians 2:6)

October 5, 2011

We receive Christ by grace through faith, so that’s how we should continue to live in Him. Not through religious working or effort, but drawing on His Spirit, staying connected to the Vine, we bear spiritual fruit. The One who saved us, keeps us and lives in us.

“We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9)

October 4, 2011

Knowledge – what His will is. Wisdom – how to apply it. Understanding – how it works. Most of us don’t have trouble knowing God’s will. We have trouble doing it. God fill us with power to do your will.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5)

October 3, 2011

Do you have a sense of calling? An awareness of destiny? You should. God had you in mind before you existed. You are not as some suppose, a mere roll of the evolutionary dice. You are created for a purpose.

“This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word” (Isaiah 66:2)

October 2, 2011

God lifts up those who bow down. He applauds the one who is fearfully moved by His Word. What is your response to hearing the Word? Those in whom the Spirit resides tremble like a leaf blown by the wind when God speaks.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5)

September 30, 2011

What attitude is this? It is the mindset of a servant that considers others before self. Will you stop your self-edifying and allow God to lift you up? How do we gain this mindset? Ask for the Spirit’s filling and appropriate His power for living. Then, look for feet that need washing.

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:18)

September 29, 2011

What will the 4th quarter of your life look like? Will you be more like Jesus? Will young people be attracted to you? Will you go out like a consuming spiritual flame or with a complaining whimper?