The Love of God

The Love of God

1 John 4:7-21

Most Christians agree that God loves them. We hear catch phrases about this in the church today, and believers often recite Bible verses on this topic. Yet do we really grasp what it means to be cared for in this way by the Creator of the universe?

Let’s explore three aspects of God’s love. First, it is uninfluenced by anything within or around us. We know that even while we were still living in sin, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8); there is simply no greater sacrifice. Nothing we do can hinder God’s love for us—and coming to that realization should lift a burden off your shoulders.

Second, divine love is eternal. Believers will never be separated from it. In fact, Ephesians 1:4 tells us that the Father chose us before the foundation of the world. We know, therefore, that His care for us has always been a fact—and always will be.

Third, we know that God’s love is part of His character (1 John 4:8) and directed toward all people (Matt. 5:45). Yet believers experience it differently from those who do not follow Jesus. Consider what would happen if a patio umbrella shielded part of a garden. When it rains, some flowers might be surrounded by water without actually getting wet. Similarly, a person who doesn’t have a relationship with God isn’t impacted by His love, though it exists and is available.

We can trust the One who loves us intensely and completely. Jesus proved this by dying in our place to spare us the consequences of our sin. He promises to stay with us always and redirects us when we stray. Though we do not always feel His love, it surrounds and protects us forever.

Spiritual leaders in the church must meet spiritual qualifications.

1 Timothy 3

Spiritual leaders in the church must meet spiritual qualifications.

INSIGHT

The church is inherently a spiritual entity and must have spiritual leadership. While it is valid to have leaders who have knowledge and experience in many of the practical matters facing a church, practical leadership must be undergirded with spiritual maturity. A person who desires to be a bishop (elder) or a deacon should be a Christian with a strong track record of integrity and wisdom (see vv. 2-4, 7). These qualifications should be weighed carefully by all who aspire to lead in the church.

PRAYER

We praise Christ, the Head of the church:
I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man . . . to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen
(Ephesians 3:14-16, 19-21)

Now pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully (Psalm 24:3-4).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Consider and hear me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes . . .
I have trusted in Your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me (Psalm 13:3, 5-6).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Peace and contentment
• Physical safety
• Your activities for the day

Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
(Colossians 2:6-7)

Answer the Call

Answer the Call

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14

     God calls us to a particular work at an appointed time. He has a special assignment for each and every person. To accomplish His assignment He has placed a gift in us that is to be used to bless others. This gift is to be used for His honor and glory. He gives gifts to different people to complete different tasks. 

Ephesians 4:11-12 says, "And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the working of the ministry, for the edifying (building) of the body of Christ. " He does not call everyone to be a pastor or an apostle. He calls some to usher, to attend the parking lot, to sing, etc.

     No matter the position we have in church, we are all called to serve. Galatians 5:13 says, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”We are all under God’s authority. Jesus is the Shepherd, Governor and Lord and all of our service should be done out of love for Him. Even as we are being faithful to God's earthly ministers and others; we are actually serving the Lord Jesus Christ by obeying His word.

     A servant is one who is under subjection, authority and submission and there are ten ingredients to being an effective servant:
1.  A willingness to serve – it starts in the heart.
2. Accountability - being responsible for your assigned tasks.
3. Diligence - not quitting until the job is done at all cost.
4. Consistency - compatibility and agreement with the set standard.
5. Submission - obedience.
6. Commitment - a willingness to change your plans to meet the vow.
7. Boundaries - operating where God has placed you.
8. Prayer - receiving from God as you give to God.
9. Standard - completing the task in excellence without compromise.
10. God's Word - yield yourself to God's divine purpose.

     My friend, God has anointed you with the ability to accomplish the work of service He has called you to do. The Bible says in Romans 8:30,“Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”  God has called you to His church for a special task and purpose. That task and purpose is to fulfill His vision for your life. God has called you for such a time as this. Now answer the call!

Enduring Satanic Attacks

Enduring Satanic Attacks

Ephesians 6:10-14

Every believer faces temptation. Take a moment to recall a particularly enticing situation involving something that would displease God. Did you realize you were involved in a satanic battle?

The Devil is real. Scripture reveals that he leads an army of fallen angels and is prideful enough to think he can gain victory over God. By definition, a satanic attack is a deliberate assault upon an individual, which is designed to cause spiritual, physical, material, or emotional harm. Satan desires to thwart the Lord's purpose in believers' lives, to rob them of joy and peace, and ultimately to deny God the worship He receives through yielded followers.

As in any war, knowing the enemy's plan helps us prepare for the attack. First, be aware that the battlefield takes place in our minds. To walk in a godly manner with Christ, we must first be sure that our thoughts are in submission to His Spirit. This takes daily surrender and time in God's Word. Second, Satan tempts us during vulnerable moments. Be cautious when you are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired (This is often known as the H.A.L.T.  warning). Third, he is deceptive; we won't recognize the trap as an evil scheme. Instead, it will seem good, and we'll likely wrestle with some sort of doubt.

As Christians, we should walk closely with Jesus. Satan desires to lure us into destructive actions that rob us of God's plan for a good, full life. Stay connected to the Savior: read the Word, pray, and fellowship with other believers. These are weapons we use against the Devil in spiritual war.

The effective teaching of the truth in the Scriptures will benefit both the teacher and the hearers.

1 Timothy 4

The effective teaching of the truth in the Scriptures will benefit both the teacher and the hearers.

INSIGHT

Anyone who has tasted the maturity given from the Lord to those who serve Him over time will testify that it did not come quickly or easily. Paul writes that we should exercise ourselves to godliness; that "bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things" (v. 8). Like an athlete, a Christian should rejoice with a rigorous course of training - knowing that the more demanding the training, the greater will be the spiritual prowess at the end. The present discomfort is fitting him or her for more victorious effort later. Present painÑlater gain. This message is difficult to communicate and even more difficult to learn. But to this end we must labor (v. 10).

PRAYER

Because the Lord uses trials to make us spiritually strong, we can praise Him even when we are in the midst of trials:
I will love You, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. . . .
The Lord lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted (Psalm 18:1-3, 46).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
"I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions,
And like a cloud, your sins.
Return to Me, for I have redeemed you" (Isaiah 44:22).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live."
(John 11:25)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater love for the lost
• Missionaries in Africa
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).

The Way of the World.

A good friend Alex Magaisa said these words. "Each morning, somewhere in Africa, the Lion wakes up when the sun rises and knows it must run faster that the slowest Gazelle otherwise it will starve and die.

Each morning, somewhere in Africa, the Gazelle wakes up when the sun rises and knows it must run faster than the fastest Lion otherwise it will be captured and killed. 

It doesn't matter whether you are the Lion or the Gazelle, when the sun rises, you must run. (unknown)

That's the way of the world, Cdes - and Good Morning to you all but don't forget to run.

Either you have to catch like the Lion or avoid being caught by the Lion". I also add the following that those that have trusted in the Lord shall neither have to run, to catch nor not to be caught for the Lord will hide and feed you in plain site. He said he who dwells in the secret place of the Almighty, shall abide under his shadow and seek refuge under His pinions and wings. In conclusion be strong into the Lord in his bountifulness mighty provides, through your union with him.

Togetherness in the Body

Togetherness in the Body

1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Paul wrote today’s passage in a letter to the divided body of Corinthian believers. The church was allowing a disagreement to hinder their fellowship. Paul knew the steep danger of dissension among believers.

Scripture is clear about the church’s mission. Some of its highest goals include sharing the gospel with all nations, caring for those in need, and worshiping together, along with loving, encouraging, and admonishing one another in God’s truth. None of these is fully possible if a church is divided, whether physically or mentally.

God wants His people to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3 niv). So if all Christians base their beliefs on the Bible, they should be able to settle every argument according to its truth, right? Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Our human nature, preferences, and different interpretations of Scripture can cause disagreements. Consider, for example, how many churches have experienced strife over music styles.

Tragically, when differences are divisive, our mission becomes blurred and we are ineffective. Just as fishermen cannot catch fish with a broken net, we are unable to effectively share Jesus with the world when our fellowship is not intact. Tomorrow, we will explore how to keep unity in the church.

Are your actions and words strengthening your fellow Christians? Or do you gossip, express negativity, and push your own preferences and opinions? Be careful. God has mandated that our conduct positively impact the church’s unity. This is essential if we are to accomplish His purpose.