Wednesday, 17 July 2019
LIFTING MY VOICE: !THE ESSENTIAL WORD!The Bible tells us clearly tha...
LIFTING MY VOICE: !THE ESSENTIAL WORD!The Bible tells us clearly tha...: !THE ESSENTIAL WORD! The Bible tells us clearly that the Word of God to man is God-breathed. In the original inspiration by the Holy Spir...
!THE ESSENTIAL WORD!
The Bible tells us clearly that the Word of God to man is God-breathed. In the original inspiration by the Holy Spirit to those who were entrusted to record the Holy Scriptures, every word was inspired by the Spirit of God.
The apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, a young associate minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, says in 2 Timothy 3:16,17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The writer to Hebrews (possibly Paul, though authorship uncertain) says in chapter 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
It is very clear even from these few verses above that the Word of the Living God, recorded in our Bible and agreed upon by Biblical scholars in time past as the true and complete canon of Scripture, is powerful in its ability to build up the individual Christian in his or her relationship with the Lord God, and to provide a clear blueprint for the Church of Jesus Christ to grow and thrive as a healthy organism, imparting life to all who participate in its instruction.
That being said, our Creator God, who designed intricately every aspect of nature and flung the stars and planets throughout the universe - has given us creative ability under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the church is a place of great diversity in worship expression, meeting protocols etc - which is perfectly fine as long as the Biblical guidelines and foundation truth of Scripture is adhered to - without compromise!
Sadly, surveys have been conducted by reputable Christian data collection organisations and have shown that a high percentage of confessing Christians do not read their Bibles regularly, if at all. This is a tragedy for the modern church. I read recently that a survey by the Barna group in America revealed that a high percentage - nearly half of Millenials - people born from the year 2000 - young people, do not believe that Christians should share their faith with others if they already have adherence to another faith!
When we think of Jesus' own words about Himself in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me", it should ring alarm bells in the church that this generation of young Christians need to be instructed in the Word, that they may have hearts motivated with Christ's love to reach their peers with the life-transforming Good News of the Gospel.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
As a Christian for over fifty years of my life, if I am honest, I know that I do not read or study the Bible as much as I should. I have no excuse. I have time on my hands - no longer working, I have a number of Bibles in various versions, as well as unlimited internet access to every version currently available. I have no excuse. The devil will use anything, even legitimate activities to distract us and keep us from God's Word. Again, that is not a cop-out on my part, because as a Christian, redeemed by the blood of the Risen Christ, I have authority over any ploy from the enemy.
A number of years ago, my wife, Tessa was given a picture from the Lord in which she saw me picking up a sword. As I picked it up, at first it seemed heavy and in my hand, quite unwieldy. But as I continued to pick it up, I became more confident in holding it and, began to advance, skillfully wielding it as I moved forward. This was, of course, an encouragement to me to pick up the "sword of the Spirit" which, the Bible tells us is the Word of God.
Well known British Baptist preacher of the nineteenth century, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, who was affectionately known as "The Prince of Preachers" once said: There are ten people who are willing to die for the Bible for every one who will read it." A rather sobering thought!
We, as Christians are in a relentless battle with our enemy, Satan, whom the Bible says is a thief whose aim is to "steal, kill and destroy" mankind, and to keep followers of Christ from enjoying their Godly inheritance in Christ, through lies and deception, fear and doubt etc. To that end, another quote that Tessa often reminds me of - I think originating from Derek Prince, is: "You can't fight thoughts with thoughts! You have to fight thoughts (of doubt, worry, fear, anxiety, unbelief) with the Word of God."
Much has been said and written about concerning the difference between the logos word of God, and the rhema word. Logos and rhema are two Greek words which both mean "word." It was widely agreed by many scholars that the logos word is the Bible, the written word, whereas in almost all instances of the use of rhema, it is a spoken word.
Indeed, it can be rightly said also, that the rhema word is a word that seems to jump off the page to the reader, as it were, to speak into a particular situation or circumstance requiring a quickened word to inspire faith for a need to be met by God. Examples may be when seeking direction in life, when seeking the Lord for healing or deliverance, when there is confusion of mind, or a word to bring peace to the heart is required.
Jesus, in His own words, says in John 8:31,32 "If you continue in My Word, then are you my disciples indeed,
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free."
For help in becoming a Christian, please logon to www.vision.org.au Click on Grow your faith, then Looking for God?
The apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, a young associate minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, says in 2 Timothy 3:16,17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The writer to Hebrews (possibly Paul, though authorship uncertain) says in chapter 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
It is very clear even from these few verses above that the Word of the Living God, recorded in our Bible and agreed upon by Biblical scholars in time past as the true and complete canon of Scripture, is powerful in its ability to build up the individual Christian in his or her relationship with the Lord God, and to provide a clear blueprint for the Church of Jesus Christ to grow and thrive as a healthy organism, imparting life to all who participate in its instruction.
That being said, our Creator God, who designed intricately every aspect of nature and flung the stars and planets throughout the universe - has given us creative ability under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the church is a place of great diversity in worship expression, meeting protocols etc - which is perfectly fine as long as the Biblical guidelines and foundation truth of Scripture is adhered to - without compromise!
Sadly, surveys have been conducted by reputable Christian data collection organisations and have shown that a high percentage of confessing Christians do not read their Bibles regularly, if at all. This is a tragedy for the modern church. I read recently that a survey by the Barna group in America revealed that a high percentage - nearly half of Millenials - people born from the year 2000 - young people, do not believe that Christians should share their faith with others if they already have adherence to another faith!
When we think of Jesus' own words about Himself in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me", it should ring alarm bells in the church that this generation of young Christians need to be instructed in the Word, that they may have hearts motivated with Christ's love to reach their peers with the life-transforming Good News of the Gospel.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
As a Christian for over fifty years of my life, if I am honest, I know that I do not read or study the Bible as much as I should. I have no excuse. I have time on my hands - no longer working, I have a number of Bibles in various versions, as well as unlimited internet access to every version currently available. I have no excuse. The devil will use anything, even legitimate activities to distract us and keep us from God's Word. Again, that is not a cop-out on my part, because as a Christian, redeemed by the blood of the Risen Christ, I have authority over any ploy from the enemy.
A number of years ago, my wife, Tessa was given a picture from the Lord in which she saw me picking up a sword. As I picked it up, at first it seemed heavy and in my hand, quite unwieldy. But as I continued to pick it up, I became more confident in holding it and, began to advance, skillfully wielding it as I moved forward. This was, of course, an encouragement to me to pick up the "sword of the Spirit" which, the Bible tells us is the Word of God.
Well known British Baptist preacher of the nineteenth century, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, who was affectionately known as "The Prince of Preachers" once said: There are ten people who are willing to die for the Bible for every one who will read it." A rather sobering thought!
We, as Christians are in a relentless battle with our enemy, Satan, whom the Bible says is a thief whose aim is to "steal, kill and destroy" mankind, and to keep followers of Christ from enjoying their Godly inheritance in Christ, through lies and deception, fear and doubt etc. To that end, another quote that Tessa often reminds me of - I think originating from Derek Prince, is: "You can't fight thoughts with thoughts! You have to fight thoughts (of doubt, worry, fear, anxiety, unbelief) with the Word of God."
Much has been said and written about concerning the difference between the logos word of God, and the rhema word. Logos and rhema are two Greek words which both mean "word." It was widely agreed by many scholars that the logos word is the Bible, the written word, whereas in almost all instances of the use of rhema, it is a spoken word.
Indeed, it can be rightly said also, that the rhema word is a word that seems to jump off the page to the reader, as it were, to speak into a particular situation or circumstance requiring a quickened word to inspire faith for a need to be met by God. Examples may be when seeking direction in life, when seeking the Lord for healing or deliverance, when there is confusion of mind, or a word to bring peace to the heart is required.
Jesus, in His own words, says in John 8:31,32 "If you continue in My Word, then are you my disciples indeed,
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free."
For help in becoming a Christian, please logon to www.vision.org.au Click on Grow your faith, then Looking for God?
LIFTING MY VOICE: JESUS.........I AM!In the beginning, God created t...
LIFTING MY VOICE: JESUS.........I AM!In the beginning, God created t...: JESUS.........I AM! In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 Thus we have the beginning of the first book of ...
Friday, 14 June 2019
LIFTING MY VOICE: WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE?Who is on the Lord's s...
LIFTING MY VOICE:
WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE?
Who is on the Lord's s...: WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE? W ho is on the Lord's side? Who will serve the King? Who will be His helpers? Other lives to...
WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE?
Who is on the Lord's s...: WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE? W ho is on the Lord's side? Who will serve the King? Who will be His helpers? Other lives to...
Thursday, 30 May 2019
LIFTING MY VOICE: AN EXCELLENT SPIRITIn the Book of Daniel, there ar...
LIFTING MY VOICE: AN EXCELLENT SPIRITIn the Book of Daniel, there ar...: AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT In the Book of Daniel, there are a couple of references to the prophet in which it is said that he possessed "an...
AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT
In the Book of Daniel, there are a couple of references to the prophet in which it is said that he possessed "an excellent spirit."
Daniel, together with some of his friends were amongst those who had been taken captive by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar as Jerusalem was besieged in the year 605 BC. Daniel was only a teenager at the time of his exile, around sixteen years of age.
It soon becomes obvious to the reader of the book of Daniel, that Daniel was fully devoted to serving the One true God, and he refused to compromise his worship and allegiance to the Lord.
My wife, Tessa, and I receive the free monthly magazine "Believer's Voice Of Victory" published by Kenneth Copeland Ministries. In the May 2019 issue, the first article speaks to this very topic which is the title of this blog: "An Excellent Spirit." After reading the article, over several days, I kept being impressed in my spirit of the desire to be known, like Daniel as one who has an excellent spirit.
Two references in Daniel speak to this description of the prophet. The first is in Daniel 5:12 "Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge and understanding, interpreting of dreams, solving riddles and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel.....", and in Daniel 6:3 "Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm."
Because Daniel had an excellent spirit, he found favor both with God and with man. His three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego also refused to compromise their devotion to the Lord God, and were saved in the fiery furnace. Daniel later was delivered from the mouths of the lions in the famous Lions Den incident - again because he found favor with God, and experienced divine protection.
In the article by Kenneth Copeland, he says that every Christian can release the excellence of God in any area and see His glory go to work in their life. All it takes is a quality decision to do these five things:
1. Decide to live always only by God's Word. Make it your absolute final authority.
2. Decide to live the life of love. To believe the love God has for you, and to love others the way He loves you.
3. Decide to live by uncompromising faith that makes no room for the flesh.
4. Live a life of honour before God. Be totally honest with Him always. Treat people with honor and tell them the truth.
5. Determine to excel in every area of your life. Commit to increase in excellence spiritually, to improve the quality of your soul (which includes your mind, will, emotions) and the condition of your body.
The apostle Paul encourages Christians to strive for excellence, by setting a personal example for us to follow: "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." Philippians 3:8
He continues by saying: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14.
British evangelist and preacher, G. Campbell Morgan in an article based on Daniel 6:3, says of Daniel that, as a man of excellent spirit, he was:
1) a man of purpose;
2) a man of prayer;
3). a man of perception; and
4). a man of power.
Don't you love the alliteration.
At the core of Daniel's being was an unflinching devotion to the Lord God, which enabled him to refuse to compromise his convictions.
In another online Christian Forum Site, an unnamed writer, in an article titled: "Characteristics of An Excellent Spirit" writes "Daniel acted with integrity in all that he did and we are to do the same. He was honorable in all his ways and had admirable qualities in character. Those who have developed in character will excel in Godly values. They excel above the average Christians who seem to be more concerned about the things of this world than pleasing our Father.
Back to the apostle Paul writing to the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians 4:6,7 "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."
God is calling each one of us today who name the name of Christ as Savior and Lord to walk in a spirit of excellence in all that we do for His glory.
Daniel, together with some of his friends were amongst those who had been taken captive by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar as Jerusalem was besieged in the year 605 BC. Daniel was only a teenager at the time of his exile, around sixteen years of age.
It soon becomes obvious to the reader of the book of Daniel, that Daniel was fully devoted to serving the One true God, and he refused to compromise his worship and allegiance to the Lord.
My wife, Tessa, and I receive the free monthly magazine "Believer's Voice Of Victory" published by Kenneth Copeland Ministries. In the May 2019 issue, the first article speaks to this very topic which is the title of this blog: "An Excellent Spirit." After reading the article, over several days, I kept being impressed in my spirit of the desire to be known, like Daniel as one who has an excellent spirit.
Two references in Daniel speak to this description of the prophet. The first is in Daniel 5:12 "Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge and understanding, interpreting of dreams, solving riddles and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel.....", and in Daniel 6:3 "Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm."
Because Daniel had an excellent spirit, he found favor both with God and with man. His three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego also refused to compromise their devotion to the Lord God, and were saved in the fiery furnace. Daniel later was delivered from the mouths of the lions in the famous Lions Den incident - again because he found favor with God, and experienced divine protection.
In the article by Kenneth Copeland, he says that every Christian can release the excellence of God in any area and see His glory go to work in their life. All it takes is a quality decision to do these five things:
1. Decide to live always only by God's Word. Make it your absolute final authority.
2. Decide to live the life of love. To believe the love God has for you, and to love others the way He loves you.
3. Decide to live by uncompromising faith that makes no room for the flesh.
4. Live a life of honour before God. Be totally honest with Him always. Treat people with honor and tell them the truth.
5. Determine to excel in every area of your life. Commit to increase in excellence spiritually, to improve the quality of your soul (which includes your mind, will, emotions) and the condition of your body.
The apostle Paul encourages Christians to strive for excellence, by setting a personal example for us to follow: "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." Philippians 3:8
He continues by saying: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14.
British evangelist and preacher, G. Campbell Morgan in an article based on Daniel 6:3, says of Daniel that, as a man of excellent spirit, he was:
1) a man of purpose;
2) a man of prayer;
3). a man of perception; and
4). a man of power.
Don't you love the alliteration.
At the core of Daniel's being was an unflinching devotion to the Lord God, which enabled him to refuse to compromise his convictions.
In another online Christian Forum Site, an unnamed writer, in an article titled: "Characteristics of An Excellent Spirit" writes "Daniel acted with integrity in all that he did and we are to do the same. He was honorable in all his ways and had admirable qualities in character. Those who have developed in character will excel in Godly values. They excel above the average Christians who seem to be more concerned about the things of this world than pleasing our Father.
Back to the apostle Paul writing to the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians 4:6,7 "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."
God is calling each one of us today who name the name of Christ as Savior and Lord to walk in a spirit of excellence in all that we do for His glory.
Monday, 20 May 2019
LIFTING MY VOICE: THIS DAY WE FIGHTIn his book, "This Day We Figh...
LIFTING MY VOICE:
THIS DAY WE FIGHT
In his book, "This Day We Figh...: THIS DAY WE FIGHT In his book, "This Day We Fight - Breaking the Bondage of a Passive Spirit", American pastor and author,...
THIS DAY WE FIGHT
In his book, "This Day We Figh...: THIS DAY WE FIGHT In his book, "This Day We Fight - Breaking the Bondage of a Passive Spirit", American pastor and author,...
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