Saturday, July 30, 2005

Luke - One Master

Luke 16:13  No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.  

Who is your Master? Joshua asked this question to the children of Israel:  

Josh 24:15  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Josh 24:16  And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;
 

Other gods are idols, anything that we serve and love more than God can be our idol, including money and the gathering of it.  

1 Th 1:6  And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

1 Th 1:9  For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
1 Th 1:10  And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

1 John 5:20  And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
1 John 5:21  Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.


Luke 16:14  And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.  

It happened to Jesus and it will happen to you if you serve God. The Pharisees were the proud religious leaders of the Jews, but they did not know God by His Spirit. They wished to mock and put down the Lord Jesus Christ. They were covetous of wealth and power over men. Friends in the world get together and mock the things of God. They love the lusts and power, the wealth of the world.

Luke 16:15  And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.  

They were not fooling God. He saw their hearts were wicked and far from him. The things that they love will perish and were an abomination to our holy God. The church of this time was described in the book of Revelation, a rich church, needing nothing. Rich in the world's things and pleasures, but poor in their faith and holiness.  

Rev 3:15  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
 

It is time for those of God's church to come out from the world and to be the light in the darkness. The word of God is truth and light. We love God our Father because Jesus has forgiven our sins. Who else shall we serve when we have received so much from our God? Freely receive and freely give to others.  

Rom 8:31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Rom 8:33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Rom 8:34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercessionfor us.
   

If they mock you, they mocked Jesus. If they receive Jesus, they enter God's kingdom. We are His ambassadors to bring the hope of everlasting life to a blind and lost world. Jesus has paid the price for all to receive life. Praise God our master.


Esther 4

Esther 4

Friday, July 29, 2005

Luke - Be Faithful

Luke 16:10  He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.  

God is faithful and he keeps His word; we are to be this way. I think of broken promises, perhaps the most obvious are politicians who say one thing and do not keep their promises. If he is unfaithful to his wife, he cannot be trusted to be honorable as a leader. This is important in God's family, that we are faithful. A Pastor or bishop must be faithful, for he is to care for his flock as Christ cared for his own. Jesus is our faithful shepherd.  

John 10:11  I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 10:12  But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
John 10:13  The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
John 10:14  I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
John 10:15  As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
 

Jesus was faithful even going to the cross for us. It was not easy and he asked the Father to remove this burden, but he wanted more than anything to please God his Father. So we are to be faithful, as Jesus is faithful.  

Mat 26:39  And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.  

Keep your word. Do not make promises you cannot keep and above all do the will of God, for our faith is important to God and to our growth in him.

Luke 16:11  If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?  

Money, many say it is not important to them. If so, give it to anothers needs. Give as the Lord leads you, for onetest of our faithfulness is our money and how we use it, beyond our basic needs. What are the true riches, if money is not the riches? The things of God are true riches, his character and that which shall last forever.

Luke 16:12  And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?  

If we work for another, do we give him an honest days work? Do we steal from him? If God gives us all good things, are we faithful to return a portion to him? I am not a preacher who receives money, but God's word says to give and we will receive.  

Mal 3:8  Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.  

What are the better things of God that He may trust to us? Here is an example of things that only God can do, through his faithful servant.  

Mat 10:8  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.  

If we receive, we are to give. We are not to steal and desire from others, but to share what is given to us as good stewards of what he supplies. This starts with simple things, we are faithful in small things and God knows this. He will increase his giving to you. If you are faithful, you receive more, all for your needs and for his purposes.  

2 Tim 2:2  And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.  

Be faithful.

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Luke-The unjust steward acts

  Luke 16:4  I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
Luke 16:5  So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?
Luke 16:6  And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.
 

The steward's plan was to forgive part of what was owed, so that people in debt would be indebted to him and care for his needs. I see this in part as our forgiving others and showing them grace as representing our Master, God the Father.  

Mat 6:12  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  

Mat 6:14  For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Mat 6:15  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Luke 16:7  Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. (eighty)
Luke 16:8  And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
 

 He was commended for showing mercy and forgiving debts. We can only forgive in part when we forgive others. If we are wronged we forgive, because we are commanded to forgive, still the debt remains with God, the master. Those who have sinned against us, we are to forgive, but God sees that there is a greater debt owed to him. David knew this, as he spoke the Psalm:  

Psa 51:3  For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Psa 51:4  Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
 

If they come to Jesus, the debt of sin is entirely removed.  We are to forgive, this frees us from anger and bitterness. God still sees the sin of the other. In Christ Jesus we are all forgiven.  

Mat 5:44  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Mat 5:45  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Mat 5:46  For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Mat 5:47  And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
Mat 5:48  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

We should be wiser than the world, for we have God's wisdom within us, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Luke 16:9  And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.  

Be good stewards of the money God has given to you. Do good with it, make friends and be received through Jesus into everlasting life in the house of God.
    Eaglewings New Testament Studies

Monday, July 25, 2005

Luke-The unjust steward thinks

  Luke 16:1  And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.  

Another parable, a story with a spiritual meaning. A steward is in charge of another's possessions. The rich man's steward was accused of wasting his masters goods. We are stewards of what God gives us.

Luke 16:2  And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.  

He was being audited, what have you done with what I gave into your care? Good question for God's children. What have we done with the good gifts God has given to us? Are they not to increase His kingdom?

Luke 16:3  Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.  

The steward looks at his situation, he cannot dig. My dad dug ditches laying gas pipeline for many years, hard labor. Not all men are able to dig, they have not the strength. Some dig for roots and potatoes seeking food this way; hard work. A farmer must dig the soil in the hot sun to plant a crop, hoping for a good harvest.  

The steward would be ashamed to beg. Some beg, for food with no shame, even those well able to work. Others have infirmities and must beg from others. The Jews were to give alms, money to the poor. It was part of the law. The law was clear, that they were to be blessed by doing good.  

Psa 37:23  The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Psa 37:24  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psa 37:25  I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Psa 37:26  He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
Psa 37:27  Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

Depart from evil. Under the law of Israel if they did good they would be blessed, if they did wrong they would be punished. Now we are under the grace of God through Jesus Christ, we are forgiven of our sins and failings.  

Eph 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Thank God for Jesus and his grace. The unjust steward had to find another way to escape punishment. We have Jesus, he loves us and forgives us when we trust in him.

Saturday, July 23, 2005

Luke- The Elder Son

Luke 15:25  Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.  

The elder son came from the field. The field is where work is done. He had been working hard. The parable can also apply to those who are in the church, working hard and being faithful. The field is also a place of planting the seed of the word and harvesting souls. The son may have been tired, now he hears music and dancing?

Luke 15:26  And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
Luke 15:27  And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
 

How would you have reacted? The son who was faithful was not given music and dancing, but the son who was unfaithful gets the honor and celebration. To the natural man, this does not seem to be fair.  

Luke 15:28  And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him.
Luke 15:29  And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
Luke 15:30  But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
 

Remember the first two brothers? Cain and Able, both worked and both shared their labors as a sacrifice. God accepted the offering of Able, a blood sacrifice pointing to the sacrifice of Jesus to come. Cain was angry at his brother and jealous. God the father warned him to not allow anger to produce sin and a wrong heart.  

Gen 4:7  If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.  

The elder brother had been faithful, had done well, but now he is angry about the celebration for his brother who had sinned and returned. What if the elder brother had greeted the returning son? It would be a different story. One of anger and judgment, the repentant brother would have left in shame, perhaps being lost forever.   Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed the Lord, sought repentance from angry brothers. He went to the chief priests and elders.  

Mat 27:3  Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Mat 27:4  Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Mat 27:5  And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
 

Will we be like the chief priests and elders? Will those who work hard for the Lord, be the cause of the death of a sinner who repents and we give him condemnation instead of grace? The Father through Jesus is calling sinners to repent and to be received with joy, we must join in this, not be a hindrance to the returning wayward sons and daughters.   We must serve Jesus as in the Bible, not with church rules and customs that bind the sinner and put more bondage on them. Receive those who come looking for repentance, open the doors, celebrate, for the angels celebrate when a sinner repents. What spirit have we?

Luke 15:31  And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Luke 15:32  It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
 

The celebration was for a soul that had repented and found eternal life, if this offends we need to repent and find Jesus and a new heart.

Thursday, July 21, 2005

1Peter 4:1-10

Sufferings

1 Pet 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

I am reminded of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment. When we suffer in the flesh, we look to God for help and he is there

Mark 5:25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
Mark 5:26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
Mark 5:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
Mark 5:28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
Mark 5:29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague

1 Pet 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Paul speaks of his sufferings in comparison to the things of God.

2 Cor 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
2 Cor 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
2 Cor 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
2 Cor 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
2 Cor 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
2 Cor 11:29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
2 Cor 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

Phil 3:8 Yea doubtless, and 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,
Phil 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Phil 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Phil 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Sufferings show what is in our heart. If we love God, suffering will bring us closer. If we hate or blame God, suffering will serve no purpose. Some, even cut or harm themselves thinking it will appease God, when in reality they are being followers of tormenting spirits. The priests of Baal cut themselves and they perished by Elijah's hand.

1 Ki 18:28 And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.

Be sure their suffering was in vain. If we love the Lord with all our hearts, he will bring all good things out of suffering. I look back at pain and do not wish to return, instead I look unto Jesus. His way is peace and blessings. his spirit is the spirit of peace, not of bondage. Follow after peace, torment may be from another spirit, Jesus is Lord of all afflictions, speak faith by speaking his word, and move in faith, touching the hem of his garment, release his grace in your life through faith.

Keep from Sin

1 Pet 4:3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

No need to go into detail about these bad things, you know what is of the devil and the flesh and what is of God and truth. Truth is light unto our feet, we do not walk in darkness. When we choose the way of sin, it separates us from hearing God. The devil sends tormenting spirits to drive us deeper into sin. Just stop, pray, repent and go on in the Spirit of God. Sufferings to the pure of heart bring us closer to God.

1 Pet 4:4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
1 Pet 4:5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

Let them speak evil of you.

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

It was the world's crowd that yelled "Crucify him, crucify him." If we seek God's glory and praise and speak his word we will do well. If others speak evil of you, and they will, let them wag their tongues at God at Judgment Day. No, all will be silenced then, but it will be too late. Now is the time to be still, and listen to God.

Psa 4:2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? (lies and deceitfulness)
Psa 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
Psa 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still

Good advice, be still. Commune with God upon your bed, be at rest and find peace with God.

1 Pet 4:6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

The gospel word is the power of God making you a spiritual member of God's family. If we continue to sin in the flesh, we will be judged in the flesh. God will not fellowship in your sins, you are allowing satan access to the driver's seat. He will drive you to your grave, destroying your flesh.

If you had a brand new car, would you allow someone who is destructive and who has no respect for you or your property to take control of it? How much more precious is your body and soul to our God who has saved you and filled you with his spirit. As a father I would not give my daughter into the care of a son of satan. Even if he is dressed in a white suit with pink carnation and is loaded with money. I know that he would only destroy the apple of my eye. This is how God sees us, we are the apple of his eye, his beloved. If we love our father we will obey him, for he looks out for us. Keep away from sin, and love your Father.

Love with Hospitality

1 Pet 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

As in the time of Noah is this time we are in.

Gen 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Mat 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Peter gives two things that we are to do: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

be sober -- to be in your right mind, to exercise self control. Many are in a dream state, seeking a make believe life. Some have through drugs altered their minds to where there is no reality or truth. Still others have given their minds over to spirits, angel guides. When talking to these the spirit speaks for them, opposing the things of God.

It is time to wake up! Be in control of your mind and thoughts. If you receive Jesus he gives you a sound mind. His Holy word, the Bible and his Holy Spirit guide you into all truth. Avoid the unreal, Jesus is real, he is coming soon. No, it isn't "just my opinion," it is the revealed word of God in a new heart.

John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

and watch in prayer -- Paul referred to "watchings," it is sleeplessness. Many suffer from sleeplessness, if so then pray. Watch in prayer. Two things will happen, satan will put you to sleep, or you will reach God with your hearts request. He will respond to you, blessing you because of your faith in him through Jesus, his son.

1 Pet 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Above all things, love one another, especially your brethren in Christ. If they hate you, they hate Jesus. If we love one another, the love of God abides in us.

1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

Jesus gave us this command:

John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

1 Pet 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

Last night we were invited to share dinner with a beloved family. They gave their best to feed us and serve us and to make us welcome. This is as unto the Lord.

I am reminded of Jesus at Simon the Pharisee's home;

Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
Luke 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
Luke 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
Luke 7:48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

Hospitality is as unto the Lord.

Mat 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
Mat 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Mat 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

If we minister unto a homeless person, especially the brethren, we are showing hospitality to Jesus, the King of Kings. Can you think of the ways that you might show him hospitality?

God be Glorified

1 Pet 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

The gift, is any gift from Jesus that is powered by the Holy Ghost. Use your gift to minister to others. I am thinking of the bad reputation of the scribes, full of knowledge, yet lacking in grace. Full of self importance, looking for recognition among the people, loving the praise of men. This was not praised by Jesus. If you are looking for praise, you are not serving Jesus.

Mark 12:38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
Mark 12:39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
Mark 12:40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Luke-The Prodigals Father

Luke 15:20  And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.  

In this parable, the prodigal son has repented and comes back to his kind and generous father; no longer feeling worthy to be his son, but as a servant. This was no father of the world who wished to punish a foolish son. This was as our Father in heaven who seeks to bless us, if we will come to him with a repentant heart.   The Father was looking for him from a great distance.  

Psa 113:5  Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,
Psa 113:6  Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
Psa 113:7  He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
Psa 113:8  That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.

Luke 15:21  And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.  

He speaks the truth from a humble repenting heart. An earthly father might agree with him, but this was a Father who was long suffering and merciful.  

2 Pet 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Luke 15:22  But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:  

The robe of righteousness, the covering given through faith in Jesus.  

Isa 61:10  I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.  

A ring on his hand, the symbol of authority, the seal of a king is on the ring. The believer receives the seal of God, the Holy Spirit. This is identifying him with the Father, through faith in Jesus Christ.  

2 Tim 2:19  Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

2 Cor 1:21  Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
2 Cor 1:22  Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
 

Luke 15:23  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
Luke 15:24  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
 

Again a great celebration and a joyous feast for one who was lost in the world, but who has repented, never again to leave the Father's loving presence.  

John 5:24  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Monday, July 18, 2005

1Peter 3:1-12 Relationships

This portion of scripture is about relationships. Families need to love one another, respect one another. From the family comes the church family. If we do not get along our prayers will be hindered. A strong family and a strong church will be the light to a sin darkened world. God will bless those who seek him and show the character of Jesus. Never are we to show the evil ways of the flesh and the devil. It is possible to be as Jesus, for it is commanded to be holy as he is holy. If we are connected, we shall be able by his power in us to be as he is.  

Wives

1 Pet 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
1 Pet 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

Likewise, we are to be servants, as Jesus served us and his Father even to death on the cross. Likewise, ye wives, be help meets and servants to YOUR OWN husbands. This is Peter's spiritual advice given to the wife to make for a more stable loving relationship with the husband. Husbands need the respect and approval of their wives. If the wife obeys God, then her husband, even a disobedient one, will by her good conduct be drawn to her and God in her.

A Christian wife is elevated above any other woman of the world. Look at the Islamic women, forced to be covered and in bondage. A woman who is mistreated should seek help from a Godly Christian Pastor and his wife, not alone. This is one reason we are to attend church, to have supportive relationships.

Peter continues to describe the qualities of a wife.

1 Pet 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1 Pet 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

No one wants to be around an adorned wife, if her heart is not submitted to God. A bitter heart and a sharp tongue bring grief to a husband.

Prov 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

Apretty woman and nice perfume with lovely clothing, these attract a man, yet, a woman with a meek and quiet spirit is a great comfort to her husband. If the others are missing, still the husband is blessed by a good companion. A wife with a sweet spirit is a great treasure.

Prov 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

1 Pet 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
1 Pet 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

I don't think "lord," is a term used today for respect of a husband. The NIV Bible uses the word master, how about chief, boss, cool one, my all in all, your the best? You can use any term you choose, but mean it from a heart of love. Be sure, you will be loved in return. A Christian husband loves his wife and children.

Unhindered Prayers

1 Pet 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Now husbands, dwell with your wife according to knowledge. Now that is not an easy thing for a man. Who can understand the mind of a woman? Who indeed? the Lord knows all things. What you do not understand, ask of the Lord and receive by grace. All we do is by his grace.

Peter gives a couple of hints; the wife is a weaker vessel How do you treat a delicate glass vessel? With care and respect; should not the wife be much more precious?

Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Eph 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
Eph 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

Peter continues saying honor your wife, being heirs together of the grace of life. Together you live and if both are saved both have eternal life. Now an important reason is given: "that your prayers be not hindered." This may be the cause of much marital discord: the lack of respect one for another. God will not hear your prayers.

1 John 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
1 John 3:11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

1 Pet 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
1 Pet 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

As our Lord was one with the Father, we are to be one in Christ and of one heart. Be compassionate, caring, polite. In a family we are not to fight, accuse or exchange harsh words. We are children of the God of love and peace, so let his grace fill your hearts and homes. Live as examples of God's family, the family is important. Always go to bed with forgiveness and kind words so your prayers will reach God and he will bless you.

The eyes of the Lord

1 Pet 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

The secret to a long life is to keep from speaking and doing evil, to love and be loved in return.

1 Pet 3:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
1 Pet 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

Do we not want to please God who sees all and knows all?

Let us see the eyes of the Lord, as he is shown throughout the Bible.

He gave grace to Noah saving he and his family.

Gen 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

A new promised land, both on earth and in heaven.

Deu 11:11 But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:
Deu 11:12 A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.
Deu 11:13 And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,

King Asa, was favored : the homosexuals were removed from his land, these were male temple prostitutes, they were a curse to a society in sin. The idols also were removed.The idols of lust and pleasure and the sacrifice of the children to Molech.

1 Ki 15:11 And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father.
1 Ki 15:12 And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.

Tree worship is idol worship. We should not hug trees, they are for beauty and for wood to build and make fires.

2 Chr 14:2 And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God:
2 Chr 14:3 For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:

God searches the earth, looking for those he may bless, that wish to do well.

2 Chr 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

What if a nation does evil in his sight? Here is the rest of the story;

Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Mat 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Mat 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Mat 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Mat 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
Mat 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come

James 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Saturday, July 16, 2005

Esther 3

Esther 3

http://www.angelfire.com/ca4/eaglewings/esther3.html

 

 

Luke-the repentant son

Luke 15:11  And he said, A certain man had two sons:  

Another parable about repentance and restoration. This is a familiar story often called the prodigal son. What's a prodigal? The dictionary defines prodigal as one who spends or gives lavishly and foolishly. From my growing into adulthood years, I found that when there was money, there were new friends. When the money was gone, so were they. These were friends only when there were good times. A man had two sons.

Luke 15:12  And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.  

The younger one wanted his inheritance, but did not know responsibility.

Luke 15:13  And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.  

 Soon the young son had spent all of the inheritance on riotous living. Riotous, I think of an uproar as in a loud rock music concert. Where everything is confusion and intense emotion...fun?

Luke 15:14  And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.  

He was not wise; he was an unknown person without money to feed him and to buy his needs. Now a famine has come, food is scarce. We should try to have some money set aside for emergencies. Life is full of troubles, we would have money for our needs and to help others in need..

Luke 15:15  And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.  

He became a servant to a stranger and did what was unclean to a Jew, he fed the unclean swine. He took care of animals that the Jews were to stay away from.

Luke 15:16  And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.  

He was so hungry that he desired to eat the corn husks, because no one gave him food. Many are homeless in our cities, some by choice. There is always a need for food. Why not feed someone today who cannot repay you and tell them about the love of Jesus?

Luke 15:17  And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!  

He began to see with a clear mind. His father fed his servants. He was serving someone who did not give him any good thing. Satan will lead you out into the world seeking a good time, but he will rob from you and give you no good thing. The father of the young man was good and he cared for his servants...better to be a servant and be fed, than a son away in a foreign land. Are you away from Father God, out in the world? Come home and be blessed, he loves you and will meet your needs.

Luke 15:18  I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
Luke 15:19  And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
 

The son was willing to humble himself and repent, not seeking his own way, but asking for mercy. He had seen the life apart from his father. The way of the father was a better life.
If you are away from Jesus and the Father, return now. Do not believe the lies of the devil. You belong With your Father and your Spiritual family. Repent, turn around, humbly come to him.  

 Luke 1

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Luke-Lost Coin

Luke 15:8  Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?  

Another parable; a story describing a spiritual message. Ten silver coins belonging to a woman, one has been found missing. The church is as a woman. The woman lights a candle, if the church is missing a person, they need to let their light shine. The light of the Holy Spirit is needed.  

Gal 6:1  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Luke 15:9  And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.  

The church should rejoice, but sometimes they would rather judge the one who has returned.

Luke 15:10  Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.  

 The angels rejoice, we should rejoice as well. God rejoices at restoration, what greater miracle is there than I life returned to God?

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Luke-Lost sheep

Luke 15:3  And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
Luke 15:4  What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
 

These sheep belonged to the owner. One out of one hundred was lost. One is lost in the wilderness of the world, confused, alone and in danger. The owner leaves the flock to find the lost one. The flock could be the church gathered together and one is missing. The Good Shepherd goes to the missing one to bring him back. He cares for his lost sheep and he is concerned for him.

Luke 15:5  And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  

Those who are gone astray from the Lord, he seeks, he bears you upon his shoulders with all your burdens. Is he unhappy to do this? No, he is rejoicing.

Luke 15:6  And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.  

When a lost sheep is found and is returned to fellowship all who belong to the master should rejoice.  

Rom 12:15  Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Rom 12:16  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Luke 15:7  I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
 

The angels rejoice as well, for that which was lost has been found.

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Luke-Sinners

Luke 15:1  Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.  

Publicans, despised tax collectors and sinners drew near to Jesus to hear him. Never resist the desire to get close to Jesus and to hear him. Often, other things call for our attention. In the story of Martha and Mary, Martha was busy doing good things, but the better thing Mary was doing. She was at the feet of Jesus.  

Luke 10:41  And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
Luke 10:42  But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
 

Sinners should come to Jesus, for he came to set them free. We never are so noble and worthy that we do not need to come to Jesus, to hear of him. We shall do this forever. He is the Word of God. However some think they are already with knowledge and do not seek Jesus. instead they judge those who do. Be careful if you think you have arrived on a higher level than others and are become their judge.

Luke 15:2  And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.  

They would never fellowship with sinners, although they were in truth sinners, perhaps more needy then them all. If we get to a place that we think we are too good to hear from Jesus or to witness to sinners for him, we need to repent.   But are we not told to be separate from sin? We are not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers.   Fellowship here means to partake with them in their sins. We do not join with sinners to sin. We come to them to bring Jesus, his light, his truth. Remember, if we are the salt, we keep sin from spreading, bringing the gospel to the lost so that they may escape the snare of the devil. What if they don't receive your words? We are called to sow the good seed of God's word. Some we harvest. If they mock you and want no part of Jesus, leave them and go to others. Others would wish to hear from Jesus, so go to these.  

Gal 6:9  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Sunday, July 10, 2005

Eaglewings-salt

    Salt   Luke 14:34  Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?  

Let salt be salt, if not? It is unusable. Salt preserves meat from decaying. We are to keep away the rottenness of the world by our presence. If we become as the world? Where is the salt? Where is the difference? We do not preserve from sins decay.

Luke 14:35  It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.  

Salt that is not salt, is salt by name only. We as Christians, by name only without the character of Jesus Christ, are as salt without savor. Jesus wants us to be committed to be as he is; to be his disciples.  

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
 

Be the salt, a sweet savor unto the Lord, submitting all to God.

Eaglewings Bible study schedule

Eaglewings Bible Studies  

 As I look at my schedule I see room for a Bible study from Monday through Friday. Come as you are able.

We are beginning a new study in 1 Peter

1 Pet 1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

  Monday at 5pm pacific - 8pm eastern time 1Peter

Tuesday at 5pm pacific - 8pm eastern time 1Peter

Wednesday at 5pm pacific - 8pm eastern time 1Peter

Thursday at 5pm pacific - 8pm eastern time 1Peter

life- Eaglewings Bible


Friday at 8pm pacific - 11pm eastern time Esther 3

Grace4U2 private room

Saturday, July 9, 2005

Eaglewings-Consider the requirements

Luke 14:28  For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?  

We are comparing again. It requires planning and commitment before we build a tower, We do not start what we cannot finish. So it is with being a disciple of the Lord. It may not be easy and it requires dedication and discipline, to be a disciple. Are you willing to count the cost?

Luke 14:29  Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
Luke 14:30  Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
  

Likewise if we fail to serve the Lord with a whole heart, people will mock us and more importantly we may bring dishonor to our Lord for being unfaithful servants.

Luke 14:31  Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
Luke 14:32  Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.
 

Are we able to face the enemy in war? First we must make peace with God. Our King is greater than the King of this world.

Luke 14:33  So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.  

We must trust completely in our Lord and our king and learn of him with all of our heart and lean not on our own ways and things.   Prov 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Prov 3:6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Prov 3:7  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Prov 3:8  It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

 

Esther 2

Esther 2

Pastor Paul on hate

Hate sin but love the sinner.

It is much easier said than done. We all have our challenges. But keeping this simple thought in mind, I have found I have been able to reach out to many people and lead them to Christ as Lord that I never would have in past years.

Amen, a wise word from our beloved Pastor. It is OK to hate sin. We hate the devil for he is opposite of God, doing the opposite things. He truly is our spiritual enemy without mercy, from him or for him. Every time we advance, he is there to oppose us, but he is a defeated enemy. As we stay in Christ Jesus he is under our feet. We never face him apart from Jesus.   We are to love our enemies, who are flesh, for they can be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.  

James 5:16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  

Confess our faults and confess our victories in Jesus, our prayers in him are powerful. Thank you Pastor Paul

Friday, July 8, 2005

More thoughts on hate

Luke 14:26  If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.  

 I have heard people of other beliefs, in chat rooms point to this verse to show that God is a God of hate, who tells us to hate. They also point to this verse:  

Rom 9:13  As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
Rom 9:14  What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
Rom 9:15  For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Again, this is a comparison. Compared to His love for Jacob, he hated Esau. These are comparisons. God wants to be loved above all. Jacob chose God and his inheritance. Esau despised his inheritance in God and sold it for a bowl of stew. In Luke 14:26, Jesus is saying that all other things and people are to be hated, in comparison to our love for Jesus.   Let's look at this earlier parable in Luke 14:16-20  

Luke 14:16  Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
Luke 14:17  And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
Luke 14:18  And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
Luke 14:19  And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
Luke 14:20  And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
  

This is as Jesus calling us to be disciples and everyone has other things on their mind. They value other things more than Jesus. God must be first in our lives. To make this point to us even stronger, Jesus said you must hate the people you love most IN COMPARISON to your love for him. To tell us to hate people, is not the spirit of this scripture. Other scriptures insist that we love one another.Let's look at other verses that shows us how important our love for one another is.  

1 John 4:19  We love him, because he first loved us.
1 John 4:20  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
 

Are these verses speaking opposite things? No, not if seen in their context. This verse speaks of loving as God has loved us. We are to love our brothers, if not? There is no love connection with God.  

Luke 14 is a comparison of how strong our love should be for God above all others. Never are we to hate. God is a God of love. The amount of love we show for others should be the same as we love ourselves. This is a love as people love. The love we have for God should be as worship and exaltation. We do not worship people. God is worthy of all of our hearts love and affection. What can we compare to God? Should he not receive more our hearts? Who or what is more worthy?

Thursday, July 7, 2005

Luke-Bear your cross

Luke 14:25  And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,
Luke 14:26  If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
 

We are told to love God first. How is it we are to hate those closest to us?  

Mat 22:37  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38  This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

What about our self? Do we not love our self?  

Eph 5:28  So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
Eph 5:29  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Eph 5:30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

This is speaking of our flesh life. Jesus requires more of a disciple than a flesh life. We are to die to our flesh and our old nature. We cannot put people of flesh ahead of our Lord. IF, we will be his disciple, we must hate the life in the flesh in comparison to our Love for Jesus. We are to die to our flesh will.  

Rom 14:7  For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
Rom 14:8  For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

Luke 14:27  And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
 

To be a disciple requires discipline. Are we willing to give our life for him? Are we fit to be his disciple? Let us not say we are not to love one another, but rather, that he is most important to us. Jesus never wants us to hate people. This was as a comparison for our love and devotion to him.  

Giving all to Jesus and being his disciple will result in our life changing to reflect his characterand image to others. We are to love one another.  

 John 13:35  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Wednesday, July 6, 2005

Luke-Excuses

Luke 14:15  And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
Luke 14:16  Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
Luke 14:17  And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
 

Jesus speaks a parable of the kingdom. Jesus has invited Israel to receive him, to come to the kingdom, but they made excuses and did not come.

Luke 14:18  And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.  

All made excuses.

Luke 14:19  And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
Luke 14:20  And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
 

What is your excuse? Sin? A bad habit? Love of this world?

Luke 14:21  So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.  

As Jesus spoke of in verse 14:13.

Luke 14:22  And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
Luke 14:23  And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
Luke 14:24  For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
 

The house shall be filled with the worlds castaways, because Israel refused to come. There is more to thestory, in Matthew it was a wedding feast, requiring that a supplied wedding garment be worn. The righteousness of Christ.  

Mat 22:9  Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
Mat 22:10  So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
Mat 22:11  And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
Mat 22:12  And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
Mat 22:13  Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Mat 22:14  For many are called, but few are chosen.

No man can enter the kingdom of God apart from the blood of the Lamb and his righteous covering.
 

Tuesday, July 5, 2005

Luke-Guests for dinner

Luke 14:12  Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee.
Luke 14:13  But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
Luke 14:14  And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
  How many of us do this? I have seen Christians buddy up to "more important" Christians and ask them to dine with them, but how many, other than the local rescue mission invite the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind?

James 4

James 4

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Monday, July 4, 2005

Luke-honour

Luke 14:7  And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,
Luke 14:8  When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
Luke 14:9  And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.
 

The world's way is to seek honor by aggression. By force people exalt themselves and put down others.

Luke 14:10  But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.  

This is the Lord's way. Seek not to place yourself higher than you should. Honor others above yourself.  

Phil 2:4  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
 

Luke 14:11  For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
 

 So true, this is an important scriptural truth. Satan sought to place himself in the place of God and was cast down. Those who seek self glory shall be cast down. Those who humble themselves before the Lord, shall be lifted up. We reap what we sow.  

Gal 6:8  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Sunday, July 3, 2005

Luke-Sabbath day


Luke 14:1  And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.
Luke 14:2  And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.
 

dropsy, edema, an accumulation of water or fluid in the bodies connective tissue.

Luke 14:3  And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?
Luke 14:4  And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;
 

Yes, it is lawful to do good on the sabbath day.

Luke 14:5  And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?
Luke 14:6  And they could not answer him again to these things.
 

The problem was that the Jews had interpreted keeping the sabbath with many added laws and customs. Jesus never broke God's law, but often was accused of breaking their man made laws interpreting incorrectly the laws of God. Jesus is Lord of the sabbath and Lord of truth. Let no man put you in bondage to their ideas of God's truth. The truth of God will set you free to do good.  

Rom 8:31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Friday, July 1, 2005

Luke-Jerusalem, Jerusalem

 
Luke 13:33  Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.  

Jerusalem is the place of the law, the religious court and the temple. Often they have ruled against their prophets. They even accused Jesus, their Messiah, of being a false prophet.

Luke 13:34  O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!  

They kill the men that God sends to them. No man can come to Jesus unless God opens their heart to him. Then they must will to come to him. God's Spirit first and then our will is required to receive Jesus as Lord. If we will it, but God has not shown us who Jesus is, it is no salvation. Also God may be urging you to receive him, but you will not. The Holy Spirit will not force you to receive salvation. Jesus speaks of this refusal with a heart of love, "how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!" It is not God's fault, but the stubborn will of those who refuse to come to Jesus.  

John 1:11  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:13  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

God saves, but we must receive Jesus. Jesus died for all, but all do not receive him, even with the prompting of the Holy Spirit, some like the Pharisees still rejected him. The first shall be last.  

 Luke 13:35  Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

A house without the presence of God is an empty and a desolate house. A house without the hope of resurrection through Jesus. The temple itself would be destroyed and the people scattered. They rejected Jesus and the destroyer would come.