Daily Reading January 28 2010 from Philippians 1:19-30 NIV

Day 18

Philippians 1:19-30 NIV

19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved–and that by God.29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,
30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. 

Today we are reading Paul's famous discourse "to live is Christ and to die is gain". Paul describes his desire to be with Christ but then declares he cannot go at present time because he is needed. Paul is stating that he hasn't finished the work he has been called to do. He is also declaring that his desire is no matter what to do the will of the Father.  

The final few verses of this passage are Words of encouragement. Paul encourages the believers to stay in Christ and operate in faith and not fear. He says that when believers stand firm in the faith it reminds our enemies of our victory and their imminent defeat. We are victorious in Christ and we have a promise of eternal life because of His grace. Praise God for the promise! 


Today I am thankful for my mentors who have spoken words of encouragement into my life. It seems just in time when I need it most someone speaks a word of encouragement and propels me on to the next victory. I praise God for obedient friends who pray over me and keep me moving forward toward the goal. Paul was this kind of friend and we can still read his words today and take courage. 

Pray for your Brothers and Sisters and look for opportunity to pour into someone's life! 



Blessings,


Pastor Larry

Daily Reading January 27 2010 from Philippians 1:12-18 NIV

Day 17

Today's Word is challenging. Read it prayerfully and examine yourself. The question today is Lord, am I in Your perfect will?

Philippians 1:12-18 NIV

12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. 15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

Reading this passage instantly took me to Acts chapter 21 when a prophet by the name of Agabus came to Caesarea. Agabus prophesied of Paul's imprisonment and many then began to beg Paul not to travel to Jerusalem. Paul responded much the way he does here in Philippians, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus". In our reading today Paul is already in chains and is rejoicing because the Gospel of Christ is being preached even more now that he has been imprisoned. Paul, who said to always be content, is living what he wrote. He says the chains have not stopped him from preaching but actually encouraged him to preach all the more vigorously. Our persecutions today don't even come near to what the Apostles face. Our fear is not being accepted not being jailed, beaten, or even killed. Paul is demonstrating the selflessness of a Christian. Paul said it is our reasonable service to offer our whole self to God and he is doing just that in these scriptures. What respect he had with Christians and non-Christians alike. He mentions that even the palace guard is aware of why he is in chains and gloried because that made them aware of Christ. Paul was fulfilling the plan God had for his live, are we? How might we respond if God asked for our lives? Well, He has asked for our lives. He has ask us to die to self and live for Him and when we do, what joy we have! The passage mentioned in the book of Acts is below. 

Acts 21:10-13 NIV 

10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’ ”
12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Are you in the will and plan of God? You can live out your destiny. Let the Spirit lead and see what God can do with your life.

Blessings,

Pastor Larry

Daily Reading January 26 2010 from Philippians 1:1-11

Day 16

Today we move on to the book of Philippians another letter from the Apostle Paul.

Philippians 1:1-11 NIV

Greeting

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thankfulness and Prayer

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. 

Paul begins with an introduction and a greeting. As always Paul speaks a word of encouragement to begin  his letter. He begins by being thankful and letting them know that he is praying for them. Then Paul speaks a word of confidence in God "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ", in other words God isn't finished with you yet but He will complete His work. This should encourage us because this promise wasn't just for those who received this letter but for all who believe on Jesus Christ. This is another scripture that can be prayed! Insert your name and proclaim the good work that God has begun in me He will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. 


In verse 7 Paul declares that these individuals both Jew and Gentile alike are equal partakers with him in the grace of God. Paul has completely left the old formalities of the way he was taught. Paul had been trained by the best of the best. His pedigree was true and he could have had a long and prosperous career as a Rabbi but when Jesus spoke to him he left all the religious ways behind and followed after God. Paul had to be taught again according to the truth and he had to learn to accept and give the grace of God. This was a definite departure from his Pharisee training. The Apostle Paul was so impassioned about telling others of Jesus that he, the most unlikely to do so, became the Apostle to the Gentile people. A people before he would have had no communication with. God's love and grace transform us in miraculous ways when we submit to Him! 


Then in verse 9 Paul prays for their discernment. Discernment is a Gift of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12), this gift helps us to discern spiritual things. Discernment between excellent (things of God) and counterfeits (things of the devil). Discernment is needed today just as it was in those days. Jesus warned of false teachers that would come and deviate from the truth. The devil lies and deceives but he closely mimics the things of God. Therefore, we need discernment and understanding in order to follow God. How do we get discernment? Ask! The answer with God is always simple ask and obey. Paul ends this section in verse 11 stating a prayer that the letter's readers would be pleasing to God as they live lives that glorify and praise Him. 


Blessings,


Pastor Larry

Daily Reading for January 25 2010 from Ephesians 6:10-4

Day 15

Please read this entire passage. Yes, it is long but there is so much here. If we could just understand these words we would be living a victorious life.

Ephesians 6:10-24

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings

21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.
22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.
23 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

There is more here than I could possibly deal with in a single post or even a single day. This is a powerful passage with such rich content and it is meant to be read, studied, digested, and practiced! The full armor of God not parts and pieces but the full armor. I have decided to break this down verse by verse with just a few brief comments to keep the length of this post shorter.

V. 10 be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power

We are once again reminded by the Apostle Paul that it is God's strength that sustains us. We are weak because this battle is not fought in the physical realm. The remaining verses teach us how to protect ourselves and how to fight! 

11 Put on the full armor so you can STAND against the devil’s schemes

STAND! The word stand is emphasized throughout this passage as it speaks of standing on what we believing and resisting the devil until he flees.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

As we stand armed and ready the devil will be required to flee. You see he is just looking for a chink in our armor a way in! The bible tells us "neither give place to the devil" but when we are standing fully armed there is no way for him to attack except with deceipt (schemes). The Word schemes describes our adversary. He is sneaky, he is always looking for a way to lie, cheat, steal, or deceive his way into wearying us in our fight.  The good news is that we don't have to give in and be defeated the bible promises triumphant victory.

Romans 8:37-39

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

2 Corinthians 2:14 

 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.

12 our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,

Against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against

The spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms

Now our enemy is identified. We are in a spiritual battle. Many times we point to people (humans) and look at them as though they are the enemy. The truth is that they are being used by the enemy to attack us. People who yield to the devil's influence become tools for his dark works just like when we yield to Christ and become instruments of righteousness.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV

3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 

God knew we would be engaged in spiritual warfare so he gave us the weaponry necessary to win these battles. The passage above says we have the power to demolish strongholds, arguments, and pretensions. We even have the power to control our minds, after all we do have the "mind of Christ". So we have no reason to fear these rulers and wicked authorities as long as we are in Christ and fully armed. We read earlier in Ephesians that Jesus defeated all these enemies and made a show of them openly. Jesus did the full word and evil has been conquered we have been given the victory. 

13 with the full armor you will be able to stand your ground, and

After you have done everything (exhausted everything you can do),

Stand in faith

14 stand firm! Belt of truth (Word of God), breastplate of

Righteousness – (Jesus is our righteousness)

15 feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace

Again we are turned to the Word of God with the statement gospel of peace.  God's Word is the good news, gospel, and when we turn to His Word and confess it over our lives we WIN! His Word brings peace.

16 shield of faith which extinguish ALL the flaming arrows of the

Evil one

The attacks will come and will continue to come but none of them has to harm us as long as we stay in faith. We do that by reading and understanding the Word of God. The Word builds up our faith and makes it possible for us to stand.

Romans 10:17 NIV

17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message,

and the message is heard through the word of Christ. 

It helps me to read His Word aloud, it gets down in my spirit and when I encounter a battle that living Word comes to mind and I speak the victorious Word over my situation. The Word of God never fails, it is full proof. 

17 The helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is

The Word of God (a weapon not Just an element of defense) fight

the good fight of faith

Helmet of salvation! The protection of our head. The mind is where we are often attacked. Many times throughout God's Word we see passages like they cannot see or they cannot hear. Or their minds were turned against God. Satan attacks the mind if possible. There seem to be more and more mental illnesses today than ever before. Depression is rampant even among Christians but I don't believe we have to be subject to many of these attacks. I believe the answer to these conditions many times can be found in the Word of God. We have the mind of Christ! When we put on the full armor our minds, sight, and hearing, are protected. Furthermore, the mouth is house in the head. The mouth is a powerful weapon both for good and evil. The bible says that what we say is who we are. Many times our own confessions do more damage to our lives than satan ever could. Change your speech, read the book of James and see what is said about the tongue. We are meant to speak faith and not fear, positive and not negative. Confession of the Word is powerful . "And God said let there be light" God did all His creative works with confession. We too have power in our confession so when our confession lines up with the Word and the Will of God we have power. Don't be deceived into confessing negative things!

This passage doesn’t end here but proceeds in verse 18

18 pray in the Spirit on ALL occasions with all kinds of prayers

And requests, be alert and always keep on praying for all saints

Prayer is such a key! So many are powerless today because they don't pray. Spending time in prayer is vital to having victory. The scripture says to pray with all kinds of prayers. It also says to pray in the Spirit, we have been given a power prayer language. And when we cannot pray anymore or cannot pray with knowledge the bible says the spirit prays for us with groanings. A prayer life is a must for living the victorious life and standing against the attacks of the enemy. Paul said to pray without ceasing!

I realize this was a very long post but I do pray you have read these words. This is a passage of Scripture that should be read and read again. It needs to be digest and then acted upon. We are told to take up the sword of the spirit. So many times we are in a defensive position just trying to survive until Jesus comes but we were meant to claim and conquer for the name of Jesus. When we begin to pray out the Word and Will of God the devil flees and we can reclaim the lost for Jesus Christ. Are you STANDing?

Blessings,

Pastor Larry

Daily Reading for January 24 2010 from Ephesians 6:1-9

Day 14

Ephesians 6:1-9 NIV

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.2 “Honor your father and mother”–which is the first commandment with a promise–3 “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,
8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Another section on respect and relationships. We are heading into February and the Valentines season. The Bible is the greatest guide we have for developing and enhancing our relationships. These scriptures today deal with some weighty matters beginning with the Parent/Child relationship. While there is no doubt that kids are much less respectful today it is also true that parents do less to teach and even earn respect in our day and time. After children are exhorted to honor their parents and given a tremendous promise of long life we see an exhortation to Father to train and instruct their children in the ways of the Lord. What would our world look like if the Dads would step up and become the spiritual leaders within their homes? Would this alone solve most of our relationship and crime issues? I for one believe it would. Today is a day without accountability or responsibility. A day when everyone seems to be a victim and no one wants to ever step up and take responsibility for their actions. If you Father a child you should provide for and care for that child, end of story! We live in a world where a relationship with the heavenly Father has been pushed to the back burner. If more young men and women were being taught the truth of God's Word and shown the love of Christ our world wouldn't look as it does. I would be able to watch the nightly news which I now avoid for all its negative and shocking content.

The final section of this passage speaks of servitude. The idea of serving was foreign to Jesus' disciples as it is to many today. They were shocked when He stopped and knelt down to wash their feet. He demonstrated what it meant to serve others and showed us the way. He told the disciples the greatest servant among them would be the most honorable in heaven. What a lesson for us to learn. We have become so busy and filled with our own lives and issues that we seem to have lost the concept of serving others. Servanthood is a command! Are you serving? Do you serve in your local church or just fill a pew? Do you look for opportunities to help others or just look the other way because you are too busy? I realize this is a hard word because it is for me. Jesus taught this with the story of the good Samaritan true love, God's love, leads us to serve! Do you have the love of Christ? Of course you do but are we walking in it?

Romans 5:5...because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. NIV

Blessings,

Pastor Larry

Daily Reading for January 23 2010 from Ephesians 5:25-32

Day 13

Ephesians 5:25-33
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church–30 for we are members of his body.31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”32 This is a profound mystery–but I am talking about Christ and the church.33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. 

This passage speaking of husbands and wives is also a representation of the love that Jesus has for His church. This message has been used wrongly in the past but as we examine it we realize that the passage doesn't speak of a husband dominating his wife but loving, providing for, and serving her. The text demands mutual respect one for another. Just as Christ served and even died for the church (His bride) husbands are meant to do for their wives. It makes you wonder how many marriages and other types of relationships could be saved if we just practiced love and respect as Jesus demonstrated. 


Blessings,


Pastor Larry


 -Pastor Larry

Daily Reading for January 22 2010 from Ephesians 5:15-21

Day 12

Ephesians 5:15-21 NIV

15 Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise,16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 

A simple passage today before getting into a lengthy one tomorrow. Paul exhorts the people to watch how they live, to watch their witness. To make the most of every opportunity. 

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. 

When are being taught to do everything as if we are doing it unto God.  So when you go to work you are working for God not the employer. Many times we get our eyes on our careers but we should always keep in mind that we are working for the glory of God. So Paul says make the most of every opportunity. Look for opportunities to minister and do God's Word and when those doors open be obedient. 

Speak to one another with Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs...

Exhort others! Share your testimonies of God's goodness and encourage others with God's Word. Rejoicing in the Lord stirs us to joy and the joy of the Lord is contagious. There are many around us who need to get there eyes off our trials and on to our joy, our hope in Christ. 

Paul concludes this section with always give thanks. Paul teaches in other passages that we can be content in any situation. The Apostles were known for praising God even when they were being persecuted. They had truly learned that their hope was in Christ and not in the foundations of this world. This is a difficult task but let me encourage you today to thank God in spite of things that are discouraging you. That's right praise Him in advance because you know that you will always come out victorious in Christ. He has already bought our victory, He has fought our battles and we WIN. Practice praise and see if God doesn't lift your Spirit. Stir up your joy with praise and thanksgiving. We can all find something in which to be thankful for. 

Praise Him!

 - Pastor Larry