Hello,
What a beautiful day we've had, isn't it? The Lord is blessing us richly. 'Richly' is my word for this day. It's found in our verse, Colossians 3:16: "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."
Isn't that just the most wonderful verse? I'm going to pick it apart, a few words at a time. Glance back over the whole chapter to get a better idea of what the theme is. Yes, it's rules for Holy living. I think verse 16 is the crux of the whole chapter.
Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. How does this happen? Basically by studying His Word every day. Reading His nuggets of gold, pondering/meditating on what He's telling you and asking the important question: how do I apply this to my life?
I think the richly part is an extra blessing. When we read and apply, the benefits are seen in how we live our life before the Lord. Notice I say: before the Lord. It doesn't matter what people think, just what the Lord thinks. If we are pleasing Him, we don't have to worry about what others think. But, it's our nature to wonder: what do others think of me? Why do we pay more attention to others than to the Lord, who is perfect in His appraisal and blesses accordingly?
Next comes the teaching and admonishing. Many of you have heard often that we are not to judge one another. That scripture is talking about motives. How can we admonish someone for their walk with the Lord if we are judging their walk (the fruit: good and bad).
We are to teach, and the admonishing is connected by 'and'. How can we teach if we don't know the Word of God? Many times you've heard me in Sunday school teaching God's truth and correcting someone on what they know. Hopefully their belief will follow the new understanding and truth of God's Word versus what they used to believe.
Then: wisdom. How do we obtain wisdom? Again, studying God's Word and applying it to our lives so we can then turn around and teach others. I really like when the ladies in our Sunday school class share what they think/believe. It's great to hear a verse shared, or a thought. I'm often challenged, encouraged and enlightened by what's shared. The Bible tells us that iron sharpens iron. The Bible is the Sword of the Spirit and swords are made of iron.
The rest of this verse is directed in worship to God, with gratitude for Him, who He is, and all that He does. He is wisdom, our sword to do battle against sin and our comforter as He dwells in us richly.
So, does God's Word dwell in you richly? Are you learning, studying and applying? Are you blessed by Him daily working in your life?
Richly blessed,
Sandy
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Philippians 3:16
Greetings to All,
I used to work at an insurance office. One of my bosses (family owned business) was the wife. Jean was a really good woman and became very dear to me. She appreciated the hard work that I did and gave me raises accordingly, even when she didn't give the other women one. Part of me didn't think that was fair, the other part of me thought that it was. I was torn in my thinking. I worked hard and was rewarded for that hard work. That increase in pay was also an encouragement to work hard, continually.
Philippians 3:16 teaches us: Only let us live up to what we have already attained. So, what is it talking about? In order to understand the passage you have to go back and read chapter 3 in its entirety. So, after you've done that, come and join me.....
There were some false teachers that were trying to add works to grace. They were saying that the believer's needed to be circumcised. But, Paul takes them by the throat and gets their attention by establishing his right as a Jew and a circumcised one at that. He knew the way of the cross and he was telling them that the false teachers were trying to add something that the Lord didn't want there.
Paul ends the chapter by saying: hang on to the original: grace. Press toward the goal of obedience and service as we wait eagerly for the Lord's deliverance of our earthly bodies. He tells them to mature. In verse 15 he says: all of us who are mature. That alludes to those that aren't, are believing in something that they shouldn't.
In 17 he tells us to be an example, following his example. He ends all with telling us that one day our lowly bodies will be like Christ's glorious body. I can't wait! How about you? Are you living in such a way as to be an example of Paul who was an example of Christ? Are you maturing and being obedient to His Word? If not, why not? Don't put yourself before Him; there's no glory for Christ in that.
Already attained,
Sandy
I used to work at an insurance office. One of my bosses (family owned business) was the wife. Jean was a really good woman and became very dear to me. She appreciated the hard work that I did and gave me raises accordingly, even when she didn't give the other women one. Part of me didn't think that was fair, the other part of me thought that it was. I was torn in my thinking. I worked hard and was rewarded for that hard work. That increase in pay was also an encouragement to work hard, continually.
Philippians 3:16 teaches us: Only let us live up to what we have already attained. So, what is it talking about? In order to understand the passage you have to go back and read chapter 3 in its entirety. So, after you've done that, come and join me.....
There were some false teachers that were trying to add works to grace. They were saying that the believer's needed to be circumcised. But, Paul takes them by the throat and gets their attention by establishing his right as a Jew and a circumcised one at that. He knew the way of the cross and he was telling them that the false teachers were trying to add something that the Lord didn't want there.
Paul ends the chapter by saying: hang on to the original: grace. Press toward the goal of obedience and service as we wait eagerly for the Lord's deliverance of our earthly bodies. He tells them to mature. In verse 15 he says: all of us who are mature. That alludes to those that aren't, are believing in something that they shouldn't.
In 17 he tells us to be an example, following his example. He ends all with telling us that one day our lowly bodies will be like Christ's glorious body. I can't wait! How about you? Are you living in such a way as to be an example of Paul who was an example of Christ? Are you maturing and being obedient to His Word? If not, why not? Don't put yourself before Him; there's no glory for Christ in that.
Already attained,
Sandy
Friday, July 6, 2007
Ephesians 3:16
Hello All,
Hope your week is going well and that you see the Lord's blessings daily. Chuck's still on vacation and we're trying to get some things done, but still get some rest. I'm still working on trying to rest from being with my parents. It seems that everything in life takes time, even getting rest.
Today's word is from Ephesians 3:16. This is a verse that I pray every Monday. It reads: "I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being."
In order to understand the full meaning of this verse, please start your reading at verse 14 and finish with 21. This is a prayer from Paul to the Ephesians. Paul has been busy teaching them many things through this small book, but this portion is actually a prayer. Enjoy!
The reason that I pray verse 16 is that I need His strength daily. I'm not just talking about physical strength, although I really need that, but also His spiritual strength. In order to live an obedient life, I need His strength to choose the right things to do, say, think and feel. I can't do these things under my own power, I need Him, in abundance.
The key for all of these verses is faith. Without faith, I won't be able to obtain what He has for me. So, that begs the question, how do we have the faith to believe that God will provide what He says He will, in these few verses and throughout the whole Bible?
My experience has been to trust Him in the small things that have come my way. He's tested me to believe Him and as I have decided in my mind and heart to trust, He's brought bigger things my way.
My illness from Lyme disease was given to me at a time when the Lord was testing me in a much bigger thing than I've ever known. I think I'm passing the test, but I know that I will have to continue to pass this test for the rest of my life.
Why do I say that? Because as I grow progressively physically worse, my faith, patience and endurance will be tested. So I have a choice: to pass the test, or not to pass the test. It is my choice. It's also my choice how I pass the test, with grace or by whining and complaining.
So, where is your faith? Are you passing the tests that the Lord is sending your way? You can pray for Him to give you strength in your inner being. What's keeping you from passing the test? From gaining His strength in your inner being?
Being strengthened,
Sandy
Hope your week is going well and that you see the Lord's blessings daily. Chuck's still on vacation and we're trying to get some things done, but still get some rest. I'm still working on trying to rest from being with my parents. It seems that everything in life takes time, even getting rest.
Today's word is from Ephesians 3:16. This is a verse that I pray every Monday. It reads: "I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being."
In order to understand the full meaning of this verse, please start your reading at verse 14 and finish with 21. This is a prayer from Paul to the Ephesians. Paul has been busy teaching them many things through this small book, but this portion is actually a prayer. Enjoy!
The reason that I pray verse 16 is that I need His strength daily. I'm not just talking about physical strength, although I really need that, but also His spiritual strength. In order to live an obedient life, I need His strength to choose the right things to do, say, think and feel. I can't do these things under my own power, I need Him, in abundance.
The key for all of these verses is faith. Without faith, I won't be able to obtain what He has for me. So, that begs the question, how do we have the faith to believe that God will provide what He says He will, in these few verses and throughout the whole Bible?
My experience has been to trust Him in the small things that have come my way. He's tested me to believe Him and as I have decided in my mind and heart to trust, He's brought bigger things my way.
My illness from Lyme disease was given to me at a time when the Lord was testing me in a much bigger thing than I've ever known. I think I'm passing the test, but I know that I will have to continue to pass this test for the rest of my life.
Why do I say that? Because as I grow progressively physically worse, my faith, patience and endurance will be tested. So I have a choice: to pass the test, or not to pass the test. It is my choice. It's also my choice how I pass the test, with grace or by whining and complaining.
So, where is your faith? Are you passing the tests that the Lord is sending your way? You can pray for Him to give you strength in your inner being. What's keeping you from passing the test? From gaining His strength in your inner being?
Being strengthened,
Sandy
Monday, July 2, 2007
Galatians 3:16
Hello,
What a glorious sunny day we have on this early morning in July. I trust that your day of worship was a blessing to you yesterday. I really appreciate our Sunday school class; you ladies always contribute so much.
My mom is still doing well. Her spirit is good. She has a check up today and hopefully they'll adjust her new blood pressure medicine because it makes her really sleepy and fatigued. Thanks for your prayers for her and me while I was gone.
I've chosen today Galatians 3:16 and I really like what it tells us: The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say 'and to seeds,' meaning many people, but 'and to your seed,' meaning one person, who is the Christ.
This portion of scripture is written by Paul and he's talking about the covenant between God and Jesus Christ. There were some people that we trying to add to the covenant of grace. All through this chapter he's admonishing the Christians to hold fast to the truth that our salvation comes through Jesus Christ by grace.
When he gets to this verse he's telling them that the covenant that was made by God can't be added to. When two people have a contract, no third party can come in and change that contract without permission; it's legally binding. The false teachers in this time were trying to do just that, change the original intent.
How do we try to change what God has given us? Do we try to add works to His grace? Do we NOT accept His grace by thinking that His grace is not good enough to cover our sins?
Do you trust His covenant of sending His son to be our propitiation? Along with this trusting comes living like you believe it. We can say we trust, but do we? Do our actions manifest our belief?
I had to fly twice for my visit to my parents. I had to trust that the airplane would fly me where I needed to go. I don't understand anything about the dynamics of flying, but I trusted that they would get me where I needed to go. I didn't tell the pilots how to fly, or change the rules and regulations to fit my needs. I wanted to though :).
What God has set in place, we are not to change or want to change His perfect plan of salvation by grace in which to live by. So, how are you living your life so that you confirm to Him that His plan for your life here on earth and eternal life is perfect and doesn't need any changes or suggestions from you? Trust, because He's trustworthy.
Trusting in Grace,
Sandy
What a glorious sunny day we have on this early morning in July. I trust that your day of worship was a blessing to you yesterday. I really appreciate our Sunday school class; you ladies always contribute so much.
My mom is still doing well. Her spirit is good. She has a check up today and hopefully they'll adjust her new blood pressure medicine because it makes her really sleepy and fatigued. Thanks for your prayers for her and me while I was gone.
I've chosen today Galatians 3:16 and I really like what it tells us: The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say 'and to seeds,' meaning many people, but 'and to your seed,' meaning one person, who is the Christ.
This portion of scripture is written by Paul and he's talking about the covenant between God and Jesus Christ. There were some people that we trying to add to the covenant of grace. All through this chapter he's admonishing the Christians to hold fast to the truth that our salvation comes through Jesus Christ by grace.
When he gets to this verse he's telling them that the covenant that was made by God can't be added to. When two people have a contract, no third party can come in and change that contract without permission; it's legally binding. The false teachers in this time were trying to do just that, change the original intent.
How do we try to change what God has given us? Do we try to add works to His grace? Do we NOT accept His grace by thinking that His grace is not good enough to cover our sins?
Do you trust His covenant of sending His son to be our propitiation? Along with this trusting comes living like you believe it. We can say we trust, but do we? Do our actions manifest our belief?
I had to fly twice for my visit to my parents. I had to trust that the airplane would fly me where I needed to go. I don't understand anything about the dynamics of flying, but I trusted that they would get me where I needed to go. I didn't tell the pilots how to fly, or change the rules and regulations to fit my needs. I wanted to though :).
What God has set in place, we are not to change or want to change His perfect plan of salvation by grace in which to live by. So, how are you living your life so that you confirm to Him that His plan for your life here on earth and eternal life is perfect and doesn't need any changes or suggestions from you? Trust, because He's trustworthy.
Trusting in Grace,
Sandy
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Blessings
Hello,
I'm finally back home from taking care of my mom, but I really need some rest, so it may be a couple of days before I blog. Just know that you're all in my prayers.
Thank you for your prayers for Mom; she's doing really well, all things considered.
Sandy
I'm finally back home from taking care of my mom, but I really need some rest, so it may be a couple of days before I blog. Just know that you're all in my prayers.
Thank you for your prayers for Mom; she's doing really well, all things considered.
Sandy
Friday, June 15, 2007
2 Corinthians 3:16
Hey Y'All,
That greetings a leftover from our short foray into Missiouri. How was your day? I prayed for you all that the Lord would make His presence known in your life today. I trust that He is.
Ladies, do you remember when you got married and you had a veil on your head? I know some of you didn't, but I did 34 years ago. When I looked through that veil, everyone was just not as visible as when it was turned back by Chuck before he kissed me.
2 Corinthians 3:16 talks about another type of veil, but one that keeps a person from seeing clearly the spiritual things of the Lord. When we trust Him as Savior, that veil is lifted and we see clearly what He wants for us to know. "But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
You have to go back to the beginning of the passage to get the meaning behind this small verse. The veil here is the New Covenant that Christ brought. Christ fulfilled the law requirement for a blood sacrifice.
There are still things that are veiled: 1 Corinthians 13:12. "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; than I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." Some day when we're in Heaven we'll know fully.
If you go on to read 17 and 18 you'll see two really great verses, full of doctrine. Part of the trinity is revealed in 17: now the Lord is the Spirit. This same spirit gives freedom. Many times I've talked about our freedom in Christ. Freedom not to spend eternity in hell, free not to sin but to live a victorious life with Him, even while we're still here on earth.
Because we've trusted Christ's work on the cross, we have unveiled faces. We are being transformed into His likeness (see Romans 12:2). This transforming happens by God's Spirit when we study the Word and apply what it says.
So, is your face unveiled? Do you take hold of your freedom in Christ? Are you being transformed daily? Food for thought. If there's conviction, look to the Lord.
Transforming daily,
Sandy
That greetings a leftover from our short foray into Missiouri. How was your day? I prayed for you all that the Lord would make His presence known in your life today. I trust that He is.
Ladies, do you remember when you got married and you had a veil on your head? I know some of you didn't, but I did 34 years ago. When I looked through that veil, everyone was just not as visible as when it was turned back by Chuck before he kissed me.
2 Corinthians 3:16 talks about another type of veil, but one that keeps a person from seeing clearly the spiritual things of the Lord. When we trust Him as Savior, that veil is lifted and we see clearly what He wants for us to know. "But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
You have to go back to the beginning of the passage to get the meaning behind this small verse. The veil here is the New Covenant that Christ brought. Christ fulfilled the law requirement for a blood sacrifice.
There are still things that are veiled: 1 Corinthians 13:12. "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; than I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." Some day when we're in Heaven we'll know fully.
If you go on to read 17 and 18 you'll see two really great verses, full of doctrine. Part of the trinity is revealed in 17: now the Lord is the Spirit. This same spirit gives freedom. Many times I've talked about our freedom in Christ. Freedom not to spend eternity in hell, free not to sin but to live a victorious life with Him, even while we're still here on earth.
Because we've trusted Christ's work on the cross, we have unveiled faces. We are being transformed into His likeness (see Romans 12:2). This transforming happens by God's Spirit when we study the Word and apply what it says.
So, is your face unveiled? Do you take hold of your freedom in Christ? Are you being transformed daily? Food for thought. If there's conviction, look to the Lord.
Transforming daily,
Sandy
Thursday, June 14, 2007
I Corinthians 3:16
Hey,
What a day I've had. I got to see our son and his family. I just love cuddling on the couch with two of my grands. Then the dreaded thing: shopping. I know, many women like to shop but I don't; never have. At least I found basically everything I went to find and that was good. The heat, well, it heated up!
Today's verse is wonderful and I can't wait to share it: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" Isn't that super? The Holy Spirit, a gift from God when we trust Him as our Savior, lives in us.
Let's back up this Biblical information just a bit. The Apostle Paul was talking about divisions in the church and they were pitting one teacher against another. It helps to read verses 10-15 first. You've all heard me use this portion of scripture many times. So, after you read it, including the first 9 verses to get a better idea of what led Paul to tell him in 16 that the Holy Spirit lives in us.
As Paul talks about the divisions that threaten to destroy the church, he's talking about God's dwelling place. In essence, God's temple was being threatened. But, because we are the dwelling place of God's Spirit, our very lives can be damaged.
How does this happen? Why sin of course. When we allow sin to rule in us, we aren't good representatives for Him. Do you remember what Ephesians 5:18 says? "Do not be drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."
When we are filled with the Spirit, we are not allowing the 'world' to rule in us and negate the work of the Holy Spirit. When we walk with the Lord in obedience, we are not causing trouble with other believer's and are walking in such a way to then honor God.
I think the best part of this verse is the teaching that the Holy Spirit lives in us, and He's always with us. Remember some of his titles? Comforter, counselor, advocate, teacher, etc. Isn't it wonderful how He works in us to bring us to the Lord in completeness?
So, are you walking with the Lord and letting the Holy Spirit work His work in your 'temple'? If you are, wonderful. If you're not, why not? What is hindering your walk with the Lord?
His temple,
Sandy
What a day I've had. I got to see our son and his family. I just love cuddling on the couch with two of my grands. Then the dreaded thing: shopping. I know, many women like to shop but I don't; never have. At least I found basically everything I went to find and that was good. The heat, well, it heated up!
Today's verse is wonderful and I can't wait to share it: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" Isn't that super? The Holy Spirit, a gift from God when we trust Him as our Savior, lives in us.
Let's back up this Biblical information just a bit. The Apostle Paul was talking about divisions in the church and they were pitting one teacher against another. It helps to read verses 10-15 first. You've all heard me use this portion of scripture many times. So, after you read it, including the first 9 verses to get a better idea of what led Paul to tell him in 16 that the Holy Spirit lives in us.
As Paul talks about the divisions that threaten to destroy the church, he's talking about God's dwelling place. In essence, God's temple was being threatened. But, because we are the dwelling place of God's Spirit, our very lives can be damaged.
How does this happen? Why sin of course. When we allow sin to rule in us, we aren't good representatives for Him. Do you remember what Ephesians 5:18 says? "Do not be drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."
When we are filled with the Spirit, we are not allowing the 'world' to rule in us and negate the work of the Holy Spirit. When we walk with the Lord in obedience, we are not causing trouble with other believer's and are walking in such a way to then honor God.
I think the best part of this verse is the teaching that the Holy Spirit lives in us, and He's always with us. Remember some of his titles? Comforter, counselor, advocate, teacher, etc. Isn't it wonderful how He works in us to bring us to the Lord in completeness?
So, are you walking with the Lord and letting the Holy Spirit work His work in your 'temple'? If you are, wonderful. If you're not, why not? What is hindering your walk with the Lord?
His temple,
Sandy
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