Greetings,
Isn't our day a wonderful one with lots of sunshine? Cooler yes, but still so very nice. The sky was so blue with that particular shade that comes with fall.
Chuck saw the doctor and it looks like rest and rehab for at least 3 weeks. I'm not used to having him around, so it should be interesting to see how we adjust to this new schedule.
Today I want to look at verse 17. Yesterday we covered verse 11 of chapter 6. "But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit." Isn't that just the most wonderful verse? We are united with the Lord and made one.
Recently I had a conversation with my Sunday school teacher and we talked about being adopted into God's family. The Jews were chosen first and they were supposed to share the Lord with everyone else. As we saw, especially through Romans, they didn't do this and so the Lord brought Christ into the picture so that we (Gentiles) would be included in His plan of salvation.
This is adoption at it's finest. He, God, Elohim (plural of one entity) chose us to be one with Him in spirit through Christ. Does that make you feel special? It sure does me.
To complete this picture, read verses 19-20 also. If anyone doubts that the Holy Spirit lives in us after we trust Christ as Savior, they don't understand this verse. 20 completes the picture: "you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
Christ paid the price for your freedom from sin, and adoption into His family. Then the statement about using your body for God, with honor to Him. In what ways don't you honor God with your body?
Not taking proper care of it is one way. Abusing what he's given us or not appreciating what he's given is another. How many people do you know (maybe you've said this) that say they hate something about their bodies? God made us. So, when we complain or abuse ourselves, we are not honoring Him. Take care of what He's given you and honor Him with all you are.
Working on the honoring,
Sandy
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
1 Corinthians 6:11
Good Morning!
Today is a typical fall day, except that it's still summer. Chuck's knee is still bad and the company he works for is wrangling over what to do about getting him medical help; bureaucracy at its finest.
Lately I've felt that the Lord wants me to learn more about sanctification. He's brought this before me a few times and today's scripture talks about it and more.
1 Corinthians 6:11: "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." So, after you peruse the verses before this one to get the full context, come join me....
Reading the prior verses you find out that these folks that Paul is talking to were in trouble and Paul is lowering the boom on them. There had been lawsuits, bad witness before non believers. Then he gives a list of those who will not inherit the the kingdom of God; what a list it is.
So, when he says: and that is what some of you were, he's talking about their lives before they were saved. He implies that even though they were once lost and followed the worlds example, it was time for them to stop and follow God's example.
They were washed in the blood of Christ: saved. Then they were sanctified: to make holy. By Christ and the Spirit, we were made holy. Holy means: living a life of purity. Purity is be be free from moral guilt. Justification is: to declare to be free from the penalty of sin. Don't you love word searches?
So what's the summary? We are saved by the blood of Christ and in the process, Christ and the Spirit make us holy, pure; free from moral guilt and justified from the penalty of sin. Because of all these wonderful things that the Lord does for us when we surrender and are saved, we have freedom not to live in the past, cling to guilt from our sins and to live for God, serving Him freely, fully and wonderfully.
Our responsibility then is to study the Word, apply it and grow more like Christ so as to please our heavenly Father. He has qualifiers: be obedient and He will bless. So, search your heart and see if there is unconfessed sin, a need to study the Word, possibly more and spend time with Him in prayer, not just for yourself, but for others too. Then watch how He blesses your obedience. And watch how the evil world will try to stop you..... Cling to Him and He will hold you close.
In His arms,
Sandy
Today is a typical fall day, except that it's still summer. Chuck's knee is still bad and the company he works for is wrangling over what to do about getting him medical help; bureaucracy at its finest.
Lately I've felt that the Lord wants me to learn more about sanctification. He's brought this before me a few times and today's scripture talks about it and more.
1 Corinthians 6:11: "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." So, after you peruse the verses before this one to get the full context, come join me....
Reading the prior verses you find out that these folks that Paul is talking to were in trouble and Paul is lowering the boom on them. There had been lawsuits, bad witness before non believers. Then he gives a list of those who will not inherit the the kingdom of God; what a list it is.
So, when he says: and that is what some of you were, he's talking about their lives before they were saved. He implies that even though they were once lost and followed the worlds example, it was time for them to stop and follow God's example.
They were washed in the blood of Christ: saved. Then they were sanctified: to make holy. By Christ and the Spirit, we were made holy. Holy means: living a life of purity. Purity is be be free from moral guilt. Justification is: to declare to be free from the penalty of sin. Don't you love word searches?
So what's the summary? We are saved by the blood of Christ and in the process, Christ and the Spirit make us holy, pure; free from moral guilt and justified from the penalty of sin. Because of all these wonderful things that the Lord does for us when we surrender and are saved, we have freedom not to live in the past, cling to guilt from our sins and to live for God, serving Him freely, fully and wonderfully.
Our responsibility then is to study the Word, apply it and grow more like Christ so as to please our heavenly Father. He has qualifiers: be obedient and He will bless. So, search your heart and see if there is unconfessed sin, a need to study the Word, possibly more and spend time with Him in prayer, not just for yourself, but for others too. Then watch how He blesses your obedience. And watch how the evil world will try to stop you..... Cling to Him and He will hold you close.
In His arms,
Sandy
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Judas Iscariot
Good wet morning,
Because we need rain and it's coming down so gently, it's nice. I'm a sunshine kinda girl, but this is ok. Tucker didn't appreciate her morning 'bath' though. A Lab that doesn't like water; go figure :).
As I was reading my Our Daily Bread at breakfast, I thought about Judas Iscariot. Matt. 27:1-5 tells us that Judas betrayed Christ, returned the 30 pieces of silver then went out and hanged himself.
I think the part that I want to concentrate on is verse 4: "I have sinned, he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood."
He recognized that he's a sinner. He also knew that Jesus wasn't guilty. He'd spent quite a bit of time with the Lord and I'm sure much of Christ's teaching sunk in. So, when the blinders came off, he saw what he'd done and confessed. Did this make him a believer, albeit at the 11th hour? Will we see him in heaven some day? I think that's the million dollar question.
Because only the Lord really knows the heart, He's the only one that knew the truth if conversion happened or not. When we get to heaven, we can find out.
Does it make you angry that Judas is possibly in heaven? That his confession meant that he might have gained salvation? Because I want all people saved, I surely hope that he is saved eternally. Hell, the Lake of Fire isn't somewhere that I want anyone to be, but because of the choice here on earth to accept or reject, we make that determination.
Saddam Hussein is in hell, just like Hitler, Stalin and others, waiting the final judgment. They belong there because they chose to be enemies of Christ. But, there's a part of me that wishes they had bowed to the Lord on earth. Philippians says that one day every knee will bow and tongue confess Christ as Lord and Savior. What they refused to do here, they will do some day and they won't have any choice, then the judgment.
How do you feel about Judas, Saddam and the others? Would you want that they should have confessed Jesus as Savior while on earth. What if they had, after they had done all those terrible things?
Keep in mind, that where God is concerned, sin is sin, whether it's a lie or murder......
Forgiven,
Sandy
Because we need rain and it's coming down so gently, it's nice. I'm a sunshine kinda girl, but this is ok. Tucker didn't appreciate her morning 'bath' though. A Lab that doesn't like water; go figure :).
As I was reading my Our Daily Bread at breakfast, I thought about Judas Iscariot. Matt. 27:1-5 tells us that Judas betrayed Christ, returned the 30 pieces of silver then went out and hanged himself.
I think the part that I want to concentrate on is verse 4: "I have sinned, he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood."
He recognized that he's a sinner. He also knew that Jesus wasn't guilty. He'd spent quite a bit of time with the Lord and I'm sure much of Christ's teaching sunk in. So, when the blinders came off, he saw what he'd done and confessed. Did this make him a believer, albeit at the 11th hour? Will we see him in heaven some day? I think that's the million dollar question.
Because only the Lord really knows the heart, He's the only one that knew the truth if conversion happened or not. When we get to heaven, we can find out.
Does it make you angry that Judas is possibly in heaven? That his confession meant that he might have gained salvation? Because I want all people saved, I surely hope that he is saved eternally. Hell, the Lake of Fire isn't somewhere that I want anyone to be, but because of the choice here on earth to accept or reject, we make that determination.
Saddam Hussein is in hell, just like Hitler, Stalin and others, waiting the final judgment. They belong there because they chose to be enemies of Christ. But, there's a part of me that wishes they had bowed to the Lord on earth. Philippians says that one day every knee will bow and tongue confess Christ as Lord and Savior. What they refused to do here, they will do some day and they won't have any choice, then the judgment.
How do you feel about Judas, Saddam and the others? Would you want that they should have confessed Jesus as Savior while on earth. What if they had, after they had done all those terrible things?
Keep in mind, that where God is concerned, sin is sin, whether it's a lie or murder......
Forgiven,
Sandy
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
re commit or re dedication?
Hi,
Another warm summer day with rain in the forecast. Chuck was home briefly so got to say hi and feed him.
On Sunday our pastor was teaching in Romans 8:5-8 and he made a great comment. He said that we need to repent, not re commit or re dedicate to the Lord. If we're saved, and we've not remained close as we should, then we need to repent (to turn away from the sin that's between the Lord and us).
Many denominations get caught up on phrases that man has created to fit their idea of what should happen in the Christian's life when they haven't lived for the Lord (sinned), but for self, even if sometimes. He said it right when he said that the precept of re commitment or re dedication isn't in scripture, but repentance is.
I think that if all Christian's thought/taught repentance only, there would be less divisions in the church. Their might also be more people who would follow the Lord more closely..... food for thought.
Romans 8:5 "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what the nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." Non believer's contrasted to believer's. Sinful man: death. Spiritual man: life and peace.
How could anyone choose death over life and peace? It blows my mind, but many people do. They live life their way and choose death. Know the Word so you can share how they can have life and peace....
Choosing life and peace,
Sandy
Another warm summer day with rain in the forecast. Chuck was home briefly so got to say hi and feed him.
On Sunday our pastor was teaching in Romans 8:5-8 and he made a great comment. He said that we need to repent, not re commit or re dedicate to the Lord. If we're saved, and we've not remained close as we should, then we need to repent (to turn away from the sin that's between the Lord and us).
Many denominations get caught up on phrases that man has created to fit their idea of what should happen in the Christian's life when they haven't lived for the Lord (sinned), but for self, even if sometimes. He said it right when he said that the precept of re commitment or re dedication isn't in scripture, but repentance is.
I think that if all Christian's thought/taught repentance only, there would be less divisions in the church. Their might also be more people who would follow the Lord more closely..... food for thought.
Romans 8:5 "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what the nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." Non believer's contrasted to believer's. Sinful man: death. Spiritual man: life and peace.
How could anyone choose death over life and peace? It blows my mind, but many people do. They live life their way and choose death. Know the Word so you can share how they can have life and peace....
Choosing life and peace,
Sandy
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Dessert dilemna
Hey,
It's been awhile since I've blogged. We went to my parents to visit, as many of you know. We had a good visit, but it was hard to see my dad suffering from the radiation he had 6 years ago for cancer. Also, he now has bone cancer and is having chemo every 3 weeks, supposedly to help with pain. My mom is his caretaker and I can see that it's taking its toll on her too.
We were able to see my two brothers and our sister-in-law and that was nice. My one brother is having more surgery soon because of damage from radiation he had a year ago. Why is it that the things that are supposed to help you get well hurt you so much? Another reason why I won't have radiation and/or chemo.
With so many hours in the car, I had lots of time to think about many things. One of the things was a time when we were baby Christians and we took a Sunday drive. We stopped at some friends house, Gaylord and Viola Schlitter. They were about 100 years old and still farming. Well, that's an exaggeration about their age, but they were well into their 80's and still going strong.
We really liked them and they were a fountain of God's truth and wisdom. So when we stopped, we had such a good visit and I learned a valuable lesson.
Viola had made a dessert (even though they didn't know we were coming) and while she was dishing it up, I took a small bite of mine. No one said anything, but then Gaylord said grace.
I wasn't raised with many table manners and we didn't say grace very often at our house, even when we were first Christians (learning curve time).
After Gaylord said the grace, I made a comment about having taken a bite by saying: I couldn't resist. They were gracious and didn't say anything, so the moment passed. But, it stuck in my mind and I've thought about it many times.
I say all this to share that what I did that day was so typical of sinners in need of grace. I saw, I liked, I ate. I didn't stop to consider anything except that I wanted the dessert. Whether a person is saved or not, when we don't put God first, but ourselves first, we sin.
How many times have you done something without thinking only later to realize what you did, and then you had to come before the Lord and confess? We have to be purposeful in our walk with Him. We can't just react, we have to act.
So, the next time you're faced with something so simple as saying grace, maybe in a restaurant, don't be afraid of what people will think, just do it. Be grateful for every thing, but especially the little things, daily. I think our loving heavenly Father likes to hear our voice and heart being grateful for His bounty.
Enjoying His dessert,
Sandy
It's been awhile since I've blogged. We went to my parents to visit, as many of you know. We had a good visit, but it was hard to see my dad suffering from the radiation he had 6 years ago for cancer. Also, he now has bone cancer and is having chemo every 3 weeks, supposedly to help with pain. My mom is his caretaker and I can see that it's taking its toll on her too.
We were able to see my two brothers and our sister-in-law and that was nice. My one brother is having more surgery soon because of damage from radiation he had a year ago. Why is it that the things that are supposed to help you get well hurt you so much? Another reason why I won't have radiation and/or chemo.
With so many hours in the car, I had lots of time to think about many things. One of the things was a time when we were baby Christians and we took a Sunday drive. We stopped at some friends house, Gaylord and Viola Schlitter. They were about 100 years old and still farming. Well, that's an exaggeration about their age, but they were well into their 80's and still going strong.
We really liked them and they were a fountain of God's truth and wisdom. So when we stopped, we had such a good visit and I learned a valuable lesson.
Viola had made a dessert (even though they didn't know we were coming) and while she was dishing it up, I took a small bite of mine. No one said anything, but then Gaylord said grace.
I wasn't raised with many table manners and we didn't say grace very often at our house, even when we were first Christians (learning curve time).
After Gaylord said the grace, I made a comment about having taken a bite by saying: I couldn't resist. They were gracious and didn't say anything, so the moment passed. But, it stuck in my mind and I've thought about it many times.
I say all this to share that what I did that day was so typical of sinners in need of grace. I saw, I liked, I ate. I didn't stop to consider anything except that I wanted the dessert. Whether a person is saved or not, when we don't put God first, but ourselves first, we sin.
How many times have you done something without thinking only later to realize what you did, and then you had to come before the Lord and confess? We have to be purposeful in our walk with Him. We can't just react, we have to act.
So, the next time you're faced with something so simple as saying grace, maybe in a restaurant, don't be afraid of what people will think, just do it. Be grateful for every thing, but especially the little things, daily. I think our loving heavenly Father likes to hear our voice and heart being grateful for His bounty.
Enjoying His dessert,
Sandy
Monday, August 25, 2008
rose of Sharon
Good Morning,
My back is somewhat better, so I'm back. But, as we're gone Thursday to my parents, I probably won't blog much this week.
Hope you are all well. Sounds like Jack and Betty had a good trip, but that Jack's battling an infection and needs our prayers.
I'd also like for you to pray for our traveling mercies and that physically I'll be able to handle the long 8+ hours trip on Thurs. and again on Sat. Thanks!
This spring Chuck planted a rose bush for me. It's yellow with pink fringes and it's just so lovely. I chose this one because of the color, but also because it's has wonderful fragrance. It had two blooms and I cut one to bring in so I could enjoy it inside too. It's past its prime, but still giving wonderful smells that I'm enjoying. Even Tucker likes how it smells!
Looking at the rose, I thought about how Christ is our rose of Sharon. So, I decided to walk through what the Bible teaches us. I found some great stuff.
Turn to Song of Songs 2:1 "I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys." My research tells me that Sharon was a place. Evidently shepherds grazed their flocks there. Because of the phrase: rose of Sharon, my guess is that roses were plentiful there. I don't know if people sold roses or not; not sure when that enterprise started in history.
In Song of Songs, the Beloved (female) says she's the rose. Verse 2 is the Lover (male) and he says: "Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens." He's comparing her to other women and calls them thorns! Not sure I'd want to be compared to a thorn. Poetry is sometimes, well poetic. They use metaphors (she's not really a rose, but is described as one) and hyperboles (exaggerated truth as an example) to describe something.
In this case, he's giving her high praise. I've been taught that Song of Songs is also Christ (rose of Sharon) and the church. It's symbolic of God's unconditional love for the church.
I like "lily of the valleys" because it sounds like something really grand. Valleys is plural and lilies are a grand flower with a strong fragrance. Or, there's the little white lily of the valley and they have small flowers with a huge fragrance. She's saying that she's a trophy wife! Just kidding. She is telling him that she has a lot to offer him (my guess, beauty) and as we see in verse 2, he agrees.
Christ is beautiful to us. He's lovely in every way. He loves us unconditionally and shows us in a myriad of ways, every day. Do you see the ways? Count them. Be like the Beloved and know your worth, because of Christ.
Knowing Him,
Sandy
Whether Song of Songs was written about marriage, or symbolic of God's love for us, it's a beautiful small book and worth reading.
My back is somewhat better, so I'm back. But, as we're gone Thursday to my parents, I probably won't blog much this week.
Hope you are all well. Sounds like Jack and Betty had a good trip, but that Jack's battling an infection and needs our prayers.
I'd also like for you to pray for our traveling mercies and that physically I'll be able to handle the long 8+ hours trip on Thurs. and again on Sat. Thanks!
This spring Chuck planted a rose bush for me. It's yellow with pink fringes and it's just so lovely. I chose this one because of the color, but also because it's has wonderful fragrance. It had two blooms and I cut one to bring in so I could enjoy it inside too. It's past its prime, but still giving wonderful smells that I'm enjoying. Even Tucker likes how it smells!
Looking at the rose, I thought about how Christ is our rose of Sharon. So, I decided to walk through what the Bible teaches us. I found some great stuff.
Turn to Song of Songs 2:1 "I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys." My research tells me that Sharon was a place. Evidently shepherds grazed their flocks there. Because of the phrase: rose of Sharon, my guess is that roses were plentiful there. I don't know if people sold roses or not; not sure when that enterprise started in history.
In Song of Songs, the Beloved (female) says she's the rose. Verse 2 is the Lover (male) and he says: "Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens." He's comparing her to other women and calls them thorns! Not sure I'd want to be compared to a thorn. Poetry is sometimes, well poetic. They use metaphors (she's not really a rose, but is described as one) and hyperboles (exaggerated truth as an example) to describe something.
In this case, he's giving her high praise. I've been taught that Song of Songs is also Christ (rose of Sharon) and the church. It's symbolic of God's unconditional love for the church.
I like "lily of the valleys" because it sounds like something really grand. Valleys is plural and lilies are a grand flower with a strong fragrance. Or, there's the little white lily of the valley and they have small flowers with a huge fragrance. She's saying that she's a trophy wife! Just kidding. She is telling him that she has a lot to offer him (my guess, beauty) and as we see in verse 2, he agrees.
Christ is beautiful to us. He's lovely in every way. He loves us unconditionally and shows us in a myriad of ways, every day. Do you see the ways? Count them. Be like the Beloved and know your worth, because of Christ.
Knowing Him,
Sandy
Whether Song of Songs was written about marriage, or symbolic of God's love for us, it's a beautiful small book and worth reading.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Blogging blues
Hello,
I'm sorry that I'm not being very regular with my blogs. I'm having some pain from a pulled muscle in my back and I'm finding it hard to do anything. Sitting here is one of those things. So, when I'm better, I'll be back.
Sorry,
Sandy
I'm sorry that I'm not being very regular with my blogs. I'm having some pain from a pulled muscle in my back and I'm finding it hard to do anything. Sitting here is one of those things. So, when I'm better, I'll be back.
Sorry,
Sandy
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