SCRIPTURE
(Philippians 1:12&13) "Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else."
OBSERVATION
At first glance, Paul's prison sentence may have seemed like a silencing factor, but the opposite was true. He had become so well known, and the authority or anointing with which he spoke was so evident, that his evangelistic message spread even further.
APPLICATION
It may seem at times that our living conditions are a sign of God's displeasure. The opposite may be true. When we respond to adverse situations with a motivation to glorify God, His redeeming message is witnessed by a broader audience, with a greater impact. This world is looking for the strength and power to face and overcome the negative environment they often find themselves in.
PRAYER
God, help me not to judge my spiritual authority by environmental trappings. I am always blessed when I worship You.
By Pastor Roger Watson
Sunday, June 8, 2008
If You can't see it or measure it, does it exist?
SCRIPTURE
(Ephesians 6:11&12) "Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
OBSERVATION
Paul is trying to make a distinction between tangible earthly powers, those you can see and physically fight, and spiritual forces, which are not seen with the naked eye but are the more serious and eternally damaging. He encourages his readers to recognize the schemes of this invisible foe, and fight him with spiritual weapons.
APPLICATION
Modern science demands that if we can't see something, and thus measure its effect, it doesn't exist. Paul is warning us to watch out, because this way of thinking will lead you astray and destroy your faith.
PRAYER
Lord, help me remember that physical validation has little bearing on spiritual forces, or where our true battle lies. You are my help and deliverer.
By Pastor Roger Watson
(Ephesians 6:11&12) "Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
OBSERVATION
Paul is trying to make a distinction between tangible earthly powers, those you can see and physically fight, and spiritual forces, which are not seen with the naked eye but are the more serious and eternally damaging. He encourages his readers to recognize the schemes of this invisible foe, and fight him with spiritual weapons.
APPLICATION
Modern science demands that if we can't see something, and thus measure its effect, it doesn't exist. Paul is warning us to watch out, because this way of thinking will lead you astray and destroy your faith.
PRAYER
Lord, help me remember that physical validation has little bearing on spiritual forces, or where our true battle lies. You are my help and deliverer.
By Pastor Roger Watson
It doesn't matter, God will forgive
SCRIPTURE
Ephesians 5:5&6)"For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience."
OBSERVATION
This letter to the church is one of Paul's prison epistles. He writes to a prosperous city and a blessed church from a position of confinement, about victorious living. Ephesus was a major city with great temptations to compromise a godly walk from heathenistic teachings and false worship. God will not allow shared allegiance.
APPLICATION
Contemporary society wants you to believe there is more than one way to God, and situational ethics is the standard setter for behavioral practices. God says he will punish disobedience, and condemn the one who serves another deity. He won't forgive the idolater.
PRAYER
Lord, always keep me mindful that idolatry is giving anything more importance than you. I worship You alone.
By Pastor Roger Watson
Ephesians 5:5&6)"For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience."
OBSERVATION
This letter to the church is one of Paul's prison epistles. He writes to a prosperous city and a blessed church from a position of confinement, about victorious living. Ephesus was a major city with great temptations to compromise a godly walk from heathenistic teachings and false worship. God will not allow shared allegiance.
APPLICATION
Contemporary society wants you to believe there is more than one way to God, and situational ethics is the standard setter for behavioral practices. God says he will punish disobedience, and condemn the one who serves another deity. He won't forgive the idolater.
PRAYER
Lord, always keep me mindful that idolatry is giving anything more importance than you. I worship You alone.
By Pastor Roger Watson
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Objects of Wrath
SCRIPTURE
Ephesians 2:3 "All of us who lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath."
OBSERVATION
Paul is describing 'them' as the people who were still following Satan and/or his evil ways. But he acknowledges that we all were the same at one time - wallowing in a sinful nature. Namely, that we followed our desires and sinful thoughts. I can remember how that looked in my life. Thank God for His forgiveness!
What really caught my attention in this verse is the last sentence. What does 'objects of wrath' mean? As I looked further into the Word, I discovered that it is God's justifiable revulsion, not anger, toward what is unholy and opposite of His holy nature and will. It's a harsh phrase but certainly appropriate.
APPLICATION
I'd like to keep the phrase 'object of wrath' in the forefront of my mind to refer to anytime I'm tempted to do something displeasing to God. It gives me a tiny glimpse at just how pure and holy our Father is and what is expected of us - at least to the best of our human ability.
PRAYER
Father, forgive me each time I displease you. Let me not forget that holiness and purity are always my goals for the day. Thank you for your grace and mercy . . . and for the gentle reminders of Your word.
Ephesians 2:3 "All of us who lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath."
OBSERVATION
Paul is describing 'them' as the people who were still following Satan and/or his evil ways. But he acknowledges that we all were the same at one time - wallowing in a sinful nature. Namely, that we followed our desires and sinful thoughts. I can remember how that looked in my life. Thank God for His forgiveness!
What really caught my attention in this verse is the last sentence. What does 'objects of wrath' mean? As I looked further into the Word, I discovered that it is God's justifiable revulsion, not anger, toward what is unholy and opposite of His holy nature and will. It's a harsh phrase but certainly appropriate.
APPLICATION
I'd like to keep the phrase 'object of wrath' in the forefront of my mind to refer to anytime I'm tempted to do something displeasing to God. It gives me a tiny glimpse at just how pure and holy our Father is and what is expected of us - at least to the best of our human ability.
PRAYER
Father, forgive me each time I displease you. Let me not forget that holiness and purity are always my goals for the day. Thank you for your grace and mercy . . . and for the gentle reminders of Your word.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Open the Eyes of my Heart
SCRIPTURE
Ephesians 1:18-20 "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope of which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparable great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, . . . "
OBSERVATION
Here, Paul is encouraging the church to be fully aware and appreciative of what they have as Christians. The eyes of the heart means a deeper understanding and awareness. He's telling the church at Ephesus (and us) that the inheritance we receive from God is rich and comes from the great and mighty power of God. This power is so great that it defied the laws of nature in the raising of christ from the dead.
How often do we take our salvation and Christian hope and inheritance for granted? For instance, how blessed are we to know that we have so much more ahead of us than simply this life on earth? Not only in time, but also in the inconceivable glory and magnitude of an eternal life in heaven with an awesome and loving Father and Son. How much do we underestimate the power of that Father? How much do we take for granted our ability, right and honor to approach that Father in prayer with our troubles and our hearts desires and our praise?
APPLICATION
I need to dwell on these thoughts on a regular basis. Being a follower of the living God and His son Jesus is an honor not to be taken lightly. The God I serve is all powerful and loves me dearly and is always there for me. I am a small part of His glorious plan for mankind and should stand proudly as His representative to others.
PRAYER
Father, thank you! This passage has opened the eyes of my heart to the amazing love, grace and power you have bestowed upon me, my family and my loved ones! I am honored to serve and praise you.
Ephesians 1:18-20 "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope of which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparable great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, . . . "
OBSERVATION
Here, Paul is encouraging the church to be fully aware and appreciative of what they have as Christians. The eyes of the heart means a deeper understanding and awareness. He's telling the church at Ephesus (and us) that the inheritance we receive from God is rich and comes from the great and mighty power of God. This power is so great that it defied the laws of nature in the raising of christ from the dead.
How often do we take our salvation and Christian hope and inheritance for granted? For instance, how blessed are we to know that we have so much more ahead of us than simply this life on earth? Not only in time, but also in the inconceivable glory and magnitude of an eternal life in heaven with an awesome and loving Father and Son. How much do we underestimate the power of that Father? How much do we take for granted our ability, right and honor to approach that Father in prayer with our troubles and our hearts desires and our praise?
APPLICATION
I need to dwell on these thoughts on a regular basis. Being a follower of the living God and His son Jesus is an honor not to be taken lightly. The God I serve is all powerful and loves me dearly and is always there for me. I am a small part of His glorious plan for mankind and should stand proudly as His representative to others.
PRAYER
Father, thank you! This passage has opened the eyes of my heart to the amazing love, grace and power you have bestowed upon me, my family and my loved ones! I am honored to serve and praise you.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Obstacles in Our Way
SCRIPTURE
Romans 16:17 "I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them."
OBSERVATION
The early church had growing pains and struggles. There was much to learn after Jesus came and went and Paul became a wise patriarch for them. His direct revelation from the Lord gave him an authority and boldness in carrying out his role. But, in his absence, some of the churches experienced division, contrary teachings, and other problems. Paul's letters to them attempted to help settle some of these issues in his absence.
APPLICATION
In this verse, he simply tells the church in Rome to stay away from the troublemakers who were disrupting what they were taught.
How many people or things become obstacles for us today? What is in our way that prevents us from serving the Lord as we should at all times? Are there people we should avoid who are a negative influence on our Christian lives? Are there places or events from which we should stay away? What is monopolizing our precious time, preventing us from doing what God wants us to do?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see with Your eyes the things and people that are obstacles to my life with You. Let me carefully choose how I will spend my time each day to fulfill Your perfect will for my life.
Romans 16:17 "I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them."
OBSERVATION
The early church had growing pains and struggles. There was much to learn after Jesus came and went and Paul became a wise patriarch for them. His direct revelation from the Lord gave him an authority and boldness in carrying out his role. But, in his absence, some of the churches experienced division, contrary teachings, and other problems. Paul's letters to them attempted to help settle some of these issues in his absence.
APPLICATION
In this verse, he simply tells the church in Rome to stay away from the troublemakers who were disrupting what they were taught.
How many people or things become obstacles for us today? What is in our way that prevents us from serving the Lord as we should at all times? Are there people we should avoid who are a negative influence on our Christian lives? Are there places or events from which we should stay away? What is monopolizing our precious time, preventing us from doing what God wants us to do?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see with Your eyes the things and people that are obstacles to my life with You. Let me carefully choose how I will spend my time each day to fulfill Your perfect will for my life.
Everything That Was Written
SCRIPTURE
Romans 15:4 "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
OBSERVATION
In these chapters, Paul is writing to encourage the church in Rome who appear to be having issues regarding the differences among Christians - Jews and Gentiles. Paul instructs them to not judge or fight over such matters as circumcision or dietary laws, but instead to use Scripture as a source of encouragement and to endure all things.
APPLICATION
As I read this particular verse, I took it as more of a personal directive. That is, since Scripture was written to teach and encourage us, it is my "How To" book for life and living. I should become daily more familiar with it's contents to draw from as I go through my days. Verse 4 then ends with an added reminder of hope through our faith in Jesus. How can people endure adversities without that hope?
PRAYER
Lord, keep me ever mindful of my need for more and more knowledge of Your word. Encourage me to make it the #1 priority of my day. And thank you so much for our hope that is Jesus!
Romans 15:4 "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
OBSERVATION
In these chapters, Paul is writing to encourage the church in Rome who appear to be having issues regarding the differences among Christians - Jews and Gentiles. Paul instructs them to not judge or fight over such matters as circumcision or dietary laws, but instead to use Scripture as a source of encouragement and to endure all things.
APPLICATION
As I read this particular verse, I took it as more of a personal directive. That is, since Scripture was written to teach and encourage us, it is my "How To" book for life and living. I should become daily more familiar with it's contents to draw from as I go through my days. Verse 4 then ends with an added reminder of hope through our faith in Jesus. How can people endure adversities without that hope?
PRAYER
Lord, keep me ever mindful of my need for more and more knowledge of Your word. Encourage me to make it the #1 priority of my day. And thank you so much for our hope that is Jesus!
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