Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” - John 3:1-3
Nicodemus came to Jesus as one of those superficial believers mentioned in John 2:23–25. But the Lord refused to accept Nicodemus’s profession, which was based on the signs he had witnessed (v. 2).
Jesus went straight to the real issue—the transformation of Nicodemus’s heart by the new birth, which is the act of God by which He imparts eternal life to those who are “dead in . . . trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). Jesus answered his unasked question, “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
By the “kingdom of God,” Jesus is speaking specifically of the kingdom of salvation, the spiritual realm where those who have been born again by divine power through faith now live under the rule of God mediated through His Son. Nicodemus, like his fellow Jews, eagerly anticipated that glorious realm. But they believed that being descendants of Abraham, observing the law, and performing external religious rituals would gain them entrance into that kingdom. As Jesus made clear, no matter how religiously active someone might be, no one can enter the kingdom without experiencing the personal regeneration of the new birth.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
The Ruler Is Cast Out
John 12:27-32 (NASB)
Jesus Foretells His Death
27 “Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came out of heaven: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” So the crowd of people who stood by and heard it were saying that it had thundered; others were saying, “An angel has spoken to Him.” Jesus answered and said, “This voice has not come for My sake, but for your sakes. 31 Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.”
Dr. Stanley writes:
When Christ was hanging on the cross, Satan was celebrating. He thought he'd won a strategic battle against God. But instead, the Enemy was defeated decisively.
However, we don't always feel as if Satan has been conquered. That's because we still struggle against the principalities and powers in this world. You see, the Enemy was not annihilated at the cross—that will happen later (Rev. 20:2, 10). For now, he continues to reign over those who are without Christ. Yet his power over believers was broken at Calvary. As Christians, we are not of this world, but rather, we're part of God's kingdom (John 17:16). Therefore, the Lord has sole control of our destiny.
But remember that Satan is a deceiver. He wants people to believe he reigns supreme on earth—and to be disheartened when they look around at the havoc he wreaks. Indeed, Jesus does call him "the ruler of this world" (John 12:31). But don't miss the rest of the verse, which says the ruler "will be cast out."
The Devil cannot makes believers sin. He can tempt and taunt but is powerless to force disobedience (Rom. 6:14). Moreover, Satan cannot condemn Christ's followers (Rom. 8:1). He'll incite guilt in your heart if you let him, but that doesn't change the fact that you are a saved, beloved, and heaven-bound child of God.
When Jesus was here, Satan gave it his best shot to destroy God's plan and power on earth. He failed miserably. The Enemy was defeated when the Lord humbly paid the price for mankind's sin debt—past, present, and future—and rose in triumph over death. Believers share in the victory.
Jesus Foretells His Death
27 “Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came out of heaven: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” So the crowd of people who stood by and heard it were saying that it had thundered; others were saying, “An angel has spoken to Him.” Jesus answered and said, “This voice has not come for My sake, but for your sakes. 31 Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.”
Dr. Stanley writes:
When Christ was hanging on the cross, Satan was celebrating. He thought he'd won a strategic battle against God. But instead, the Enemy was defeated decisively.
However, we don't always feel as if Satan has been conquered. That's because we still struggle against the principalities and powers in this world. You see, the Enemy was not annihilated at the cross—that will happen later (Rev. 20:2, 10). For now, he continues to reign over those who are without Christ. Yet his power over believers was broken at Calvary. As Christians, we are not of this world, but rather, we're part of God's kingdom (John 17:16). Therefore, the Lord has sole control of our destiny.
But remember that Satan is a deceiver. He wants people to believe he reigns supreme on earth—and to be disheartened when they look around at the havoc he wreaks. Indeed, Jesus does call him "the ruler of this world" (John 12:31). But don't miss the rest of the verse, which says the ruler "will be cast out."
The Devil cannot makes believers sin. He can tempt and taunt but is powerless to force disobedience (Rom. 6:14). Moreover, Satan cannot condemn Christ's followers (Rom. 8:1). He'll incite guilt in your heart if you let him, but that doesn't change the fact that you are a saved, beloved, and heaven-bound child of God.
When Jesus was here, Satan gave it his best shot to destroy God's plan and power on earth. He failed miserably. The Enemy was defeated when the Lord humbly paid the price for mankind's sin debt—past, present, and future—and rose in triumph over death. Believers share in the victory.
Monday, August 8, 2011
The Bible
When I did a google search for how many words are in the bible, the result that I first found was, "773,696 words in the King James Bible".
I was thinking this morning of the layers upon layers of historical information, life instruction, inspiration and revelation that I find when I read the bible. Then, I pondered how no other book of the same size, could even come close to the depth of content. I may read a given passage dozens of times and each time something new pops out. I can get different meaning as I focus on the specific words that were used or the numbers and their individual significance, (ie. a 7 always referring to completion.) I may find life applications one week that are different life applications from a different week. Could any book of any of our other favorite subjects do the same?
Anywho, just a pondering thought that I wanted to share this morning. I hope that we make time to explore this amazing book, the bible, which has the most incredible author of it all.
2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
or
2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB)
16 (A)All Scripture is [a]inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for [b]training in righteousness;
Have a blessed day!
I was thinking this morning of the layers upon layers of historical information, life instruction, inspiration and revelation that I find when I read the bible. Then, I pondered how no other book of the same size, could even come close to the depth of content. I may read a given passage dozens of times and each time something new pops out. I can get different meaning as I focus on the specific words that were used or the numbers and their individual significance, (ie. a 7 always referring to completion.) I may find life applications one week that are different life applications from a different week. Could any book of any of our other favorite subjects do the same?
Anywho, just a pondering thought that I wanted to share this morning. I hope that we make time to explore this amazing book, the bible, which has the most incredible author of it all.
2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
or
2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB)
16 (A)All Scripture is [a]inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for [b]training in righteousness;
Have a blessed day!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
My Prayer
Most people who have spent prayer time with me might be aware of my silence during those gaps when it is time to pray aloud. I do not think most people understand it. I think that they see me as not bold before the Lord. However, it runs deeper than most would believe.
My life has been full. Full of fun, full of blessings, full of indifference, full of corruption and full of repentance. As I am aware of all of this, I am, also, aware of a misguided heart. My ways are not His ways. Although I am still growing in Christian maturity and succumbing to the Lord's will, I am continually learning to yield to Him. When I pray, in silence, as I do most comfortably, these are what my words sound like:
Most Gracious Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, Your Glory exceeds my greatest visions. You are the Glory in the Highest, nothing can compare. Our thoughts and hearts have been so desensitized by the corruption in this world that we can only come to you from the atoning heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We see not the magnitude of our sin. Even our Christianlike desires carry earthly motives. Please forgive us for that and help us Lord. Help us to see that Your will and Your ways are much better than our own. Help us to succumb to Your will. All the things that we pray for, we lift them up to You, and we release them to You. Thank You, God, that in Your perfect will, you will see these things to completion for Your Glory. Thank You for Jesus. Thank you for covering our sin. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
When you are aware of my silence, please know that I am praying silently. And my prayers are very similar to that which I just wrote above.
Blessings to you today and everyday. In His Love and Grace, Janine
My life has been full. Full of fun, full of blessings, full of indifference, full of corruption and full of repentance. As I am aware of all of this, I am, also, aware of a misguided heart. My ways are not His ways. Although I am still growing in Christian maturity and succumbing to the Lord's will, I am continually learning to yield to Him. When I pray, in silence, as I do most comfortably, these are what my words sound like:
Most Gracious Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, Your Glory exceeds my greatest visions. You are the Glory in the Highest, nothing can compare. Our thoughts and hearts have been so desensitized by the corruption in this world that we can only come to you from the atoning heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We see not the magnitude of our sin. Even our Christianlike desires carry earthly motives. Please forgive us for that and help us Lord. Help us to see that Your will and Your ways are much better than our own. Help us to succumb to Your will. All the things that we pray for, we lift them up to You, and we release them to You. Thank You, God, that in Your perfect will, you will see these things to completion for Your Glory. Thank You for Jesus. Thank you for covering our sin. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
When you are aware of my silence, please know that I am praying silently. And my prayers are very similar to that which I just wrote above.
Blessings to you today and everyday. In His Love and Grace, Janine
The Thirsting Soul Satisfied in God.
Psalm 63:1-5 (NASB)
The Thirsting Soul Satisfied in God.
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
1 O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You.
4 So I will bless You as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5 My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.
From Dr. Charles Stanley:
The Lord has given us a variety of appetites, which are essential for our physical survival. But He has also created within our hearts a hunger that is spiritual. David was a man who recognized and felt this yearning for the Lord. Throughout the Psalms, we find him meditating, offering praise, or crying out to God. His greatest joy was to be with his heavenly Father in intimate communion.
Hungering for the Lord is a desire to know and draw closer to Him. Sadly, this yearning lies dormant in many believers' lives. They're saved but have very little desire for more. One of the problems is that our society is filled with all sorts of things that grab and hold our interest and affections. These pleasures and pursuits compete with God for our attention, claiming our time and effort.
The good news is that the longing for God can be awakened if we are willing to change our priorities and pursuits. Although cultivating a desire for the Lord takes time, the joy we'll experience is lasting—and the rewards are eternal. You'll always get more out of a relationship with God than you put in. In fact, as your hunger for Him comes to life, He will open your heart and mind to understand and desire Him even more.
When we yearn for the Lord, He will satisfy us with contentment and a sense of completeness, while awakening an even deeper longing in our soul. Unlike physical hunger, a craving for Him is filled but paradoxically leaves us hungry. The more we are satisfied in Christ, the more we want of Him.
The Thirsting Soul Satisfied in God.
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
1 O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You.
4 So I will bless You as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5 My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.
From Dr. Charles Stanley:
The Lord has given us a variety of appetites, which are essential for our physical survival. But He has also created within our hearts a hunger that is spiritual. David was a man who recognized and felt this yearning for the Lord. Throughout the Psalms, we find him meditating, offering praise, or crying out to God. His greatest joy was to be with his heavenly Father in intimate communion.
Hungering for the Lord is a desire to know and draw closer to Him. Sadly, this yearning lies dormant in many believers' lives. They're saved but have very little desire for more. One of the problems is that our society is filled with all sorts of things that grab and hold our interest and affections. These pleasures and pursuits compete with God for our attention, claiming our time and effort.
The good news is that the longing for God can be awakened if we are willing to change our priorities and pursuits. Although cultivating a desire for the Lord takes time, the joy we'll experience is lasting—and the rewards are eternal. You'll always get more out of a relationship with God than you put in. In fact, as your hunger for Him comes to life, He will open your heart and mind to understand and desire Him even more.
When we yearn for the Lord, He will satisfy us with contentment and a sense of completeness, while awakening an even deeper longing in our soul. Unlike physical hunger, a craving for Him is filled but paradoxically leaves us hungry. The more we are satisfied in Christ, the more we want of Him.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Another Daily Devotion that I want to Save -- this time Charles Stanley
It will be helpful to explain to my boys about war when they inquire:
July 30, 2011
Reconciling Love and War
LUKE 6:27-31
One area of confusion about war is the apparent discrepancy between Jesus' words and God's approval of battle in the Old Testament. Can such dissimilar teachings be reconciled? How can the God who told Israel to destroy the Canaanites be the same one who said, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" (v. 27)?
To clarify this issue, we must distinguish between commands issued to nations and instructions given to individuals. The Lord has bestowed certain responsibilities upon governments. He calls them ministers of God for good and entrusts them with avenging evil (Rom. 13:4). But to individuals, He says, "Never take your own revenge" (12:19).
People are killed in war, but this isn't the same as murder. A soldier on the battlefield carries out his duties under the authority of his government (Rom. 13:1-2). Murder, on the other hand, is an individual's vengeful response to anger or jealousy and is motivated by a desire to destroy another person.
When governments avenge wrong, innocent people are protected, but when individuals seek their own revenge, they destroy themselves and others. In Luke, Jesus was speaking about personal conflicts, not national wars. He knows that loving our enemies is the only way to protect ourselves from bitterness.
Would we prefer to turn the responsibilities around—are we quick to fight personal battles, but slow to affirm the avenging of evil nationally? Sometimes the only way for a country to have peace is to go to war, but we'll never experience inner peace if we battle with individuals who wrong us.
July 30, 2011
Reconciling Love and War
LUKE 6:27-31
One area of confusion about war is the apparent discrepancy between Jesus' words and God's approval of battle in the Old Testament. Can such dissimilar teachings be reconciled? How can the God who told Israel to destroy the Canaanites be the same one who said, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" (v. 27)?
To clarify this issue, we must distinguish between commands issued to nations and instructions given to individuals. The Lord has bestowed certain responsibilities upon governments. He calls them ministers of God for good and entrusts them with avenging evil (Rom. 13:4). But to individuals, He says, "Never take your own revenge" (12:19).
People are killed in war, but this isn't the same as murder. A soldier on the battlefield carries out his duties under the authority of his government (Rom. 13:1-2). Murder, on the other hand, is an individual's vengeful response to anger or jealousy and is motivated by a desire to destroy another person.
When governments avenge wrong, innocent people are protected, but when individuals seek their own revenge, they destroy themselves and others. In Luke, Jesus was speaking about personal conflicts, not national wars. He knows that loving our enemies is the only way to protect ourselves from bitterness.
Would we prefer to turn the responsibilities around—are we quick to fight personal battles, but slow to affirm the avenging of evil nationally? Sometimes the only way for a country to have peace is to go to war, but we'll never experience inner peace if we battle with individuals who wrong us.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
I Read this today & want to keep it handy for future reminding
When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” -Matthew 8:1–2
Several more striking features marked the leper who came to Jesus. The man came expectantly but not demandingly, therefore he approached the Lord with humility. It’s clear he wanted to be healed, but he did not explicitly ask Jesus for this miraculous favor. That was almost too much for the leper to presume, hence his statement, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” What a contrast to the attitude of those in some religious circles today who boastfully claim divine healing as if God should automatically grant it.
The leprous man also came in sincere faith—one that displays the firm conviction that God is able to work on our behalf, but yet a conviction accompanied by submission to His sovereign will. He knew that although Jesus was able to instantly cure his leprosy, He was not obligated. The man’s faith was much like that of Daniel’s friends who told the king, “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Dan. 3:17–18). In the same way, the leper would also accept whatever outcome Jesus provided.
source: bible and Grace to You
Several more striking features marked the leper who came to Jesus. The man came expectantly but not demandingly, therefore he approached the Lord with humility. It’s clear he wanted to be healed, but he did not explicitly ask Jesus for this miraculous favor. That was almost too much for the leper to presume, hence his statement, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” What a contrast to the attitude of those in some religious circles today who boastfully claim divine healing as if God should automatically grant it.
The leprous man also came in sincere faith—one that displays the firm conviction that God is able to work on our behalf, but yet a conviction accompanied by submission to His sovereign will. He knew that although Jesus was able to instantly cure his leprosy, He was not obligated. The man’s faith was much like that of Daniel’s friends who told the king, “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Dan. 3:17–18). In the same way, the leper would also accept whatever outcome Jesus provided.
source: bible and Grace to You
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