What does the Name of Jesus mean to you? Is it just the name of the Son of God? Or is there more to it than that? Can we use that Name in prayer today?
John 14:13 says, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
John 16:24 says, "Hitherto ye have asked nothing in My Name. Ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be made full." Jesus is saying, in other words, "Up to this time, you have never prayed in My Name, but now, whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My Name, He will give it you." This promise is the most staggering statement that perhaps ever fell from the lips of the Master -- that we have the use of His Name.
But notice - it does not say "If we believe," or "If we have faith." That Name has been given to us. It is ours! And what is ours, we do not need faith to use! The right and the privilege to use that Name came to us when we were born into the Family of God.
And get a grip on this: all that Jesus could do when He walked on earth can be done NOW by EVERY believer!
In earlier blogs, we talked about the expression "in Christ" which occurs 130 times in the New Testament. It shows us, as believers, our position in Christ, our legal standing in Him, our place in the Family of God, and in the purposes of God. We're to represent Christ. We're to act in His place. And when we pray in His Name, it is as though Jesus Himself is praying. In other words, we are taking Christ's place and acting as His representatives! And when we pray in Jesus' Name and take His place, it's just as though Jesus Himself were here! That is staggering!
When Jesus gave the disciples this promise, we have no indication that they argued about it. They didn't worry about it. They didn't try to analyze what it meant. All they did was act on the Words of Jesus.
Can we do any less?
Preacher's Kid
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
TO CONTACT ME
Several people have told me they are unable to make any comments re my blogs, and I really don't know what to do. (At the bottom of each blog, you may have noticed the notation "Comments".) When I first started blogging several months ago, a couple comments came through. Then they stopped, and I don't know what happened. Most of you know who I am and have my Email. For anyone who doesn't, you can always reach me at R_ROTZ@msn.com. Wish I were a computer whiz and could solve this problem, but I'm just not a computer nerd!
Preacher's Kid
Preacher's Kid
Saturday, August 29, 2009
DEMAND! ARE YOU SURE?????
Here's a blog that will blow your mind! At least, it did me when I first came across it.
John 16:23b says, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." One Bible scholar, E. W. Kenyon, claims that the word "ask" in this verse has the connotation of "demanding."
Now, let's get one thing crystal clear. We do NOT demand anything from God. OK?
Kenyon claims that this verse is not even referring to prayer; rather it is talking about taking authority over our circumstances and demanding THEM to change, to be turned around, to leave us. (Yep, we can talk to our circumstances!)
We do have authority over evil spirits. Luke 9:1 tells us that Christ gave the disciples "authority over all demons." In the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20, Christ passed His authority on to the disciples. Scholars agree that that authority has also been passed along to us. I John 4:4 states that "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." Putting all these Scriptures together, there should be no question in our minds that WE DO, in fact, have authority over evil powers. (And yep, we can talk to those evil powers!)
Then, there's also the thought of using Jesus' Name. Again, we have the legal right to use that Name. How many times in the New Testament do we read about the disciples doing great works and miracles in the Name of Jesus? It's as though Jesus were standing here before us in person when we use His Name. (The use of that Name has been passed along to us as was our authority over demons.)
So don't you think it's high time we rise to our privileges in Christ and start taking authority over the powers of darkness that come against us, that try to discourage us, that try to wreck havoc upon our lives, etc., etc., etc?
Remember our positive confessions we've spoken about in different blogs? OK. "I have the right to use Jesus' Name, and in that Name I command the spirit of depression (or whatever your need is) to leave me according to John 16:23."
Does this give you new insight into "demanding"? And a new weapon to use in our fight to be victorious Christians?
We can "demand" after all. It just depends upon who and what we are demanding!
Preacher's Kid
John 16:23b says, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." One Bible scholar, E. W. Kenyon, claims that the word "ask" in this verse has the connotation of "demanding."
Now, let's get one thing crystal clear. We do NOT demand anything from God. OK?
Kenyon claims that this verse is not even referring to prayer; rather it is talking about taking authority over our circumstances and demanding THEM to change, to be turned around, to leave us. (Yep, we can talk to our circumstances!)
We do have authority over evil spirits. Luke 9:1 tells us that Christ gave the disciples "authority over all demons." In the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20, Christ passed His authority on to the disciples. Scholars agree that that authority has also been passed along to us. I John 4:4 states that "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." Putting all these Scriptures together, there should be no question in our minds that WE DO, in fact, have authority over evil powers. (And yep, we can talk to those evil powers!)
Then, there's also the thought of using Jesus' Name. Again, we have the legal right to use that Name. How many times in the New Testament do we read about the disciples doing great works and miracles in the Name of Jesus? It's as though Jesus were standing here before us in person when we use His Name. (The use of that Name has been passed along to us as was our authority over demons.)
So don't you think it's high time we rise to our privileges in Christ and start taking authority over the powers of darkness that come against us, that try to discourage us, that try to wreck havoc upon our lives, etc., etc., etc?
Remember our positive confessions we've spoken about in different blogs? OK. "I have the right to use Jesus' Name, and in that Name I command the spirit of depression (or whatever your need is) to leave me according to John 16:23."
Does this give you new insight into "demanding"? And a new weapon to use in our fight to be victorious Christians?
We can "demand" after all. It just depends upon who and what we are demanding!
Preacher's Kid
Monday, August 24, 2009
YOU ARE THE WILL OF GOD
You are the will of God! How does that grab you? Ever thought of that before? Ever thought of yourself as being the will of God? Wow!
James 1:18 says, "Of his own will begot he us with the word of truth." OK. If His own will brought us forth, we're born of His will, aren't we?
Say it out loud: "I am the Father's will." Say it until your ears become accustomed to it. Say it until your spirit absorbs it. Don't you like the sound of it? Doesn't it do something to you just to know that YOU ARE the Father's will? Bet you never thought of that before!
Repeat that phrase over and over not as a mantra of some sort, but as a confession. We've talked about confession in some of our recent blogs. You know you can never rise above your confession. And if you always confess your failings, your weaknesses, your lack of ability, etc., your lack of ability and your weaknesses will rule you. You can never enjoy anything beyond your confession. Your faith will never be stronger than your confession. So freely confess, "I am the Father's will."
So now that you know you are the Father's will, find out how He wants to use you in His great harvest field, what He wants you to do.
Oftentimes people think they are useless as far as working for the Lord is concerned. But I'm here to tell you that just as there isn't a uselss member in the physical body, so there isn't a useless member in the spiritual body, in the Body of Christ.
You have a place. And with that place comes responsibility. If you don't take your place in the Family of God, the Body of Christ becomes weakened because of it. Just don't set yourself up as a critic. Some people feel it is their calling to criticize everyone and everything! Not so.
My challenge to you today is to find your God-given place in the Body of Christ and fill it.
Remember, you are the will of God!
Preacher's Kid
James 1:18 says, "Of his own will begot he us with the word of truth." OK. If His own will brought us forth, we're born of His will, aren't we?
Say it out loud: "I am the Father's will." Say it until your ears become accustomed to it. Say it until your spirit absorbs it. Don't you like the sound of it? Doesn't it do something to you just to know that YOU ARE the Father's will? Bet you never thought of that before!
Repeat that phrase over and over not as a mantra of some sort, but as a confession. We've talked about confession in some of our recent blogs. You know you can never rise above your confession. And if you always confess your failings, your weaknesses, your lack of ability, etc., your lack of ability and your weaknesses will rule you. You can never enjoy anything beyond your confession. Your faith will never be stronger than your confession. So freely confess, "I am the Father's will."
So now that you know you are the Father's will, find out how He wants to use you in His great harvest field, what He wants you to do.
Oftentimes people think they are useless as far as working for the Lord is concerned. But I'm here to tell you that just as there isn't a uselss member in the physical body, so there isn't a useless member in the spiritual body, in the Body of Christ.
You have a place. And with that place comes responsibility. If you don't take your place in the Family of God, the Body of Christ becomes weakened because of it. Just don't set yourself up as a critic. Some people feel it is their calling to criticize everyone and everything! Not so.
My challenge to you today is to find your God-given place in the Body of Christ and fill it.
Remember, you are the will of God!
Preacher's Kid
Sunday, August 23, 2009
THOSE HEAVENLY MANSIONS
Another devotional I used recently for our nursing home was based on the well-known and well-loved Scripture in John 14. I used various portions beginning with verse 1 which says, "Let not your heart be troubled," and ended with verse 27 which repeats the same thing.
I pointed out the various reasons John challenges us not to let our hearts be troubled. First of all, God has prepared heavenly mansions for us. Regardless of where we live now, be it a small cottage or just a room in a nursing home, we know we have a mansion waiting for us in the future. Then Jesus says He is going to come again for us and that we will be with Him. Verse 12 tells us we will do the same works as Jesus did; in fact, we will do GREATER works. (Wow! That sure is mind boggling! Think on that for a while! We sure are living beneath our privileges in Christ Jesus!) Then we can ask the Father for anything, and we have the use of Jesus' Name, which is the same as though Christ were in our midst personally. We have the promise of the Comforter in verse 16. The Holy Spirit dwells with and in us in verse 17. Verse 19 assures us of the Father's love. Verse 23 reminds us that the Father and the Son abide with us -- think of it -- they LIVE WITH US! Verse 26 tells us that the Holy Spirit is our teacher. That's absolutely awesome! And in verse 27 we have His peace. It's no wonder John says again, "Let not your heart be troubled."
When we come home from our doctor's office, we drive by a mountain that has huge houses, mansions, I call them, all over the mountainside. I wonder where people get the money not only to build the lavish structures but also to keep them up. And what do they do with all that space? Do they ever get lost in their own house, in their own mansion? And then one day it hit me -- I sure would hate to have to clean those mansions! I should think it would take all their time just to keep the place clean! I can't even clean my own double-wide trailer -- a cleaning lady comes in once each month! Then another thought hit me. (Where do crazy thoughts come from, anyhow?) Who's going to clean our Heavenly mansions??? I hate house cleaning to begin with. But know what? I've got a sneakin' idea our mansions in Glory won't need to be cleaned! Somehow I just can't picture dirt in Heaven! The streets are gold, so we won't be picking up dirt from the sidewalks, that's for sure!
So today let your mind think about your Heavenly mansion and meditate on all the reasons you have not to let your heart be troubled!
Preacher's Kid
I pointed out the various reasons John challenges us not to let our hearts be troubled. First of all, God has prepared heavenly mansions for us. Regardless of where we live now, be it a small cottage or just a room in a nursing home, we know we have a mansion waiting for us in the future. Then Jesus says He is going to come again for us and that we will be with Him. Verse 12 tells us we will do the same works as Jesus did; in fact, we will do GREATER works. (Wow! That sure is mind boggling! Think on that for a while! We sure are living beneath our privileges in Christ Jesus!) Then we can ask the Father for anything, and we have the use of Jesus' Name, which is the same as though Christ were in our midst personally. We have the promise of the Comforter in verse 16. The Holy Spirit dwells with and in us in verse 17. Verse 19 assures us of the Father's love. Verse 23 reminds us that the Father and the Son abide with us -- think of it -- they LIVE WITH US! Verse 26 tells us that the Holy Spirit is our teacher. That's absolutely awesome! And in verse 27 we have His peace. It's no wonder John says again, "Let not your heart be troubled."
When we come home from our doctor's office, we drive by a mountain that has huge houses, mansions, I call them, all over the mountainside. I wonder where people get the money not only to build the lavish structures but also to keep them up. And what do they do with all that space? Do they ever get lost in their own house, in their own mansion? And then one day it hit me -- I sure would hate to have to clean those mansions! I should think it would take all their time just to keep the place clean! I can't even clean my own double-wide trailer -- a cleaning lady comes in once each month! Then another thought hit me. (Where do crazy thoughts come from, anyhow?) Who's going to clean our Heavenly mansions??? I hate house cleaning to begin with. But know what? I've got a sneakin' idea our mansions in Glory won't need to be cleaned! Somehow I just can't picture dirt in Heaven! The streets are gold, so we won't be picking up dirt from the sidewalks, that's for sure!
So today let your mind think about your Heavenly mansion and meditate on all the reasons you have not to let your heart be troubled!
Preacher's Kid
Friday, August 21, 2009
HOME AT LAST
Home again after a wonderful vacation. Thank the Lord for traveling mercies. Had beautiful weather for granddaughter's lovely wedding on the shores of the Pacific Ocean!
Our church has weekly devotions at a nursing home down the street, and I was asked to give the devotional thought the other day. I used the Scripture in Matthew 10 about God seeing the sparrow fall and the assurance that we are worth more than many sparrows.
I told about the sparrows who built their nest at the end of our carport. What a joy it was to hear their chirp, chirp, chirp as they raised their little ones. Our house cat, of course, watched the sparrows closely through the windows. Of course, that upset the birds as they didn't realize there was a pane of glass between them and the cat!
Then when my husband and I returned from running errands one day, we saw one of the babies in the second family the sparrows were raising had fallen out of the nest as he attempted to learn how to fly. By the time Rex gently picked him up, he was breathing his last!
That's when the Scripture I mentioned above came to mind. I realized that as God looked down from Heaven and saw that precious sparrow of His, he saw my husband, too, since Rex was holding the baby. Not only that, but God had to have seen me, too, as I was right next to Rex! God saw me! How exciting! And to think I'm important to Him -- worth more than many sparrows, He said!
So I'll remind you, as I reminded the residents at the nursing home, remember, God sees you; He loves you; you're important to Him. And because of that, He'll take care of you no matter what your circumstances. For He has said, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
And just how rich is Christ? You tell me!
Preacher's Kid
Our church has weekly devotions at a nursing home down the street, and I was asked to give the devotional thought the other day. I used the Scripture in Matthew 10 about God seeing the sparrow fall and the assurance that we are worth more than many sparrows.
I told about the sparrows who built their nest at the end of our carport. What a joy it was to hear their chirp, chirp, chirp as they raised their little ones. Our house cat, of course, watched the sparrows closely through the windows. Of course, that upset the birds as they didn't realize there was a pane of glass between them and the cat!
Then when my husband and I returned from running errands one day, we saw one of the babies in the second family the sparrows were raising had fallen out of the nest as he attempted to learn how to fly. By the time Rex gently picked him up, he was breathing his last!
That's when the Scripture I mentioned above came to mind. I realized that as God looked down from Heaven and saw that precious sparrow of His, he saw my husband, too, since Rex was holding the baby. Not only that, but God had to have seen me, too, as I was right next to Rex! God saw me! How exciting! And to think I'm important to Him -- worth more than many sparrows, He said!
So I'll remind you, as I reminded the residents at the nursing home, remember, God sees you; He loves you; you're important to Him. And because of that, He'll take care of you no matter what your circumstances. For He has said, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
And just how rich is Christ? You tell me!
Preacher's Kid
Sunday, August 9, 2009
VACATION AT LAST!
We're leaving tomorrow for Newport, Oregon, for a granddaughter's wedding. Rex just parked the motor home in front of the house, ready to load up in the morning. We'll return a week from tomorrow. I'll have my laptop with me but don't know if the RV resorts where we'll stay will have computer hookups. I won't have my scrapbooks with me, anyway. So no more blogs till Aug. 18th or so.
However, Rex and I very unexpectedly read something in our devotions last night I want to share -- sort of a "wind up" of what we've been discussing recently about who we are in Christ and about making a positive confession. So I'm going to quote some thoughts from E. W. Kenyon's book, "In His Presence", a book about prayer. In case you're not familiar with this author, he lived in the early 1900's and had a Methodist and Baptist background. Some of his mentors include the great missionary Adoniram Judson, A. J. Maxwell, and Andrew Murray with whom you're no doubt familiar.
Kenyon says, "One cannot conceive of anything that will cripple faith and put the believer in bondage more quickly and surely than underestimating what He (Christ) is, and what we are in Him."
"We should meditate on the fact that we are partakers of the divine nature. I John 5:13"
"If we say over and over again to our hearts: 'I am a partaker of God's very nature. I have in me His faith nature. This makes me a child of faith. I have been begotten of the Living Word through the Holy Spirit. The real me was recreated in Christ. I have the very nature of the Father and the Father is love, so I have in me the love nature of the Father'."
"Repeat it over and over again. Hold it as a constant affirmation before your mind that you are what He says you are; that you are a partaker of His very nature as He has declared."
It no doubt seems that I have been going overboard on this subject of who we are in Christ, and you're probably getting tired of hearing it. But it's such an important concept and so seldom taught, that I just can't emphasize it enough! Copy that above paragraph of affirmation on a 3 x 5 card, carry it with you constantly, affirm it many times a day and see how it strengthens your faith!
And with that ends our discussions about who we are in Christ! Our next blogs will go on to other topics.
Preacher's Kid
However, Rex and I very unexpectedly read something in our devotions last night I want to share -- sort of a "wind up" of what we've been discussing recently about who we are in Christ and about making a positive confession. So I'm going to quote some thoughts from E. W. Kenyon's book, "In His Presence", a book about prayer. In case you're not familiar with this author, he lived in the early 1900's and had a Methodist and Baptist background. Some of his mentors include the great missionary Adoniram Judson, A. J. Maxwell, and Andrew Murray with whom you're no doubt familiar.
Kenyon says, "One cannot conceive of anything that will cripple faith and put the believer in bondage more quickly and surely than underestimating what He (Christ) is, and what we are in Him."
"We should meditate on the fact that we are partakers of the divine nature. I John 5:13"
"If we say over and over again to our hearts: 'I am a partaker of God's very nature. I have in me His faith nature. This makes me a child of faith. I have been begotten of the Living Word through the Holy Spirit. The real me was recreated in Christ. I have the very nature of the Father and the Father is love, so I have in me the love nature of the Father'."
"Repeat it over and over again. Hold it as a constant affirmation before your mind that you are what He says you are; that you are a partaker of His very nature as He has declared."
It no doubt seems that I have been going overboard on this subject of who we are in Christ, and you're probably getting tired of hearing it. But it's such an important concept and so seldom taught, that I just can't emphasize it enough! Copy that above paragraph of affirmation on a 3 x 5 card, carry it with you constantly, affirm it many times a day and see how it strengthens your faith!
And with that ends our discussions about who we are in Christ! Our next blogs will go on to other topics.
Preacher's Kid
Saturday, August 8, 2009
MORE OF THE NEGATIVE
Here are some more negative confessions we can learn from! Remember, we're reversing them and turning them into positive confessions, confessions to be read daily until we really and truly grasp them in all their fulness.
Never again will I confess loneliness, for Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20. Also, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5
Never again will I confess discontent, for "I have learned in whatsoever state (circumstances) I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11
Never again will I confess unworthiness, for "He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." II Corinthians 5:21
Never again will I confess insecurity, for "When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; Yes, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet . . . for the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Proverbs 3:24-26
Never again will I confess failure, for "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Romans 8:37
Never again will I confess frustration, for "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusts in thee." Isaiah 26:3
Never again will I confess fear of the future, "But as it is written, eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for them that love Him." I Corinthians 2:9, 10
Never again will I confess troubles, for Jesus said "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Preacher's Kid
Never again will I confess loneliness, for Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20. Also, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5
Never again will I confess discontent, for "I have learned in whatsoever state (circumstances) I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11
Never again will I confess unworthiness, for "He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." II Corinthians 5:21
Never again will I confess insecurity, for "When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; Yes, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet . . . for the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Proverbs 3:24-26
Never again will I confess failure, for "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Romans 8:37
Never again will I confess frustration, for "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusts in thee." Isaiah 26:3
Never again will I confess fear of the future, "But as it is written, eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for them that love Him." I Corinthians 2:9, 10
Never again will I confess troubles, for Jesus said "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Preacher's Kid
Friday, August 7, 2009
THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF CONFESSION
Someone once said, "We learn manners from those who have none."
Similarly perhaps we can learn some positive confessions from this list of negative confessions I found in my scrapbook today. I'll give you half of them in this blog and the others tomorrow.
Never again will I confess "I can't," for "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Never again will I confess lack, for "My God shall supply all of my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
Never again will I confess fear, for "God hath not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, of love and a sound mind." II Timothy 1:7
Never again will I confess doubt and lack of faith, for "God has given to every man the measure of faith." Romans 12:3
Never again will I confess weakness, for "The Lord is the strength of my life." Psalm 27:1. Also "The people that know their God shall be strong and do exploits." Daniel 11:32
Never again will I confess that the devil has power over my life, for "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world." I John 4:4
Never again will I confess defeat, for "God always causes me to triumph in Christ Jesus." II Corinthians 2:14
Never again will I confess lack of wisdom, for "Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God." I Corinthians 1:30.
Never again will I confess sickness, for "With His stripes I am healed." Isaiah 53:5. Also, Jesus "Himself took my infirmities and bare my sickness." Matthew 8:17
Never again will I confess worries and frustrations, for I am "Casting all my cares upon Him who cares for me." I Peter 5:7.
Never again will I confess condemnation, for "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1.
Preacher's Kid
Similarly perhaps we can learn some positive confessions from this list of negative confessions I found in my scrapbook today. I'll give you half of them in this blog and the others tomorrow.
Never again will I confess "I can't," for "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Never again will I confess lack, for "My God shall supply all of my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
Never again will I confess fear, for "God hath not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, of love and a sound mind." II Timothy 1:7
Never again will I confess doubt and lack of faith, for "God has given to every man the measure of faith." Romans 12:3
Never again will I confess weakness, for "The Lord is the strength of my life." Psalm 27:1. Also "The people that know their God shall be strong and do exploits." Daniel 11:32
Never again will I confess that the devil has power over my life, for "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world." I John 4:4
Never again will I confess defeat, for "God always causes me to triumph in Christ Jesus." II Corinthians 2:14
Never again will I confess lack of wisdom, for "Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God." I Corinthians 1:30.
Never again will I confess sickness, for "With His stripes I am healed." Isaiah 53:5. Also, Jesus "Himself took my infirmities and bare my sickness." Matthew 8:17
Never again will I confess worries and frustrations, for I am "Casting all my cares upon Him who cares for me." I Peter 5:7.
Never again will I confess condemnation, for "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1.
Preacher's Kid
Thursday, August 6, 2009
HOW DO YOU THINK?
Why do I keep "harping" on knowing who we are in Christ?
It's fundamental to human nature to act as we think we are, that's why! Remember how Hagen, our little eaglet, thought he was nothin' but a stinkin' ole buzzard? And if we believe we're nothin' more than a dirty, rotten sinner saved by grace, we're gonna act like a dirty, rotten sinner! But once we see ourselves as children of the King, as royalty, as the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, we'll begin to experience the spiritual freedom the good Lord intends for us to enjoy.
It's so easy to mope around in spiritual self-defeat. (Remember Sister De-Feat in our blog on "What The Christian Life Is Not?") Because we haven't learned who we are spiritually, we crawl around on the ground with turkeys, disappointed because there isn't more to this Christian life than what we're experiencing.
Know why you are so disappointed? It's because you've been "turkey-ized". No eagle has ever been happy living as a turkey. And neither will you! It's against your nature.
The enemy has imposed a lot of guilt and condemnation upon the Church, and it's time we fight back. it's time we claim our rightful place and privileges in Christ.
And so I challenge you again to find out who you are in Christ Jesus. When you do, like Hagen, you'll rise out of the woods of defeat and fear and soar into the heavenlies. You'll rise above the little storms of life that drive turkeys into hiding and find, instead, that those storms will simply drive you into the arms of God!
I urge you to rise in freedom and begin to soar in the spiritual heights you were created to soar in. Life will never be the same for you again.
Preacher's Kid
It's fundamental to human nature to act as we think we are, that's why! Remember how Hagen, our little eaglet, thought he was nothin' but a stinkin' ole buzzard? And if we believe we're nothin' more than a dirty, rotten sinner saved by grace, we're gonna act like a dirty, rotten sinner! But once we see ourselves as children of the King, as royalty, as the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, we'll begin to experience the spiritual freedom the good Lord intends for us to enjoy.
It's so easy to mope around in spiritual self-defeat. (Remember Sister De-Feat in our blog on "What The Christian Life Is Not?") Because we haven't learned who we are spiritually, we crawl around on the ground with turkeys, disappointed because there isn't more to this Christian life than what we're experiencing.
Know why you are so disappointed? It's because you've been "turkey-ized". No eagle has ever been happy living as a turkey. And neither will you! It's against your nature.
The enemy has imposed a lot of guilt and condemnation upon the Church, and it's time we fight back. it's time we claim our rightful place and privileges in Christ.
And so I challenge you again to find out who you are in Christ Jesus. When you do, like Hagen, you'll rise out of the woods of defeat and fear and soar into the heavenlies. You'll rise above the little storms of life that drive turkeys into hiding and find, instead, that those storms will simply drive you into the arms of God!
I urge you to rise in freedom and begin to soar in the spiritual heights you were created to soar in. Life will never be the same for you again.
Preacher's Kid
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
WHAT DO WE CONFESS?
I want to share the following info that came to me through Email a couple months ago about who we are in Christ. It lists the Scripture reference for each item. If there's any doubt in your mind, look up the references.
I am God's child. John 1:12
I am Christ's friend. John 15:15
I have been justified. Romans 5:1
I am united with the Lord, and I am one Spirit with Him. I Corinthians 6:17
I have been bought with a price. I belong to God. I Corinthians 6:19, 20
I am a member of Christ's Body. I Corinthians 12:27
I am a Saint. Ephesians 1:1
I have been adopted as God's child. Ephesians 1:5
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:18
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. Colossians 1:14
I am complete in Christ. Colossians 2:10
I am free forever from condemnation. Romans 8:1, 2
I am assured that all things work together for good. Romans 8:28
I am free from all condemnation. Romans 8:31
I cannot be separated from the love of God. Romans 8:35
I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God. II Corinthians 1:21, 22
I am hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3
I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected. Philippians 1:6
I am a citizen of Heaven. Philippians 3:20
I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power and a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7
I can find grace and mercy in times of need. Hebrews 4:16
Did you make a list of who you are in Christ as we suggested yesterday? If so, add these to that list. If you haven't recognized these wonderful facts as part of your spiritual heritage, as belonging to you, you are living beneath your privileges in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3 tells us that God "has blessed us with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ." And all the above are just some of those marvelous spiritual blessings.
Preacher's Kid
I am God's child. John 1:12
I am Christ's friend. John 15:15
I have been justified. Romans 5:1
I am united with the Lord, and I am one Spirit with Him. I Corinthians 6:17
I have been bought with a price. I belong to God. I Corinthians 6:19, 20
I am a member of Christ's Body. I Corinthians 12:27
I am a Saint. Ephesians 1:1
I have been adopted as God's child. Ephesians 1:5
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:18
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. Colossians 1:14
I am complete in Christ. Colossians 2:10
I am free forever from condemnation. Romans 8:1, 2
I am assured that all things work together for good. Romans 8:28
I am free from all condemnation. Romans 8:31
I cannot be separated from the love of God. Romans 8:35
I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God. II Corinthians 1:21, 22
I am hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3
I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected. Philippians 1:6
I am a citizen of Heaven. Philippians 3:20
I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power and a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7
I can find grace and mercy in times of need. Hebrews 4:16
Did you make a list of who you are in Christ as we suggested yesterday? If so, add these to that list. If you haven't recognized these wonderful facts as part of your spiritual heritage, as belonging to you, you are living beneath your privileges in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3 tells us that God "has blessed us with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ." And all the above are just some of those marvelous spiritual blessings.
Preacher's Kid
Monday, August 3, 2009
CONFESSION
We've said several times in recent blogs that we need to know who we are in Christ, and that's what I want to talk about in the next few blogs. Before I do that, however, we need to address the subject of "Confession".
Like "convicted", which we mentioned in the last blog, "confession" is also misunderstood. We think of confessing our sins, confessing our faults, confessing our weaknesses, our failures, etc. All of that is true, of course. But that is only one side of confession, the negative side. There is also a positive side. One definition of confession is "the open admittance of something."
Romans 10:10 says, "with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." I Timothy 6:13 tells us that Christ witnessed "a good confession" before Pontius Pilate. There are many other Scriptures that speak of a good confession. Just look in a concordance under "confess" and "confession" to find them.
We, too, need to make a good confession -- a confession of who we are in Christ. Someone has suggested making a written list of who we are in Christ (We forget so easily!) and reading it daily. Better yet, speak it aloud daily so you can hear your own lips proclaiming your profession, or your confession. It will strengthen your faith immeasurably!
Start with such affirmations, or confessions, as:
I am a child of God.
I am a new creation.
I am loved by God.
I am no longer under Satan's dominion.
I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
We'll discuss these as well as other confessions in more detail in the days ahead.
God bless you as you confess who you are in Christ.
Preacher's Kid
Like "convicted", which we mentioned in the last blog, "confession" is also misunderstood. We think of confessing our sins, confessing our faults, confessing our weaknesses, our failures, etc. All of that is true, of course. But that is only one side of confession, the negative side. There is also a positive side. One definition of confession is "the open admittance of something."
Romans 10:10 says, "with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." I Timothy 6:13 tells us that Christ witnessed "a good confession" before Pontius Pilate. There are many other Scriptures that speak of a good confession. Just look in a concordance under "confess" and "confession" to find them.
We, too, need to make a good confession -- a confession of who we are in Christ. Someone has suggested making a written list of who we are in Christ (We forget so easily!) and reading it daily. Better yet, speak it aloud daily so you can hear your own lips proclaiming your profession, or your confession. It will strengthen your faith immeasurably!
Start with such affirmations, or confessions, as:
I am a child of God.
I am a new creation.
I am loved by God.
I am no longer under Satan's dominion.
I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
We'll discuss these as well as other confessions in more detail in the days ahead.
God bless you as you confess who you are in Christ.
Preacher's Kid
Saturday, August 1, 2009
HOW RIGHTEOUS ARE YOU?
What was your final answer to yesterday's last question: On a scale of one to one hundred, how righteous are you?
If you answered anything other than 100%, you're wrong, dead wrong! Just as wrong as Hagen was when he believed he was nothing but a no-good, stinkin' buzzard instead of a majestic eagle!
Yes, if you're God's child, you're 100% righteous. Before you label me a heretic, read on, Friend, read on!
Most Christians don't understand this basic concept, and consequently see themselves as being maybe 30% righteous, 50% righteous, possibly 60% righteous. But seldom does anyone dare say he/she is 100% righteous. This is nothing more nor less than "turkey" teaching which has become embedded in their thinking. Therefore their whole lives are given over to trying to earn righteousness by good works.
We need to understand and accept that WE ARE AS RIGHTEOUS AS JESUS CHRIST! Wow! "Now you've gone too far! Prove it by Scripture," you say. OK, I will.
How about I John 4:17b: "(A)s He is, so are we in this world." How is He? 100% righteous! So are we! Is the Bible true or not? How dare you say the opposite of what the Word of God says?
First of all, "As He IS". That's present tense. That's NOW. Not "will be", but "are". Not in the future. Not when we get to Heaven. It's NOW!
Secondly, "So are we IN THIS WORLD." Again, that's NOW, not in Heaven (although, of course, we will be), but "IN THIS WORLD". We're in this world NOW. When we get to Heaven, we'll no longer be in this world!
Let me ask you another question. Who's going to be more careful not to get dirty -- someone who believes his clothes are already dirty or someone who is dressed in white and feels like a million bucks? Of course, it's the one dressed in white. He's going to be extremely careful not to stain his clothes; and if he does, he'll remove the stain quickly before it sets. But if a person is in his old grubbies with paint smatters and dirt all over him, what does one more spot matter? In other words, we act out what we think. Now, can we look at this business of righteousness the same way?
John 16:8 tells us that one of the things the Holy Spirit does is to convict us of righteousness. I used to wonder how we could be "convicted" of righteousness. I thought a person was "convicted" of sin, or "convicted" of a crime. But "convicted" of righteousness? Then I noticed that the Amplified Bible uses the word "convince". Suddenly, it made sense. The crying need of today is that we need to be "convinced" of our righteousness!
Have you been "convinced" of your righteousness yet?
Preacher's Kid
If you answered anything other than 100%, you're wrong, dead wrong! Just as wrong as Hagen was when he believed he was nothing but a no-good, stinkin' buzzard instead of a majestic eagle!
Yes, if you're God's child, you're 100% righteous. Before you label me a heretic, read on, Friend, read on!
Most Christians don't understand this basic concept, and consequently see themselves as being maybe 30% righteous, 50% righteous, possibly 60% righteous. But seldom does anyone dare say he/she is 100% righteous. This is nothing more nor less than "turkey" teaching which has become embedded in their thinking. Therefore their whole lives are given over to trying to earn righteousness by good works.
We need to understand and accept that WE ARE AS RIGHTEOUS AS JESUS CHRIST! Wow! "Now you've gone too far! Prove it by Scripture," you say. OK, I will.
How about I John 4:17b: "(A)s He is, so are we in this world." How is He? 100% righteous! So are we! Is the Bible true or not? How dare you say the opposite of what the Word of God says?
First of all, "As He IS". That's present tense. That's NOW. Not "will be", but "are". Not in the future. Not when we get to Heaven. It's NOW!
Secondly, "So are we IN THIS WORLD." Again, that's NOW, not in Heaven (although, of course, we will be), but "IN THIS WORLD". We're in this world NOW. When we get to Heaven, we'll no longer be in this world!
Let me ask you another question. Who's going to be more careful not to get dirty -- someone who believes his clothes are already dirty or someone who is dressed in white and feels like a million bucks? Of course, it's the one dressed in white. He's going to be extremely careful not to stain his clothes; and if he does, he'll remove the stain quickly before it sets. But if a person is in his old grubbies with paint smatters and dirt all over him, what does one more spot matter? In other words, we act out what we think. Now, can we look at this business of righteousness the same way?
John 16:8 tells us that one of the things the Holy Spirit does is to convict us of righteousness. I used to wonder how we could be "convicted" of righteousness. I thought a person was "convicted" of sin, or "convicted" of a crime. But "convicted" of righteousness? Then I noticed that the Amplified Bible uses the word "convince". Suddenly, it made sense. The crying need of today is that we need to be "convinced" of our righteousness!
Have you been "convinced" of your righteousness yet?
Preacher's Kid
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
