Most people know Philippians 4:13. But do we understand what it means? Out of context, its meaning can be much different from what it was intended. Just like any scripture, read at least the entire chapter. Who is the author speaking to? What is the theme and setting of the book? Thanksgiving has just past. It is a time of giving thanks for all that we have. We should be grateful in good times and bad, because God has blessed us in so many ways, sometimes we don’t even realize it until later in life. So, what does Thanksgiving have to do with what Paul was talking about in his letter to the Philippians, anyway? Continue reading “I Can Do All Things…”
Category: Paul’s Letters
Grace Abuse
Don’t be a slave to sin, but be free by grace
Previously we talked about God’s grace and the promise that through God’s grace we are saved by faith not by the things we do. It is what Christ did for us, taking our sins and paying for them by nailing them to the cross. So does that mean if we accept God’s grace and trust in Jesus that we could do whatever we want? I would say yes and no. Yes, we are free. But, we are free from sin and if you have truly accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior, you are changed. You are a new creation. Your old self has died and you now live for Him. Your desire should be aligned with God. You no longer want to do the sinful acts of your previous self. The Holy Spirit will live in you and will guide you. Now you can live by the Spirit and not by your flesh. If you do not see these changes, if your desires remain the same, you have to question the sincerity of your acceptance of God’s grace. You need to be reconciled to Him. It does not mean that you will never sin or your flesh will never creep in and tempt you. It will. There will be a battle. But remember that you are victorious because of the blood of Christ. Continue reading “Grace Abuse”
Signs of the Times
In my fifth post on the return of Jesus Christ, let us go through some of the signs to look for. The Bible tells us to watch and be ready, so let’s explore what to watch for. There are many authors and people with their ideas of today’s world events and how they tie in to the signs talked about in God’s Word. With the Super Blue Blood Moon occurred this morning, I am sure they will be talking about that. While this is intriguing, I am going to stick with scripture as far as things to look for. Jesus’ tells us that it is not for us to know the hour but to watch, but we can know when the time is near and I believe we are now in that time. Continue reading “Signs of the Times”
Love and Forgiveness
God is a loving and forgiving God. He is also just and sin is detrimental to any relationship with him. Sin cannot be in His presence. But, He wants to have a relationship with us and He loves us so much that He provided a way to atone for our sins. As the Israelites, His chosen people, were delivered from the bondage of the Egyptians, a system was created to appease God of sin. That is a long story for another time, but basically, a blood offering was needed, a sacrifice for the sins of the people. But, because of the sins of the people, including the priests, this was needed over and over, every year. Read through Hebrews to learn more about this. So, God the Father, sent His only Son, Jesus, who had no sin, to be that blood sacrifice to redeem all who believe. Jesus Christ came to this earth, becoming fully man and fully God, giving freely His life, taking the sins of the world on His shoulders, being nailed to a cross and being raised from the dead on the third day. He showed true love, unconditional love. Because of what Christ did, we can be forgiven.
Continue reading “Love and Forgiveness”
Marriage and Relationships
What does the Bible say about marriage and relationships? I am no expert (if you want good, expert advice, try Focus on the Family or Family Life Today) and I have many flaws as a husband, but I try to follow what God says how to treat my wife and others. I often fail, but I try. I hope this post will encourage you, whether married or single. God’s Word has much to say about relationships and I would like to share with you a few scriptures to help you be a better husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend or what to look for in one. Marriage is a wonderful thing, created by God, so use wisdom, show love, be kind and honest, take your time, enjoy it, and always put God first and in the center of your life and your relationship. Continue reading “Marriage and Relationships”
My Daily Scriptures 