Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Colossians 3:12-13
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Brothers and sisters one thing I know I've shared before both on here and with others is I know mercy for I have been shown mercy. I know kindness and longsuffering for He showed it and continues to show it to me. Friends as I was driving home last night I thought about when Jesus said that the disciples would be His witnesses( Acts 1:8 ) and the same call is for all believers, well this got me thinking. Should not in our daily lives our very actions be a very witness of the fact we are one of His. For example someone treats you unkindly and instead of being mean you show them mercy and treat them kindly. Whether you realize it or not by doing this you are extending the love of Christ and it does shock them. Too often people are ready when they blow up or treat someone ill they expect it back,but to get a calm, cool or loving response it makes them think. Not only that it may just open the door to share the good news.
Not only that we don't know the situation or why they may be the way they are,but in extending genuine Christian love and exhibiting the fruit of the spirit we open the door to witness to someone. Another thought I had as I was driving was how often do we as Christians want to witness, but say well I don't know what to say or how to do it? The beautiful thing is we really in honest sense don't have to worry about the exact words to say for the Lord will give us the words to say.I think of the Prophet Jeremiah when called by the Lord he said Lord,but I'm a youth and the Lord touched his mouth and put the words in his mouth ( Jeremiah 1:6-9 ). This is an encouraging thought to me and should be to any Christian. This by no means gives us a reason to get lazy,stop reading and studying His Word,but what it means is we can be sure that He goes before us and is with us all the days of our lives.
Verse 13 really touches my heart and there are other verses that touch on this topic of forgiveness. For me forgiveness is a big deal. I understand it to such depths do the fact as just as I said I know mercy and love for He showed them first and continues to show them to me. For me my father whom I believe few have met who lives in Florida really hurt me deep when my parents split in 2002, my senior year of high school. The beautiful thing is Jesus can heal deep cuts and and through it teach you lessons. Despite the hurt and distrust I went through in this, it amazes me just how beautiful my Savior is. I can honestly say I have forgiven my father for what he has done. I've prayed for him a number times and don't lose hope. I know that since salvation is of the Lord( Jonah 2:9 ), I know there is hope. You know up until I met Jesus I thought I had really and completely forgiven him. Of course there was a deeper problem in it and I do believe it was I didn't understand forgiveness until I knew the Savior and author of my salvation.
Brothers and sisters I encourage you if there is someone you haven't forgiven, don't hold a grudge forgive them as Christ forgave you. Don't allow unforgiveness to root in your heart and eat at you. It is no wonder my life was such a wreck before Christ. The more I walk with Him and mature in Him I see my past life in light of the scripture and see the burdens I carried as a result of who I was without Him.Without Him I was a man lost and on a road that had a definite end to destruction. Then He found me and life has never been the same and I wouldn't want it to be. I leave you with encouraging words from the Apostle Paul, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21 )
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Don't Let Anger Lead To Sin, Nor Let The Sun Go Down Upon Your Wrath ( Ephesians 4:26 )
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Ephesians 4:26
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You know I'd have to say at least for me the first time I read this I believe I misinterpreted it. My thought was to be angry is a sin. I know crazy thought. Of course the beauty as Christians we grow in our walk with God and He teaches us through reading His Word, in prayer, through bible studies, church, and a person favorite of mine talking with Him(fellowship). What I meant by being angry isn't a sin in itself is that there is a time and place to be angry as long as it doesn't lead you to sin. The best example I can think of was when Jesus over turn the money tables in the temple. He had every right to be angry they had turned the house of the Lord into a den of thieves( Matthew 21:12-13 ).
Notice also the second half of this verse says let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Friends if there is a dispute or a quarrel between you and someone don't let the day end on a bad note. Make reconciliation with that person. Even if you didn't start it, at least be the bigger person and show them the love of Christ. Extend to them kind words and be real. Believe it or not this changes things. Too often we see when a quarrel happens between two people no one wants to be big enough or "man enough" to start the reconciliation process. No one is willing to step down and be humble. Instead it seems pride sticks its ugly head and usually wins. While it may not be easy, be willing to show them love. You never this quarrel may have nothing to do with you. In fact they may be having a bad day or who knows maybe they are hurting and need someone to talk to. In extending the love of Christ you could open the door to share the good news or if with a brother or sister encourage them where they need it.
Friends one thing I've learned is us humans, both lost and saved are prideful by nature, but by God's grace I know I can daily grow in humility. What is beautiful is through my total dependence on Him, He continues to work on me and as it is written He who began a good work will finish it( Philippians 1:6 ). Be encouraged by this brothers and sisters, to know the God of our salvation is faithful.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Ephesians 4:26
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You know I'd have to say at least for me the first time I read this I believe I misinterpreted it. My thought was to be angry is a sin. I know crazy thought. Of course the beauty as Christians we grow in our walk with God and He teaches us through reading His Word, in prayer, through bible studies, church, and a person favorite of mine talking with Him(fellowship). What I meant by being angry isn't a sin in itself is that there is a time and place to be angry as long as it doesn't lead you to sin. The best example I can think of was when Jesus over turn the money tables in the temple. He had every right to be angry they had turned the house of the Lord into a den of thieves( Matthew 21:12-13 ).
Notice also the second half of this verse says let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Friends if there is a dispute or a quarrel between you and someone don't let the day end on a bad note. Make reconciliation with that person. Even if you didn't start it, at least be the bigger person and show them the love of Christ. Extend to them kind words and be real. Believe it or not this changes things. Too often we see when a quarrel happens between two people no one wants to be big enough or "man enough" to start the reconciliation process. No one is willing to step down and be humble. Instead it seems pride sticks its ugly head and usually wins. While it may not be easy, be willing to show them love. You never this quarrel may have nothing to do with you. In fact they may be having a bad day or who knows maybe they are hurting and need someone to talk to. In extending the love of Christ you could open the door to share the good news or if with a brother or sister encourage them where they need it.
Friends one thing I've learned is us humans, both lost and saved are prideful by nature, but by God's grace I know I can daily grow in humility. What is beautiful is through my total dependence on Him, He continues to work on me and as it is written He who began a good work will finish it( Philippians 1:6 ). Be encouraged by this brothers and sisters, to know the God of our salvation is faithful.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
In My Life And In My Death Christ Will Be Glorified ( Philippians 1:20-21 )
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:20-21
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I'd venture to say most of us believers know verse 21, but at what depth? Do we merely think if someone say to us I will kill you if you say you believe in Jesus and that is it? Do we simply end it as that? Now granted that is truly living out the call of living the life even unto death, but friends oh the depth is even beyond willing to die for Him. See dying for Christ is easy when you really think about it. Sure the means may not be easy to endure,but it will end and then you go home to see Jesus. To live for Him, now there oh there is something much harder and when I say harder it requires honest and sincere commitment This is discipleship through loving obedience( John 14:15 ).
Friends think of it this way when you lose weight for the most part it isn't hard. What really is hard is keeping it off. The same is with walking in obedience. See to die for Christ is one act that ends your life and then you go on home, where continued living here on earth requires a daily commitment to living the life to which you have been called to. As you read on following verses after verse 21 you see how the Apostle Paul talks about being in tight spot between being on earth and going home to heaven. As you can get from his tone and as you read on in the verses he would love to go on to heaven, but knows he benefits those who are here.
See though the "Christian life" isn't easy we do benefit others while here through glorifying God in all we do. In seeking to glorify God in every aspect of our lives we are as instruments to bring them to the knowledge of Christ. As it is written we are to be the light of this world( Matthew 5:14 ). So friends while this life known as the "Christian life" may not be easy it is well worth it. For the joy we have to look forward outweigh anything this world has to offer. As I've stated before in times past, verse 21 is such encouragement to me, whether in my life or in my death Christ will be glorified. This to me means everyday as I live for Him I will seek to bring His name glory through all I do whether I'm at church, eating or even as I'm at work all shall I do whole heartily to Him and in my last breath I shall give Him glory. This means even if I'm dying of cancer or being martyr God will receive glory from me. Praise shall be continuously on my lips and circumstances will not dictate that.
Be encouraged my brothers and sisters to glorify Him in your life and even at death. Granted none of us know that day, but I was thinking this day. Now some would think this is morbid,but I considered beautiful in light of the context. I believe in whatever way I die I believe God will give me the grace to endure it. I believe if it will come through martyrdom then He will give me that peace that passes all understanding to be able to give praise to His name through my final trial. Friends God is faithful to the end. For we walk by faith, not sight( 2 Corinthians 5:7 ).
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:20-21
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I'd venture to say most of us believers know verse 21, but at what depth? Do we merely think if someone say to us I will kill you if you say you believe in Jesus and that is it? Do we simply end it as that? Now granted that is truly living out the call of living the life even unto death, but friends oh the depth is even beyond willing to die for Him. See dying for Christ is easy when you really think about it. Sure the means may not be easy to endure,but it will end and then you go home to see Jesus. To live for Him, now there oh there is something much harder and when I say harder it requires honest and sincere commitment This is discipleship through loving obedience( John 14:15 ).
Friends think of it this way when you lose weight for the most part it isn't hard. What really is hard is keeping it off. The same is with walking in obedience. See to die for Christ is one act that ends your life and then you go on home, where continued living here on earth requires a daily commitment to living the life to which you have been called to. As you read on following verses after verse 21 you see how the Apostle Paul talks about being in tight spot between being on earth and going home to heaven. As you can get from his tone and as you read on in the verses he would love to go on to heaven, but knows he benefits those who are here.
See though the "Christian life" isn't easy we do benefit others while here through glorifying God in all we do. In seeking to glorify God in every aspect of our lives we are as instruments to bring them to the knowledge of Christ. As it is written we are to be the light of this world( Matthew 5:14 ). So friends while this life known as the "Christian life" may not be easy it is well worth it. For the joy we have to look forward outweigh anything this world has to offer. As I've stated before in times past, verse 21 is such encouragement to me, whether in my life or in my death Christ will be glorified. This to me means everyday as I live for Him I will seek to bring His name glory through all I do whether I'm at church, eating or even as I'm at work all shall I do whole heartily to Him and in my last breath I shall give Him glory. This means even if I'm dying of cancer or being martyr God will receive glory from me. Praise shall be continuously on my lips and circumstances will not dictate that.
Be encouraged my brothers and sisters to glorify Him in your life and even at death. Granted none of us know that day, but I was thinking this day. Now some would think this is morbid,but I considered beautiful in light of the context. I believe in whatever way I die I believe God will give me the grace to endure it. I believe if it will come through martyrdom then He will give me that peace that passes all understanding to be able to give praise to His name through my final trial. Friends God is faithful to the end. For we walk by faith, not sight( 2 Corinthians 5:7 ).
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Monday, June 8, 2009
Being A Man Or Woman After HIS Heart ( 1 Samuel 13:14 )
But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.
1 Samuel 13:14
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This has been my heart for a few days. What it means to be a man after the Lord's heart? This doesn't just mean you show up in your Sunday best on Sunday and Wednesday, sing really nice, read your bible, and be kind to your brothers and sisters in Christ. No, those should honestly come naturally as being a man after His heart. Being a man after His heart is much deeper. It's being willing to give all of yourself to Him( Romans 12:1 ). See when you examine the lives of both King Saul and King David you can clearly see two different men. Not just because they are,but because how they lived. Saul lived for Saul. As you remember earlier in this passage Saul was waiting on Samuel before going to war with the Philistines. He was waiting for Samuel to give a sacrifice to the Lord as an offering before going to war. Well, Saul being impatient and not being a man after God's heart as this passage clearly indicates went ahead and offered the sacrifice. Well, as the story goes Samuel rebukes Saul and well, I hate to ruin the ending,but the rest of Saul's life really does goes downhill. In fact in the end Saul kills himself. Does that sound to you like a man after God's heart? I don't think so, in fact I don't believe so.
David on the other hand as you read his story while we know he made errors, one thing is consistent he turned to the Lord. Despite the big errors in his life David took the responsibility and came before the Lord in repentance and moved forward. David didn't get through life because of who he was, he made it day by day because of the Lord and you can see that clearly by reading the psalms. David had a personal relationship with God. He was real, but reverent with God. He didn't play like things were ok in fact he was very honest, but at the same time he placed his confidence in God.
No matter how rough life gets. No matter how many trials or struggles we endure we must press forward placing our trust in God. Not saying this is too tough so I'll give up. Friends a man after God's own heart is so consumed by God that despite his own short comings he presses on not based on his own abilities, but based on the strength he receives from God. I know this personally as I make it day to day by God's grace,His strength and His right hand upholding me.
In fact I'd love to share with you how just last night as I went to bed I thanked God for the rest I was going to receive. The beauty is I woke up this morning as I was telling a dear and close brother today, about 12 or 13 minutes earlier than my alarm clock I had set. What I forgot to mention to him was I was rested. I wasn't tired or groggy. In fact I remember the first words out of my mouth, thank you God. Let me also tell you all it was at 6:12am. Now I'm sure some of you are wondering how does this relate to being a man after God's heart. Well, there is a passage in psalms, that really has encouraged me to wanna rise early to seek the Father's face earlier. I pray this passage of scripture is encouraging to you as it was and continues to be to me, " O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;" ( Psalms 63:1 ). Granted David may have been in the wilderness, but friends I ask why sleep in and waste the when you could spend time with Him. Why is it we can't sacrifice some of sleep time to spend more time with Him? This may sound extreme, but friends what does it mean to be consumed by someone or something? Think about that and I don't think this idea of wanting to get up earlier to spend time with God will seem radical. In fact I believe it will sound beautiful. When I look at that verse again I can read the love in that verse don't you?
Friends I encourage you to be a man or woman after His heart. Seek Him with all that you and as the Word says you will find Him( Deuteronomy 4:29, Jeremiah 29:13 ). Friends last week personal and intimate experiences, yes I said experiences, confirmed His Word. He encourages me daily in many ways; through His Word, through prayer, through a brother or sister, and even through His creation. Pursue God and be that man or woman after His heart with a burning passion for Him.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
1 Samuel 13:14
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This has been my heart for a few days. What it means to be a man after the Lord's heart? This doesn't just mean you show up in your Sunday best on Sunday and Wednesday, sing really nice, read your bible, and be kind to your brothers and sisters in Christ. No, those should honestly come naturally as being a man after His heart. Being a man after His heart is much deeper. It's being willing to give all of yourself to Him( Romans 12:1 ). See when you examine the lives of both King Saul and King David you can clearly see two different men. Not just because they are,but because how they lived. Saul lived for Saul. As you remember earlier in this passage Saul was waiting on Samuel before going to war with the Philistines. He was waiting for Samuel to give a sacrifice to the Lord as an offering before going to war. Well, Saul being impatient and not being a man after God's heart as this passage clearly indicates went ahead and offered the sacrifice. Well, as the story goes Samuel rebukes Saul and well, I hate to ruin the ending,but the rest of Saul's life really does goes downhill. In fact in the end Saul kills himself. Does that sound to you like a man after God's heart? I don't think so, in fact I don't believe so.
David on the other hand as you read his story while we know he made errors, one thing is consistent he turned to the Lord. Despite the big errors in his life David took the responsibility and came before the Lord in repentance and moved forward. David didn't get through life because of who he was, he made it day by day because of the Lord and you can see that clearly by reading the psalms. David had a personal relationship with God. He was real, but reverent with God. He didn't play like things were ok in fact he was very honest, but at the same time he placed his confidence in God.
No matter how rough life gets. No matter how many trials or struggles we endure we must press forward placing our trust in God. Not saying this is too tough so I'll give up. Friends a man after God's own heart is so consumed by God that despite his own short comings he presses on not based on his own abilities, but based on the strength he receives from God. I know this personally as I make it day to day by God's grace,His strength and His right hand upholding me.
In fact I'd love to share with you how just last night as I went to bed I thanked God for the rest I was going to receive. The beauty is I woke up this morning as I was telling a dear and close brother today, about 12 or 13 minutes earlier than my alarm clock I had set. What I forgot to mention to him was I was rested. I wasn't tired or groggy. In fact I remember the first words out of my mouth, thank you God. Let me also tell you all it was at 6:12am. Now I'm sure some of you are wondering how does this relate to being a man after God's heart. Well, there is a passage in psalms, that really has encouraged me to wanna rise early to seek the Father's face earlier. I pray this passage of scripture is encouraging to you as it was and continues to be to me, " O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;" ( Psalms 63:1 ). Granted David may have been in the wilderness, but friends I ask why sleep in and waste the when you could spend time with Him. Why is it we can't sacrifice some of sleep time to spend more time with Him? This may sound extreme, but friends what does it mean to be consumed by someone or something? Think about that and I don't think this idea of wanting to get up earlier to spend time with God will seem radical. In fact I believe it will sound beautiful. When I look at that verse again I can read the love in that verse don't you?
Friends I encourage you to be a man or woman after His heart. Seek Him with all that you and as the Word says you will find Him( Deuteronomy 4:29, Jeremiah 29:13 ). Friends last week personal and intimate experiences, yes I said experiences, confirmed His Word. He encourages me daily in many ways; through His Word, through prayer, through a brother or sister, and even through His creation. Pursue God and be that man or woman after His heart with a burning passion for Him.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Thursday, June 4, 2009
An Abundance Of Possessions Doesn't Make One's Life ( Luke 12:15 )
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Luke 12:15
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You know I am so glad God has opened my eyes. If not I would be still trying to fill my life up with the abundance of material things or just possessing things in general. When you take a look at our culture and our society you can quickly see it is all about what you have and that determines in their eyes your life and who you are. The beauty is we as believers know it is not what we can do, not who we are or where we are from that is where we find our identity, but in Christ alone where we find our identity. You know I'll admit before I knew Jesus I could never find contentment. I was constantly trying to fill my life with something and wondering why it never could. Sure I may have never said it then, but that was what I was doing. The truth is nothing in this world will satisfy you or fill you, only Christ can fill that. You know and this was a thought I had once why is it people who are rich want more money outside I know you have to pay bills and such, but why the constant race for more money, more fame and more power. Why continue to burn yourself to such degrees? It is now as I continue walking with God that it makes sense. Nothing else satisfies. Now I am in no way am I saying making money is bad or going up in job promotions is bad either, but being covetous is.
It is being so concerned about you and forgetting others. The focus is "I" focused and not Christ focused. Friends instead we have to look at life in a Christ centered view with this way with our possessions and well, our lives in general, if God can get glory from us being poor then praise Him for it. When He blesses you don't horde it, instead turn that blessing back into praise. For example and I know this may sound very small, but I apply it in all areas and continue to work more on it. Whenever I find any money at work or anywhere I give in addition to my offering. My look on it, is one it isn't mine and I am thankful the Lord gave it to me, so I cheerfully give( 2 Corinthians 9:7 ) it back thanking Him. I know I don't have to as no one else knows I find it, but I just want to. That is what it means to cheerfully give. A desire to give the Lord what is already His. Not because you have to,but you love to. Brothers and sisters I encourage you to do the same. This doesn't just have to be money it can be other things as well. Give it freely and cheerfully all for His glory.
I've found in my life that my life is so much fuller just for knowing God, wanting to know Him more, and pursuing Him daily. I realize that even because my bank account may not show me rich, I can say otherwise for I am His and He is mine. For the riches I have are incorruptible and my joy is in Him. Be encouraged throughout your day to not base your value or life on your possessions, but instead based on your value on who you are in Christ alone.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Luke 12:15
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You know I am so glad God has opened my eyes. If not I would be still trying to fill my life up with the abundance of material things or just possessing things in general. When you take a look at our culture and our society you can quickly see it is all about what you have and that determines in their eyes your life and who you are. The beauty is we as believers know it is not what we can do, not who we are or where we are from that is where we find our identity, but in Christ alone where we find our identity. You know I'll admit before I knew Jesus I could never find contentment. I was constantly trying to fill my life with something and wondering why it never could. Sure I may have never said it then, but that was what I was doing. The truth is nothing in this world will satisfy you or fill you, only Christ can fill that. You know and this was a thought I had once why is it people who are rich want more money outside I know you have to pay bills and such, but why the constant race for more money, more fame and more power. Why continue to burn yourself to such degrees? It is now as I continue walking with God that it makes sense. Nothing else satisfies. Now I am in no way am I saying making money is bad or going up in job promotions is bad either, but being covetous is.
It is being so concerned about you and forgetting others. The focus is "I" focused and not Christ focused. Friends instead we have to look at life in a Christ centered view with this way with our possessions and well, our lives in general, if God can get glory from us being poor then praise Him for it. When He blesses you don't horde it, instead turn that blessing back into praise. For example and I know this may sound very small, but I apply it in all areas and continue to work more on it. Whenever I find any money at work or anywhere I give in addition to my offering. My look on it, is one it isn't mine and I am thankful the Lord gave it to me, so I cheerfully give( 2 Corinthians 9:7 ) it back thanking Him. I know I don't have to as no one else knows I find it, but I just want to. That is what it means to cheerfully give. A desire to give the Lord what is already His. Not because you have to,but you love to. Brothers and sisters I encourage you to do the same. This doesn't just have to be money it can be other things as well. Give it freely and cheerfully all for His glory.
I've found in my life that my life is so much fuller just for knowing God, wanting to know Him more, and pursuing Him daily. I realize that even because my bank account may not show me rich, I can say otherwise for I am His and He is mine. For the riches I have are incorruptible and my joy is in Him. Be encouraged throughout your day to not base your value or life on your possessions, but instead based on your value on who you are in Christ alone.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Seek Him First! ( Matthew 6:33 )
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33
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I'd venture to say we as Christians know this scripture, but at the same time need to re-familiarize ourselves with it. What I'm saying is this, often when things get tough we can become worried and say how is this going to turn out or man I really want this. We plead our case as if we deserve it or if by someway we earned it. Friends I'm not saying God won't bless you and I'm not saying God won't take care of you. What I'm saying is sometimes we get too focused on the blessings instead of God. When I think of this verse my first thought is I seek God first and foremost in my life. We shouldn't be serving Him thinking what will He give us, instead our attitude and mindset should be God how can I serve You today, how can You use me. Do you see how it takes the central focus of I and instead puts it back where it belongs on Him.
Friends I can't tell you enough how I ask God for His desires to be mine. Some would say well, why do we need to do that? Do you remember how the apostle Paul put it dying daily(1 Corinthians 15:31 ). Friends by dying daily we ask God to show us His desires and to have Him mold us. As it is written be not conformed of this world, but be transformed( Romans 12:2 ). To me seeking Him first means denying myself which what a surprise is part of being a disciple of Christ( Luke 9:23 ). It is realizing it is not about you, it is all about Him. Friends I gave this illustration to a friend and dear brother that I pray that when my flesh rises up that Christ would kick me out from under my feet, take me to the cross and remind me I am bought with a price( 1 Corinthians 6:20 ). That may sound like a rough image, but friends we must bring the flesh under submission and to do we must walk in the spirit to avoid fulfilling its desires( Galatians 5:16 ). I'm not a perfect Christian, I only am who I am because He upholds me with His right hand( Psalm 63:8 ) and preserves me( Psalm 25:21 ). Friends I am frail, weak and just a man made of dust, but there is one who lives in me who is stronger( 1 John 4:4 ). This isn't just a cute little statement this is the truth God sustains me daily and I make it because of His strength( Philippians 4:13 ).
Let me encourage you to glorify God for who He is and not what you get or don't get. Seek Him first and His righteousness. Friends I'd love to be married and have kids,but if God can get glory from me being single then He shall receive my praise. If He can get praise through me being poor or through me being beaten so be it. I've said this before, but Philippians 1:21 is a very encouraging verse for me, in my life and in my death God will receive glory.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Matthew 6:33
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I'd venture to say we as Christians know this scripture, but at the same time need to re-familiarize ourselves with it. What I'm saying is this, often when things get tough we can become worried and say how is this going to turn out or man I really want this. We plead our case as if we deserve it or if by someway we earned it. Friends I'm not saying God won't bless you and I'm not saying God won't take care of you. What I'm saying is sometimes we get too focused on the blessings instead of God. When I think of this verse my first thought is I seek God first and foremost in my life. We shouldn't be serving Him thinking what will He give us, instead our attitude and mindset should be God how can I serve You today, how can You use me. Do you see how it takes the central focus of I and instead puts it back where it belongs on Him.
Friends I can't tell you enough how I ask God for His desires to be mine. Some would say well, why do we need to do that? Do you remember how the apostle Paul put it dying daily(1 Corinthians 15:31 ). Friends by dying daily we ask God to show us His desires and to have Him mold us. As it is written be not conformed of this world, but be transformed( Romans 12:2 ). To me seeking Him first means denying myself which what a surprise is part of being a disciple of Christ( Luke 9:23 ). It is realizing it is not about you, it is all about Him. Friends I gave this illustration to a friend and dear brother that I pray that when my flesh rises up that Christ would kick me out from under my feet, take me to the cross and remind me I am bought with a price( 1 Corinthians 6:20 ). That may sound like a rough image, but friends we must bring the flesh under submission and to do we must walk in the spirit to avoid fulfilling its desires( Galatians 5:16 ). I'm not a perfect Christian, I only am who I am because He upholds me with His right hand( Psalm 63:8 ) and preserves me( Psalm 25:21 ). Friends I am frail, weak and just a man made of dust, but there is one who lives in me who is stronger( 1 John 4:4 ). This isn't just a cute little statement this is the truth God sustains me daily and I make it because of His strength( Philippians 4:13 ).
Let me encourage you to glorify God for who He is and not what you get or don't get. Seek Him first and His righteousness. Friends I'd love to be married and have kids,but if God can get glory from me being single then He shall receive my praise. If He can get praise through me being poor or through me being beaten so be it. I've said this before, but Philippians 1:21 is a very encouraging verse for me, in my life and in my death God will receive glory.
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Monday, June 1, 2009
Walk In The Spirit ( Galatians 5:16 )
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16
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Walk in the Spirit, so what does that mean? Well, as we know to walk in the spirit is to be lead by God. To be walking in His truth and to be lead by His Word. Thinking now this takes me to the book of Psalms, where as in Psalm 23 it says He leads me beside still waters or another example in Psalm 86:11, "I Will walk in thy truth". Walking in the truth. We must be lead by God's Word and by walking in His truth we will avoid fulfilling the desires of the flesh. This doesn't mean we will be perfect,but remember the Lord's prayer lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil( Matthew 6:13 ). Friends granted there are times that trouble will come our way,but the beautiful thing is the Lord will provide a way every time. What is even more encouraging is there will never be a temptation too strong for us and as I stated before will provide a way out( 1 Corinthians 10:13 ).
Another thing I think of when walking in the spirit is to be consumed by God's Word. Another words getting to know God daily through reading and getting deep. As the Word clearly states study to show thyself approved unto God( 2 Timothy 2:15 ). How can we expect to walk in the truth if we don't know it? Do you wake up thinking about God? Do you desire to read His Word and want to know Him more? Friends before I met God He was pursuing me. Now I am pursuing Him, longing to know Him better. How do I do this? By getting in the Word and talking with Him in prayer. God desires a real and intimate relationship. Friends think of the relationship David had with God. How close and personal it was. This in no way means we disrespect God, but as I shared with a youth group when you talk to God be real and reverent. Another words if you are hurting tell God what is going on, but at the same time believe He is sovereign and seek His will in it. Friends turning things over to His will in prayer is not about getting what you want,but about developing trust in Him alone and trusting in Him no matter how things work. That is real trust not saying poor me, but saying God you will still get glory in this situation.
As we continue walking in His truth, in the spirit He will help us with temptation. Friends one thing I can tell you for my life personally and I thank God for the work is how He changed my desires. Used to I lived for me and now I live for Him. Like I told my dear brother Justin the other day and as I've told others when it comes to relationships how ever things work out ,blessed be the name of the Lord for He knows my needs above what I think or know.
Brothers and sisters be encouraged to walk in the Spirit daily. Live a life worthy of the calling( Ephesians 4:1 ). Don't take it light, it's not a game people's eternal lives are at stake. Be not ashamed of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ our risen Lord and King. Fight the good fight of faith( 1 Timothy 6:12 ) and realize the message you have to share is one of hope and of salvation( Romans 1:16 ).
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
Galatians 5:16
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Walk in the Spirit, so what does that mean? Well, as we know to walk in the spirit is to be lead by God. To be walking in His truth and to be lead by His Word. Thinking now this takes me to the book of Psalms, where as in Psalm 23 it says He leads me beside still waters or another example in Psalm 86:11, "I Will walk in thy truth". Walking in the truth. We must be lead by God's Word and by walking in His truth we will avoid fulfilling the desires of the flesh. This doesn't mean we will be perfect,but remember the Lord's prayer lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil( Matthew 6:13 ). Friends granted there are times that trouble will come our way,but the beautiful thing is the Lord will provide a way every time. What is even more encouraging is there will never be a temptation too strong for us and as I stated before will provide a way out( 1 Corinthians 10:13 ).
Another thing I think of when walking in the spirit is to be consumed by God's Word. Another words getting to know God daily through reading and getting deep. As the Word clearly states study to show thyself approved unto God( 2 Timothy 2:15 ). How can we expect to walk in the truth if we don't know it? Do you wake up thinking about God? Do you desire to read His Word and want to know Him more? Friends before I met God He was pursuing me. Now I am pursuing Him, longing to know Him better. How do I do this? By getting in the Word and talking with Him in prayer. God desires a real and intimate relationship. Friends think of the relationship David had with God. How close and personal it was. This in no way means we disrespect God, but as I shared with a youth group when you talk to God be real and reverent. Another words if you are hurting tell God what is going on, but at the same time believe He is sovereign and seek His will in it. Friends turning things over to His will in prayer is not about getting what you want,but about developing trust in Him alone and trusting in Him no matter how things work. That is real trust not saying poor me, but saying God you will still get glory in this situation.
As we continue walking in His truth, in the spirit He will help us with temptation. Friends one thing I can tell you for my life personally and I thank God for the work is how He changed my desires. Used to I lived for me and now I live for Him. Like I told my dear brother Justin the other day and as I've told others when it comes to relationships how ever things work out ,blessed be the name of the Lord for He knows my needs above what I think or know.
Brothers and sisters be encouraged to walk in the Spirit daily. Live a life worthy of the calling( Ephesians 4:1 ). Don't take it light, it's not a game people's eternal lives are at stake. Be not ashamed of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ our risen Lord and King. Fight the good fight of faith( 1 Timothy 6:12 ) and realize the message you have to share is one of hope and of salvation( Romans 1:16 ).
Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
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