Thursday, November 19
The Renewed Mind
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
- Romans 12:2
Certain passages of the Bible stand out when one speaks of a particular subject. No passage of the Bible speaks out more clearly on the subject of the Christian life than Romans 12:1-2. If you can grasp these two verses, you will have an understanding of what God needs from you every day if you are to serve Christ to the fullest extent possible.
To be transformed from worldliness to spirituality requires a renewed mind. Only then can we “prove” – that is, test, try, evaluate, or determine - what truly is God’s desire, His will, for your life on a moment by moment basis. You need to change your thinking!
Dr. Woodrow Kroll writes of this, “Thus the mind (Gr nous, the center of logical reasoning, ethical judgment, and moral awareness) must be completely changed if we are to live a life that is holy and acceptable unto God.”
We all need a complete transformation – a metamorphosis! Just as an ugly, worm-like, crawling caterpillar turns into a beautiful, flying butterfly (biological metamorphosis), God wants you to shed the fleshly, worldly, sinful thinking and be transformed into faithful, spiritually minded, committed follower of Jesus Christ. Selah – meditate on this thought and let God renew your mind!
Is your thought life under God’s control?
What are areas in your life that need to be transformed; changed from conformity to the world to what God wants for you?
Showing posts with label North Point Peter L. Laitres. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North Point Peter L. Laitres. Show all posts
11/17 North Point
Tuesday, November 17
The Key to Fruitfulness
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” -- John 15:16
It is clearly God’s purpose for every Christian to bring forth fruit, and to have that fruit remain. But what is the key to producing fruit, the key to fruitfulness?
Dr. Paul Chappell writes how many years ago Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote a little booklet entitled “How to Live in Christ.” In this book, she wrote the following: “How does the branch bear fruit? Not by incessant effort for sunshine and air; not by vain struggles—it simply abides in the vine, in silent and undisturbed union, and blossoms and fruit appear as of spontaneous growth.”
This is known as abiding in Christ! Dwelling in Him, being vitally connected to Him! Letting His power flow into us as we are all the while being conformed to His image, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)
The key to fruitfulness is abiding in Christ. It is that simple: nothing more, nothing less. When you are His branch connected to the root, which is Christ Himself, it is only natural that you will bear spiritual fruit!
Am I being fruitful – truly reaching the potential that God wants for me in the area of fruit-bearing?
Am I letting Christ’s power, grace, and mercy flow through me, energizing and empowering me to bear more fruit?
The Key to Fruitfulness
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” -- John 15:16
It is clearly God’s purpose for every Christian to bring forth fruit, and to have that fruit remain. But what is the key to producing fruit, the key to fruitfulness?
Dr. Paul Chappell writes how many years ago Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote a little booklet entitled “How to Live in Christ.” In this book, she wrote the following: “How does the branch bear fruit? Not by incessant effort for sunshine and air; not by vain struggles—it simply abides in the vine, in silent and undisturbed union, and blossoms and fruit appear as of spontaneous growth.”
This is known as abiding in Christ! Dwelling in Him, being vitally connected to Him! Letting His power flow into us as we are all the while being conformed to His image, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)
The key to fruitfulness is abiding in Christ. It is that simple: nothing more, nothing less. When you are His branch connected to the root, which is Christ Himself, it is only natural that you will bear spiritual fruit!
Am I being fruitful – truly reaching the potential that God wants for me in the area of fruit-bearing?
Am I letting Christ’s power, grace, and mercy flow through me, energizing and empowering me to bear more fruit?
11/9 North Point
Monday, November 9
The Enduring Promise and Our Response
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” - Matthew 16:18
In our text for today, we have the first mention of Christ’s church. It was yet future, as He said, “I will build my church.” There is a “kingdom” battle going on, as the Lord Jesus promised that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” When we are born-again we change kingdoms! He has “delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” (Col. 1:13)
The point that we must take note of here is that Jesus Christ said that He would build His church. He bought the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28), gave Himself for the church (Eph. 5:25), and promised that He would protect it as the gates of hell will not prevail against it. That is Christ’s enduring promise to the church!
What is our response? We must obey Him. When Jesus Christ commissioned His church in Matthew 28:19-20, there is but one command. We are to make disciples! (teach, Matt. 28:19) When the Lord Jesus ascended back to the Father, there wasn’t much in the way of the usual measures of success left behind: no buildings, no companies, and no monetary fortune! What He did leave behind were the changed lives of men and women who followed Him, His disciples. In Mark 16:20 we read of these disciples, “And they went forth, and preached everywhere.” Disciples respond to Christ’s command to reproduce themselves, making disciples both through the local church ministries and through worldwide missions.
Praise God this morning for His promise that no matter what happens, His kingdom will prevail.
Is your response to God’s enduring promise the same as the first century disciples who went everywhere preaching the gospel?
The Enduring Promise and Our Response
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” - Matthew 16:18
In our text for today, we have the first mention of Christ’s church. It was yet future, as He said, “I will build my church.” There is a “kingdom” battle going on, as the Lord Jesus promised that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” When we are born-again we change kingdoms! He has “delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” (Col. 1:13)
The point that we must take note of here is that Jesus Christ said that He would build His church. He bought the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28), gave Himself for the church (Eph. 5:25), and promised that He would protect it as the gates of hell will not prevail against it. That is Christ’s enduring promise to the church!
What is our response? We must obey Him. When Jesus Christ commissioned His church in Matthew 28:19-20, there is but one command. We are to make disciples! (teach, Matt. 28:19) When the Lord Jesus ascended back to the Father, there wasn’t much in the way of the usual measures of success left behind: no buildings, no companies, and no monetary fortune! What He did leave behind were the changed lives of men and women who followed Him, His disciples. In Mark 16:20 we read of these disciples, “And they went forth, and preached everywhere.” Disciples respond to Christ’s command to reproduce themselves, making disciples both through the local church ministries and through worldwide missions.
Praise God this morning for His promise that no matter what happens, His kingdom will prevail.
Is your response to God’s enduring promise the same as the first century disciples who went everywhere preaching the gospel?
11/6 North Point
Friday, November 6
Finishing the Task
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” -- Matthew 24:14
The church of Jesus Christ was commissioned by the Lord Himself at the close of each of the gospels, and in the first chapter of Acts, to evangelize the world. Historically, there have been periods of time where the evangelistic efforts were weak, sometimes to the point of being nearly nonexistent! The blessing – and exciting news – is that the return of the Lord Jesus Christ could be very near. While scholars and expositors debate the exact context of Matthew 24:14 as to whether it is a church age return, or that the task of world evangelization is finished after the church is raptured with others finishing the task, such as the two witnesses (Rev. 11:3-7) and the 144,00 (Rev. 7, 14), one thing is clear: the gospel will be preached throughout the whole world, to all nations (Grk. ethnos, people groups) before Jesus Christ returns.
In light of this, what is our part? In Second Peter 3:12, we read, “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God.” How can we hasten the Lord’s return? The Bible Knowledge Commentary says, “The godly lives of the Lord’s people, their praying, and their witnessing help bring others to repentance” will do this. Is your life hastening the Lord’s return, or hindering it? What we do today has eternal significance, either good if we are planting the seed of the gospel in lives, or for the bad if we are doing nothing for the Lord.
What are you doing on a daily basis to help finish the task of world evangelization?
Pray for a burden, and for opportunities, to hasten the Lord’s return.
Finishing the Task
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” -- Matthew 24:14
The church of Jesus Christ was commissioned by the Lord Himself at the close of each of the gospels, and in the first chapter of Acts, to evangelize the world. Historically, there have been periods of time where the evangelistic efforts were weak, sometimes to the point of being nearly nonexistent! The blessing – and exciting news – is that the return of the Lord Jesus Christ could be very near. While scholars and expositors debate the exact context of Matthew 24:14 as to whether it is a church age return, or that the task of world evangelization is finished after the church is raptured with others finishing the task, such as the two witnesses (Rev. 11:3-7) and the 144,00 (Rev. 7, 14), one thing is clear: the gospel will be preached throughout the whole world, to all nations (Grk. ethnos, people groups) before Jesus Christ returns.
In light of this, what is our part? In Second Peter 3:12, we read, “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God.” How can we hasten the Lord’s return? The Bible Knowledge Commentary says, “The godly lives of the Lord’s people, their praying, and their witnessing help bring others to repentance” will do this. Is your life hastening the Lord’s return, or hindering it? What we do today has eternal significance, either good if we are planting the seed of the gospel in lives, or for the bad if we are doing nothing for the Lord.
What are you doing on a daily basis to help finish the task of world evangelization?
Pray for a burden, and for opportunities, to hasten the Lord’s return.
11/5 North Point
Thursday, November 5
The Roadmap for Missions
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” -- Acts 1:8
When faced with a large and, in human terms, impossible task, some choose to wave the white flag, retreat, and give up! But there is a better way to react when we encounter a difficult task. We are commanded to “preach the gospel to every creature,” in Mark 16:15. How can we do this? How can we be witnesses both at home (our Jerusalem) and in all points between and to the uttermost part of the earth? How does one eat an elephant? One bite at a time! How can we reach over 3 billion precious souls who have not heard the glorious gospel (2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Tim. 1:11) of Christ, and who will die and spend a Christ-less eternity in hell? By developing a plan for eating the elephant one bite at a time! In this case, the bites are called people groups.
People groups are people connected through factors such as language and culture where the gospel can be understood by the people and spread. Instead of saying, “We are going to focus on the nation of Turkey,” we should say, “We are going to evangelize the Turkish-speaking Kurds, who may live in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Armenia or Azerbaijan.
The roadmap for missions is to break down the huge and daunting task of reaching over 3 billion into bite-sized, accomplishable pieces. No one church, mission board or other group could possibly reach everyone, everywhere. But by focusing on a particular people group, we then have a roadmap to follow that can lead to the destination of an evangelized world, both at home and abroad.
Have you thought about how we as the church of Jesus Christ are to reach this world?
Pray for God specifically to show you what part you can play in helping reach the unreached.
The Roadmap for Missions
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” -- Acts 1:8
When faced with a large and, in human terms, impossible task, some choose to wave the white flag, retreat, and give up! But there is a better way to react when we encounter a difficult task. We are commanded to “preach the gospel to every creature,” in Mark 16:15. How can we do this? How can we be witnesses both at home (our Jerusalem) and in all points between and to the uttermost part of the earth? How does one eat an elephant? One bite at a time! How can we reach over 3 billion precious souls who have not heard the glorious gospel (2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Tim. 1:11) of Christ, and who will die and spend a Christ-less eternity in hell? By developing a plan for eating the elephant one bite at a time! In this case, the bites are called people groups.
People groups are people connected through factors such as language and culture where the gospel can be understood by the people and spread. Instead of saying, “We are going to focus on the nation of Turkey,” we should say, “We are going to evangelize the Turkish-speaking Kurds, who may live in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Armenia or Azerbaijan.
The roadmap for missions is to break down the huge and daunting task of reaching over 3 billion into bite-sized, accomplishable pieces. No one church, mission board or other group could possibly reach everyone, everywhere. But by focusing on a particular people group, we then have a roadmap to follow that can lead to the destination of an evangelized world, both at home and abroad.
Have you thought about how we as the church of Jesus Christ are to reach this world?
Pray for God specifically to show you what part you can play in helping reach the unreached.
11/4 North Point
Wednesday, November 4
The Big Picture of Missions
“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;” -- Revelation 7:9
Many Christians, particularly in the United States, have a very provincial view of Christianity and missions. Provincial means that we only see our only little province, our own little area, without seeing the big picture. The “Big Picture” is all of planet earth and the more than 6.75 billion people! There are over 3 billion people who belong to unreached people groups who need to be evangelized as their eternal destination depends on it!
In Revelation chapter seven we are given a glimpse of the heavenly throne of God. This is where many Christians over the years have misunderstood what is meant, as the Greek word translated as “nations” here is the word ethnos, which means a group of people with like culture and identity, which is far more than just a group of people living within a geographic boundary. We need to rethink missions: We’re not just to “go to France.” We are to go to France to reach the various people groups who live there!
Even in the United States it is clear that we have many different people groups. In heaven there will be people from every people group on earth! This is true unity in diversity: the gospel of Christ has the power to save each and every person it comes in contact with.
The questions we must ask ourselves are found in Romans 10:14-15, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
Lord, please forgive us for neglecting to reach so many precious souls around this world.
Ask God to show you some unreached people groups that you can pray for daily.
The Big Picture of Missions
“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;” -- Revelation 7:9
Many Christians, particularly in the United States, have a very provincial view of Christianity and missions. Provincial means that we only see our only little province, our own little area, without seeing the big picture. The “Big Picture” is all of planet earth and the more than 6.75 billion people! There are over 3 billion people who belong to unreached people groups who need to be evangelized as their eternal destination depends on it!
In Revelation chapter seven we are given a glimpse of the heavenly throne of God. This is where many Christians over the years have misunderstood what is meant, as the Greek word translated as “nations” here is the word ethnos, which means a group of people with like culture and identity, which is far more than just a group of people living within a geographic boundary. We need to rethink missions: We’re not just to “go to France.” We are to go to France to reach the various people groups who live there!
Even in the United States it is clear that we have many different people groups. In heaven there will be people from every people group on earth! This is true unity in diversity: the gospel of Christ has the power to save each and every person it comes in contact with.
The questions we must ask ourselves are found in Romans 10:14-15, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
Lord, please forgive us for neglecting to reach so many precious souls around this world.
Ask God to show you some unreached people groups that you can pray for daily.
11/2 North Point
Monday, November 2
The Message of Missions
“Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:” -- Romans 15:20
In Romans 15:20-24, the Apostle Paul, God’s greatest missionary, was sharing his future missionary plans with the Christians residing in Rome. Much confusion has arisen over the last century about what constitutes missionary endeavor. In the name of missions, the ecumenical movement unfortunately confused missionary work with drilling wells and handing out blankets to poor, lost souls around the world! What is the message of missions?
Paul wrote, “…so have I strived to preach the gospel.” This is the message of missions. What is the gospel? In First Corinthians 15:3-4 the Bible makes it very clear: “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” This is the gospel message, which, in turn, is the message of missions.
There is nothing wrong with helping people in need, both wherever you live and around the world. In fact, we are commanded to do this! “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10) But we should never replace the preaching of the gospel with mere good deeds. This whole world (Mark 16:15) needs to know the blessed message of the gospel, how that the sinless, perfect Son of God, Jesus Christ, took the sins of mankind upon Himself (2 Cor. 5:21) to the cross of Calvary, died, was buried, and rose again the third day. Paul wrote in Romans 10:9, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” The gospel of Jesus Christ is the message of missions.
Are you able to give a clear gospel presentation to the lost people around you?
Ask the Lord to make the gospel, the message of missions, a message that you are telling people consistently.
The Message of Missions
“Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:” -- Romans 15:20
In Romans 15:20-24, the Apostle Paul, God’s greatest missionary, was sharing his future missionary plans with the Christians residing in Rome. Much confusion has arisen over the last century about what constitutes missionary endeavor. In the name of missions, the ecumenical movement unfortunately confused missionary work with drilling wells and handing out blankets to poor, lost souls around the world! What is the message of missions?
Paul wrote, “…so have I strived to preach the gospel.” This is the message of missions. What is the gospel? In First Corinthians 15:3-4 the Bible makes it very clear: “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” This is the gospel message, which, in turn, is the message of missions.
There is nothing wrong with helping people in need, both wherever you live and around the world. In fact, we are commanded to do this! “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10) But we should never replace the preaching of the gospel with mere good deeds. This whole world (Mark 16:15) needs to know the blessed message of the gospel, how that the sinless, perfect Son of God, Jesus Christ, took the sins of mankind upon Himself (2 Cor. 5:21) to the cross of Calvary, died, was buried, and rose again the third day. Paul wrote in Romans 10:9, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” The gospel of Jesus Christ is the message of missions.
Are you able to give a clear gospel presentation to the lost people around you?
Ask the Lord to make the gospel, the message of missions, a message that you are telling people consistently.
11/1 North Point
Sunday, November 1
Getting Dressed Spiritually
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” -- Ephesians 4:22, 24
Have you ever arrived at event to find out that you were not dressed properly for the surroundings? Probably every one of us has either been somewhere over-dressed or under-dressed! When this happens, oh, how we wish we could change clothes instantaneously!
In our text for today we see how we’re to dress spiritually. The old man is the old self, what we were before we were saved. We’re to take those things off and discard them stained, useless clothing! As we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus (II Peter 3:18), we see how much we needed Him. Our old ways are corrupt – rotten, decaying.
The answer to this is get dressed spiritually by putting on the new man. Dr. Edward Routio writes: “The new man is created after God and in the family likeness of God. The brand new man is known by the Christ-likeness exhibited day by day in living out the new life. Righteousness refers to his new conduct toward his fellowmen. Holiness refers to his new conduct towards God. These two are the essential qualities and the evidence of the new man in Christ.”
Are you clothed in the ripped-up, filthy clothes of the old man; or are you properly dressed, wearing God’s clothes, created in righteousness and true holiness?
What is there in your life that is left over from the old man that should be taken off and cast away?
Getting Dressed Spiritually
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” -- Ephesians 4:22, 24
Have you ever arrived at event to find out that you were not dressed properly for the surroundings? Probably every one of us has either been somewhere over-dressed or under-dressed! When this happens, oh, how we wish we could change clothes instantaneously!
In our text for today we see how we’re to dress spiritually. The old man is the old self, what we were before we were saved. We’re to take those things off and discard them stained, useless clothing! As we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus (II Peter 3:18), we see how much we needed Him. Our old ways are corrupt – rotten, decaying.
The answer to this is get dressed spiritually by putting on the new man. Dr. Edward Routio writes: “The new man is created after God and in the family likeness of God. The brand new man is known by the Christ-likeness exhibited day by day in living out the new life. Righteousness refers to his new conduct toward his fellowmen. Holiness refers to his new conduct towards God. These two are the essential qualities and the evidence of the new man in Christ.”
Are you clothed in the ripped-up, filthy clothes of the old man; or are you properly dressed, wearing God’s clothes, created in righteousness and true holiness?
What is there in your life that is left over from the old man that should be taken off and cast away?
10/30 North Point
Friday, October 30
Bought? Or Inherited?
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field…Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” - Matthew 13:44-46
A common point in each of the parables we have been looking at this week is that both the one who found the treasure his in the field and the one who found the pearl of great price both sold all that they had to get what was most valuable.
The Lord Jesus Christ posed the following question: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26) Many people give everything they have for the things of this world while ignoring the most important thing: the eternal destiny of their souls!
God’s kingdom cannot be bought; but it is inherited. “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:” (Matthew 25:34) An inheritance requires a birthright; Jesus said in John 3:3, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
What can a man give for his soul so that he can inherit the kingdom? Nothing that can be gained in this world: only receiving Jesus Christ can do it! “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (John 1:12) Only the sons of God can receive His kingdom inheritance!
Are you part of God’s kingdom through being born into His family?
Thank God today for His grace and mercy in saving you!
Bought? Or Inherited?
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field…Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” - Matthew 13:44-46
A common point in each of the parables we have been looking at this week is that both the one who found the treasure his in the field and the one who found the pearl of great price both sold all that they had to get what was most valuable.
The Lord Jesus Christ posed the following question: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26) Many people give everything they have for the things of this world while ignoring the most important thing: the eternal destiny of their souls!
God’s kingdom cannot be bought; but it is inherited. “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:” (Matthew 25:34) An inheritance requires a birthright; Jesus said in John 3:3, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
What can a man give for his soul so that he can inherit the kingdom? Nothing that can be gained in this world: only receiving Jesus Christ can do it! “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (John 1:12) Only the sons of God can receive His kingdom inheritance!
Are you part of God’s kingdom through being born into His family?
Thank God today for His grace and mercy in saving you!
10/23 North Point
Friday, October 23
The Leaven Principle
Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.”
-- Matthew 13:33
Throughout the Bible leaven is almost always used in the bad, sinful sense. The only exceptions are found in the wave offering, Leviticus 23:17, and possibly in our text today.
The principle of leaven is how a small, nearly undetectable substance works it way through something much larger, with the smaller having a great influence, and ultimately taking over, the larger.
In our parable today expositors are divided over the interpretation. Many see the leaven as symbol of the gospel working itself through the world and taking over, with the woman representing the church figuratively. Many others see just the opposite! They see the leaven as representative of sin and false teaching working its way throughout Christendom (that which is Christian in name, both real and false).
We must be very careful not to build doctrine on our interpretation of parables. In this case, there may well be truth to both interpretations! Yes, it is a good thing that yeast (like leaven) works through a loaf of bread, making it rise. But Jesus warned His disciples, “How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” (Matt. 16:11–12)
Think about how fast rumors and bad news circulate compared to good reports.
Thank God that He has warned us against false doctrine and given us His Word, the Bible, to know what is right.
The Leaven Principle
Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.”
-- Matthew 13:33
Throughout the Bible leaven is almost always used in the bad, sinful sense. The only exceptions are found in the wave offering, Leviticus 23:17, and possibly in our text today.
The principle of leaven is how a small, nearly undetectable substance works it way through something much larger, with the smaller having a great influence, and ultimately taking over, the larger.
In our parable today expositors are divided over the interpretation. Many see the leaven as symbol of the gospel working itself through the world and taking over, with the woman representing the church figuratively. Many others see just the opposite! They see the leaven as representative of sin and false teaching working its way throughout Christendom (that which is Christian in name, both real and false).
We must be very careful not to build doctrine on our interpretation of parables. In this case, there may well be truth to both interpretations! Yes, it is a good thing that yeast (like leaven) works through a loaf of bread, making it rise. But Jesus warned His disciples, “How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” (Matt. 16:11–12)
Think about how fast rumors and bad news circulate compared to good reports.
Thank God that He has warned us against false doctrine and given us His Word, the Bible, to know what is right.
10/21 North Point
Wednesday, October 21
The Birds of the Air
“It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.” -- Mark 4:31–32
The phrase “the fowls (birds, Matt. 13:32) of the air” is used twice in the multiple parables concerning the kingdom of God in Matthew 13, Mark 4 and Luke 13. In the Parable of the Sower, in Luke 8:5 we read of the seed sown, “some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.” Who were these fowls? “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.” (Luke 8:12) In both Matthew 13 and Mark 4, these parables were given together. So it only stands to reason that the same warning given in, for instance, Mark 4:15 and 4:32 has a similar interpretation.
Yes, satan is the great counterfeiter, appearing even as angel of light! “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Cor. 11:14–15)
There is a saying popular amongst those who study Christian history that wherever God builds His church, satan builds a chapel! These parables refer to satan and his demons as scavenger birds, trying to pick over the dead carcasses of unbelievers. The devil is active in religion and even in what goes under the name Christian. He does not mind people being religious as long as they do not hear, understand and respond to the precious gospel of Jesus Christ. Beware of counterfeits lurking in the shadows of what God is doing!
Pray and ask God for discernment and protection in our time of great spiritual deception.
Thank God for opening your heart to the truth of the gospel and for His hand of protection, keeping us from being victims of the fowls of the air!
The Birds of the Air
“It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.” -- Mark 4:31–32
The phrase “the fowls (birds, Matt. 13:32) of the air” is used twice in the multiple parables concerning the kingdom of God in Matthew 13, Mark 4 and Luke 13. In the Parable of the Sower, in Luke 8:5 we read of the seed sown, “some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.” Who were these fowls? “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.” (Luke 8:12) In both Matthew 13 and Mark 4, these parables were given together. So it only stands to reason that the same warning given in, for instance, Mark 4:15 and 4:32 has a similar interpretation.
Yes, satan is the great counterfeiter, appearing even as angel of light! “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Cor. 11:14–15)
There is a saying popular amongst those who study Christian history that wherever God builds His church, satan builds a chapel! These parables refer to satan and his demons as scavenger birds, trying to pick over the dead carcasses of unbelievers. The devil is active in religion and even in what goes under the name Christian. He does not mind people being religious as long as they do not hear, understand and respond to the precious gospel of Jesus Christ. Beware of counterfeits lurking in the shadows of what God is doing!
Pray and ask God for discernment and protection in our time of great spiritual deception.
Thank God for opening your heart to the truth of the gospel and for His hand of protection, keeping us from being victims of the fowls of the air!
10/20 North Point
Tuesday, October 20
What is the Kingdom of God Like?
“And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?” -- Mark 4:30
This verse contains a statement that illustrates the very essence of the Biblical parables: “With what comparison shall we compare it?” Parables take known, physical, and earthly examples to explain unknown, heavenly, and spiritual truths.
The kingdoms of this world (John 18:36; Rev. 11:15) are built by military might and economic leverage! Christ’s kingdom is totally different. Jesus stated to Pilate that His “kingdom is not of this world.” Instead of beginning with the military victory of one nation over another, or from a treaty, where already existent nations are then combined into a new entity, this kingdom began with thoroughly insignificant – nearly imperceptible – elements.
Christ’s church was purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28) on the cross of Calvary. He said in John 12:24 that “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” The seed was planted at Calvary and broke forth through the ground at His resurrection, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” (1 Cor. 15:20)
Then the “plant” began to multiply, as 120 disciples in the upper room became more than 3,000 on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:41. This growth has continued for nearly two thousand years, numbering many millions of people today. Yes, the kingdom of God is like the mustard seed in that it had an inauspicious and barely perceptible beginning, but is now in every nation of the world.
Praise God today for His power and working in choosing to use such humble beginnings to build His everlasting kingdom.
You may not see the Lord working today, but He is!
What is the Kingdom of God Like?
“And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?” -- Mark 4:30
This verse contains a statement that illustrates the very essence of the Biblical parables: “With what comparison shall we compare it?” Parables take known, physical, and earthly examples to explain unknown, heavenly, and spiritual truths.
The kingdoms of this world (John 18:36; Rev. 11:15) are built by military might and economic leverage! Christ’s kingdom is totally different. Jesus stated to Pilate that His “kingdom is not of this world.” Instead of beginning with the military victory of one nation over another, or from a treaty, where already existent nations are then combined into a new entity, this kingdom began with thoroughly insignificant – nearly imperceptible – elements.
Christ’s church was purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28) on the cross of Calvary. He said in John 12:24 that “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” The seed was planted at Calvary and broke forth through the ground at His resurrection, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” (1 Cor. 15:20)
Then the “plant” began to multiply, as 120 disciples in the upper room became more than 3,000 on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:41. This growth has continued for nearly two thousand years, numbering many millions of people today. Yes, the kingdom of God is like the mustard seed in that it had an inauspicious and barely perceptible beginning, but is now in every nation of the world.
Praise God today for His power and working in choosing to use such humble beginnings to build His everlasting kingdom.
You may not see the Lord working today, but He is!
10/13 North Point
Tuesday, October 13
Sower or Soils?
“Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:” -- Mark 4:3–5
This well known parable is given in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. It has been called the parable of the sower for many years. However, the real focus of this parable isn’t so much on the sower, the farmer planting seed, as it is on the different types of soil! The sower is consistent as he sows the same type of seed. The seed is the Word of God, Luke 8:11.
The variable in this parable is where the seeds land, the ground or the soil. This is not a parable about distribution as much as it is a parable about reception. Yes, we are in the seed sowing business, but what this parable is about is what happens after the seed is sown.
When a farmer plants seeds of the same kind into the same soil, he expects the same harvest. This parable is an important teaching concerning why, when we sow the same seed of the gospel, the Word of God, into people there are such radically different responses. Some “receive the Word with joy,” (Luke 8:13) but quickly fall away. Others just have the Word deflect off their path, making no connection at all and with the devil swooping in and taking away what was sown (Mark 4:15).
Is the Word, the “engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21) different? No, the sower and the seed are the same. The principle we draw from this is there is a difference in the soil!
Does the lack of reception of many people frustrate you? Learn today that not all the soil is the same!
Ask the Lord to enable you to be concerned more with faithfully sowing the seed of the Word of God than with the results. There is a difference in the soil!
Sower or Soils?
“Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:” -- Mark 4:3–5
This well known parable is given in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. It has been called the parable of the sower for many years. However, the real focus of this parable isn’t so much on the sower, the farmer planting seed, as it is on the different types of soil! The sower is consistent as he sows the same type of seed. The seed is the Word of God, Luke 8:11.
The variable in this parable is where the seeds land, the ground or the soil. This is not a parable about distribution as much as it is a parable about reception. Yes, we are in the seed sowing business, but what this parable is about is what happens after the seed is sown.
When a farmer plants seeds of the same kind into the same soil, he expects the same harvest. This parable is an important teaching concerning why, when we sow the same seed of the gospel, the Word of God, into people there are such radically different responses. Some “receive the Word with joy,” (Luke 8:13) but quickly fall away. Others just have the Word deflect off their path, making no connection at all and with the devil swooping in and taking away what was sown (Mark 4:15).
Is the Word, the “engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21) different? No, the sower and the seed are the same. The principle we draw from this is there is a difference in the soil!
Does the lack of reception of many people frustrate you? Learn today that not all the soil is the same!
Ask the Lord to enable you to be concerned more with faithfully sowing the seed of the Word of God than with the results. There is a difference in the soil!
10/9 North Point
Friday, October 9
Growth Depends on God
“…He knoweth not how...but when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” -- Mark 4:27b, 29
We have all lived through a great age of scientific discovery. We have see the inventions of the microchip, the laser, the x-ray, the satellite all in the last 100 years or so; where would we be without them? (Some would say we’d be better off!). There are folks out there who call themselves skeptics who have put their faith in what they call science. They deny the supernatural and believe their “god” of science can explain everything with the real God.
Unfortunately for them, there are still many things that science cannot, and never will be able to, explain. Why is there so much hatred, sin, murder and cruelty? Science cannot explain that! Scientists have broken down the process of every stage of plant and animal growth, yet still cannot explain why there is death and aging. What is the “missing link” to all of this? It is God – and He is not missing!
Remember, the context of this parable in Mark 4:26-29 is the kingdom of God. One way we could describe God’s kingdom is that it is the vehicle through which He works. Do we know why growth occurs? We can list many observations, but ultimately it depends on God. If many people spent the amount of time seeking God that they spend on trying to explain Him away, they would be astonished at what they would find: The Creator and Sustainer of the Universe! Are you depending on Him today? In Proverbs 8:17, God tells us: “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.”
Have you spent more time trying to explain God’s working than simply obeying and doing what He has said?
Thank God today for the wonders of His creation and His working in your life.
Growth Depends on God
“…He knoweth not how...but when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” -- Mark 4:27b, 29
We have all lived through a great age of scientific discovery. We have see the inventions of the microchip, the laser, the x-ray, the satellite all in the last 100 years or so; where would we be without them? (Some would say we’d be better off!). There are folks out there who call themselves skeptics who have put their faith in what they call science. They deny the supernatural and believe their “god” of science can explain everything with the real God.
Unfortunately for them, there are still many things that science cannot, and never will be able to, explain. Why is there so much hatred, sin, murder and cruelty? Science cannot explain that! Scientists have broken down the process of every stage of plant and animal growth, yet still cannot explain why there is death and aging. What is the “missing link” to all of this? It is God – and He is not missing!
Remember, the context of this parable in Mark 4:26-29 is the kingdom of God. One way we could describe God’s kingdom is that it is the vehicle through which He works. Do we know why growth occurs? We can list many observations, but ultimately it depends on God. If many people spent the amount of time seeking God that they spend on trying to explain Him away, they would be astonished at what they would find: The Creator and Sustainer of the Universe! Are you depending on Him today? In Proverbs 8:17, God tells us: “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.”
Have you spent more time trying to explain God’s working than simply obeying and doing what He has said?
Thank God today for the wonders of His creation and His working in your life.
10/8 North Point
What is a Parable?
“All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:” -- Matthew 13:34
It has been said that a parable is ”an earthly saying with a heavenly meaning.” What the word parable (Grk. parabolé) means is “placing one thing by the side of another,” to have a parallel case used as an illustration. One way to state this is that what is known and common is used to explain that which is unknown and unfamiliar. Spiritual truth is illustrated by earthly examples.
In today’s text (Matt. 13:34) the Lord Jesus Christ had spoken to “great multitudes” (Matt. 13:1-2) from a boat on the sea. “He spake many things unto them in parables,” (Matt. 13:3) during this discourse. The Lord Jesus did teach using a variety of methods, but in this passage (Matthew chapter 13) everything that He taught was given parabolically.
For the next few weeks, we are going to be studying the parables of our Lord. We need to understand what parables are so that we can learn what God wants us to know through them and subsequently apply them to our lives. “And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.” (Luke 8:10) A parable is generally a lesson to believers based upon what is commonly known that is used to illustrate and explain spiritual truth. To truly understand what God has for us in His Word requires that we understand the parables.
Are you willing to dig, think, study and meditate on God’s Word to discover His truth?
Ask the Lord to make His Word come alive in your life (Heb. 4:12).
“All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:” -- Matthew 13:34
It has been said that a parable is ”an earthly saying with a heavenly meaning.” What the word parable (Grk. parabolé) means is “placing one thing by the side of another,” to have a parallel case used as an illustration. One way to state this is that what is known and common is used to explain that which is unknown and unfamiliar. Spiritual truth is illustrated by earthly examples.
In today’s text (Matt. 13:34) the Lord Jesus Christ had spoken to “great multitudes” (Matt. 13:1-2) from a boat on the sea. “He spake many things unto them in parables,” (Matt. 13:3) during this discourse. The Lord Jesus did teach using a variety of methods, but in this passage (Matthew chapter 13) everything that He taught was given parabolically.
For the next few weeks, we are going to be studying the parables of our Lord. We need to understand what parables are so that we can learn what God wants us to know through them and subsequently apply them to our lives. “And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.” (Luke 8:10) A parable is generally a lesson to believers based upon what is commonly known that is used to illustrate and explain spiritual truth. To truly understand what God has for us in His Word requires that we understand the parables.
Are you willing to dig, think, study and meditate on God’s Word to discover His truth?
Ask the Lord to make His Word come alive in your life (Heb. 4:12).
10/6 North Point
Tuesday, October 6
The Kingdom of God
“And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;” - Mark 4:26
Most of us know many truths about the nation we live in. We are taught from an early age about the discovery of the western hemisphere, the founding of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, the constitution, and what our nation is supposed to stand for. We are familiar with the laws that govern us, especially those that concern us personally. These things are all expected of citizens of a nation. However, Christians have another citizenship that is far more important! In Philippians 3:20, we read, “for our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour.” The word conversation here literally means citizenship.
If you know Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you are a citizen of God’s kingdom. A kingdom is the realm controlled by a king with everyone and everything in that kingdom being under the rule of the king. As we study the parables, we’ll see how many of them are teaching kingdom principles. Using parables was very appropriate for this, as God’s kingdom isn’t visible, as Jesus said, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation.” (Luke 17:20b)
So how can the truths of God’s kingdom, His rule over us, be conveyed to us and understood by us? By the Word of God taking simple truths that are known and making comparisons with God’s eternal truth concerning His kingdom. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Rom. 14:17) “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” (1 Cor. 4:20)
Have you reflected on your real citizenship, that of being part of the kingdom of God?
As you serve the Lord today be conscious of the fact that you are part of His kingdom and what you can do to either enlarge that kingdom and its influence, or have no effect.
The Kingdom of God
“And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;” - Mark 4:26
Most of us know many truths about the nation we live in. We are taught from an early age about the discovery of the western hemisphere, the founding of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, the constitution, and what our nation is supposed to stand for. We are familiar with the laws that govern us, especially those that concern us personally. These things are all expected of citizens of a nation. However, Christians have another citizenship that is far more important! In Philippians 3:20, we read, “for our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour.” The word conversation here literally means citizenship.
If you know Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you are a citizen of God’s kingdom. A kingdom is the realm controlled by a king with everyone and everything in that kingdom being under the rule of the king. As we study the parables, we’ll see how many of them are teaching kingdom principles. Using parables was very appropriate for this, as God’s kingdom isn’t visible, as Jesus said, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation.” (Luke 17:20b)
So how can the truths of God’s kingdom, His rule over us, be conveyed to us and understood by us? By the Word of God taking simple truths that are known and making comparisons with God’s eternal truth concerning His kingdom. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Rom. 14:17) “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” (1 Cor. 4:20)
Have you reflected on your real citizenship, that of being part of the kingdom of God?
As you serve the Lord today be conscious of the fact that you are part of His kingdom and what you can do to either enlarge that kingdom and its influence, or have no effect.
8/15 North Point
Saturday, August 15/The Lord is At Hand
Philippians 4:5
A theme throughout the New Testament is the suddenness of Christ’s return. The little phrase “at hand” translates a word that means close or near. We need to live in such a way that if the Lord Jesus was to come back for His bride today, we would not be ashamed before Him (1 John 2:28).
How is the Lord at hand? Paul knew when he was in prison awaiting execution that his departure to be with the Lord was “at hand.” (2 Tim. 4:6) Peter knew that “end of all things” (1 Peter 4:7) was hand, and John twice wrote, “for the time is at hand.” (Rev. 1:3, 22:10) Doctrinally, we call this the imminency of Christ’s return. The Bible never teaches that Jesus Christ MUST return today or tomorrow! But the Word of God clearly teaches that Christ’s return for His Bride is imminent – it COULD happen at any moment.
We must live expectantly, for we “know not the day nor the hour” (Matt. 25:13) of His return. Paul called this the believer’s blessed hope (Titus 2:13). How at hand is the coming of the Lord? The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” A thief does not announce when he is going to pay a visit to your house, therefore the Bible commands us to be ready for the Lord’s return at all times.
Are you living expectantly, preparing yourself for the day Jesus Christ comes back for all those who know Him as Savior? What are some areas in your life that need to change if you are truly going live expectantly waiting for the Lord’s return?
Peter L. Laitres
Philippians 4:5
A theme throughout the New Testament is the suddenness of Christ’s return. The little phrase “at hand” translates a word that means close or near. We need to live in such a way that if the Lord Jesus was to come back for His bride today, we would not be ashamed before Him (1 John 2:28).
How is the Lord at hand? Paul knew when he was in prison awaiting execution that his departure to be with the Lord was “at hand.” (2 Tim. 4:6) Peter knew that “end of all things” (1 Peter 4:7) was hand, and John twice wrote, “for the time is at hand.” (Rev. 1:3, 22:10) Doctrinally, we call this the imminency of Christ’s return. The Bible never teaches that Jesus Christ MUST return today or tomorrow! But the Word of God clearly teaches that Christ’s return for His Bride is imminent – it COULD happen at any moment.
We must live expectantly, for we “know not the day nor the hour” (Matt. 25:13) of His return. Paul called this the believer’s blessed hope (Titus 2:13). How at hand is the coming of the Lord? The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” A thief does not announce when he is going to pay a visit to your house, therefore the Bible commands us to be ready for the Lord’s return at all times.
Are you living expectantly, preparing yourself for the day Jesus Christ comes back for all those who know Him as Savior? What are some areas in your life that need to change if you are truly going live expectantly waiting for the Lord’s return?
Peter L. Laitres
8/14 North Point
Friday, August 14/Controlling Our Reactions
Philippians 4:5
A source of frustration for Christians is when we desire to control other people’s actions rather than focusing on controlling our reactions! A key to correcting this problem is found in our text today. The answer is in letting our moderation be known to everyone whom we come in contact with.
What is moderation? It is translated three times as “gentle” (Titus 3:2; James 3:17; 1 Peter 2:18) and once as “patient.” (1 Timothy 3:3) These are the positive traits that we need to exhibit in dealing with others. The negative admonition and positive encouragement to moderation is found in 2 Timothy 2:24, “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.” Our initial reactions are far too often fleshly, not spiritual. James warns us to “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (James 1:19).
Many situations spiral out of control in a bad way because of our reactions to them. Proverbs 15:1 tells us that “a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” When you are faced with issues that are not the way you’d like them to be today, your reaction may very well be what keeps these things as molehills rather than becoming mountains!
How is your moderation today?
Heavenly Father, please help all of us to be kind and gentle in our reactions to every situation so that we can be calming influences wherever we may be.
Philippians 4:5
A source of frustration for Christians is when we desire to control other people’s actions rather than focusing on controlling our reactions! A key to correcting this problem is found in our text today. The answer is in letting our moderation be known to everyone whom we come in contact with.
What is moderation? It is translated three times as “gentle” (Titus 3:2; James 3:17; 1 Peter 2:18) and once as “patient.” (1 Timothy 3:3) These are the positive traits that we need to exhibit in dealing with others. The negative admonition and positive encouragement to moderation is found in 2 Timothy 2:24, “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.” Our initial reactions are far too often fleshly, not spiritual. James warns us to “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (James 1:19).
Many situations spiral out of control in a bad way because of our reactions to them. Proverbs 15:1 tells us that “a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” When you are faced with issues that are not the way you’d like them to be today, your reaction may very well be what keeps these things as molehills rather than becoming mountains!
How is your moderation today?
Heavenly Father, please help all of us to be kind and gentle in our reactions to every situation so that we can be calming influences wherever we may be.
8/13 North Point
Thursday August 13/The Proper Time and Frequency for Rejoicing
Philippians 4:4
When is it proper to rejoice? We celebrate special events and when good things, in our opinions, occur. The theme for our study through Paul’s letter to the Philippians is “Always Rejoicing.” This is the answer to when the proper time and what the frequency is for rejoicing – always!
Last year more than 164 million prescriptions were written in the United States alone for antidepressant drugs. In 2005, the latest year that statistics are available, 27 million Americans were on antidepressant drugs. These poor folks may be looking for joy, but only have depression! We need to reverse this trend! Nehemiah 8:10 states, “for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” This is the key!
We can fully understand how those who don’t know Christ feel overwhelmed and helpless in this world. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16) and is able to enable folks to “recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Timothy 2:26). There is hope!
To rejoice is the New Testament way of saying to delight in the things of God. We are to delight ourselves in the Lord (Psa. 37:4, 11; Isa. 58:14), in His will (Psa. 40:8), and in His Word (Psa. 119:24, 35, 47, 70, 77, 174). We’re to be in an attitude of rejoicing at all times, having the joy of the Lord Jesus no matter what the circumstances. “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:” (1 Peter 1:6). The shortest verse in the Greek New Testament is I Thessalonians 5:16, “Rejoice evermore.” Now is the time, and always is the frequency for the child of God to rejoice.
Where is your joy index at today?
Thank the Lord today that you can rejoice in Him, delighting yourself in the things of God, no matter what the circumstances may be.
Philippians 4:4
When is it proper to rejoice? We celebrate special events and when good things, in our opinions, occur. The theme for our study through Paul’s letter to the Philippians is “Always Rejoicing.” This is the answer to when the proper time and what the frequency is for rejoicing – always!
Last year more than 164 million prescriptions were written in the United States alone for antidepressant drugs. In 2005, the latest year that statistics are available, 27 million Americans were on antidepressant drugs. These poor folks may be looking for joy, but only have depression! We need to reverse this trend! Nehemiah 8:10 states, “for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” This is the key!
We can fully understand how those who don’t know Christ feel overwhelmed and helpless in this world. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16) and is able to enable folks to “recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Timothy 2:26). There is hope!
To rejoice is the New Testament way of saying to delight in the things of God. We are to delight ourselves in the Lord (Psa. 37:4, 11; Isa. 58:14), in His will (Psa. 40:8), and in His Word (Psa. 119:24, 35, 47, 70, 77, 174). We’re to be in an attitude of rejoicing at all times, having the joy of the Lord Jesus no matter what the circumstances. “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:” (1 Peter 1:6). The shortest verse in the Greek New Testament is I Thessalonians 5:16, “Rejoice evermore.” Now is the time, and always is the frequency for the child of God to rejoice.
Where is your joy index at today?
Thank the Lord today that you can rejoice in Him, delighting yourself in the things of God, no matter what the circumstances may be.
8/12 North Point
Wednesday, August 12/Appreciate Your Fellowlabourers
Philippians 4:3
Working together is a lost discipline. It seems more and more difficult to get people to labor with others to get a job done. The Apostle Paul was urging (intreating) the Christians to work together, remembering how they had accomplished much in the past. Apparently there was a rift between Euodias and Syntyche (Phil. 4:2). Instead of laboring together, they were drifting apart and the work of the gospel was not getting done!
Our natures are to take things for granted, not appreciating the routine and regular tasks that others do both for us, and for the cause of Christ. We like to discount the efforts of others while exalting the small, token actions that we do ourselves. We need to purpose in our hearts ways that we can help those laboring in the gospel. Remember this: if your name is written in the book of life, we are all then on the same team. We are “labourers together with God” (1 Cor. 3:9) as we work to get the Word of God out to a lost and needy world.
Thank God this morning for the other Christians whom God has given you to work with as you serve Him. Ask God to give you a thankful heart concerning the efforts put forth by others and for Him to remind you to thank those who are faithfully serving around you.
Philippians 4:3
Working together is a lost discipline. It seems more and more difficult to get people to labor with others to get a job done. The Apostle Paul was urging (intreating) the Christians to work together, remembering how they had accomplished much in the past. Apparently there was a rift between Euodias and Syntyche (Phil. 4:2). Instead of laboring together, they were drifting apart and the work of the gospel was not getting done!
Our natures are to take things for granted, not appreciating the routine and regular tasks that others do both for us, and for the cause of Christ. We like to discount the efforts of others while exalting the small, token actions that we do ourselves. We need to purpose in our hearts ways that we can help those laboring in the gospel. Remember this: if your name is written in the book of life, we are all then on the same team. We are “labourers together with God” (1 Cor. 3:9) as we work to get the Word of God out to a lost and needy world.
Thank God this morning for the other Christians whom God has given you to work with as you serve Him. Ask God to give you a thankful heart concerning the efforts put forth by others and for Him to remind you to thank those who are faithfully serving around you.
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