Different Spirit

Jas 1:2-3

johngn — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 21:54:37 +0000

The thief on the cross placed his trust in Jesus, and Jesus assured him he would be saved – in eternity (Lk 23:43). Soon after, the Roman soldiers came and broke the thief’s legs. The Christian life has many troubles. We are simply told to “consider it pure joy” because “the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (Jas 1:2-3). Whatever happens, God promises to work it out for good for those who love Him (Rom 8:28).

Heb 6:19

johngn — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:33:49 +0000

As Christians, we have the hope of a far better life to come. Because of our faith in Jesus we look forward to a blissful eternity where there will be no grief or tears (Rev 7:17) and endless joy in His presence. When someone in the street says ‘I hope so’, it implies wishful thinking – something not certain. But that’s not how the Bible sees hope. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul – firm and secure” (Heb 6:19). Our hope for the future, in Christ, is sure.

Pr 25:21-22

johngn — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:19:38 +0000

Love your enemies. It drives them crazy. Well, a better reason to love them is, you’ll be obedient to Jesus. “Love and pray for those that abuse you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Mt 5:44-45). Fight with them and God stands back. You’re on your own. Love them, and pray for them, and God takes up your cause. “If your enemy is hungry, feed him…In doing so you will heap burning coals on his head” (Pr 25:21-22).

Miracles

johngn — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 02:33:51 +0000

From creation to the miracles of Jesus to the acts of the apostles – including raising the dead (Acts 9:40, 20:10) – the Bible is full of the supernatural power of God. He works wonders today too. God may work through doctors, but the first response should be to pray. Have you prayed and not seen healing? Don’t fret. God has heard and has noted your faith. Leave the timing and pathway and outcome to Him. He is God.

2 Cor 2:11

johngn — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 01:28:50 +0000

The devil is real. We are aware of his schemes (2 Cor 2:11), but we should keep our eyes on Jesus. It is dangerous to attack the devil (Jude 9-10). Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus. The devil “prowls around seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet 5:8) – but we shelter in Jesus. The devil tries to tempt us with “the big moral sin” but, more often, he will try to unbalance us with extreme doctrines. The best defence: Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Php 2:3

johngn — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 04:40:31 +0000

Society is dominated by competition. Sports contests provide entertainment. Free enterprise principles say that competing businesses produce the best outcome for consumers. Democracies are believed to improve life through opposing political ideas. The Bible knows nothing of competition. “In humility consider others better than yourself” (Php 2:3). Jesus taught submission and self-sacrifice. No wonder there is tension when we come to the Bible.

1 Cor 1:31

johngn — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:56:38 +0000

“Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (1 Cor 1:31). Boasting about what we have and do does not come from God (1 Jn 2:16). Even boasting about our work for Jesus may leave other Christians feeling inadequate. It may undermine rather than build up faith. Paul reported “what God had done through them” (Acts 15:4). If we must report ministry activity we should be careful to give all the glory to God.

Lk 11:9

johngn — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:27:41 +0000

Fill in the blank: ” – and it will be given to you” (Lk 11:9). You knew the answer! Ask! Ask and you shall receive. What an excellent promise! Note the context: receiving the Holy Spirit (Lk 11:13); receiving His power. But God waits for us to ask. Are you sick? You must call for the elders (Jas 5:14-15). Ask! When the blind sought mercy, Jesus waited for them to ask specifically, then He healed them (Mt 20:30-34). Humble yourself. Ask.

1 Sam 8:11-17

johngn — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:07:17 +0000

When Israel demanded a king, so that they could “be like all the other nations” (1 Sam 8:20), God said they were rejecting Him (1 Sam 8:7). He warned: a king will take, take, take and take from you (1 Sam 8:11-17). But, God allowed Israel to have what they demanded and, yes, it hurt them. Earthly rulers and governments of men will do that to you. Make Jesus Lord of your heart. He’s not a taker. He’s the Good Giver.

Mt 10:8

johngn — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 04:00:51 +0000

“Freely you have received, freely give” (Mt 10:8). We didn’t pay for receiving the good news. Jesus says: Pass it on, without charge. But, we also know that God “has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel” (1 Cor 9:14). And, we can be “robbed of the Truth” by thinking “that godliness is a means to financial gain” (1 Tim 6:5). Testing, isn’t it? If you give, pray for wisdom. If you receive, pray harder. It’s risky.