Why would we have confidence in the flesh? It means that we believe that we can do anything, even save ourselves by all the good works we do. However that's not the case at all. Works will not get us anywhere. Only through faith in Christ.
Philippians 3:7-10
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
Knowing Jesus and accepting him as my Saviour has changed my lifestyle completely. I see friends who don't know of God's love and I can see myself doing what they're doing if God hadn't found me. My beliefs are now rooted in something so good and so great, and it will take me on an exciting, but righteous ride of life. Things of the world don't seem as important to me now then continuing to grow as a child of God and disciple of Christ.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Monday, August 25, 2014
Philippians 2
Philippians 2:1-6
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.
Right from the start is a lesson we should never forget.
Jesus obeyed His Father and endured the wrath that should have been for us on the cross. He humbled himself to our likeness so that we can experience what true, sacrificial love is. He did it so that we can be adopted into His family with our faults forgiven beforehand. Indeed all glory to Jesus and may His enduring love for us inspire people to seek Him as their Saviour.
Philippians 2:13-15
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
War. Divorce. Theft. Murder. Greed. All these things were manifested from sin. These things are happening in this world we live in right now. How are you making yourself stand out even among the tragedies that are happening around the world? Are you thankful for the things that you have? Do you have a selfless attitude that cares and cries out for the hurting elsewhere? (All questions that I ask myself as well)
The final bit on Timothy and Epaphroditus give us glimpses of a character that lives for Christ. Their joy come from Christ. Timothy is caring, looking out for the interest of others. Epaphroditus did what he could to help Paul continue sharing the Gospel and almost risked his life doing so. Are you able to risk your life for Christ?
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.
Right from the start is a lesson we should never forget.
Jesus obeyed His Father and endured the wrath that should have been for us on the cross. He humbled himself to our likeness so that we can experience what true, sacrificial love is. He did it so that we can be adopted into His family with our faults forgiven beforehand. Indeed all glory to Jesus and may His enduring love for us inspire people to seek Him as their Saviour.
Philippians 2:13-15
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
War. Divorce. Theft. Murder. Greed. All these things were manifested from sin. These things are happening in this world we live in right now. How are you making yourself stand out even among the tragedies that are happening around the world? Are you thankful for the things that you have? Do you have a selfless attitude that cares and cries out for the hurting elsewhere? (All questions that I ask myself as well)
The final bit on Timothy and Epaphroditus give us glimpses of a character that lives for Christ. Their joy come from Christ. Timothy is caring, looking out for the interest of others. Epaphroditus did what he could to help Paul continue sharing the Gospel and almost risked his life doing so. Are you able to risk your life for Christ?
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Philippians 1
Philippians 1:9-11
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God.
God manages to put the text that I needed to hear in today's devo. I sinned in terms of lust. I feel dirty and disappointed at myself. I feel like I disappointed my boyfriend and God. I can't shake this feeling off. I look back at what happened and ask myself why I did what I did.
I'm thankful to have a boyfriend who constantly points me back to Christ. Christ has forgiven us from all our sins by going on that cross. All I need to do is repent, see what I did wrong, learn from my mistakes, and let it go. I'm trying to let it go, reminding myself that I'm not perfect and that everyone makes mistakes.
This verse motivates me to spend more quiet time in Scripture because through my ever growing bank of scriptural knowledge, I become more and more aligned to Christ. The temptations and sins that once got me would not be able to get me if I can root myself in what's right and true. Allowing the Spirit to transform and harvest the fruit of righteousness in me is what I need.
Paul is put in chains for proclaiming the Gospel. How far will you go to share the Gospel to those around you haven't heard of the saving love of Jesus?
Philippians 1:21
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
It is a strong proclamation that even I don't think I can say yet. Paul had such great confidence and security in Jesus that living and dying is almost the same: it is for Christ. Being so meek and fragile in the human nature this is something that I try to do, and eventually whether in this lifetime or the next I can proclaim just like Paul.
Philippians 1:27-29
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel, without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved- and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him
Am I living a life worthy of the Gospel. Sometimes. And that's ok. God knows that we are not perfect and are tempted by things of the world, but God will do what He can to bring us back to him. We need to look only at God and His outstretched arms and run towards that. I need to stand firm in my faith and not be ashamed of what I believe and live for.
The Christian walk was never meant to be easy. It's full of obstacles and challenges that may take you down. The important question is whether you'll get back up and out of the rut.
We bear one another's burdens and suffer together for the sake of Christ.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God.
God manages to put the text that I needed to hear in today's devo. I sinned in terms of lust. I feel dirty and disappointed at myself. I feel like I disappointed my boyfriend and God. I can't shake this feeling off. I look back at what happened and ask myself why I did what I did.
I'm thankful to have a boyfriend who constantly points me back to Christ. Christ has forgiven us from all our sins by going on that cross. All I need to do is repent, see what I did wrong, learn from my mistakes, and let it go. I'm trying to let it go, reminding myself that I'm not perfect and that everyone makes mistakes.
This verse motivates me to spend more quiet time in Scripture because through my ever growing bank of scriptural knowledge, I become more and more aligned to Christ. The temptations and sins that once got me would not be able to get me if I can root myself in what's right and true. Allowing the Spirit to transform and harvest the fruit of righteousness in me is what I need.
Paul is put in chains for proclaiming the Gospel. How far will you go to share the Gospel to those around you haven't heard of the saving love of Jesus?
Philippians 1:21
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
It is a strong proclamation that even I don't think I can say yet. Paul had such great confidence and security in Jesus that living and dying is almost the same: it is for Christ. Being so meek and fragile in the human nature this is something that I try to do, and eventually whether in this lifetime or the next I can proclaim just like Paul.
Philippians 1:27-29
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel, without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved- and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him
Am I living a life worthy of the Gospel. Sometimes. And that's ok. God knows that we are not perfect and are tempted by things of the world, but God will do what He can to bring us back to him. We need to look only at God and His outstretched arms and run towards that. I need to stand firm in my faith and not be ashamed of what I believe and live for.
The Christian walk was never meant to be easy. It's full of obstacles and challenges that may take you down. The important question is whether you'll get back up and out of the rut.
We bear one another's burdens and suffer together for the sake of Christ.
Friday, August 15, 2014
Genesis 50
Genesis 50:19-20
But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
This is a beautiful testament of Joseph to show how God works in our very own lives today. Things may seem bad and terrible. You may not understand why it's happening and momentarily be bitter towards God for the things that are happening. What we always fail to remember is that God always has the best intentions for us. It may be a stepping stone towards what's to come. It may be a lesson for you to learn. Everything happens for a purpose, and God is good.
A lovely book to read on the beginnings of the work of God and the men who served God wholeheartedly.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Genesis 49
Even though not all the blessings end up with happy outcomes, there are still some beautiful expressions worth noting.
Genesis 49:3
"Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power.
The first cook to be recorded is Asher, his "food will be rich, he will provide delicacies fit for a king".
Naphtali is blessed to bear beautiful children.
Genesis 49:21
"Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.
Genesis 49:3
"Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power.
The first cook to be recorded is Asher, his "food will be rich, he will provide delicacies fit for a king".
Naphtali is blessed to bear beautiful children.
Genesis 49:21
"Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Genesis 48
Jacob blessed Ephraim and said that he will be better than Manasseh.
Now, I'm not saying that the younger ones should brag about their success over their older siblings and be prideful. I actually took it as an encouragement that no matter how young you are, or how much younger you are compared to others around you, there is still room for much success and achievement. God makes your decisions, your actions, and your happenings into the successes he has prescribed for you.
Don't allow yourself to be underestimated. As cliche as this sounds, unlock your full potential and allow God to orchestrate what happens.
Now, I'm not saying that the younger ones should brag about their success over their older siblings and be prideful. I actually took it as an encouragement that no matter how young you are, or how much younger you are compared to others around you, there is still room for much success and achievement. God makes your decisions, your actions, and your happenings into the successes he has prescribed for you.
Don't allow yourself to be underestimated. As cliche as this sounds, unlock your full potential and allow God to orchestrate what happens.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Genesis 46-47
Despite the famine that affected all of Egypt, the Egyptians trusted in Joseph's decisions and requests in order to survive and acquire food. God provided the necessary food. God provides what we need and will not let us waste away because He loves us children. The biggest hill to overcome is trusting that God will not forget or harm us but knowing that things may look bleak but will turn out for the better.
Genesis 41-45
When you trust and do what God desires, He will bless and prosper you like how Joseph turned to God during his suffering in prison and ended up becoming an official in Egypt.
It's never good to stumble into sin, but repentance leads to forgiveness and grace from God. However if you do the opposite and do not see the wrong in your sins, God will give the consequences.
Obeying God will only lead to blessings, happiness, and grace. Like Joseph's brothers they followed the instructions that Joseph gave to them and they were welcomed with kindness and a feast. Not saying that Joseph is equivalent to God but it's a parallel of what our relationship with God should be like.
The journey may be difficult and there may be things that you don't understand or want to do, but God will always make things right for the people who follow and believe in His judgment.
It's never good to stumble into sin, but repentance leads to forgiveness and grace from God. However if you do the opposite and do not see the wrong in your sins, God will give the consequences.
Obeying God will only lead to blessings, happiness, and grace. Like Joseph's brothers they followed the instructions that Joseph gave to them and they were welcomed with kindness and a feast. Not saying that Joseph is equivalent to God but it's a parallel of what our relationship with God should be like.
The journey may be difficult and there may be things that you don't understand or want to do, but God will always make things right for the people who follow and believe in His judgment.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Genesis 40
You do something nice for someone, they forget you in return.
How would you respond? How should you respond?
How would you respond? How should you respond?
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Genesis 39
The Lord will bless the ones who follow him and walk down the path of righteousness. No matter what hardships will come, God will be with them and provide for them, protect them. God will help you overcome the temptations around you so that you can be holy and pure. Although we are still weak and sinful humans, what God wants is the desire to be holy. With that your sins will slowly diminish day by day.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Genesis 38
In this chapter, Judah made the mistake of sleeping with his daughter-in-law because he assumed that she was a prostitute when he saw her with her face veiled on the road to Timnah where he was going.
Lesson: with your family and friends, never assume because it is risky and can lead to wrong outcomes, always use and believe the facts. It is the same with God. We know for a fact that God is good, loving, righteous, just. If there is anything that happens that seems contrary to what we read and believe, never assume anything and turn to the Word for the facts and truth.
Lesson: with your family and friends, never assume because it is risky and can lead to wrong outcomes, always use and believe the facts. It is the same with God. We know for a fact that God is good, loving, righteous, just. If there is anything that happens that seems contrary to what we read and believe, never assume anything and turn to the Word for the facts and truth.
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