Friday, January 20, 2017

God Equips Us

Photo by 

John925 (Seeing With New Eyes)

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:9-10
Then the Lord stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.  “See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, To pluck up and to break down, To destroy and to overthrow, To build and to plant.”

Insights: The final truth we learn this week is that this personal God equips those who are His.  Notice what the Lord did with Jeremiah.  God stretched out His hand and touched Jeremiah’s mouth.  God is the One who put words in Jeremiah’s mouth to speak.  God is the One who appointed Jeremiah to be over the nations and kingdoms.  God is the One who equipped Jeremiah.  In the same way this personal God equipped Jeremiah, He equips us as well.  He knows us personally and because He knows us, He knows exactly the best way to equip us.  We are then equipped by this personal God in order to serve Him.  Our service can be in any number of ways because He equips us personally and uniquely.  At the moment in which I am writing this blog, I am in Ecuador on a missions trip.  God has equipped some people with a supernatural ability to learn and know languages.  I know I am not to covet another persons gift, but I must confess my sin and say I wish that was a gift God had given to me.  The point I am making is we have translators down here that God uses to help us disciple and evangelize with the Ecuadorian people.  We are completely incapable of doing the work we do without their giftedness.  We are grateful the Lord equipped them for this task and are willing to use their gifts in this way.  In the same way they use their gifts for God’s glory.  We also are to use our gifts for His glory.  If we are born again, then He has equipped us for works of service.  Let us be obedient to Him and get to know this personal God better as we use His gifts.  Praise his name for equipping us and letting us know Him personally.

Questions:
 1. In what ways has the Lord equipped you for service?
 2. Are you using your gifts for the Lord?

Prayer: Father, thank You for giving me gifts that are directly related to the way You made me.  Let me use these gifts to bring You glory.  Amen.



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Thursday, January 19, 2017

God Never Leaves Us nor Forsakes Us

Photo by Rock and Robin Photography
Scripture: Jeremiah 1:8b
For I am with you to deliver you,” declares the Lord.

Insights: Yesterday we learned God is aware of our fears and doubts because He knows us personally.  Today, we learn what actually drives those fears away.  The power that drives fear from our lives is the Lord Himself.  This personal God intervenes in human history and specifically in our lives.  He is actively involved in our lives.  He is always with those who have received His Son, Jesus’ gift of salvation.  If one has entered into this relationship, then God never leaves him/her nor forsakes him/her.  God will deliver us.  He will be there with us.  In fact, in the New Testament, we are instructed to draw near to God and Satan will have to flee.  God is always with those of us whom He personally knows.  Beloved, we know these statements to be true, but all too often we do not draw near to the Lord.  Instead we remain in our fears and doubts and then wonder why God is not doing anything in our lives.  We start to wonder how God can be personally involved with us and at the same time allow such heartache and fear.  The reality is we treat God like a genie in a bottle and run to Him in crisis, but do not abide in Him.  We then wonder why He does not answer.  Imagine if your child came to you only when they wanted or needed something.  They never hugged or kissed you.  They never talked to you.  They never shared a meal with you.  They never interacted with you.  The only time they came to you is when they were in trouble.  In that kind of scenario you would not have a very good relationship with them.  It would be strained and difficult with which to relate.  We treat God like this and then wonder why there is a strain in our relationship.  Beloved, let me encourage you to abide in Him, and as you do, He will deliver you.  He will always be with you.  He will never forsake you.  Rest in Him and be blessed.

Questions:
 1. Is Jesus always with you?
 2. Do you understand for Jesus to always be with you that you need a personal relationship with Him?

Prayer: Father, thank You for receive me into Your family.  As a result, You are always with me.  Your presence removes fear when I lean into You.  May I ever draw near to You and be in awe of Your power.  Amen.



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Wednesday, January 18, 2017

God Knows Our Fears and Doubts

Photo by Vic
Scripture: Jeremiah 1:6-8a
Then I said, “Alas, Lord God!  Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth.”  But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak.  Do not be afraid of them.

Insights: When Jeremiah makes his petition about his age it is not the real issue.  We know it is not the real issue because of God’s response to Jeremiah.  God tells Jeremiah not to be afraid.  This reality of God’s presence to remove our fears is amazing.  God literally tells Jeremiah, “Do not be afraid of them.”  How many times have you found yourself called by the Lord to an assignment and were immediately caught up in fear.  These fears are often times irrational and have no real basis for existing.  The fact we experience the fear, however, is undeniable.  It exist and we are called to move forward in obedience in spite of our fears.  This movement forward is a step of faith.  In fact this fear gives us opportunity to demonstrate our faith in the Lord.  Faith is not the absence of fear, but rather the movement toward the personal Lord God.  As we walk in obedience toward Him, the fear has an amazing way of disappearing.  This dissipation, however, does not happen until action of faith is first taken.  This personal God knows we are going to be afraid.  Tomorrow, we will learn what He does to help us overcome our fears.  Until we learn this next part regarding our personal God in whom we believe, let me encourage you to feel the fear and move forward in faith.  Be amazed as that fear disappears because of your obedience.

Questions:
 1. Of what are you afraid?
 2. Does the realization of God’s personal presence give you comfort?

Prayer: Father, thank You for calming my fears and giving me a peace that surpasses all understanding.  This peace and calm comes as a result of knowing You.  Thank You for letting me know you.. Amen.



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Tuesday, January 17, 2017

God Knows Us Before Our Birth

Photo by Marcelino Rapayla Jr.
Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-5
Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Insights: Last week we learned about the Triune God.  He is the ONE and only God.  He is not only the One and only God, but He is also a personal God.  I love the four attributes we will learn about this week from the this passage out of Jeremiah chapter one.  This personal God knew us before we were born.  He has always known when in human history you were going to be born.  He orchestrated your place in the scope of eternity before you were even thought of by human parents.  He knew you perfectly and knew your course for life exactly.  This reality gives me a great deal of hope because it tells me no one is an accident.  No one is a mistake.  God formed us.  In our church, FBC Bowling Green, we have a man who has down syndrome.  He is one of our greeters.  We have another man who has autism that is also a greeter.  I can honestly say they are some of the most precious people in our church.  They were not a mistake.  They both love Jesus and have an abiding relationship with Him.  They worship Him and they love Him.  This personal God loves them as well.  It is my hearts desire that you know this personal God.  He loves you and He sent His Son to die on a cross in order for you to have a relationship with Him.  I pray you will come to know Him.

Questions:
 1. Have you expressed gratitude to the Lord for knowing and creating you in a wonderful fashion?
 2. Do you know this personal God who moved heaven and earth to know you?

Prayer: Father, thank You for desiring a personal relationship with me.  You are wonderful and majestic in Your creative power and purpose.  May I grow in my knowledge of You. Amen.





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Friday, January 13, 2017

The Fellowship of the Holy Spirit

Photo by Wesley Fryer
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:14c
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

Insights: Today I am going to provide you a brief passage from Ted Dekker’s book The Forgotten Way.  I think it will help you grasp this concept of fellowship with the One True God better as He communicates through His Spirit.  Dekker wrote, “‘Father, the glory you have given me, I have given to them, that they may be one, just as we are one, I in them and you in me.’  You do indeed have the glory that the Father gave to Yeshua.  Paul confirms this when he declares that you have been glorified already.  The powerful mystery of your restoration and union with God in Christ will forever change the way you view yourself and the world you live in.  How can you not love yourself now?  How can you not love your neighbor as yourself?  How can you stoop in misery and bemoan your life unless you do not believe in your identity in Yeshua?  It is true that pain and hardship are unavoidable in this life.  But suffering is optional and the prerogative of the old mind.  Only the old mind and the deceiver stand against the truth of your true identity.  They lie with silver tongue, tempting you to believe that you have not been remade in the likeness of your Creator, the Word, Yeshua.  Today, listen to the voice of the Spirit within you, because you are the body of Christ, joined with Him, reborn unto the Father.  Surely, this is your incarnation now.  When you see this truth in the Light, all the darkness that has clouded your mind from the great and glorious truth of who you are will vanish.  Walking in Yeshua, you will do as He did.  You will find peace in the storms, you will move the mountains of trouble that rise before you, you will tread on that serpent who lies with a forked tongue.  Remember: it’s never what you believe about yourself that defines you; it’s your Father opinion of you that defines you.  Your opinion of yourself only defines the experience you have in this life.  Indeed, to believe in Yeshua is to believe like Yeshua.  To believe like Yeshua is to believe in your risen self, because you were raised with and in Him.”

Questions:
 1. Do you have fellowship with the One True God?
 2. Has this fellowship helped you to see yourself as you truly are?

Prayer: Father, thank You for having a relationship with me.  May I learn more of who You are as we grow together.  May I reflect Your life in me better each and every day. Amen.




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Thursday, January 12, 2017

The Love of God

Photo by 

Art4TheGlryOfGod by Sharon

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:14b
and the love of God

Insights: In 1 John 4:8 and 16 we are informed that God is love.  Love is who He is.  Love is His character.  Love defines Him along with a myriad of other attributes.  Because God is love, it is the character trait that drives all of His activities in this world.  In other words, He created out of love.  In John 3:16 we are informed love is what moved the heart of God to save humanity.  The verse reads, “God created and loved us.  He loved us even while we were His enemies and demonstrated that love by sending Jesus.”  Love also stirs the Lords pleasure.  In Luke 3:21-22 we see the picture of Jesus baptism.  After the baptism has occurred there is a commentary in verse 22 which states, “Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, ‘You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.’”  God is pleased in His Son’s obedience to the call of righteousness.  Beloved, I just want you to understand that this Triune God with whom we are discussing this week is a loving God.  His love moves Him and sustains Him.  This attribute is the very core of His being.  It is my hope that those of us who have experienced His love will display that love back to a world in desperate need of love.  Humble yourselves before the Lord and let Him use you as His instrument by which He extends His love to humanity.  I promise you, the more you love, the greater joy and pleasure you will experience here on this side of eternity.  To God be the glory as He manifests His love on us and the world.

Questions:
 1. Have you grasped how much of God’s activity is driven by His characteristic of love?
 2. In what ways have you personally experienced God’s love?

Prayer: Father, thank You for loving me.  I am not always lovable, but You love me anyway.  How can I ever show You my gratitude for Your love.  May I spend all of eternity expressing gratitude for Your amazing love.. Amen.



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Wednesday, January 11, 2017

The Grace of Jesus

Photo by Dale Chumbley
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:14a
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

Insights: Last year our five major sermon series centered around the subject of being “Joyfully United.”  This year our focus is going to be on being “Christ Centered.”  These two themes obviously come out of our mission statement, “FBC Bowling Green is Christ centered, gospel driven, joyfully united, and prayerfully obedient.”  In order to know Christ Jesus even more we are going to go through a series which is inspired by Randy Frazee’s curriculum Believe.  As a result of this information we started off our “I BELIEVE” campaign with a sermon on the oneness of God.  Deuteronomy 6:4 states, “Hear, O Israel!  The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!”  God is only One, but He manifests Himself in three essences, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  2 Corinthians 13:14 identify all three aspects of God’s One nature.  The first part is that of Jesus.  In this portion of the verse we are told Jesus is full of grace.  Grace is unmerited favor.  In other words, we receive what we do not rightly deserve.  We deserve punishment and eternal separation from the Lord, but instead He extends grace.  Anyone who receives Jesus as Lord and Savior will not experience this punishment, but rather a restored relationship with the Lord Almighty who is One God.  John 1:1 and 14 help us to understand this deity aspect of Jesus a little bit more.  John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  When we jump to verse 14 we are told, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  So, Jesus is the Word and we know this because He became flesh and dwelt among us.  We got to see the glory which came from the Father and this glory was full of grace and truth.  We know what Jesus says is truth because He Himself declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the Father but through me (John 14:6).”  Jesus is declaring to us He is God and He is One.  He is clarifying His message by telling us the grace we receive from God comes from Him, the One true God.  Let us rejoice that we know the Lord God and have experienced His grace.

Questions:
 1. Have you experienced the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ?
 2. Have you extended the grace which has been offered to you to other people who have wronged you?

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your grace which you extended to me through Your Son, Jesus.  May I be willing and compelled, also by Your grace, to extend grace to those around me.  Let the love of Jesus permeate my life. Amen.



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Tuesday, January 10, 2017

We are Never Alone

Photo by Chris Yarzab
This blog ought to have been January 6, 2017

Scripture: Matthew 28:20b-c
and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Insights: Our final blog regarding the Great Commission deals with the presence of the Lord Jesus.  Notice with me were He resides.  He resides with us.  He is ALWAYS  with us.  He never leaves us.  He never forsakes us.  How long does He reside with us you may be asking.  The answer is He resides with us for ALL of eternity.  Praise the Lord for this incredible promise and truth about our Savior, Jesus Christ.  If you have never encountered our Lord Jesus, then this later part of verse twenty really does not mean a whole lot to you.  If, however, you do know the Lord Jesus, then this second half of the verse is a comfort beyond description.  I cannot tell you how many times in my life I have wanted to give up, but then the Lord has reminded me that He is right here with me.  He is going to grant me His strength.  He is going to give me His wisdom.  All I have to do is surrender to Him and He takes over from there.  Oh, the joy this singular truth brings in my life.  It is my prayer you personally know and can relate to about what I have just written.  Jesus loves you.  He desires an eternal relationship with you.  You will face dark days, but He is a light shining in the midst of them.  May this singular truth grant you peace this day.  I know it has me.

Questions:
 1. Have you ever felt alone?
 2. In what ways does the eternal presence of Jesus comfort you at times of difficult and pain?

Prayer: Father, thank You that You never leave me nor forsake me.  Thank You for walking with me through the dark days and days of doubt.  Thank You for Your eternal presence always being there with me in the good times and the bad.  You are wonderful beyond compare and I am grateful You are always with me. Amen.



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We are Resoundingly Commissioned

Photo by Cushing Memorial Library 
This blog ought to have been January 5, 2017

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20a
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you

Insights: In today’s verse we see what is known as the Great Commission.  In this verse Jesus tells all of us who have been born again that we are to GO and make disciples of all nations.  As we are making disciples out of them, we are to have them undergo baptism, which is a symbolic act picturing what has happened in the heart of this new believer.  It declares to a world that your old nature has died and been buried.  You now come out of the water new and resurrected in Jesus.  In this resurrection you have new life.  All for the glory of God.  Notice with me, however, we don’t just stop after the person has gotten wet in the baptismal waters.  We go on further and teach them to observe or obey everything Jesus has taught us.  There is another aspect to this commission I want you to notice as well.  Did you notice to what people group Jesus was sending us?  We are to go to all the nations.  Jesus’ message of life and hope is for everyone.  Beloved, all too often we, especially in the church of the United States, do not obey this commission given by the Lord Jesus.  We do not share our faith on a regular basis.  Our actions are in essence telling lost people we don’t care if they go to hell.  We are too busy to be bothered by them and all their junk.  It is my prayer that in 2017 I become a more evangelistic and disciple-making follower of Jesus.  It is my prayer FBC Bowling Green also becomes more committed to this commission.  It is further my prayer that the rest of Christendom would also be more zealous for our Lord.

Questions:
 1. Are you obediently following your commission from the Lord?
 2. Why do you think it is so difficult for the majority of professing Christians in the United States to share their faith?

Prayer: Father, I am a man with unclean lips and I dwell with a people with unclean lips.  All too often I chose to follow them instead of You.  Forgive me for defiling my lips with the conduct of this world and strengthen me to boldly proclaim Your love to a world in need of a Savior. Amen.



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Monday, January 9, 2017

We are Completely Subjugated

Photo by Jason A G
This blog ought to have been January 4, 2017

Scripture: Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

Insights: In today’s verse we see the Lord Jesus declare ALL authority has been given to Him.  In other words, all of the created world is subject to His rightful and eternal reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.  Now, while we are here on this side of eternity we may choose to rebel against this King, but there will be a day in which we will no longer be able to rebel against His authority.  On that day, we will bow before Him and declare “He is Lord.”  Literally, right after that moment, He will declare, “I never knew you, depart from Me.”  At that point we will be cast into the Lake of Fire.  This subjugation does not have to be our end.  We can choose to surrender to His authority now.  We can receive His eternal gift of salvation by admitting we are sinners and in need of a Savior.  He is the Savior.  If we enter into His citizenship.  If we surrender to His authority, then He will know us.  Then, when we enter into eternity, He will receive us with open arms because we had willing chosen to be subjugated to His authority.  There are times, even as residence of His kingdom, that we do not subject ourselves to His authority.  When we find ourselves in this position, we need to repent and turn back to Him as soon as we recognize our rebellion.  There will be consequences for our rebellion and that is part of being under His authority.  He, however, welcomes us back with open arms and forgives us of all unrighteousness.  Our eternity was not in jeopardy, but our relationship with Him was hindered and blocked from that perfect union because of sin.  Only repentance can restore this relationship with this King who demands all to live under His rightful and good authority.  It is always better to be subject now than to wait until we have died, because then, there is no second chance.  There is no joyful eternal union with this gracious King if we choose rebellion rather than willful subjugation.

Questions:
 1. Do you understand what it means to be under the Lord’s authority?
 2. Why do you think we try to rebel against the truth of the Lord’s authority?

Prayer: Father, all things are under Your authority and all of humanity is subjugated to Your will.  Let me learn well the truth of this eternal fact, so that, I may live in greater peace and contentment with my state of being. Amen.



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We are Sometimes Hesitant

Photo by Alyson Hurt
This blog ought to have been January 3, 2017

Scripture: Matthew 28:17
When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.

Insights: In the New American Standard Bible (NASB) the  word distazō is translated doubtful.  Now the NASB is normally the most wooden and accurate word for word translation of the Greek and Hebrew manuscripts.  At times, however, it does not produce the best translation.  In this verse today, we find one of those examples.  Distazō would be better translated hesitation rather than denoting a disbelief on the part of the disciples.  Craig L. Blomberg in his commentary gives a good explanation as to what really is transpiring in this verse and this historical scene.  He wrote, “Perhaps, as elsewhere, something about Jesus’ appearance makes him hard to recognize at first.  Perhaps they fear how he may respond to them.  Perhaps their Jewish scruples are still questioning the propriety of full-fledged worship of anyone by Yahweh.  Or (more likely?) they may simply continue to exhibit an understandable confusion about how to behave in the presence of a supernaturally manifested, exalted, and holy being.”  Let us go back to the verse once again.  We see the disciples are called to this mountain location because Jesus summoned them.  Upon their arrival some of the disciples immediately worshipped Him, but others were hesitant.  This hesitation as Blomberg pointed out could have been for several reasons, but most likely because they just did not know how to interact with a “supernaturally manifested, exalted, and holy being.”  Beloved, there are times the Lord calls us to action.  This action could be worship, but it could also be service or evangelism or numerous other activities.  We are not always ready to say yes to the Lord when He commissions us.  There are times we are hesitant.  One of our goals in life ought to be to stop being hesitant when the Lord’s Spirit pricks our hearts.  Once we are pricked we ought to be zealous for immediate obedience to Him.  It is my prayer that my life in 2017, and your life as well, will represent this kind of unhindered obedience to the Lord.  May our obedience bring Him the glory He rightly deserves.

Questions:
 1. Have you ever been hesitant to obey the Lord’s commands?
 2. Why do you think you have experienced this hesitation?

Prayer: Father, I am at times fearful to be obedient and as a result I hesitate when You call me.  Forgive me for my reluctance and grant me boldness to walk in obedience with You.  Amen.



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Monday, January 2, 2017

We are Always Called

Photo by it is elisa
Scripture: Matthew 28:16
But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.

Insights: Today is the first blog of 2017.  Transitions from one year to the next always bring with it excitement and anticipation.  It also allows us to reflect and ponder over the previous year.  I titled this weeks sermon What Will You Do with Jesus in 2017? I opened the sermon with a brief reflection on John 14:15 and 15:8.  John 14:15 states, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” and John 15:8 instructs, “This is to my Fathers glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”  So, if we love God, we will obey Him.  If we obey Him, then we will bear much fruit, showing ourselves to be His disciples.  What is one area in which the Lord has commanded us?  The answer would be in evangelism as He commissioned us to go and make disciples of all nations.  As a result, we looked at the Great Commission for our sermon and learned five truths from that passage.  Today, we quickly summarize the first truth we learned.  Notice in today’s verse it states the disciples went to the mountain Jesus had designated.  In other words, Jesus called them to a very specific location for His ascension.  In the same way Jesus called His disciples to a specific mountain, so, Jesus calls us to specific tasks.  For that matter Jesus calls us to a relationship with Him as well.  The point I am trying to emphasis is Jesus is always about calling us.  In this context, Jesus called them to a specific location.  While at this specific location He was going to call them to a specific assignment.  We will look at that assignment later this week.  In my life, Jesus called me to FBC Bowling Green to pastor this wonderful congregation.  Jesus called me to adopt my three precious daughters.  Jesus called me to share the gospel with others.  Jesus calls you to places, service and other things as well.  Jesus’ calling on our lives is a constant.  It is my prayer you will heed His calling on your life.

Questions:
 1. Have you recognized the various calls the Lord God has placed on your life?
 2. Does God’s calling give you comfort or reservation?

Prayer: Father, I am grateful You call me to a relationship with You and to service to You as well.  At the same time, however, this call scares me at times.  May I learn to walk in Your strength to face all assignments in which You have called me to participate.  Amen.



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