Daily Bread - FEB/23/07
Acts 4:31 - "And they having prayed the place was shaken in which they were assembled and they were all Holy Spirit filled and spoke the word of God with boldness."
Jesus told His disciples on the night before His death, "in that day you shall ask nothing of me;" rather, they would make their request to the Father in His name (John 16:23, 26; 15:16). This is an example of their obedience to the instructions of Jesus. Their prayer was very focused on their desire to see the name of Jesus glorified. The disciples had been threatened by the rulers of Israel to no longer speak in the name of Jesus. So in order to deal with this problem the disciples asked God, in effect, to increase the magnitude of the miracles. The reason they were in trouble in the first place was because a man who was born crippled was healed. Yet still they were crying out to God that He would do even more miracles by His Holy Child Jesus. The prayer was immediately answered and they were filled once again with the Holy Spirit.
An awesome picture of how things work in the Kingdom of God is developed in this event. The disciples, who are God's representatives on earth, ask the Father, whose purpose is to glorify His Son Jesus, to perform miracles and, as a result, the miracle power fills them once again by God the Holy Spirit. If we are to speak the word with boldness and effectiveness then we too must have the same kind of commitment, the same kind of prayer, and the same kind of empowerment (Ephesians 6:19-20).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, February 23, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Daily Bread - FEB/22/07
Romans 8:16 - "The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
God has given us a new spirit so that we can be yielded to the Holy Spirit and do what He does, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26; 1 Corinthians 6:17). The witness, or evidence, of the Spirit in our lives is first and foremost love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:9; Romans 14:17; Philippians 1:11; 4:7; Ephesians 5:2; Philippians 4:4). For these wonderful expressions of God's glory to be revealed in our lives it is essential that we learn to yield to the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20-21; Colossians 3:15- 16; Ephesians 5:17-20; Romans 6:13).
Every child of God must learn to recognize that the Holy Spirit desires to continually express the love of God through us in every situation that we face. If we do not recognize this then we will find ourselves continually making choices not to be led by the Spirit in our responses, and we will not have His witness. If we allow His divine rivers of love to flow out of us then we will automatically find ourselves representing Him and being doers of His word.
God has made it very simple for us to recognize the Holy Spirit; for He comes to us as joy unspeakable, peace that passes understanding, and the divine love that conquers all. If this essential witness of the Spirit is not ruling your life then simply be willing to yield to the Spirit of Truth, and the witness of the Holy Spirit will overwhelm you and wash away all of the other feelings and attitudes. The Holy Spirit is here to mentor us and show us how to function in all of these glorious ways of God's love, joy, and peace. When we recognize that this witness of the Spirit is not in our attitudes and emotions then we need to stop and yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to overwhelm our souls with His presence. As you yield to and experience the intervention of the Holy Spirit in your life you will find that a water course of glory has been cut through your soul and that you have entered into the rest (Hebrews 4:10; Matthew 11:28).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Romans 8:16 - "The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
God has given us a new spirit so that we can be yielded to the Holy Spirit and do what He does, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26; 1 Corinthians 6:17). The witness, or evidence, of the Spirit in our lives is first and foremost love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:9; Romans 14:17; Philippians 1:11; 4:7; Ephesians 5:2; Philippians 4:4). For these wonderful expressions of God's glory to be revealed in our lives it is essential that we learn to yield to the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20-21; Colossians 3:15- 16; Ephesians 5:17-20; Romans 6:13).
Every child of God must learn to recognize that the Holy Spirit desires to continually express the love of God through us in every situation that we face. If we do not recognize this then we will find ourselves continually making choices not to be led by the Spirit in our responses, and we will not have His witness. If we allow His divine rivers of love to flow out of us then we will automatically find ourselves representing Him and being doers of His word.
God has made it very simple for us to recognize the Holy Spirit; for He comes to us as joy unspeakable, peace that passes understanding, and the divine love that conquers all. If this essential witness of the Spirit is not ruling your life then simply be willing to yield to the Spirit of Truth, and the witness of the Holy Spirit will overwhelm you and wash away all of the other feelings and attitudes. The Holy Spirit is here to mentor us and show us how to function in all of these glorious ways of God's love, joy, and peace. When we recognize that this witness of the Spirit is not in our attitudes and emotions then we need to stop and yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to overwhelm our souls with His presence. As you yield to and experience the intervention of the Holy Spirit in your life you will find that a water course of glory has been cut through your soul and that you have entered into the rest (Hebrews 4:10; Matthew 11:28).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Daily Bread - FEB/21/07
Ephesians 2:11 - "For this reason remember that you were once gentiles in the flesh called uncircumcised by those called circumcised in the flesh made by hands."
Circumcision has been elevated beyond the mere removal of the foreskin of the flesh to a change of heart or nature. Before true circumcision was made available, every person who was not born of the seed of Abraham and circumcised in the foreskin of their flesh was considered unclean and separated from any type of a relationship with God. But now it is no longer the circumcision made with hands but the circumcision of Christ that marks the true covenant child of God (Colossians 2:11; Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 5:6; 6:15; Philippians 3:3).
Those who have been redeemed are no longer called by the unclean name of "gentiles" but are called sons of God (John 1:12; Romans 8:14; 2 Corinthians 6:18; 1 John 3:1). God's desire for man was to deliver him from the dominion of sin and the "god of this world" and restore him to a place of union with Himself; circumcision of the flesh could never accomplish that. The only way the instinct and nature of man could be changed was for his heart to be changed and made pure.
An uncircumcised heart speaks of a nature twisted and dominated by sin that causes the uncleanness of spirit and soul. Through the circumcision that is in Christ Jesus that uncleanness was removed and a new heart and a new spirit sprang forth out of the darkness that was shrouded by sin (Ezekiel 36:26; 2 Corinthians 3:3; Hebrews 8:10). This spiritual circumcision of the heart is the bringing forth of a new creation in Christ that possesses the divine nature (Galatians 6:15; 2 Peter 1:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus we become dead to the former life and are raised up together with Christ Jesus to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12-13; 3:1-3). The circumcision of Christ is more than the removal of a body of foreskin; it is the removal of the body of the sins of the flesh (Colossians 2:11). It is the liberation of a heart once bound by sin to worship God in Spirit and in Truth.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Ephesians 2:11 - "For this reason remember that you were once gentiles in the flesh called uncircumcised by those called circumcised in the flesh made by hands."
Circumcision has been elevated beyond the mere removal of the foreskin of the flesh to a change of heart or nature. Before true circumcision was made available, every person who was not born of the seed of Abraham and circumcised in the foreskin of their flesh was considered unclean and separated from any type of a relationship with God. But now it is no longer the circumcision made with hands but the circumcision of Christ that marks the true covenant child of God (Colossians 2:11; Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 5:6; 6:15; Philippians 3:3).
Those who have been redeemed are no longer called by the unclean name of "gentiles" but are called sons of God (John 1:12; Romans 8:14; 2 Corinthians 6:18; 1 John 3:1). God's desire for man was to deliver him from the dominion of sin and the "god of this world" and restore him to a place of union with Himself; circumcision of the flesh could never accomplish that. The only way the instinct and nature of man could be changed was for his heart to be changed and made pure.
An uncircumcised heart speaks of a nature twisted and dominated by sin that causes the uncleanness of spirit and soul. Through the circumcision that is in Christ Jesus that uncleanness was removed and a new heart and a new spirit sprang forth out of the darkness that was shrouded by sin (Ezekiel 36:26; 2 Corinthians 3:3; Hebrews 8:10). This spiritual circumcision of the heart is the bringing forth of a new creation in Christ that possesses the divine nature (Galatians 6:15; 2 Peter 1:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus we become dead to the former life and are raised up together with Christ Jesus to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12-13; 3:1-3). The circumcision of Christ is more than the removal of a body of foreskin; it is the removal of the body of the sins of the flesh (Colossians 2:11). It is the liberation of a heart once bound by sin to worship God in Spirit and in Truth.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Daily Bread - FEB/20/07
Acts 21:10-11 - "And we remained many days in which a prophet came from Judea named Agabus. And when He was come to us and he had taken Paul's belt he bound his own hands and feet saying this is what the Holy Spirit says: the man who owns this belt shall be bound in this way by the Jews in Jerusalem and given over into the hands of Gentiles."
In the New Testament a prophet is noted for several things - one of which is the word of knowledge. The primary effect that the word of knowledge should have on people is to reveal Jesus and call them to salvation (1 Corinthians 14:24-25; John 1:49; 4:19). The first prophet mentioned in the New Testament is John the Baptist (Matthew 11:9; Luke 1:76; 7:28). The second was Jesus who was also regarded as a prophet (Matthew 13:57; 21:11; Luke 13:33; 24:19; John 7:40). When Moses spoke of the Messiah that would come, he called Him a prophet (Acts 3:22; 7:37; Deuteronomy 18:15-16,19). A total of seven prophets are named in the book of Acts; Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, Judas, Silas, and Agabus (Acts 13:13; 15:32; 21:10).
When Jesus was talking with the woman at the well and told her that she had been married five times and was living with a man that was not her husband, she said, "sir, I perceive that you are a prophet" (John 4:19). A similar word of knowledge had altogether a different effect on Nathaniel who through the word of knowledge that was given to him by Jesus said, "Master, you are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel." (John 1:49). Of all the prophets mentioned in the New Testament, those that we know the most about are Jesus and John the Baptist. The primary characteristic of their ministries was to call men to repentance so that they might come into the Kingdom of God (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Mark 1:15; 6:12).
We know that God has put prophets in the ministry of the church and, therefore, so long as there is a church there will be prophets (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11). Today, all of these ministry gifts such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are the leaders of the churches and usually grouped in the category of pastors. The one outstanding exception are the evangelists. However, those evangelists that are most effective usually also have a pastoral role in some capacity. This is not because a pastoral role is essential, but the gifting itself is interwoven with the fabric of the church.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 21:10-11 - "And we remained many days in which a prophet came from Judea named Agabus. And when He was come to us and he had taken Paul's belt he bound his own hands and feet saying this is what the Holy Spirit says: the man who owns this belt shall be bound in this way by the Jews in Jerusalem and given over into the hands of Gentiles."
In the New Testament a prophet is noted for several things - one of which is the word of knowledge. The primary effect that the word of knowledge should have on people is to reveal Jesus and call them to salvation (1 Corinthians 14:24-25; John 1:49; 4:19). The first prophet mentioned in the New Testament is John the Baptist (Matthew 11:9; Luke 1:76; 7:28). The second was Jesus who was also regarded as a prophet (Matthew 13:57; 21:11; Luke 13:33; 24:19; John 7:40). When Moses spoke of the Messiah that would come, he called Him a prophet (Acts 3:22; 7:37; Deuteronomy 18:15-16,19). A total of seven prophets are named in the book of Acts; Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, Judas, Silas, and Agabus (Acts 13:13; 15:32; 21:10).
When Jesus was talking with the woman at the well and told her that she had been married five times and was living with a man that was not her husband, she said, "sir, I perceive that you are a prophet" (John 4:19). A similar word of knowledge had altogether a different effect on Nathaniel who through the word of knowledge that was given to him by Jesus said, "Master, you are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel." (John 1:49). Of all the prophets mentioned in the New Testament, those that we know the most about are Jesus and John the Baptist. The primary characteristic of their ministries was to call men to repentance so that they might come into the Kingdom of God (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Mark 1:15; 6:12).
We know that God has put prophets in the ministry of the church and, therefore, so long as there is a church there will be prophets (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11). Today, all of these ministry gifts such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are the leaders of the churches and usually grouped in the category of pastors. The one outstanding exception are the evangelists. However, those evangelists that are most effective usually also have a pastoral role in some capacity. This is not because a pastoral role is essential, but the gifting itself is interwoven with the fabric of the church.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - FEB/19/07
Acts 16:31 - "And they said, 'Believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved and your house.' "
The Greek word "sotzo" is translated "saved." It is used to express our rescue from sin and death in the New Testament. The redemption that is in Christ Jesus has brought "sotzo" to our spirit, soul, and body. This word not only refers to being delivered from the sinful nature but also preserved and protected against future assaults by Satan. It is a word that is used to describe healing of the body from sickness and disease as much as deliverance of the spirit and soul from sin and death (Mark 5:23; 10:52; Luke 8:36,48,50; James 5:15; Galatians 2:20).
Although the word appears 364 times in the Old Testament, it is first observed in the New Testament in Matthew 1:21, "And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins." The Lord Jesus has not only promised to save us by simply asking Him to do so, He has also promised to protect and keep us (Jude 24; 1 Peter 1:5; John 10:28; 17:11, 12, 15; Romans 8:38-39; Philippians 1:6).
You may truly rest safely when Christ Jesus has saved you; for He is the good shepherd who has laid down His life for His sheep. He is the one who will keep that which we have committed unto Him (2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 12:2; Romans 15:13; Ephesians 1:13; Philippians 3:21; Hebrews 2:18; 7:25) . He is still the good shepherd today who is watching over His sheep to protect and defend them against every evil thing. He is the one who will never leave you nor forsake you. He will always uphold you and will perfect everything that concerns you.
It is Jesus who forever lives to make intercession for us as the one who authored and finished our salvation. All of these past and present activities of Jesus are included in the meaning of "sotzo." Peter revealed the same thing to Cornelius' house by saying, "all who believe in His name shall receive the release of sins" (Acts 10:43). When the crowd of Jews asked what they must do in Acts 2:37, Peter said, "Repent and be baptized each one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the releasing of sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Being saved includes your sins being released, your body being healed, and the gift of the Holy Spirit being made available. Father has made salvation so easy to obtain. There is nothing complicated about being born of the Spirit; all one must do is call and God will answer. It is just as easy to be healed and forgiven as it is to be saved; all one must do is ask in faith.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 16:31 - "And they said, 'Believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved and your house.' "
The Greek word "sotzo" is translated "saved." It is used to express our rescue from sin and death in the New Testament. The redemption that is in Christ Jesus has brought "sotzo" to our spirit, soul, and body. This word not only refers to being delivered from the sinful nature but also preserved and protected against future assaults by Satan. It is a word that is used to describe healing of the body from sickness and disease as much as deliverance of the spirit and soul from sin and death (Mark 5:23; 10:52; Luke 8:36,48,50; James 5:15; Galatians 2:20).
Although the word appears 364 times in the Old Testament, it is first observed in the New Testament in Matthew 1:21, "And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins." The Lord Jesus has not only promised to save us by simply asking Him to do so, He has also promised to protect and keep us (Jude 24; 1 Peter 1:5; John 10:28; 17:11, 12, 15; Romans 8:38-39; Philippians 1:6).
You may truly rest safely when Christ Jesus has saved you; for He is the good shepherd who has laid down His life for His sheep. He is the one who will keep that which we have committed unto Him (2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 12:2; Romans 15:13; Ephesians 1:13; Philippians 3:21; Hebrews 2:18; 7:25) . He is still the good shepherd today who is watching over His sheep to protect and defend them against every evil thing. He is the one who will never leave you nor forsake you. He will always uphold you and will perfect everything that concerns you.
It is Jesus who forever lives to make intercession for us as the one who authored and finished our salvation. All of these past and present activities of Jesus are included in the meaning of "sotzo." Peter revealed the same thing to Cornelius' house by saying, "all who believe in His name shall receive the release of sins" (Acts 10:43). When the crowd of Jews asked what they must do in Acts 2:37, Peter said, "Repent and be baptized each one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the releasing of sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Being saved includes your sins being released, your body being healed, and the gift of the Holy Spirit being made available. Father has made salvation so easy to obtain. There is nothing complicated about being born of the Spirit; all one must do is call and God will answer. It is just as easy to be healed and forgiven as it is to be saved; all one must do is ask in faith.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
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