Daily Bread - MAR/24/07
Colossians 1:8 - Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
The love that is given to the New Testament saint far exceeds human love. The love of God that has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit is divine love or Father's love (Romans 5:5; 1 John 2:15). This love that we are commanded to have one for another is a love that only functions by the Holy Spirit therefore, to have it one must be 'in Spirit'. Being 'in the Spirit' begins in our life when we are born of the Spirit (John 3:6; Romans 8:9).
However, it is an ongoing act of our will to submit to the inspiration and leading of the Holy Spirit that is prompted by the Word of God. As we ask the Holy Spirit to love through us in the face of hate and rejection, refusing the human inspiration of self-defense, we find ourselves overwhelmed with the inspiration of divine love pouring out like a river.
The Greek phrase that is used here 'en pneumati', literally means 'in Spirit' and is found 36 times in the New Testament. The many context in which it is used helps to underscore the dependency that we must have on the Holy Spirit, if His fruits or characteristics are going to be revealed in our lives. Jesus said, "If I cast out devils 'en pneumati' then the kingdom of God is come" (Matthew 12:28). When David prophesied and foretold of the coming Messiah he did so 'in Spirit' - "how then did David 'en pneumati' call him Lord?" (Matthew 22:43). These are two scriptures out of many examples, which should serve to underscore that 'in pneumati' refers to something that is produced by the Spirit of God and not by any quality or attribute of an individual. Whether it is love, peace, joy, faith, power to cast out devils, miracles, healings or prophecy it only can function in our life as we give ourselves over to the working of the Holy Spirit in us and through us.
Walk in love,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/23/07
Colossians 1:11 - In all power strengthened according to his glorious might unto all enduring patience and forbearance with joy.
There are three attitudes that are named in this verse of scripture: patience, forbearance, and joy. These three attitudes are obviously very important to God and to our spiritual success. Therefore, God has given us His power so that we may be strengthened with His glorious might in order to maintain this disposition. The importance of these characteristics demands a closer look at the actual and practical meaning of these words.
The Greek word that is used for patience (hupomone) means patience, endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, perseverance, and expectation (BDAG). One of many things that are being described is a relentless commitment to a course of action no matter what difficulties are presented. When we know that God has already planned our success and that the test is essential to being trained to handle that success then we can look up and see beyond the difficulties that we encounter. God is so devoted to us that He provides us with His own supernatural strength to bear up under these pressures. We are talking about something on the level of a defiant perseverance that holds up under every sort of delayed results of aggressive misfortune. This same word is used in the Septuagint about 25 times to which Psalms 62:5 captures the true essence of this word. The Psalmist commands his soul as to how it will behave: "My soul, you wait upon God; for my expectation (hupomone) is from Him".
The characteristic that is expressed in the next Greek word which we usually translate longsuffering (makrothumia) is somewhat similar. This Greek word is considered a synonym to the Greek word for patience. However, there are some unique qualities to this word that demands our attention. This word not only includes patience, steadfastness, endurance but also forbearance and tolerance or self-control in the face of provocation (BDAG). Forbearance is the ability to maintain an emotional quietness in the face of opposing circumstances. Many times it is because of our outburst of self-defense and emotional hurt that we create problems for ourselves and the ones that we love. Our Heavenly Father has modeled forbearance for us in the way that He deals with the wickedness of man in the face of His unfailing love. God does not pour out His just wrath upon the transgressors but instead forgives and saves. In Isaiah 57:15 this Greek word is used in such a way as to help us understand both the nature of forbearance and what God will do for those who walk in it "For this is what the High and the Lofty One says that inhabits eternity whose name is Holy, I dwell in the high and holy place with him also of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble (makrothumia) and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Colossians 1:11 - In all power strengthened according to his glorious might unto all enduring patience and forbearance with joy.
There are three attitudes that are named in this verse of scripture: patience, forbearance, and joy. These three attitudes are obviously very important to God and to our spiritual success. Therefore, God has given us His power so that we may be strengthened with His glorious might in order to maintain this disposition. The importance of these characteristics demands a closer look at the actual and practical meaning of these words.
The Greek word that is used for patience (hupomone) means patience, endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, perseverance, and expectation (BDAG). One of many things that are being described is a relentless commitment to a course of action no matter what difficulties are presented. When we know that God has already planned our success and that the test is essential to being trained to handle that success then we can look up and see beyond the difficulties that we encounter. God is so devoted to us that He provides us with His own supernatural strength to bear up under these pressures. We are talking about something on the level of a defiant perseverance that holds up under every sort of delayed results of aggressive misfortune. This same word is used in the Septuagint about 25 times to which Psalms 62:5 captures the true essence of this word. The Psalmist commands his soul as to how it will behave: "My soul, you wait upon God; for my expectation (hupomone) is from Him".
The characteristic that is expressed in the next Greek word which we usually translate longsuffering (makrothumia) is somewhat similar. This Greek word is considered a synonym to the Greek word for patience. However, there are some unique qualities to this word that demands our attention. This word not only includes patience, steadfastness, endurance but also forbearance and tolerance or self-control in the face of provocation (BDAG). Forbearance is the ability to maintain an emotional quietness in the face of opposing circumstances. Many times it is because of our outburst of self-defense and emotional hurt that we create problems for ourselves and the ones that we love. Our Heavenly Father has modeled forbearance for us in the way that He deals with the wickedness of man in the face of His unfailing love. God does not pour out His just wrath upon the transgressors but instead forgives and saves. In Isaiah 57:15 this Greek word is used in such a way as to help us understand both the nature of forbearance and what God will do for those who walk in it "For this is what the High and the Lofty One says that inhabits eternity whose name is Holy, I dwell in the high and holy place with him also of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble (makrothumia) and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/22/07
John 14:27 - "I leave you Peace. My Peace I give to you. I give it to you not as the world gives it to you. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid."
It is an awesome thought to realize that the Prince of Peace has given us His Peace (Isaiah 9:6). This is a Peace that passes all understanding that commands every fear and worry to be silenced and every storm to be stilled (Philippians 4:7; Matthew 8:26; Luke 8:24). The Peace of God gives us the confidence and assurance that it is impossible for us to fail (Isaiah 30:15; 33:6; Jeremiah 29:11; Philippians 4:19; John 14:13-14). Peace is something that only comes from God, and through Christ Jesus we have received it without measure (Job 25:2; Romans 1:7; 15:13; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 1:3; 2 John 1:3; Acts 10:36).
One of the chief descriptions of God in the New Testament is that He is a God of Peace (Philippians 4:9; Romans 15:33; 16:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20). The Kingdom of God of which we are a part is a Kingdom of Peace (Isaiah 9:7; Romans 14:17). The good news of the New Testament that we preach is a gospel of Peace (Isaiah 52:7; Nahum 1:15; Romans 10:15). Power has been given to us in the name of Jesus is to proclaim Peace to every situation of life and to every person we encounter who are near to God and also to those who are far away from Him (Isaiah 57:19; Ephesians 2:17; Luke 10:5-6; Matthew 10:13).
We are to live under the rule of Peace and to be dominated by its effects so that it rules our hearts and minds thus governing every thought (Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:16). God has given us His Peace so that we can be empowered against all fear that would attempt to overwhelm our hearts. If we are going to walk with God in the realm of faith, then we must not allow our hearts to be troubled neither be afraid. It is this glorious Peace that is the witness that we are submitted to the realm of the Kingdom of God and under the rule of the Holy Spirit and government of Jesus (Galatians 5:23; Romans 14:17; 8:16; 2 Corinthians 1:22).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
John 14:27 - "I leave you Peace. My Peace I give to you. I give it to you not as the world gives it to you. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid."
It is an awesome thought to realize that the Prince of Peace has given us His Peace (Isaiah 9:6). This is a Peace that passes all understanding that commands every fear and worry to be silenced and every storm to be stilled (Philippians 4:7; Matthew 8:26; Luke 8:24). The Peace of God gives us the confidence and assurance that it is impossible for us to fail (Isaiah 30:15; 33:6; Jeremiah 29:11; Philippians 4:19; John 14:13-14). Peace is something that only comes from God, and through Christ Jesus we have received it without measure (Job 25:2; Romans 1:7; 15:13; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 1:3; 2 John 1:3; Acts 10:36).
One of the chief descriptions of God in the New Testament is that He is a God of Peace (Philippians 4:9; Romans 15:33; 16:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20). The Kingdom of God of which we are a part is a Kingdom of Peace (Isaiah 9:7; Romans 14:17). The good news of the New Testament that we preach is a gospel of Peace (Isaiah 52:7; Nahum 1:15; Romans 10:15). Power has been given to us in the name of Jesus is to proclaim Peace to every situation of life and to every person we encounter who are near to God and also to those who are far away from Him (Isaiah 57:19; Ephesians 2:17; Luke 10:5-6; Matthew 10:13).
We are to live under the rule of Peace and to be dominated by its effects so that it rules our hearts and minds thus governing every thought (Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:16). God has given us His Peace so that we can be empowered against all fear that would attempt to overwhelm our hearts. If we are going to walk with God in the realm of faith, then we must not allow our hearts to be troubled neither be afraid. It is this glorious Peace that is the witness that we are submitted to the realm of the Kingdom of God and under the rule of the Holy Spirit and government of Jesus (Galatians 5:23; Romans 14:17; 8:16; 2 Corinthians 1:22).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/21/07
John 14:27 - I leave you Peace. My Peace I give to you. I give it to you not as the world gives it to you. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.
We have been given the Peace of God by the Lord Jesus Christ so that we can live our lives safe and secure in Him (Romans 10:15; 8:6; 15:13; John 16:33; Ephesians 2:17; Luke 1:79; Malachi 2:6). The relationship that He has provided for us should leave us worry-free. Just knowing that we do not have to really have faith for the difficult situations that we find ourselves in, we need only have faith in Him and He will do whatever we ask (John 14:11-14). He will take care of us and provide for us according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 9:8-11; Mathew 7:11; Luke 11:13). His love and care for us is so great that He laid His own life down so that we might live.
If God loved us so much before we had any kind of relationship with Him, how much more will that love and care be expressed toward us now that we know Him and serve Him (Romans 5:10; 8:32; Luke 12:32)? The love that God has for us should give us boldness and confidence no matter what situation we find ourselves in (1 John 4:17; Ephesians 3:12). In fact, keeping ourselves in this love is key to the miracle of God's provision for every one of our needs (1 John 4:16-17; Galatians 5:6; Jude 1:20-21; Joshua 1:6-8). Doubt and unbelief work in the realm of fear and self reliance (1 John 4:18; Luke 8:50; 12:32). The enemy of our soul constantly attacks and slanders God's character and commitment to us. Yet we are able to find our repose in the Peace that has been given to us by Christ Jesus so that we may boldly say, "if God be for us who can be against us" (Romans 8:31; 1 John 4:4).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
John 14:27 - I leave you Peace. My Peace I give to you. I give it to you not as the world gives it to you. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.
We have been given the Peace of God by the Lord Jesus Christ so that we can live our lives safe and secure in Him (Romans 10:15; 8:6; 15:13; John 16:33; Ephesians 2:17; Luke 1:79; Malachi 2:6). The relationship that He has provided for us should leave us worry-free. Just knowing that we do not have to really have faith for the difficult situations that we find ourselves in, we need only have faith in Him and He will do whatever we ask (John 14:11-14). He will take care of us and provide for us according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 9:8-11; Mathew 7:11; Luke 11:13). His love and care for us is so great that He laid His own life down so that we might live.
If God loved us so much before we had any kind of relationship with Him, how much more will that love and care be expressed toward us now that we know Him and serve Him (Romans 5:10; 8:32; Luke 12:32)? The love that God has for us should give us boldness and confidence no matter what situation we find ourselves in (1 John 4:17; Ephesians 3:12). In fact, keeping ourselves in this love is key to the miracle of God's provision for every one of our needs (1 John 4:16-17; Galatians 5:6; Jude 1:20-21; Joshua 1:6-8). Doubt and unbelief work in the realm of fear and self reliance (1 John 4:18; Luke 8:50; 12:32). The enemy of our soul constantly attacks and slanders God's character and commitment to us. Yet we are able to find our repose in the Peace that has been given to us by Christ Jesus so that we may boldly say, "if God be for us who can be against us" (Romans 8:31; 1 John 4:4).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/20/07
Acts 22:6 - And while I was on my journey and coming near to Damascus about noon suddenly a bright light shown about me from heaven.
The word "hikanos" is found 41 times in the New Testament. This adjective is used more by Luke than anyone else occurring 10 times in Luke and 19 times in Acts. It usually refers to a sufficient quantity whose magnitude would be defined by what is being contrasted; for example sufficient light to be seen at noon. It is translated in various ways in the Septuagint but one of the more notable words that it often translates is "Shaddai" which as a name of God refers to the all sufficient one or the "Almighty", El Shaddai (Ruth 1:20, 21).
Keeping this in mind Paul's special usage in 2 Corinthians sheds more light on the idea of being sufficient, "our sufficiency (hikanoi) is from God, who has made us sufficient (hikanotes) ministers of the new covenant" (2 Corinthians 3:5-6). Knowing that our ministry is of God and that it is to be a supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit working through us the word sufficient cannot be mistaken for just satisfactory.
For our ministry to be sufficient to God then it must be at the magnitude that He has desired it to be. Thus by His grace He has supplied us with His power so that we may function in a realm superior to human ability (Romans 15:19,29; 1 Corinthians 2:4; Matthew 10:20; Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:29; Luke 9:1; 10:1,9; Mark 16:17; Acts 1:8; 4:33). If our ministry depends on our own human effort then it is not sufficient (2Corinthins 4:7; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 3:7; Romans 8:2-9). When we consider that the event of this passage took place at noon when the sun was the brightest then we understand that a sufficient amount of light would need to be very bright, which leads us to the most appropriate translation of "hikanos" in this verse, 'bright'. This translation is further justified by the wording of Acts 26:13 where the Greek word "lamprotes" (brightness) is used to describe this same event.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 22:6 - And while I was on my journey and coming near to Damascus about noon suddenly a bright light shown about me from heaven.
The word "hikanos" is found 41 times in the New Testament. This adjective is used more by Luke than anyone else occurring 10 times in Luke and 19 times in Acts. It usually refers to a sufficient quantity whose magnitude would be defined by what is being contrasted; for example sufficient light to be seen at noon. It is translated in various ways in the Septuagint but one of the more notable words that it often translates is "Shaddai" which as a name of God refers to the all sufficient one or the "Almighty", El Shaddai (Ruth 1:20, 21).
Keeping this in mind Paul's special usage in 2 Corinthians sheds more light on the idea of being sufficient, "our sufficiency (hikanoi) is from God, who has made us sufficient (hikanotes) ministers of the new covenant" (2 Corinthians 3:5-6). Knowing that our ministry is of God and that it is to be a supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit working through us the word sufficient cannot be mistaken for just satisfactory.
For our ministry to be sufficient to God then it must be at the magnitude that He has desired it to be. Thus by His grace He has supplied us with His power so that we may function in a realm superior to human ability (Romans 15:19,29; 1 Corinthians 2:4; Matthew 10:20; Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:29; Luke 9:1; 10:1,9; Mark 16:17; Acts 1:8; 4:33). If our ministry depends on our own human effort then it is not sufficient (2Corinthins 4:7; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 3:7; Romans 8:2-9). When we consider that the event of this passage took place at noon when the sun was the brightest then we understand that a sufficient amount of light would need to be very bright, which leads us to the most appropriate translation of "hikanos" in this verse, 'bright'. This translation is further justified by the wording of Acts 26:13 where the Greek word "lamprotes" (brightness) is used to describe this same event.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, March 19, 2007
Daily Bread - MAR/19/07
Acts 2:24 - Whom God raised up loosing the pains of death because it was not possible for its power to hold Him.
The power of death that seized Adam was not powerful enough to hold Jesus. In fact, through His death He abolished death (2 Timothy 1:10). As the power of death entered into the world by Adam even so by Jesus Christ came the resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:21; http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2015:21;&version=9;). Jesus, through His death, stripped principalities and powers and proved their defeat (Colossians 2:15). He effectively destroyed the devil by destroying his reign of death and his power to dominate man with sin and death (Hebrews 2:14; Romans 5:14; 8:2).
The final outcome of the resurrection is that Jesus - the son of David and the Son of God who is the Alpha and Omega and forever the Eternal King - possesses the keys of hell and death (Revelation 1:18). Everyone who will have faith in His name He gives resurrection life and power to (Romans 6:5; 1 Corinthians 15:21). The power that is in the resurrection of Jesus is power over eternal death (Revelation 20:6).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 2:24 - Whom God raised up loosing the pains of death because it was not possible for its power to hold Him.
The power of death that seized Adam was not powerful enough to hold Jesus. In fact, through His death He abolished death (2 Timothy 1:10). As the power of death entered into the world by Adam even so by Jesus Christ came the resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:21; http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2015:21;&version=9;). Jesus, through His death, stripped principalities and powers and proved their defeat (Colossians 2:15). He effectively destroyed the devil by destroying his reign of death and his power to dominate man with sin and death (Hebrews 2:14; Romans 5:14; 8:2).
The final outcome of the resurrection is that Jesus - the son of David and the Son of God who is the Alpha and Omega and forever the Eternal King - possesses the keys of hell and death (Revelation 1:18). Everyone who will have faith in His name He gives resurrection life and power to (Romans 6:5; 1 Corinthians 15:21). The power that is in the resurrection of Jesus is power over eternal death (Revelation 20:6).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
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