Daily Bread - APR/20/07
Ephesians 6:18 - Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and petition and through it stay alert with all persistence and intercession for all the saints.
Paul insisted that we pray in the Spirit. He made it clear to the church at Corinth that praying in the Spirit was a certain kind of prayer wherein the spirit was engaged in prayer (1 Corinthians 14:14-15). The prayer of the Spirit that produces the language of the Spirit participates in a communication directly to God (1 Corinthians 14:2; Romans 8:26). The only way that we can understand the true meaning of what Paul was saying regarding the prayer of the Spirit is to recognize that when the church was filled with the Spirit a divine utterance was given to them (Acts 2: 4). It must be recognized by all that if we are to pray in the Spirit then some event has to happen where we are filled by the Holy Spirit and the prayer that we engage in is not our own but His.
Paul's message to the church is that we remain totally alert as the army of God and every need that presents itself is to be taken to God in prayer. Among those urgent needs was Paul's own ministry of the word. He desired the church to pray for him that he would both be given the word to speak and that he would speak the word of God with boldness.
Unfortunately, if we are not careful we will pray after our own human concern and understanding and be completely ineffective. It is only the prayer of the Spirit that is the effectual and effective prayer (1 John 5:14; Romans 8:5, 27; 1 Corinthians 2:16). When we pray in the Spirit we will also receive the revelation or interpretation of those utterances so that we can understand and receive instruction and edification by it (1 Corinthians 14:6,12,13,15,16). Many times we also make the mistake of praying in the Spirit just short of the prayer that everyone can understand (1 Corinthians 14:6,13).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, April 20, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Daily Bread - APR/19/07
Colossians 4:2 - Devote yourself to prayer staying alert by it with thanksgiving.
Prayer is one of the common subjects of the Bible. It is one of the many privileges granted to us by God which allows us to come to Him and ask whatever we desire (Mark 11:24; John 14:13-14; 15:7; 1 John 3:22; 5:14-15). At the same time, prayer is how we yield to the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20; 1 Corinthians 14:4; Acts 2:4; Romans 8:26-27). Through prayer we are able to stay alert to the spiritual condition of things around us as well as build ourselves up in faith (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Peter 4:7).
Prayer is something that we must learn to do in the Spirit and by the Spirit if it is to be effectual. Otherwise, we can be lost in a compromise of words and thoughts that really take us nowhere. But if we allow the Spirit of God to pray through us then we will find ourselves praying with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit rather than caught away in a mental exercise of request and petitions.
Prayer must become an act of worship where we interact with God, and through this interaction the wellspring of life overwhelms our hearts (Luke 19:46; Matthew 21:13; Isaiah 56:3). One of the important dispositions of prayer is the act of thanksgiving. When Jesus multiplied the loaves and the fishes He simply gave thanks, and one of the great miracles of all time was the result (Matthew 15:36; John 6:23). Paul describes the utterances of the Spirit in the heavenly language as the giving of thanks (1 Corinthians 14:16-17). Of course, if prayer is of the Spirit and of faith then thanksgiving will naturally be a consequence of such a realm. Considering that faith has the certainty that those things which are asked for are supplied, thanksgiving overwhelms us with the knowledge that all is well. Through the work of the Holy Spirit we are build up and established in faith and we learn to function in that realm through this act of thanksgiving (Colossians 2:7; Philippians 4:6).
We are called to be devoted to the realm of prayer, to be so given to this fellowship with God in the Holy Spirit that at any instant the prayer of the Spirit gushes forth from us as rivers of living water (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; Romans 12:12). Through this overflow of God in our lives all that we have need of is supplied. Prayer may be viewed as a divine connection which results in the power of God flowing out of us to supply all of our needs and the needs of those around us (James 5:14-16; Colossians 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:1; Acts 13:3).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Colossians 4:2 - Devote yourself to prayer staying alert by it with thanksgiving.
Prayer is one of the common subjects of the Bible. It is one of the many privileges granted to us by God which allows us to come to Him and ask whatever we desire (Mark 11:24; John 14:13-14; 15:7; 1 John 3:22; 5:14-15). At the same time, prayer is how we yield to the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20; 1 Corinthians 14:4; Acts 2:4; Romans 8:26-27). Through prayer we are able to stay alert to the spiritual condition of things around us as well as build ourselves up in faith (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Peter 4:7).
Prayer is something that we must learn to do in the Spirit and by the Spirit if it is to be effectual. Otherwise, we can be lost in a compromise of words and thoughts that really take us nowhere. But if we allow the Spirit of God to pray through us then we will find ourselves praying with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit rather than caught away in a mental exercise of request and petitions.
Prayer must become an act of worship where we interact with God, and through this interaction the wellspring of life overwhelms our hearts (Luke 19:46; Matthew 21:13; Isaiah 56:3). One of the important dispositions of prayer is the act of thanksgiving. When Jesus multiplied the loaves and the fishes He simply gave thanks, and one of the great miracles of all time was the result (Matthew 15:36; John 6:23). Paul describes the utterances of the Spirit in the heavenly language as the giving of thanks (1 Corinthians 14:16-17). Of course, if prayer is of the Spirit and of faith then thanksgiving will naturally be a consequence of such a realm. Considering that faith has the certainty that those things which are asked for are supplied, thanksgiving overwhelms us with the knowledge that all is well. Through the work of the Holy Spirit we are build up and established in faith and we learn to function in that realm through this act of thanksgiving (Colossians 2:7; Philippians 4:6).
We are called to be devoted to the realm of prayer, to be so given to this fellowship with God in the Holy Spirit that at any instant the prayer of the Spirit gushes forth from us as rivers of living water (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; Romans 12:12). Through this overflow of God in our lives all that we have need of is supplied. Prayer may be viewed as a divine connection which results in the power of God flowing out of us to supply all of our needs and the needs of those around us (James 5:14-16; Colossians 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:1; Acts 13:3).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Daily Bread - APR/18/07
Colossians 4:3 - Also praying for us that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ for which also I am a prisoner.
Paul seeks prayer from the saints so that there would be an open door for him to make known the mystery of Christ - which He also called the mystery of the gospel and the mystery of God (Ephesians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 2:1; Colossians 2:2). If we are going to impact the lives of those around us with the truth and power of the gospel then we too must have supernatural help. Excellency of speech with a kind and sympathetic tone is not good enough (1 Corinthians 2:1).
Paul realized that prayer was essential to both the open door of opportunity and the divine ability to reveal Christ Jesus (Ephesians 6:19). We would do well if we would take note of the need to pray in the Spirit for all those who are ministering the gospel so that the effectiveness of ministry would increase (Ephesians 6:18; Romans 5:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1). If we did nothing else but take up our part in prayer and behavior to support the effectiveness of the local church meetings, great advancements would be made.
We should also recognize that we should petition others to pray in agreement with us that each of us would have the open door of opportunity as well as the boldness to make known the gospel in our everyday lives. There are so many people around us who need and desire to be touched by God. If we will consistently ask and consistently make ourselves available to the Holy Spirit then we will discover the power of God flowing through each of our lives touching those who we minister to (Mark 16:17; John 14:12; Acts 1:8).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Colossians 4:3 - Also praying for us that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ for which also I am a prisoner.
Paul seeks prayer from the saints so that there would be an open door for him to make known the mystery of Christ - which He also called the mystery of the gospel and the mystery of God (Ephesians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 2:1; Colossians 2:2). If we are going to impact the lives of those around us with the truth and power of the gospel then we too must have supernatural help. Excellency of speech with a kind and sympathetic tone is not good enough (1 Corinthians 2:1).
Paul realized that prayer was essential to both the open door of opportunity and the divine ability to reveal Christ Jesus (Ephesians 6:19). We would do well if we would take note of the need to pray in the Spirit for all those who are ministering the gospel so that the effectiveness of ministry would increase (Ephesians 6:18; Romans 5:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1). If we did nothing else but take up our part in prayer and behavior to support the effectiveness of the local church meetings, great advancements would be made.
We should also recognize that we should petition others to pray in agreement with us that each of us would have the open door of opportunity as well as the boldness to make known the gospel in our everyday lives. There are so many people around us who need and desire to be touched by God. If we will consistently ask and consistently make ourselves available to the Holy Spirit then we will discover the power of God flowing through each of our lives touching those who we minister to (Mark 16:17; John 14:12; Acts 1:8).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Daily Bread - APR/17/07
2 Corinthians 10:4 - For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly but mighty through God to the casting down of strongholds.
There are four verses of scripture that uses the word for weapon (hoplon). They are: 2 Corinthians 10:4 (the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly); Romans 13:12 (put on the weapons of light); 2 Corinthians 6:7 (the weapons of righteousness on the right and left) and Romans 6:13 (your members as weapons of righteousness to God). Knowing that God has given us these weapons for the spiritual battle that we face and that we are to put them on then it would be good to identify what the weapons are.
The most important weapon spoken of in the New Testament is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). This is the weapon that Jesus used when He faced the devil on earth and the one that He will use when He fights against His enemies in the future. The Word of God is pictured as a sword which comes out of His mouth (Revelation 19:15; 2:16; 1:16; Isaiah 11:4).
We must all recognize that it is essential that we follow the Captain of our salvation, Jesus Christ, into this battle against sin and deception. We must engage in the most important battle that will ever exist. This is a battle for the souls of men including our own. We must recognize that God has called us to be soldiers and that the army that He has made us part of has the absolute certainty of success (2 Timothy 2:3-4; 1 John 5:4; Romans 8:37; John 16:33). If we fail to arise to this battle the opportunity of standing up in His greatness will be lost to us forever.
Let us seize this opportunity to stand up and speak with a voice that will last throughout the ages. Let us proclaim with every act of righteousness and truth that the things of the Kingdom of God are worth fighting for. Through obedience to God's Word our members can be a weapon that destroys every grip of Satan and renders his influence powerless.
Be blessed!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
2 Corinthians 10:4 - For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly but mighty through God to the casting down of strongholds.
There are four verses of scripture that uses the word for weapon (hoplon). They are: 2 Corinthians 10:4 (the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly); Romans 13:12 (put on the weapons of light); 2 Corinthians 6:7 (the weapons of righteousness on the right and left) and Romans 6:13 (your members as weapons of righteousness to God). Knowing that God has given us these weapons for the spiritual battle that we face and that we are to put them on then it would be good to identify what the weapons are.
The most important weapon spoken of in the New Testament is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). This is the weapon that Jesus used when He faced the devil on earth and the one that He will use when He fights against His enemies in the future. The Word of God is pictured as a sword which comes out of His mouth (Revelation 19:15; 2:16; 1:16; Isaiah 11:4).
We must all recognize that it is essential that we follow the Captain of our salvation, Jesus Christ, into this battle against sin and deception. We must engage in the most important battle that will ever exist. This is a battle for the souls of men including our own. We must recognize that God has called us to be soldiers and that the army that He has made us part of has the absolute certainty of success (2 Timothy 2:3-4; 1 John 5:4; Romans 8:37; John 16:33). If we fail to arise to this battle the opportunity of standing up in His greatness will be lost to us forever.
Let us seize this opportunity to stand up and speak with a voice that will last throughout the ages. Let us proclaim with every act of righteousness and truth that the things of the Kingdom of God are worth fighting for. Through obedience to God's Word our members can be a weapon that destroys every grip of Satan and renders his influence powerless.
Be blessed!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, April 16, 2007
Daily Bread - APR/16/07
Ephesians 6:12 - Because we are not wrestling against flesh and blood but against the principalities, against the authorities, against the ruler of this world, the darkness of this age, against the spiritual iniquity in the heavens.
There are two levels on which we must content with the devil: on a personal one and also over the lost that we are called to preach the gospel to. Although this particular Greek word that is translated wrestle (pale) is only found one time in the New Testament other words are used to describe this conflict. For we are also informed that we are engaged against fleshly lust that war against our soul (1 Peter 2:11; 2 Corinthians 10:4).
The usage of this particular language here in Ephesians denotes an up close and personal conflict as we wrestle against the powers of darkness. In the Greek wrestling matches to which Paul refers the loser would have his eyes gouged out. In light of this we are to recognize that we are in a desperate conflict for our sight. It is Satan's desire to overthrow our effectiveness as the saints of God and ultimately overthrow our faith if he can.
All those who Satan holds as prisoners to sin, sickness and disease through the spiritual blindness that he has imposed upon them we have been empowered to set free (Luke 10:19; Acts 26:18; Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4). However, Satan fights ruthlessly to stop us. But if we walk in the light as Christ Jesus is in the light and depend upon the Spirit of the Lord then every power of darkness that opposes the people around us will have to flee, for the darkness cannot resist the light.
To be successful in our conflict it helps to know as much as possible about our enemy. This is why the Intelligence Corp of the army plays such a vital role. The Bible gives us all the insight that we need to understand what Satan will try to do to stop us. The first information about him that we need to fully appreciate is that his very name, Devil means accuser. He is the source of all accusation no matter what form it comes in. It is vitally important that we recognize that he will attempt to neutralize us with this attack. Another one of his names is Satan, which means adversary. We must see that every dimension of his realm of sin and darkness was specifically designed to destroy us. The only way that we can effectively stand against Satan's power and deception is by the power of God. This power and authority that has been given to us functions by the Spirit of the Lord which in us. God has ordained that the light of His glory shine through us and that every demon power be cast out and rendered ineffective by the anointing (Mark 16:17; Matthew 5:14; Philippians 2:15).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Ephesians 6:12 - Because we are not wrestling against flesh and blood but against the principalities, against the authorities, against the ruler of this world, the darkness of this age, against the spiritual iniquity in the heavens.
There are two levels on which we must content with the devil: on a personal one and also over the lost that we are called to preach the gospel to. Although this particular Greek word that is translated wrestle (pale) is only found one time in the New Testament other words are used to describe this conflict. For we are also informed that we are engaged against fleshly lust that war against our soul (1 Peter 2:11; 2 Corinthians 10:4).
The usage of this particular language here in Ephesians denotes an up close and personal conflict as we wrestle against the powers of darkness. In the Greek wrestling matches to which Paul refers the loser would have his eyes gouged out. In light of this we are to recognize that we are in a desperate conflict for our sight. It is Satan's desire to overthrow our effectiveness as the saints of God and ultimately overthrow our faith if he can.
All those who Satan holds as prisoners to sin, sickness and disease through the spiritual blindness that he has imposed upon them we have been empowered to set free (Luke 10:19; Acts 26:18; Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4). However, Satan fights ruthlessly to stop us. But if we walk in the light as Christ Jesus is in the light and depend upon the Spirit of the Lord then every power of darkness that opposes the people around us will have to flee, for the darkness cannot resist the light.
To be successful in our conflict it helps to know as much as possible about our enemy. This is why the Intelligence Corp of the army plays such a vital role. The Bible gives us all the insight that we need to understand what Satan will try to do to stop us. The first information about him that we need to fully appreciate is that his very name, Devil means accuser. He is the source of all accusation no matter what form it comes in. It is vitally important that we recognize that he will attempt to neutralize us with this attack. Another one of his names is Satan, which means adversary. We must see that every dimension of his realm of sin and darkness was specifically designed to destroy us. The only way that we can effectively stand against Satan's power and deception is by the power of God. This power and authority that has been given to us functions by the Spirit of the Lord which in us. God has ordained that the light of His glory shine through us and that every demon power be cast out and rendered ineffective by the anointing (Mark 16:17; Matthew 5:14; Philippians 2:15).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
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