Daily Bread - 05/11/07
Romans 8:18 - For I calculate that this which befalls us now for a season is not worthy of the glory that is about to be revealed in us.
Paul's calculation is that the level of suffering that we endure now is not even in the same category with the glory that is about to be revealed. When Paul was writing to the Corinthians he referred to this suffering as a light affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17). The Greek word that Paul uses to help us put things into proper prospective is "logizomai" which refers to a logical reality. Now the logical calculation is that the suffering is so insignificant in comparison to the glory that it is almost meaningless.
How are we supposed to deal with the suffering and pain that we encounter here in this life? Paul, who had more than his share of opposition and turmoil, reveals to us how to live life free from discouragement. All we need to do is realize that the hand of God is shaping us for greatness both now and in the future. We must realize that He is not only with us through these things but He is so close to us that we are under His shadow (Psalms 91:1). We must realize that whatever groanings we may encounter today will be overshadowed by the glorious liberties of tomorrow. As a result, we will not lose our confidence and joy which will result in a great reward (Hebrews 10:35; 3:6; 11:26).
Jesus endured the sufferings of the cross with joy realizing that it would result in our salvation and His exaltation (Hebrews 12:2). We are also called to share in the same sufferings of Christ which are all about advancing the gospel but it must be kept in the same perspective (Philippians 3:10; 2 Timothy 2:12). However, many of the things that we go through are simply Father's desire to give us something far better than what we have now (1 Peter 1:6-7; James 1:2-3). One Christmas morning I had given one of my sons, who was about three at the time, one of his gifts. It was a very small toy that he immediately thought was the greatest thing ever. I had something far better for him that I wanted him to have but he was so distracted with his new little toy that he would not come over and unwrap his bigger present. Of course I was very excited about the gift that I had for him so in order to redirect his attention I took the little toy away from him after some struggle. It ended up in a disaster because he thought that I was punishing him when all I wanted him to do was to set his little eyes on the main event of that Christmas morning. We must realize that no matter what we are enduring Father has a bigger blessing awaiting us. We must not allow ourselves to sink into the despair of what we may have lost but keep our eyes set on what we are to gain.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, May 11, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Daily Bread - 05/10/07
Acts 8:4 - Then those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
If we want to see the same results that the first century church experienced then we need to be committed to the same testimony. Jesus promised to confirm the word with miracles (Mark 16:20). If one is going to preach properly then it is the "Ho Logos" or "The Word" which must be preached. This phrase is found 134 times in the New Testament and is defined by what Jesus preached.
When Jesus ministered He spoke "the word" (Mark 2:2; John 14:24). It was not His word but the word that the Father gave Him to speak (John 17:14; Luke 5:1; 11:28). His words were the living word that cannot pass away and stands as the judge of all mankind forever (John 5:24; 6:56; 12:48; Hebrews 4:12). His word is the source of eternal life and is the authority that produces all of the acts of deliverance (John 5:24; 8:51; 15:3; Matthew 8:8,16; Luke 4:36; 1 Peter 1:23). It was not subjective and applicable only to the crowd then present but a word that lives and abides forever (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31;Luke 1:2; 21:33; John 17:17). Jesus first defined the importance of His words when He said that everyone who hears is word and acts on it is like a wise man who builds his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24).
The same eternal realm of the Spirit that Jesus spoke these words from is the same realm that functioned in the apostles to recall what was spoken (John 14:26; John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). Those who would relegate this to a human realm of memory and intellect have yet to view the realms of glory from which these words were spoken. The word is the testimony of Jesus Christ which God's people have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to deliver. Make no mistake "The Word" is defined as the message of Jesus Christ. It is this testimony that we are privileged to be instructed in by the books laid down in the New Testament of the Bible. Certainly, if God can work the miracle to incarnate the Word into human flesh then He can work the miracle to supply us with the accurate testimony of the Word of life. The apostles had probably made provision for at least some part of the New Testament "word" to be available in written form by this time. To believe that the apostles were any less vigilant than to make the Word available in written form before the company of saints were scattered would be very naive.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 8:4 - Then those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
If we want to see the same results that the first century church experienced then we need to be committed to the same testimony. Jesus promised to confirm the word with miracles (Mark 16:20). If one is going to preach properly then it is the "Ho Logos" or "The Word" which must be preached. This phrase is found 134 times in the New Testament and is defined by what Jesus preached.
When Jesus ministered He spoke "the word" (Mark 2:2; John 14:24). It was not His word but the word that the Father gave Him to speak (John 17:14; Luke 5:1; 11:28). His words were the living word that cannot pass away and stands as the judge of all mankind forever (John 5:24; 6:56; 12:48; Hebrews 4:12). His word is the source of eternal life and is the authority that produces all of the acts of deliverance (John 5:24; 8:51; 15:3; Matthew 8:8,16; Luke 4:36; 1 Peter 1:23). It was not subjective and applicable only to the crowd then present but a word that lives and abides forever (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31;Luke 1:2; 21:33; John 17:17). Jesus first defined the importance of His words when He said that everyone who hears is word and acts on it is like a wise man who builds his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24).
The same eternal realm of the Spirit that Jesus spoke these words from is the same realm that functioned in the apostles to recall what was spoken (John 14:26; John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). Those who would relegate this to a human realm of memory and intellect have yet to view the realms of glory from which these words were spoken. The word is the testimony of Jesus Christ which God's people have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to deliver. Make no mistake "The Word" is defined as the message of Jesus Christ. It is this testimony that we are privileged to be instructed in by the books laid down in the New Testament of the Bible. Certainly, if God can work the miracle to incarnate the Word into human flesh then He can work the miracle to supply us with the accurate testimony of the Word of life. The apostles had probably made provision for at least some part of the New Testament "word" to be available in written form by this time. To believe that the apostles were any less vigilant than to make the Word available in written form before the company of saints were scattered would be very naive.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Daily Bread - 05/09/07
2 Peter 1:11 - For in this way you shall be richly supplied the entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
One could simply view this scripture as an assurance to the obedient and diligent of being given a lavish entrance into the Kingdom of God at the time of death. Professor Salmond felt that this text was the reverse of "saved, yet so as by fire" (1 Corinthians 3:15). Yet there is more to this verse; for surely the purpose of our lives now to be the witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ must take on more of the dimension of the life and glory of Jesus (John 14:12; 17:22).
The divine opportunities that are given to us now in the Kingdom of God cry out to us in the declaration, "Until you be endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). Keeping in mind the fact that Paul said that the saints have been translated from the kingdom of this world into the kingdom of the Dear Son, we must be willing to embrace that we have already entered into some dimension of the Kingdom of God now (Colossians 1:14).
Jesus told the leaders of Israel that the Kingdom would be taken from them and given to another nation that would bring forth the fruits of the Kingdom (Matthew 21:43). Jesus also commanded us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness as a way in which we daily live our lives (Matthew 6:33). Paul also gave us a description of the fruits of the Kingdom of God that should be manifested in our daily lives as evidence of our communion with God when he said, "For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Romans 14:17). The only qualifications of entering into the Kingdom of God is having been born of the Spirit (John 3:5).
Peter is addressing the saints to take hold of a realm of consecration that will result in an increased revelation of God's glory now and no doubt a triumphant entry into the realms of that glory after this life on earth has ended. Although, as The Bible Exposition Commentary points out, "If we make lavish provision to grow spiritually (2 Peter 1:5), then God will make lavish provision for us when we enter heaven," it must also be observed that there is a lavish provision that we are to enter into now so that the 'Kingdom of Dear Son' may be revealed. If we are willing to function in the lavishly supplied riches of the Spirit to walk in the nature of God then there will also be a lavish supply of grace to function in the realms of the miracle glory of the Kingdom (2 Peter 1:5, 11).
The examples of those who stepped over into this realm of glory are many from Enoch to Paul. Surely there is a continual increase in the nature of God as well as the glory and power of God if we are willing to give ourselves wholly to His purposes. Paul opens the door to all saints to know the love of Christ that passes knowledge and to be filled with all of the fullness of God. He also sets forth the call to "the measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 3:18-19; 4:13). We may be certain that God rewards those who diligently seek Him with the same kind of rewards that He gave to Enoch and all of those spoken of in the Bible (Hebrews 11:6). There awaits boundless insight into the glories of the inheritance and exceeding greatness of the power of Christ Jesus for all who are willing and obedient (Ephesians 1:18-19).
Peter is not referring to a works-based reward but to an obedience-based inheritance. The door is opened to explore the endless realms of the Spirit of God, but it is only through yielding to and obeying the Spirit of God that we may enter in and explore these unsearchable riches of Christ and gaze upon those things which 'eyes have not seen nor ears have heard nor has entered into the heart of man' (1 Corinthians 2:9; Ephesians 3:8-9).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
2 Peter 1:11 - For in this way you shall be richly supplied the entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
One could simply view this scripture as an assurance to the obedient and diligent of being given a lavish entrance into the Kingdom of God at the time of death. Professor Salmond felt that this text was the reverse of "saved, yet so as by fire" (1 Corinthians 3:15). Yet there is more to this verse; for surely the purpose of our lives now to be the witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ must take on more of the dimension of the life and glory of Jesus (John 14:12; 17:22).
The divine opportunities that are given to us now in the Kingdom of God cry out to us in the declaration, "Until you be endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). Keeping in mind the fact that Paul said that the saints have been translated from the kingdom of this world into the kingdom of the Dear Son, we must be willing to embrace that we have already entered into some dimension of the Kingdom of God now (Colossians 1:14).
Jesus told the leaders of Israel that the Kingdom would be taken from them and given to another nation that would bring forth the fruits of the Kingdom (Matthew 21:43). Jesus also commanded us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness as a way in which we daily live our lives (Matthew 6:33). Paul also gave us a description of the fruits of the Kingdom of God that should be manifested in our daily lives as evidence of our communion with God when he said, "For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Romans 14:17). The only qualifications of entering into the Kingdom of God is having been born of the Spirit (John 3:5).
Peter is addressing the saints to take hold of a realm of consecration that will result in an increased revelation of God's glory now and no doubt a triumphant entry into the realms of that glory after this life on earth has ended. Although, as The Bible Exposition Commentary points out, "If we make lavish provision to grow spiritually (2 Peter 1:5), then God will make lavish provision for us when we enter heaven," it must also be observed that there is a lavish provision that we are to enter into now so that the 'Kingdom of Dear Son' may be revealed. If we are willing to function in the lavishly supplied riches of the Spirit to walk in the nature of God then there will also be a lavish supply of grace to function in the realms of the miracle glory of the Kingdom (2 Peter 1:5, 11).
The examples of those who stepped over into this realm of glory are many from Enoch to Paul. Surely there is a continual increase in the nature of God as well as the glory and power of God if we are willing to give ourselves wholly to His purposes. Paul opens the door to all saints to know the love of Christ that passes knowledge and to be filled with all of the fullness of God. He also sets forth the call to "the measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 3:18-19; 4:13). We may be certain that God rewards those who diligently seek Him with the same kind of rewards that He gave to Enoch and all of those spoken of in the Bible (Hebrews 11:6). There awaits boundless insight into the glories of the inheritance and exceeding greatness of the power of Christ Jesus for all who are willing and obedient (Ephesians 1:18-19).
Peter is not referring to a works-based reward but to an obedience-based inheritance. The door is opened to explore the endless realms of the Spirit of God, but it is only through yielding to and obeying the Spirit of God that we may enter in and explore these unsearchable riches of Christ and gaze upon those things which 'eyes have not seen nor ears have heard nor has entered into the heart of man' (1 Corinthians 2:9; Ephesians 3:8-9).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - 05/08/07
Colossians 3:14 - And above all of these love, which is the bond of perfection.
Love is first in the list of the fruits of the Spirit and when it is allowed to rule us, joy and peace are sure to follow (Galatians 5:22). The Greek word that is used here literally means the middle item that joins two or more things together. Love is the bond that fuses our actions with God's (1 John 4:7-21). It is love that causes our hearts to be knit together with one another which then results in an ever-increasing manifestation of the glory and power of God in our loves collectively and individually (Ephesians 4:15-16; Colossians 2:2). Imagine what a blessing God's saints would be if they were clothed with love, allowed the peace of God to rule, and were always giving thanks (John 13:35; Ephesians 5:1-2; Colossians 3:15; 1Thessalonians 5:18). It is also important to recognize that for us to walk in love we need to be clothed with humility. Too often our own selfish interest takes over and all consciousness of responsibility is totally abandoned.
Walk in love
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Colossians 3:14 - And above all of these love, which is the bond of perfection.
Love is first in the list of the fruits of the Spirit and when it is allowed to rule us, joy and peace are sure to follow (Galatians 5:22). The Greek word that is used here literally means the middle item that joins two or more things together. Love is the bond that fuses our actions with God's (1 John 4:7-21). It is love that causes our hearts to be knit together with one another which then results in an ever-increasing manifestation of the glory and power of God in our loves collectively and individually (Ephesians 4:15-16; Colossians 2:2). Imagine what a blessing God's saints would be if they were clothed with love, allowed the peace of God to rule, and were always giving thanks (John 13:35; Ephesians 5:1-2; Colossians 3:15; 1Thessalonians 5:18). It is also important to recognize that for us to walk in love we need to be clothed with humility. Too often our own selfish interest takes over and all consciousness of responsibility is totally abandoned.
Walk in love
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - 05/07/07
Colossians 1:15 - Whose image is that of the invisible God, first-born of all creation.
To understand the meaning of "firstborn of all creation" it must be understood in light of other doctrines that are clearly established in scripture. Most importantly is that Jesus is the Eternal God who has no beginning and no end (John 1:1; Isa 9:6; John 17:5; Titus 2:13). As God, the Word Jesus was the Creator who created everything in the Universe, a distinction that Paul is careful to make in the next verse (Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2; John 1:3; Ephesians 3:9; 1 Corinthians 8:6).
Jesus may be understood as the firstborn in the sense of His priority and superiority over all things. Yet more importantly God, the Word, became the firstborn of the new creation and the only begotten Son of God when he was incarnated and born of a virgin named Mary (Jn 1:18; 3:16,18; Acts 13:33; Heb 1:5; 5:5; 1 John 4:9). He is the firstborn among many brethren because He was begotten of God as a Son so that now we too may be begotten of God and made sons (John 1:12-13; 1 John 3:1, 2, 9; 4:7; 5:1,4,18; Philippians 2:15; Romans 8:14; James 1:18; Galatians 4: 4-6). Because of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus we are also born of God and become sons of God and brethren to the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:11; Romans 8:29; John 20:17; Matthew 12:50).
Paul also calls Jesus the "firstborn among many brethren" and the "firstborn from the dead" (Romans 8:20; Col 1:18). Jesus is the "firstborn of all creation" because it was through Him that all creation was redeemed (Colossians 1:20; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 1:10; Romans 11:36; Galatians 3:20; Hebrews 3:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:5). He is the "firstborn form among the dead" because He was the first to be raised from the dead and as a result we too shall be raised up in the likeness of His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23; Romans 6:5)
Be blessed!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Colossians 1:15 - Whose image is that of the invisible God, first-born of all creation.
To understand the meaning of "firstborn of all creation" it must be understood in light of other doctrines that are clearly established in scripture. Most importantly is that Jesus is the Eternal God who has no beginning and no end (John 1:1; Isa 9:6; John 17:5; Titus 2:13). As God, the Word Jesus was the Creator who created everything in the Universe, a distinction that Paul is careful to make in the next verse (Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2; John 1:3; Ephesians 3:9; 1 Corinthians 8:6).
Jesus may be understood as the firstborn in the sense of His priority and superiority over all things. Yet more importantly God, the Word, became the firstborn of the new creation and the only begotten Son of God when he was incarnated and born of a virgin named Mary (Jn 1:18; 3:16,18; Acts 13:33; Heb 1:5; 5:5; 1 John 4:9). He is the firstborn among many brethren because He was begotten of God as a Son so that now we too may be begotten of God and made sons (John 1:12-13; 1 John 3:1, 2, 9; 4:7; 5:1,4,18; Philippians 2:15; Romans 8:14; James 1:18; Galatians 4: 4-6). Because of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus we are also born of God and become sons of God and brethren to the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:11; Romans 8:29; John 20:17; Matthew 12:50).
Paul also calls Jesus the "firstborn among many brethren" and the "firstborn from the dead" (Romans 8:20; Col 1:18). Jesus is the "firstborn of all creation" because it was through Him that all creation was redeemed (Colossians 1:20; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 1:10; Romans 11:36; Galatians 3:20; Hebrews 3:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:5). He is the "firstborn form among the dead" because He was the first to be raised from the dead and as a result we too shall be raised up in the likeness of His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23; Romans 6:5)
Be blessed!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - 05/05/07
Isaiah 2:5 - O house of Jacob, come, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Today all of the nations of the earth have been given this glorious invitation. Although Satan has deceived many about the existence of God the opportunity remains for everyone to come and receive all of the untold benefits that are available in His presence. God who created every dimension of this wonderful thing that we call life and creation has a special place for us in His presence. The way into His presence is through the Lord Jesus Christ who by Himself broke the chains of darkness that held us back.
Through Christ Jesus, God destroyed the twisted nature that dominated every action of man and supplied to us a divine nature so that we could walk in the light as He is in the light (Ephesians 5:81: 2 Timothy 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:5 John 1:7). God is calling you today to come and walk before Him in the joy of all His goodness (Psalms 89:15; 16:11). Your heavenly Father wants you to walk today in the knowledge of His love for you. He wants you to be aware of His determination to give you all things freely to enjoy (Romans 8:32; 1 Corinthians 2:12). Do not allow this day to be wasted. Realize that you have access unto God by the Spirit and that this day was giving to you to come to know the ageless one who desires to reveal all of the wonders of eternity to you (Ephesians 2:18; 1:18-20).
Be blessed!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Isaiah 2:5 - O house of Jacob, come, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Today all of the nations of the earth have been given this glorious invitation. Although Satan has deceived many about the existence of God the opportunity remains for everyone to come and receive all of the untold benefits that are available in His presence. God who created every dimension of this wonderful thing that we call life and creation has a special place for us in His presence. The way into His presence is through the Lord Jesus Christ who by Himself broke the chains of darkness that held us back.
Through Christ Jesus, God destroyed the twisted nature that dominated every action of man and supplied to us a divine nature so that we could walk in the light as He is in the light (Ephesians 5:81: 2 Timothy 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:5 John 1:7). God is calling you today to come and walk before Him in the joy of all His goodness (Psalms 89:15; 16:11). Your heavenly Father wants you to walk today in the knowledge of His love for you. He wants you to be aware of His determination to give you all things freely to enjoy (Romans 8:32; 1 Corinthians 2:12). Do not allow this day to be wasted. Realize that you have access unto God by the Spirit and that this day was giving to you to come to know the ageless one who desires to reveal all of the wonders of eternity to you (Ephesians 2:18; 1:18-20).
Be blessed!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - 05/04/07
1 Peter 2:6 - For this reason it is underscored in the scriptures, Behold I lay in Zion a corner stone chosen precious and those who believe on Him shall not be ashamed.
This quote is from Isaiah 28:16, "Therefore this is what my Lord YHWH says, behold I have laid in Zion a foundation stone: a proven stone, a precious cornerstone, a secure foundation, the believing shall not panic". The fragment of this verse that is quoted serves to point to Jesus Christ as the one who came to fulfill that which Father promised by His prophet Isaiah.
The context in Isaiah 28 is that everyone shall be measured by the cornerstone if they fail to line up with this chosen and proven cornerstone, then they shall be thrown away. The measuring line shall be justice and the leveling rod or plummet line shall be righteousness. The spiritual house is built by living stones that are placed into the building by the Holy Spirit because they meet the standards and qualifications of the cornerstone. We were made these living stones through the miracle of the new birth in Christ Jesus and there is no one that God will reject if they come to Him by Christ Jesus. Now through the grace of God in Christ Jesus we grow and mature in every attribute of His Holy Nature (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 2:21; 4:15). Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith perfects everything that concerns us (Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 1:6; 2:13; 1 Corinthians 1:8).
All we must do is stay yielded to Him and the Holy Spirit will train us in all of the ways of the divine nature (John 16:13; 14:26; Romans 6:19). If we trust Him no matter what the short comings we will discover that we will never be ashamed for He is always there to show His love and mercy. As we walk out a relationship of hungering and thirsting after righteousness we will find ourselves prepared by the Master unto every good work (2 Timothy 2:21; Hebrews 13:21; Matthew 5:6). God's standard is high but His mercy is great!
Be blessed!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 Peter 2:6 - For this reason it is underscored in the scriptures, Behold I lay in Zion a corner stone chosen precious and those who believe on Him shall not be ashamed.
This quote is from Isaiah 28:16, "Therefore this is what my Lord YHWH says, behold I have laid in Zion a foundation stone: a proven stone, a precious cornerstone, a secure foundation, the believing shall not panic". The fragment of this verse that is quoted serves to point to Jesus Christ as the one who came to fulfill that which Father promised by His prophet Isaiah.
The context in Isaiah 28 is that everyone shall be measured by the cornerstone if they fail to line up with this chosen and proven cornerstone, then they shall be thrown away. The measuring line shall be justice and the leveling rod or plummet line shall be righteousness. The spiritual house is built by living stones that are placed into the building by the Holy Spirit because they meet the standards and qualifications of the cornerstone. We were made these living stones through the miracle of the new birth in Christ Jesus and there is no one that God will reject if they come to Him by Christ Jesus. Now through the grace of God in Christ Jesus we grow and mature in every attribute of His Holy Nature (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 2:21; 4:15). Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith perfects everything that concerns us (Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 1:6; 2:13; 1 Corinthians 1:8).
All we must do is stay yielded to Him and the Holy Spirit will train us in all of the ways of the divine nature (John 16:13; 14:26; Romans 6:19). If we trust Him no matter what the short comings we will discover that we will never be ashamed for He is always there to show His love and mercy. As we walk out a relationship of hungering and thirsting after righteousness we will find ourselves prepared by the Master unto every good work (2 Timothy 2:21; Hebrews 13:21; Matthew 5:6). God's standard is high but His mercy is great!
Be blessed!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - 05/03/07
Colossians 3:5 - Therefore put to death your members which are upon the earth fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desires, covetousness which is idolatry.
Members (melos) may be used of either the physical parts or the spiritual parts of man. Our members may be yielded to God and used as weapons of righteousness or to sin as weapons of unrighteousness (Romans 6:13; 1 Corinthians 6:15). In the spiritual dimension mans members refer to his attitudes, affections, emotions, passions and thoughts. We may also think of our unseen members as the spirit, soul, mind, heart, will, conscious and thought. In this passage earthly members are identified as fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affections, evil desires and covetousness. When the power of sin would attempt to influence us we are to yield our members unto God as weapons of righteousness. By the act of yielding our members to God those evil things that would attempt to work in our members through the power of sin are destroyed. All that is in the world the lust of the flesh the lust of the eye and the pride of life will war against us but as we allow the Holy Spirit to wield our members as weapons of righteousness the power of sin cannot exercise dominion over us (Romans 6:7,12; 1 Peter 2:1) .
When the physical member the eye looks and beholds that which the realm of sin would turn into adultery or fornication Jesus said it would be better to pluck it out so that such influence would not lead the whole body into eternal destruction (Matthew 5:29). In this sense Paul is addressing the church into absolute conformity to Gods rule. Therefore, the members must be put to death that would cause an offense. Not that God would require self-mutilation but an absolute conformity to His word. An excellent example of this is given by the Theological Dictionary with regards to the disposition that God's people should have towards the things they speak, "This means that the sinful use of the tongue, being radically condemned to death, can have no more place" (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. S. 4:565). Paul takes us one step further with our members and reveals to us that our members are joined to one another and unto Christ (1 Corinthians 6:15,17; Ephesians 5:30; John 6:56; 14:20,23; 15:5; 17:11,21,22,23,26; Colossians 1:27; 1 John 3:24; 4:13,15-16; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 2 Timothy 1:14; Romans 8:9-11).
Keeping in mind that Paul likens our members to slaves and the slave can only do what the master allows (Romans 6:19). As the redeemed of the Lord our Master Christ Jesus rules over us in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18). God has called us to set all of our affections on things above and not on things of this earth. Sin would like to play its melody (melos) in our members but the people of God are to only yield their members to the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Colossians 3:5 - Therefore put to death your members which are upon the earth fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desires, covetousness which is idolatry.
Members (melos) may be used of either the physical parts or the spiritual parts of man. Our members may be yielded to God and used as weapons of righteousness or to sin as weapons of unrighteousness (Romans 6:13; 1 Corinthians 6:15). In the spiritual dimension mans members refer to his attitudes, affections, emotions, passions and thoughts. We may also think of our unseen members as the spirit, soul, mind, heart, will, conscious and thought. In this passage earthly members are identified as fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affections, evil desires and covetousness. When the power of sin would attempt to influence us we are to yield our members unto God as weapons of righteousness. By the act of yielding our members to God those evil things that would attempt to work in our members through the power of sin are destroyed. All that is in the world the lust of the flesh the lust of the eye and the pride of life will war against us but as we allow the Holy Spirit to wield our members as weapons of righteousness the power of sin cannot exercise dominion over us (Romans 6:7,12; 1 Peter 2:1) .
When the physical member the eye looks and beholds that which the realm of sin would turn into adultery or fornication Jesus said it would be better to pluck it out so that such influence would not lead the whole body into eternal destruction (Matthew 5:29). In this sense Paul is addressing the church into absolute conformity to Gods rule. Therefore, the members must be put to death that would cause an offense. Not that God would require self-mutilation but an absolute conformity to His word. An excellent example of this is given by the Theological Dictionary with regards to the disposition that God's people should have towards the things they speak, "This means that the sinful use of the tongue, being radically condemned to death, can have no more place" (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. S. 4:565). Paul takes us one step further with our members and reveals to us that our members are joined to one another and unto Christ (1 Corinthians 6:15,17; Ephesians 5:30; John 6:56; 14:20,23; 15:5; 17:11,21,22,23,26; Colossians 1:27; 1 John 3:24; 4:13,15-16; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 2 Timothy 1:14; Romans 8:9-11).
Keeping in mind that Paul likens our members to slaves and the slave can only do what the master allows (Romans 6:19). As the redeemed of the Lord our Master Christ Jesus rules over us in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18). God has called us to set all of our affections on things above and not on things of this earth. Sin would like to play its melody (melos) in our members but the people of God are to only yield their members to the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - 05/02/07
1 John 4:7 - Beloved let us love one another because he that loves is from God and everyone that loves is begotten of God and knows God.
The most important expression and evidence of the new birth is love. This kind of love is perfectly defined by the life of Jesus who revealed the love of God. The expression of God's love through man is only possible if a person has been begotten of God. God's love by definition is a holy love, one that is so giving and unselfish and was plainly revealed by God through the giving of His only begotten Son. This holy love fulfills all of the law and purpose of God for man in that it works no wrong-doing (Romans 13:10; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
The love of God is not expressed to a selective group of people but to the whole world (John 3:16 1 John 4:10; Titus 3:4; 1 Peter 1:17). The love of God causes the sun to shine upon the evil and the good and send rains for the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45; Luke 6:35). It is God's nature to bless those who are offenders and persecutors and those of us have been born of Him are called to do the same (Romans 12:14; Luke 6:28). All of God's children are marked with the expression of God's divine love and holy nature. Unfortunately, there is probably not a more neglected subject among His people. Above all other things the expression of this unfailing love must be manifested among us if the world is to know that we have been born of Him (John 13:35; 1 John 2:5,10; 3:11; 4:21).
Above all other things it is our responsibility to show this love one for another among ourselves first and also to the whole world. If we fail to walk in love one for another then we have failed at the most fundamental and essential attribute of our calling (John 13:34; 15:12,17; Romans 12:10; 13:8; Galatians 5:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter1:22; 1 John 3:11,23: 1 John 4:11,12; 2 John 5). The message of love is expressed 320 times by the occurrence of the words which are translated love. However, far more words are used to describe its characteristics as it specifically relates to the nature of God and of His people. It is a subject central to the Bible, the Gospel, the Character of God and the revelation of His people. God who is Holy and who is Love has set us apart from the world separating us unto His Love. We should see ourselves totally separated for the purpose of God's love being revealed through us in every situation.
Walk in love!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 John 4:7 - Beloved let us love one another because he that loves is from God and everyone that loves is begotten of God and knows God.
The most important expression and evidence of the new birth is love. This kind of love is perfectly defined by the life of Jesus who revealed the love of God. The expression of God's love through man is only possible if a person has been begotten of God. God's love by definition is a holy love, one that is so giving and unselfish and was plainly revealed by God through the giving of His only begotten Son. This holy love fulfills all of the law and purpose of God for man in that it works no wrong-doing (Romans 13:10; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
The love of God is not expressed to a selective group of people but to the whole world (John 3:16 1 John 4:10; Titus 3:4; 1 Peter 1:17). The love of God causes the sun to shine upon the evil and the good and send rains for the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45; Luke 6:35). It is God's nature to bless those who are offenders and persecutors and those of us have been born of Him are called to do the same (Romans 12:14; Luke 6:28). All of God's children are marked with the expression of God's divine love and holy nature. Unfortunately, there is probably not a more neglected subject among His people. Above all other things the expression of this unfailing love must be manifested among us if the world is to know that we have been born of Him (John 13:35; 1 John 2:5,10; 3:11; 4:21).
Above all other things it is our responsibility to show this love one for another among ourselves first and also to the whole world. If we fail to walk in love one for another then we have failed at the most fundamental and essential attribute of our calling (John 13:34; 15:12,17; Romans 12:10; 13:8; Galatians 5:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter1:22; 1 John 3:11,23: 1 John 4:11,12; 2 John 5). The message of love is expressed 320 times by the occurrence of the words which are translated love. However, far more words are used to describe its characteristics as it specifically relates to the nature of God and of His people. It is a subject central to the Bible, the Gospel, the Character of God and the revelation of His people. God who is Holy and who is Love has set us apart from the world separating us unto His Love. We should see ourselves totally separated for the purpose of God's love being revealed through us in every situation.
Walk in love!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - 05/01/07
1 John 2:17 - And the world passes away and its desires but he who does the will of God abides forever.
The world and its desires are only temporary. The world system is opposed to the will of God and the Kingdom of God. The god of this world has already been judged and one day his rule will come to an end and his influence will cease to exist forever ( John 12:31; Colossians 2:15; Ephesians 2:2; Revelation 20:14) . There is only one thing right now in the world of men that will endure for ever and that is the word of God (1 Peter 1:23-25; Psalms 119:89; Isaiah 40:8; Luke 16:17). The Psalmist said, "the law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul: the testimonies of the Lord is sure making wise the simple. The statues of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandments of the Lord are pure, enlightening the eyes. More to be desired are they than gold yes than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is your servant warned and in keeping of them there is great reward." (Psalms 19:7-10)
Doing the will of the Father has many blessings associated with it. Doing the will of the Father converts the soul, makes the simple man wise, causes the heart to rejoice, brings enlightenment and more benefits than can be numbered (Psalms 103:2; 68:19; Philippians 4:19). In reality doing the will of the Father leads us to the greatest treasures that can be found. The reward of doing His will is not only eternal life but abundant life. God created life and He alone knows how it works. Just as there is a consequence for breaking the natural laws that govern the earth there is a consequence for breaking the spiritual laws that govern the earth. If we want to walk in the abundance of blessings then we will obey the spiritual laws and reap an abundant life that last forever ( Galatians 6:7- 8; Job 4:8; Proverbs 1:31; Psalms 1; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Ephesians 5:6; Romans 8:2; Hosea 10:12; Proverbs 11:18).
Be blessed!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 John 2:17 - And the world passes away and its desires but he who does the will of God abides forever.
The world and its desires are only temporary. The world system is opposed to the will of God and the Kingdom of God. The god of this world has already been judged and one day his rule will come to an end and his influence will cease to exist forever ( John 12:31; Colossians 2:15; Ephesians 2:2; Revelation 20:14) . There is only one thing right now in the world of men that will endure for ever and that is the word of God (1 Peter 1:23-25; Psalms 119:89; Isaiah 40:8; Luke 16:17). The Psalmist said, "the law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul: the testimonies of the Lord is sure making wise the simple. The statues of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandments of the Lord are pure, enlightening the eyes. More to be desired are they than gold yes than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is your servant warned and in keeping of them there is great reward." (Psalms 19:7-10)
Doing the will of the Father has many blessings associated with it. Doing the will of the Father converts the soul, makes the simple man wise, causes the heart to rejoice, brings enlightenment and more benefits than can be numbered (Psalms 103:2; 68:19; Philippians 4:19). In reality doing the will of the Father leads us to the greatest treasures that can be found. The reward of doing His will is not only eternal life but abundant life. God created life and He alone knows how it works. Just as there is a consequence for breaking the natural laws that govern the earth there is a consequence for breaking the spiritual laws that govern the earth. If we want to walk in the abundance of blessings then we will obey the spiritual laws and reap an abundant life that last forever ( Galatians 6:7- 8; Job 4:8; Proverbs 1:31; Psalms 1; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Ephesians 5:6; Romans 8:2; Hosea 10:12; Proverbs 11:18).
Be blessed!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - 04/30/07
1 John 2:6 - He that says he abides in Him ought himself to walk also just as He walks.
The gospel message of "being in Him" is one of the most important in the New Testament. The two phrases "to be in" (Gr- "einai en") and "to abide in" (Gr- "menein en") are for the most part interchangeable as in John 14:10. The importance of being "in Him" is highlighted by scriptures such as "If any man be in Christ Jesus he is a new creature", 2 Corinthians 5:17, also John 15:4,5,7,10; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 1:4; Php 3:9; Col 2:6, 7, 10; 1 John 2:27, 28; 3:5,6,24; 4:16; 5:20.
The ability to behave just like Jesus comes to us by the anointing that we have received from Him. In fact "abiding in Him" and having "the anointing" are inseparably linked. The promise that God gave to anyone who would believe was that we would be born of the Spirit and subsequently Jesus would baptize us with the Holy Spirit (John 3:5; 1 John 2:27; Acts 1:8; Acts 8:15-16). He promised us the same Spirit and the same anointing that He was baptized with (Luke 4:18).
The idea of abiding in Him is communicated in a unique way in John 15 to help us understand how the supply of this divine ability flows into our lives. We learn that we can depend on Jesus for everything that we need and that without Him we can do nothing. As we grow in this relationship we discover an ever increasing supernatural flow of the grace of God into our lives. Even the love and trust that we have for Him grows and increases reaching beyond that which we find in ourselves as it flows into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5; Ephesians 3:19; 1 Thessalonians 3:12). As we grow in grace we discover that there is an inseparable union between us and the Lord Jesus even as a vine and a branch, (John 15:1-6;1 John 3:23; 2 Peter 3:18).
Be blessed!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 John 2:6 - He that says he abides in Him ought himself to walk also just as He walks.
The gospel message of "being in Him" is one of the most important in the New Testament. The two phrases "to be in" (Gr- "einai en") and "to abide in" (Gr- "menein en") are for the most part interchangeable as in John 14:10. The importance of being "in Him" is highlighted by scriptures such as "If any man be in Christ Jesus he is a new creature", 2 Corinthians 5:17, also John 15:4,5,7,10; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 1:4; Php 3:9; Col 2:6, 7, 10; 1 John 2:27, 28; 3:5,6,24; 4:16; 5:20.
The ability to behave just like Jesus comes to us by the anointing that we have received from Him. In fact "abiding in Him" and having "the anointing" are inseparably linked. The promise that God gave to anyone who would believe was that we would be born of the Spirit and subsequently Jesus would baptize us with the Holy Spirit (John 3:5; 1 John 2:27; Acts 1:8; Acts 8:15-16). He promised us the same Spirit and the same anointing that He was baptized with (Luke 4:18).
The idea of abiding in Him is communicated in a unique way in John 15 to help us understand how the supply of this divine ability flows into our lives. We learn that we can depend on Jesus for everything that we need and that without Him we can do nothing. As we grow in this relationship we discover an ever increasing supernatural flow of the grace of God into our lives. Even the love and trust that we have for Him grows and increases reaching beyond that which we find in ourselves as it flows into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5; Ephesians 3:19; 1 Thessalonians 3:12). As we grow in grace we discover that there is an inseparable union between us and the Lord Jesus even as a vine and a branch, (John 15:1-6;1 John 3:23; 2 Peter 3:18).
Be blessed!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - 04/28/07
1 John 4:13 - By this we know that we abide in Him and He abides in us because of the Spirit that He has given us.
Jesus dwells in us by the Spirit that He has given unto us (1 John 3:23; John 14:23). As a result then we are privileged to dwell in Him and as we dwell in Him we dwell in His love. This relationship of love is key to all of the power and blessings of God being manifested in and through our lives (Galatians 5:16;1 John 4:16; Ephesians 3:17-18). It is through our love one for another that our union with God is revealed. It is by this divine love that all men will know that we are His disciples (John 13:35). It is this divine love of the Father that is the evidences or fruits that the Spirit of God dwells in us.
The love of God is in us because the Holy Spirit has poured His love into our hearts (Romans 5:5). This kind of love does not have a human origin and we must both depend upon and yield to the Holy Spirit for it to be revealed through us. The kind of love that we have been given to bless one another with is the same love that Jesus has for us (John 13:34).
Walk in love!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 John 4:13 - By this we know that we abide in Him and He abides in us because of the Spirit that He has given us.
Jesus dwells in us by the Spirit that He has given unto us (1 John 3:23; John 14:23). As a result then we are privileged to dwell in Him and as we dwell in Him we dwell in His love. This relationship of love is key to all of the power and blessings of God being manifested in and through our lives (Galatians 5:16;1 John 4:16; Ephesians 3:17-18). It is through our love one for another that our union with God is revealed. It is by this divine love that all men will know that we are His disciples (John 13:35). It is this divine love of the Father that is the evidences or fruits that the Spirit of God dwells in us.
The love of God is in us because the Holy Spirit has poured His love into our hearts (Romans 5:5). This kind of love does not have a human origin and we must both depend upon and yield to the Holy Spirit for it to be revealed through us. The kind of love that we have been given to bless one another with is the same love that Jesus has for us (John 13:34).
Walk in love!
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, April 27, 2007
Daily Bread - 04/27/07
Colossians 2:2 - "That your hearts might be encouraged joined together in love and unto all riches of the full assurance of the understanding unto an exact knowledge of the mystery of the Father God and the Christ."
There is a key given to us throughout the scripture that allows us to understand how to come into all of the fullness of God. Paul revealed in Ephesians 3 that as a result of knowing the love of Christ we can be filled with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). Jesus made loving one another the precursor to fullness of joy (John 15:11). He also made this love one for another the means by which all men would know that we are His disciples (John 13:35). Jesus made it very clear that if we would love Him that both He and the Father would come and make their dwelling with us (John 14:23).
The realm of love is the realm where God dwells, and, so, when we dwell in love we dwell in God (1 John 4:16). We learn that love is the greatest and most important thing of all. It is by love that faith works, and it is through love that salvation was brought to us (1 Corinthians 13:13; Galatians 5:6; John 3:16). With 115 commands and examples given to us of the importance of love we should make it the foremost priority of our lives.
Perhaps we spend so much time and effort searching for a model, and a hidden key to revival, and an increase in the anointing, and the manifest presence of God while the whole time we pass over the answer. If we would only give ourselves over to His love continually and completely we would realize all of the things in God that we have desired. I am certain that on the Day of Judgment we are going to be primarily brought into question on how well we loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Colossians 2:2 - "That your hearts might be encouraged joined together in love and unto all riches of the full assurance of the understanding unto an exact knowledge of the mystery of the Father God and the Christ."
There is a key given to us throughout the scripture that allows us to understand how to come into all of the fullness of God. Paul revealed in Ephesians 3 that as a result of knowing the love of Christ we can be filled with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). Jesus made loving one another the precursor to fullness of joy (John 15:11). He also made this love one for another the means by which all men would know that we are His disciples (John 13:35). Jesus made it very clear that if we would love Him that both He and the Father would come and make their dwelling with us (John 14:23).
The realm of love is the realm where God dwells, and, so, when we dwell in love we dwell in God (1 John 4:16). We learn that love is the greatest and most important thing of all. It is by love that faith works, and it is through love that salvation was brought to us (1 Corinthians 13:13; Galatians 5:6; John 3:16). With 115 commands and examples given to us of the importance of love we should make it the foremost priority of our lives.
Perhaps we spend so much time and effort searching for a model, and a hidden key to revival, and an increase in the anointing, and the manifest presence of God while the whole time we pass over the answer. If we would only give ourselves over to His love continually and completely we would realize all of the things in God that we have desired. I am certain that on the Day of Judgment we are going to be primarily brought into question on how well we loved.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Daily Bread - 04/26/07
John 14:1 - "Do not allow your heart to be troubled; have faith in God also have faith in me."
The heart is the spiritual place in man where faith works. Paul said that the faith is in the heart and in the mouth (Romans 10:10). In keeping with the simile of the heart, we may understand the spiritual heart to be that which supplies life to the whole of the inner man as the physical heart supplies blood to the organs of the body. In Proverbs we learn that the heart is the place where the word is to be kept and that the heart is to be kept with all diligence for the issues of life flow out of it (Proverbs 4:20-23).
At the end of this chapter Jesus says, "let not your heart be troubled and do not be afraid" (14:27). Jesus reveals how that fear is opposed to faith in His commands to those who were looking for a miracle as in Luke 8:50, "Fear not, believe only, and she shall be made whole." Jesus also draws out the association of fear and doubt in the situation of Peter walking on the water who when he became afraid began to sink. Jesus revealed that the fear was associated with the doubt when He said, "why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:30-31). Don't look to your human ability today but keep the eyes of your heart fixed on His Word.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
John 14:1 - "Do not allow your heart to be troubled; have faith in God also have faith in me."
The heart is the spiritual place in man where faith works. Paul said that the faith is in the heart and in the mouth (Romans 10:10). In keeping with the simile of the heart, we may understand the spiritual heart to be that which supplies life to the whole of the inner man as the physical heart supplies blood to the organs of the body. In Proverbs we learn that the heart is the place where the word is to be kept and that the heart is to be kept with all diligence for the issues of life flow out of it (Proverbs 4:20-23).
At the end of this chapter Jesus says, "let not your heart be troubled and do not be afraid" (14:27). Jesus reveals how that fear is opposed to faith in His commands to those who were looking for a miracle as in Luke 8:50, "Fear not, believe only, and she shall be made whole." Jesus also draws out the association of fear and doubt in the situation of Peter walking on the water who when he became afraid began to sink. Jesus revealed that the fear was associated with the doubt when He said, "why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:30-31). Don't look to your human ability today but keep the eyes of your heart fixed on His Word.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Daily Bread - APR/25/07
1 John 5:14 - And this is the confidence that we have towards him that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.
Jesus modeled a very simple method for receiving whatever we need from the Father, He simply said: ask. John does not use the more common word for prayer (proseuchomai) in any of his writings. John's direction to us from the Holy Spirit is to simply ask the Father in faith in the name of Jesus, John 14:13, 26; 15:16; 16:23, 26. It is God's desire that we represent Him on the earth. Therefore, He has made it very easy for us to receive those things that we need. Just come to the Father in the simple childlike faith and ask Him for whatever you need.
You may rest assured that it is the will of the Father to supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). It is also His will to prosper you and to bless you and even to give you the desires of your heart (Psalms 37:4; 3 John 1:2; Isaiah 58:14; Psalms 21:2).God wants you to believe for the impossible and be in expectation that He will perform a miracle for you at your request (Matthew 17:20; Luke 1:37; Mark 9:23; Luke 18:27).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 John 5:14 - And this is the confidence that we have towards him that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.
Jesus modeled a very simple method for receiving whatever we need from the Father, He simply said: ask. John does not use the more common word for prayer (proseuchomai) in any of his writings. John's direction to us from the Holy Spirit is to simply ask the Father in faith in the name of Jesus, John 14:13, 26; 15:16; 16:23, 26. It is God's desire that we represent Him on the earth. Therefore, He has made it very easy for us to receive those things that we need. Just come to the Father in the simple childlike faith and ask Him for whatever you need.
You may rest assured that it is the will of the Father to supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). It is also His will to prosper you and to bless you and even to give you the desires of your heart (Psalms 37:4; 3 John 1:2; Isaiah 58:14; Psalms 21:2).God wants you to believe for the impossible and be in expectation that He will perform a miracle for you at your request (Matthew 17:20; Luke 1:37; Mark 9:23; Luke 18:27).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Daily Bread - APR/24/07
1 Peter 1:16 - Because it has been written, Be Holy because I am Holy.
The call to Holiness is an absolute in both the New Testament and the Old Testament (Leviticus 11:44; 19:2; 20:7, 26). Everything that God redeemed in both covenants became holy, and He demanded then and now that we remain holy. God ordained from the very beginning that men should be holy and without blame before Him (Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; Rev 22:11). Father desires that we be consecrated to the realm of His righteousness and purity which is the realm of life and truth. He has washed away our filthiness with the blood of Jesus and empowered us by His Holy Spirit to be exactly what He created us to be: holy even as He is Holy.
It is important to remember that Holiness is something that we have because we have His indwelling presence. As we walk in obedience to His leading and remain submitted to His presence we walk in holiness. As we walk in holiness we do those things that are pleasing in His sight, and, as a result, whatsoever we ask of Him we receive (1 John 3:22).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 Peter 1:16 - Because it has been written, Be Holy because I am Holy.
The call to Holiness is an absolute in both the New Testament and the Old Testament (Leviticus 11:44; 19:2; 20:7, 26). Everything that God redeemed in both covenants became holy, and He demanded then and now that we remain holy. God ordained from the very beginning that men should be holy and without blame before Him (Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; Rev 22:11). Father desires that we be consecrated to the realm of His righteousness and purity which is the realm of life and truth. He has washed away our filthiness with the blood of Jesus and empowered us by His Holy Spirit to be exactly what He created us to be: holy even as He is Holy.
It is important to remember that Holiness is something that we have because we have His indwelling presence. As we walk in obedience to His leading and remain submitted to His presence we walk in holiness. As we walk in holiness we do those things that are pleasing in His sight, and, as a result, whatsoever we ask of Him we receive (1 John 3:22).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, April 23, 2007
Daily Bread - APR/23/07
Ephesians 3:7 - Of which I have become a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me according to the working power of His power.
Paul was able to represent Jesus by a life full of signs and wonders because he was given miracle power (Acts 19:11-12; 15:12; Romans 15:19; Hebrews 2:4; 2 Corinthians 12:12). That same miracle power of the life of Jesus resides on the inside of each one of us (John 15:5; Mark 16:17; Acts 1:8; 1 John 4:4; Colossians 1:27). There are two Greek words used here for power, "energeia" (working power/supernatural strength/ divine activity) and "dunamis" (the power of Pentecost/ God's power). The ability that Paul had to represent Jesus and live the Christian life was supplied directly to him through the Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:5).
This is not some esoteric activity of God that takes place absent of our will and consciousness. Rather, this is an activity of the Holy Spirit in our lives not unlike any other relationship (Ephesians 3:16; 6:10; Colossians 1:11; Isaiah 40:29-31). We must recognize His presence and both obey and yield to His direction. The Holy Spirit desires to supply us with miracle-working power every day. We must learn to depend upon the ability that God supplies to us through His power at work in our lives. Through interacting with the Holy Spirit in praise and worship, reading of the Word of God, and giving ourselves to prayer, He trains us to yield to Him. He builds up our faith and expectation to do everything that He said we can do (John 14:12; Philippians 4:3; John 15:7). As we walk with God we learn to expect a miracle instead of wondering how things are going to work out. Miracles should be an everyday experience for the child of God who is in expectation of seeing God at work in their lives.
Our life in Christ Jesus began with a miracle. As we yielded to the Holy Spirit and responded to the promise of salvation, He performed the greatest miracle of our lives and transformed us into a new creation (John 3:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:9). As we learn to walk in the love, joy, and peace of the Holy Spirit we will find ourselves continually overwhelmed with His presence. As we grow and mature in Christ we become more confident of what God will do than what we can do (Philippians 3:3; 1:6; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; 2 Timothy 2:21; Hebrews 13:21; Zechariah 4:6). If we will simply take hold of the reality that without Jesus we can do nothing then we will begin to put our faith in the activity of God working through us. Right now the Holy Spirit has a supernatural supply of power for you, and it is God¹s will that you be endued with His divine ability (Romans 13:12,14; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:24; Ephesians 6:11; Colossians 3:10, 12, 14).
Be a blessing,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Ephesians 3:7 - Of which I have become a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me according to the working power of His power.
Paul was able to represent Jesus by a life full of signs and wonders because he was given miracle power (Acts 19:11-12; 15:12; Romans 15:19; Hebrews 2:4; 2 Corinthians 12:12). That same miracle power of the life of Jesus resides on the inside of each one of us (John 15:5; Mark 16:17; Acts 1:8; 1 John 4:4; Colossians 1:27). There are two Greek words used here for power, "energeia" (working power/supernatural strength/ divine activity) and "dunamis" (the power of Pentecost/ God's power). The ability that Paul had to represent Jesus and live the Christian life was supplied directly to him through the Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:5).
This is not some esoteric activity of God that takes place absent of our will and consciousness. Rather, this is an activity of the Holy Spirit in our lives not unlike any other relationship (Ephesians 3:16; 6:10; Colossians 1:11; Isaiah 40:29-31). We must recognize His presence and both obey and yield to His direction. The Holy Spirit desires to supply us with miracle-working power every day. We must learn to depend upon the ability that God supplies to us through His power at work in our lives. Through interacting with the Holy Spirit in praise and worship, reading of the Word of God, and giving ourselves to prayer, He trains us to yield to Him. He builds up our faith and expectation to do everything that He said we can do (John 14:12; Philippians 4:3; John 15:7). As we walk with God we learn to expect a miracle instead of wondering how things are going to work out. Miracles should be an everyday experience for the child of God who is in expectation of seeing God at work in their lives.
Our life in Christ Jesus began with a miracle. As we yielded to the Holy Spirit and responded to the promise of salvation, He performed the greatest miracle of our lives and transformed us into a new creation (John 3:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:9). As we learn to walk in the love, joy, and peace of the Holy Spirit we will find ourselves continually overwhelmed with His presence. As we grow and mature in Christ we become more confident of what God will do than what we can do (Philippians 3:3; 1:6; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; 2 Timothy 2:21; Hebrews 13:21; Zechariah 4:6). If we will simply take hold of the reality that without Jesus we can do nothing then we will begin to put our faith in the activity of God working through us. Right now the Holy Spirit has a supernatural supply of power for you, and it is God¹s will that you be endued with His divine ability (Romans 13:12,14; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:24; Ephesians 6:11; Colossians 3:10, 12, 14).
Be a blessing,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, April 20, 2007
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
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
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
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