Daily Bread - NOV/30/07
Luke 6:38 - Give and good measure will be given to you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over they will give into your bosom; for the same measure that you measure will be measured back to you.
God's people must always maintain a disposition of giving. God is the biggest most unselfish giver that exists and He wants us to be just like Him. He is the one that causes the sun to rise upon the evil as well as the good and sends rain on the unrighteous and righteous alike (Matthew 5:45). Our heavenly Father wants us to act just like He does so that we may be called His children. Jesus even goes so far as to command us, in this context, to be perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48). If we are going to accurately represent our heavenly Father then we must be willing to give generously and not withhold from anyone no matter how we feel about them.
The generosity of our heavenly Father overwhelms us with so many benefits and blessings every day. It is essential that we do not take them for granted and forget all of His benefits and become unthankful and stingy (Psalms 103; 68:19). Of course, the greatest gift that He gave us was His only begotten Son who counted our lives more precious than His own and gave Himself as a ransom for our sins. Oh, we must not let our souls forget to bless Him for all of the gifts that He daily loads us up with; all these wonderful things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
When we consider all that He gave to us when we were alienated from Him by wicked works how much more can we now expect Him to do for us as His sons and daughters? Our faith should rise up with a shout of thanksgiving and a cry of praise for all that God has done and continues to do (Romans 8:32; 1 Corinthians 2:12).
In that we have been given so much we must also freely give. However, if we do not freely receive what is given then we will not freely give. If we have received forgiveness then we are empowered to give forgiveness just as generously. God who is so generous in His nature requests that we show forth His glory with the same generosity. God reveals to us that through cooperating with His generosity we will discover a realm where men themselves will also rise up and give to us, heaping their things into our bosoms (Isaiah 60:17). The Lord Jesus tells us here in this passage some of the things that He wants us to give. He wants us to love our enemies, do good and lend and expect nothing in return, not to judge nor condemn, to be merciful, to forgive, and to give. The Lord Jesus is asking for us to give in every respect of life. We must understand that, in every dimension of our lives, the way we give is the way that we will receive. The way that we judge is how we are going to be judged (Matthew 7:2).
The way that we sow mercy is how we will receive mercy. In whatever measure we give - whether good or bad - is the measure that we will receive multiplied back again (Mark 4:24). If we sow to the flesh we will reap a whirlwind, and if we sow to the Spirit we will reap everlasting life (Gal 6). If we sow sparingly then we will reap sparingly, and if we sow generously we will reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). If we will forgive 490 times in a day we will also be forgiven as much (Matthew 18:21-35). Therefore, if we are willing to be generous even as our Father in heaven is generous then we will be overwhelmed with even more than can be imagined by the one who will cause all grace to abound in our lives so that we may have all sufficiency in all things (Ephesians 3:20; Psalms 40:5; 2 Corinthians 9:8-11).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/29/07
2 Corinthians 8:9 - For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though He was rich for your sake He became poor so that by His poverty you might become rich.
If we want to understand how God has made us rich then we have to understand the riches of God that are in Christ Jesus. How was Jesus rich before He laid aside all of His wealth to become our sin offering? When we consider God's wealth then we must reach beyond everything that anyone has because God owns it all. God is rich in love and in every other attribute of goodness that can be thought of and more. All of the treasures of heaven and the earth are His possessions and He knows where every one of them is.
We must also consider the situation of the Macedonians and understand the context that Paul is speaking to them in. The Macedonians had made themselves poor by giving of their material goods to the gospel (2 Corinthians 8:2-3). However, Paul is making it known that through the miracle supply of God's grace they are about to receive an abundance of what they have given (2 Corinthians 9:5-8). Paul encouraged the Macedonians again in the Epistle to the Philippians and reminded them in the same context that God would supply their needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). We may rightly conclude then that material things are definitely a part of the riches that Paul is referring to in this passage.
There have been those who would want to limit the riches that we have in Christ Jesus to spiritual riches. However, they failed to realize that through the benefit of spiritual riches we come to have every other area of our lives enriched as well. Through the prosperity of our souls we are also enriched in health and in material goods (3 John 2; Matthew 6:33; Mark 10:29-30). The notion that God is not interested in material wealth is foreign to the God of the Bible. From the very beginning God lavishly supplied Adam and Eve with a garden paradise rich in material goods. Unfortunately, many pagan ideas were incorporated into Christianity over the centuries that attributed a mystical and spiritual benefit to poverty. These religions - that have some of their counterparts in modern-day Hinduism and Buddhism - think that a desire for material things is evil and restrains the mystical development of the spirit. Those who would attempt to limit this passage to Neoplatonic and metaphorical interpretations are actually violating the context of Paul's message in order to remain true to their philosophy of the superior spiritual attributes of poverty. These concepts and ideas are entirely foreign to the way God has presented Himself and His will for our lives in the Bible. It is God who makes us rich and adds no sorrow with it (Psalms 112:3; Genesis 13:2; 14:23; 36:7; 1 Samuel 2:7; 1 Chronicles 29:12, 28; 2 Chronicles 1:12; 9:22; Proverbs 3:16; 8:18; 10:4, 15; 10:22; 22:4).
We share in the riches of Christ Jesus as heirs and coheirs together with Him (Romans 8:17, 29; John 1:12; Galatians 3:29). We have been blessed with all spiritual blessings and given an unlimited provision to ask what we will and He will do it (Ephesians 1:3; John 15:16). We know that He is providing for our needs according to His riches in glory. We also know that asking God for material prosperity is one of the prayers of the Bible (Psalms 118:25). To think that God is not going to resource us to accomplish the things that He has purposed for us to do in this life is nonsense. If we take just one of the many things on the list of responsibilities that God has given to us then we must recognize that material provision becomes an essential part of our purpose. For example, if we see a brother or sister in need we are supposed to open up our purse and meet that need (1 John 3:16-20). Well, what if there is nothing in our purse? We are called to take care of the orphans, the widows, the poor, the needy, the ministry, and the advancement of the gospel throughout the world. Certainly, we don't have to think too long and we realize this takes lots of material provision.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
2 Corinthians 8:9 - For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though He was rich for your sake He became poor so that by His poverty you might become rich.
If we want to understand how God has made us rich then we have to understand the riches of God that are in Christ Jesus. How was Jesus rich before He laid aside all of His wealth to become our sin offering? When we consider God's wealth then we must reach beyond everything that anyone has because God owns it all. God is rich in love and in every other attribute of goodness that can be thought of and more. All of the treasures of heaven and the earth are His possessions and He knows where every one of them is.
We must also consider the situation of the Macedonians and understand the context that Paul is speaking to them in. The Macedonians had made themselves poor by giving of their material goods to the gospel (2 Corinthians 8:2-3). However, Paul is making it known that through the miracle supply of God's grace they are about to receive an abundance of what they have given (2 Corinthians 9:5-8). Paul encouraged the Macedonians again in the Epistle to the Philippians and reminded them in the same context that God would supply their needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). We may rightly conclude then that material things are definitely a part of the riches that Paul is referring to in this passage.
There have been those who would want to limit the riches that we have in Christ Jesus to spiritual riches. However, they failed to realize that through the benefit of spiritual riches we come to have every other area of our lives enriched as well. Through the prosperity of our souls we are also enriched in health and in material goods (3 John 2; Matthew 6:33; Mark 10:29-30). The notion that God is not interested in material wealth is foreign to the God of the Bible. From the very beginning God lavishly supplied Adam and Eve with a garden paradise rich in material goods. Unfortunately, many pagan ideas were incorporated into Christianity over the centuries that attributed a mystical and spiritual benefit to poverty. These religions - that have some of their counterparts in modern-day Hinduism and Buddhism - think that a desire for material things is evil and restrains the mystical development of the spirit. Those who would attempt to limit this passage to Neoplatonic and metaphorical interpretations are actually violating the context of Paul's message in order to remain true to their philosophy of the superior spiritual attributes of poverty. These concepts and ideas are entirely foreign to the way God has presented Himself and His will for our lives in the Bible. It is God who makes us rich and adds no sorrow with it (Psalms 112:3; Genesis 13:2; 14:23; 36:7; 1 Samuel 2:7; 1 Chronicles 29:12, 28; 2 Chronicles 1:12; 9:22; Proverbs 3:16; 8:18; 10:4, 15; 10:22; 22:4).
We share in the riches of Christ Jesus as heirs and coheirs together with Him (Romans 8:17, 29; John 1:12; Galatians 3:29). We have been blessed with all spiritual blessings and given an unlimited provision to ask what we will and He will do it (Ephesians 1:3; John 15:16). We know that He is providing for our needs according to His riches in glory. We also know that asking God for material prosperity is one of the prayers of the Bible (Psalms 118:25). To think that God is not going to resource us to accomplish the things that He has purposed for us to do in this life is nonsense. If we take just one of the many things on the list of responsibilities that God has given to us then we must recognize that material provision becomes an essential part of our purpose. For example, if we see a brother or sister in need we are supposed to open up our purse and meet that need (1 John 3:16-20). Well, what if there is nothing in our purse? We are called to take care of the orphans, the widows, the poor, the needy, the ministry, and the advancement of the gospel throughout the world. Certainly, we don't have to think too long and we realize this takes lots of material provision.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/28/07
Genesis 39:1-2 - And Yahweh was with Joseph and he was a prosperous man and he was in the house of his master in Egypt. And his master saw that Yahweh was with him and that Yahweh caused all that he did to prosper in his hand.
There should be no doubt that God wants His people to be successful in everything they do. God takes pleasure in the prosperity of His children and as Jesus said, "if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children how much more will your Father give good things to those who ask Him" (Psalms 35:27; Matthew 7:11). God is not the source of poverty or the God of oppression; He is the God of blessings who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings!
When we look at the men of the Bible who walked with God we see those who were blessed and prospered in everything they did. These men and their lives are an example to us of how we should live as well as a testimony of how God will bless and prosper our lives in every way. Our heavenly Father blessed Abraham and made him very wealthy because He walked with God (Genesis 13:2; Genesis 23:6). God blessed Isaac and Jacob, the seed of Abraham, in the same way because they were the people of God who had given themselves to walk with Him (Genesis 30:27; Genesis 33:11).
The means of the prosperity of God's people was plainly revealed in the life of Joseph; it was God who caused the things that Joseph did to prosper (Genesis 39:23). If we will walk with the Lord and do those things that are pleasing in His sight then whatever we do will prosper (Psalms 1:3; Jeremiah 17:7-8; Joshua 1:7-8; Deuteronomy 29:9; 1 Kings 2:3; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 84:11; 3 John 2). God wants to bless His people with such success beyond any others in this world that all mankind will have to take notice that God is with us (1 Kings 10:7; Jeremiah 33:9). Those who would think that God wants His people to be poor or have just enough to get by have no idea of the plans and purpose that God has for His people. We are called by God to be a blessing in every way to all mankind. We are called to take care of the poor and the oppressed, to clothe, house, and feed those who are destitute and to preach the gospel of the kingdom to the entire world.
If we will walk with God and do those things that He has commissioned us to do then He will prosper us so that we can rise up and build (Nehemiah 2:20; Haggai 1:7-8, 2:18-19; Matthew 6:33). Let us cry out with the Psalmist and say, "Save now, I beseech you, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech you, send now prosperity" (Psalms 118:25). As God prospers us and we bring those things into His house that He has prospered us with then God causes another realm of miracle blessing to fall upon our lives so that there is an additional multiplication of that prosperity (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). God's Kingdom should move stronger and faster than any kingdom on the earth. We should advance the message of God's love and grace more swiftly and effectively than can be done by anyone else. Let us cooperate with God so that the Kingdom of God may be seen by everyone to be above all of the Kingdoms of the earth and the blessings of God greater than the blessings of man.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Genesis 39:1-2 - And Yahweh was with Joseph and he was a prosperous man and he was in the house of his master in Egypt. And his master saw that Yahweh was with him and that Yahweh caused all that he did to prosper in his hand.
There should be no doubt that God wants His people to be successful in everything they do. God takes pleasure in the prosperity of His children and as Jesus said, "if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children how much more will your Father give good things to those who ask Him" (Psalms 35:27; Matthew 7:11). God is not the source of poverty or the God of oppression; He is the God of blessings who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings!
When we look at the men of the Bible who walked with God we see those who were blessed and prospered in everything they did. These men and their lives are an example to us of how we should live as well as a testimony of how God will bless and prosper our lives in every way. Our heavenly Father blessed Abraham and made him very wealthy because He walked with God (Genesis 13:2; Genesis 23:6). God blessed Isaac and Jacob, the seed of Abraham, in the same way because they were the people of God who had given themselves to walk with Him (Genesis 30:27; Genesis 33:11).
The means of the prosperity of God's people was plainly revealed in the life of Joseph; it was God who caused the things that Joseph did to prosper (Genesis 39:23). If we will walk with the Lord and do those things that are pleasing in His sight then whatever we do will prosper (Psalms 1:3; Jeremiah 17:7-8; Joshua 1:7-8; Deuteronomy 29:9; 1 Kings 2:3; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 84:11; 3 John 2). God wants to bless His people with such success beyond any others in this world that all mankind will have to take notice that God is with us (1 Kings 10:7; Jeremiah 33:9). Those who would think that God wants His people to be poor or have just enough to get by have no idea of the plans and purpose that God has for His people. We are called by God to be a blessing in every way to all mankind. We are called to take care of the poor and the oppressed, to clothe, house, and feed those who are destitute and to preach the gospel of the kingdom to the entire world.
If we will walk with God and do those things that He has commissioned us to do then He will prosper us so that we can rise up and build (Nehemiah 2:20; Haggai 1:7-8, 2:18-19; Matthew 6:33). Let us cry out with the Psalmist and say, "Save now, I beseech you, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech you, send now prosperity" (Psalms 118:25). As God prospers us and we bring those things into His house that He has prospered us with then God causes another realm of miracle blessing to fall upon our lives so that there is an additional multiplication of that prosperity (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). God's Kingdom should move stronger and faster than any kingdom on the earth. We should advance the message of God's love and grace more swiftly and effectively than can be done by anyone else. Let us cooperate with God so that the Kingdom of God may be seen by everyone to be above all of the Kingdoms of the earth and the blessings of God greater than the blessings of man.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/27/07
Psalms 84:11 - For Yahweh God is a sun and a shield; Yahweh gives grace and glory; He will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly.
Our God is our protector and provider, so we have nothing to fear. Just as He told Abraham not to fear, we should hear the same reassuring voice of God telling us that He is our shield (Genesis 15:1; 1 John 4:17-18). If we will make the purposes of God first in our lives then God will give us all those things that men spend their lives seeking for. If we are willing to walk with God then we will surely discover that He is our exceeding great reward Matthew 6:33; Mark 10:28-30; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 11:6). God's grace and glory are everything that we need to walk in the fullness of His blessings. God's grace is the means by which we are empowered to do everything that He has purposed for us to do. His grace provides us with His wisdom and understanding and the ability to accomplish every task. God's glory carries with it every attribute of His power and wealth. If we are willing to walk upright, God will honor us in this glorious way. For He desires to show the immeasurable riches of His grace that He has given to us through Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6-7; 1:3; Proverbs 22:4; 1 Chronicles 16:27; 2 Peter 1:3).
The most important thing is the manifest presence of Jesus that is brought to us by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13-15; 1 John 3:24). The Holy Spirit has come to help us and to teach us how to increase with the increase of God (Colossians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:10; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Peter 1:8, 11). As our souls prosper in this relationship with God there will be an increase in His manifest presence in our lives (3 John 2; 2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 1:18). As the glory of His manifest presence increases in our lives so will everything else. As a result, we will prosper and be in health in direct proportion to the prosperity of our souls. We should recognize that God has a fast track for our increase. If we will be obedient we will have a thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and even one hundredfold increase in every dimension of our lives - especially in the realms of the Spirit.
The word of God and the Holy Spirit are given to us so that we may learn to walk uprightly (Matthew 13:23). We must not allow hard and stony places to prevent our growth and maturity in the things of the Spirit. We must be mindful not to allow the thorns of life to grow and choke the word of God that would otherwise bring forth the fruits of this abundant life. Jesus uses these impediments to the successful growth of a plant (such as hard ground, stony ground, and thorny ground) to describe, among other things, the cares of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, and the pleasures of this world (Luke 8:14; Mark 4:19). Besides those things that would prevent our spiritual growth, we must also recognize the thief that would come to steal, kill, and destroy. Sin is that thief that would not only rob us of all the blessings that God has intended for our lives but even destroy our souls as well (John 10:10; Jeremiah 5:25). If we will walk uprightly and seek God, we will discover that God rewards those who seek Him and that He will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Psalms 84:11 - For Yahweh God is a sun and a shield; Yahweh gives grace and glory; He will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly.
Our God is our protector and provider, so we have nothing to fear. Just as He told Abraham not to fear, we should hear the same reassuring voice of God telling us that He is our shield (Genesis 15:1; 1 John 4:17-18). If we will make the purposes of God first in our lives then God will give us all those things that men spend their lives seeking for. If we are willing to walk with God then we will surely discover that He is our exceeding great reward Matthew 6:33; Mark 10:28-30; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 11:6). God's grace and glory are everything that we need to walk in the fullness of His blessings. God's grace is the means by which we are empowered to do everything that He has purposed for us to do. His grace provides us with His wisdom and understanding and the ability to accomplish every task. God's glory carries with it every attribute of His power and wealth. If we are willing to walk upright, God will honor us in this glorious way. For He desires to show the immeasurable riches of His grace that He has given to us through Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6-7; 1:3; Proverbs 22:4; 1 Chronicles 16:27; 2 Peter 1:3).
The most important thing is the manifest presence of Jesus that is brought to us by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13-15; 1 John 3:24). The Holy Spirit has come to help us and to teach us how to increase with the increase of God (Colossians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:10; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Peter 1:8, 11). As our souls prosper in this relationship with God there will be an increase in His manifest presence in our lives (3 John 2; 2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 1:18). As the glory of His manifest presence increases in our lives so will everything else. As a result, we will prosper and be in health in direct proportion to the prosperity of our souls. We should recognize that God has a fast track for our increase. If we will be obedient we will have a thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and even one hundredfold increase in every dimension of our lives - especially in the realms of the Spirit.
The word of God and the Holy Spirit are given to us so that we may learn to walk uprightly (Matthew 13:23). We must not allow hard and stony places to prevent our growth and maturity in the things of the Spirit. We must be mindful not to allow the thorns of life to grow and choke the word of God that would otherwise bring forth the fruits of this abundant life. Jesus uses these impediments to the successful growth of a plant (such as hard ground, stony ground, and thorny ground) to describe, among other things, the cares of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, and the pleasures of this world (Luke 8:14; Mark 4:19). Besides those things that would prevent our spiritual growth, we must also recognize the thief that would come to steal, kill, and destroy. Sin is that thief that would not only rob us of all the blessings that God has intended for our lives but even destroy our souls as well (John 10:10; Jeremiah 5:25). If we will walk uprightly and seek God, we will discover that God rewards those who seek Him and that He will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, November 26, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/26/07
Psalms 84:11 - For Yahweh God is a son and a shield; Yahweh gives grace and glory; He will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly.
Our God is our protector and provider, so we have nothing to fear. Just as He told Abraham not to fear, we should hear the same reassuring voice of God telling us that He is our shield (Genesis 15:1; 1 John 4:17-18). If we will set the purposes of God first in our lives then God will give to us all the things that men spend their lives seeking after (Matthew 6:33; Mark 10:28-30; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 11:6). God's grace is the means by which we are empowered to do everything that He has purposed us to do. In the realms of His grace are wisdom and understanding and the ability to accomplish every task. God's glory carries with it every attribute of His power and wealth. If we are willing to walk uprightly we will discover that God has set us in a place of honor so that He can do the immeasurable riches of His grace that He has given to us through Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6-7; 1:3; Proverbs 22:4; 1 Chronicles 16:27; 2 Peter 1:3).
The most important thing is the manifest presence of Jesus that is brought to us by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13-15; 1 John 3:24). The Holy Spirit has come to help us and to teach us how to increase with the increase of God (Colossians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:10; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Peter 1:8, 11). It is the soul prosperity and the increase in the manifest presence of God that must lead the way in our lives (3 John 2; 2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 1:18). As the anointing of His presence increases so will everything else in our lives. We will prosper and be in health in direct proportion to the way that our souls prosper. We must recognize that God has a fast track for increase so that we can see thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and even one hundredfold increase in our lives, but the way is obedience to His word and being yielded to the Holy Spirit so that we may walk uprightly (Matthew 13:23). We cannot allow hard and stony places in our lives. We must beware that we do not allow thorns to grow up and choke the word of God that would otherwise bring forth the fruits of this abundant life. We have to see sin as a thief and a robber that is come to steal, kill, and destroy all the blessings that God has intended for our lives (John 10:10; Jeremiah 5:25). Those who walk uprightly and seek God will discover that God rewards those who seek Him and no good thing will He withhold from them (Hebrews 11:6)
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Psalms 84:11 - For Yahweh God is a son and a shield; Yahweh gives grace and glory; He will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly.
Our God is our protector and provider, so we have nothing to fear. Just as He told Abraham not to fear, we should hear the same reassuring voice of God telling us that He is our shield (Genesis 15:1; 1 John 4:17-18). If we will set the purposes of God first in our lives then God will give to us all the things that men spend their lives seeking after (Matthew 6:33; Mark 10:28-30; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 11:6). God's grace is the means by which we are empowered to do everything that He has purposed us to do. In the realms of His grace are wisdom and understanding and the ability to accomplish every task. God's glory carries with it every attribute of His power and wealth. If we are willing to walk uprightly we will discover that God has set us in a place of honor so that He can do the immeasurable riches of His grace that He has given to us through Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6-7; 1:3; Proverbs 22:4; 1 Chronicles 16:27; 2 Peter 1:3).
The most important thing is the manifest presence of Jesus that is brought to us by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13-15; 1 John 3:24). The Holy Spirit has come to help us and to teach us how to increase with the increase of God (Colossians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:10; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Peter 1:8, 11). It is the soul prosperity and the increase in the manifest presence of God that must lead the way in our lives (3 John 2; 2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 1:18). As the anointing of His presence increases so will everything else in our lives. We will prosper and be in health in direct proportion to the way that our souls prosper. We must recognize that God has a fast track for increase so that we can see thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and even one hundredfold increase in our lives, but the way is obedience to His word and being yielded to the Holy Spirit so that we may walk uprightly (Matthew 13:23). We cannot allow hard and stony places in our lives. We must beware that we do not allow thorns to grow up and choke the word of God that would otherwise bring forth the fruits of this abundant life. We have to see sin as a thief and a robber that is come to steal, kill, and destroy all the blessings that God has intended for our lives (John 10:10; Jeremiah 5:25). Those who walk uprightly and seek God will discover that God rewards those who seek Him and no good thing will He withhold from them (Hebrews 11:6)
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - NOV/24/07
Galatians 3:13 - Christ set us free from the curse of the law being made a curse for us; for it is written cursed is everyone who hangs upon a tree.
The curse of the Law was that it had no remedy for sin. The Law was glorious in that it described the will of God and by means of the covenant separated a people unto God, but it was a ministry of death and condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:7-15). The Law could reveal God's holiness and purity but did not empower those who trusted in it to change (Galatians 3:21). Those who trusted in the Law to make them acceptable to God only became conscious sinners through it (Romans 3:20; 7:7; Galatians 3:10).
When Jesus hung upon the tree He bore our sins in His body so that we could be dead to sin and alive to righteousness (1 Peter 2:24; Romans 6:2,18; 1 John 3:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21). In the very instant of His death Jesus destroyed the power of the devil that held us in slavery (Hebrews 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:10; 1 John 3:8). Through Christ Jesus we were set free from the Law because we were set free from the sin it condemned (Romans 5:12-21; 6:14-15). The life of the Spirit of God was imparted into us and the law of sin and death was destroyed (Romans 8:2; Galatians 3:21). Yet at the same time we are warned that anyone who sins transgresses the Law and the judgement that it brings (1 John 3:4; Hebrews 10:26-27; Galatians 5:18). Jesus took away our sin and supplies to us a means of cleansing and forgiveness for any sin that we may commit (1 John 1:7,9; 2:1-2; Revelation 2:5, 21-22; 3:3,19; Matthew 6:14; 18:22-35). He has also given to us a new nature and filled us with the Holy Spirit to supply us with a desire for all of His ways. He sent the Holy Spirit to train us and to equip us so that we may grow up into all of the fullness of God that has been made available to us (John 16:13-15; Ephesians 3:16,19; 4:13).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Galatians 3:13 - Christ set us free from the curse of the law being made a curse for us; for it is written cursed is everyone who hangs upon a tree.
The curse of the Law was that it had no remedy for sin. The Law was glorious in that it described the will of God and by means of the covenant separated a people unto God, but it was a ministry of death and condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:7-15). The Law could reveal God's holiness and purity but did not empower those who trusted in it to change (Galatians 3:21). Those who trusted in the Law to make them acceptable to God only became conscious sinners through it (Romans 3:20; 7:7; Galatians 3:10).
When Jesus hung upon the tree He bore our sins in His body so that we could be dead to sin and alive to righteousness (1 Peter 2:24; Romans 6:2,18; 1 John 3:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21). In the very instant of His death Jesus destroyed the power of the devil that held us in slavery (Hebrews 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:10; 1 John 3:8). Through Christ Jesus we were set free from the Law because we were set free from the sin it condemned (Romans 5:12-21; 6:14-15). The life of the Spirit of God was imparted into us and the law of sin and death was destroyed (Romans 8:2; Galatians 3:21). Yet at the same time we are warned that anyone who sins transgresses the Law and the judgement that it brings (1 John 3:4; Hebrews 10:26-27; Galatians 5:18). Jesus took away our sin and supplies to us a means of cleansing and forgiveness for any sin that we may commit (1 John 1:7,9; 2:1-2; Revelation 2:5, 21-22; 3:3,19; Matthew 6:14; 18:22-35). He has also given to us a new nature and filled us with the Holy Spirit to supply us with a desire for all of His ways. He sent the Holy Spirit to train us and to equip us so that we may grow up into all of the fullness of God that has been made available to us (John 16:13-15; Ephesians 3:16,19; 4:13).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, November 23, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/23/07
Romans 4:15 - For the law brings about wrath for where there is no law there is no transgression.
Those who would think for a minute that they are no longer responsible for their sin now that the law has been abolished would have to ignore the whole of the Bible that warns against sin and its consequence. Just step back and ask yourself why would God want to redeem us from sin? Is sin something that God would fellowship with now or in the future? Can sin be acceptable or agreeable to God? Perhaps if you dress it up and send it to church and give it some money to place in the offering then it is okay? Is the sin of a saint more tolerable than the sin of a sinner? Shall we rejoice that we can now sin and not be concerned of a possible judgment because we are not under the law? What we fail to realize is that God hates sin of any kind so much that He made Hell an eternal judgment against it. If sin is acceptable in any form then shouldn't God repent for making Hell and just do away with it and any notion of judgment in the future?
Could it be that the salvation that is in Christ Jesus delivered us from sin and its desire and liberated us to walk in the life of God? (1 Peter 2:24; Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 5:17). The message of the Bible is that righteousness is far better than sin and that the ways of God are far better than the twisted nature of the devil. Shouldn't we rather rejoice that we have been delivered from the power of sin and are liberated to know God and the glorious realms of His abundant life? Why would we look for permission to hold on to sin after the message of salvation and liberation has come? What Paul would say to those who would think that they could continue in sin because they are not under the law is "God forbid!" Don't you realize that to whom you yield yourself you become its slave? If it is sin then you are slave to both sin and death (Romans 6:15-16). Some would be so naive as to suggest that Paul implied that we could sin without a consequence but nothing could be further from the truth. What Paul did say in light of this issue was, "shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? No way! How can we who are dead to sin live any longer in it" (Romans 6:1-2). Both the law and sin have been destroyed so that we can now serve God in righteousness and holiness all the days of our lives and worship Him in Spirit and in truth (Luke 1:74-75; John 4:23).
Paul was strongly opposed to any notion of those having been made righteous considering themselves sinners. Paul also made it clear that those who had come to faith in Christ Jesus could make themselves transgressors. He said, if while we seek to be made righteous by Christ we ourselves are found to be sinners then we in fact build again that which was destroyed and make ourselves transgressors (Galatians 2:17-19). Paul equated sin with the law and the law with sin insomuch that he argued that if you take away sin you take away the need for the law. What had to be destroyed first: the law or the sin? Did Jesus come to destroy the law? No, He came to destroy sin, and where there is no transgression there is no need for a law (1 Timothy 1:9; 1 John 3:4). Paul argued that the life in Christ Jesus did not make the law void but rather established it (Romans 3:31). How? Because those who have been created anew in Christ Jesus and restored to a nature of righteousness and true holiness fulfill the righteousness of the law instinctively (Romans 8:4; Galatians 3:21; 5:14; Romans 13:8,10; Ephesians 4:24; Hebrews 8:10; 2 Corinthians 3:3).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Romans 4:15 - For the law brings about wrath for where there is no law there is no transgression.
Those who would think for a minute that they are no longer responsible for their sin now that the law has been abolished would have to ignore the whole of the Bible that warns against sin and its consequence. Just step back and ask yourself why would God want to redeem us from sin? Is sin something that God would fellowship with now or in the future? Can sin be acceptable or agreeable to God? Perhaps if you dress it up and send it to church and give it some money to place in the offering then it is okay? Is the sin of a saint more tolerable than the sin of a sinner? Shall we rejoice that we can now sin and not be concerned of a possible judgment because we are not under the law? What we fail to realize is that God hates sin of any kind so much that He made Hell an eternal judgment against it. If sin is acceptable in any form then shouldn't God repent for making Hell and just do away with it and any notion of judgment in the future?
Could it be that the salvation that is in Christ Jesus delivered us from sin and its desire and liberated us to walk in the life of God? (1 Peter 2:24; Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 5:17). The message of the Bible is that righteousness is far better than sin and that the ways of God are far better than the twisted nature of the devil. Shouldn't we rather rejoice that we have been delivered from the power of sin and are liberated to know God and the glorious realms of His abundant life? Why would we look for permission to hold on to sin after the message of salvation and liberation has come? What Paul would say to those who would think that they could continue in sin because they are not under the law is "God forbid!" Don't you realize that to whom you yield yourself you become its slave? If it is sin then you are slave to both sin and death (Romans 6:15-16). Some would be so naive as to suggest that Paul implied that we could sin without a consequence but nothing could be further from the truth. What Paul did say in light of this issue was, "shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? No way! How can we who are dead to sin live any longer in it" (Romans 6:1-2). Both the law and sin have been destroyed so that we can now serve God in righteousness and holiness all the days of our lives and worship Him in Spirit and in truth (Luke 1:74-75; John 4:23).
Paul was strongly opposed to any notion of those having been made righteous considering themselves sinners. Paul also made it clear that those who had come to faith in Christ Jesus could make themselves transgressors. He said, if while we seek to be made righteous by Christ we ourselves are found to be sinners then we in fact build again that which was destroyed and make ourselves transgressors (Galatians 2:17-19). Paul equated sin with the law and the law with sin insomuch that he argued that if you take away sin you take away the need for the law. What had to be destroyed first: the law or the sin? Did Jesus come to destroy the law? No, He came to destroy sin, and where there is no transgression there is no need for a law (1 Timothy 1:9; 1 John 3:4). Paul argued that the life in Christ Jesus did not make the law void but rather established it (Romans 3:31). How? Because those who have been created anew in Christ Jesus and restored to a nature of righteousness and true holiness fulfill the righteousness of the law instinctively (Romans 8:4; Galatians 3:21; 5:14; Romans 13:8,10; Ephesians 4:24; Hebrews 8:10; 2 Corinthians 3:3).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - NOV/22/07
Romans 5:13 - For sin was in the world before the law but there was no accounting of it without the law.
A terrible false doctrine is preached that because the law of Moses has been removed that sin is no longer counted against us. The idea that Paul was ministering such a concept is completely foreign to everything that we know about Paul's message and the message of the Bible. The truth of what Paul is communicating can be easily understood simply by viewing God's response to man's sin before the law. When Adam sinned he was cast out of the garden; when Cain sinned he was driven away from his family and became a wanderer. When all of mankind gave themselves completely over to sin God sent a flood and destroyed them all. When Sodom and Gomorrah sinned, God rained down fire and brimstone upon their cities. All of these things took place when there was no law. Therefore, to somehow conclude that God does not hold men responsible for their sins when there is no law is false. Paul then has to be referring to man's inability to account for sin in his own conscience and judgments; for it is certain that God counted it and held men responsible for it. Although men may have been unaware of their transgression, God was very aware of it and brought judgment upon those who did it both in this life and the life hereafter.
Paul was making the point that men ruled and governed by death would not have known what sin was without the law. Mankind had become so corrupt because of their spiritual blindness of heart that they could not understand lust as sin without the law saying "you shall not covet" (Romans 7:7, 13; 5:20). Paul was referring to man's knowledge of sin and was in no way negating an accountability for it (Romans 3:20). He also made it painfully clear that those who were trusting in the law to make them acceptable to God would only discover the condemnation and failure of their own evil nature.
Today, the law has been destroyed and there are many people who neither accept the life that is in Christ Jesus nor the validity of the law; are they still accountable for their sin? Most definitely! Jesus said, "He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: he that does not believe the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him" (John 3:36). Paul preached that there was still a wage for sin, and that wage was death (Romans 6:23). He listed the deeds of sin several times and made it very clear that they who did such things had no part in the Kingdom of God nor inheritance with Christ (Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 6:10). The only way to be rid of the sin and the law that condemns it is to receive the life of God granted to us through the salvation that is in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:6-9). As a result, we now live in the law of the Spirit of life and have been set free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Romans 5:13 - For sin was in the world before the law but there was no accounting of it without the law.
A terrible false doctrine is preached that because the law of Moses has been removed that sin is no longer counted against us. The idea that Paul was ministering such a concept is completely foreign to everything that we know about Paul's message and the message of the Bible. The truth of what Paul is communicating can be easily understood simply by viewing God's response to man's sin before the law. When Adam sinned he was cast out of the garden; when Cain sinned he was driven away from his family and became a wanderer. When all of mankind gave themselves completely over to sin God sent a flood and destroyed them all. When Sodom and Gomorrah sinned, God rained down fire and brimstone upon their cities. All of these things took place when there was no law. Therefore, to somehow conclude that God does not hold men responsible for their sins when there is no law is false. Paul then has to be referring to man's inability to account for sin in his own conscience and judgments; for it is certain that God counted it and held men responsible for it. Although men may have been unaware of their transgression, God was very aware of it and brought judgment upon those who did it both in this life and the life hereafter.
Paul was making the point that men ruled and governed by death would not have known what sin was without the law. Mankind had become so corrupt because of their spiritual blindness of heart that they could not understand lust as sin without the law saying "you shall not covet" (Romans 7:7, 13; 5:20). Paul was referring to man's knowledge of sin and was in no way negating an accountability for it (Romans 3:20). He also made it painfully clear that those who were trusting in the law to make them acceptable to God would only discover the condemnation and failure of their own evil nature.
Today, the law has been destroyed and there are many people who neither accept the life that is in Christ Jesus nor the validity of the law; are they still accountable for their sin? Most definitely! Jesus said, "He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: he that does not believe the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him" (John 3:36). Paul preached that there was still a wage for sin, and that wage was death (Romans 6:23). He listed the deeds of sin several times and made it very clear that they who did such things had no part in the Kingdom of God nor inheritance with Christ (Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 6:10). The only way to be rid of the sin and the law that condemns it is to receive the life of God granted to us through the salvation that is in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:6-9). As a result, we now live in the law of the Spirit of life and have been set free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/21/07
Ephesians 2:21 - In whom the whole building fitted together grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
The Greek verb 'auxano' which is translated 'grow' means increase of every kind and may be understood as referring to every dimension of the church in size, number, age, maturity, glory and power. This growth is not something that is automatic, but demands action and responsibility as Jesus taught in Mark 4:26-29. A seed is cast into the ground and the power is within the ground to give the seed life so that it can produce of itself but the farmer rises day and night in tending and caring for the seed lest it be eaten or overrun by weeds and disaster. The proper growth or increase of the church is only possible when God's people are submitted to the Holy Spirit; for only He can provide the needed ingredients to bring forth the increase. In Ephesians 4:14-16 we learn that the church both grows and makes increase of itself by functioning in love. Of course this is divine love that can only be supplied by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
It is God's desire that we mature into the fullness of Christ. He has purposed that we be fully matured sons of God standing in the full measure of the anointing of Jesus now in this present world (Ephesians 4:13; 1 John 4:17). It is by the love of Christ that we are able to comprehend every dimension of God's person and purpose. We mature and grow in the precise knowledge of God by coming to know the love of Christ that passes knowledge so that we might be filled with all of the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19). Our lives both individually and collectively must find their existence in the vine Christ Jesus; for without Him we can do nothing (John 15:1-8).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Ephesians 2:21 - In whom the whole building fitted together grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
The Greek verb 'auxano' which is translated 'grow' means increase of every kind and may be understood as referring to every dimension of the church in size, number, age, maturity, glory and power. This growth is not something that is automatic, but demands action and responsibility as Jesus taught in Mark 4:26-29. A seed is cast into the ground and the power is within the ground to give the seed life so that it can produce of itself but the farmer rises day and night in tending and caring for the seed lest it be eaten or overrun by weeds and disaster. The proper growth or increase of the church is only possible when God's people are submitted to the Holy Spirit; for only He can provide the needed ingredients to bring forth the increase. In Ephesians 4:14-16 we learn that the church both grows and makes increase of itself by functioning in love. Of course this is divine love that can only be supplied by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
It is God's desire that we mature into the fullness of Christ. He has purposed that we be fully matured sons of God standing in the full measure of the anointing of Jesus now in this present world (Ephesians 4:13; 1 John 4:17). It is by the love of Christ that we are able to comprehend every dimension of God's person and purpose. We mature and grow in the precise knowledge of God by coming to know the love of Christ that passes knowledge so that we might be filled with all of the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19). Our lives both individually and collectively must find their existence in the vine Christ Jesus; for without Him we can do nothing (John 15:1-8).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Ephesians 4:16 - From whom all the body fit together and joined together through that which every joint supplies according to the working of each part as one unit the body grows by building itself in love.
One of the main themes of Ephesians is the "love of Christ." It is here that we find the key to not only our individual maturity and success but also to that of the local church to which we belong. For the church to be strong collectively the individuals in the church must be strong. Paul opens this Epistle to the Ephesians by drawing their attention to the fact that from the very foundation of the earth we were created to be holy and without blame before God in love (Ephesians 1:4). By being established in this love we are able to comprehend with all saints the breadth, and length, and depth, and height of every dimension of God's plan and purpose for our lives (Ephesians 3:17). It is also through knowing the love of Christ that we are individually filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). Then Paul brings us to this point in Ephesians chapter four where he reveals how the church functions. Each of the individuals gather together in the church with the supply given to them by the Spirit, and this supply results in the very function of the person of Jesus in our midst. The supply of the Spirit in the individuals functioning together act as tendons and ligaments - which not only give the connectivity to the body but its range of motion. Thus the manifestation of the Spirit functions as a result of the individuals being knitted together as one individual for the sole purpose of Jesus being revealed.
There is a responsibility that we all need to take up if the purposes of God are to be fulfilled through His church. It is each person's responsibility to be filled with the Spirit. We must be willing to give ourselves to walking in the realms of God's glory each day if we are going to have the capacity to yield to what God has purposed His church to be. The local church possesses an unlimited potential to reveal the glory of God. The church is to be the very revelation of the person of Jesus Christ. The church is the fullness of God and was established by Jesus Christ to reveal His glory. The church is to so reveal the person of Jesus that it would be as though He never left. This glorious revelation of who the church is depends upon each individual walking in a love for Jesus and for each other that is nothing less than supernatural. The result of giving ourselves to such a relationship brings to pass the full expression of the glory and power of Jesus Christ in our meetings. If we give Jesus His proper position and our undivided attention then He will supply all those things necessary for the fullness of His glory to be revealed in our meetings (Colossians 2:19; Ephesians 2:21; 1 Corinthians 14:25).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
One of the main themes of Ephesians is the "love of Christ." It is here that we find the key to not only our individual maturity and success but also to that of the local church to which we belong. For the church to be strong collectively the individuals in the church must be strong. Paul opens this Epistle to the Ephesians by drawing their attention to the fact that from the very foundation of the earth we were created to be holy and without blame before God in love (Ephesians 1:4). By being established in this love we are able to comprehend with all saints the breadth, and length, and depth, and height of every dimension of God's plan and purpose for our lives (Ephesians 3:17). It is also through knowing the love of Christ that we are individually filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). Then Paul brings us to this point in Ephesians chapter four where he reveals how the church functions. Each of the individuals gather together in the church with the supply given to them by the Spirit, and this supply results in the very function of the person of Jesus in our midst. The supply of the Spirit in the individuals functioning together act as tendons and ligaments - which not only give the connectivity to the body but its range of motion. Thus the manifestation of the Spirit functions as a result of the individuals being knitted together as one individual for the sole purpose of Jesus being revealed.
There is a responsibility that we all need to take up if the purposes of God are to be fulfilled through His church. It is each person's responsibility to be filled with the Spirit. We must be willing to give ourselves to walking in the realms of God's glory each day if we are going to have the capacity to yield to what God has purposed His church to be. The local church possesses an unlimited potential to reveal the glory of God. The church is to be the very revelation of the person of Jesus Christ. The church is the fullness of God and was established by Jesus Christ to reveal His glory. The church is to so reveal the person of Jesus that it would be as though He never left. This glorious revelation of who the church is depends upon each individual walking in a love for Jesus and for each other that is nothing less than supernatural. The result of giving ourselves to such a relationship brings to pass the full expression of the glory and power of Jesus Christ in our meetings. If we give Jesus His proper position and our undivided attention then He will supply all those things necessary for the fullness of His glory to be revealed in our meetings (Colossians 2:19; Ephesians 2:21; 1 Corinthians 14:25).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, November 19, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/19/07
Ephesians 4:15 - But speaking the truth in love we may grow up into Christ in all things who is Himself the head.
Our individual growth in the things pertaining to the spiritual life demands that we speak the truth. There is only one source of truth and that is the word of God. Our confession is very important to the results that we get. Our willingness to agree with the truth and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord resulted in our salvation. We learn from Paul in this same context that our confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10; Proverbs 18:21; Matthew 12:37). Words are so important to God that He used them to create the heavens and the earth and everything that is in them (Psalms 33:6,9; Hebrews 11:3). If we are going to have the things that God has purposed for us to have then we must believe what He has said. Whatever it is that we believe is ultimately what we are going to speak. Too many times God's people speak out of fear and distrust instead of love and confidence. The things that we see and hear have such an impact on us that we forget what God said He would do if we would only believe. If we are willing to believe the love that God has for us then we know that He is going to take the best of care of us. In the midst of the crisis and the circumstances we can rise above it all through knowing and believing what God has said. If we agree with Him and confess what His word has declared then our faith will flow out with divine authority through the acknowledgement of every good thing that is in us (Philemon 1:6). If we hold fast to the confession of our faith we will have the divine provision for everything that we need because God is faithful who has promised (Hebrews 10:23; 4:14; Philippians 4:19).
I have heard many people say, "life is difficult." Actually, life is not difficult; circumstances are difficult; life is wonderful. The natural life is so important to each one of us we will desperately struggle to hold on to it. The abundant life that we have received in Christ Jesus should be even more important. The abundant life that we have been given in Christ Jesus has supplied us with a quality of life that affords us all of the blessings and provisions of God (Ephesians 1:2; Romans 5:17,21; 8:2; Galatians 3:21; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Psalms 84:11). Through Christ Jesus we have been richly supplied with everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3; Philippians 4:19; Ephesians 3:16). It is our choice whether we allow circumstance to rule our lives or we allow the word of God to rule us. The facts are that whatever we are most convinced of - whether it be the circumstances or the promises of God - will be what we ultimately speak out. We have heard how God will supply our every need and how that He will cause all grace to abound to us so that we will have all sufficiency in all things, but when the difficult situations arise, do we speak according to God's word? If we are willing to be doers of the word and not hearers only then the circumstances will have to conform to the word of God and will not be able to affect us (Matthew 7:24-26). If the life of God is going to dominate our lives then we must allow God's word to have the final say in everything that we believe.
Without faith it is impossible to please God, and the faith that comes to us by the word of God will make the difference in every adverse circumstance. Therefore, let the love relationship that has been established between you and the Lord Jesus produce a confession of truth. Our defense against false beliefs in every dimension of our lives is the word of truth. Do not be carried about with every wind of doctrine and troubling situation but rather be firmly established in the word of His truth (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 6:7; Ephesians 1:13; Colossians 1:5; John 17:17).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Ephesians 4:15 - But speaking the truth in love we may grow up into Christ in all things who is Himself the head.
Our individual growth in the things pertaining to the spiritual life demands that we speak the truth. There is only one source of truth and that is the word of God. Our confession is very important to the results that we get. Our willingness to agree with the truth and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord resulted in our salvation. We learn from Paul in this same context that our confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10; Proverbs 18:21; Matthew 12:37). Words are so important to God that He used them to create the heavens and the earth and everything that is in them (Psalms 33:6,9; Hebrews 11:3). If we are going to have the things that God has purposed for us to have then we must believe what He has said. Whatever it is that we believe is ultimately what we are going to speak. Too many times God's people speak out of fear and distrust instead of love and confidence. The things that we see and hear have such an impact on us that we forget what God said He would do if we would only believe. If we are willing to believe the love that God has for us then we know that He is going to take the best of care of us. In the midst of the crisis and the circumstances we can rise above it all through knowing and believing what God has said. If we agree with Him and confess what His word has declared then our faith will flow out with divine authority through the acknowledgement of every good thing that is in us (Philemon 1:6). If we hold fast to the confession of our faith we will have the divine provision for everything that we need because God is faithful who has promised (Hebrews 10:23; 4:14; Philippians 4:19).
I have heard many people say, "life is difficult." Actually, life is not difficult; circumstances are difficult; life is wonderful. The natural life is so important to each one of us we will desperately struggle to hold on to it. The abundant life that we have received in Christ Jesus should be even more important. The abundant life that we have been given in Christ Jesus has supplied us with a quality of life that affords us all of the blessings and provisions of God (Ephesians 1:2; Romans 5:17,21; 8:2; Galatians 3:21; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Psalms 84:11). Through Christ Jesus we have been richly supplied with everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3; Philippians 4:19; Ephesians 3:16). It is our choice whether we allow circumstance to rule our lives or we allow the word of God to rule us. The facts are that whatever we are most convinced of - whether it be the circumstances or the promises of God - will be what we ultimately speak out. We have heard how God will supply our every need and how that He will cause all grace to abound to us so that we will have all sufficiency in all things, but when the difficult situations arise, do we speak according to God's word? If we are willing to be doers of the word and not hearers only then the circumstances will have to conform to the word of God and will not be able to affect us (Matthew 7:24-26). If the life of God is going to dominate our lives then we must allow God's word to have the final say in everything that we believe.
Without faith it is impossible to please God, and the faith that comes to us by the word of God will make the difference in every adverse circumstance. Therefore, let the love relationship that has been established between you and the Lord Jesus produce a confession of truth. Our defense against false beliefs in every dimension of our lives is the word of truth. Do not be carried about with every wind of doctrine and troubling situation but rather be firmly established in the word of His truth (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 6:7; Ephesians 1:13; Colossians 1:5; John 17:17).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - NOV/17/07
John 10:28-29 - And I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish, and no one shall pluck them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all, and no one is able to pluck out of My Father's hand.
Every person that comes to Jesus was brought to Him as a gift from the Father (John 6:37; 17:9,11). We know that Father's arms are stretched out to the whole world, for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Titus 2:11; John 12:32; Romans 5:18; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 John 2:2; Hebrews 2:9). Those that come to Jesus will not be rejected and those who put their trust in Him will always be protected. Jesus is the perfect shepherd. He will not loose any of his sheep. He will fight for and defend His sheep against the lion and the bear. The wolves may attack but the good shepherd will not allow his sheep to be destroyed (John 10:11-14; 17:11-15).
God will never reject us but we can reject Him (1 John 2:19; Hebrews 6:4-6; John 12:42-43; 1 Corinthians 10:6-12). If we refuse to follow Him then He cannot lead us. We must be willing to continue to follow Him and not listen to the voice of another (John 10:5; Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:25). The Lord does not tire from searching us out and delivering us from all of the adverse circumstances that we allow ourselves to get into. He loved us before we loved Him and He goes on loving us even when we are disobedient. As long as a person is in this life they will find that if they ever, even for a moment, turn away from the Lord Jesus they will always find Him standing there with His outstretched arms of love pursuing them. All we have to do is cry out "help" and He instantly responds. Men may lie in wait to deceive but the Good Shepherd fights them off. Yet we must remember that we have a choice. If we choose to turn away form the Good Shepherd and refuse His words then we will be carried away of our own choosing to a place of deception (1 Timothy 4:1; Acts 20:29;2 Timothy 3:13; 2:17). So long as we are content to dwell with the Good Shepherd He will never reject us and will perfect everything that concerns us. He will never tire or weary, He will never slumber or sleep for the whole of His life and passion are His love for the sheep. It does not matter your weakness nor your frailty so long as you will hear the voice of your shepherd calling and come and set at His feet. As long as you are willing to follow He will continue to lead and for eternity you will find yourself blessed and abundantly supplied by your Shepherd Jesus the Messiah and His Father who is also our Father (1 John 17:11, 15-19).
The religious people during the time of Jesus refused to hear His voice yet in His love He continued to call out to them (John 8:47; 10:38). Those who have heard His voice must continue to listen and to obey, and as long as they are willing no power can separate them from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. There is no need for you to ever fear again for as long as you are willing to follow Him He will never reject you. It is God who does the saving and all we need to do is ask. God's formula for our success no matter where we are at in relationship with Him is to: hear His voice (our receptivity), "My sheep hear my voice"; as a result He knows us (the Lord's response to our call), "And I know them"; finally follow Him (our active obedience), "And they follow me."
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
John 10:28-29 - And I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish, and no one shall pluck them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all, and no one is able to pluck out of My Father's hand.
Every person that comes to Jesus was brought to Him as a gift from the Father (John 6:37; 17:9,11). We know that Father's arms are stretched out to the whole world, for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Titus 2:11; John 12:32; Romans 5:18; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 John 2:2; Hebrews 2:9). Those that come to Jesus will not be rejected and those who put their trust in Him will always be protected. Jesus is the perfect shepherd. He will not loose any of his sheep. He will fight for and defend His sheep against the lion and the bear. The wolves may attack but the good shepherd will not allow his sheep to be destroyed (John 10:11-14; 17:11-15).
God will never reject us but we can reject Him (1 John 2:19; Hebrews 6:4-6; John 12:42-43; 1 Corinthians 10:6-12). If we refuse to follow Him then He cannot lead us. We must be willing to continue to follow Him and not listen to the voice of another (John 10:5; Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:25). The Lord does not tire from searching us out and delivering us from all of the adverse circumstances that we allow ourselves to get into. He loved us before we loved Him and He goes on loving us even when we are disobedient. As long as a person is in this life they will find that if they ever, even for a moment, turn away from the Lord Jesus they will always find Him standing there with His outstretched arms of love pursuing them. All we have to do is cry out "help" and He instantly responds. Men may lie in wait to deceive but the Good Shepherd fights them off. Yet we must remember that we have a choice. If we choose to turn away form the Good Shepherd and refuse His words then we will be carried away of our own choosing to a place of deception (1 Timothy 4:1; Acts 20:29;2 Timothy 3:13; 2:17). So long as we are content to dwell with the Good Shepherd He will never reject us and will perfect everything that concerns us. He will never tire or weary, He will never slumber or sleep for the whole of His life and passion are His love for the sheep. It does not matter your weakness nor your frailty so long as you will hear the voice of your shepherd calling and come and set at His feet. As long as you are willing to follow He will continue to lead and for eternity you will find yourself blessed and abundantly supplied by your Shepherd Jesus the Messiah and His Father who is also our Father (1 John 17:11, 15-19).
The religious people during the time of Jesus refused to hear His voice yet in His love He continued to call out to them (John 8:47; 10:38). Those who have heard His voice must continue to listen and to obey, and as long as they are willing no power can separate them from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. There is no need for you to ever fear again for as long as you are willing to follow Him He will never reject you. It is God who does the saving and all we need to do is ask. God's formula for our success no matter where we are at in relationship with Him is to: hear His voice (our receptivity), "My sheep hear my voice"; as a result He knows us (the Lord's response to our call), "And I know them"; finally follow Him (our active obedience), "And they follow me."
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, November 16, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/16/07
2 Peter 3:17-18 17 - You then beloved knowing beforehand beware that you be not led away with the error of iniquity falling from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to Him be glory both now and forever.
All of God's children should be comfortable and feel the love and acceptance of the Father as they grow up in His house (1 John 4:16; Ephesians 1:6; John 1:12; 10:28-29). Yet at the same time we must realize that there is a gross error being propagated that results in God's people having no power to overcome iniquity. God's grace that brings salvation teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust and at the same time provides for us the ability and the strength to do it (Titus 2:11-12; Ephesians 3:16; Colossians 1:11; 1 John 2:14). We must not allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by our own failures but must remain steadfast in God's commitment to us even more than our commitment to Him. Through our reliance upon the grace of God we will grow spiritually, and the result of that growth will be a steadfastness against all the things contrary to the will and the nature of God. We will grow as we desire the sincere milk of the word and as we speak the truth in love (1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 4:15). As we exercise godliness we will get strong in godliness. Through the action of resisting the powers of darkness and the sin and iniquity that dominate that realm we will find ourselves growing in strength and spiritual authority (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9). God who gave the grace will never take it away, and He who gives the knowledge of salvation will never withhold it so long as we are willing to embrace His will.
The one thing that we must watch out for is that we do not listen to false teachers. Remembering what Peter said previously: "they speak nonsense and with licentious desires of the flesh entice people; they promise freedom but they themselves are the slaves of corruption" (2 Peter 2:18-19). We must not compromise with the world and with the sin that rules it. If someone comes along and teaches that sin is an understandable part of your everyday life, reject it. If we sin it is disastrous and we must think of it as such. We are to repent knowing the terror of the Lord and ask God to both cleanse us and strengthen us (2 Corinthians 5:11; Luke 12:5; Hebrews 10:31). There must never be an acceptance of the realm of iniquity as though it is something that is to remain a part of our lives (2 Peter 1:9; 1 John 2:10; Romans 6:2; Matthew 7:23; 2 Timothy 2:19). If we remain steadfast in the truth that is in Christ Jesus then we will discover that it is God who is perfecting everything that concerns us (Psalms 18:32; 138:8). God will never leave us nor forsake us. He will stand faithfully by our side so long as we are willing to walk with Him (Romans 8:35- 39; Psalms 94:14; 36:5; 92:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8-9; Philippians 2:13; Amos 3:3).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
2 Peter 3:17-18 17 - You then beloved knowing beforehand beware that you be not led away with the error of iniquity falling from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to Him be glory both now and forever.
All of God's children should be comfortable and feel the love and acceptance of the Father as they grow up in His house (1 John 4:16; Ephesians 1:6; John 1:12; 10:28-29). Yet at the same time we must realize that there is a gross error being propagated that results in God's people having no power to overcome iniquity. God's grace that brings salvation teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust and at the same time provides for us the ability and the strength to do it (Titus 2:11-12; Ephesians 3:16; Colossians 1:11; 1 John 2:14). We must not allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by our own failures but must remain steadfast in God's commitment to us even more than our commitment to Him. Through our reliance upon the grace of God we will grow spiritually, and the result of that growth will be a steadfastness against all the things contrary to the will and the nature of God. We will grow as we desire the sincere milk of the word and as we speak the truth in love (1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 4:15). As we exercise godliness we will get strong in godliness. Through the action of resisting the powers of darkness and the sin and iniquity that dominate that realm we will find ourselves growing in strength and spiritual authority (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9). God who gave the grace will never take it away, and He who gives the knowledge of salvation will never withhold it so long as we are willing to embrace His will.
The one thing that we must watch out for is that we do not listen to false teachers. Remembering what Peter said previously: "they speak nonsense and with licentious desires of the flesh entice people; they promise freedom but they themselves are the slaves of corruption" (2 Peter 2:18-19). We must not compromise with the world and with the sin that rules it. If someone comes along and teaches that sin is an understandable part of your everyday life, reject it. If we sin it is disastrous and we must think of it as such. We are to repent knowing the terror of the Lord and ask God to both cleanse us and strengthen us (2 Corinthians 5:11; Luke 12:5; Hebrews 10:31). There must never be an acceptance of the realm of iniquity as though it is something that is to remain a part of our lives (2 Peter 1:9; 1 John 2:10; Romans 6:2; Matthew 7:23; 2 Timothy 2:19). If we remain steadfast in the truth that is in Christ Jesus then we will discover that it is God who is perfecting everything that concerns us (Psalms 18:32; 138:8). God will never leave us nor forsake us. He will stand faithfully by our side so long as we are willing to walk with Him (Romans 8:35- 39; Psalms 94:14; 36:5; 92:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8-9; Philippians 2:13; Amos 3:3).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/15/07
1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober be watchful your adversary the devil as a roaring lion goes about seeking whom he may devour.
If there is any one thing that God's people need to sober up about it is that they are in the midst of a conflict over good and evil (Romans 6:16; 2 Corinthians 10:5-6; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Isaiah 55:7). This is a battle between the sons of God and the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:11; 1 Peter 2:11; 3:11; 4:1; 2 Corinthians 10:3; 1 John 2:14; 1 John 3:1- 10; 3 John 11; Hebrews 5:14; John 5:29; John 1:12). The captain of our salvation has totally defeated Satan in his reign of terror over all mankind yet a battle still rages (Hebrews 2:10; Romans 5:11-21; 1 Peter 4:1-3). You may ask how can it be both? How can Satan be defeated and yet still be in the fight? There are two parallel kingdoms that run side by side at the present time: the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of the Dear Son (Colossians 1:13; Ephesians 2:2; 6:10-11; John 16:11; Acts 26:18; 1 John 2:16; 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4; John 14:30).
Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of darkness and in so doing He destroyed the devil who has the power of death. Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light (Hebrews 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:10; John 12:31). Yet at the same time Satan is still at work for a period of time exercising his dominion over those who are lost. Satan also desires to overthrow the faith of those who belong to the Kingdom of the Dear Son (Luke 22:31; 2 Timothy 2:18; 1 Timothy 1:19; Revelation 3:14-22). If we walk in obedience to God, Satan cannot exercise any form of dominion over us nor can he even touch us (Romans 6:1-22; 1 John 5:18; 5:4; 2:13). We have been given power over every one of Satan's works insomuch that we can trample his works under our feet by the authority that we have been given in Christ Jesus (Luke 10:19; Romans 16:20).
The name Satan means enemy or adversary. He is a formidable foe with a power of deception and deceit that could even overthrow the very elect if it were allowed to be unleashed without restraint upon the saints (Matthew 24:24; 24:11; Mark 13:22; 2 Peter 2:1- 3; 3:17). The Holy Spirit warns us by Peter to be continually aware of the attack that Satan attempts to launch against us (2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). We are to be strong in the strength of the Lord and the power of His might to stand against all of the deceptive tricks that Satan attempts to use to devour and to destroy (Ephesians 6:10-13; James 4:7; Ephesians 4:26-27). As our adversary he is a devil set against all mankind to slander and to accuse. The weapon that he uses to destroy man is sin. It was through the act of sin that this battle was set into motion and it remains central to the conflict today. If we do not observe the fact that sin is far more than something we choose as an alternative to righteousness there is no way that we will be sober about this battle that we are engaged in. We need to feel the same way about sin that God does: He hates it! (Habakkuk 1:13; Psalms 97:10; Proverbs 8:13). God so hates sin that He has judged that it is worthy of an eternal torture in a place called Hell (Luke 16:22; Matthew 8:12; 22:13; Mark 9:44-48).
So many people have a difficult time understanding how that a loving God could create such a terrible place like Hell. What they fail to understand is how awful sin is to God and what a terrible offense it is against life. We need to have the same insight and revelation as to what Satan's devices are and see it as the weapons of the powers of darkness that are set against us to destroy all mankind.
As soldiers of the Kingdom of God we have been given weapons and authority to destroy every work of darkness (2 Timothy 2:3-4; Philemon 1:2). We have been given the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God to destroy every one of Satan's lies. We have been given the weapons of righteousness on the right hand and on the left to overthrow all unrighteousness. Like the mighty men of David's army we are trained up by the Holy Spirit to use both the right hand and the left hand equally effectively in this battle against sin (2 Corinthians 6:7; Romans 13:12; Luke 10:19; Ephesians 6:17). We are to yield our members as weapons of righteousness against sin (Romans 6:13).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober be watchful your adversary the devil as a roaring lion goes about seeking whom he may devour.
If there is any one thing that God's people need to sober up about it is that they are in the midst of a conflict over good and evil (Romans 6:16; 2 Corinthians 10:5-6; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Isaiah 55:7). This is a battle between the sons of God and the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:11; 1 Peter 2:11; 3:11; 4:1; 2 Corinthians 10:3; 1 John 2:14; 1 John 3:1- 10; 3 John 11; Hebrews 5:14; John 5:29; John 1:12). The captain of our salvation has totally defeated Satan in his reign of terror over all mankind yet a battle still rages (Hebrews 2:10; Romans 5:11-21; 1 Peter 4:1-3). You may ask how can it be both? How can Satan be defeated and yet still be in the fight? There are two parallel kingdoms that run side by side at the present time: the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of the Dear Son (Colossians 1:13; Ephesians 2:2; 6:10-11; John 16:11; Acts 26:18; 1 John 2:16; 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4; John 14:30).
Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of darkness and in so doing He destroyed the devil who has the power of death. Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light (Hebrews 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:10; John 12:31). Yet at the same time Satan is still at work for a period of time exercising his dominion over those who are lost. Satan also desires to overthrow the faith of those who belong to the Kingdom of the Dear Son (Luke 22:31; 2 Timothy 2:18; 1 Timothy 1:19; Revelation 3:14-22). If we walk in obedience to God, Satan cannot exercise any form of dominion over us nor can he even touch us (Romans 6:1-22; 1 John 5:18; 5:4; 2:13). We have been given power over every one of Satan's works insomuch that we can trample his works under our feet by the authority that we have been given in Christ Jesus (Luke 10:19; Romans 16:20).
The name Satan means enemy or adversary. He is a formidable foe with a power of deception and deceit that could even overthrow the very elect if it were allowed to be unleashed without restraint upon the saints (Matthew 24:24; 24:11; Mark 13:22; 2 Peter 2:1- 3; 3:17). The Holy Spirit warns us by Peter to be continually aware of the attack that Satan attempts to launch against us (2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). We are to be strong in the strength of the Lord and the power of His might to stand against all of the deceptive tricks that Satan attempts to use to devour and to destroy (Ephesians 6:10-13; James 4:7; Ephesians 4:26-27). As our adversary he is a devil set against all mankind to slander and to accuse. The weapon that he uses to destroy man is sin. It was through the act of sin that this battle was set into motion and it remains central to the conflict today. If we do not observe the fact that sin is far more than something we choose as an alternative to righteousness there is no way that we will be sober about this battle that we are engaged in. We need to feel the same way about sin that God does: He hates it! (Habakkuk 1:13; Psalms 97:10; Proverbs 8:13). God so hates sin that He has judged that it is worthy of an eternal torture in a place called Hell (Luke 16:22; Matthew 8:12; 22:13; Mark 9:44-48).
So many people have a difficult time understanding how that a loving God could create such a terrible place like Hell. What they fail to understand is how awful sin is to God and what a terrible offense it is against life. We need to have the same insight and revelation as to what Satan's devices are and see it as the weapons of the powers of darkness that are set against us to destroy all mankind.
As soldiers of the Kingdom of God we have been given weapons and authority to destroy every work of darkness (2 Timothy 2:3-4; Philemon 1:2). We have been given the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God to destroy every one of Satan's lies. We have been given the weapons of righteousness on the right hand and on the left to overthrow all unrighteousness. Like the mighty men of David's army we are trained up by the Holy Spirit to use both the right hand and the left hand equally effectively in this battle against sin (2 Corinthians 6:7; Romans 13:12; Luke 10:19; Ephesians 6:17). We are to yield our members as weapons of righteousness against sin (Romans 6:13).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/14/07
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - For the weapons of our warfare are not of human ability but of God's ability to destroy strongholds, to destroy imaginations and every high thing exalted against the knowledge of God and to take captive every thought to the obedience of Christ.
The battlefield that we are engaged upon is the battlefield of the thoughts. Thoughts are the inspiration behind our decisions and our decisions set the course of our actions. Our actions will determine our success or our failure now and throughout eternity. God has not left us to our on ability to deal with this complex matrix of reasoning and thinking, but has given to us His thoughts (through His word) and His divine assistance to destroy the influences of man and the demonic realm every time they arise in our thinking. We must be wise enough to take our position upon this battlefield with a determination to stand against all those things that oppose the knowledge of God (Ephesians 6:10-11). If we do not sober up and realize that this is a real war then we will constantly be overthrown by our own neglect. We must place God's word in its rightful position as the supreme knowledge and insight. If you want to be successful and have those things that God has promised then every opposing thought must become the enemy and must be destroyed.
Both Satanic forces and natural events attempt to act as a blockade between us and the promises that God has given. These "high military works" that are thrown up to prevent us will not be able to stand against us as we move in the knowledge of God. Yet at the same time we must recognize that the knowledge of God will run contrary to what we have come to learn and believe about the world that we live in. God's knowledge says to raise the dead, man's knowledge says impossible! God's knowledge tells us that whatever we ask Father He will do it, whereas man's knowledge says "God helps them that help themselves." God's knowledge says give and it shall be given to you, man's knowledge says save it and you will have more.
Imaginations that come out of a logic inspired by fear and self-preservation will always lead us in a direction opposite of faith. Imaginations begin where knowledge ends. Knowledge allows us to understand the situations and challenges that we are faced with and derive a plan of action to deal with them. Imaginations are never based upon truth but upon fantasies; it is a kind of "false logic" that has no substance in reality. To be so naive and ignorant as to think that our imaginations are worth the time and meditation that we give to them is self-destructive. When you lack truth and knowledge, imaginations set in; therefore turn to the source, the word of God.
If we are going to be obedient to God then we are going to have to allow God's Word to dominate our thoughts. God's instructions must be the knowledge that we base all of our decisions on. There is no weapon like the sword of the Spirit, or the word of God because the knowledge of God will cut off every false thing. Those who walk in the knowledge that the Word of God gives will have those things that God has described and the blessing that its wisdom brings. It is the truth that sets free and the power of God that overthrows every lie and deception. It is the means to discern good and evil and the revealer of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - For the weapons of our warfare are not of human ability but of God's ability to destroy strongholds, to destroy imaginations and every high thing exalted against the knowledge of God and to take captive every thought to the obedience of Christ.
The battlefield that we are engaged upon is the battlefield of the thoughts. Thoughts are the inspiration behind our decisions and our decisions set the course of our actions. Our actions will determine our success or our failure now and throughout eternity. God has not left us to our on ability to deal with this complex matrix of reasoning and thinking, but has given to us His thoughts (through His word) and His divine assistance to destroy the influences of man and the demonic realm every time they arise in our thinking. We must be wise enough to take our position upon this battlefield with a determination to stand against all those things that oppose the knowledge of God (Ephesians 6:10-11). If we do not sober up and realize that this is a real war then we will constantly be overthrown by our own neglect. We must place God's word in its rightful position as the supreme knowledge and insight. If you want to be successful and have those things that God has promised then every opposing thought must become the enemy and must be destroyed.
Both Satanic forces and natural events attempt to act as a blockade between us and the promises that God has given. These "high military works" that are thrown up to prevent us will not be able to stand against us as we move in the knowledge of God. Yet at the same time we must recognize that the knowledge of God will run contrary to what we have come to learn and believe about the world that we live in. God's knowledge says to raise the dead, man's knowledge says impossible! God's knowledge tells us that whatever we ask Father He will do it, whereas man's knowledge says "God helps them that help themselves." God's knowledge says give and it shall be given to you, man's knowledge says save it and you will have more.
Imaginations that come out of a logic inspired by fear and self-preservation will always lead us in a direction opposite of faith. Imaginations begin where knowledge ends. Knowledge allows us to understand the situations and challenges that we are faced with and derive a plan of action to deal with them. Imaginations are never based upon truth but upon fantasies; it is a kind of "false logic" that has no substance in reality. To be so naive and ignorant as to think that our imaginations are worth the time and meditation that we give to them is self-destructive. When you lack truth and knowledge, imaginations set in; therefore turn to the source, the word of God.
If we are going to be obedient to God then we are going to have to allow God's Word to dominate our thoughts. God's instructions must be the knowledge that we base all of our decisions on. There is no weapon like the sword of the Spirit, or the word of God because the knowledge of God will cut off every false thing. Those who walk in the knowledge that the Word of God gives will have those things that God has described and the blessing that its wisdom brings. It is the truth that sets free and the power of God that overthrows every lie and deception. It is the means to discern good and evil and the revealer of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/13/07
Romans 10:8 - But what does it say, The word is near you in your mouth and even in your heart, this is that word of faith that proclaimed.
The Psalmist said, let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14). When we recognize that by our words we are condemned and by our words we are justified then we will take better thought of those things that we allow to come forth from the chambers of our lips (Matthew 12:37; Proverbs 13:3). Once we believe something then we can speak it. Belief is an event that starts in the heart and is completed by the action of confession. God's word is like a seed of faith that goes down into the heart when it is heard. If a person will respond to the word of faith it will spring up with the life of God and produce a confession that will bring forth our salvation. Once salvation comes, a new creation arises with a new heart that has the word of God inscribed upon it. The words of God that are written in our hearts (being the same words also that are written in the Bible) are to be the source of inspiration for everything we say and do.
Paul reveals to us that word of faith is standing poised in our hearts and mouth which will produce the miracle of miracles: the presence of Jesus and the salvation that He brings. The words of faith are the words of God. And these words that have been written upon our hearts by the Holy Spirit and are to be yielded to and uttered by our lips. All of Israel audibly heard the words of God who had accompanied them to Sinai. The word of God was not hidden from them; they knew first hand that God had spoken and not man (Deuteronomy 30:1-14; Exodus 13:19; Deuteronomy 6:6-9). All they needed to do was to simply agree with what God had said and all of the blessings that He had promised would have been theirs.
Today, the word of God is present in our hearts and in our mouths if we have been transformed by the word of God. All we need to do is to speak out those things that the word of God proclaims and the blessings of salvation will be revealed in our lives. It was the word of faith that created the vast expanse of the Universe. It was the word of faith that brought forth our salvation and it is the word of faith that will cause us to possess all those righteous things which God has promised (Psalms 33:6; Hebrews 11:3). So, keep your tongue from evil and do not allow your lips to speak any disappointment, depart from evil and pursue His peace (1 Peter 3:10; Psalms 34:13). Let us say with the men of faith and wisdom that "All of the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing arrogant or perverse in them" (Proverbs 8:8). God is a God of faith and without faith we cannot please Him. There is no good thing that He will withhold from those who walk uprightly so be in expectation that all that God has promised will be fulfilled in you (Psalms 84:11; Proverbs 28:10).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Romans 10:8 - But what does it say, The word is near you in your mouth and even in your heart, this is that word of faith that proclaimed.
The Psalmist said, let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14). When we recognize that by our words we are condemned and by our words we are justified then we will take better thought of those things that we allow to come forth from the chambers of our lips (Matthew 12:37; Proverbs 13:3). Once we believe something then we can speak it. Belief is an event that starts in the heart and is completed by the action of confession. God's word is like a seed of faith that goes down into the heart when it is heard. If a person will respond to the word of faith it will spring up with the life of God and produce a confession that will bring forth our salvation. Once salvation comes, a new creation arises with a new heart that has the word of God inscribed upon it. The words of God that are written in our hearts (being the same words also that are written in the Bible) are to be the source of inspiration for everything we say and do.
Paul reveals to us that word of faith is standing poised in our hearts and mouth which will produce the miracle of miracles: the presence of Jesus and the salvation that He brings. The words of faith are the words of God. And these words that have been written upon our hearts by the Holy Spirit and are to be yielded to and uttered by our lips. All of Israel audibly heard the words of God who had accompanied them to Sinai. The word of God was not hidden from them; they knew first hand that God had spoken and not man (Deuteronomy 30:1-14; Exodus 13:19; Deuteronomy 6:6-9). All they needed to do was to simply agree with what God had said and all of the blessings that He had promised would have been theirs.
Today, the word of God is present in our hearts and in our mouths if we have been transformed by the word of God. All we need to do is to speak out those things that the word of God proclaims and the blessings of salvation will be revealed in our lives. It was the word of faith that created the vast expanse of the Universe. It was the word of faith that brought forth our salvation and it is the word of faith that will cause us to possess all those righteous things which God has promised (Psalms 33:6; Hebrews 11:3). So, keep your tongue from evil and do not allow your lips to speak any disappointment, depart from evil and pursue His peace (1 Peter 3:10; Psalms 34:13). Let us say with the men of faith and wisdom that "All of the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing arrogant or perverse in them" (Proverbs 8:8). God is a God of faith and without faith we cannot please Him. There is no good thing that He will withhold from those who walk uprightly so be in expectation that all that God has promised will be fulfilled in you (Psalms 84:11; Proverbs 28:10).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - NOV/12/07
Philippians 4:8 - Finally brethren whatever is true whatever is honorable whatever is upright whatever is pure whatever is pleasing whatever is of good report if there be any excellence if there be anything worthy of praise think on these things.
If you want to have the right results then you are going to have to think the right thoughts. As a man thinks in his heart so is he, therefore we need to think according to the things that God has said (Luke 6:45; Proverbs 23:7; Psalms 17:3;19:14; Romans 10:10) . We need to think after the manner of the word of God which has been written in our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3; Hebrews 8:10). The word used here for think is 'logitxomai', referring to the logic that we use to predict the future. It may be translated 'calculate' or simply to 'think'. This Greek word is translated elsewhere as 'accredited' or the credit that one has in their account (Romans 4:8-10, 22-23; 8:36; Galatians 3:6) . Based on the credit that you have in your account you can predict whether or not you have any money to spend to obtained those things that you desire. God who is devoted to our success and who cannot lie has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies and is providing for us according to His riches in glory.
If we are willing to mediate on the word of God we will find ourselves prospering and being successful (Joshua 1:8; Psalms 1:2-3). If we would consider all the plans that God has for us and all the absolute success that he has promised us and choose to think on these things then the worry, stress, doubt and fear will begin to come to an end. When we consider what will happen in our tomorrows it should be predicted by the truth of God's word, the integrity of His promise, the uprightness of the situation, the purity of His purpose, the good report that He has given, the excellence that He has called us to, the success and conduct worthy of praise.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Philippians 4:8 - Finally brethren whatever is true whatever is honorable whatever is upright whatever is pure whatever is pleasing whatever is of good report if there be any excellence if there be anything worthy of praise think on these things.
If you want to have the right results then you are going to have to think the right thoughts. As a man thinks in his heart so is he, therefore we need to think according to the things that God has said (Luke 6:45; Proverbs 23:7; Psalms 17:3;19:14; Romans 10:10) . We need to think after the manner of the word of God which has been written in our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3; Hebrews 8:10). The word used here for think is 'logitxomai', referring to the logic that we use to predict the future. It may be translated 'calculate' or simply to 'think'. This Greek word is translated elsewhere as 'accredited' or the credit that one has in their account (Romans 4:8-10, 22-23; 8:36; Galatians 3:6) . Based on the credit that you have in your account you can predict whether or not you have any money to spend to obtained those things that you desire. God who is devoted to our success and who cannot lie has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies and is providing for us according to His riches in glory.
If we are willing to mediate on the word of God we will find ourselves prospering and being successful (Joshua 1:8; Psalms 1:2-3). If we would consider all the plans that God has for us and all the absolute success that he has promised us and choose to think on these things then the worry, stress, doubt and fear will begin to come to an end. When we consider what will happen in our tomorrows it should be predicted by the truth of God's word, the integrity of His promise, the uprightness of the situation, the purity of His purpose, the good report that He has given, the excellence that He has called us to, the success and conduct worthy of praise.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread - NOV/10/07
Ephesians 5:3 - But fornication and all impurity or greediness shall not be named once among you as proper holy ones.
There are three acts of iniquity named here: fornication (pornea), impurity (akatharsia) and the drive to have more (pleonexia). Once again, God defines the acts of sin so that we may be careful not to participate with these things that belong to the demonic and cursed realm (2 Peter 2:14). The acts of all impurity may be considered a very broad category of sin. This Greek word was first used in the New Testament by Jesus to compare the spiritual condition of the religious leaders to the decaying remains of a dead person inside of a tomb (Matthew 23:27). This Greek word is derived from 'akathartos', which means 'unclean' in a ceremonial sense and in a moral sense of thought and conduct. There is a corruption and decay that is found in spiritual impurity. It is a disease that will ultimately destroy everything that is good and that pertains to life.
The acts of impurity refer to every immoral act that man can commit. Paul used this word to refer to the acts that God gave men over to defile their bodies through practices of homosexuality and every type of destructive lust (Romans 1:24-27). Paul also uses it as a means to communicate the kinds of deeds that people do who are alienated from the life of God, through the hardness of their hearts (Ephesians 4:18- 19). The good news however is that as the saints of God we have received the divine nature, given to us by the Spirit of God and have "escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Ephesians 5:3 - But fornication and all impurity or greediness shall not be named once among you as proper holy ones.
There are three acts of iniquity named here: fornication (pornea), impurity (akatharsia) and the drive to have more (pleonexia). Once again, God defines the acts of sin so that we may be careful not to participate with these things that belong to the demonic and cursed realm (2 Peter 2:14). The acts of all impurity may be considered a very broad category of sin. This Greek word was first used in the New Testament by Jesus to compare the spiritual condition of the religious leaders to the decaying remains of a dead person inside of a tomb (Matthew 23:27). This Greek word is derived from 'akathartos', which means 'unclean' in a ceremonial sense and in a moral sense of thought and conduct. There is a corruption and decay that is found in spiritual impurity. It is a disease that will ultimately destroy everything that is good and that pertains to life.
The acts of impurity refer to every immoral act that man can commit. Paul used this word to refer to the acts that God gave men over to defile their bodies through practices of homosexuality and every type of destructive lust (Romans 1:24-27). Paul also uses it as a means to communicate the kinds of deeds that people do who are alienated from the life of God, through the hardness of their hearts (Ephesians 4:18- 19). The good news however is that as the saints of God we have received the divine nature, given to us by the Spirit of God and have "escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Friday, November 09, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/09/07
Matthew 5:45 - So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven for his sun rises upon the evil and the good and sends rain upon the righteous and the unrighteous.
Righteousness and unrighteousness are not abstract concepts that are set forth to distinguish those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior as opposed to those who have refused Him. These two words are paralleled to good and evil throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The person who is unrighteous is the one who is a violator of the ways of God in the broadest sense. The Bible is very clear that the unrighteous (those who do iniquity) will not inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9). Both righteousness and unrighteousness are defined by the behavior of an individual. The actions of righteousness are those behaviors that comply with the ways of God and the unrighteous are those who violate His ways. The standard of righteousness is the ways of God who is: righteous in all of His ways and Holy in all of His works (Psalms 145:17). God has transformed us by the miracle power of the new birth and commanded us to walk even as He walks and be perfect even as He is perfect (Matthew 5:48; 1 John 2:6; 3:3, 7; 4:17; Colossians 2:6; Revelation 3:21). God in His patience and longsuffering is Himself dedicated to training us how to walk in this glorious realm, but we must be willing to participate. Our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, has made the distinction between the good and the evil and what is profane and what is holy. If we will mark well what must not be allowed in our lives, God will make sure that we will be kept from its power. There is no sin that can impose itself upon us because we are not under its dominion (Romans 6).
Like righteousness, the Greek word for unrighteous (adikos) has several synonyms: unlawful (athemitos), warped (skolios), deceitful (poneros), evil (kakos), bad (phaulos) , sinful (harmatolos), ungodly (asebeia) and iniquity (anomia). God has devoted much of the message of the Bible to giving us a thorough understanding of these practices. Although God blesses the unrighteous with the blessings of a life here and now He does not have a relationship with them and will ultimately cast them out of His presence forever (Luke 13:27). The unrighteous are those who practice iniquity (anomia) as is underscored in the parallel passage in Matthew 7:23 which uses unrighteousness (adikos) instead. The unrighteous are those who are ungodly (Romans 1:18). As the children of the Almighty God we are commanded to refuse all of these filthy things and perfect holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Who shall not fear you Lord as for me I will.
Who shall not honor you Lord as for me I will.
Who shall not follow you Lord as for me I will.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Matthew 5:45 - So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven for his sun rises upon the evil and the good and sends rain upon the righteous and the unrighteous.
Righteousness and unrighteousness are not abstract concepts that are set forth to distinguish those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior as opposed to those who have refused Him. These two words are paralleled to good and evil throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The person who is unrighteous is the one who is a violator of the ways of God in the broadest sense. The Bible is very clear that the unrighteous (those who do iniquity) will not inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9). Both righteousness and unrighteousness are defined by the behavior of an individual. The actions of righteousness are those behaviors that comply with the ways of God and the unrighteous are those who violate His ways. The standard of righteousness is the ways of God who is: righteous in all of His ways and Holy in all of His works (Psalms 145:17). God has transformed us by the miracle power of the new birth and commanded us to walk even as He walks and be perfect even as He is perfect (Matthew 5:48; 1 John 2:6; 3:3, 7; 4:17; Colossians 2:6; Revelation 3:21). God in His patience and longsuffering is Himself dedicated to training us how to walk in this glorious realm, but we must be willing to participate. Our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, has made the distinction between the good and the evil and what is profane and what is holy. If we will mark well what must not be allowed in our lives, God will make sure that we will be kept from its power. There is no sin that can impose itself upon us because we are not under its dominion (Romans 6).
Like righteousness, the Greek word for unrighteous (adikos) has several synonyms: unlawful (athemitos), warped (skolios), deceitful (poneros), evil (kakos), bad (phaulos) , sinful (harmatolos), ungodly (asebeia) and iniquity (anomia). God has devoted much of the message of the Bible to giving us a thorough understanding of these practices. Although God blesses the unrighteous with the blessings of a life here and now He does not have a relationship with them and will ultimately cast them out of His presence forever (Luke 13:27). The unrighteous are those who practice iniquity (anomia) as is underscored in the parallel passage in Matthew 7:23 which uses unrighteousness (adikos) instead. The unrighteous are those who are ungodly (Romans 1:18). As the children of the Almighty God we are commanded to refuse all of these filthy things and perfect holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Who shall not fear you Lord as for me I will.
Who shall not honor you Lord as for me I will.
Who shall not follow you Lord as for me I will.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Daily Bread - NOV/08/07
Romans 5:19 - For as by the disobedience of one man many were made sinners also then through the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Many people wonder: just how righteous has Jesus made us? The question may be answered by evaluating just how much of a sinner Adam's disobedience made man. Then once we recognize the real effect Adam's disobedience had then we can appreciate the consequences of the obedience of Jesus - which has even a greater effect for those who will hear and obey. Fundamental to salvation is that we believe in righteousness and receive the gift of righteousness (Romans 10:10; 5:21; 2 Corinthians 5:21). If we reject this so great a salvation then we reject the word of God that produces the faith for the miracle of righteousness. Paul further establishes the reality of the change that was brought into our lives in the next chapter by making known that just as we were the servants of sin we are now the servants of righteousness (Romans 6:17-19).
As Adam's disobedience opened up the floodgates of iniquity, the obedience of Christ opened up the floodgates of righteousness and brought an end of the tyrannical reign of sin for all those who are willing to obey. Men may choose to continue on in their sins but the fact remains that the opportunity to come into this so great a salvation is extended to all mankind. The redemptive blood of Jesus was poured out not for our sins only but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). In choosing to accept the gift of righteousness that has been provided for us, the Holy Spirit comes into our lives to teach us how to live this life of righteousness. Every day we must give ourselves to learning and growing in the knowledge of God as He instructs us and leads us in the path of righteousness for His name's sake. Today let's make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). Two ways are set before us: the way of life or death. We may choose the realm in which Adam led all humanity or the realm into which Christ Jesus now leads. If you are willing to follow, you may be absolutely certain that no matter what happens the Holy Spirit will always continue to lead and to guide. We may all confidently say:
Jesus is my Savior.
The Holy Spirit is my helper and my guide.
The Almighty God is my Father and so I say I will remain here forever.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Romans 5:19 - For as by the disobedience of one man many were made sinners also then through the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Many people wonder: just how righteous has Jesus made us? The question may be answered by evaluating just how much of a sinner Adam's disobedience made man. Then once we recognize the real effect Adam's disobedience had then we can appreciate the consequences of the obedience of Jesus - which has even a greater effect for those who will hear and obey. Fundamental to salvation is that we believe in righteousness and receive the gift of righteousness (Romans 10:10; 5:21; 2 Corinthians 5:21). If we reject this so great a salvation then we reject the word of God that produces the faith for the miracle of righteousness. Paul further establishes the reality of the change that was brought into our lives in the next chapter by making known that just as we were the servants of sin we are now the servants of righteousness (Romans 6:17-19).
As Adam's disobedience opened up the floodgates of iniquity, the obedience of Christ opened up the floodgates of righteousness and brought an end of the tyrannical reign of sin for all those who are willing to obey. Men may choose to continue on in their sins but the fact remains that the opportunity to come into this so great a salvation is extended to all mankind. The redemptive blood of Jesus was poured out not for our sins only but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). In choosing to accept the gift of righteousness that has been provided for us, the Holy Spirit comes into our lives to teach us how to live this life of righteousness. Every day we must give ourselves to learning and growing in the knowledge of God as He instructs us and leads us in the path of righteousness for His name's sake. Today let's make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). Two ways are set before us: the way of life or death. We may choose the realm in which Adam led all humanity or the realm into which Christ Jesus now leads. If you are willing to follow, you may be absolutely certain that no matter what happens the Holy Spirit will always continue to lead and to guide. We may all confidently say:
Jesus is my Savior.
The Holy Spirit is my helper and my guide.
The Almighty God is my Father and so I say I will remain here forever.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
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