Daily Bread - DEC/14/07
Leviticus 19:2 - Speak unto all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say unto them you shall be Holy for I YHWH your God am Holy.
One of the most frequent things that God said to His people Israel and to the priests while they were preparing a place for Him to dwell among them was, "be holy." "Be holy because I Yahweh your God am Holy" can be called the motto of Leviticus being repeated over 40 times from Leviticus 18 through 26. We may begin to understand God's Holiness by recognizing that "the Holy God will show Himself Holy by His righteousness" (Isaiah 5:16). Every attribute of God and His life is sacred. Holiness is simply honoring the sacredness and sanctity of life. God will not be compromised with the filth of sin and the pollutions of darkness. We may not think of strife and hatred as filthiness and an offense to life, but God does. He demands that His people understand the sacredness of His realm and understand that the law of eternity demands that it not be compromised. Oh what a terrible day it would be if we all awoke to find that the sun no longer emitted its warm rays of light. On that day, life would cease to exist because the laws of life on this planet would have been violated. The laws of God are as real and far more important than any other laws that we have discovered about our world. Sin and its spiritual pollution cannot be mixed with the presence of God. The strength and security of the sacredness of life and human morality rest solely on the unchanging nature of God.
The Sacredness or the Holiness of God also demands that we honor and respect the things pertaining to God's presence. Some hard lessons were learned as Nadab and Abihu attempted to do things their own way and did not regard God's order of Holiness (Leviticus 10:1-6). Many people stand in wonderment about why holiness is so essential yet we should be in awe that God would allow us into a relationship with Himself. If you want to belong to God and be those of His household then Holiness is essential. If we are going to live with God then we are going to have to walk in a sacred realm and recognize that there are many things we are going to have to do differently. One of the most important things we need to learn is that it is essential that we understand that we cannot do things our own way. God wants to teach us His way of doing things - which is far better and superior to the way that we have learned to operate in the kingdom of men. To this end, He laid down His instructions to His people first in the Old Testament and then in the New (1 Peter 1:15). Honoring the sacredness of God is taught to us through every lesson of the Bible and every command that God has ever given. As we learn to walk in love, humility, purity, and mercy we are learning to walk in the sacredness and holiness of the ways of the Almighty (Psalms 15; Micah 6:6-8; Romans 13:8,10; Galatians 5:14) .
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Daily Bread - DEC/13/07
Exodus 30:31-32 - Speak unto the sons of Israel saying this shall be the holy anointing oil of Yahweh throughout your generations. It shall not be poured upon the flesh of man and you shall not make any composition like it for it is sacred and it shall be sacred to you.
We must be careful not to violate the sacredness of God, the sacredness of life, the sacredness of His call, and the sacredness of His purpose for our lives. It is easy to become critical of others - and even of ourselves - but we must not allow such things. We must recognize that God is shaping each of us for a particular, unique purpose. It is the Spirit of God who shapes us to function in the anointing that has been placed upon us. God has not poured out His anointing on ordinary men but rather those whom He has called, chosen, made righteous, and glorified (Romans 8:30; John 1:12). Who can lay any charge to God's elect when it is God who has made us righteous and called us with a sacred calling (Romans 8:33; 2 Timothy 1:9)?
Each one of us has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be the sons and daughters of God. Our lives and callings are so important to God that He has given to us the Holy Spirit to be our own personal teacher and guide (John 16:13; 1 John 2:27). In addition to this glorious anointing there are those whom the Lord has anointed with special anointing to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. God also gives special anointing of His grace to every man to function in every aspect of His own glory and power so that Jesus may be fully revealed through miracles, healing, prophecy, faith, discerning of spirits, casting out evil spirits, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, tongues and interpretation of tongues, power to make wealth, distribution of wealth, helps, governments, and compassion ministries to name of few (1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Romans 8:3-8; Mark 16:17). The Holy Spirit shapes the individual for these works of grace, and we must be careful that we do not interfere with what God is doing just because we may not agree with the methods or expressions. This is not only in terms of a criticism toward others but also criticism of ourselves.
In so many churches there exists a threatening and hostile environment that attempts to mandate and control everything that is done. Instead of walking in love and giving the Holy Spirit the freedom to lead and express those things that He has purposed to manifest through those whom He has anointed, many live under the domination of human opinion and criticism. It is hard to flow in the Holy Spirit when you are constantly on the defensive. The church must be a sanctuary where the instruments of God can be forged and developed (Ephesians 4:13-16; 1 Corinthians 12, 14:26). The things pertaining to the manifestation of the Spirit must be more sacred to us than anything else in our lives. When we recognize that God has indeed given to every man the manifestation of the Spirit then we must recognize the sacredness of that anointing and give place to the operation and function of that manifestation in each person's life.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Exodus 30:31-32 - Speak unto the sons of Israel saying this shall be the holy anointing oil of Yahweh throughout your generations. It shall not be poured upon the flesh of man and you shall not make any composition like it for it is sacred and it shall be sacred to you.
We must be careful not to violate the sacredness of God, the sacredness of life, the sacredness of His call, and the sacredness of His purpose for our lives. It is easy to become critical of others - and even of ourselves - but we must not allow such things. We must recognize that God is shaping each of us for a particular, unique purpose. It is the Spirit of God who shapes us to function in the anointing that has been placed upon us. God has not poured out His anointing on ordinary men but rather those whom He has called, chosen, made righteous, and glorified (Romans 8:30; John 1:12). Who can lay any charge to God's elect when it is God who has made us righteous and called us with a sacred calling (Romans 8:33; 2 Timothy 1:9)?
Each one of us has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be the sons and daughters of God. Our lives and callings are so important to God that He has given to us the Holy Spirit to be our own personal teacher and guide (John 16:13; 1 John 2:27). In addition to this glorious anointing there are those whom the Lord has anointed with special anointing to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. God also gives special anointing of His grace to every man to function in every aspect of His own glory and power so that Jesus may be fully revealed through miracles, healing, prophecy, faith, discerning of spirits, casting out evil spirits, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, tongues and interpretation of tongues, power to make wealth, distribution of wealth, helps, governments, and compassion ministries to name of few (1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Romans 8:3-8; Mark 16:17). The Holy Spirit shapes the individual for these works of grace, and we must be careful that we do not interfere with what God is doing just because we may not agree with the methods or expressions. This is not only in terms of a criticism toward others but also criticism of ourselves.
In so many churches there exists a threatening and hostile environment that attempts to mandate and control everything that is done. Instead of walking in love and giving the Holy Spirit the freedom to lead and express those things that He has purposed to manifest through those whom He has anointed, many live under the domination of human opinion and criticism. It is hard to flow in the Holy Spirit when you are constantly on the defensive. The church must be a sanctuary where the instruments of God can be forged and developed (Ephesians 4:13-16; 1 Corinthians 12, 14:26). The things pertaining to the manifestation of the Spirit must be more sacred to us than anything else in our lives. When we recognize that God has indeed given to every man the manifestation of the Spirit then we must recognize the sacredness of that anointing and give place to the operation and function of that manifestation in each person's life.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Daily Bread - DEC/12/07
Luke 1:41 - And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary the baby leaped in her belly and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
The word of God carries with it an anointing ready to be imparted to those prepared to hear. As Elizabeth heard the words of Mary, the anointing came upon her and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth's response was like the seventy that received the anointing that was in the life of Moses: she began to prophesy (Numbers 11:24-30). It would not be difficult for Elizabeth to understand the impossible story that Mary would need to tell her of how a virgin could be pregnant with a child. The message would be announced through Elizabeth's own lips by the Holy Spirit. The word that was placed in Mary's mouth by the Holy Spirit imparted a divine empowerment to both Elizabeth and the baby. The baby was filled with the Holy Spirit and leaped for joy and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied (vs 44; Luke 1:15).
When God's people receive the divine power to be witnesses of Jesus then their words are filled with faith and power (Romans 10:6-8, 14-15,17; Acts 10:44). The most important message that must be proclaimed is that Jesus has come into the world to save sinners! Through the proclamation of the word of God the sinner will be transformed into a saint, evil spirits will go out, the crippled will walk, and the blind will see (Luke 4:18; John 14:12; Mark 16:17). The anointing of God goes forth like a river out of the mouths of His servants and binds up the broken in heart and sets the captive free.
The word of God - which is the word of prophecy - is the testimony of Jesus. The testimony of Jesus is spirit and life (John 6:63; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). The word of Christ is the gift of God, and when it is received becomes a wellspring leaping up in the womb and flowing forth like rivers. The anointing of the Holy Spirit conveyed by the word of God produces a continual filling of the Spirit so that we may speak to ourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:18-19). As the testimony of Jesus pours out of our bellies like waters of life, the sound of it causes all who know that joyful sound to be filled with the Spirit over and over again.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Luke 1:41 - And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary the baby leaped in her belly and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
The word of God carries with it an anointing ready to be imparted to those prepared to hear. As Elizabeth heard the words of Mary, the anointing came upon her and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth's response was like the seventy that received the anointing that was in the life of Moses: she began to prophesy (Numbers 11:24-30). It would not be difficult for Elizabeth to understand the impossible story that Mary would need to tell her of how a virgin could be pregnant with a child. The message would be announced through Elizabeth's own lips by the Holy Spirit. The word that was placed in Mary's mouth by the Holy Spirit imparted a divine empowerment to both Elizabeth and the baby. The baby was filled with the Holy Spirit and leaped for joy and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied (vs 44; Luke 1:15).
When God's people receive the divine power to be witnesses of Jesus then their words are filled with faith and power (Romans 10:6-8, 14-15,17; Acts 10:44). The most important message that must be proclaimed is that Jesus has come into the world to save sinners! Through the proclamation of the word of God the sinner will be transformed into a saint, evil spirits will go out, the crippled will walk, and the blind will see (Luke 4:18; John 14:12; Mark 16:17). The anointing of God goes forth like a river out of the mouths of His servants and binds up the broken in heart and sets the captive free.
The word of God - which is the word of prophecy - is the testimony of Jesus. The testimony of Jesus is spirit and life (John 6:63; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). The word of Christ is the gift of God, and when it is received becomes a wellspring leaping up in the womb and flowing forth like rivers. The anointing of the Holy Spirit conveyed by the word of God produces a continual filling of the Spirit so that we may speak to ourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:18-19). As the testimony of Jesus pours out of our bellies like waters of life, the sound of it causes all who know that joyful sound to be filled with the Spirit over and over again.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Daily Bread - DEC/11/07
Revelation 22:1 - And he showed me a river of life of pure water radiant like crystal flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb.
The Bible refers to a river that produces life four times in scripture: the first time is in Ezekiel 47:1-12, the second is in Zechariah 14:8, then in John 7:37-39 and lastly in Revelation 22:1. The one thing that all these rivers most definitely have in common is that they are rivers of living water that produce life. These waters instantaneously impart the life of God to anything that is dead or dying, and it is healed and restored. Now we may choose to be very analytical with the description of the river and say that two of these descriptions refer to the river of God during the millennial reign of Christ (Ezekiel 47:1-12; Zechariah 14:8; Joel 3:18); one is purely spiritual belonging to the flowing forth of the Holy Spirit through the New Testament saints (John 7:37-39; 4:14); and one belongs to the Eternal City, the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:1-2). However, in doing this we must not lose sight of the existence of this river now at this present time both flowing from God and through the New Testament saints. Furthermore, we must recognize that this river is given to bring forth the life of God and that, in reality, God has only one source of life and cleansing no matter what time period we choose to evaluate. If mankind is going to be healed - whether Jew or Gentile, now or in the future - they must come to these waters. The life-giving water flows out from the throne of God in every time period to bring healing to mankind spiritually, physically, and materially. The rivers flow out to heal the waters of the earth (the environment) as well as the sociopolitical disease of the nations (Zechariah 13:1; John 4:10; 7:37-39; Revelation 7:17; Ezekiel 47:8-9,12; Revelation 22:2).
The source of this water is God the Father and the Lord Jesus who is the Lamb of God. The function of the river is to both cleanse and to renew. These waters are the life-giving and life-sustaining power of God. Its purifying and creative power is the very action of the Spirit of God upon all creation. It is the water that Jesus offered to the woman at the well (John 4:10). It is the water that Jesus offered to the masses gathered together at the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:37-39). It is the water that testifies of redemption along with the Spirit and the blood in the earth today (1 John 5:6, 8). The life-giving water flows from the Fountain of Life, the Almighty God (Psalms 36:9; Jeremiah 2:13; 17:13; 1 Corinthians 10:4). This life-giving water is being offered to all humanity today. Just as Jesus offered it to all those gathered together at the Feast of Tabernacles so long ago, even today the Holy Spirit is saying come, the bride is saying come, and those who hear are saying come and drink of the water of life. The water of life is the life of God and presence of God that flows into our lives by the Holy Spirit. The life of God inside those who receive becomes a fountain springing up and a river flowing out producing the manifestation of the Holy Spirit and the abundant life that is in Christ Jesus (John 7:39; Galatians 5:22-24; 1 Corinthians 12:7; Acts 1:8).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Revelation 22:1 - And he showed me a river of life of pure water radiant like crystal flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb.
The Bible refers to a river that produces life four times in scripture: the first time is in Ezekiel 47:1-12, the second is in Zechariah 14:8, then in John 7:37-39 and lastly in Revelation 22:1. The one thing that all these rivers most definitely have in common is that they are rivers of living water that produce life. These waters instantaneously impart the life of God to anything that is dead or dying, and it is healed and restored. Now we may choose to be very analytical with the description of the river and say that two of these descriptions refer to the river of God during the millennial reign of Christ (Ezekiel 47:1-12; Zechariah 14:8; Joel 3:18); one is purely spiritual belonging to the flowing forth of the Holy Spirit through the New Testament saints (John 7:37-39; 4:14); and one belongs to the Eternal City, the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:1-2). However, in doing this we must not lose sight of the existence of this river now at this present time both flowing from God and through the New Testament saints. Furthermore, we must recognize that this river is given to bring forth the life of God and that, in reality, God has only one source of life and cleansing no matter what time period we choose to evaluate. If mankind is going to be healed - whether Jew or Gentile, now or in the future - they must come to these waters. The life-giving water flows out from the throne of God in every time period to bring healing to mankind spiritually, physically, and materially. The rivers flow out to heal the waters of the earth (the environment) as well as the sociopolitical disease of the nations (Zechariah 13:1; John 4:10; 7:37-39; Revelation 7:17; Ezekiel 47:8-9,12; Revelation 22:2).
The source of this water is God the Father and the Lord Jesus who is the Lamb of God. The function of the river is to both cleanse and to renew. These waters are the life-giving and life-sustaining power of God. Its purifying and creative power is the very action of the Spirit of God upon all creation. It is the water that Jesus offered to the woman at the well (John 4:10). It is the water that Jesus offered to the masses gathered together at the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:37-39). It is the water that testifies of redemption along with the Spirit and the blood in the earth today (1 John 5:6, 8). The life-giving water flows from the Fountain of Life, the Almighty God (Psalms 36:9; Jeremiah 2:13; 17:13; 1 Corinthians 10:4). This life-giving water is being offered to all humanity today. Just as Jesus offered it to all those gathered together at the Feast of Tabernacles so long ago, even today the Holy Spirit is saying come, the bride is saying come, and those who hear are saying come and drink of the water of life. The water of life is the life of God and presence of God that flows into our lives by the Holy Spirit. The life of God inside those who receive becomes a fountain springing up and a river flowing out producing the manifestation of the Holy Spirit and the abundant life that is in Christ Jesus (John 7:39; Galatians 5:22-24; 1 Corinthians 12:7; Acts 1:8).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Monday, December 10, 2007
Daily Bread - DEC/10/07
Leviticus 21:12 - And he shall not go out from the sanctuary and he shall not defile the sanctuary of his God for the crown of anointing oil of his God is upon him I am YHWH.
The anointing that the high priest received from God was a crown of glory that represented his divine office as God's representative. The anointing oil actually referred to the Spirit of God and the glory of God that was upon the high priest. The high priest was the one who was God's representative to the people and the people's representative to God. Therefore, he was endued with the power and authority to show forth the glory of the Almighty. The sanctuary was not to be his constant abode but no matter where he was it was essential for him to remember who he was and what he represented, yet, mentally, he was to consider himself always in the sanctuary. He was given an anointing from God that was sacred and glorious. He could never again think of himself in an ordinary way. He could never allow himself to do things or be involved in things that would in any way devalue - much less profane - his majestic office. The high priest was the ambassador of God and the representative of His presence and power in the earth.
Jesus was crowned with glory and honor as the one who was anointed above all others (Hebrews 1:9). The crown of glory that He wore was the anointing of the Spirit without measure (John 3:34; Psalms 45:7; Hebrews 1:9; Isaiah 11:2; Luke 3:22; Colossians 1:28; Galatians 3:27; Romans 8:29-30). The same anointing that was poured out upon Jesus has been poured out upon us (John 16:13; 17:21-23; Acts 2:4; Isaiah 62:1-3; 1 Peter 2:9). We have received the anointing to be the sons of God, co-inheritors with Christ, and the ambassadors of Christ representing the risen savior among the nations (John 1:12; Romans 8:17; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Acts 4:33; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21; Isaiah 61:1). When the anointing came upon Saul to be king he was changed into a different man, but when the anointing came upon us to be the sons of God we were made a new creation (1 Samuel 10:1, 6; 1 John 2:27; John 3:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Peter 1:4; Isaiah 51:11). We must recognize at all times that the crown of the anointing oil is upon our heads. Unlike the high priest who had a measure of the anointing poured out upon him we have been baptized with the Holy Spirit (Psalms 133:2; Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; 11:16).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Leviticus 21:12 - And he shall not go out from the sanctuary and he shall not defile the sanctuary of his God for the crown of anointing oil of his God is upon him I am YHWH.
The anointing that the high priest received from God was a crown of glory that represented his divine office as God's representative. The anointing oil actually referred to the Spirit of God and the glory of God that was upon the high priest. The high priest was the one who was God's representative to the people and the people's representative to God. Therefore, he was endued with the power and authority to show forth the glory of the Almighty. The sanctuary was not to be his constant abode but no matter where he was it was essential for him to remember who he was and what he represented, yet, mentally, he was to consider himself always in the sanctuary. He was given an anointing from God that was sacred and glorious. He could never again think of himself in an ordinary way. He could never allow himself to do things or be involved in things that would in any way devalue - much less profane - his majestic office. The high priest was the ambassador of God and the representative of His presence and power in the earth.
Jesus was crowned with glory and honor as the one who was anointed above all others (Hebrews 1:9). The crown of glory that He wore was the anointing of the Spirit without measure (John 3:34; Psalms 45:7; Hebrews 1:9; Isaiah 11:2; Luke 3:22; Colossians 1:28; Galatians 3:27; Romans 8:29-30). The same anointing that was poured out upon Jesus has been poured out upon us (John 16:13; 17:21-23; Acts 2:4; Isaiah 62:1-3; 1 Peter 2:9). We have received the anointing to be the sons of God, co-inheritors with Christ, and the ambassadors of Christ representing the risen savior among the nations (John 1:12; Romans 8:17; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Acts 4:33; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21; Isaiah 61:1). When the anointing came upon Saul to be king he was changed into a different man, but when the anointing came upon us to be the sons of God we were made a new creation (1 Samuel 10:1, 6; 1 John 2:27; John 3:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Peter 1:4; Isaiah 51:11). We must recognize at all times that the crown of the anointing oil is upon our heads. Unlike the high priest who had a measure of the anointing poured out upon him we have been baptized with the Holy Spirit (Psalms 133:2; Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; 11:16).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - DEC/08/07
1 John 2:27 - And the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone teach you. But just as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as He has taught you, abide in Him.
We know that it is the Holy Spirit who has come to teach us all things. He has come to lead us and guide us into all truth and to take everything that belongs to our Lord Jesus and the Father and reveal it to us (John 16:13). However, John replaces the expected "Spirit" or "Holy Spirit" with the word "anointing." He uses a very specialized Old Testament word for anointing (chrisma) that is only found here in 1 John 2:20, 27. In the Old Testament this Greek word is specifically used to describe the anointing oil that was applied to priest and kings to consecrate them for the enduement of power to accomplish their purpose (Exodus 29:7; 30:25; 28:41; 1 Samuel 10:1). Thus John highlights that we have been given a special enduement of power that enables us to know all of those things that the Holy Spirit desires to teach us. Through this special anointing we have been endued with the knowledge of God so that we may know the truth and we may also know how to abide in Christ.
In this passage John emphasizes that we are the anointed of the Lord. The oil of anointing that earmarked the one who was anointed priest, king or prophet in the Old Testament is now upon those who have received the Anointed One, Christ Jesus. So in the midst of all of the turmoil and adversity John reminds the church who they are, the anointed ones! Everyone who has been endued with the Anointed One (christos-Christ) are the anointed (chrisma) of the Lord (Galatians 3:27; Colossians 1:28). As a result we can do all things through the Anointed One who strengthens us, because we have received His anointing (Philippians 4:13). We have been anointed to be His church, His representatives, His brethren, the sons of God, the people of God, to manifest His glory, to do His works, to do greater works, to be a royal priesthood, to be filled with the Spirit, to be the habitation of God, the temple of the Holy Spirit, the offspring of God, to possess the divine nature, to be more than conquerors, to be victorious in all things, to destroy the works of the devil, to be strengthen with the power of His might, to know those things which are freely given to us of God, to see what eye has not seen, to hear what ear has not heard, to understand that which has never entered into the thoughts of man, to know the breadth, length, the depth, the height, to do all things, to know all things, to be filled with the fullness of God and to function in the measureless ability of His power.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 John 2:27 - And the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone teach you. But just as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as He has taught you, abide in Him.
We know that it is the Holy Spirit who has come to teach us all things. He has come to lead us and guide us into all truth and to take everything that belongs to our Lord Jesus and the Father and reveal it to us (John 16:13). However, John replaces the expected "Spirit" or "Holy Spirit" with the word "anointing." He uses a very specialized Old Testament word for anointing (chrisma) that is only found here in 1 John 2:20, 27. In the Old Testament this Greek word is specifically used to describe the anointing oil that was applied to priest and kings to consecrate them for the enduement of power to accomplish their purpose (Exodus 29:7; 30:25; 28:41; 1 Samuel 10:1). Thus John highlights that we have been given a special enduement of power that enables us to know all of those things that the Holy Spirit desires to teach us. Through this special anointing we have been endued with the knowledge of God so that we may know the truth and we may also know how to abide in Christ.
In this passage John emphasizes that we are the anointed of the Lord. The oil of anointing that earmarked the one who was anointed priest, king or prophet in the Old Testament is now upon those who have received the Anointed One, Christ Jesus. So in the midst of all of the turmoil and adversity John reminds the church who they are, the anointed ones! Everyone who has been endued with the Anointed One (christos-Christ) are the anointed (chrisma) of the Lord (Galatians 3:27; Colossians 1:28). As a result we can do all things through the Anointed One who strengthens us, because we have received His anointing (Philippians 4:13). We have been anointed to be His church, His representatives, His brethren, the sons of God, the people of God, to manifest His glory, to do His works, to do greater works, to be a royal priesthood, to be filled with the Spirit, to be the habitation of God, the temple of the Holy Spirit, the offspring of God, to possess the divine nature, to be more than conquerors, to be victorious in all things, to destroy the works of the devil, to be strengthen with the power of His might, to know those things which are freely given to us of God, to see what eye has not seen, to hear what ear has not heard, to understand that which has never entered into the thoughts of man, to know the breadth, length, the depth, the height, to do all things, to know all things, to be filled with the fullness of God and to function in the measureless ability of His power.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, December 07, 2007
Daily Bread - DEC/07/07
2 Corinthians 1:21 - But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ (The Anointed One) and has anointed us.
The anointing, by definition, is the empowerment of an individual with a special divine ability to accomplish extraordinary things. The anointing confers the glory and honor (kavod) of the Lord upon whoever is anointed. The anointing is usually given through a blessing. Abraham received a blessing directly from God that made him heir of the world (Genesis 12:2; 22:17; Romans 4:13). The blessing came upon Isaac and he sowed even in the time of famine and reaped a hundredfold and became a man of great wealth (Genesis 26:12-14). Jacob received a blessing from his father that resulted in an anointing (empowerment) which brought him glory and honor both with man and God (Genesis 27:33; 32:28). The glory and honor that each man received was in proportion to the anointing that was received from the blessing that was given. Joshua could not lead Israel with the glory and majesty of God until Moses blessed him and gave to him some of the grace that he had received from God (Deuteronomy 34:9; Numbers 27:18-20). Saul could not be king until a "divine enabling" was imparted to Him by the Spirit of God (1 Samuel 10:1-12). Elisha did not have the ability to prophesy until the gift of the double portion was released to him (2 Kings 2:9-14). Jesus was like any other man until the heavens were opened and the Spirit of the Lord came upon Him without measure (Matthew 3:16; Luke 4:14; John 2:11; 3:34). The 120 could not represent the glory and majesty of the resurrection until they were endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 2:33).
It is through the anointing that greatness is forged. This greatness that is in the anointing is for the sole purpose of bringing glory and honor to the Almighty God. The anointing that Joseph had brought him to the highest position of the rulership in the earth (Genesis 45:13). The anointing that God gave to David made him undefeatable in battle: the oracle of the word of God and the king that brought glory and honor to the nation of Israel. God anointed Solomon to be king and also gave him a special wisdom and understanding that was superior to all others. The anointing that he received not only resulted in riches and material wealth but in greatness of conduct and accomplishment.
The anointing that God gives and the glory that it brings is all found in the presence of God. God descends into that which is consecrated just as He did in the Tent of Meeting or on the Mount where Moses stood before the Lord (Leviticus 9:23-24; Ex 19:16). As He came down and inhabited the temple that Solomon built, He also inhabits those who are consecrated by the blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit today (1 Kings 8:10; 1 John 3:24; 1 Corinthians 3:16). As many as will receive His blessing have been anointed to be sons of God (John 1:12; 17:21; 1 John 3:1; Romans 8:29-30). We have been given the honor to share in the same anointing of Jesus as heirs and co-inheritors (Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29). The Anointed One who is Jesus the Savior has given to us the same glory that the Father gave to Him because we have received the same anointing. Father conferred all of this greatness upon us when He blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies and anointed us together with the Anointed One. Therefore, arise and shine for your Light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you (Isaiah 61:1; 1 Peter 2:9; John 1:4).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
2 Corinthians 1:21 - But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ (The Anointed One) and has anointed us.
The anointing, by definition, is the empowerment of an individual with a special divine ability to accomplish extraordinary things. The anointing confers the glory and honor (kavod) of the Lord upon whoever is anointed. The anointing is usually given through a blessing. Abraham received a blessing directly from God that made him heir of the world (Genesis 12:2; 22:17; Romans 4:13). The blessing came upon Isaac and he sowed even in the time of famine and reaped a hundredfold and became a man of great wealth (Genesis 26:12-14). Jacob received a blessing from his father that resulted in an anointing (empowerment) which brought him glory and honor both with man and God (Genesis 27:33; 32:28). The glory and honor that each man received was in proportion to the anointing that was received from the blessing that was given. Joshua could not lead Israel with the glory and majesty of God until Moses blessed him and gave to him some of the grace that he had received from God (Deuteronomy 34:9; Numbers 27:18-20). Saul could not be king until a "divine enabling" was imparted to Him by the Spirit of God (1 Samuel 10:1-12). Elisha did not have the ability to prophesy until the gift of the double portion was released to him (2 Kings 2:9-14). Jesus was like any other man until the heavens were opened and the Spirit of the Lord came upon Him without measure (Matthew 3:16; Luke 4:14; John 2:11; 3:34). The 120 could not represent the glory and majesty of the resurrection until they were endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 2:33).
It is through the anointing that greatness is forged. This greatness that is in the anointing is for the sole purpose of bringing glory and honor to the Almighty God. The anointing that Joseph had brought him to the highest position of the rulership in the earth (Genesis 45:13). The anointing that God gave to David made him undefeatable in battle: the oracle of the word of God and the king that brought glory and honor to the nation of Israel. God anointed Solomon to be king and also gave him a special wisdom and understanding that was superior to all others. The anointing that he received not only resulted in riches and material wealth but in greatness of conduct and accomplishment.
The anointing that God gives and the glory that it brings is all found in the presence of God. God descends into that which is consecrated just as He did in the Tent of Meeting or on the Mount where Moses stood before the Lord (Leviticus 9:23-24; Ex 19:16). As He came down and inhabited the temple that Solomon built, He also inhabits those who are consecrated by the blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit today (1 Kings 8:10; 1 John 3:24; 1 Corinthians 3:16). As many as will receive His blessing have been anointed to be sons of God (John 1:12; 17:21; 1 John 3:1; Romans 8:29-30). We have been given the honor to share in the same anointing of Jesus as heirs and co-inheritors (Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29). The Anointed One who is Jesus the Savior has given to us the same glory that the Father gave to Him because we have received the same anointing. Father conferred all of this greatness upon us when He blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies and anointed us together with the Anointed One. Therefore, arise and shine for your Light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you (Isaiah 61:1; 1 Peter 2:9; John 1:4).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Daily Bread - DEC/06/07
Genesis 28:18 - And Jacob rose up early in the morning and set up the stone that he had used under his head and he set it up as a pillar and he poured oil on the top of it.
The whole concept of being anointed began with Jacob anointing (mashach) the stone where God had revealed Himself (Genesis 31:13). The act of anointing something is then specifically tied to the consecration of the place where God dwells. That which was anointed by Jacob is the place where God's glory and power were revealed and the place where He was worshipped. From a New Testament perspective, all of these elements are more fully realized in that we have been made the living stones that are built up a spiritual house where God Himself dwells (1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:21-22; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). We were born of the Spirit and filled with the Spirit so that we can worship God in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23). Like Jesus, the Anointed One, we have been anointed with the divine ability of God too so that His glory and power may be revealed in our lives.
Anointing with oil was first extended to the priest in the sequence of events (Exodus 29:7). The anointing gave the priest the special ability of power and glory to minister before the presence of God in the sanctuary (Exodus 28:41; 40:13). The anointing oil was also used in a similar fashion as Jacob used it when it was used to anoint the dwelling place of God (Exodus 30:26; 40:9). The anointing oil was then used for the king and became more specifically tied to the empowerment of the Spirit of God given to those who were anointed. Saul was symbolically anointed by Samuel with the oil, but the actual event that brought the change and the divine power to be king took place when Saul met the prophets who were on their way to Bethel to worship (1 Samuel 10:1, 3). When Saul met them he was anointed with an oil of a different kind, and this oil was the power and glory of the Spirit of God that changed him into another man (1 Samuel 10:6, 10). The oil was also used to anoint the prophets which once again would be linked to the special endowment of divine ability to represent God (1 Kings 19:16).
Now those who were anointed king were referred to as the anointed (mashieach) of Yahweh or the messiah of Yahweh. It was from this that the whole concept of the Messiah - who is called Christ in the Greek - would be developed. We may understand then that every time we speak of Christ Jesus we are speaking about the anointing of the one who was anointed above all others (John 3:34; Colossians 2:19). Jesus is the one who was anointed without limitation and received the Spirit without measure. Jesus is the source and fountainhead of all the anointing (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Colossians 1:18; 2:19; Ephesians 4:12-15). The anointing that He has flows out of heaven into our souls supplying an unlimited flow of the glory and power of God like rivers of living water (John 7:37-39; Revelation 22:1-2, 17-18).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Genesis 28:18 - And Jacob rose up early in the morning and set up the stone that he had used under his head and he set it up as a pillar and he poured oil on the top of it.
The whole concept of being anointed began with Jacob anointing (mashach) the stone where God had revealed Himself (Genesis 31:13). The act of anointing something is then specifically tied to the consecration of the place where God dwells. That which was anointed by Jacob is the place where God's glory and power were revealed and the place where He was worshipped. From a New Testament perspective, all of these elements are more fully realized in that we have been made the living stones that are built up a spiritual house where God Himself dwells (1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:21-22; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). We were born of the Spirit and filled with the Spirit so that we can worship God in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23). Like Jesus, the Anointed One, we have been anointed with the divine ability of God too so that His glory and power may be revealed in our lives.
Anointing with oil was first extended to the priest in the sequence of events (Exodus 29:7). The anointing gave the priest the special ability of power and glory to minister before the presence of God in the sanctuary (Exodus 28:41; 40:13). The anointing oil was also used in a similar fashion as Jacob used it when it was used to anoint the dwelling place of God (Exodus 30:26; 40:9). The anointing oil was then used for the king and became more specifically tied to the empowerment of the Spirit of God given to those who were anointed. Saul was symbolically anointed by Samuel with the oil, but the actual event that brought the change and the divine power to be king took place when Saul met the prophets who were on their way to Bethel to worship (1 Samuel 10:1, 3). When Saul met them he was anointed with an oil of a different kind, and this oil was the power and glory of the Spirit of God that changed him into another man (1 Samuel 10:6, 10). The oil was also used to anoint the prophets which once again would be linked to the special endowment of divine ability to represent God (1 Kings 19:16).
Now those who were anointed king were referred to as the anointed (mashieach) of Yahweh or the messiah of Yahweh. It was from this that the whole concept of the Messiah - who is called Christ in the Greek - would be developed. We may understand then that every time we speak of Christ Jesus we are speaking about the anointing of the one who was anointed above all others (John 3:34; Colossians 2:19). Jesus is the one who was anointed without limitation and received the Spirit without measure. Jesus is the source and fountainhead of all the anointing (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Colossians 1:18; 2:19; Ephesians 4:12-15). The anointing that He has flows out of heaven into our souls supplying an unlimited flow of the glory and power of God like rivers of living water (John 7:37-39; Revelation 22:1-2, 17-18).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Daily Bread - DEC/05/07
Luke 6:19 - And all the multitude sought to touch Him because power went out from Him and healed them all.
It is wonderful to realize that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8; Psalms 102:27; 2 Corinthians 11:4). The power of God that was manifested in Jesus Christ is available more today than when Jesus walked the earth 2,000 years ago (John 14:12; Acts 2:33; Mark 16:17; Isaiah 9:7). Today Jesus pours forth His power to heal and deliver through those who will receive.
Essential to the healing of these people was not the prayer of Jesus but the power that flowed through Him. In fact, there were many who did not even need Jesus to touch them; all they needed to do was to touch Him and they were healed (Matthew 14:36; Mark 6:56; Luke 8:44-47). When the power of Jesus flowed into a person whatever they needed was supplied by the life-giving flow of the Savior.
This same power of the Lord Jesus flows through His servants today. The life-giving flow that comes from the throne of God proceeds forth from us as rivers of living water (John 7:39; Revelation 22:1-2). These rivers of living water that flow out of us will make the lame to walk and the blind to see; it opens prison doors and sets the captives free. Jesus was not here for just a moment in time to bring the life and power of God to a needy humanity but He lives forevermore. If we will find our place in the realms of the heavenly then the power of Jesus will find a free course through our lives to touch all of humanity (Ephesians 2:6; 1:19- 20' Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:23; Colossians 3:2- 3; John 12:26).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Luke 6:19 - And all the multitude sought to touch Him because power went out from Him and healed them all.
It is wonderful to realize that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8; Psalms 102:27; 2 Corinthians 11:4). The power of God that was manifested in Jesus Christ is available more today than when Jesus walked the earth 2,000 years ago (John 14:12; Acts 2:33; Mark 16:17; Isaiah 9:7). Today Jesus pours forth His power to heal and deliver through those who will receive.
Essential to the healing of these people was not the prayer of Jesus but the power that flowed through Him. In fact, there were many who did not even need Jesus to touch them; all they needed to do was to touch Him and they were healed (Matthew 14:36; Mark 6:56; Luke 8:44-47). When the power of Jesus flowed into a person whatever they needed was supplied by the life-giving flow of the Savior.
This same power of the Lord Jesus flows through His servants today. The life-giving flow that comes from the throne of God proceeds forth from us as rivers of living water (John 7:39; Revelation 22:1-2). These rivers of living water that flow out of us will make the lame to walk and the blind to see; it opens prison doors and sets the captives free. Jesus was not here for just a moment in time to bring the life and power of God to a needy humanity but He lives forevermore. If we will find our place in the realms of the heavenly then the power of Jesus will find a free course through our lives to touch all of humanity (Ephesians 2:6; 1:19- 20' Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:23; Colossians 3:2- 3; John 12:26).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Daily Bread - DEC/04/07
Genesis 17:1 - And Abram was ninety-nine years old and Yahweh appeared unto Abram and He said, I am God Almighty walk before me and be perfect.
Most people are intimidated by the very idea that God would expect anyone to be perfect. However, if we look at this as an invitation from God to walk into a realm that His strength will supply then, in fact, God is honoring us with an invitation to receive from Him glory and honor. David said, "God girds me with strength and makes my way perfect" (Psalms 18:32). He recognized that it was God who would do the perfecting through the strength that He would supply. The perfection that God desires is a perfection that He provides (Philippians 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; Titus 2:12; Ephesians 3:16). If we were to look to ourselves then certainly we would throw our hands up in the air and say "impossible!" Yet when we trust in the Lord for the divine ability then we may say, "I will behave myself in a perfect way. O when will you come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart - 'betom levavie" (Psalms 101:2).
To understand the perfection that God desires is to recognize that it is in the walk or the relationship that He wants us to have with Him. Later God would judge the Kings of Israel based upon whether or not their hearts were perfect toward Him. God began with David whom He described as the one whose heart was even as His (1 Samuel 13:14). Even with David's failures his heart remained true to God and God described him as one whose heart was perfect toward Him (1 Kings 15:3). God commanded Solomon to have a perfect heart to walk in the statutes and to keep the commandments of God (1 Kings 8:61; 1 Chronicles 28:9). When Solomon turned to other gods then his heart was no more perfect toward the Lord; it had become divided with other devotions (1 Kings 11:4). King Asa remained devoted to Yahweh and, therefore, received the report that His "heart was perfect with Yahweh all his days" (1 Kings 15:14). Hezekiah's plea before the Lord was bolstered by the fact that he had walked with a perfect heart and had done that which was good in the sight of the Lord (2 Kings 20:3; Isaiah 38:3). In this context, a perfect heart described one who was serving God with all of his heart (levavechem shalem). In this respect, it was God's request of the whole nation of Israel (Deuteronomy 6:5). The prophet Hanani revealed that Yahweh searches throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are perfect toward Him (2 Chronicles 16:9).
God makes the same request of us today as Jesus commands everyone of us to, "Be therefore perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). Paul says in His final address to the Corinthians, "Be perfect" (2 Corinthians 13:11). He reveals to the Ephesians that the ministry is there to make them perfect so that they may all grow into a perfect man (Ephesians 4:12-13). He testified to the church at Colossae that their ministry was to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28; 4:12). Both Paul and John reveal that love is the means and the realm of this perfection (Colossians 3:14; 1 John 2:5; 3:12,17-18). Love fulfills all that God has ever desired and requires. It is through divine love that we discover the means to a perfect relationship.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Genesis 17:1 - And Abram was ninety-nine years old and Yahweh appeared unto Abram and He said, I am God Almighty walk before me and be perfect.
Most people are intimidated by the very idea that God would expect anyone to be perfect. However, if we look at this as an invitation from God to walk into a realm that His strength will supply then, in fact, God is honoring us with an invitation to receive from Him glory and honor. David said, "God girds me with strength and makes my way perfect" (Psalms 18:32). He recognized that it was God who would do the perfecting through the strength that He would supply. The perfection that God desires is a perfection that He provides (Philippians 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; Titus 2:12; Ephesians 3:16). If we were to look to ourselves then certainly we would throw our hands up in the air and say "impossible!" Yet when we trust in the Lord for the divine ability then we may say, "I will behave myself in a perfect way. O when will you come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart - 'betom levavie" (Psalms 101:2).
To understand the perfection that God desires is to recognize that it is in the walk or the relationship that He wants us to have with Him. Later God would judge the Kings of Israel based upon whether or not their hearts were perfect toward Him. God began with David whom He described as the one whose heart was even as His (1 Samuel 13:14). Even with David's failures his heart remained true to God and God described him as one whose heart was perfect toward Him (1 Kings 15:3). God commanded Solomon to have a perfect heart to walk in the statutes and to keep the commandments of God (1 Kings 8:61; 1 Chronicles 28:9). When Solomon turned to other gods then his heart was no more perfect toward the Lord; it had become divided with other devotions (1 Kings 11:4). King Asa remained devoted to Yahweh and, therefore, received the report that His "heart was perfect with Yahweh all his days" (1 Kings 15:14). Hezekiah's plea before the Lord was bolstered by the fact that he had walked with a perfect heart and had done that which was good in the sight of the Lord (2 Kings 20:3; Isaiah 38:3). In this context, a perfect heart described one who was serving God with all of his heart (levavechem shalem). In this respect, it was God's request of the whole nation of Israel (Deuteronomy 6:5). The prophet Hanani revealed that Yahweh searches throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are perfect toward Him (2 Chronicles 16:9).
God makes the same request of us today as Jesus commands everyone of us to, "Be therefore perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). Paul says in His final address to the Corinthians, "Be perfect" (2 Corinthians 13:11). He reveals to the Ephesians that the ministry is there to make them perfect so that they may all grow into a perfect man (Ephesians 4:12-13). He testified to the church at Colossae that their ministry was to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28; 4:12). Both Paul and John reveal that love is the means and the realm of this perfection (Colossians 3:14; 1 John 2:5; 3:12,17-18). Love fulfills all that God has ever desired and requires. It is through divine love that we discover the means to a perfect relationship.
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - DEC/03/07
1 Corinthians 9:25 - Now everyone engaged in a contest is temperate in all things, they do it for a corruptible crown but we do it to receive an incorruptible one.
The message of temperance is one of the three primary messages that Paul highlighted in his address to Felix (Acts 24:25). We should therefore place the subject of temperance along side of righteousness and judgment. Temperance is one of the fruits of the Spirit that many of us know very little about. It has basically been categorized as self-control and we leave it there without too much more consideration. However, there is more to temperance than just self-control for it is the ability to rule over every desire and thing that presents itself to an individual. In order to grasp the meaning of this very important word we must appreciate the fact that the stem 'krai' denotes power or lordship. The basic meaning of this Greek word is then grasped by its adjective 'enkrates' which is defined as one who has a status of power or rule. For the ancient Greeks this word referred to the truly free and independent man who was not dominated by anything. Socrates recognized this as a cardinal virtue. To Plato it meant superiority to every desire. In the Hermatic writings it was the ability that rises up in the decade of powers. Paul revealed it to be one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). Peter listed it as one of the necessary attributes of consecration to God (2 Peter 1:6). By definition then temperance (enkrateia) is the absolute power that one exercises over oneself or anything else.
Paul uses the word to describe the unwavering commitment of an athlete to his training. In order to walk in this divine ability or power that is supplied to us by the Holy Spirit we must yield to God as we would in any other way. If the nature of God is going to be manifested in our lives then we must be reminded at all times that without Him we can do nothing (2 Peter 1:4; John 15:5). As an athlete devotes himself to his training we must yield ourselves to the training and instruction of the Holy Spirit. We have a far greater reward awaiting us both now and throughout eternity: a crown of life, a crown of righteousness and a crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4; James 1:12,; Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:8). As the expert swordsmen learns through commitment and strict training to wield the sword we must be willing to give our members over to God so that they become the weapons of righteousness that He has ordained (Romans 6:13; 2 Corinthians 6:7).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
1 Corinthians 9:25 - Now everyone engaged in a contest is temperate in all things, they do it for a corruptible crown but we do it to receive an incorruptible one.
The message of temperance is one of the three primary messages that Paul highlighted in his address to Felix (Acts 24:25). We should therefore place the subject of temperance along side of righteousness and judgment. Temperance is one of the fruits of the Spirit that many of us know very little about. It has basically been categorized as self-control and we leave it there without too much more consideration. However, there is more to temperance than just self-control for it is the ability to rule over every desire and thing that presents itself to an individual. In order to grasp the meaning of this very important word we must appreciate the fact that the stem 'krai' denotes power or lordship. The basic meaning of this Greek word is then grasped by its adjective 'enkrates' which is defined as one who has a status of power or rule. For the ancient Greeks this word referred to the truly free and independent man who was not dominated by anything. Socrates recognized this as a cardinal virtue. To Plato it meant superiority to every desire. In the Hermatic writings it was the ability that rises up in the decade of powers. Paul revealed it to be one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). Peter listed it as one of the necessary attributes of consecration to God (2 Peter 1:6). By definition then temperance (enkrateia) is the absolute power that one exercises over oneself or anything else.
Paul uses the word to describe the unwavering commitment of an athlete to his training. In order to walk in this divine ability or power that is supplied to us by the Holy Spirit we must yield to God as we would in any other way. If the nature of God is going to be manifested in our lives then we must be reminded at all times that without Him we can do nothing (2 Peter 1:4; John 15:5). As an athlete devotes himself to his training we must yield ourselves to the training and instruction of the Holy Spirit. We have a far greater reward awaiting us both now and throughout eternity: a crown of life, a crown of righteousness and a crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4; James 1:12,; Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:8). As the expert swordsmen learns through commitment and strict training to wield the sword we must be willing to give our members over to God so that they become the weapons of righteousness that He has ordained (Romans 6:13; 2 Corinthians 6:7).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Daily Bread - DEC/01/07
Acts 20:35 - I have showed everyone of you how that laboring you should give aid to the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that He Himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Although, this saying is not recorded in the gospels it must have been one of the more popular sayings of the oral tradition as Paul speaks in such a way that it was common knowledge among those at Ephesus. Paul was not only an example in preaching the gospel in faith and power but also in working so that he could participate in taking care of those who were poor and unable to provide for themselves (1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8; Acts 18:2; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 9:12,15; 2 Corinthians 11:7; 12:13). It was Paul's desire that everyone see their responsibility to support those who were unable to take care of themselves (Ephesians 4:28; Galatians 6:2). Paul's concept of both the ministers and the saints was that they were supposed to be servants and givers.
Jesus came to serve rather than to be served and to give His life as a ransom for all (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 13:5-14). By the example that Jesus gave we may conclude that servitude is one of the primary requirements of a legitimate ministry (Matthew 20:28; Mark 9:35; 10:43-44). The needs of others were constantly on His heart. I can see Jesus not only continually ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of people but to their financial needs as well. Evidently, it was so common for Jesus to provide money to the needs of the poor that on the night He was betrayed the disciples thought that Jesus wanted Judas to take some money to the poor (John 13:29).
Why is it considered more of a blessing to give rather than to receive? Do we really find it so? When we give our praise and adoration to God for all that He has done for us does it seem better than when He gives us the many everyday blessing and answers to our prayers? I believe that we find the answer to this in the realms of love. A person has their first great Christmas when they watch their children rip open their presents on Christmas morning. When we find ourselves loving someone more than we love ourselves we have stepped over into an unselfish realm of love. In this realm of love it is more blessed to give than to receive. By the Spirit of God we can yield to this kind of love that esteems everyone better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3). By yielding ourselves to the Holy Spirit we are able to experience this glorious unselfish love that moved the Father to give His only Begotten Son for us and that moved Jesus to willingly lay His life down so that we can live. Then on top of that we also discover that it is through giving that we receive miracle provision. As we give God opens up the heavens and pours out more than we can receive (Malachi 3:10; Proverbs 3:9-10). He also causes men to heap into our bosom, all as we discover the wonderful blessing of giving. God will take what we have given and multiply it insomuch that He will cause all grace to abound to us and again we will discover the blessedness of giving (2 Corinthians 9:8-11; Proverbs 28:27).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Acts 20:35 - I have showed everyone of you how that laboring you should give aid to the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that He Himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Although, this saying is not recorded in the gospels it must have been one of the more popular sayings of the oral tradition as Paul speaks in such a way that it was common knowledge among those at Ephesus. Paul was not only an example in preaching the gospel in faith and power but also in working so that he could participate in taking care of those who were poor and unable to provide for themselves (1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8; Acts 18:2; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 9:12,15; 2 Corinthians 11:7; 12:13). It was Paul's desire that everyone see their responsibility to support those who were unable to take care of themselves (Ephesians 4:28; Galatians 6:2). Paul's concept of both the ministers and the saints was that they were supposed to be servants and givers.
Jesus came to serve rather than to be served and to give His life as a ransom for all (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 13:5-14). By the example that Jesus gave we may conclude that servitude is one of the primary requirements of a legitimate ministry (Matthew 20:28; Mark 9:35; 10:43-44). The needs of others were constantly on His heart. I can see Jesus not only continually ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of people but to their financial needs as well. Evidently, it was so common for Jesus to provide money to the needs of the poor that on the night He was betrayed the disciples thought that Jesus wanted Judas to take some money to the poor (John 13:29).
Why is it considered more of a blessing to give rather than to receive? Do we really find it so? When we give our praise and adoration to God for all that He has done for us does it seem better than when He gives us the many everyday blessing and answers to our prayers? I believe that we find the answer to this in the realms of love. A person has their first great Christmas when they watch their children rip open their presents on Christmas morning. When we find ourselves loving someone more than we love ourselves we have stepped over into an unselfish realm of love. In this realm of love it is more blessed to give than to receive. By the Spirit of God we can yield to this kind of love that esteems everyone better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3). By yielding ourselves to the Holy Spirit we are able to experience this glorious unselfish love that moved the Father to give His only Begotten Son for us and that moved Jesus to willingly lay His life down so that we can live. Then on top of that we also discover that it is through giving that we receive miracle provision. As we give God opens up the heavens and pours out more than we can receive (Malachi 3:10; Proverbs 3:9-10). He also causes men to heap into our bosom, all as we discover the wonderful blessing of giving. God will take what we have given and multiply it insomuch that He will cause all grace to abound to us and again we will discover the blessedness of giving (2 Corinthians 9:8-11; Proverbs 28:27).
Be blessed,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org
Friday, November 30, 2007
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
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
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
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