Series Devotionals
I wanted to make a note about the series of devotionals we have at KJV Devos. We are going through a book in parts, as us usual, and right now it is Andrew Murray's "With Christ in the School of Prayer". If you have read this work in the past, it's a good way to refresh what you learned in small nuggets. I am reposting with permission Brother David Smallwood's study on Psalms 23 which has been a personal blessing to me. Additionally, Brother Brad Gilbert is starting a look at Proverbs during the month of May. I am really looking forward to this Proverb a Day devotion in blog form.
As always, if you know of a good IFB KJV devotion, please let me know so I can include it there. KJV Devos was started because I had such a hard time finding good devotions, free of heresy or liberalism; thank the Lord we now have a number of good authors or devotions with permission to republish there.
If you have a blog with a sidebar, please consider adding our automatic widget. If you use pages, you can change the size of the gadget to act as part of your blog for fresh content (example here). Colors and size, even font, are easy to adapt.
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As always, if you know of a good IFB KJV devotion, please let me know so I can include it there. KJV Devos was started because I had such a hard time finding good devotions, free of heresy or liberalism; thank the Lord we now have a number of good authors or devotions with permission to republish there.
If you have a blog with a sidebar, please consider adding our automatic widget. If you use pages, you can change the size of the gadget to act as part of your blog for fresh content (example here). Colors and size, even font, are easy to adapt.
Copy and paste for 200px widget:
The Heart of the Action
2 Chronicles 25:1-2 Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. (2) And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.
Here in the midst of so much kingship turmoil, we read of King Amaziah, king of the Southern Tribes of Judah. We read that his actions are right were they are supposed to be, but his heart is nowhere to be found.
I wonder how many Christians this describes today? They are doing the right actions - prayer, Bible reading, attending church, etc. - but their heart is not in it. Let's all take a moment and consider the heart of our actions.
Here in the midst of so much kingship turmoil, we read of King Amaziah, king of the Southern Tribes of Judah. We read that his actions are right were they are supposed to be, but his heart is nowhere to be found.
I wonder how many Christians this describes today? They are doing the right actions - prayer, Bible reading, attending church, etc. - but their heart is not in it. Let's all take a moment and consider the heart of our actions.
Finish Strong
Hebrews 12:1-2
To finish strong we need:
1. Inspiration (vs. 1a)
2. Discipline in regards to hindrances, sin, and continuing the run (vs 2b)
3. Focus (vs 2a)
Added a New Music Player to IFB KJV
I have had this player on my personal blog for a while, and I don't like to put music on the main page of a blog for a number of reasons. Some ppl are trying to get the babies to sleep and suddenly without warning, click on a blog and music starts! Some ppl are listening to their own music already, or listening to an online Christian radio station. And some ppl (me!) have very old computers and music just about causes a crash - especially if you somehow get two players started!
However, now I figured out how to add different pages to Blogger! It took me long enough, yes? So, those are the links at the top of the page just below the heading...now you can enjoy the music if you want....or ignore it if you want. These songs have all meant so much to me. My family has gone through a rough battle this past year, and while we are starting to emerge from it, there are still skirmishes to fight. Every time I have this player going though, it helps my faith and keeps me focused on God as we all heal. Some of the songs relate to certain battles we have fought, and listening to them reminds me of what God has done there. I hope you find some enjoyment in them as well.
How to be miserable in 20 easy steps
1. Use “I” as often as possible.
2. Always be sensitive to slights.
3. Be jealous and envious.
4. Think only about yourself.
5. Talk only about yourself.
6. Trust no one.
7. Never forget a criticism.
8. Always expect to be appreciated.
9. Be suspicious.
10. Listen greedily to what others say about you.
11. Look for faults in others.
12. Shirk your duties if you can.
13. Do as little as possible for others.
14. Never forget a service you may have rendered.
15. Sulk if people are not grateful for your favors.
16. Insist on consideration and respect.
17. Demand agreement with your own views on everything.
18. Always look for a good time.
19. Love yourself first.
20. Be selfish at all times!
I hope that this isn’t your aim in life but to be a warm and caring and happy individual just as Christ was.
Lord bless,
Bro. Harry Shomaker
Prodigal Son's Biography by Dave Noffsinger
Luke 15:11-24. And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
1. His Rebellion. Vs. 12.
2. His Riches. Vs. 13.
3. His Remorse. Vs. 14.
4. His Resolution. Vs. 18.
5. His Return. Vs. 20.
6. His Reception. Vs. 20.
7. His Restoration. Vs. 22.
8. His Rejoicing. Vs. 24.
9. The Older Son’s Rejection. Vs. 25-28.
1. His Rebellion. Vs. 12.
2. His Riches. Vs. 13.
3. His Remorse. Vs. 14.
4. His Resolution. Vs. 18.
5. His Return. Vs. 20.
6. His Reception. Vs. 20.
7. His Restoration. Vs. 22.
8. His Rejoicing. Vs. 24.
9. The Older Son’s Rejection. Vs. 25-28.
Teen Workers needed for Metro Detroit Area
To all those who read this blog and live in Metro Detroit: our church is looking for a couple to come and work with our Teens. We can't do much financially at this time, but as we increase we will be able to do more. If you live in the area and are looking for a place to minister and have a heart for teens/children, pray and consider our Teen Department. You can read more about the opening at http://www.firstbaptistwestland.com/teens.htm
If you are interested, give me a call at 734-721-8195. If no one answers, leave a message and I will call you back as soon as possible.
God Bless,
Pastor Brad Gilbert
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF WESTLAND
1033 S. Wildwood
Westland, MI 48186
www.firstbaptistwestland.com
If you are interested, give me a call at 734-721-8195. If no one answers, leave a message and I will call you back as soon as possible.
God Bless,
Pastor Brad Gilbert
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF WESTLAND
1033 S. Wildwood
Westland, MI 48186
www.firstbaptistwestland.com
Judgment - Do It For The Lord
2 Chronicles 19:6 And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.
Jehoshaphat, the king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, just was rebuked by Jehu for aligning with Ahab and the Northern Tribe of Israel in their battle of Ramoth-gilead. But, in spite of his failure in this respect, God had a good thought about Jehoshaphat: 2 Chronicles 19:3 Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.
Jehoshaphat rebounds from his mistake and begins to restore order of worship in Jerusalem. We read in our text one of the first instructions he gives, which is to the judges that they should begin to judge the people. They were to be before the people judging right and wrong. In doing so, they were to remember how God judges people (vs. 7). While this may speak judicially, there is a wider application of Christians exercising daily judgment.
The common misconception today is that we are not to judge anyone, regardless of what they are doing. We are to turn a blind eye to anything that someone may do that is contrary to the Word of God. Yet, as Christians we are to judge righteous judgment. Now, we are NOT to condemn anyone - that is God's responsibility, but we are to JUDGE what is right or wrong. When Christians no longer judge between right and wrong, they soon follow after wrong.
In exercising this judgment, we would do well to remember Jehoshaphat's advice and take heed how we do so since we are doing it for the LORD. It is a part of our service for God.
Jehoshaphat, the king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, just was rebuked by Jehu for aligning with Ahab and the Northern Tribe of Israel in their battle of Ramoth-gilead. But, in spite of his failure in this respect, God had a good thought about Jehoshaphat: 2 Chronicles 19:3 Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.
Jehoshaphat rebounds from his mistake and begins to restore order of worship in Jerusalem. We read in our text one of the first instructions he gives, which is to the judges that they should begin to judge the people. They were to be before the people judging right and wrong. In doing so, they were to remember how God judges people (vs. 7). While this may speak judicially, there is a wider application of Christians exercising daily judgment.
The common misconception today is that we are not to judge anyone, regardless of what they are doing. We are to turn a blind eye to anything that someone may do that is contrary to the Word of God. Yet, as Christians we are to judge righteous judgment. Now, we are NOT to condemn anyone - that is God's responsibility, but we are to JUDGE what is right or wrong. When Christians no longer judge between right and wrong, they soon follow after wrong.
In exercising this judgment, we would do well to remember Jehoshaphat's advice and take heed how we do so since we are doing it for the LORD. It is a part of our service for God.
My New Adventure - Coupons!
I am starting this blog today to journal every step of my foray into saving money online. I will be blogging a few times a week, and posting all the information, tips, and success I have.Today I signed up at the Proctor and Gamble site for their free samples. They should be mailing me about ten of them, ranging from dog food to heartburn medication, all at absolutely no cost. These samples can be received every quarter. I also entered two sweepstakes there, and signed up for some coupons to be mailed to me.
I also did a lot of online research, read some blogs, and have been working on my webpage. Facebook has some terrific Fan Pages for couponers, and I put some of my favorite ones at the link at the top of this page.
I welcome any tips or advice, and I hope to provide an income for my family by saving more of the income we already have. My goal is $100.00 a week in savings and free offers. Thanks for reading along!
Four Weeks of Children's Church - ebook Giveaway
I am hosting a giveaway on my blog for two ebooks, Four Weeks of Children's Church. These books are written by a Fundamental Baptist and are an excellent resource for those serving in children's ministries. Please stop by my blog to check it out.
~Julia @ Teaching for Eternity
Latest from BaptistQuips.Blogspot
"Funds are low again, hallelujah! That means God trusts us and is willing to leave His reputation in our hands." - C.T. Studd
"'Not called!' did you say? 'Not heard the call,' I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help." - William Booth
"My human best filled with the Holy Spirit." - Bruce D. Cummons
"On whatever subjects I may be called to preach, I feel it to be a duty which I dare not neglect to be continually going back to the doctrine of the cross - the fundamental truth of justification by faith which is in Christ Jesus." C.H. Spurgeon
"Unless we go back to the Cross we cannot go forward in the Christian Life." - Warren W. Wiersbe
"Faith will lead you where you cannot walk. Reason has never been a mountain climber." - E.W. Kenyon
"When you fear God, you fear nothing else. When you don’t fear God, you fear everything else." - Oswald Chambers
"It is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart." - John Bunyan
"The ministry is people work, not paper work." - Paul Chappell
"The Bible does not contain the Word of God; It is the Word of God." - Lee Roberson
http://baptistquips.blogspot.com/
"'Not called!' did you say? 'Not heard the call,' I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help." - William Booth
"My human best filled with the Holy Spirit." - Bruce D. Cummons
"On whatever subjects I may be called to preach, I feel it to be a duty which I dare not neglect to be continually going back to the doctrine of the cross - the fundamental truth of justification by faith which is in Christ Jesus." C.H. Spurgeon
"Unless we go back to the Cross we cannot go forward in the Christian Life." - Warren W. Wiersbe
"Faith will lead you where you cannot walk. Reason has never been a mountain climber." - E.W. Kenyon
"When you fear God, you fear nothing else. When you don’t fear God, you fear everything else." - Oswald Chambers
"It is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart." - John Bunyan
"The ministry is people work, not paper work." - Paul Chappell
"The Bible does not contain the Word of God; It is the Word of God." - Lee Roberson
http://baptistquips.blogspot.com/
Who Do We Rely On?
2Ch 16:7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.
Our text today occurs after the 12 Tribes of Israel were divided and now Asa was the king of 2 southern tribes of Judah and Baasha was the king of the 10 northern tribes of Israel. Asa had just experienced what he thought was a great victory. King Baasha, had built Ramah to prevent anyone from coming to Asa and Judah. Asa goes out to confront Baasha and many of Israel die in the conflict, and Baasha stops building Ramah. Afterwards, Asa comes and takes the materials that were being used for the building of Ramah and used them to build Geba and Mizpah for Judah.
Everything sounds great, except in my description I left out one important fact: Asa took all the silver and gold from the house of the LORD and hired the King of Syria to help them in the battle. Now, the seer Hanani came to Asa with a troubling message: the king of Syria has escaped because you did not seek the LORD thy God's help.
How many victories have we celebrated in our lives, that really weren't victories at all because we excluded the LORD from the battle? How many church's are caught up in the race to build a larger church audience, and have used the help of the world and not the LORD to do so? How many families have sought the advice of doctor's and counsellors in how to fix their marriage and their families and excluded God's blueprint for our marriages and families?
May we always seek the LORDS help and guidance in all that we do. The world may have a recipe for the result that we seek, but it will be at the expense of God's approval.
Our text today occurs after the 12 Tribes of Israel were divided and now Asa was the king of 2 southern tribes of Judah and Baasha was the king of the 10 northern tribes of Israel. Asa had just experienced what he thought was a great victory. King Baasha, had built Ramah to prevent anyone from coming to Asa and Judah. Asa goes out to confront Baasha and many of Israel die in the conflict, and Baasha stops building Ramah. Afterwards, Asa comes and takes the materials that were being used for the building of Ramah and used them to build Geba and Mizpah for Judah.
Everything sounds great, except in my description I left out one important fact: Asa took all the silver and gold from the house of the LORD and hired the King of Syria to help them in the battle. Now, the seer Hanani came to Asa with a troubling message: the king of Syria has escaped because you did not seek the LORD thy God's help.
How many victories have we celebrated in our lives, that really weren't victories at all because we excluded the LORD from the battle? How many church's are caught up in the race to build a larger church audience, and have used the help of the world and not the LORD to do so? How many families have sought the advice of doctor's and counsellors in how to fix their marriage and their families and excluded God's blueprint for our marriages and families?
May we always seek the LORDS help and guidance in all that we do. The world may have a recipe for the result that we seek, but it will be at the expense of God's approval.
Links for Bloggers
Some have been mentioned here before, but all of them are helpful free resources to use for blogging.Bible hyperlinking application, it's pretty cool, actually. It takes a verse reference, and links it to the verse in the Bible; when you mouse over the reference, the verse pops up.
Testing area:
John 3:16
John 3:16-18, 22, 25
Psalm 1:1
Ps. 1:1
These stock photos can be freely used, depending on permissions, and there are a lot of them to choose from (including the picture in this post)!
Add your blog posts to Twitter effortlessly and automatically whenever you post.
Add your blog posts to your Facebook feed - you can also set this up to publish to a page you created on Facebook (it doesn't work for groups). I use this every day, and never have to do a thing. It's very dependable, and I have used it for quite some time.
Ever wonder who is talking about you? Google Alerts are super simple to set up, and will send you an email as requested when key phrases are posted online. Thanks Granny Blick for the advice!
With "Add to Any" you can share any post or get subscribed to by readers. If you use it, I suggest going to "more options" and choosing the "no script (no drop-down menu)" option to avoid script errors or annoying mouseovers. Those of you who remember our script error problems on this blog directory a few months ago now know why.
The HTML Source is a wonderful site if you ever get lost in code!
IFB KJV Resources is a site I started to "park" free links I had found online that were IFB and KJV. I would love to hear about more links you might have favorited that you use often when blogging.
Tiramisu Cupcakes
This is a great recipe because it starts with a simple chocolate or vanilla cake box mix. Make the cupcakes according to the directions on the box.Tiramisu Cupcakes
24 chocolate or vanilla cupcakes
1 cup strong coffee or espresso
2 cups heavy whipping cream
4 oz. mascarpone cheese
4 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup confectionery sugar
Poke holes all the way down in the cakes, 7 or 8 times with a toothpick, and drizzle them each with about one Tbsp. of very strong coffee - unsweetened.
In a mixing bowl, whip two cups of whipping cream until stiff peak stage. Set aside.
In another mixing bowl, cream together the mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Fold in the whipped cream, until blended, but still lofty.
Bag icing into a decorator bag (or ziploc bag with one corner snipped off), and pipe on to each cupcake.
Grate a small bit dark chocolate over each cupcake. They hold up very well in the fridge too - I've kept them for two days - if they don't get eaten!
G-d's 401K
In these tough economic times, many are struggling to juggle budgets and stay afloat financially. For some, they have lost much of their retirement income; for others, it's simply that the dollar just doesn't stretch as far as it did a short time ago. This creates a lot of uncertainty and stress---it's hard to know what to do when the horizon doesn't show much change for the better.
One thing is certain, and it's something we can count on: G-d is always in control and nothing takes Him by surprise!
This past year, the L-rd has shown me something that is so simple, so profound, yet most of us fail to grasp it. Why? Because it is just the opposite of what we are conditioned to do.
I'm not talking about prosperity, gaining riches, acquiring success according to the world's view. But I do know the L-rd's plan for meeting our needs. I believe with all my heart that if we follow G-d's principles, He will provide, He will bless. We can count on Him to be G-d in our lives!
In studying G-d's Word, we find that there are "opposites", or opposing ideas, throughout.
In Isaiah 55:8,9 the L-rd reminds us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the L-RD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
The wisdom of this world has taught us to think and behave a certain way. We have, often without realizing it, absorbed and adopted worldly reasoning, philosophies and values that have had a deep-rooted and profound effect upon our behavior at the most fundamental levels.
I Corinthians 1:25, 27-29 illuminates the contrast between G-d's ways and the world's:
Because the foolishness of G-d is wiser than men; and the weakness of G-d is stronger than men.
But G-d hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and G-d hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath G-d chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
That no flesh should glory in his presence."
Wow---G-d knows exactly what He is doing in making these choices and in establishing His ways! All is for His glory---man cannot share in that by any of his own cleverness or by contriving a "better way" to do things. One cannot expect success apart from doing things according to G-d's truths and His methods.
Here are some "opposites" in Scripture that illustrate this idea:
One thing is certain, and it's something we can count on: G-d is always in control and nothing takes Him by surprise!
This past year, the L-rd has shown me something that is so simple, so profound, yet most of us fail to grasp it. Why? Because it is just the opposite of what we are conditioned to do.
I'm not talking about prosperity, gaining riches, acquiring success according to the world's view. But I do know the L-rd's plan for meeting our needs. I believe with all my heart that if we follow G-d's principles, He will provide, He will bless. We can count on Him to be G-d in our lives!
In studying G-d's Word, we find that there are "opposites", or opposing ideas, throughout.
In Isaiah 55:8,9 the L-rd reminds us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the L-RD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
The wisdom of this world has taught us to think and behave a certain way. We have, often without realizing it, absorbed and adopted worldly reasoning, philosophies and values that have had a deep-rooted and profound effect upon our behavior at the most fundamental levels.
I Corinthians 1:25, 27-29 illuminates the contrast between G-d's ways and the world's:
Because the foolishness of G-d is wiser than men; and the weakness of G-d is stronger than men.
But G-d hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and G-d hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath G-d chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
That no flesh should glory in his presence."
Wow---G-d knows exactly what He is doing in making these choices and in establishing His ways! All is for His glory---man cannot share in that by any of his own cleverness or by contriving a "better way" to do things. One cannot expect success apart from doing things according to G-d's truths and His methods.
Here are some "opposites" in Scripture that illustrate this idea:
What Goes Around Comes Around
Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: (22) For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
Solomon makes an interesting point in this portion of Scripture that I have summarized this way: What Goes Around Comes Around. Solomon is warning the reader to not spend all your time trying to find out everything everyone is saying about you and not to get too worked up over the negative things you hear. Why is that - because you yourself have said negative statements about others.
I believe this is helpful advice for all born-again believers, but especially preachers. There comes a time when we must stand up for the truth and name names and set the truth in order, but that is not what I am talking about today.
I wonder how many preachers reading this get so worked up when someone in the congregation makes a negative statement about them, yet they see no problem spending the week publicly and privately criticizing other good, fundamentally sound preachers? We teach our people of the "dangers of dishing dirt," yet how many blogs, discussion boards, etc. are filled with those same preachers typing negative comments of others.
When we ourselves are always negative about others, we cannot be shocked when others are negative about us. What goes around comes around.
When we ourselves are always negative about others, we cannot be shocked when others are negative about us. What goes around comes around.
Fresh Starts.....
There's nothing like springtime with new grass, colorful flowers, baby animals---everything seems so fresh and new! After a gloomy winter, spring is so refreshing!
Every day in the life of the believer is to be like spring. The Scriptures say that the L-rd's compassions are new every morning! (Lam. 3:22, 23) When we think of our lost condition before we were saved, to what we now have in Christ Jesus, we can have springtime in our hearts, even in the dead of winter!
II Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new."
We are made new creatures in Christ upon salvation. As we grow older in the L-rd, we remain new creatures. The "newness" shouldn't wear off with the result that we become like old deadwood. That verse above says that all things are become new! That's present tense. It doesn't say that all things became new!
Every day, we should renew ourselves in the L-rd by immersing ourselves in the Word! Is not the Word likened to water? Ephesians 5:25b, 26 states that ".....even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word...."
I Corinthians 6:9-11 reminds us that before we were saved, we were pretty rotten folks. Even if we didn't actually commit these sins, if we had hatred in our heart, we were murderers; if we lusted in our hearts, we committed adultery. (I John 3:15; Matt. 5:28)
I doubt that there is a one of us that wasn't somewhere in this list of sinners: fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, abusers of themselves with mankind, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners......but you know what---verse 11 is good news!!
"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the L-rd Jesus, and by the Spirit of our G-d."
Every day in the life of the believer is to be like spring. The Scriptures say that the L-rd's compassions are new every morning! (Lam. 3:22, 23) When we think of our lost condition before we were saved, to what we now have in Christ Jesus, we can have springtime in our hearts, even in the dead of winter!
II Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new."
We are made new creatures in Christ upon salvation. As we grow older in the L-rd, we remain new creatures. The "newness" shouldn't wear off with the result that we become like old deadwood. That verse above says that all things are become new! That's present tense. It doesn't say that all things became new!
Every day, we should renew ourselves in the L-rd by immersing ourselves in the Word! Is not the Word likened to water? Ephesians 5:25b, 26 states that ".....even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word...."
I Corinthians 6:9-11 reminds us that before we were saved, we were pretty rotten folks. Even if we didn't actually commit these sins, if we had hatred in our heart, we were murderers; if we lusted in our hearts, we committed adultery. (I John 3:15; Matt. 5:28)
I doubt that there is a one of us that wasn't somewhere in this list of sinners: fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, abusers of themselves with mankind, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners......but you know what---verse 11 is good news!!
"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the L-rd Jesus, and by the Spirit of our G-d."
S-IN
Have you ever noticed something interesting about the word, "SIN"?
There's a big "I" in the middle of it!
Basically, sin can be summed up in one word: SELFISHNESS.
If you think about it, every sinful act, thought, desire, impulse is screaming with selfishness. It's what "I want", how "I feel", what "I think" that motivates a selfish person. and what is at the root of all this?
P-R-I-D-E! [Notice that there's a big "I" in the middle of this word as well!]
Pride and selfishness go hand in hand. Our pride leads us to believe that we "deserve it", so we indulge ourselves rather than submit to G-d. We serve ourselves instead of considering others and how we affect them.
Paul instructed the believers in Romans 14:7 that, "None of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself."
What did Paul mean by that?
Simply this: We belong to G-d. If we live selfishly, we are sinning against G-d and against others as well.
How we live, the decisions we make, everything we do, affects our relationship with the L-rd. And with others. The verse after this one bears this out.
In these last days, we are finding that very few actually care how they offend a Holy G-d or how they affect others. Our churches would reflect a far different picture otherwise.
The Bible tells us in Galatians 5:13---"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
All the works of the flesh that are listed in Galatians 5 are selfish. When we commit sin we are saying, in essence, that we do not have a regard for the L-rd and what He wants. Instead of our lives being a holy sacrifice unto G-d, which is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1), we settle ourselves on the throne. Instead of living for His good pleasure, we live for our own.
What a pitifully poor way to live! Not only do we rob G-d of what is due Him, we deprive ourselves and others of so much. Little do we realize what we do.
Recently, I read an account of the earthquake that occurred in New England in 1727, and what resulted from it. You can read the account here:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/states/events/1727_11_10_hs.php
The result of this incredible, massive earthquake was a great revival. The first thing the Christians did after their initial shock was to run to their pastors and churches! Unbelievers sought out the same.
Their homes and possessions were not on their minds---G-d was on their minds, and they knew their own hearts were not right with Him!
Christians repented of their sin and others came to know the L-rd. But, in time, after the initial fear of G-d waned, people returned to their old way of thinking and living.
Do we see that kind of revival happening today when disasters strike? Sadly, I think not.
Instead of trials and testings humbling us, we find that people's hearts grow harder. Pride sears consciences.
There's a big "I" in the middle of it!
Basically, sin can be summed up in one word: SELFISHNESS.
If you think about it, every sinful act, thought, desire, impulse is screaming with selfishness. It's what "I want", how "I feel", what "I think" that motivates a selfish person. and what is at the root of all this?
P-R-I-D-E! [Notice that there's a big "I" in the middle of this word as well!]
Pride and selfishness go hand in hand. Our pride leads us to believe that we "deserve it", so we indulge ourselves rather than submit to G-d. We serve ourselves instead of considering others and how we affect them.
Paul instructed the believers in Romans 14:7 that, "None of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself."
What did Paul mean by that?
Simply this: We belong to G-d. If we live selfishly, we are sinning against G-d and against others as well.
How we live, the decisions we make, everything we do, affects our relationship with the L-rd. And with others. The verse after this one bears this out.
In these last days, we are finding that very few actually care how they offend a Holy G-d or how they affect others. Our churches would reflect a far different picture otherwise.
The Bible tells us in Galatians 5:13---"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
All the works of the flesh that are listed in Galatians 5 are selfish. When we commit sin we are saying, in essence, that we do not have a regard for the L-rd and what He wants. Instead of our lives being a holy sacrifice unto G-d, which is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1), we settle ourselves on the throne. Instead of living for His good pleasure, we live for our own.
What a pitifully poor way to live! Not only do we rob G-d of what is due Him, we deprive ourselves and others of so much. Little do we realize what we do.
Recently, I read an account of the earthquake that occurred in New England in 1727, and what resulted from it. You can read the account here:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/states/events/1727_11_10_hs.php
The result of this incredible, massive earthquake was a great revival. The first thing the Christians did after their initial shock was to run to their pastors and churches! Unbelievers sought out the same.
Their homes and possessions were not on their minds---G-d was on their minds, and they knew their own hearts were not right with Him!
Christians repented of their sin and others came to know the L-rd. But, in time, after the initial fear of G-d waned, people returned to their old way of thinking and living.
Do we see that kind of revival happening today when disasters strike? Sadly, I think not.
Instead of trials and testings humbling us, we find that people's hearts grow harder. Pride sears consciences.
KJV Devos News
This week we have three new authors who have been added to the devotional list. The new writers are all Christian ladies that I have read and enjoyed for some time. I am so excited to see their articles here. Welcome!
Grammy Blick's Bible Study by "Grammy Blick"
Maranatha! by Kate Ploude
The "For Ladies Only" Series by Sandy Domelle
Read them at:
Grammy Blick's Bible Study by "Grammy Blick"
Maranatha! by Kate Ploude
The "For Ladies Only" Series by Sandy Domelle
Read them at:
Resurrection Sunday
Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? Acts 26:8
One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my Example is He!
One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected:
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore!
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glories will shine;
Wonderful day, my belovèd ones bringing;
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He’s coming—O glorious day!
One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my Example is He!
One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected:
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore!
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glories will shine;
Wonderful day, my belovèd ones bringing;
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He’s coming—O glorious day!
- Wilbur Chapman
BaptistQuips.Blogspot
"I'm not looking for the undertaker, I'm looking for the uppertaker" - Raymond Barber
If the prodigal son had been given a bath, a biscuit and a bed, he never would have gone home!
"Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny." - E.D. Boardman
"The monument I want after I am dead is a monument with two legs going around the world; a saved sinner telling about the salvation of Jesus Christ." - D.L. Moody
Men don't become "too bad" for Christ to save, they think they are already "too good".
The human spirit fails unless the Holy Spirit fills.
"Putting God first in your life makes you God's responsibility!" - Claude Bond
Workers aren't complainers, and complainers are not workers.
We are each given raw materials with which to build a stumbling block or a stepping stone.
If you think Meek is Weak, try being Meek for a Week.
http://baptistquips.blogspot.com/
If the prodigal son had been given a bath, a biscuit and a bed, he never would have gone home!
"Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny." - E.D. Boardman
"The monument I want after I am dead is a monument with two legs going around the world; a saved sinner telling about the salvation of Jesus Christ." - D.L. Moody
Men don't become "too bad" for Christ to save, they think they are already "too good".
The human spirit fails unless the Holy Spirit fills.
"Putting God first in your life makes you God's responsibility!" - Claude Bond
Workers aren't complainers, and complainers are not workers.
We are each given raw materials with which to build a stumbling block or a stepping stone.
If you think Meek is Weak, try being Meek for a Week.
http://baptistquips.blogspot.com/
Good Friday for the Protestants
By no stretch of the imagination am I an authority on the Jewish calendar. But this I do know, Christ was not crucified on Friday. I'm a Baptist and not a protestant. Let's try and pick up on some truths that we need to strongly embrace. Here are a few websites for your consideration. If there are better or more accurate, please share!
http://www.abdicate.net/htimeline.aspx
http://www.centuryone.com/crucifixion.html
http://www.gnmagazine.org/issues/gn63/jesus_chronology.htm
http://www.baptistpillar.com/bd0492.htm
http://www.thercg.org/articles/ccwnof.html
http://www.abdicate.net/htimeline.aspx
http://www.centuryone.com/crucifixion.html
http://www.gnmagazine.org/issues/gn63/jesus_chronology.htm
http://www.baptistpillar.com/bd0492.htm
http://www.thercg.org/articles/ccwnof.html
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