1"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Romans 13:1-7
Many people hate the idea of submitting to any authority, man's authority or God's authority, the authority of bosses or teachers. There is something in our flesh which rises up and says: You can't tell me what to do! Yet as Christians, we are called to submit to both God's authorities as well as those who rule in the earth. We are to obey traffic laws, pay our taxes and follow rules and regulations set up by our local and national governments. and obey school and work rules. Many of these laws are designed to keep order and allow us to live a quiet and peaceable life. Others seem arbitrary, but yet we are called to obey, even when we don't like them.
Let's pray: Lord I confess to you my natural tendency to rebel and do what I want to do. Help me to honor and respect the authorities that you have placed over me. Help me to understand that they have no power except what you allow them to have. Help me to pray for my leaders and honor them where honor is due. Help me to bring glory to your name by right and honorable living in my community.
In Jesus Name! Amen.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Fred's Devo #47 "Turn From Your Wicked Ways"
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV
Yesterday we dealt with "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves"
Today, we deal with "and pray and turn from their wicked ways."
Sin is a hinderance to answered prayer. The scriptures says, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened" (or answered prayer) Sin can be wilful disobedience to God or things we failed to do. Sometimes it is obvious and apparent at other times it has to be pointed out to us by God or others. That's why it is important for us to daily come before God in prayer, asking him to show you if there is "any way in you"
Prayer of Self Examination: Lord search my heart and see if there be any wicked way in me. Lord help me to have an attitude humility, even as I wait for your answer. ...Yes Lord...Now as I confess my sin, forgive me of my sin and cleanse me of all unrighteousness in Jesus Name I pray, Amen!
Now order my footsteps and direct my paths today. Equip me today as I share the word with your people at Church on tonight. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Yesterday we dealt with "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves"
Today, we deal with "and pray and turn from their wicked ways."
Sin is a hinderance to answered prayer. The scriptures says, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened" (or answered prayer) Sin can be wilful disobedience to God or things we failed to do. Sometimes it is obvious and apparent at other times it has to be pointed out to us by God or others. That's why it is important for us to daily come before God in prayer, asking him to show you if there is "any way in you"
Prayer of Self Examination: Lord search my heart and see if there be any wicked way in me. Lord help me to have an attitude humility, even as I wait for your answer. ...Yes Lord...Now as I confess my sin, forgive me of my sin and cleanse me of all unrighteousness in Jesus Name I pray, Amen!
Now order my footsteps and direct my paths today. Equip me today as I share the word with your people at Church on tonight. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Fred's Devotional 46 :Humble yourself Before God
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV
One of the conditions of answered prayer is for us to be humble and submitted to our awesome God! This scripture talks about three things.
First,we are God's People-Called by His Name. If you have given your life to Jesus, you are one of God's people. As such your allegiance is to him first. That means, we are willing to bring our entire lives into subjection to Jesus.
Second, we are called to humble ourselves before God. Pride comes before a fall. Humility says, I don't know it all, I am not self sufficient,I need your help Lord!
Prayer of Reflection: Lord, where am I walking in pride or self righteousness. Where have I refused to ask for your help?
Prayer of Repentance: Lord forgive me for the times when I have gone about my work day without falling on my knees in prayer to ask for your guidance and direction. Thank you for forgiveness and cleansing according to I John 1:9.
Now help me today, to remember who I belong to and to walk in dependence on you.
In Jesus Mighty Name! Amen.
Tommorrow we will discuss the rest of this verses.
One of the conditions of answered prayer is for us to be humble and submitted to our awesome God! This scripture talks about three things.
First,we are God's People-Called by His Name. If you have given your life to Jesus, you are one of God's people. As such your allegiance is to him first. That means, we are willing to bring our entire lives into subjection to Jesus.
Second, we are called to humble ourselves before God. Pride comes before a fall. Humility says, I don't know it all, I am not self sufficient,I need your help Lord!
Prayer of Reflection: Lord, where am I walking in pride or self righteousness. Where have I refused to ask for your help?
Prayer of Repentance: Lord forgive me for the times when I have gone about my work day without falling on my knees in prayer to ask for your guidance and direction. Thank you for forgiveness and cleansing according to I John 1:9.
Now help me today, to remember who I belong to and to walk in dependence on you.
In Jesus Mighty Name! Amen.
Tommorrow we will discuss the rest of this verses.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Devo # 45 "When Someone has Done you Dirty"
Someone has clearly done you wrong. They did it deliberately, and they knew what they were doing. You are offended, mad and you feel like getting them straight! In fact, you want revenge! You are so mad, or hurt that you can't think straight or pray right! In fact when you do pray, the only thing that comes out of your mouth is "Lord get'em!" As a Christian, how do you handle a situation like this. The scripture is clear:
7"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."[e] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Wow! This teaching goes totally against human nature, yet this is exactly what God has called us to do! God sees the wrong that has been done to us. He is neither blind not deaf. He sees it and he says, let me deal with it. When we begin to take revenge and get even, something dark and ugly begins to happen to our hearts. Bitterness, anger and hurt festers in us like an infected wound and poisons our spiritual bodies.
When we let it go, do what is right and forgive, the anger and poison leaves our soul and we are free to pray for that person and commend him or her to God's hands.
Let's Pray: Lord as difficult as it is sometimes, help me to never hold on to anger and bitterness when I am wronged. Help me to remember to do what is right and leave vengeance to you. In fact Lord, help me to bless those who persecute me and to pray for your mercy upon them. In Jesus Name Amen!
7"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."[e] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Wow! This teaching goes totally against human nature, yet this is exactly what God has called us to do! God sees the wrong that has been done to us. He is neither blind not deaf. He sees it and he says, let me deal with it. When we begin to take revenge and get even, something dark and ugly begins to happen to our hearts. Bitterness, anger and hurt festers in us like an infected wound and poisons our spiritual bodies.
When we let it go, do what is right and forgive, the anger and poison leaves our soul and we are free to pray for that person and commend him or her to God's hands.
Let's Pray: Lord as difficult as it is sometimes, help me to never hold on to anger and bitterness when I am wronged. Help me to remember to do what is right and leave vengeance to you. In fact Lord, help me to bless those who persecute me and to pray for your mercy upon them. In Jesus Name Amen!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Fred's Devo # 44 " When Challenges Come"
Yesterday, we discussed the attitude of the believer. Today's devotional topic is:
"When Challenges Come"
"14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." (Romans 12:14-16)
Every day in the life of a believer will not be peaches and ice cream. Because we call on the name of Jesus, we will sonetimes suffer persecution from those who do not follow Jesus. Do we fight back or retaliate? No! Surprisngly, the passage tells us to bless those who persecute us and not to curse them. What! This is counter cultural and counter intuitive, yet this is what the Lord would have us to do. When our brothers and sisters are hurting, instead of going on with our lives, we are to sit and mourn with them and show compassion for them. Do not too quickly try to move them past their grief but sit with them in their grief. Then we are told to live in harmony with others-be a peace maker, not a trouble maker. This is really helped by an attitude of humlility rather than pride. Humilility also helps us to reach out to people who are left out, margninalized or poor.
Let's Pray: Lord, when challenges come my way, help me to respond the way you want to respond rather than in my flesh or in selfisnness.
In Jesus Name Amen!
"When Challenges Come"
"14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." (Romans 12:14-16)
Every day in the life of a believer will not be peaches and ice cream. Because we call on the name of Jesus, we will sonetimes suffer persecution from those who do not follow Jesus. Do we fight back or retaliate? No! Surprisngly, the passage tells us to bless those who persecute us and not to curse them. What! This is counter cultural and counter intuitive, yet this is what the Lord would have us to do. When our brothers and sisters are hurting, instead of going on with our lives, we are to sit and mourn with them and show compassion for them. Do not too quickly try to move them past their grief but sit with them in their grief. Then we are told to live in harmony with others-be a peace maker, not a trouble maker. This is really helped by an attitude of humlility rather than pride. Humilility also helps us to reach out to people who are left out, margninalized or poor.
Let's Pray: Lord, when challenges come my way, help me to respond the way you want to respond rather than in my flesh or in selfisnness.
In Jesus Name Amen!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Fred's Devo # 43 " The Attitude of the Believer"
Yesterday we discussed What Love looks like. Today, we look at the "Attitude and demeanor of the believer. Our scripture passage reads:
"11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:11-13
According to Paul in this passage, the primary attitude of the Christian should be one of zeal and fervor as we serve the Lord. Why? Because we are serving the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Suppose you finished college and got a job working for President Obama! When you shared with your friends you would share it with excitement and enthusiasm because of the rare privilege of serving such a great man. Even more so, the Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of our zeal and excitement as we talk about his goodness!
The scripture also tells us to be joyful in hope but also patient in tribulation. It's easy to be joyful when things are hopeful but when affliction or trouble hit-we don't get a pass. He says be patient anyway! We can do as we grow in the fruits of the Spirit as found in Galations 5; patience is one of them" Check this out: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
Prayer: Lord help me to grow in my zeal and joy for you! Help me, even when I am having a hard day, not to cuss and fuss but instead to be patient in trouble, trusting you and remaining faithful in prayer and service to others.
In Jesus Name Amen!
"11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:11-13
According to Paul in this passage, the primary attitude of the Christian should be one of zeal and fervor as we serve the Lord. Why? Because we are serving the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Suppose you finished college and got a job working for President Obama! When you shared with your friends you would share it with excitement and enthusiasm because of the rare privilege of serving such a great man. Even more so, the Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of our zeal and excitement as we talk about his goodness!
The scripture also tells us to be joyful in hope but also patient in tribulation. It's easy to be joyful when things are hopeful but when affliction or trouble hit-we don't get a pass. He says be patient anyway! We can do as we grow in the fruits of the Spirit as found in Galations 5; patience is one of them" Check this out: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
Prayer: Lord help me to grow in my zeal and joy for you! Help me, even when I am having a hard day, not to cuss and fuss but instead to be patient in trouble, trusting you and remaining faithful in prayer and service to others.
In Jesus Name Amen!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Fred's Devo #42 What Does Love Look Like
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10
What does love look like when it moves from nice sentimental words to action. It is first sincere, it does not come from surface flattery but from authentic sincerity. Love shows up at the bedside of a friend when they are sick. Love stops by to take a brother to work when his car breaks down. Love is willing to sit and listen as I pour out my pain over a recent loss. Love shows up and loyalty and commitment when everyone else has abandoned me. Love shows up best when it can't be repaid. What does love look like? I Corinthians 13: gives a clue: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres"
Let's pray: Lord, I know that this kind of love is the God kind of love that only comes from you. It does not run out like human love. Lord, help me to grow in this kind of sacrificial, selfless love that is possible only through the power of Jesus Christ. Help me to die to self so that you will be exalted, even as I express your love to others!
In Jesus Name! Amen
What does love look like when it moves from nice sentimental words to action. It is first sincere, it does not come from surface flattery but from authentic sincerity. Love shows up at the bedside of a friend when they are sick. Love stops by to take a brother to work when his car breaks down. Love is willing to sit and listen as I pour out my pain over a recent loss. Love shows up and loyalty and commitment when everyone else has abandoned me. Love shows up best when it can't be repaid. What does love look like? I Corinthians 13: gives a clue: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres"
Let's pray: Lord, I know that this kind of love is the God kind of love that only comes from you. It does not run out like human love. Lord, help me to grow in this kind of sacrificial, selfless love that is possible only through the power of Jesus Christ. Help me to die to self so that you will be exalted, even as I express your love to others!
In Jesus Name! Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
