Key Verse: So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. Hebrews 2:11
It is amazing that Jesus our Saviour and Creator, also calls himself our Brother!
The writer is marveling at God's amazing attention and care for us: He says in verse 6"-9: “What are mere mortals that you should think about them,
or a son of man[a] that you should care for him?
7 Yet you made them only a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.[b]
8 You gave them authority over all things.”[c]
Futhermore, in verses 9 - 10 the writer says: "...Jesus, who was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. 10 God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.
Yet this great Jesus calls us His brother in verse 11: "So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.[d] 12 For he said to God, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.”[e]
AMAZING LOVE!
In closing, let's meditate on the words of this Hymn:
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
In Jesus Name! Amen!
"And Can It Be That I Should Gain" words by Charles Wesley
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/c/acanitbe.htm
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Fred's Devo # 65: Do Not Drift Away From the Glorious Gospel!
"1 So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. 2 For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. 3 So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? 4 And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose."
In today's scripture, Paul warns Hebrew believers not to stray away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ that they have embraced! He makes the point that in the Old testament days, God set up the law and punished those who disobeyed it. It is also true that he rewarded those who followed it. (see Deutoronomy 28)
By the same token, if we reject or ignore the Gospel message, we have just rejected our escape route from eternal punishment in Hell! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Paul says in Romans 3:23 "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.
Prayer: Lord, in a world where people scoff at the message of the Gospel, let me never, ever reject the truth of the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not only my escape route from Hell, but it also reconnects me with my creator and leads me to my true identity and purpose in Christ. Help me to live the life of a Christian and freely tell others about this Glorious News! In Jesus Name! Amen
In today's scripture, Paul warns Hebrew believers not to stray away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ that they have embraced! He makes the point that in the Old testament days, God set up the law and punished those who disobeyed it. It is also true that he rewarded those who followed it. (see Deutoronomy 28)
By the same token, if we reject or ignore the Gospel message, we have just rejected our escape route from eternal punishment in Hell! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Paul says in Romans 3:23 "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.
Prayer: Lord, in a world where people scoff at the message of the Gospel, let me never, ever reject the truth of the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not only my escape route from Hell, but it also reconnects me with my creator and leads me to my true identity and purpose in Christ. Help me to live the life of a Christian and freely tell others about this Glorious News! In Jesus Name! Amen
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Fred's Devo # 64 :What to do When Trouble Comes!
Nobody likes trouble, problems difficulties. I know I don't; but they come anyway. The question is, how do we handle trouble when it comes. Do we put our heads in the sand until it passes? Do we put our lives on hold? Or do we figure a way to face our trials and to gain whatever lessons or benefits they may hold for us? I know sounds sort of crazy but stick with me.
Here's what the bible says about trouble or trials or difficulties.
"2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault...12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Are you kidding me? "Consider it pure joy when you face trials" That's not how most of us think. The first think I think is "Oh No!" Yet the writer James tells us to have joy. If that's the case, there must be some benefits to trials.
How to respond to trials:
First trials are an opportunity to stop,evaluate ourselves and ask God for wisdom. Are we living right? Have we strayed away from God? Have we done anything to create the mess we are in? Is God trying to speak to us? Use trouble as an opportunity to God in prayer, to renew your relationship with him and to ask him for wisdom and guidance.
Secondly, If the trial is coming because we have taken a righteous and right stand for Jesus - rejoice! Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:12: "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great"
Thirdly, trials and tests produce perseverance and character that cannot come any other way. An athlete only gets better when he or she is tested and tried in practice and competition.
Prayer: Lord, no one likes trouble but when it comes, help us to face it with prayer-spending time with you for renewal, evaluation and seeking wisdom. And Lord, give me the strength and the grace to make it through my battle with my faith intact. Lord if I am in trouble due to my own sin, show me what it is so I can confess and repent.
If I am facing trials because of my faith, I rejoice and glorify your name even more! Thank you for this privilege of being a witness for you!
Regardless, helps us to face trials with humility, trust and thanksgiving, knowing that all thinks work together for good, for those who love God. Romans 8:28
In Jesus Name, Amen
Here's what the bible says about trouble or trials or difficulties.
"2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault...12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Are you kidding me? "Consider it pure joy when you face trials" That's not how most of us think. The first think I think is "Oh No!" Yet the writer James tells us to have joy. If that's the case, there must be some benefits to trials.
How to respond to trials:
First trials are an opportunity to stop,evaluate ourselves and ask God for wisdom. Are we living right? Have we strayed away from God? Have we done anything to create the mess we are in? Is God trying to speak to us? Use trouble as an opportunity to God in prayer, to renew your relationship with him and to ask him for wisdom and guidance.
Secondly, If the trial is coming because we have taken a righteous and right stand for Jesus - rejoice! Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:12: "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great"
Thirdly, trials and tests produce perseverance and character that cannot come any other way. An athlete only gets better when he or she is tested and tried in practice and competition.
Prayer: Lord, no one likes trouble but when it comes, help us to face it with prayer-spending time with you for renewal, evaluation and seeking wisdom. And Lord, give me the strength and the grace to make it through my battle with my faith intact. Lord if I am in trouble due to my own sin, show me what it is so I can confess and repent.
If I am facing trials because of my faith, I rejoice and glorify your name even more! Thank you for this privilege of being a witness for you!
Regardless, helps us to face trials with humility, trust and thanksgiving, knowing that all thinks work together for good, for those who love God. Romans 8:28
In Jesus Name, Amen
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Fred's Devo # 63: Putting on the Whole Armor of God
Today, we will be blessed by a Guest "devotionalist" Mary Ann Voelkel. She will lead us in an Armor of God prayer based on Ephesians 6:10-18. Read through Ephesians 6:10-18 below.
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."
Pray through the prayer. Pray it several times slowly and thoughtfully to get the full effect.
--------------------
Armor of God Prayer
By Mary Anne Voelkel, former InterVarsity Prayer Leader
Holy, loving, merciful God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…
I greet you this morning as my Heavenly Father, my Lord and Savior, and my great High Priest. I realize that first of all I need to give you myself and this new day. I ask you to fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit, and to clothe me with your armor, for my own is of no use against the enemy or to face the challenges I will encounter all day long.
I begin by putting on the Belt of Truth. You are the Truth and your Word is Truth. I ask you to nurture my soul and to teach me the Truth as I study Your Word. By your grace I will believe, speak, and live in accordance with the Truth. I embrace the Truth that you love me unconditionally, that I am in Christ and that he lives in me. I confess the Truth, that without you I can do nothing, but that “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13).
I ask your forgiveness for my sin and self-centeredness. Please forgive me for________________ and cleanse me in your precious blood. I ask you to crucify my old nature and be my righteousness. Would you live your holy life in me, as I surrender myself to you? Let your righteousness be like a Breastplate to protect my vital organs, especially my heart, emotions and soul. Be the center of my life and the source of all I am and do. By your grace I will obey you and seek to live in fellowship and dependence on you.
Once again I put on the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace. I will prepare myself to share the good news with others by reading your Word, praying for my non-Christian friends, and being ready to given an account for the Hope that is in me. Please bring me into situations and relationships where I can express your love and share the Gospel with others in the Power of the Holy Spirit Give me your heart of compassion for those in need. Enable me to help them with a willing and loving servant heart.
I put on the Helmet of your Salvation. Save me this day from the world, my flesh, and the Devil. I ask you to give me the mind of Christ and to think your thoughts in me.
I also take up the Shield of Faith by which I can extinguish all of the flaming arrows of the Evil One. By faith I ask you to bind and break any curses sent against me or my family and to place them under the feet of Jesus. I ask you to cancel all of the Enemy’s evil assignments, to confuse his strategies, and to extinguish each of the fiery arrows he chooses to send our way. I renounce and rebuke especially the arrows of____________.
I ask you to fill me and strengthen me with your Holy Spirit as I take up His Sword, those particular Words You give me to: guide my own life, use in intercession, share with others, or utter against the Enemy, in whatever ways you so lead me to do. Lead me into each aspect of my devotional time this morning and guide me throughout this day. Please reveal yourself to me so that I may know you better and love you more.
Over all this armor, I ask you to wrap me in your mantle of love. Fill my heart with love for yourself: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Fill my heart, as well with love for my family, friends, and those I minister to.
Finally, I come to you to take your yoke. May I abide in you even as you abide in me. May I worship you, serve you and love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. May I increasingly love my neighbors as myself. I thank you that by Your Holy Presence in my life and your Person clothing me, I am effectively armed for whatever comes my way this day. Hallelujah! Amen!
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."
Pray through the prayer. Pray it several times slowly and thoughtfully to get the full effect.
--------------------
Armor of God Prayer
By Mary Anne Voelkel, former InterVarsity Prayer Leader
Holy, loving, merciful God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…
I greet you this morning as my Heavenly Father, my Lord and Savior, and my great High Priest. I realize that first of all I need to give you myself and this new day. I ask you to fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit, and to clothe me with your armor, for my own is of no use against the enemy or to face the challenges I will encounter all day long.
I begin by putting on the Belt of Truth. You are the Truth and your Word is Truth. I ask you to nurture my soul and to teach me the Truth as I study Your Word. By your grace I will believe, speak, and live in accordance with the Truth. I embrace the Truth that you love me unconditionally, that I am in Christ and that he lives in me. I confess the Truth, that without you I can do nothing, but that “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13).
I ask your forgiveness for my sin and self-centeredness. Please forgive me for________________ and cleanse me in your precious blood. I ask you to crucify my old nature and be my righteousness. Would you live your holy life in me, as I surrender myself to you? Let your righteousness be like a Breastplate to protect my vital organs, especially my heart, emotions and soul. Be the center of my life and the source of all I am and do. By your grace I will obey you and seek to live in fellowship and dependence on you.
Once again I put on the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace. I will prepare myself to share the good news with others by reading your Word, praying for my non-Christian friends, and being ready to given an account for the Hope that is in me. Please bring me into situations and relationships where I can express your love and share the Gospel with others in the Power of the Holy Spirit Give me your heart of compassion for those in need. Enable me to help them with a willing and loving servant heart.
I put on the Helmet of your Salvation. Save me this day from the world, my flesh, and the Devil. I ask you to give me the mind of Christ and to think your thoughts in me.
I also take up the Shield of Faith by which I can extinguish all of the flaming arrows of the Evil One. By faith I ask you to bind and break any curses sent against me or my family and to place them under the feet of Jesus. I ask you to cancel all of the Enemy’s evil assignments, to confuse his strategies, and to extinguish each of the fiery arrows he chooses to send our way. I renounce and rebuke especially the arrows of____________.
I ask you to fill me and strengthen me with your Holy Spirit as I take up His Sword, those particular Words You give me to: guide my own life, use in intercession, share with others, or utter against the Enemy, in whatever ways you so lead me to do. Lead me into each aspect of my devotional time this morning and guide me throughout this day. Please reveal yourself to me so that I may know you better and love you more.
Over all this armor, I ask you to wrap me in your mantle of love. Fill my heart with love for yourself: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Fill my heart, as well with love for my family, friends, and those I minister to.
Finally, I come to you to take your yoke. May I abide in you even as you abide in me. May I worship you, serve you and love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. May I increasingly love my neighbors as myself. I thank you that by Your Holy Presence in my life and your Person clothing me, I am effectively armed for whatever comes my way this day. Hallelujah! Amen!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Fred's Devo # 62 Jesus Is Greater Than the Angels!
On yesterday, we read in Hebrews 1:1-3: that God "has spoken to us through his Son. and that " God promised everything to Jesus and that Jesus:
Created the universe.
Radiates God’s own glory
Expresses the very character of God,
Sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.
Jesus also cleansed us from our sins!
In Hebrews 1:4-14 below, we learn that Jesus is greater than the angels:
"4This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.
5 For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus:
“You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.
God also said, “I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son.”
6 And when he brought his firstborn Son into the world, God said,
“Let all of God’s angels worship him.”
7 Regarding the angels, he says,
“He sends his angels like the winds,
his servants like flames of fire.”
8 But to the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.
You rule with a scepter of justice.
9 You love justice and hate evil.
Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you,
pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.”
10 He also says to the Son,
“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth
and made the heavens with your hands.
11 They will perish, but you remain forever.
They will wear out like old clothing.
12 You will fold them up like a cloak
and discard them like old clothing.
But you are always the same;
you will live forever.”
13 And God never said to any of the angels,
“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies,
making them a footstool under your feet.”
14 Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. (Hebrews 1:4-14,NLT)
Lord, I thank you for sending the angels to care four your people. Thank you even more for sending Jesus who is much greater than the angels because he laid the foundation of the earth and and His throne endures forever!
Because of Jesus, I have salvation! Thank you Jesus! In Your Holy Name! Amen.
Created the universe.
Radiates God’s own glory
Expresses the very character of God,
Sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.
Jesus also cleansed us from our sins!
In Hebrews 1:4-14 below, we learn that Jesus is greater than the angels:
"4This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.
5 For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus:
“You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.
God also said, “I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son.”
6 And when he brought his firstborn Son into the world, God said,
“Let all of God’s angels worship him.”
7 Regarding the angels, he says,
“He sends his angels like the winds,
his servants like flames of fire.”
8 But to the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.
You rule with a scepter of justice.
9 You love justice and hate evil.
Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you,
pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.”
10 He also says to the Son,
“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth
and made the heavens with your hands.
11 They will perish, but you remain forever.
They will wear out like old clothing.
12 You will fold them up like a cloak
and discard them like old clothing.
But you are always the same;
you will live forever.”
13 And God never said to any of the angels,
“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies,
making them a footstool under your feet.”
14 Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. (Hebrews 1:4-14,NLT)
Lord, I thank you for sending the angels to care four your people. Thank you even more for sending Jesus who is much greater than the angels because he laid the foundation of the earth and and His throne endures forever!
Because of Jesus, I have salvation! Thank you Jesus! In Your Holy Name! Amen.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Fred's Devo # 61: Jesus: Sustainer of the Universe!
"Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. [2] But now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he made the universe and everything in it. [3] The Son reflects God's own glory, and everything about him represents God exactly. He sustains the universe by the mighty power of his command. After he died to cleanse us from the stain of sin, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God of heaven." Hebrews 1:1-3, NLT
Commentary: In the Old Testament days, God spoke to man through his prophets. In the New Testament days, God spoke thorough his Son, Jesus.
This scripture helps me to see the exalted position that Jesus has!
God promised everything to him!
He reflects the Glory of God!
Everything About Him represents God exactly!
He sustains the universe by the power of his command!
He died to cleanse us from sin!
He now sits at the right hand of God!
What a mighty Jesus we serve!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I worship you as King and ruler of the universe and ruler over my life. Help me to live a daily life of worship and praise, always giving honor to your Holy Name! In Jesus Mighty Name! Amen!
Commentary: In the Old Testament days, God spoke to man through his prophets. In the New Testament days, God spoke thorough his Son, Jesus.
This scripture helps me to see the exalted position that Jesus has!
God promised everything to him!
He reflects the Glory of God!
Everything About Him represents God exactly!
He sustains the universe by the power of his command!
He died to cleanse us from sin!
He now sits at the right hand of God!
What a mighty Jesus we serve!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I worship you as King and ruler of the universe and ruler over my life. Help me to live a daily life of worship and praise, always giving honor to your Holy Name! In Jesus Mighty Name! Amen!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Fred's Devo # 60 "Lord, Thank you for the Gift of Salvation"
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages, 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
The Apostle the Paul's benediction to Romans, he reminds the Gentiles of Rome of the glorious privilege they have of having heard the Gospel or Good News of Jesus Christ! He shares that in times past, the Gospel was hidden from Gentiles (non Jews) but was later disclosed through the writings of the prophets -by God's command. Now the Gospel of Jesus Christ is made know to everyone in the world! HALLELUJAH!
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Prayer: Lord, I am so thankful that I live at a time when Christ is known and the Gospel is preached. Lord, thank you for saving my soul! Thank you for drawing me to yourself by your holy spirit when I was just a teenager! Thank you for walking with me all the years and never allowing me to slip from your hands. Help me now to boldly tell others about the Good News of Jesus Christ! Your plan to save the world from eternal condemnation and punishment.
In Jesus Name, Amen!
The Apostle the Paul's benediction to Romans, he reminds the Gentiles of Rome of the glorious privilege they have of having heard the Gospel or Good News of Jesus Christ! He shares that in times past, the Gospel was hidden from Gentiles (non Jews) but was later disclosed through the writings of the prophets -by God's command. Now the Gospel of Jesus Christ is made know to everyone in the world! HALLELUJAH!
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Prayer: Lord, I am so thankful that I live at a time when Christ is known and the Gospel is preached. Lord, thank you for saving my soul! Thank you for drawing me to yourself by your holy spirit when I was just a teenager! Thank you for walking with me all the years and never allowing me to slip from your hands. Help me now to boldly tell others about the Good News of Jesus Christ! Your plan to save the world from eternal condemnation and punishment.
In Jesus Name, Amen!
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