Tag Archives: power

Taxes – Romans 13:6-7

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How many times have you thought that you would do a better job with Tax payers money than the government of that time? I think only the other day I was complaining at what our government was doing! As much however as we disagree with what our government(s) may be doing for our country, we still have to respect them and to continue to pay our taxes. Government officials may or may not know it, but they are in a highly responsible position where they should be carrying out Gods will for the land. Therefore regardless of what we think, we need to continue to support them. After all, should they make mistakes, or decisions displeasing to Him, it will be Him they answer to and not us!

It is also our duty therefore, as we read on into verse 7, that we treat out government with respect. They have been given a position of high responsibility, and therefore we should not become caught in the web of negative words against them. The media today picks up very much upon the faults of government parties, as well as the individual faults of members in the name of entertainment and news. People gloat over this information, and use it to fuel their dislike of that person or party. We must not get involved in that world. Avoid reading papers that do this, or watching programs of a similar nature. We are to be obedient to the Lord: (Acts 23:5, Exodus 22:28).

Mark 12:17  – Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.

We do therefore have a responsibility to fund our government.  It helps support all the services that are provided, including the security and safety the police and fire services bring.  We should render unto our government the taxes they require without complaint.  If we get the “cash in hand” jobs, as tempting as it may be to keep, we should seek to do the right thing and ensure all taxes have been paid on all amounts of money in.

Why do this?  We do this as a sign of respect for those in Government that God has placed there, and also as an act of obedience to the Lord who has commanded we do this.

Who is God? – Psalm 146

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Who is God? A question that to which you may get many different answers. A close friend of mine things God is a guy in the clouds with a white beard who throws thunderbolts down from heaven and makes rules for us all to follow. His idea of God sounds much like the god Zeus from Greek mythology, and I seem to remember featured in the film Fantasia! Unfortunately as strange as it seems, he probably isn’t the only one who has this image of God. Many people have stereotyped God in a way that makes them feel comfortable, and perhaps they can then feel justified for not wanting a relationship with Him.

Surprisingly, even Christians can be guilty of creating an image of God for themselves of which does not truly reflect Him or His nature.  If we want to see who God is, we need to turn to His Word, for the Word is Truth.  Looking at the scriptures and statements below, we can start to see a loving Father God:

God is Love.
1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (NIV)

He is our Father.


Isaiah 64:8  Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; We are all the work of your hand. (NIV)

He is the Creator.
Isaiah 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

Genesis 1:1  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

He is Powerful
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (NIV)

Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (NIV)

He Loves Us

John 3:16 “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.

(NIV)

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (NIV)

The above are just a few verses that help us to understand who God is, and the only way to know Him better to to keep studying His Word, and communicating with Him in prayer.  We wouldn’t get very far in our relationships if we were not to talk to each other!  That’s why its important we work on our relationship with God and continue to want to know Him more and more each day.

He is Alive! – Luke 24:1-12

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There are many theories banded around about Jesus death.  Many people cannot believe that Jesus actually rose from the dead.  Of course if Jesus had not risen from the dead, there would be no Christian Faith.  We would simply be telling a sad story of a man who said amazing things but then died.  Thankfully, however Jesus defeated death in its own playing ground and rose victorious able to give life to those who believe.

Today’s Our Daily Bread reading makes an extremely good point with regard to anyone doubting the resurrection.  All of Jesus disciples (apart from John) died a martyrs death.  Yes they died for what they believed and what they were telling people about.  Their entire message was based on the fact that Jesus had risen from the grave.  Would men who were making up a story really die for a lie?  Of course not.  I found this such an encouraging way to look at any questions of doubt that may arise.

Some people who wish to disprove the message say that Jesus “woke up” or recovered from basically being unconscious because of all that was done to Him (they claim he had not died).  To clarify, there is no way that Jesus was still alive.  How on earth he had managed to live after the flogging alone, then carrying the cross over His back alone is a testament to His determination and love.  However once upon the cross, there was no way the Romans would let a man down until they were sure the victim was dead.  To be sure a spear was plunged into his side and out came a mixture of blood and water.  When someone dies the blood separates, proof Jesus was dead.  The Romans carried out thousands of crucifixion’s there was no way they were going to get it wrong.

Even if they did get it wrong (which if you remember the spear in the side, they didn’t), having been flogged, lost so much blood, been nailed to a cross and suffocated, being pierced by a spear etc, that a man would be able to make a full recovery and then roll away a tomb stone many times his own body weight to then appear to many disciples around the area.

Stolen body?  Not at all,  the Romans nor the Jews wanted to give Jesus disciples any more reason to “go on” about Jesus.  That’s why they crucified Him!  Thats also why they put guards to stop people getting near Him.  And of course as we have said, if the disciples had stolen Him, why on earth would they die for a lie?  They simply wouldn’t.  And finally then, how would we explain the many appearances of Jesus to Disciples and friends all around the area?

I am 100%, totally and utterly convinced of the resurrection and the power of the Lord Jesus over death!  I am so thankful he came to earth to die for our sins that we whom believe may have everlasting life.  Put any doubt away, and start believes in the Risen Lord.

Amen

The Holy Spirit – Romans 8:11-18

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Happy Easter!  Christ is Risen.  Hallelujah!  He has defeated sin and death and is sat at the right hand of the Father in heaven.  He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us.  In the mean time it is our duty to go make disciples of ALL nations.  Our saviour didn’t expect us to do this on our own of course as human nature is weak and quick to give in!  He has poured His Holy Spirit into us so that we may have the necessary strength to witness.

On this Easter Sunday morning I am so encouraged and overjoyed as I remember that Christ rose again and ascended into heaven having completed His work on earth….  The exciting thing is, although he completed that part of Gods plan, He is still working in the lives of countless Christians around the world through the power of His Holy Spirit.  It wasn’t the plan to die on the cross, tell a few people then disappear and wait for people to react! It was His plan to unleash power to those who believe that they may grow strong in faith and wisdom, and be a shining light to the lost to guide them home.

As Christians we need to embrace the full power of the Holy Spirit!  The Holy Spirit is real and so important to the Christian life!  The Spirit is not something we should avoid talking about in church, nor is it something we should assume is a taboo subject.  We are talking about Gods OWN Holy Spirit that he has poured out to give you and me strength!  Not only did He give His life, but He is here among us and in our hearts continuing His works in our lives.

16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

I remember when this finally dawned on me that I was a child of God!  My first words were WOW!  Of course wow doesn’t even do the honour justice!  Because of Jesus death and resurrection, we as believers are adopted into God’s family!  In the UK, and adopted child becomes a lawful son or daughter, and legaly inherits an equal share of their adopted parents estate.  We are His Sons and Daugthers.  Heirs to the Kingdom.  We will inherit eternal life with Him.   WOW!

With that we need to rid ourselves of things that would cause us to sin, things that would enslave us.  For we need to be living each day by the Spirit.  For just as Jesus was raised from the dead, the Spirit will raise us from the dead (the depths of Sin) and bring us new life!  Amen

Broken for You and Me – 1 Cor. 11:23-26

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This Easter time, people will be exchanging Easter Cards, purchasing and consuming Easter eggs, having Easter egg hunts, visiting family and generally enjoying the time off that the Easter season allows for.  I am reminded of a poem I ususally hear most Christmases however it it still very apt even now:

” Jesus

is the reason, for this season”

Like Christmas people often forget the true meaning of what is becoming more commonly known as the “Holiday Seasons”. Yes, many large companies are now taking on the term “Holiday Seasons” to avoid a direct relationship with Christian Celebrations so as not to offend others.  Television adverts during Easter concentrate on chocolate, and at Christmas, Santa and gifts!

Easter is the time we remember when our Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins on the cross.  He was the perfect sacrifice.  A lamb to the slaughter, untouched by sin, clean and yet he was willing to take the punishment we each deserve!  The part of Easter that fills me with joy is the fact that Jesus rose again.  Showing he had power over death and has gone ahead to prepare a place for each one who believes.

This Easter time, I pray that we don’t get carried away with chocolate and games, and forget the true meaning of Easter.  Of course chocolate and games are fun and I would highly recommend both, however we do need to make sure we spend time with the Lord, thanking Him for what he has done for us.  What he did was the most amazing gift of love.

Thank you Jesus.

Resisting Temptation – Luke 4:1-13

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First of all I am reminded that temptation is not a sin.  Jesus lead a sinless life on earth to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins.  Even Jesus was tempted in the desert and yet He was able to resist temptation.   It is our calling as Christians to be obedient to the Lord and to resist

the devil and his temptations.

How did Jesus resist temptation?  Notice verse 1

 1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert…

The Holy Spirit.  Our God is so amazing, that he pours out His Holy Spirit upon us to help us, to guide us, comfort us and give us strength.  Leaning on our own strength and willpower, and stood staring temptation in the face, we don’t have a hope.  Especially those Christians caught in a habitual sin, they will understand that even though they know they do not want to partake in it everytime, they can’t seem to help themselves.

How can we resist temptation?  By leaning on the Holy Spirit.  By reading Gods Word as regularly as possible thus focusing our minds on Him, and filling our hearts with truths as opposed to the lies of temptation  (Note; Jesus used scripture when resisting temptation).  By fellowship with other Christians that we may learn from each other, share our problems and thoughts and encourage one another.  By getting rid of those things that cause us to Sin or are a source of temptation, that could include drugs, friends, internet, music etc.

By resisting we are being obedient to the Lord.  John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command”.  It is our duty as followers of Jesus to strive to obey Him.  Resisting temptation is one of the many ways we can Glorify our Lord.  Take a look at these two portions of 1 Peter:  1 Peter 3: 1-2,  and 1 Peter 3: 15-16.  Remember that old saying that I have no doubt used many times within my journal?  Actions speak louder than words.

Kindness – Philippians 2:1-8

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5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…

Yet another confirmation of our responsibility as Christians to imitate Christ.  His humility, love, compassion as well as kindness toward others.  There is no better way of expressing the Love of Jesus that through action.  In this self centred world, a lost person is more likely to be touched and challenged by a kind and selfless act.

Hebrews 13:2 - Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Our Daily Bread today also focuses on kindness to others.  We live in a society where it is natural to make decisions and to act upon things that are in our own best interests.  Things that benefit us, in status, wealth, position, relationships or power.  Our Lord was completely selfless and gave up His life utterly and completely for our sins.  When he rose again he commanded us to make disciples of all nations.  It is therefore our responsibility to act as he did, being selfless and humble, showing the love of Jesus that others may see, experience and be saved.

And of course, don’t forget the above verse (Hebrews 13:2), you could be unwittingly caring for an angel!  How awesome would that be?!

Comfort Zone – 2 Timothy 1:6-12

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The day we become a Christian we are given the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom, strength, courage and power as well as many other Godly traits to enable us to live out the rest of our earthly lives for Him.  Without the Holy Spirit, we would be doomed to failure, as we would essentially be “going it alone”, under our own strength!  That is why the Lord blesses us with his Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is with us throughout the good times and the bad, he never leaves us or forsakes us.  Therefore when there is a difficult situation at work, I know I can lean on Him, and when I go into meetings to discuss issues, I am not alone, but accompanied by the creator God.  God is all powerful, greater than anything, incomparable!  I don’t care how many people are against you, God can not be outnumbered!

Seeing as, therefore, His Spirit is with us throughout the good or bad, we really need to ensure we apply this to areas of ministry and fellowship.  We have been asked to make disciples of all nations, therefore lets not sit back!  Lets step out of our comfort zones!  Lets do things we would normally shy from!  For example I am now challenging myself to give portions of word in small church meeting groups.  I struggle with the fear that I am going to say something wrong, or that I will have misunderstood something, however, I should not let those fears stop me!

If we were to avoid situations that cause fear or apprehension, not only would we not achieve anything for the Lord, but we would also have no life!  Yes, life would be rather dull!  Satan likes to trick us into staying firmly on the fence.  He does not want us leading those Christian lives, and doing those great things for Jesus!  Don’t listen to his excuses, as you are not alone!  You have the creator God on your side.  The Holy Spirit gives you power to be able to do his will.

What’s your comfort zone?  Take a few minutes to work it out… then take your first step out of it!  Make that call, and book

that meeting, write that book, speak to that person, minister to that friend, whatever is on your heart offer it to the Lord in prayer, and with his blessing, go for it.