An example for generations

Stephen is one of my Bible heroes, above all things he was recognized as a man "full of God's grace and power". I think that is a description we should all desire. In one of my Bible college classes we had to write what we would want written on our headstones when we die, I don't remember what I wrote but am guessing it had to do with being a good husband and dad (which is still appropriate). But I think now having been known as "a man full of God's grace and power", would encompass that and more. What do you want to be known for? What is legacy you are leaving for future generations? Are you living your lives in a such a way that 2000 years later some one says "I want to be like this guy"?

Acts 6:8-10 - Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.

...that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation...

This was very encouraging to me this morning. It would seem that in the season that we are in there is a theme of growing in understanding, spiritual wisdom and revelation. Not that wasn't needed before or even sought after before, but I feel that Abba is leading us deeper that as we move forward in the coming seasons that we need to understand the deep things of Him. We need to realize though that we can't gain this deeper spiritual wisdom simply by just reading your Bible, or having morning devotions or just by praying. It comes from a combination of these things and more its developing your relationship with Him becoming completely open and vulnerable, it means that you need to completely change your lifestyle so that as you go through your everyday life you are walking in step with Abba, you are listening and obediently responding to the prompting a of the Holy Spirit. You don't easily and quickly pickup offenses, but you quickly forgive and keep a short list of accounts of what others have done to you or owe you. He wants to demonstrate His power in and through us so that we can partner with Him in the expansion of His kingdom.

Ephesians 1:17-19 [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him, By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones), And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength...

Thanksgiving reflections

Isaiah 12:2-5: See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord ! Praise His name! Tell the nations what He has done. Let them know how mighty He is! Sing to The Lord , for He has done wonderful things. Make known His praise around the world.

Today is a day that most of us come together with family and friends to celebrate a day of Thanksgiving. For some today will be about seeing how much turkey and pie can be eaten followed by watching football and hanging out. For some today is a lonely day they are away from friends and family for whatever reason. I encourage you today to reach out to anyone you may know that may be alone on this day of togetherness call them, stop by invite them along to your gatherings.

For many today is a day that many including myself take some time to reflect on the things that they are thankful for. Honestly with how greatly blessed I am the list would be too long, but the highlights are that I have a relationship with the Creator of the universe that has adopted me as His son and I am able to call Him Abba (Daddy), I have a wonderful wife and family including my amazing grandsons, I have wonderful sisters, nephews, nieces, aunts and our spiritual sons and daughters too. And last but not least on this "short" list is the new church family that Abba led us to. As you can see I am truly a blessed and wealthy man.

I want to encourage you today to take some and reflect but more importantly reach out and love someone bless them with kindness let them know they are not alone.

Source of Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments . His praise endures forever. (Psalms 111:10 NKJV)

Wisdom is something that just about every culture I have heard of holds in high esteem. Some cultures and religions have made wisdom an idol there are even "christian" churches that will put wisdom above the things of God. Don't get me wrong wisdom is important, in fact words of wisdom are one of the gifts from the Holy Spirit. What we need to recognize is that there is a huge difference between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom that comes from God. We need God to breath on things to show us the true meanings to give us true understanding. Many look to those that are older to glean their wisdom but for many of them all there is to offer is just life experience and knowledge. But if God does not breath on these experiences they are just that, but when He does breath on them it brings life to the experience that brings wisdom. One definition of wisdom is knowing what to do with the knowledge that you have gained. Knowing something with out knowing how God wants you to apply that knowledge is like reading a do it yourself book and without doing what you were instructed you might be able to quote what the book says but until you actually do what it says have you gained the wisdom to really know how it works and comes together. God wants us to be wise in Him not just have knowledge of Him, He wants to give us understanding of Who He is and how much He loves us in that you will find true wisdom.
Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite said, I am young, and you are aged; for that reason I was timid and restrained and dared not declare my opinion to you. I said, Age should speak, and a multitude of years should teach wisdom [so let it be heard]. But there is [a vital force] a spirit [of intelligence] in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives men understanding. It is not the great [necessarily] who are wise, nor [always] the aged who understand justice. (Job 32:6-9 AMP)

Have an awesome day with Jesus and the family today!

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21 NASB)

Coming in the opposite spirit

So this morning I thought it would be good to wrap up Romans 12. I think for many Christ followers these verses are some of the hardest to live by, partly I think because we think that we have a responsibility to ourselves to standup to and defend against those who do us wrong, hurt us, lie about us and curse us. Many times we give these folks way too much or our head space and time. We had a special speaker at church last night one of things he said was "that he would much rather count his allies than his enemies." I personally have been a big fan of coming in the opposite spirit, these verses are a prime example of how that works. When you continue to bless and be nice to those that are trying to come against you it confuses them and ultimately it gives you control over the relationship. When you allow them to suck you into being negative and defensive you are giving them control. In Matthew 5 Jesus says "“But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." He isn't telling us to let others beat us or to be whipping posts, He is telling us to not let others (especially the evil ones) to control our reactions. Even though in the natural we could probably really hurt them, if we turn it to the spiritual and bless them the natural will be overcome.

Romans 12:14-21 - Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits. Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.

It's all about love

In case you were wondering Jesus wants us to love one another, take care of and support one another. We as the church should present a united front of love regardless of denomination or social status. I believe there is a significant reason this passage talking about love is follows the list of gifts and different parts of Christ's body. Every member needs to love and be loved for how and who Abba made them to be.

Romans 12:9-13 - [Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good. Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another. Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of God’s people [sharing in the necessities of the saints]; pursue the practice of hospitality.