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Daily Bible Reading

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Daily Bible Reading for



Pastor Ford


Good day my beloved congregation, I'm so glad that you could join me for today's reading.

Let us pray...

"Heavenly Father, we come to you in Jesus name and ask that you reveal your Holy Word within our spirit as we read today, amen and amen."

Congregation,
please open your Bibles




and join me as we read today's sermon

Love not the world above God

1 John 2
15 through 17

15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.



Amen. Here, the world (Greek = cosmos), is that organized system headed by satan that leaves God out and is rival to Him. Though God loves the world of mankind (John 3:16), believers are not to love anything that organizes them against God. Doing the will of God (the opposite of loving the world) proves the possession of eternal life and of living (abideth for ever).

lust of the eyes = that lust which leads to greed and covetousness
pride of life = vainglory, display, or boasting about one's possessions

lust of the flesh = the lust of our sinful nature of which we are born into





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Until tomorrow then, have a blessed and peaceful Friday and, remember, just as food is health to the body, the Word of God is health to the soul.


Your brother in Christ Jesus and minister of His Word,

Pastor Ford


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1    Thou shalt have no other gods before me
2    Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image
3    Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
4    Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy
5    Honor thy father and thy mother
6    Thou shalt not kill
7    Thou shalt not commit adultery
8    Thou shalt not steal
9    Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor
10  Thou shalt not covet



The Children Of God creed
What do we believe

1 The Bible is the inspired Word of God.

2 God is the absolute and sole creator of the universe, and that creation was by divine command.
3 God, by His sovereign choice and out of love for man, sent Christ into the world to save sinners.
4 We have all sinned and fallen short of the kingdom.
5 Jesus Christ was both God and man and that He was born to a virgin and that He lived a sinless life. He taught and performed mighty miracles as revealed in the four gospels and was crucified for our sins and raised bodily from the dead on the third day.
6 Jesus Christ ascended to heaven and is seated at the Father's right hand, where He is the head of the church and intercedes for believers and ALL who call on Him.
7 Christ will return to the earth to receive His own.
8 It is the goal of every Christian to grow in spiritual maturity through obedience to the Word of God and the indwelling Spirit.
9 The Holy Spirit dwells in all believers.
10 Salvation is a free gift from God that is not deserved nor can it be earned. We are saved by God's grace, which we accept by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. Because we believe in Jesus, we show obedience through repentance, confession of our faith to those around us, Christian baptism, and living a Christian life.
11 To love ALL of G-d's creation and to approach others of different spiritual beliefs with kindness, so that they might see that the Holy Spirit dwells within me, amen and amen.

Pastor Ford and TCOG members



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Altar call / Accepting Jesus as your Savior and Lord

Now is the time to surrender your life to Jesus Christ that you may assure yourself eternal life. All have sinned and fallen short of His glory but the heavenly Father loved us so much that He sent His only begotten Son Jesus that we might be washed clean of our sin and be saved.

Repeat the following prayer from your heart and, as you do, I come into agreement with you with each and every word:


"Jesus come into my heart, forgive me of my sins, wash me, cleanse me, set me free and fill me with your Holy Spirit... I thank you that you died for me and are coming back again... give me a passion for the lost and a hunger for the purposes of God... I thank you that my sins are forgiven and I am on my way to heaven, in Jesus name, amen and amen."

That's it my beloved, you are now a new creature in Christ and, one day, will spend eternity in heaven. Write down today's date and know that you were born again as a child of God.

Now, go forth and share your new found faith. Get a King James Bible (1611 Old English Version) and start learning all the awesome things of God. Get together with other Christians and commune with them daily.

Whether you make TCOG your daily, on-line Church site or not, just make sure you join a Church, be it on-line or in your community. Scrutinize it and make sure that the Holy Spirit dwells there and that they teach from the original King James Version of the Bible. This is known as the Old English Version KJV and NOT the New King James Version or NIV, which have been changed to modern English and corrupted throughout.




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Pastor Ford





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Now, put on

The Whole Armor of God


 

This months Daily Bible readings


September 2, 2010

Risen with Christ

Colossians 3
1 through 4

1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

 2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.



Amen. Here begins the ethical section of the letter. Paul's appeal is simple: Become in experience what you already are by God's grace. The old, sinful, self is dead and newborn Christian is risen with Christ; let us exhibit that new life in all we say and do, amen.

ye = you
sitteth = sits
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear = the second coming of Jesus in the clouds



September 1, 2010


Be baptized in His name

Acts 2
38 through 42

38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.

 40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

 41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

 42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.



Amen. Here Repent means to changes one's mind; specifically about Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and to acknowledge Him as Lord (= God) and Christ (= Messiah). Such repentance brings salvation.

Water baptism is the outward sign of repentance and remission of sins... though an actual acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord through faith is required for eternal salvation.

untoward = crooked

Read last months Daily Bible Verses HERE



 




For every dollar donated through TCOG for relief funds
to help those devastated by the horrific Gulf oil spill of April 20, 2010, the 7.0 earthquake that hit on January 12, 2010 in Port Au Prince, Haiti, and the 8.8 earthquake that hit off the coast of Chile on February 27, 2010, I will personally match half of it. Please make sure to write "Gulf Relief", "Haiti Relief" or "Chile Relief" or all three when sending a check or money order so that your funds go to your desired destination. Contact information is directly belowMay the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you, in Jesus name I pray and ask, amen and amen.






Also, you can leave me a voice message below professing your new found faith in Jesus, leave me your own personal prayer request or contact me with any other questions.


Pastor LS Ford






Or you can write me directly at:

The Children Of God

Pastor Lowell S. Ford Jr

139 N. Hamilton Dr. #2
West L.A. CA
90211






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August 31, 2010

The roots of Jesse

Isaiah 11

1 through 5

1And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

 2And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

 3And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

 4But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

 5And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.



Amen. Though the tree of king David is felled (see Isaiah 6:13), a rod (shoot) or Branch would grow up from the stump (the family of David; Jesse was David's father - see 1 Samuel 17:12), in the person of Jesus Christ the Messiah. He would be characterized by the fullness of the Holy Spirit (v. 2) and absolute integrity (vv. 3 - 5), amen and amen.





August 30, 2010


The Beatitudes of Christ

Matthew 5
1 through 16

1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.




Amen. These verses, for those who don't know, are called the Beatitudes of Christ and were given on the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes (blessed - happy) describe the inner qualities of a follower of Jesus and promise us blessings in the future and they contrast sharply with the characteristics of the Pharisees, who were proud, thinking they had already attained righteousness and salvation.

For all of us it is a revelation of the righteousness of God, and its principles are applicable to the children of God today, amen.




August 29, 2010

Care for the widows

1 Timothy 5
1 through 8

1Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

 2The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

 3Honour widows that are widows indeed.

 4But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

 5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

 6But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

 7And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

 8But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.




Amen. Widows with no financial means of support were to be cared for by their families, if possible. Younger widows were encouraged to remarry while those over 60 and destitute could be placed on the official relief roll of the church. These "enrolled widows" constituted a kind of "order of widows," and were expected to devote themselves to prayer and good works.

intreat = exhort
nephews = Lit., grandchildren

Providing for ones own relatives (vs. 8), and especially immediate family members (house), is a believers duty.





August 28, 2010

Be bold in prayer

1 Samuel 2
1 through 10

1And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

 2There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

 3Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

 4The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

 5They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

 6The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

 7The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

 8He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them.

 9He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

 10The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.



Amen. Hannah's praise is in response to God's answer to her prayer and was most likely delivered before the congregation of worshipers. Hannah acknowledges God's sovereignty and praises Him for His holiness, knowledge, power and judgment. Hannah was delivered from disgrace and given strength and honor, amen.

dunghill = refuse heap
pillars of the earth = world leaders
horn = an image of invincible strength
mouth is enlarged = an expression for bold speech
the grave = Sheol - the place of the dead awaiting the resurrection and judgment





August 27, 2010

Sing unto God a new song

1O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.

 2Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.

 3Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.

 4For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.

 5For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.

 6Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

 7Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

 8Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.

 9O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

 10Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.

 11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.

 12Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice

 13Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.



Amen. This Messianic Psalm contains 3 stanzas:

1 A call to the whole earth to praise the Lord (1-3)
2 A  call to  all  nations  to worship  the  Lord  (7-9)
3 A call to nature to rejoice before the Lord (11-12)

All creation will flourish (11-13) when the curse of sin is reversed in the Millennium.
(See note on Romans 8:20)

judge = in the sense of govern
a new song = newly composed after receiving new mercies
in the beauty of holiness = the splendor of His (God's) holiness
idols = nothings, denoting the unreality of the supposed god's of the nations





August 26, 2010

Fashioned after Christ

Philippians 2

1 through 4

1If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

 2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

 3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.



Amen. The lesson here is to count on Jesus and to fashion ourselves, our every thought, action and deed after Him. To be united as one body in Christ Jesus, we must put away all selfishness, personal vanity, haughtiness, and self interests, amen.

ye = you
consolation = support
Fulfil ye my joy = cap off my pleasure
bowels and mercies = affection and sympathy
man = mankind = fellow human being = man - woman - child




August 25, 2010

Jesus the Messiah in the Old Testament

Isaiah 52
13 through 15

13Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.

 14As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:

 15So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.



Amen. This is one of the most important and treasured chapters in the Old Testament as they show Jesus Christ as servant, suffering vicariously for mankind's sins and reveal Jesus as the much awaited Messiah.

Due to the merciless beating by Pilate's soldiers, Messiah's visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men (v. 14) that Jesus could barely be recognized as human. What an unbelievable  and selfless sacrifice that He paid that we might be saved and reconciled to the Father, thank you Jesus.

exalted and extolled = The preeminence of the Servant




August 24, 2010

Walk the walk and talk the talk

Romans 12
9 through17

9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

 10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

 11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

 12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

 13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

 14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

 15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

 16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

 17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.



Amen. Here Paul reminds us, the believer, the way that we, as Christian's, should live our lives. Study these exhortations, memorize them, embed them within you heart that, every day, you may walk the walk and talk the talk of a blood bought believer of Jesus Christ, amen.

continuing instant = continuing steadfastly
dissimulation = hypocrisy; or let love be genuine
Not slothful in business = Do not let your zeal slacken





August 23, 2010

Saved by grace

Ephesians 2

4 through 10

4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

 6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

 7That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.


Amen. Believers will be an eternal display of God's awesome grace. 
Salvation is by grace... through faith. Faith involves knowledge of the Gospel (see Romans 10:14), acknowledgment of the truth of its message, and personal reception of the Savior, Jesus Christ (John 1:12).

Works cannot save (v. 9), but good works always accompany salvation (v. 10).

quickened = made alive
grace = unmerited favor



August 22, 2010

Spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 14

26 through 33

26How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

 27If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

 28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

 29Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

 30If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

 31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

 32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

 33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.



Amen. The Apostle Paul lays out some regulations for the use of spiritual gifts. In verse 27, by course = in turn. Only two or three should speak in tongues in a service - never at the same time, but in turn, and not at all if no interpreter is present.

The spiritual activities of the prophets are under the full control of the prophets. No true prophet can claim a hearing on the ground that he/she is under a power over which they have no control.




August 20, 2010

Faith and forgiveness

Luke 17
1 through 6

1Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

 2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

 3Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

 4And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

 5And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

 6And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.




Amen. Here Jesus shows us the importance of forgiveness, grace, love and faith. Yes, people will offend us but how will we react? Will we forgive them as Christ forgave us?  If you have unforgiveness in your heart against anyone, do this... JUST LET IT GO!


ye = you
offend
= cause to stumble or lead into sin

sycamine tree = the roots of which were very strong and nearly impossible to uproot
a millstone = a heavy, grain grinding stone about 18 inches in diameter and 4 inches thick





August 19, 2010

What do you put above all else?

Mark 10

17 through 23

17And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

 18And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

 19Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

 20And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

 21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

 22And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

 23And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!



Amen. Why callest thou me good? "Good" was a designation reserved in the absolute sense, for God. Jesus was reacting to being addressed thus by someone who had no awareness of His divine nature.

Jesus, lovingly, tries to show the man that, in reality, his love of money violated the law because he placed it above everything else, even God (Thou shalt have no other god's before me).




August 18, 2010

Who do you worship?

Philippians 2

5 through 11

5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.




Amen. The humility of Christ is the high mark of this epistle and points out the disposition and temper that all church members should strive for.

In verse 6, in the form of God, thought it not robbery, may be paraphrased "Who, though as the same nature as God, did not think this something to be exploited to His own advantage."

Jesus made Himself of no reputation (vs.7), Lit., emptied Himself for us. This involved a veiling of His preincarnate glory (John 17:5) and the voluntary non-use of some of His divine prerogatives during the time He was on earth.

Eventually, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess (Isaiah 45:23 - Romans 14:11 - Phillipians 2:10 - 11) that Jesus Christ is Lord. I bow now my Lord Jesus and I proclaim you are Lord, all honor and glory and worship be unto you Father God, amen and amen.




August 17, 2010

Seeking wisdom

Psalm 119
1 through 8

1Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

 2Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

 3They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

 4Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.

 5O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!

 6Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

 7I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.

 8I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.




Amen.  This wisdom Psalm (176 verses in all) is an alphabetic acrostic in which each stanza of eight verses is devoted to successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, each verse of a particular stanza beginning with the same letter.

It takes awhile to read all 176 verses but, believe me, read the entire chapter out loud and you will be amazed at what happens within your spirit and within your life.



August 16, 2010

Rejoice always

1 Thessalonians 5

16 through 23

16Rejoice evermore.

 17Pray without ceasing.

 18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 19Quench not the Spirit.

 20Despise not prophesyings.

 21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

 22Abstain from all appearance of evil.

 23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.



Amen. Let us always rejoice in the Lord, in the gospel, in the promise of eternal salvation, in others' spiritual growth, and in every citation, be it good times or trials, amen and amen.

The Holy Spirit is quenched (vs. 19 - Quench) whenever His ministry is stifled in an individual or in the church.

prove = test



August 15, 2010

Spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 12

1 through 6

1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

 2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

 3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

 4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

 5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

 6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.




Amen. Paul infers that, in their pagan days (before they accepted Jesus) they were carried away to worship idols by powers outside themselves; i.e., demons. A believer, led by the Spirit of God, would never curse Jesus but rather acknowledge His supreme Lordship; i.e., His deity as Yahweh, amen.

administrations = Lit., ministries
operations = energizing of the spiritual gifts given to us, the believer



August 14, 2010

False teachers and false doctrines

2 John 1

7 through 11

7For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

 8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

 9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

 10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

 11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.



Amen. It is imperative that all teachers of the Word be tried and tested (vs. 9) as to just what it is they are teaching. Is their doctrine true and from God... or is it of the enemy. Remember, the devil comes to rob, kill and destroy. If you find your teacher to be a false teacher FLEE from them immediately and find another who teaches the undefiled Word of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

partaker = Lit., one who fellowships with




August 13, 2010

From Adam to Jesus

Romans 5

13 through 21

13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

 14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

 15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

 16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

 18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

 19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

 20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

 21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.




Amen. Notice here, and often in the entire chapter, the contrasts between Adam and Jesus... between their deeds and the results of those deeds and realize that, because of Adam's sin, we, as his seed, are born into sin yet, because of Christ's sacrifice for our sin, we are re-born into righteousness when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.

Verse 19, shall many be made righteous = through the process of sanctification, which culminates in our glorification.

the law (the 10 Commandments) added transgressions, showing even more vividly the superabundant (the word is heightened) grace of God, amen.




August 12, 2010

Pride, self respect, self worth or self esteem?

Proverbs 16

18 through 24

18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

19Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.




Amen. We need to separate pride from self respect, self worth or self esteem. Keep in mind that the very fist sin EVER was pride... when the devil (first called Lucifer by God Himself) wanted to exalt himself above God (see Isaiah 14:12-17) and was stripped of his angelic name and cast out of heaven along with a third of the angels because of this wicked sin of pride.

There is nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself when you've done something good, constructive, charitable or have overcome an obstacle that was hard for you to overcome. The key here is to stay focused on God in everything we feel, say, and do, and give Him the praise in every thing we accomplish, amen and amen.

prudent = discerning
learning = persuasiveness
instruction = training by deed; i.e., discipline
wellspring of life = a source of spiritual vitality




August 11, 2010

The crucifixion of Christ

Luke 23

33 through 56

33And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

 34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

 35And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

 36And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,

 37And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.

 38And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

 39And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

 40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

 41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

 42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

 43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

 44And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

 45And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

 46And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

47Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

 48And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

 49And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

 50And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:

 51(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

 52This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

 53And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.

 54And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.

 55And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

 56And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.




Amen. Though Jesus was innocent of all accusations, He held His tongue throughout the persecution, trial, and crucifixion... why? He loves us so much that He chose, of His own free will, to sacrifice His life for all mankind, that we might be reconciled unto the Father and have eternal life, amen.


the sixth hour = noon
malefactors = criminals
Arimathaea - A town N of Lydda
Joseph = a secret disciple of Jesus
Calvary = Golgotha - Aramaic for skull
they parted his raiment = clothing - garments





August 10, 2010

Our secure eternal  inheritance

1 Peter 1
6 through 9

6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

9Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.



Amen. The apostle Peter assures us here that the knowledge of our secure position and inheritance in the eternal kingdom brings us, as believers,  rejoicing (vs. 6), the proof of the reality of our faith (vs. 7), increasing love for the Lord (vs. 8), and assurance of the completion of our salvation (vs. 9).

Let us, daily, shine the light of our Lord to all we meet that they may be drawn unto the Father, call on the Lord, and share eternal life with us, amen and amen.


ye = you

end = outcome

manifold temptations = various trials



August 9, 2010

The Second Coming of Jesus and the Anti-Christ

Zechariah 9
9 and 10

9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
10And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.



Amen. This great prophecy in vs. 9 was fulfilled completely at the first advent of Christ Jesus when He presented himself to Israel as her King during His Triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (see Matthew 21:4-5). Because Israel rejected her Messiah at His first coming, the fulfillment of the prophecy in vs. 10 of universal peace awaits the second advent of our Lord. Remember, Jesus Christ comes back in the Second Coming in the clouds, NOT as a world leader or supposed peace maker, that man will be the ant-christ, who will show the world such miracles that, if not for the grace of God, even His elect (us) might be fooled. Stay alert my beloved, amen.

the foul of an ass = the son of a she-ass, donkey





August 8, 2010

Justified by His grace

Titus 3


1 through 8


1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.




Amen. When Peter wrote this, Nero had become an evil ruler. In verse 1, be subject means to submit oneself. The same Greek word is used in Romans 13:1 and 1 Peter 2:13. Also, principalities and powers usually refer to angels (good angels as in Ephesians 3:10 or evil angels as in Ephesians 6:12), but here the reference is to human, governmental rulers. Though we, as Christians, are a "special" people elected by God, redeemed from the world and no longer dependent upon it, we are not above the necessity of getting along with the civil authorities who govern us.

divers = various
no brawlers = no quarreling, arguing, fighting




August 7, 2010

Seeking wisdom

Proverbs 8
1 through 8

1Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
2She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
3She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
4Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
5O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. 6Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
7For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.




Amen. Here, king Solomon, the wisest man there ever was or will be (see 1 Kings 3:12), extols the virtues of wisdom (study Proverbs 8:22 - 31 for the origin of wisdom) and she is personified and appeals for all mankind to receive her instruction. Let us daily seek out wisdom that we may be used of our heavenly Father and draw those that do not know Him to Him, amen.

ye = you
crieth = cries
Doth not = Doe's not
froward = Lit., twisted; ie., morally twisted, perverse
men = mankind = human being = man - woman - child





August 6, 2010

The speech of the believer

Colossians 4
2 through 6

2Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
3Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
4That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.




Amen. We should persist (Continue) in prayer with alertness (watch) and thanksgiving. Verse 3, a door of utterance means a door of the Word; ie., an opportunity to speak the mystery of Jesus. The division between pagans (them that are without) and the Christian church was very sharp and guarded in Paul's time. Salt (seasoned with salt) is a preservative that retards spoilage. As Christians, our speech should be tempered so as never to be insipid, corrupt, or obscene, amen.



August 5, 2010

The 3 stages of growth within the church

1 Corinthians 13
11 through 13

11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.



Amen. After the church began, there was a period of immaturity, during which time spectacular gifts were needed for growth and authentication (see Hebrews 2:3 - 4). With the completion of the New Testament and the growing maturity of the church, the need for such gifts disappeared. There are stages of growth within the present imperfect time before Christ's return. Verse 13, abideth faith, hope, charity means that since these three virtues remain after all the gifts have ceased, they should be cultivated and expressed by every Christian, amen.





August 4, 2010

Do you fear (revere) God?

Luke 12
4 through 9

4And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
5But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
6Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
8Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
9But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.



Amen. During the time of Jesus' ministry, sparrows were so cheap that, though they were sold for 2 pennies (see Matthew 10:29), a fifth one was thrown in for the price of four. Nevertheless, Jesus assures us that God is concerned for each and every one of them and for each and every one of us.

Fear him = God alone has the power to cast into hell (Revelation 20:10)
Fear = reverence (to regard with respect tinged with awe / to stand in awe of)




August 3, 2010

What feasts do you celebrate?

1 Corinthians 10

14 through 22

14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
18Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?




Amen. Paul's point is that partaking in a religious feast means fellowshipping with the one worshiped at the feast. This is true of the Lord's Supper (vv. 16-17), it was true of Israel in Old Testament times (v. 18), and it is true of a pagan feast (vv. 19-22). Therefore, believers must not fellowship at pagan feasts since they may thereby open themselves up to demonic attacks or even possession (v.20).





August 2, 2010

Embracing the peace of God

Philippians 4
4 through 8

4Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.




Amen. Be careful for nothing (as in Matthew 6:25 - 31), and the peace of God (supernatural, not psychological) will keep (guard) our feelings and thoughts. May we always put our faith and trust in the Lord, doubting and wanting for nothing but His will for us, amen and amen.

moderation = forbearance, gentleness
lovely = winsome, sweetly or innocently, engaging
honest = worthy of respect, honorable in principles, intentions, and actions; upright and fair: an honest person




August 1, 2010

Proper handling of the Word

2 Timothy 2
14 through 16

14Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.



Amen. Here "strive not about words" means that we are not to indulge in word battles, wordy controversies, and quibbling about words. These are not only profitless but harmful to those who hear them. Verse 15 "rightly dividing" means that we are to correctly handle the Word of God in both analysis and presentation - in contrast to the inane interpretation of false teachers.


Study = be diligent
needeth not = doe's not need