Creation groans

H- ^X  Romans 8:19-22…¹⁹ For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.²⁰ Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, ²¹ the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. ²² For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. NLT

E- When God finished His Creation, He said it was a good [Genesis 1:31]; but today it is groaning. There are suffering, death and pain that are the result of Adam’s sin. It is not the fault of creation. This is the cause of such natural disasters including hurricanes, tornados, climate change and other things that are the result of God’s curse on the heavens and earth.

However, this groaning is not a useless thing: Paul compared it to a woman in birth pains. There will be pain during birth but the pain will end when the child is delivered. One day creation will be delivered and the groaning creation will become a glorious creation! The believer is not to focus on the day’s sufferings and troubles but looks forward to tomorrow’s glory [Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:15]. Today’s groaning bondage will be exchanged for tomorrow’s glorious liberty free from death and decay! ^T

A- ^X I am thankful that Jesus is coming for the 2nd time and all pain, death, problems will be no more for those who have Jesus as Savior and for the universe.

R- O God help me to live like I believe in my hope for the future of eternal life with Jesus on the new heaven and earth.

Q-  Are you looking forward with great hope to be with Jesus?

Henry Luke

Notes: A- For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple ^Y click here, for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here. 

T-  Help from Warren Wiersbe’s Bible Exposition Commentary and Austin Commentaries by Book; W- In 2019 I started using “s” instead of “S” in satans name even when the first word in a sentence; X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”? Z- For the name I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here;

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear and receives no payment for it. Ads & “Related” links come from WordPress.

Suggestions to help you memorize – MVM #13 of 100:

H- X 13. Deuteronomy 6:6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. NLT

E- We hide God’s word in our soul and heart by memorizing and then we can obey His commands. Then we can overcome our sinful nature through the Spirit of Jesus! A Robert J. Morgan said: “We have a remarkable, built-in capacity for memory, thank God. If you can learn one single word, you can learn another. And if you learn two, you can learn four. The younger we are, the quicker our minds inscribe the data; but whatever our age, we should be actively practicing the discipline of Scripture memory. 8 suggestions to help you memorize.

1. Make up your mind you can memorize just one verse per week. That’s all. Just one.
2. Work at it every day. Make it a simple part of your daily routine. It might be at the breakfast table, in the mirror, in the drive-to-work traffic, etc.
3. Keep your current memory verse on whatever you use, such as your handheld phone or your computer screen. Post it on your refrigerator. Tape it to the dashboard of your car.
4. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Say the verse aloud over and over.  Every morning during my devotions, I repeat a Bible verse for the week aloud slowly. In that way I’m gradually learning new verses, one by one. Repetition moves the verse from sensory memory to short-term memory, and from short-term memory to long-term storage, and from long-term storage to everyday use.
5. Read each verse in its context and study it. Write it out. Check
out different translations, and memorize it in the translation you use the most. ^X
6. Learn the reference as part of the verse.

7. Review, review, review.
8. Use your verses. Preach them to yourself, quote them for others, and turn them into prayers to the Lord.” ^T

Review – Monday verses to memorize each day of the month

Henry Luke

Notes: A- For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple ^Y click here, for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here; 

T- Most of the list from 100 verses everyone should memorize by Robert Morgan;   X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?;  Z- For the name I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here;

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from WordPress.

Follow the Spirit!

 

H- ^X  Romans 8:3-4…³ The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. NLT

E- V.3a The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature.

The Law is good and holy, but since our sinful nature is weak and we are unable to keep the Law, the Law does not have the power to justify – give freedom from condemnation – nor impart eternal life.

V.3b “So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have.”

So God sent Jesus to earth as a man [Philippians 2:7-8]. Jesus took on our human nature, a nature that was susceptible to temptation. Although He was tempted, He never sinned. [Hebrews 4:15]

V.3c “And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. “

Believers in Jesus ^A are set free from sin and death and are made alive by the Spirit of life because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. “For God made Christ ^Z, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” [2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT]

v.4  “He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.”  ^T

A- ^X I am thankful God sent Jesus to live a sinless life to die and pay the penalty for my sin.

R- O God help me love Jesus and others out of Your love for me and follow the Spirit.

Q-  Are you thankful for what Jesus did for you and follow the Spirit?

Henry Luke

Notes: A- For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple ^Y click here, for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here. 

T-  Help from Austin Commentaries by Book; W- In 2019 I started using “s” instead of “S” in satans name even when the first word in a sentence; X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”? Z- For the name I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here;

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear and receives no payment for it. Ads & “Related” links come from WordPress.

No condemnation!

• 

H- ^X  Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. NLT

E- Romans 7 ends with v.25a “Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” as the answer to the daily battle between the Holy Spirit and the Disciples ^Y sinful nature.

V.1 Many Disciples feel condemned because satan uses past guilt and present failures to make us question what Jesus has done for us. Our own conscience reminds us of guilt. Our assurance must be focused on Jesus, not our performance.  ^A

Paul is saying that there is no need to continually put ourselves under condemnation every time we sin.  Paul reminds  “33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us” [Romans 8:33-34 NLT]

“But wait!” you say. What about Paul’s teaching that every Disciple “must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body”. [2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10 NLT] The Disciple will never stand before God as Judge after life on earth to be condemned or punished for his sins. The eternal condemnation has once and for all fallen fully and finally upon Jesus our Substitute. ^ZZ 

However, there may be consequences of our sin on earth as for King David who is in Hall of fame of faith heroes in Hebrews 11. Consequences of David’s sin –

Disciples will receive rewards for good deeds performed on earth. [1 Corinthians 3:11-16, Running in the race and receiving the reward]  ^T

The person who rejects Jesus on earth will be judged at the “Final Judgment” and sent to the lake of fire forever. [Revelation 20:11-15]

A- ^X I must focus on Jesus who substituted His death on the cross that I  may have the righteousness of God.

R- O God help me trust Your word for my eternal salvation.

Q-  Are you feeling condemnation from satan and others?

Henry Luke

Notes: A- For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple ^Y click here, for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here. 

T-  Help from Austin Commentaries by Book; W- In 2019 I started using “s” instead of “S” in satans name even when the first word in a sentence; X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”? Z- For the name I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here;

ZZ- “Illustration of no condemnation for those who are safe in Jesus — During a recent hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, a news report highlighted a rescue device used on the oil rigs. In case of fire or (in this case) hurricane, rig workers scramble into the bullet-shaped “bus” and strap themselves into their seats. When the entry port is shut, the vehicle is released down a chute and projected away from the rig. The seat belts protect the occupants from the impact with the water. The capsule then bobs in the sea until rescuers come to pick it up. The device parallels the theological truth of Romans 8:1—”Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Justification does not mean our world always stops falling apart. The rig still may topple in the hurricane. But for those in the right place, whether a rescue module or spiritually in the storm. The storm will take its course. The welfare of the workers depends on whether they are IN the rescue device. – David Asp”

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear and receives no payment for it. Ads & “Related” links come from WordPress.

Work out your salvation heartily

H- ^X Colossians 3:23-24...²³ Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, ²⁴ knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. CSB

E- Let’s look at this passage through the lens of “giving all diligence” from, 2 Peter 1:5 – Giving all Diligence to be more like Jesus. In v.23 Paul uses “do it from the heart” to describe how Disciples ^Y are to perform any task.

We must not only have a heart of diligence but we must turn that into habits of diligence. Colossians 3:23-24 has a four-point outline of how to always have diligent habits:

1. Look around: “Whatever you do”.   Nothing falls outside of “whatever you do”. It’s not just things we do at church but every duty or task we perform, even our sleeping. Diligence is a lifestyle and no opportunity or task is too small or large, unimportant or important, short or long duration to fall outside this command. ^A
2. Look within: “do it from the heart”. The bible describes a cold heart, a lukewarm heart, and a burning-hot heart. The way Disciples approach each task of the day or a lifetime fits into one of these three descriptions. ^B“Wherever you are, be all there.” That is, whatever your situation, be the very best you can be.
3. Look above: “as something done for the Lord”. The secret to developing diligence in your life is to consider everything you do to be for Jesus. We are not doing tasks for other people or even for ourselves but for Jesus.
4. Look ahead: “you will receive the reward”. A believer’s inheritance consists of eternal life, an endless existence, but even now is received in part as the powerful life of Jesus lived in and through us ^C. Our inheritance also includes the earth for in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus promised: “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” ^D This is when we will rule with Jesus in the millennial kingdom Rev 20:6. The knowledge that we will inherit the restored, rejuvenated earth should free us from the present pursuit of material possessions. Someday we will receive far more than we could ever gain in this life. Also, we inherit all the promises of God, by being “those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” ^E.

A- ^X I need to do everything heartedly as unto Jesus without reservations using the habits of diligence.

R- O God help me to be diligent and do everything as to Jesus.

Q- Are you working out your salvation heartily?

Henry Luke

Notes: A- For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple ^Y click here, for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here; B- Matthew 24:12, Revelation 3:15-16, Luke 24:32; C- Galatians 2:20 , 1 John 5:20; D- Matthew 5:5, Hebrews 2:8; E- Hebrews 6:12;

T-Help from “Every Thing You Need” by Dr. David Jeremiah  & Help from Austin Commentaries by Book;  X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?;  Z- For the name I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here;

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from WordPress.

I want to hear You. “5 Word Prayers”

H- ^X Psalm 4:1  Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

E- 5 Word prayer #4. I want to hear you. ^U

Psalm 4 describes circumstances after  Absalom failed to follow up on the initial advantage of putting David on the run. This allowed David to put some distance from Jerusalem and Absalom and now he could rest and praise God for His relief and graciousness.

V.1 Look to the Lord – David asks for the Lord to continue to hear his prayers and to be gracious: ¹ Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. Disciples today can pray because Jesus exchanged His righteousness for our sins so we could have eternal life with Him. ^A

Vv.2-3 Confront the enemy – David understood that Absalom had deceived his formerly faithful followers like Ahithophel. They had rejected not only David but God’s anointed king to follow a worthless deception: “³ But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; The Lord hears when I call to Him.” Run to Jesus when trouble comes.  “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” [Ephesians 6:10 NASB]

Vv.4-5  Encourage your friends – David gives his faithful followers 6 instructions of encouragement that apply today:

V.4a Tremble before the Lord – Believers who fear the Lord need not fear anything else. ^4a Tremble, V.4b Don’t sin – by anger that leads to sinful words and deeds and that Jesus called murder.  ^4b  and do not sin;V.4c Search your hearts – instead of being angry at other’s sins we need to search our own hearts for sin that needs to be confessed. ^4cMeditate in your heart upon your bed,V.4d Be still – ^4b and be still. Selah. this means to say to your own heart, Sin not.V.5a Offer right sacrifices – ^5a Offer the sacrifices of righteousness and, David also said: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit and sincere remorse”.V.5b Trust the Lord – Absalom was trusting self while David and us ” ^5b trust the Lord”.Vv.6-8 Praise the Lord in prayer – David praised the Lord for His presence, joy, peace, sleep, and safety:   ⁸ In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone O Lord, make me dwell in safety.“God answered David’s prayer because he had an opportunity to rest and now he praised the Lord his God. God further answered his prayer by allowing the defeat of Absalom and his troops and David returned to Jerusalem as the King. ^TA- ^X  Most of us are not on the run for our lives even though it may seem this way. But we can still look to the Lord; confront our enemies-satan, the world system, our sinful nature, and troubles; encourage those around us; offer the sacrifices of a broken heart and sinful remorse; trust the Lord; continually praise the Lord whatever our circumstances.R- O God help me to trust in You and pray expecting to hear from You even though I may not like the answer? I want to hear you.Q- Do you pray expecting an answer?

Henry Luke

Notes: A- For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple  ^Y click here, for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here. 

T- Help from Austin Commentaries by Book;  U- Lisa Whittle, the author of 5-Word Prayers;X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?;  Z- For the name I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here;

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from WordPress.

At age 12 Jesus visits the Temple and speaks with the Teachers

Luke 2:39-52

³⁹ When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. ⁴⁰ There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

Jesus Speaks with the Teachers

⁴¹ Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. ⁴² When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. ⁴³ After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, ⁴⁴ because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends.

⁴⁵ When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. ⁴⁶ Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. ⁴⁷ All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

⁴⁸ His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”

⁴⁹ “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” ⁵⁰ But they didn’t understand what he meant.

⁵¹ Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart.

⁵² Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.

Henry Luke

For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple ^Y click here, for how to have peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here. 

Notes: Y- Disciples or Christians;

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear and receives no payment for it. Ads & “Related” links come from WordPress.

8 days after birth of Jesus, the presentation in the Temple

Luke 2:21-35…

Jesus Is Presented in the Temple

²¹ Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.

²² Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. ²³ The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” ²⁴ So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

The Prophecy of Simeon

²⁵ At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him ²⁶ and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷ That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, ²⁸ Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

²⁹ “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised.
³⁰ I have seen your salvation,
³¹     which you have prepared for all people.
³² He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

³³ Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. ³⁵ As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

Henry Luke

For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple ^Y click here, for how to have peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here. 

Notes: Y- Disciples or Christians;

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear and receives no payment for it. Ads & “Related” links come from WordPress.

The Birth of Jesus

Luke 2:1-20 The Birth of Jesus

¹ At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. ² (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. ⁴ And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. ⁵ He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

⁶ And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. ⁷ She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

The Shepherds and Angels

⁸ That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. ⁹ Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, ¹⁰ but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. ¹¹ The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! ¹² And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

¹⁵ When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶ They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. ¹⁷ After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. ¹⁸ All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, ¹⁹ but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. ²⁰ The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. NLT

Henry Luke

For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple ^Y click here, for how to have peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here. 

Notes: Y- Disciples or Christians;

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear and receives no payment for it. Ads & “Related” links come from WordPress.

Monday Verse to Memorize for week – #12 0f 100:

Listening: The Word of God and Prayer

12. Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. NLT

You can memorize one scripture per week as presented in these Monday verses. Put the scripture on a notecard and place it where you can see and study all week. Then

Review – Monday verses to memorize each day of the month

Robert J, Morgan said there are “Seven immediate benefits of scripture memory.”

1. Scripture memory gives us clearer thoughts. Internalized Scripture keeps our minds in good working order.
2. Verses stored in our minds serve as the shock absorbers of life, giving steadier nerves and calmer spirits.
3.  Scripture memory gives us healthier emotions. I’ve struggled with my temper in times past, but no anger management technique is as powerful as memorizing verses like Proverbs 29:11 “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” [NIV] If you struggle with depression, you’ll find a potent antidote in memorizing Psalm 42, or the opening verses of Psalm 103. If you’re anxious, internalize Philippians 4:6-7. If you struggle with a low self-image, get Romans 12:1-8 into your noggin If you’re hard to get along with, irritable, and unpersonable, memorize Romans 12:17-21. If you lack discipline and self-control, a bunch of verses in Proverbs are just waiting to be planted in your head. If you struggle with guilt, read 1 John 1:7-9, Romans 8:1 and quote them to yourself until it penetrates your thinking and changes the core of your heart.
4. Scripture memory gives us purer habits as our spiritual growth is accelerated to be more like Jesus. See Psalms 119:11 at top of the page.
5. Scripture memory gives us happier homes. As you mull over the transforming truths of God, you become a more functional and wiser person, and as your family does the same, they learn the secrets of healthier relationships.
6. Scripture enhances our reputations.
7. Scripture memory makes us eternal optimists as it gives us ultimate hope. There is a promise in the Bible for every contingency in life.” ^T

Henry Luke

Notes: A- For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple ^Y click here, for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here; 

T- Most of the list from 100 verses everyone should memorize by Robert Morgan;   X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?;  Z- For the name I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here;

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from WordPress.