On this Memorial Day weekend, our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who are grieving. May we, as Abraham Lincoln said, “highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
— Read on lp.hillsdale.edu/memorial-day/
Month: May 2021
Two kinds of life!
H- [X] Matthew 7:24-27…24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” NLT
Jesus [Z] told a story about two people: one who built their house upon a rock and another who built his house upon sand. The house built upon a rock weathered the storm, and the builder is called wise; but the house built on the sand collapsed during the storm, and the builder is called foolish.
The spiritual meaning of the parable is found in Matthew 7:24: “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock” NLT. We are each building a life. The proper foundation for a life is Jesus’ words—not just the hearing of them, but the doing of them, too (see James 1:22). [A]
It seems at times that everything in the world system is set up to make us turn away from God’s words. Often, our own sinful nature pulls us toward doing the exact opposite of what the Bible says. But a wise person will follow the words of God despite the pressure because we trust God.
As we follow the Lord, learning to trust and obey Him, we receive a reward: our “house” is steady and solid, unshaken by circumstances. The wise person is the believer whose life is built upon the Rock of Jesus. In this world the person has faith and hope, and in the next everlasting life and love with Jesus. The wise persons is like the tree planted by the riverside, whose leaf does not wither (Psalm 1:1–3). [ZZ]
A- [X] I find the pressures of life tempt me give in and be unkind, impatient, discouraging and self-centered. Please forgive me of these sins and help me to persevere to not give in to these temptations.
R- O God help me to trust you and your promises all the time; being Jesus-centered and not self-centered!
Henry Luke — To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. See Romans by Henry Luke and Major Ellison to review our book.
[Notes]: A- [1] For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple [Y] click here, [2] for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, and [3] for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; 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- Help from GotQuestions.
Elohim – The Creator God #1
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God [Elohim] created the heavens and the earth. NASB
Prayer using the A.C.T.S. format:
Adoration – Eternal God, without beginning or ending, created the heavens and earth and everything that existed. You, Omnisapient God [All-Wise], created the vast universe fine-tuned exactly as required to allow the occupancy of the earth with people, birds, fish, and animals. You not only have amazing wisdom, but Omniscience [All-Knowledge] past, present, and future; Omnipresence [God is always present everywhere] and Omnipotence [All-Powerful]. Even today we can see the evidence of your creation in people, other live beings, the earth and water bodies, mountains and valleys, the water cycle, wind, sun, moon, and stars. I adore and honor You for Your great creation and sustaining of the universe.
Confession – I confess Father that I often rely on my wisdom and strength rather than Yours. Help me to repent of this sin, asking God for forgiveness and help to change my heart and as I persevere to turn from sin. I ask each day “Does my life reveal the glory of God to others, at my expense?” I do not want to be rebellious as the LORD described the Israelites in Ezekiel 3.
Thanksgiving – Father I am thankful that with Your great power, wisdom, and presence You loved me enough to provide to make a way for my salvation. You sacrificed Jesus [Z] on the cross to make salvation certain for all who believe in Jesus [John 3:16, Romans 10:9… [A]].
Supplication – Nothing is impossible for Creator God; therefore my problems look very small compared to Your infinite power. The only reason I am anxious are fearful is that I am taking on those problems with my finite strength and wisdom. Please help me to constantly turn everything small and large over to You with thanksgiving and great joy for Your guidance. In the name of Jesus. Amen [ZZ]
Henry Luke — To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. See Romans by Henry Luke and Major Ellison to review our book. 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 Word Press or other sources.
[Notes]: A– [1] For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple [Y] click here, [2] for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, and [3] for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- For the name, I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here; ZZ– Ideas from “Praying through the Names of God” by Tony Evans;
Tim Keller’s definitions of the fruit of the Spirit we see in Galatians 5:22-23.
October 24, 2013 by J. D. Greear
Tim Keller’s definitions of the fruit of the Spirit we see in Galatians 5:22-23.
Agape – love
Definition – To serve a person for their good and intrinsic value, not for what the person brings you.
Opposite – Fear: self-protection and abusing people.
Counterfeit – Selfish affection. Rescuing someone but really rescuing self. Attracted not to a person, but to how this person’s love makes you feel about yourself.
Chara – joy
Definition – Delight in God and his salvation for sheer beauty and worth of who he is.
Opposite – Hopelessness, despair.
Counterfeit – Elation that comes with blessings not the Blesser! Mood swings based on circumstances.
Irene – peace
Definition – Confidence and rest in the wisdom of God more than your own wisdom.
Opposite – Anxiety and worry
Counterfeit – Indifference, apathy, not caring about something. “I don’t care.”
Makrothumia – patience
Definition – Ability to take trouble (from others or life) without blowing up. To suffer joyfully.
Opposite – Resentment toward God and others.
Counterfeit – Cynicism. Self-righteousness. “This is too small to be bothered about.”
Chrestotes – kindness
Definition – Practical kindness with vulnerability out of deep inner security.
Opposite – Envy. Unable to rejoice other’s joy.
Counterfeit – Manipulative good deeds. Self-congratulation and self-righteousness.
Agathosune – goodness. (integrity)
Definition – Honesty, transparency. Being the same in one situation as another.
Opposite – Phoniness; hypocrisy.
Counterfeit – Truth without love. “Getting it off the chest” for your sake.
Pistis – faithfulness.
Definition – Loyalty. Courage. To be principle-driven, committed, utterly reliable. True to one’s word.
Opposite – Opportunist. Fair-weather friend.
Counterfeit – Love without truth. Being loyal when you should be willing to confront or challenge.
Prautas – gentleness. (humility)
Definition – Self-forgetfulness.
Opposite – Superiority: self-absorbed self-aggrandizement.
Counterfeit – Inferiority: self-absorbed, self-consciousness.
Egkrateia – self-control
Definition – Ability to choose the important thing over the urgent. The Tyranny of Urgency
Opposite – A driven, impulsive, uncontrolled person.
Counterfeit – Willpower through pride, positive thinking or more “functional” idols.
The unfailing Love of Jesus!
H- [X] Exodus 15:13 With your unfailing love You lead the people You have redeemed. In Your might, You guide them to Your sacred home. NLT
Context: Exodus 15:1-21…A song of deliverance. The people had just seen God save them from a certain, watery death. They had come within an eyelash of being pushed into the sea by the charging forces of Pharaoh’s army. The Lord parted the sea, allowing the people to cross. But when the Egyptians rode onto the seabed, God caused the waters to cascade down on them. That’s when the celebration began!
E- V.13 We move from the destruction of the Egyptians to the guidance of the Israelites to their home in Canaan.
unfailing love – the Israelites saw the love of God in their redemption from Egypt and again in their deliverance a 2nd time from Egypt. God’s love is so strong that He consistently forgave the Israelites throughout the Old Testament. Then He sent Jesus His Son to die for the sins of all people.
lead & guide – God leads and guides the Israelites to the Promised Land 40 years later with Joshua as their new leader. He leads and guides them back from Babylon. After the terrible holocaust, God leads them back to Israel and recreates the nation in May 1948. Today God is leading all His children who have believed in Jesus as Lord and Savior. [A]
sacred home – finally after the 2nd coming of Jesus God will lead those Israelites who have believed in Jesus [Z] back to their sacred home forever. This is 3900 years of guidance for the Jews and He is not through yet.
A- [X] I am thankful for the unfailing love of Jesus and His guidance.
R- O God fill me with Your unfailing love and joy that comes from yielding to Your guidance!
Henry Luke — To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. See Romans by Henry Luke and Major Ellison to review our book.
[Notes]: A- [1] For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple [Y] click here, [2] for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, and [3] for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; 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 Word Press or other sources.
Young Evangelicals must learn proper theology on Israel – tempered with compassion for Palestinians – or we risk losing them, Rosenberg says | All Israel News
ALL ISRAEL NEWS Editor-in-Chief tells i24 that next Israeli prime minister should appoint an Ambassador to the Christian world to strengthen strategic alliance, focus on better educating young Christians
— Read on www.allisrael.com/young-evangelicals-must-learn-proper-theology-on-israel-tempered-with-compassion-for-palestinians-rosenberg-says
3 Responses from John the Baptist- generosity, honesty, contentment.
H- [X] Luke 3:10-14...10 The crowds asked, “What should we do?” 11 John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” 12 Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.” 14 “What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.” NLT
E- There were 3 responses “What should we do” to John preaching to the “brood of snakes” [Luke 3:7-9]
[1] vv.10-11… the cr0wds asked, – John, answered with commands of generosity to those in need.
[2] vv.12-13…the corrupt tax collectors asked – John answered with a command of honesty. Collect only the required taxes. We know that the corrupt tax collectors kept all the taxes above the tax required by the Romans.
[3] v.14…some soldiers asked – John answered, to be honest, and content with your pay.
John’s answers were in line with a tree producing good fruit or be chopped down. [Luke 3:9] John answered the same way in John 15:1-8… 1 I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. NASB
A- [X] I desire to produce much fruit for Jesus. [Z]
R- O God help me be a much fruit producer for Jesus!
Q- Which kind of fruit producing Disciple [A] are you?
Henry Luke — To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. See Romans by Henry Luke and Major Ellison to review our book. 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 Word Press or other sources.
[Notes]: A- [1] For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple [Y] click here, [2] for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, and [3] for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- For the name, I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here.
John said I am not the Messiah but He is coming soon.
H- [X] Luke 3:15-18...15 Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. NLT
E- V.15 – John performed no miracles and was not in David’s line and yet he moved people so mightily that they began to suspect that he himself was the Messiah. The Sanhedrin will one day send a formal committee to ask him this direct question [John 1:19-28].
V.16 John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
John answers no to their thought that he might be the Messiah. He is preparing the way for the One mightier than he Who would come onto the scene in about 6 months. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire – “The baptism with the Holy Spirit occurred on the Day of Pentecost, whereas the baptism with fire refers to the judgments accompanying the second coming of Christ.” Ryrie [T]
Vv.17…17 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”
John uses an agricultural metaphor to present to his hearers an unforgettable picture of separation. First the harvested stalks of wheat would be threshed by oxen dragging heavy timbers over the grain which would result in separation of the chaff from the kernels of wheat. Winnowing is the act of separating grain from chaff by throwing it in the air allowing the prevalent breezes off of the Mediterranean Sea to carry away the useless, lighter husks (chaff) and allowing the heavier, valuable wheat to fall to the ground.
In this agricultural land, John’s picture left no one guessing what he was saying. They knew he was describing a separation and it was not of literal wheat but of human beings! [T]
A- [X] I am filled with joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thankfully that means I will miss the judgment by fire.
R- O God may I reveal Your glory to others every day!
Henry Luke — To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. See Romans by Henry Luke and Major Ellison to review our book.
[Notes]: A- [1] For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple [Y] click here, [2] for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, and [3] for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here; T- Austin Commentaries by Book; 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 Word Press or other sources.
John warns the crowd “You brood of snakes”
H- [X] Luke 3:7-9...7 When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 9 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.” NLT
E- V.7 = brood of snakes! Luke introduced John with a quote from Isaiah about John [Luke 3:4-6]. John was preaching at the Jordan River an easy one-day walk from Jerusalem and the river was available for baptism of the sincere in repentance. John was a strong preacher of the truth, calling the people a brood of snakes. The Jews would probably have tied this with the snake in the garden of Eden [Genesis 3]
V.8a Prove- He challenged the mixed crowd to prove that their repentance of sin and turning to God was genuine by the way they live. This is certainly true today of people who believe in Jesus. [A]
V.8b ‘We’re safe, – John anticipated the Jews claiming they were descendants of Abraham. John said that does not mean anything because God can create children of Abraham from stones. Paul said, “The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.” [Galatians 3:7 NLT]
V.9 produce good fruit – The Jews lived in a place with grapevines. They knew what happened to vines that did not produce good fruit – they were chopped down. John said this about 28AD and we know that in 70AD the Temple and Jerusalem were destroyed by the Romans. The people were scattered and persecuted all over the world until WW2. Then both Hitler and Stalin tried to exterminate the race. This played a major role in Israel being recognized as an independent state on May 14,1948.
A- [X] John was filled with Spirit and spoke truth to both Jews and Gentiles. Everyone has the “choice” between Jesus [Z] and themself as their ruler!!! The “choice” has eternal significance.
R- O God help me to live produving good fruit and proclaim the “choice” to everyone who will listen!
Henry Luke — To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. See Romans by Henry Luke and Major Ellison. 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 Word Press or other sources.
[Notes]: A- [1] For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple [Y] click here, [2] for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, and [3] for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here; 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.
Jehovah – The Relational God #2
Prayer using the A.C.T.S. format:
Genesis 2:4 This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD *[Jehovah] [O] God [Elohim] [N] made earth and heaven. NASB
Adoration – Elohim exhibits God displaying His power as the creator and governor of the physical universe. The name Jehovah designates His nature as he stands in relation to man, as the only almighty, true, personal, and holy Being. LORD * I adore You because You chose to relate to people in the Old Testament using this name. Jesus came as a man so we can clearly know the attributes of God, first revailed to the Apostles. Now we see Your attributes in the Word as recorded by the Apostles who interacted with Jesus in person. I adore the presence of Jesus in my life through the Holy Spirit. [A] [* Our English versions translate Jehovah as LORD, with the last 3 letters usually in small capitals. WordPress does not support small capitals, therefore I use all caps as LORD]
Confession – Too many days I do not recognize the presence of Jesus in my life either all or part of the day. In those times I turn from being Jesus-centered to self-centered. I was frustrated yesterday about events relating to our move more than one time; becoming self-centered. I repent of this sin of frustration, ask God for forgiveness and help to change my soul as I persevere to turn from sin.
Thanksgiving – I am thankful for Jehovah who loved me so much that He came to earth as a man and paid my sin on the cross. Thank you is not a strong enough word but it is all I have. I am thankful that Jesus is present in my life through the indwelling Holy Spirit. I am thankful that the Holy Spirit is ready all the time to provide guidance to me, to give me peace, joy, and much more.
Supplication – LORD help me today to humbly submit to Your will for my life; to realize Your presence in my life all the time. To be led by the Holy Spirit so I will submit to my sinful nature. Help me in the daily battle between my sinful nature and the Holy Spirit. Let me be filled by the Spirit today and walk in the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and selfcontrol. In the name of Jesus. Amen [ZZ]
Henry Luke — To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. See Romans by Henry Luke and Major Ellison to review our book.
[Notes]: A– [1] For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple [Y] click here, [2] for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, and [3] for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here;
N- elohiym – God of power, Creator, Mighty and Strong; O- Jehovah – LORD – God of promise, presence, accessibility, near to those who call on Him for deliverance [Psalm 107:13], forgiveness [Psalm 25:11] and guidance [Psalm 31:3]. ; P-Adonai – Lord – Master – title, proper name.
Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- For the name, I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here; ZZ– Ideas from “Praying through the Names of God” by Tony Evans;
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 Word Press or other sources.
My Personal Journey by Henry Luke 