TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Galatians 5:13-26
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. - Galatians 5:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's memorable children's poem wryly illustrates the extremes of human nature. It reads, “There was a little girl who had a little curl right in the middle of her forehead. And when she was good, she was very, very good. But when she was bad, she was horrid.”

That little girl is not alone. As Paul expresses to the Galatians, when we live by the Spirit our lives are categorized by a variety of very good qualities. But when we yield to our fleshly desires, the results are awful.

Paul leaves no room for a middle ground. Either we're loving and serving one another, or we're attacking and destroying each other. We live by the Spirit or by the flesh. Our natural desires directly oppose God's desires (v. 17). And it isn't at all difficult to see which way we are living.

Paul gives us two lists of behaviors. The first list (vv. 19-21) is unsettling just to read: fighting, jealousy, immorality, rage . . . who would want any part of that? The second list (vv. 22, 23), on the other hand, is refreshing and comforting. Who would object to love, joy, or peace? When we compare those two lists, there is no question about which one is preferable. But when we follow our sin nature and we fail to love, we choose to ignore that which is good and indulge in that which is horrid.

Notice the connection that Paul makes to the law. He says that loving your neighbor fulfills the law and those who live by the Spirit are not under the law (vv. 14, 18). That doesn't mean that rules don't apply, it just means that pleasing God is very simple if you submit to His Spirit and obey His primary governing principle to love. If your heart aligns with God's, your actions should remain in His will. But living by the Spirit doesn't come naturally. In fact, it would be impossible without the intervening work of Jesus Christ (2:20). We are to crucify the flesh, completely forsaking our sinful desires.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
When you read the two lists in today's passage, which resembles your life right now? Is your heart at peace, or are your relationships filled with discord? It shouldn't be difficult to answer the question, but facing the truth may be hard. If you aren't seeing the fruit of the Spirit show up regularly in your actions, ask God to replace arrogance and envy with humility and love. Don't worry about past defeats. Instead, depend on the power of the Spirit and put your faith in the Son.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 4:1-10
This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit. - Isaiah 66:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
In film, a MacGuffin is a plot device used especially in crime dramas, thrillers, and adventures to propel a story forward. It can be anything—a suitcase full of money, a secret weapon, a priceless artifact—what it is often has little relevance to the movie. The only important thing about a MacGuffin is that the characters in the story all want it. That desire forms their motivations and creates all of the exciting conflict.

Unfortunately, real life is filled with MacGuffins, and they rarely bring about a happy ending. That is, people have a tendency to desire things that add nothing but conflict to their lives. James tells us how these desires throw a roadblock in front of our ability to love.

The problem boils down to the chronic human condition of selfishness. When we do things our way, we try to meet our own needs. Sometimes we ask God for help without actually turning to God. That is the way of the world, and James has no tolerance for believers who live worldly lives. He is saying that living a selfish life is adultery against the Holy Spirit!

We can end the pattern of fighting, selfishness, and betrayal by submitting to God. James gives a step-by-step formula for properly submitting to God, but one of those steps might make you think twice about following the plan.

“Grieve, mourn and wail” isn't the most appealing approach to life, but that's exactly what James prescribes for anyone who has been joining in the world's pursuit of selfish pleasures. Many times the things we think will bring us joy are actually cause for grief. Submitting to God includes an appropriate contrition for failing to yield to Him previously.

But don't be discouraged. After submitting to God and mourning our disobedience, God lifts us up—and the heights to which He lifts us tower over any false joy that our sinful pleasures might bring. And once we're in God's will, we're able to love as He does.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It's not Christmastime, but today is still a good time to make a wish list. Put “True godly love” at the top, and then take a moment to submit your heart to God. Then ask God to make His desires your desires. Now, motivated by love and with sensitivity to the Spirit's leading, list the things that you want God to give you. Once your list is through, ask God for everything you listed. Keep the list and watch to see how the Lord answers your prayers and changes your desires.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 51:1-19
Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. - Psalm 51:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
David may have been the best example in the Old Testament of a man who loved God and loved his neighbor as himself. Among the kings of Israel, he was peerless. He showed undying loyalty to his friends (like Jonathan) and grace toward his enemies (such as Saul). He truly was a man after God's own heart (1 Sam. 13:14). But David wasn't without fault, and one bout with selfishness just about destroyed him. The account recorded in 2 Samuel 11 was the low point in David's life when he failed to love: he committed adultery with Bathsheba and then attempted to deceive Uriah before finally plotting his death.

David's actions displeased God (see 1 Sam. 11:27), so the Lord delivered a rebuke through Nathan the prophet. Psalm 51 is David's response of confession, and it marks a point of restoration for David. God forgave David's sin, and David returned to the spirit of love and grace that had previously defined him as a man of God.

The psalm itself is a blueprint of an apology. David confessed his sin, refusing to justify his actions. He expressed heartfelt regret and acknowledged that his sin went beyond this one instance of wrongdoing. He acknowledged his depravity from the time his life began (v. 5). David knew he was wrong, and he wanted the opportunity to turn from sin to righteousness and help others do the same (v. 13). It's fascinating that David connected his appeal for mercy to other sinners because it shows his love for both God and other people.

David depended on God's love for mercy. While he did receive mercy, God did not erase the effects of his sin. His life did not improve after he confessed; it crumbled. In the chapters of 2 Samuel following his repentance, David's family turned against him and committed awful sins against each other. But he reacted with grace. When publicly mocked and attacked in chapter 16, David humbly accepted it as a message from God. Confessing didn't make David's life better—it made him better.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Place a bookmark in your Bible at Psalm 51. Even with the assurance that the Holy Spirit never departs from us (cf. v. 11, Eph. 4:30), we still sin with shameful regularity. It's good to follow David's psalm of confession, not just for the forgiveness that comes from God's mercy, but also to help you follow David's pattern of humility and repentance. Pray the psalm to confess your sins and to forge a heart of humility.

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Pastor Rogers thank you ,PS,51 :13  , I am forgiven of course that i knew.You showed me a new way about it, I will be a sinner till i leave this tent,that i knew to. .but i always though that by good example was OK.but now in verse 13 he will teach transgressors Gods way..David was in a place that he could do that and get away with it.right.well Iguess I will keep on living for Jesus who died for me and accept his sacrifice.and be myself in Him,like Father God ask  of me. 8)It did make me a better person to repent and confess.but my life has gone down the tube 90%.His Will be done not mind.and that 10% is His..Hallelujah!!

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what I meant to say was the 100% of my life is His whatever i am uncomfortable 90% it does not matter and i don`t even measure it any more.like i said His will not mind..you get it don't you,, i am happy and bless inside and most of the time i feel his presence specially at night when i sleep..It make think of Tom story about the Father who is watching the child who eyes were bound at night in the wood that did help me a hold lot thank you Tom..Bep.

[def]

Read: James 4:1-10
This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit. - Isaiah 66:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
In film, a MacGuffin is a plot device used especially in crime dramas, thrillers, and adventures to propel a story forward. It can be anything—a suitcase full of money, a secret weapon, a priceless artifact—what it is often has little relevance to the movie. The only important thing about a MacGuffin is that the characters in the story all want it. That desire forms their motivations and creates all of the exciting conflict.

Unfortunately, real life is filled with MacGuffins, and they rarely bring about a happy ending. That is, people have a tendency to desire things that add nothing but conflict to their lives. James tells us how these desires throw a roadblock in front of our ability to love.

The problem boils down to the chronic human condition of selfishness. When we do things our way, we try to meet our own needs. Sometimes we ask God for help without actually turning to God. That is the way of the world, and James has no tolerance for believers who live worldly lives. He is saying that living a selfish life is adultery against the Holy Spirit!

We can end the pattern of fighting, selfishness, and betrayal by submitting to God. James gives a step-by-step formula for properly submitting to God, but one of those steps might make you think twice about following the plan.

“Grieve, mourn and wail” isn't the most appealing approach to life, but that's exactly what James prescribes for anyone who has been joining in the world's pursuit of selfish pleasures. Many times the things we think will bring us joy are actually cause for grief. Submitting to God includes an appropriate contrition for failing to yield to Him previously.

But don't be discouraged. After submitting to God and mourning our disobedience, God lifts us up—and the heights to which He lifts us tower over any false joy that our sinful pleasures might bring. And once we're in God's will, we're able to love as He does.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It's not Christmastime, but today is still a good time to make a wish list. Put “True godly love” at the top, and then take a moment to submit your heart to God. Then ask God to make His desires your desires. Now, motivated by love and with sensitivity to the Spirit's leading, list the things that you want God to give you. Once your list is through, ask God for everything you listed. Keep the list and watch to see how the Lord answers your prayers and changes your desires.

Pastor Rogers can I Quote all your letters

[Soldier4Christ]

Yes, I do understand what you meant. Giving of all of your own self no matter how much that may or may not be is still giving your all. The Lord will still bless you for it.

[Soldier4Christ]

Pastor Rogers can I Quote all your letters

If you wish.

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If you wish.

Pastor Rogers is it the normal thing to do ,or is it generosity from your heart

[Soldier4Christ]

Pastor Rogers is it the normal thing to do ,or is it generosity from your heart

It is normal to quote a post when you want to make a comment on it or when you want to bring attention to what it says.

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It is normal to quote a post when you want to make a comment on it or when you want to bring attention to what it says.

Pastor Rogers,thank you for helping me today good night ,good night every one God bless all of you in our Lord Jesus be at peace

[Soldier4Christ]

and God bless you sister.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Peter 1:13-25
Love one another deeply, from the heart. - 1 Peter 1:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
ABC News reported a study done by psychologists at Cornell University to uncover the science behind “holier-than-thou” attitudes. The study showed that most people have an accurate sense of the morality of others, but they tend to overestimate their own morality. David Dunning, who led the study, noted that a skewed sense of moral superiority makes people too judgmental, saying, “They don't realize that in the same situation, they are going to act the same way.”

Even the most devout Christian can give in to the temptation to equate holiness with superiority. We use the mandate to “be holy as I am holy” to distance ourselves from people who are too sinful for us. Our problem is that we misunderstand the nature of holiness and the responsibility that comes with holiness.

As Peter defines it, holiness is not an end in itself; it is a means to prepare us for brotherly love (v. 22). A misguided understanding of holiness causes judgment and division, but true holiness removes the obstacle of self-centered sin and compels us to love as Jesus did. Peter instructs us in the daunting task of aspiring to holiness.

The quest for holiness begins in the mind. In his call to action in verse 13, Peter actually says to gird up the loins of your mind like a soldier prepares for battle. Being holy requires us to turn our minds from our sin to God's grace. Instead of focusing on our current desires, we dwell on the future rewards that Christ has in store for us. It's a matter of recognizing that this world is not our home (v. 17).

Being holy doesn't make us superior to other people because holiness isn't attained by our own efforts. Our dependence is entirely on God (vv. 21, 23). Holiness that results in judgmental pride is no holiness at all. A clean conscience and an obedient spirit feed directly into a loving heart. Verse 22 puts an emphasis on the purity and sincerity of our intentions. True love is not for show or out of guilt—it's from the heart.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If holiness is tied directly to our ability to love, we must deal with a convicting reality: there is no such thing as a “victimless” sin. Any sinful thoughts, attitudes, or actions that we try to keep hidden from others still stand in the way of our personal holiness and prevent us from loving others as we should. Remember yesterday's study on Psalm 51? Pray that confession again today, asking God to restore you to His holiness so that you can effectively administer His love.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 3:12-21
And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. - 1 Corinthians 10:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
There are some things that conventional wisdom teaches us to doubt utterly and completely. Only radicals believe in alien life forms. Only the desperate believe they will win the lottery. Only a delusional fan believes the Cubs will ever again win the World Series. The rest of us know better than to fall for such far-fetched myths or mindlessly wishful dreams.

Sometimes that's the way we think about love. It's a nice thought to think that true love is possible, so conventional wisdom tells us, but in this life we're doomed to fail to love as God commands us. But that's a lie we must not believe. For the rest of this month's study, we'll focus on biblical examples of godly love in action. God has given us not only the assurance of a way out from any temptation not to love (see today's verse) but also the perfect example of how to love.

It's impossible to overstate how much God loves us, and nowhere was that love more profoundly displayed than when He gave His Son to die for our sins. Notice how one-sided the exchange of God's love is. He gave everything knowing we could offer nothing in return; we receive eternal life and avoid death simply by believing the truth.

It's no surprise that we are sinners. The light of God's truth exposes us all. But we place our hope in the reality of God's love. We should stand condemned before God. We deserve punishment. And it's true, our natural tendency is to keep sinning. But Jesus didn't come into the world to condemn us, nor to make our enslavement to sin more comfortable. Jesus came to save us from our sin (v. 17). If we buy into the idea that living in the light is impossible, we're denying the power of God.

However, if we live by the truth of Jesus' saving sacrifice on our behalf, love-filled living is not as far-fetched as it may seem—because it is done by the power of God (v. 21).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Just as Jesus Christ is the ultimate picture of God's love for us, the gospel is the greatest gift of love we can give to someone else. Make it your goal in the next week to talk to someone about the gospel of Christ. You can use John 3:16 to deliver the message, and you should also use it as a model for your heart. God sent His Son out of love, and love should be your motivating factor as well.