GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

[nChrist]

PHILIPPIANS 4:1-7
Part 2 of 3
By Pastor Paul Sadler





AN EXHORTATION TO UNITY
 
"So stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord" (Phil.4:1,2).
 
It is noteworthy that Paul encouraged both of these women in regard to the issue at hand. He "urges Euodias" and he also "urges Syntyche" to stand fast and be of the same mind in the Lord. Usually when there is conflict in the local church such as we have here there are problems on both sides of the aisle. One normally raises a questionable issue while the other one's response to it is anything but Christ-like. This begins the descent into chaos, which oftentimes ends in a major division. Of course, Paul was hoping to head off a major crisis before it happened.
 
Paul's solution to the problem was to "stand fast in the Lord." Notice it does not say "stand fast for the Lord," but in Him. Euodias and Syntyche had been given a position in Christ; therefore, they were blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies. They were accepted in the Beloved, forgiven, eternally secure---complete in Him! Whatever disagreements or shortcomings these two women may have had, they were one in Christ. The best remedy for any dispute within the local church is the acknowledgment of our oneness in Christ.
 
It has been said the local assembly is like a wagon wheel, the rim of the wheel representing the circumference of the faith in which all born again members are embraced and the members of the assembly representing the spokes in the wheel. Thus, when one spoke is broken or warped, the strength of the wheel is affected. We might say that the nearer the spokes are to the hub, the nearer they are to each other. Christ, of course, is the Hub, the center, soul, and bloodstream of all true Christianity and all true Christian unity. It is IN HIM that we solve our difficulties and find perfect harmony and unity.
 
You see, the apostle wanted Euodias and Syntyche to resolve their differences by being of "the same mind in the Lord." Rather than focusing on defending themselves, he wanted them to focus on the things of the Lord. In so doing, they would be reunited in a common goal to make all men see what is the fellowship of the Mystery. The end result would be the restoration of unity within the assembly. If, however,these two women refused to heed his counsel, Paul recruits the help of an intermediary. Sometimes it takes a third party, who is more objective, to give direction to those involved that have lost their spiritual compass.

"And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel" (vs. 3).
 
We would suggest that the mediator here was probably Timothy, which he calls a "true yokefellow," one of many metaphors the apostle heaps on this dear brother ( Phil.2:22). The term "yokefellow" according to,Thayer has the idea of being united in a common relationship ---a colleague.  Paul refers to Timothy as his "own [i.e. true] son in the faith" (I Tim. 1:2). This term "true" is only used by the apostle when he referred to Timothy and Titus. As Paul was dictating this letter he most likely paused and turned to Timothy, who was being sent to Philippi, and said: "I implore thee, Timothy, true yokefellow, help these [Gr. autos] women who labored with me in the gospel."
 
Paul isn't instructing Timothy to give Euodias and Syntyche a helping hand in the work of the ministry to lighten their burden, but rather to help them be of the same mind in the Lord. He wanted his colleague to remind these sisters in the Lord of their position and oneness in Christ. Paul adds how there was a time when they had labored with him in the furtherance of the gospel. The term "labored" here is the same word translated "strive" in Philippians 1:27. In track and field events each athlete strives to do his part for the team. Paul's heart's desire was to rekindle that team spirit these women once had in the Lord's service. As the old saying goes, there is no "I" in team!

In addition to Euodias and Syntyche, the apostle instructs Timothy to encourage "Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life." It could well be that Paul mentions these brethren in this context simply because they were disheartened over the circumstances at Philippi. Strife within the local assembly is enough to take the wind out of anyone's sails. A word of encouragement can go a long way in restoring one who has a broken spirit. While many brethren look for opportunities to criticize, it is far more honorable to be an "encourager." Paul was! No matter what the outcome at Philippi, he reminds them that their "names are in the book of life."
 
The Scriptures teach that from the foundation of the world every name has been recorded in the book of life. God has made reservations for all! Interestingly, the "book of the living" is a record of those who possess natural life, so when they die their name is removed (Psa.69:27,28 ), but there is an exception. Those who believe the gospel in their lifetime receive eternal life; therefore their names are sealed by the Holy Spirit on the basis of the finished work of Christ. With this in mind, the names of Euodias, Syntyche, Clement, and the other fellow laborers at Philippi are all permanently sealed in the book of life for time and eternity.
 
Little wonder then, that Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice" (Phil. 4:4). It is significant that we are to rejoice in the Lord, and with the above in mind, Paul adds, "again I say rejoice." As we saw in an earlier lesson, we are to rejoice in the great things He has done for us! You see, we are to rejoice that Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. Rejoice that we have redemption, even the forgiveness of our sins through His precious blood. We are to rejoice that we're justified freely by His grace. This is why the apostle places so much emphasis on this theme throughout the epistle Christ is the source of our joy!

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
If this devotion has been a blessing to you,
please share it with others.
The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

PHILIPPIANS 4:1-7
Part 3 of 3
By Pastor Paul Sadler


 
THE PEACE OF GOD

"Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Phil. 4:5,6).

These passages indicate tempers must have been flaring at the assembly and that some of the discussions had become heated. The word"moderation" in the original has the idea of being gentle, mild mannered, patient, etc. Paul's purpose in stating this was twofold.First, it would help defuse the volatile situation at the assembly if they simply were gentle and considerate of one another, so the problem could be dealt with in a Christ-like manner. If they would merely stop wanting to have their own way, it would help to resolve the issue.Second, the apostle didn't want to see this assembly tarnish its reputation before the world, which, up to this point in time had been commendable. This is why he states, "Let your gentleness be known unto all men." Once it is known that those Christians are fighting among themselves, the person and work of Christ is disregarded in the eyes of the world.

Undoubtedly, there were believers in this assembly who were confused and anxious, not knowing what to do or where to turn for help. Paul knew that those who were directly involved in the skirmish were only thinking about defending themselves and had completely lost sight of how it was affecting those around them and the long-term ramifications to the Lord's work, not to mention the loss they were going to suffer at the Judgment Seat of Christ. For the sake of those who were victims of the circumstances Paul instructs them accordingly:

"The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

Essentially, the apostle is saying there is no need to become anxious or worry yourself sick over recent events---"the Lord is at hand." He is not saying the Lord's coming is at hand, instead the thought is,"the Lord is present." These believers were to realize the Lord was not far from any one of them. He is omnipresent---a present help in time of need! When a raging storm came up unexpectedly on the Sea of Galilee, the disciples thought it was time to pack their bags for eternity when the waves swept over the bow of the boat. But when the presence of the Lord appeared on deck the fears and worries of the disciples dissipated like the morning dew on a warm summer's day (Matt. 8:23-27). You see, Paul wanted those who were troubled at Philippi to know that the Lord was with them.

Furthermore, Paul tells them to pray, pray without ceasing! But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." There is nothing too small, nothing too great, to lay before Him, as it has been said. The Lord is interested in every aspect of our lives. Many times we go to the Lord in prayer and simply pray about things in general. Supplication, on the other hand, is more specific; it is seeking the face of God for example, with a deep burden for the salvation shall receive of a particular lost soul. Both are to be offered with thanksgiving because we know "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye "? NO! "The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7).

Most understand this peace to be a tranquil life where they "lie down in  green pastures" and the Lord leads them "beside the still waters" as the Psalmist says. Paul, however, is speaking about the peace of God in the midst of times of trouble and turmoil. It is resting in the sovereignty of God, that He is in control of all things. Having this peace is looking beyond the tragedy, knowing that at that day all things are going to work out for our good and His glory. This is the peace of God that passes all understanding; it will guard your heart and give you peace of mind.

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
If this devotion has been a blessing to you,
please share it with others.
The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

ACCESS TO GOD BEFORE~ THE CROSS ACCESS TO GOD AFTER THE CROSS

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 9:1-8; Ephesians 2:13-18

Under the old covenant, God could not be directly approached, instead, a duly ordained priest acted always as an intermediary. Even the priest had to perform under rigid instructions. "And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron ... and the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not. .. thus shall Aaron come into the holy place ... " (Leviticus 16:1-3) The Lord then continued with specific orders as to the performance of the priest. "And this shall be a statute forever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the~ tenth day of the month ... on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord." (Leviticus 16:29,30)
 
The holy place was located (after the second veil) in the tabernacle; only the priest could pass through the veil and only as so meticulously instructed.
 
But as the Lord Jesus Christ hung dying on calvary's cross, "Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom." (Mark 15:37.38 ) Because Christ thus broke the barrier, "Through Him we both (Jew and Gentile) have access by one Spirit unto the Father." (Ephesians 2:18 )

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
If this devotion has been a blessing to you,
please share it with others.
The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

GENTILES BEFORE THE CROSS GENTILES AFTER THE CROSS
By the late Pastor R. Hanna

Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:5,6; Galatians 3:28

During the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ before He was crucified, Gentiles were specifically excluded. He had come particularly to 'His own' (Israel) (John 1:11,12), and He ministered exclusively to them. When He sent His apostles to preach, He instructed them, " ... Go not into the way of the Gentiles ... but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 10:5,6) Christ was Israel's Messiah whose coming was prophesied, and his mission was " ... to confirm the promises made unto the fathers of Israel - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."(Romans 15:8 ) The Apostle Paul reminded his Gentile congregation: "Remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh ... ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel.. having no hope, and without God in the world." (Ephesians 2:11,12)
 
But then, Christ went to Calvary and finished the work that He had come to do. Paul was then able to assure the Gentile believers, "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes (once) were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both (Jew and Gentile) one ... that He might reconcile both unto God into one body by the cross." (Ephesians 2:11-16) "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles ... (I Corinthians 12:13) "There is neither Jew nor Greek ... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28 )

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
If this devotion has been a blessing to you,
please share it with others.
The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

Living Beyond Offense
1 Corinthians 10:23.33


   Paul warned against alliance with the world. He declared That in Christ Jesus we are 'one bread' (loaf) Verse 17. Therefore we must not be in union with any other pagan or non-Christian fellowship. In fact, he states this to be impossible, 'Ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils'; Verse 21.

   In this lesson before us we, as Christians, are urged to live above offense; offense to our fellow men and God. A key verse for proper living is verse 31: 'Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. '

   Anyone who knows the grace of God and the Word of God, knows we are not under the law. Legalists may chant all they wish, condemn and blaspheme the message of grace as they choose, but the fact remains: we are in no way under law. A woman is never under the rule of a man she has never married. We, as Gentiles, have never been under the law. The law was given only to Israel. Psalm 147:19-20: 'He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord!

   In fact, since Calvary Israel is free from the law. Romans 7:4 declares: 'Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God' Now when a man's wife is dead, that man has the moral right to remarry, and in this case, the law having been set aside, the sinner is invited to be married or united to another; to the risen Christ.  It is for this reason that Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:23, 'All things are lawful for me, ' and this is so; 'but all things are not expedient....all this edify not, ' i. e., they do not build us up.

   In this light the great apostle invites the believer in the Corinthian Church to be considerate of two persons as he lives in the midst of a pagan world, FIRST -- be considerate of a weaker brother. 'For conscience sake.....conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other.' Verses 28-29.

    What you do may not brother your conscience, but it might another's. It is not proper to say 'I'll let my conscience be my guide!' This may be unchristian, for often we must let another's conscience be our guide. 'Take a little wine for thy stomach's sake and for thine oft infirmities', Paul tells Timothy. This, therefore, is in order maybe, depending on the conscience of others. It would not do here because of Christian conscience in this land; where Timothy lived it was no offense. But we do not live in Asia. The conscience of others is a great factor in what we do and say. I have often heard Christians say, 'I don't care what others think, I'm going to do it anyway.' If this be your attitude you are out of fellowship with your Savior. You are an offense to another member of his precious body.

   SECONDLY- be considerate of your Lord and Master. If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all. Paul's cry rings down through the ages: 'Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' God help us to test all of our conduct with this spiritual axiom. If you can do what you are doing to the glory of God, then you are at liberty to do it.  Someone asked Spurgeon if you could smoke to the glory of God? (For he smoked at that time) He said 'yes'. Some students made placards which read: 'Spurgeon can smoke to the glory of God.' He read just one. Spurgeon quite smoking. Do you not see? It was an offense both to man and God.

   The need today in the Christian world is a walk that is different from the world. One of joy and peace. A life constantly in tune with heaven. One that spells salvation to an unbelieving world. A life that is not an offense, 'neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God.' Verse 32. God help us to do as Paul says: 'Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.'

By the late Pastor Lloyd Peterson

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
If this devotion has been a blessing to you,
please share it with others.
The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

THE GREAT WHITE THRONE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST
By the late Pastor R. Hanna




Scripture Reading: Revelation 2l:11; 2 Corinthians 5:10

Many people - saved people - live in dread of death because they do not understand the kind of judgment that they will face before God. There is indeed a final judgment to come which is awesome and should strike fear in the heart of those who will face it. The Apostle John wrote, describing what was revealed to him in a vision on the Isle of Patmos: "I saw a great white throne, and Him (Christ) that sat on it...and I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life ... and whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20: 11-15) Those described here are the lost - those who did not accept God's proffered salvation before they died. The lost from all generations are raised from the dead to face this sentence of eternal separation from God.
 
But you and I, if we have been saved by the grace of God by faith, are not destined to confront the Great White Throne. Our apostle has revealed that "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ (not the great white throne); that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10) The works for which we will be judged are those accomplished in service to God during our lives after we have been saved. "If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss (of reward), but he himself shall be saved ... " (I Corinthians 3:15)

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
If this devotion has been a blessing to you,
please share it with others.
The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

FORGIVENESS IN THE KINGDOM GOSPEL FORGIVENESS IN THE GRACE GOSPEL

Scripture Reading: Mark 11:25,26; Ephesians 4:30-32

The power of the forgiveness of sin is, and always was, in God's hands. But He has not always dealt with the process in precisely the same manner. Under the kingdom economy, the stated condition is recorded thusly in the words of Christ to His disciples:

"When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if Ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11:25,26) " ... Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." (Luke 6:37) When teaching His disciples how to pray, He said, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." (Matthew 6:12) The condition is clear - forgive, so that God can forgive you. Such was forgiveness under the kingdom gospel.

But we today are not under the kingdom gospel but the Gospel of the Grace of God! Our instruction from the risen Lord Jesus Christ comes to us through the apostle to the Gentiles, by the name of Paul. "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake HATH FORGIVEN YOU." (Ephesians 4:32) "In whom (Christ) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7) "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses." (Colossians 2:13)

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
If this devotion has been a blessing to you,
please share it with others.
The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

I TESTIFY IN THE LORD


"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord that you henceforth walk not as Gentiles walk (Eph. 4:17). Spiritual growth is to be evident in our walk. In the One Body all growth is "out of" Christ as the Head. Growth depends on "supply," and the supply depends on "the effectual working in the measure of every part," that is, the unity, function, and cooperation of all members (Eph. 4:15,16). Col. 2:19 puts it well, "......the Head, out of Whom all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increases with the increase of God." This is edifying and building up the Body Christ!

The energy for this growth comes from God Who "works (energizes) all things" according to His eternal purpose (Eph. 1:11). The great expression of the working of His mighty power was when He raised Christ from the dead. That same power seated Christ "at His own right hand in the heavenlies...far above all" (1:19,20). Paul said his gift for service was by "the effectual working of His power" (3:7). And his prayer for us was that this same power would "work in us" (3:20). Finally, we read of "the effectual working...of every part" (4:16).

Thus Paul warned how Gentiles walk "in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart" (4:17,18 ). Romans tells of the whole creation made "subject to vanity" (8:20), and how Gentiles turned a deaf ear toward God. "For when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their reasoning and their foolish heart was darkened" (Rom. 1:21). Three times in that chapter it tells of God's response to their rebellion. He "gave them up to uncleanness ...gave them up to vile affections...gave them over to a reprobate mind" (1:24,26,28 ). This explains their walk, "according to the course of this age, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience" (Eph. 2:2), "who being past feeling have given themselves over to licentiousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness." (Eph. 4:19.) Vanity expressed itself by "darkened...alienated...ignorance...blindness... a dulled conscience...licentiousness...uncleanness...
greediness." Walk not as Gentiles walk!

Ivan Burgener

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
If this devotion has been a blessing to you,
please share it with others.
The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

"YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY"
DANIEL 3:28B, ROMANS 6:13,16,19; 12:1




     Several avenues in our city have signs located at their intersections which read: 'YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY.' This means that we must slow down as we approach the intersection, and give the cars which are coming at right angles to us first place. Failure to observe this command may bring tragic results!

     This is God's demand upon every individual whom He has been pleased to save. It is plainly this: 'YIELD YOURSELVES UNTO GOD......PRESENT YOUR BODIES....... UNTO GOD.' What does this involve? Simply this: because God has graciously saved me through the death and resurrection of His beloved Son, and because by His Spirit He has brought me into an eternal union with Christ, and because I am no more my own, I repudiate all known sins in my life and deny the right to old self to be king any longer within me, and I yield my entire self with my body and its several members unto this loving Father as a 'living sacrifice.' This is a definite, once-for-all transaction, as the tense of the words 'yield' and 'present' indicate. Just as I definitely received Christ into my life as Savior and Lord once for all, so I am now just as definitely to yield or present myself to God for His own use and glory.

     Suppose I were to give you a check from our checkbook, and then tell you, 'Just fill in any amount you wish; I have signed my name already to it!' Knowing that I had informed you that I had unlimited financial resources, you would be free to write in any amount you felt you needed.

     Likewise intelligently and lovingly turn your entire being and life over to the God who loves you far more than you'll ever understand, and say, 'Lord, here I am; body, soul, and spirit; mind, emotions, will; eyes, ears, lips, hands, and feet; weaknesses, frailties, habits, sins, problems, circumstances, finances; take me just as I am; do what You will both in me and through me; and cause me ever to cleave with purpose of heart unto you until either death or 'the catching away'!'

And God will never turn down an offer like that! Do it meaningfully today!

Grace, Peace and Love,
Pastor P. Hume

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
If this devotion has been a blessing to you,
please share it with others.
The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

Hardwired for Triumph
By Steve McVey



Biotechnology teaches us that our DNA is a blueprint of who we are as physical beings. All of your physical features are nothing less than an expression of the programming that existed in your DNA from the moment you were conceived. DNA defines your physical nature.

In the same way, the Bible teaches that you have a spiritual nature. When you received the life of Jesus Christ, your nature was transformed. The Bible says that you became "a partaker of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). You might say that you received a GNA, with the G standing for  "God."  His life became yours. That makes you different from most people.

     Your life pulsates with divine power because of the presence of Jesus Christ within you. At the core of your being, you are hard-wired for triumph because God "always causes (you) to triumph in Christ Jesus" (2 Corinthians 2:14). Christ is in you and will live His life through you. What greater assurance of victory can a person have?

The Apostle Paul affirmed, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). Jesus Christ is your strength, your wisdom (see 1 Corinthians 1:30), and your assurance of victory in life. (See 1 Corinthians 15:57) You don't have to go through life with a defeated attitude. When you recognize and rest in who you really are, things can change!

Christians aren't who we used to be. It is important for us to understand that or we will be held back by the debilitating mind set of our old life. The person you were before you met Christ  died. (See Galatians 2:20) You are now a brand new person (see 2 Corinthians 5:17) who is capable of dreaming new dreams and living a life you could have never lived without Christ.

     "According to your faith be it unto you," Jesus told one man who desperately needed to see his circumstances change. (See Matthew 9:29) Christ wanted to do something wonderful in this blind man's life, but it was necessary for the man to trust Him.

     The foundation for your optimism is Jesus Christ. Faith in Him is the conduit through which He is able to pour out into your life all the good He has planned for you to be, to have and to do. It all bolls down to one simple question: Do you believe that God wants you to experience and enjoy His blessings or not?

As you look down the path that lies ahead for you, do you anticipate good things from God? Do you expect things to become better or worse?  Make no mistake about it - what we believe about God's working in our lives in this arena has an inestimable effect on how we move ahead and what we will experience and enjoy in the coming days.

Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, when the journey from Egypt to Canaan should have taken only 11 days. Why did it take them so long to enter into the Promised Land? The Bible says, "they were not able to enter because of unbelief' (Hebrews 3:19). With paradise only 11 days away, they lived in self-imposed misery for 40 years, all because they refused to believe God.

How long have you wandered in circles? Maybe, like Israel, you've been in the wilderness for many years. God says through Isaiah that it's time for you to accept and appropriate good news. Get ready, good news has arrived. Your Father is bringing you out of the wilderness.

Will you believe God? You aren't like those in the world, out-side of Christ. You have an anointing by the enabling grace of Christ within you to live a supernatural life. Will you accept and appropriate the good news? Will you lay hold on the hope of fulfilling the God given dreams of your heart? Trust Him and watch the great things He will accomplish!

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
If this devotion has been a blessing to you,
please share it with others.
The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

LIBERTY IN CHRIST
By JOHN McKAY, Pastor

 Scripture Reading: Galatians 2:4

What does it mean to be "in Christ"? Certainly there is a sense that it means to be a believer in Him. There were many who believed in Christ when He came to be the King of Israel. Paul refers to relatives being "in Christ" before he was. This obviously must relate to the Kingdom program when Christ (having come to minister only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel), was trusted as the Anointed One. It is perfectly clear that no one could be "in Christ" in the Pauline sense until after the Apostle for this age was saved and given light in the Gospel of the Grace of God.
 
What does it mean to be "in Christ" in the Pauline sense of that term? It involves all of the truth of our Oneness with Christ, beginning with the Baptism by the Holy Spirit into the One Body. This great spiritual truth of the only Baptism for this age (Ephesians 4:5), reveals that We are united with the Lord Jesus in His death, resurrection, and life in a way too wonderful for us to fully comprehend now!
 
Our "Liberty in Christ" should be seen as a truly precious freedom from sin, the Law, condemnation, and the bondage of other men's opinions. Not only has the believer escaped these terrible things by trusting Christ, he also has the unimaginable freedom of access into the presence of God and the blessings of living by faith in His holy written Word. Did you know you had such liberty? (See II Corinthians 3:17-18 ).
 
Although some legalists were trying to take away the Apostle's liberty and bring him into bondage, they were condemned as "false" brethren (Galatians 2:4). "Stand fast" (Galatians 5: I) in the "glorious liberty" (Romans 8:21; I Corinthians 10:23).

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
If this devotion has been a blessing to you,
please share it with others.
The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
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[nChrist]

LET IT GET YOU DOWN
by C. R. Stam

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph. 3: 14).

When adversity strikes, the world keeps telling us: "Don’t let it get you down," but believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have learned that it is good to let troubles and difficulties get them down -- down on their knees.

A native evangelist in Africa sat outside his hut discouraged and unhappy. Trouble and disappointment had brought "great coldness" into his heart and he seemed ready to give up. The Lord, he felt, had utterly forsaken him. As he sat there, though, his little girl kept nudging him and saying: "Daddy, go inside and pray ." Finally it worked! The evangelist went inside, poured his heart out to God and arose feeling sure that the Lord would see him through.

It is good for us to get down on our knees before God. There is no attitude more appropriate to the redeemed sinner. And as we pray, often falteringly....

"The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
"And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:26-28 ).

"Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding. shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6,7).

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
If this devotion has been a blessing to you,
please share it with others.
The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

SIMPLICITY IN CHRIST
IVAN L. BURGENER,

Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 11:3

"Simplicity in Christ"---whatever it is, don't loose it!

The Corinthians were in danger of loosing it. At least, Paul thought so. That is why he wrote this letter to them. It seems some were preaching "another Jesus." It sounded good-if you didn't listen too closely. And this "other Jesus" was highly esteemed. No doubt it was the same historical Person but presented in a different way from the way Paul had presented Christ. This new attraction would take away from the glory of the risen Lord who had appeared to Paul and who had given him this new message of grace. Yes, Paul had even "espoused" them to Christ! Such was the affection and love for the glorified Savior that Paul used the tenderest of human relationships-espousal (or engagement) to illustrate the case.
 
This is simplicity-singleness. Simple, isn't it. Only One to attract my gaze. Only One who died to save me. Only One to love. And this One was the One in glory, the Christ whom Paul preached, not as the prophesied Messiah [although He was that] but Head of the Body, and that according to "the revelation of the sacred secret."
 
Now that "other Jesus" was not this One. And the men who proclaimed this "other Jesus" did not hold forth the glories of the One Paul introduced at Corinth. To become attached to Christ in any way other than to know the "Lord of Glory" as Paul presented Him, would be to loose that simplicity here spoken of. Simplicity is singleness in contrast with duplicity-double.
 
Earlier in this same letter Paul said that had we known Christ after the flesh, we now know Him no longer. Jewish hopes and all that are not the issue. Is He the Christ Paul preached and do we have that single, simple attachment to Him alone!

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
If this devotion has been a blessing to you,
please share it with others.
The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

LIVING BY FAITH
By ROBERT E. HANNA,

Scripture Reading: Romans I: 17; Habakkuk 2:4

"Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the Lord your God. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord" (Leviticus 18:4,5). Such are the unquestionable and irrefutable conditions of life under the law. There were no exceptions stated, no shadows of meaning, no gray areas.
 
But notice another positive and unequivocal declaration---also the Word of God! "As many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live in them. CHRIST HATH REDEEMED US FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW, BEING MADE A CURSE FOR US: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree" (Galatians 3:10-13).
 
A seeming paradox! But our Apostle provides the answer.
 
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:23,24). "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith [provided by God for our justification] to faith [received by the believer as the enablement to walk pleasing to God]." "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak in the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh" (Romans 8:3).

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
If this devotion has been a blessing to you,
please share it with others.
The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

RISEN IN CHRIST
By HAROLD STEINBRON,

Scripture Reading: I Thessalonians 4:16

Resurrection is only for the body. The only ones who will take part in the raising of these select dead are those who have already been placed in Christ by the baptism of the Spirit of God. To be IN CHRIST is to immediately partake of the Life of God: that is eternal life. The body may become dust before God's program is ready for the Spirit and soul to be reunited.
 
At this resurrection, the spirit of those who experienced what Paul spoke of---absent from the body, present with the Lord---(No soul sleep there!) will return to earth to see that pile of dust be raised so they can now be once again in the body now made new and be present with the Lord, in their new body.
 
Resurrection for the members of the Body of Christ has already happened---IN CHRIST! Because He lives, we too shall live! Those who are born once will die twice. Those who are born twice will die once. Eternal life is experienced in the Spirit, at the moment of salvation. Eternal life will be experienced by the mortal body either at this special resurrection, or at the moment of translation. We shall not all sleep, and perhaps this generation will be the one to see this glorious thing happen. Not death, but translation!
 
IN CHRIST, we have died, we have been buried, and we have been raised from the dead. Our whole life is now on the resurrection side of the grave. Eternal life is not only quantitative, it is qualitative. Resurrection is just one more benefit of being IN CHRIST.

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
If this devotion has been a blessing to you,
please share it with others.
The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
_______________________________________________________