GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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Led  by the Spirit
Part 3 of 4
by Dennis Kiszonas


Walking by the Spirit

The Holy Spirit came to live in us when we believed, and He came to lead us in our life for the Lord, not to drag us or force us--Paul writes to the Galatians:

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

The leading of the Holy Spirit is not a leading that drags us on the end of a chain, it is freedom and not bondage.

On the other hand, His leading is not "carrying us" or ''bearing us." He leads us, but we need to follow Him, or as Paul writes to "walk by the Spirit" since we are now ''living by the Spirit." Though the Spirit is leading, He is not living the life in us all by Himself. As Paul wrote to the Philippians:

Work out (note carefully: not work for) your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13

He is at work in us to will and to perform, but we are the one who must work out what He is working in. How do we do that? Paul wrote to the Galatians:

This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Galatians 3:2-3

They received the Spirit by hearing the message of grace, the message of the cross, with faith, that's how they "began in the Spirit." Now Paul says, continue as you began. We go on believing in the message of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), we go on focusing on the cross. We are motivated under grace not by the offer of blessings---we have already been totally blessed, and not by the fear of cursings---He became a curse for us, but we are motivated by gratitude, by thanksgiving for what the Lord did for us on the cross.

The first ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives revealed to us in Paul's letters is found in Romans 5:5-6:

... the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

The Holy Spirit comes into the believer's heart under grace with the primary ministry of pouring out the love of God in our hearts, that's His love for us demonstrated at the cross where the Lord Jesus died for us. And as we focus on that love, Paul describes the proper response:

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

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Led  by the Spirit
Part 4 of 4
by Dennis Kiszonas


Paul's heart had been gripped by the love of Christ for Him, that 'He loved me and gave Himself for me!' (Galatians 2:20). This love compelled Paul, it gripped his heart and life so that from now on he would no longer live for himself but for the Lord who died and rose for him.

The life led by the Spirit is a life motivated not by fear or the desire to add more blessing, but by love and gratitude. What more could the Lord have done for us? If the cross does not grip our hearts, what will?

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

Whatever you do, Paul writes, let it all be done as a prayer of thanksgiving. Everything in life done to say 'Thank you, Lord' for dying for me.

The Spirit and All-Sufficient Grace

In a number of places in his letters Paul writes of the amazing power of God at work in his life. He wrote to the Philippians:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

And to the Corinthians, he wrote about the time he prayed for relief from a problem and received an unexpected answer:

Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. " Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9.

This grace that is sufficient for every situation in life is nothing less, no one less, than the Spirit Himself. He points us constantly back to the cross and to the resurrection of the Lord.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me,' and the life which I now live in the flesh I live  by faith in the Son if God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Here is God's provision for us to be "led by the Spirit" and living in "newness of life."

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CHOSEN TO BE A SOLDIER
DICK WARE, Pastor


Reading: II Timothy 2:3, 4

God through the Apostle Paul tells Timothy not to let his timidity cause him to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, nor of Paul who is in prison for the Lord and the Gospel of Grace. Paul exhorts Timothy to share in the sufferings  of Christ. Paul wants him to have a reproducing ministry (2:2). However, to do so, Timothy had better get ready for spiritual warfare and suffering. Timothy finds that his "holy calling" (1:9), involves him being "a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2:2). This is true of every believer, but, especially true of God-called Ministers!

Some divine  imperatives for God's soldiers are: "stir up" (1:6); "do not be ashamed"  (1:8 ); "hold fast" (1:13); "keep"  (1:14); "be strong" (2:1); "commit" (2:2); "endure" (2:3); study (2:15); "continue" (3:14): "Preach the Word" (4:1); "do the work of an evangelist"  and "fulfill your ministry" (4:5)!

The words of a song that I have worked at to memorize and challenge myself with, come to mind:

"AM I A SOLDER OF THE CROSS?"

"Am I a soldier of the Cross? A follower of the Lamb? And shall I fear to own His cause Or blush to speak His name?

Must I be carried to the skies On flowry beds of ease, While others fought to win the prize And sailed thru bloody seas?

Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood?

In this vile world a friend to grace, To help me on to God?

Sure I must fight if I would reign---Increase my courage Lord!

I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy Word!"

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"THE GIFT OF CHRIST"
By Pastor Ivan Burgener


"But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore He saith, 'When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.' (Now He that ascended, what is it but that He also descended first unto the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also That ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.) And He gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints..." (Eph. 4:7-12).

While this wording might seem strange to the modem reader, the point is simple and must not be missed! The Lord Jesus Christ is the One Who came into this world [the lower parts] in humiliation and was "found in fashion as a man..." He was obedient unto death out of which He was raised, ascended, and seated on high, "far above all principality and power" in order that He might "fill all things."

From that exalted position and place, He received gifts of ministry from God and in turn gave them to "the church which is His body." His "giving" is an expression of His grace with the stated purpose, "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." And all this is to continue until "we all come to the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect [mature] man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" (Eph. 4:12-13). Unity of the Spirit leads to unity of the Faith.

Rather than spiritual gifts given to individual men, these gifts are stated to be men with spiritual enablement being given to the church, the body of Christ. They must be seen as the means used by the risen Lord to continue to bless and guide this church in His absence. The apostles and prophets were men whose works were inspired and who laid the foundation by writing the scriptures. The works of evangelists and teaching pastors were not inspired but were of a continuing and subsequent nature ministering the scriptures. The latter were to continue until the stated goals are reached, evidently until this church is complete and rapture to heaven!

These apostles were not the twelve, chosen by the Lord on earth, but called from heaven and associated with Paul in His ministry. And while these have disappeared, evangelists, pastors and teachers continue "until we all come to...unto a perfect man, ...the fulness of Christ," the rapture!

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REJOICING IN GOD'S WORD
By ROBERT E. HANNA, Pastor


Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 15: 16

The true believer receives God's Word with joy and thanksgiving, knowing full well that his faithful dedication to the ministry will bring pain and suffering, ridicule and persecution, Separation from our tormentors is part and parcel of our walk of faith as we rely upon God to avenge, Recognition, reception and retention of God's Holy Word brings us comfort, confidence and conformation, enabling us to constantly function according to His declared will and purpose.

The Psalmist declared, "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee" (Psalm 119: II). Rejoicing in God's Word is an experience that knows no dispensational boundaries. However, the circumstances under which Jeremiah expressed his delight were unlike those in which we find ourselves today. Our apostle enjoins us to "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom ... " (Colossians 3:15,16a). Our rejoicing is even more full than that of Jeremiah for we have knowledge of greater truths from God than had the prophets. Our spiritual blessings transcend those of any prior saints. To us have been revealed secrets never before made known.

The Apostle Paul has revealed to us "even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:26,27). We have the knowledge of God's holy decrees in our hearts, as well as "Christ in us"!

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REJOICE EVERMORE
By JOHN McKAY, Pastor

Scripture Reading: I Thessalonians 5:16

Do you know how God dealt with people before this present Age of Grace began? He dealt with the people immediately before our age by means of Law. It is called the Age of Law, or the dispensation of law through Moses. The law could make nothing perfect (Hebrews 7:19). The law made Moses tremble with fear (Hebrews 12:21). It had a shadow of good things to come, but could not "take away" sins. (Heb. 10:1-4). God's grace today has made us accepted in Christ, has given us absolute righteousness for our official standing, has provided forgiveness of sins, and grants mercy and peace for our present condition. What a striking contrast between Law and Grace!

The chapter in the Bible known as First Thessalonians five also contains some striking contrasts. The believers under Law did not know the times and the seasons. The believers under Grace do know about them (verses 1-5). Israel under Law will go through the tribulation, but the Body of Christ will not go through the tribulation (verse 9). National Israel never recognized Christ as their Saviour, and never knew what He accomplished for them when He died. The Church under Grace does know, by means of Paul's Epistles, just what the Saviour accomplished, and does have His presence with us (verses 9-11). Those under the Law were to sanctify themselves by obedience. Those under Grace have the Lord Himself as their Sanctifier and Preserver (verses 23-24).

Is it any wonder that the Apostle Paul would command or exhort believers today to "rejoice evermore" and "give thanks" in everything? We live in the marvelous Age of Grace. We should know what we have and rejoice in it!

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JOY IN BELIEVING
By JOHN FREDERICKSEN, Pastor

Scripture Reading: Romans I5:13

Believers in the age of grace have perhaps more reason to rejoice in their salvation than believers of any previous time.

Very early in man's history, God revealed His plan to bring spiritual blessing to the entire world through Abraham. God promised him, "In thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed," (Genesis 12:3). Progressive revelation unfolded the details of Abraham's seed providing a specific Saviour as a sacrifice for sin. Then the remainder of the nation was to become a kingdom of priests ministering to the world. When Christ came the first time, it was "to confirm the promises made unto the fathers," (vs. 8 ). Had Israel responded in belief, the millennial kingdom would have been established and Gentiles would have at last enjoyed blessing. They would have glorified "God for His mercy," (vs. 9), rejoiced" (vs. 10), and praised the Lord because they too would trust in Him (vs. 11-12).

The problem is, Israel refused to believe and God's plan to bless the Gentiles could have been frustrated. But "the God of hope" found a solution. Romans 11:11-15 explains that God is now blessing Gentiles NOT through Israel's rise to prominence, but through her fall from God's unique favor. Today salvation is offered to all apart from Israel's promises or instrumentality, and solely on the basis of grace. No wonder then that Paul exhorted his readers to be filled with joy and peace in believing. He even exhorted them to abound in the confident expectations of eternal blessings.

Ours is a salvation provided by the determined purpose of a merciful God. Let's truly rejoice in it today!

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RECEIVING THE WORD ... WITH JOY
By FLOYD BAKER, Pastor

Scripture Reading: I Thessalonians 1:6

"And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost." What a beautiful example of the power of God's Word and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who received the gospel of salvation. We need to take note that even though it was "with much affliction" it did not hinder the "joy of the Holy Ghost." How thankful Paul and Timothy and Silvanus were in the way that these believers had responded to God's

The joy that they had in the Lord was reflected in their daily lives, and why not? They turned from idols, made by the hands of man. Idols that were cold and lifeless to serve the "living and true God." They now had a God who was alive and interested in every detail of their lives. One who loved them and demonstrated that love by sending His Son into their world to die for them; and as verse 10 makes clear, He is a living Saviour and is coming to meet them in the clouds and in the air. You can feel the excitement in their lives as you read this chapter.

The "joy of the Holy Ghost" made them "ensamples to all that believe in Achaia as well as Macedonia. As the apostle states, "Your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing." Dear child of God, how great is your joy in the Lord. Are you discouraged, downhearted, defeated? If so you need to fasten your eyes on the Lord and not on yourself. God is on the throne. "All things do work together for good to those who love Him." May our joy be complete in Him. Amen.

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GUARDED AND GUIDED
By Miles Stanford


"My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).

How difficult it is for the hungry heart to adjust to the Father's pace. He is so deliberate and thorough, while our need is so pressing and paramount. Apart from never being behind time, our Father is an eternity ahead of time! We have but to see in the Word what He has accomplished on our behalf in the Lord Jesus, and then quietly rely upon Him, "according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1:3).

"God will perfect that which concerneth His own; and even where there are mistakes and failures, as alas! there are in abundance with all of us, the Lord's rich grace abounds over all, and actually takes occasion from our very mistakes to shine out all the more brightly---- though, assuredly, the mistakes and failures must produce their own painful and humiliating results.

"It is the remembrance of this which alone can give calm repose in the midst of the most discouraging circumstances. If we take the eye of faith off God, our souls must soon be overwhelmed. It is our privilege to be able, in our little measure, to thank God in view of everything, and take refuge in His eternal counsels, which must be made good despite all the unbelief of man, and all the malice of Satan." -C.H.M.

"May God give us to increasingly know Him! If we had only to learn what we are, we should surely be cast down, and sink into despondency; but His object in giving us a knowledge of ourselves and of His grace, is to give us an expected end."

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" (Ps. 23:6).

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MAKING REQUEST WITH JOY
By RUSSELL S. MILLER, Pastor

Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:4

During Paul's first visit to Philippi, on that Second Apostolic Journey, there were many converts to Christianity. The man of Macedonia, Lydia and her household, the Philippian jailor and his house, some magistrates perhaps, the "damsel", and those personally addressed; at any rate, men and women from all walks of life, and with varied backgrounds, came to know Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord through Paul's ministry there. It's no wonder "that old serpent" was unhappy! But what's important, and what caused the Apostle to rejoice most, was that these saints became established in "the revelation of the mystery" and had grown in Christ, so that when Paul wrote them there was not that admonition and rebuke, but instruction, praise and thanksgiving:

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all MAKING REQUEST WITH JOY, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now" (Phil. 1:3-5).

This is "the fellowship of the mystery " spoken of in Ephesians and, in this train of thought, the Apostle made his petition. You can see why Paul prayed for "all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi. with the bishops and deacons".

Of course the content of his prayer is found in Philippians 1:9-11; may it be found in our prayers as we minister 'for Christ's sake".

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~THE DANGERS OF OUR DAY~
By Charles Wages


“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof; from such turn away.” (2 Tim. 3:1-5) Surely there would be an agreement or consensus of opinion that we live in dangerous or perilous times. However, why they are dangerous is not always agreed upon. The “last days” of the “church age” in which we live (not the “end of the world”) are dangerous for many reasons and in many areas.

These dangers can be classified in many areas. Warfare between the nations and people of these nations is affecting every nation on earth. There seems to be no answer to avoiding or preventing it.. Our Lord said that there would be “wars and rumors of wars;” that “nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom” (Matt. 24:5-6). Though this refers to the future tribulation period described in the book of Revelation, yet the very language is typical of our times. Will wars ever end?

There are a myriad of physical illnesses which constitute a real danger to us all. The AIDS epidemic is capable of killing literally millions of people on every continent. The number of things that affect the body and mind are overwhelming and costs billions of dollars annually.

Then there are the natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods, fires, and weather related dangers all over the universe.

However, after all is considered concerning the “dangers” that affect mankind, the one that is the greatest danger and least considered is the very “heart and soul” of all humankind.

This prominent and preeminent danger is the “spiritual warfare” being waged against every individual on earth. Some nineteen things are mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, but the last one could be the root cause of all the others: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” This sort of spiritual corruption is invading and affecting every household and every person, young and old. This is the real danger!

While on earth our Lord used his harshest words in speaking to or referring to the “religious” leaders of His day. Some fifteen times in the book of Matthew, Jesus called the Pharisees “hypocrites.” This word, only used by our Lord, refers to one acting on a stage or just “play acting.” The word to describe this “play acting” is “hypocrisy” or “putting on” a front. At first glance, this may appear harmless, but when packaged as true faith, it is very dangerous.

Most of the things that we consider “dangerous” are things that harm or destroy the body. As important as this may be, it is vastly more important that spiritual dangers be our concern. Why? This involves our eternal life! Much of the “health, wealth” religious preaching that we hear is for entertainment or personal gain. The propagating and proclaiming of this dangerous medicine is far more dangerous than W.M.D.

The two leading apostles, Peter and Paul, warn over and over of these “false teachers” and their “pernicious preaching.”

We read in 2 Peter 2,

“But there were false prophets among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you; whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” (vs. 1-3)

Remember the apostle Paul told us that we are living in “perilous” or dangerous times (2 Tim. 3:1) and then warned “from such turn away.” He especially characterized them by saying, they “have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof.” He then concludes by saying, “from such turn away.” In conclusion, the wonderful truth of Ephesians 6:10-18 is always so appropriate. It stands, not only as informing truth, but as warning truth of the “danger of our days.”

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” (Eph. 6:10-18 ) “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding, In all thy ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6)

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Indestructible Joy
By Anabel Gillham

Can you relate...

Something will happen and the joy will be fairly ripped from our breast, thrown on the ground, stomped and crushed and torn, and we stand there, confused and hurt, and empty - devoid of joy.

But a word will be said
a small sound will come
a tender touch
and from somewhere deep within
there is a tiny ember.

You know what it is! And you find tears streaming down your face, for welling up inside from that ember comes JOY - the joy you thought was gone forever. This joy is a "knowing," it is not a "feeling." It is knowing that He has everything under control. It is knowing that He loves me, that He lives in me, and that I am secure in Him. Paul knew this joy; he mentioned it fourteen times in his letter to the Philippians and he was in prison at the time. What do you suppose his cell looked like? Light and airy? Clean, nice bed, adequate bathroom facilities and nourishing meals? I don't think so. What were the circumstances in Paul's life? No stress? No enemies? Abounding comfort? Everything going his way? Skipping happily down "the yellow brick road?" What was he going through? Let's look:

Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.

2 Corinthians 11:24-29

To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.

1 Corinthians 4:11- 13

The joy that Paul was telling us about was obviously indestructible! He wrote to us about having joy while he was enduring indescribable pain, isolation, disappointments - all of the things he listed. Then he gives us the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit and it is all encompassing as you think about it:

Love. Joy gives me beautiful songs of love.

Peace. Joy frees me from anxiety.

Patience. Joy causes me to realize that God has everything under control.

Kindness. Joy frees me from hateful, gruff, unkind words and opens the gates of compassion and tenderness.

Goodness. Joy makes serving others a pleasure.

Faithfulness. Joy gives contentment in the most adverse circumstances.

Gentleness. Joy gives me calmness under pressure.

Self-control. Joy sets me free so I don't have to play games any longer for other people. I know wherein my joy lies. "Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

"Lord, this indestructible joy is mine. I don't need to pray for it or plead with you to grant this joy to me. It is mine because You live in me! I know that! So what am I to do? I am to open the gates and let that joy flow out of me. I keep it all dammed up inside - letting my inhibition and pride control this river of joy. I pray for courage, dear Lord. If I smile at someone - no matter how brusque they look, generally they smile back. And if I just had the gumption to twirl around in the street, dancing with pure joy, I think some folks might just dance with me or encourage me. I can just hear them: "Go to it, Girl!" "Great!" And they would clap and cheer. Of course there are those others, but I can ignore those who think I'm crazy! Right, Lord? Amen."

Joy! It is mine - today - forever because He is forever and He lives in me!

My joy - my peace - is no one's responsibility but my own! No harsh or unkind word, no slight, no wrong committed by anyone can rob me of my joy and peace - unless I let it!

"Lord, You have given me the power to refuse any word and defuse any act that would rob me of my joy and peace. May I be alert and aware of Your power within me. Thank You. Amen."

For Lifetime Guarantee, that's Grace.

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THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT ... IS JOY
By IVAN L. BURGENER, Pastor

Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:22

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

"Joy" is the second of these nine manifestations of the "fruit of the spirit." These are to be virtues characteristic of the believer's life. These are "fruit" of the spirit, but of what "spirit"? Perhaps your translation seems to indicate God's "Holy Spirit" is meant because of the capitalized "S." But many translations, including the 1611 Edition of the King James Version, had no such capital here. And since the Greek language offers no help by any such rules of capitalization, we are left to the internal evidence of the text and the context to determine just what "spirit" is meant.

Help is not far to seek if we notice that the "fruit of the spirit" is in sharp contrast with the "works of the flesh" mentioned in verse 19 above. These sixteen listed works are just the start of a seemingly endless list of manifestations of the flesh, that is the "old Adamic nature." Paul cannot say of these, "against such there is no law"! The Law of Moses clearly condemned them all in its ministry of pointing out sin for what it really was. No wonder "the law was not made for a righteous man .. ,"

Our text clearly contrasts the old and new natures and calls them by the names "flesh" and "spirit" respectively. And while the law clearly condemned the "works of the flesh, that same law had nothing to say about the "fruit of the spirit" or the new nature in which the Galatian believers were to "walk." Thus will joy be one of the spiritual virtues filling our lives as we walk manifesting our new natures, being subject to God and His Word!

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SOW IN TEARS - REAP IN JOY
By ROBERT E. HANNA, Pastor

Scripture Reading: Psalms 126:5

"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (II Timothy 3:12). As we labor for God, we shall inevitably suffer. It is our lot as servants in the ministry of His gospel. The Apostle Paul, our instructor and our example, testifies of his own suffering as he "goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed": "Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day have I been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness" (II Corinthians 11:24-27).

However, like the Psalmist, one may well conclude that the sower "shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Paul declares, "I will not glory, but in mine infirmities .. .I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake ... " (II Corinthians 12:5b, 10a). To the saints under his ministry, the apostle affirms, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing'? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming'? For ye are our glory and joy" (I Thessalonians 2:19, 20). Paul bore his precious seed to the hearers of his gospel, the gospel of the grace of God. And the seed bore fruit to the glory of God. Thus he could boldly declare, "I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (11 Timothy 4:7b).

[nChrist]

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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~CHRIST - ITS LIVING HEAD~
By  DAVID HAVARD, Pastor


Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1: 19-23;
Colossians 1: 18

Paul often used the analogy of the physical body to illustrate the truth of our relationship to Christ spiritually (Romans 12:4-5; I Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 5:29-30). Just as the physical body must be linked to its head, so we must be linked to our Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. We realize how silly it would be to expect a physical body to function without its head, yet we often forget that the same truth applies spiritually as well. In Colossians 2:19 Paul warns of the results of becoming disconnected from our Head. In similar terms, John 15:5 records Jesus' words about the necessity of being linked to Him. "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." It is still true that without Him, we can do nothing! (No growth without being connected to Him, Ephesians 4:16.)

The titles King (over all the earth during the millennial kingdom) and Head of all things, Colossians 1:18 ) are similar in that both speak of His authority and position. However, there is an added dimension when Christ is spoken of as the Head of His Body, the Church. A king conveys a certain formality; the king and his subjects are separated by both space and standing. But Jesus Christ as my Head is another matter altogether! Rather than speaking of distance and formality, headship speaks of intimacy and nearness! I am inseparably linked to my Living Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is mystery truth, revealed to us by God through the Apostle Paul. Because it is a mystery, I do not fully understand or comprehend all that the Headship of Christ implies - but I certainly do rejoice in it!