Tag Archives: salvation

Holy Habitation

Contentment that Stands Firm

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“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to BE CONTENT in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” – ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭13‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

In Day 7 of the devotional series linked below, author Andrew M. Davis advises, “In day three, we recognized that Christian contentment is a learned skilled. It also involves the supernatural. Contentment will not come easily. You will need to focus your soul on it, moment after moment, for the rest of your life. Our friend Jeremiah Burroughs offers further understanding: “Contentment is possible if you get skill in the art of it; you may attain to it, and it will prove to be not such a difficult thing either, if you but understand the mystery of it.” In other words, we must be willing and aspire to become proficient in gaining an attitude and spirit of contentment.

“Not only does it take remarkable spiritual skill to attain contentment; it also takes immense strength to protect it. Valor paints a picture of the determined defense we must wage for consistent contentment. Satan and his demonic forces will assault the citadel of your contentment every moment of your life for the rest of your days on earth. In Ephesians 6, you are called on to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might”. You are called to put on the full armor of God and stand in the evil day, fighting off the schemes of the devil. You are facing forces of cosmic evil whose power you can scarcely imagine. And if you do not fight, you will be discontent. The demonic forces will defeat you and carry off your treasure.” (End quote)

Contentment is a learned skill, taught to us under God’s supervision, grown in us through God’s Word in the working of His Spirit, exemplified for us in the life of Christ. Satan’s evil wants to rob us of contentment, because contentment is first and foremost a symptom flowing out of sincere trust in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. Striving to hold onto contentment is a front lines battlefield for all the days of our lives.

On the path of contentment in every circumstance, it is required of us to stand firm in Christ and in God’s Holy Word. God’s word is truth, and we must stand firm in it, refusing to allow evil to rob us of our understanding of the faithfulness of God to His Word, and of His right as Sovereign Lord, God, and King, to direct and dictate our every life experience for His eternal purposes.

Only Believe! And let belief bring us to obedience that flows out of trust in God.

Such trust in God produces righteousness in us as a breastplate, being holy as He is holy, protecting our hearts before God and keeping us set on the things above where Christ sets as King. Trust in God that holds us in stability, makes us ready servants, prepared with the gospel of peace for those desiring the contentment we possess.

Our faith to trust God in the good and the harsh, hard, and pressing, empowers us to stand firm. And stand we will, for God is able to make His servant stand (Romans 14:4). We stand on the very Word and integrity of God. His Word in us: strengthening trust; making us righteous as we practice our belief; emboldening our testimony; all becomes a shield protecting us from the flaming arrows of evil’s assault.

The saving grace of God, in Whom we trust, becomes our helmet, protecting our mind from the whispering lies of our flesh, this world, and the demonic. And the very Word of God, settled in our hearts and minds, is our Spirit-powered-sword, cutting to the quick of every false understanding that comes against God’s truth to and through us, disturbing us within, and unsettling the peacefulness of our contentment.

Contentment: that true contentment that rests itself in God’s faithfulness and sovereignty, is a worthy pursuit. It is that part of us who, like Christ, can honestly say, “yet not my will, but Yours be done,” and walk boldly forward into all the future God holds out to us, looking to the blessed reward of eternity with Him that we do not yet comprehend. Nor can we, for it is beyond imagination.

For the glory of His name and the good of eternity, stand firm with the assurance this contentment in God houses. Contentment trusts God’s love for us, knowing He cares for us. Because we love Him, contentment follows God’s will, His way, obeying out of trusting faith that He will accomplish what concerns us (Psalm 138:8). Contentment perseveres, even when suffering long, knowing we will see His glory.

“We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” – ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

““If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭15‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

The Power Of Christian Contentment:

Holy Habitation

The Effectual Fellowship of Believers

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“I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” – Philemon 1:4-7 NASB1995

There’s a lesson here that instructs us in the ways of an effective and growing fellowship of believers. It translates to such through each effective and growing member of the group who fellowship together in Christ. Looking at its wisdom, as I evaluate my own practices and value as a Christ follower tasked to encourage those with whom I fellowship, I am called to higher ground: to keep growing strong in the practices of our common faith. To be light as He is light.

The first thing that stands out to me is

** “making mention of you in my prayers.”

As a strong member of a strong fellowship, we pray for one another. We often think of prayer as fervency, and fervent prayer is vital. However, I am finding in this world we live in that there is so much to pray over, it can be overwhelming. We should be fervent in prayer, focusing on pressing needs, seeking God’s will in our way of praying for those needs. But one thing I have noticed of late is Paul‘s practice of mentioning churches and individuals before God. He keeps them lifted up before the one who knows their needs and meets them where they are.

In practicing this method of prayer, I have found that as I pray, mentioning each organization or person to the Lord, through my mind flashes their needs. In mentioning them, I lay the whole of who they are and the needs I know of at the feet the Lord. Laying it at His feet in faith, I trust His sovereignty over their lives. “Mentioning” is part of the effective, fervent prayer of the righteous.

** “hear of your love”

How’s our love walk with those around us? Love proves our relationship with God and strengthens our relationship with one another. Love is vital to unity, and unity is important to God. Without the unity and fellowship that love brings, the effective service of the church will be hindered.

People are looking for love. Our ability to walk in love is a large part of what makes us a light in the world. It is vital that we know what love is, how to practice it, and daily grow stronger in the way we love those around us.

** “and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints”

Our faith to believe the Faith and practice its instruction for life is vital. The way we live our Faith is another thing people see. Why should they believe if they don’t see the faith we profess practiced in our daily lives. We must be Who and what we say we believe. Along with living godly lives that proves our faith to believe, we need to be aligned with people of faith that we can trust. And we need to prove trustworthy.

** “and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.”

God places in each of us skills and giftedness that He can use to help His Body, the Church, function well together. Some have a heart to encourage the body and skill to apply God’s Word to our daily living. Some have a heart that leans heavily towards sharing the gospel with those who need to hear it. We are all called to encourage one another and spread the Word of saving grace, but some are especially gifted at it.

Others have a servant heart especially able to see and quick to jump to the physical needs. Leadership, administration, giving, preaching, teaching, and more. What is your gift? We are all needed for a well functioning fellowship of believers.

Leaders in the church, are you alert to the gifts and calling of each individual in your pews, inviting them to use their areas of strength to help the church function and bring stability to the body? Or are they sitting, bored on the pews? Stewardship includes right and good use of the giftedness of God’s people.

“that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” – 1:6 KJV Find ways to use the gift of God’s grace in you for the up building and stability of the body of Christ, beloved. It is the reason God put it in you, and why He put you where He has you established for His glory.

** “I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”

This world can greatly weary the heart of Christ followers. For my lifetime, I would have to say “especially” here in this thought. This world can greatly weary the heart of Christ followers: ESPECIALLY in these days when the things going on around us seem worse than ever in my lifetime, my heart gets weary. We need the encouragement of a loving fellowship that helps us maintain focus on God, His ways, the hope we have in Him, and the joy we have in one another as we grow together in Christ. As long as we stay focused and actively apply the Faith we are in, we will do well as Kingdom people amid a fallen world.

Solomon said it this way in Ecclesiastes: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” – 4:9-12 NASB1995

We’re stronger together.

He also wrote the Proverb, “Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17 NASB1995

We’re sharpened when we encourage one another in the Word, will, and way of God; made mentally, socially, spiritually, and economically stronger, more alert and cognizant of our position in the Kingdom Life God desires for us when we walk together through this earthly life.

And Paul advises “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load.” – Galatians 6:1-5 NASB1995

We are called to help one another recognize ungodly paths and habits we fall into. We sharpen each other, as iron sharpens a double edged sword. But we alone will stand before God for the choices we make.

“… Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder,” – 2 Peter 1:1-13 NASB1995

My posts may seem repetitive, covering similar material, calling us (me first) to pay attention to what God’s Word is telling us, but it is because I am the heart of The Encourager. It is God’s gift in me. I enjoy applying what scripture says to life today, breaking it down to its individual parts and, hopefully expressing it clearly for the one who needs it today.

I’ve long left the mindset of caring about numbers. If only one is helped to come up higher and press forward in Christ, my job is done. It is a long lived practice, to stir people up by way of reminder.

“[And I pray] that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good [thing] that is ours in [our identification with] Christ Jesus [and unto His glory].” – 1:6 AMPC

May God bless us as we live as one in Him.

Holy Habitation

It Was For Freedom

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“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but FAITH working through love. You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is. …”

The one disturbing them is pushing legalism over faith in the truth concerning the work of Christ that sets us free indeed. This “faith” speaks of trust to believe in confident hope, and out of that faith, to take action in agreement with God, the Living Word, the Truth that sets free indeed.

“But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished. I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves. For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. …”

The faith we have does not remove from us the responsibility to obey the New Covenant Law. We still must obey God and follow Christ. But obedience does not save us; Christ alone does that. Obedience simply proves and protects our relationship with God through Christ. It shows us to be vitally united to God the Father through to saving grace found in Christ. Obedience proves us to be a people who walk in the leading of the Spirit rather than giving self to the dictates of the flesh, as the following verses indicate.

“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will NOT inherit the kingdom of God. But THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now THOSE WHO BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS HAVE CRUCIFIED THE FLESH WITH ITS PASSIONS AND DESIRES. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” – Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭26‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

True freedom comes when we walk free from the dictates and death of sin that destroys relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son and Savior. Choose today whom you will serve: our flesh, false teaching, and demonic wisdom that leads to destruction; or God the Father through Jesus the Living Word in the power of the Spirit who brings the Word to life in us. If the fruit of obedience is not there, chances are great that the relationship with God we think we have is not real.

Today’s the day for salvation. The choice is ours.

Make me faithful, Father. Empower righteousness in me. Grant wise discernment to recognize and walk in the lead of Your Spirit for every path, temptation, decision, desire, hope, and plan. Help me succeed at loving You well. In Jesus, be Lord to me and know me. Amen.

Holy Habitation

Many Crowns

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“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” – ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Two things stand out to me here: one being the promise expressed. The other is the path to attaining the promise.

The promise Paul possessed here is the attainment of “the crown of righteousness.” There are numerous crowns for the faithful mentioned in scripture, each having a path to obtaining it for those eligible to receive it. Many believe we, like the elders in Revelation, will one day cast those crowns at the feet of Jesus.

When I was younger, immature in the ways of humility, that thought bothered me. I wanted to keep what I earned. Growing in humility, I realize more and more that I truly can do nothing of eternal worth apart from the work of Christ in me. I can’t recall specifics now, but something happened in me about 10 years ago that filled my heart with joy at the thought of casting my crowns before Him who truly deserves them.

If that is a true picture of standing before Him in heaven, casting our crowns before Him; then, here on earth, heaven being in us who are saved by grace, being baptized into Christ, can enjoy casting crowns to Him now. I praise God for the privilege of surrendering all crowns to Him right now in my day to day life, just as I will when I stand at Heaven‘s throne. He is Lord of lords and King of kings. I bow to His rule and give Him glory, surrendering all that I am or ever hope to be to Him who is worthy. He gets full credit for any good in me, and for every success for the Kingdom worked through me. And I strive to walk the path to each crown available to me, joyously casting them before Him as I go. This crown of righteousness is one I strive for each day. And here is the path to it.

The path:

Knowing that each crown has its path to obtaining it; we just have to stop and take time to discern the path in the instructions given. This means that we must be students of God’s Word, writing it on our hearts, meditating on it daily, not only in group studies, but in personal study. Here, in Paul’s proclamation, we see the path he walked to his crown of righteousness, giving us instruction as to how we must live.

1: “I have fought the good fight….”

There is instruction throughout scripture that tells us how to fight the good fight of our faith. Just off the top of my head is Ephesians 6:10-18’s instructions on how we are to stand firm against evil by putting on the armor of God that is available to us, including being always in prayer for ourselves, one another, and our spiritual leaders/warriors. To put on this armor, we need to study each piece and learn of its meaning and function. We cannot put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, or the belt of truth if we don’t understand how to come under Christ’s saving grace, what righteousness and truth are, and how to live these out.

Then there’s Colossians 3:1-17 that instructs in two major areas. First, we are to “set your minds and keep them set on the things above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (AMPC). We are now and forevermore citizens of God’s Kingdom, tasked to truly represent Christ’s interests on earth. To do that, we must not let our souls (thoughts, will, and emotions) get trapped in worldly pursuits. We must seek God’s will, intent on accomplishing it in His way, always motivated by His purposes.

Second is the call of God for us to take off the old man described in verse 5-11, and put on the new creation God has placed in us. Verses 12-17 tell us how to do that. Study that passage. Seek Father for its fulfillment in you. Be intentional in striving for it.

There are many more such passages and we are instructed by God to study it out so that we may be approved (2 Timothy 2:15). Get in the Word daily for these life changing insights. If you are new to Bible reading and study, we are people of the New Testament (NT) Covenant. Start reading in the NT. I’ll post a plan of reading in the comments to help you get started. (If I forget, remind me.)

2: “I have finished the course…”

We are frequently encouraged throughout scripture to practice endurance and perseverance in the things of God, standing firm in them (Ephesians 6:10-12); persevering in hope (Romans 5:3-5); striving to win the prize laid up for us in heaven (1 Corinthians 9:23-27). This road is not easy and there are many evils that challenge our perseverance and chance our loss of reward. But stand we must, over and over and over again. Thankfully, God has provided for times when we fall: calling us to turn back to Him in repentance. Getting up from there, we dust off, and press forward to the goal.

3: “I have kept the faith.”

The word “faith” is used in two main ways throughout scripture. One is the faith described as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). It is that which is in us that equips us to believe God, and taking Him at His Word, to live in hope; to hear the promises and trust God’s faithfulness to His word.

The second is the belief system in which we walk. We are Christian, putting our confidence in God and His Word, coming into covenant agreement with God through Christ, and walking in obedience to the faith covenant we made with Him because we love him and desire our union to stand strong. This faith hears Paul’s words to us and perks our ears to attention. Listening for instruction that gives us the “how to,” we choose to walk the path as he did. Striving to keep the covenant agreement with Christ, knowing that as we fight the good fight of faith, persevering to finish the course, and as we keep the tenants of God’s Instruction Manuel (the Holy Bible), we set our course to receive the promise of the crown.

Our faith in God’s promise that we can obtain a crown we cannot yet see is accomplished as we follow in the covenant agreement of the faith we have become part of in Christ. Ours is not a religion: it is a Faith.

Paul’s proclamation, “I have kept the faith,” means this second defining parameter of living in covenant agreement. He has faithfully maintained his covenant with Christ, walking in His instruction for Christian living laid out in God’s Word. In other words, Paul obeyed Jesus, proving his love of Christ, who appeared to us for the sole purpose of drinking the cup we could not drink so we could possess the eternal life we would otherwise not have hope of living.

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

Our part of the promise:

“…in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but ALSO TO ALL WHO HAVE LOVED HIS APPEARING.”

We love the appearing of Him who made The Way, so that we may truly Live. I don’t know about you, but I am determined to walk this life with God because I love Him in all His Triune glory. HE IS OUR EXCEEDINGLY GREAT REWARD. And He gave His Son to provide for us a path on which we may gain that blessed reward. If we get nothing else, we get Him!

The attainment of many crowns is a plus I strive toward for the great joy of casting them at the Holy Feet of Jesus Christ. Study to be approved, beloved, and let’s walk this life together.

Holy Habitation

IF YOU LOVE ME

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“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
— John 14:15

“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high! May He send you help from the sanctuary And support you from Zion! May He remember all your meal offerings And find your burnt offering acceptable! Selah. May He grant you your heart’s desire And fulfill all your counsel! We will sing for joy over your victory, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

“Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand. Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God. They have bowed down and fallen, But we have risen and stood upright. Save, O Lord; May the King answer us in the day we call.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭1‬-‭9‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

This is an excellent prayer from the Psalms. I often pray it, using it as a pattern of prayer over myself and those I love – even verse three: “May He remember all your meal offerings And find your burnt offering acceptable! Selah.”

We don’t make meal offerings and burnt offerings. Jesus took the need of that away. He became the sacrificial Lamb for all who are truly His. But I always keep that verse when I note this passage, because we do have, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬ ). We have, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭42‬). We have, “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you” (John 13:13-15).

We don’t kill sheep and goats for sacrifice, but we do put to death our fleshly lusts and desires that stand against the instruction and commands of God. We leave our will and way on the altar of sacrifice to take up the will and way of our Lord. We choose intentional selflessness, deadening our flash and relinquishing our own desires to show the love and care of God to others.

When I read of the sacrifices of old, I thank God we don’t have to do that to be with God and walk in the light of His love. But I am also reminded that we, who follow Christ, do have a sacrifice to give. It is not given to win favor with God or earn our salvation. It is always and only one thing. It is simply a love offering made from a grateful heart; a fragrant aroma to our God found in a life that honors our King.

“So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh⁠—for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” – Romans 8:12-13

Holy Habitation

Proper Use of the Parental Rod

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“Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭6‬ ‭AMPC‬‬ [see also Eph. 6:4; II Tim. 3:15.]

“He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.” – Proverbs 13:24

A shepherd’s rod and the parental rod are not far removed from each other. The rod/staff of a shepherd has two ends, often with one end crooked. The straight end is mainly used to beat off predators, though it may also be used to tap the haunches, turning a sheep to the correct way. The staff end is used to grab a lamb and pull it away from trouble, or closer in for protection and the building of a loving relationship.

All of these methods of discipline are important in raising children.

There are times they need their bottoms swatted. Especially younger children who only understand “now” and need a method of training that quickly links correction with unacceptable actions.

There are times we must get between our children and the dangers they too readily run headlong into.

And there are times we have to grab them and pull them back from harms way, closer in to protective custody and loving care.

In each case it is vital the discipline includes instruction in righteousness. We get tired of our children asking why, but they need the whys and wherefores if they are to learn truth, righteousness, and consequences. Even if the why is to tell them they wouldn’t understand the reason right now, but will eventually, and they need to trust you have good reason.

God doesn’t always tell us the whys and wherefores, so teaching children to trust is a vital part of training in discipline. That means we must prove trustworthy and train our children to know they can trust the God we faithfully follow as we raise them.

As I look into the defining parameters of a rod today, there’s another aspect of the “rod” that is vital. The rod is also defined as a symbol of authority.

There’s a saying that goes like this, “Rules without relationship breeds rebellion.”

This is true. Being hard, harsh, and pressing with our kids without including an attitude of loving care, produces an anger in them that God warns against (Ephesians 6:4). Rebellion is likened to divination, insubordination, and idolatry in scripture. It is the sin that lost Saul the throne (1 Samuel 15:23). When parents cause a rebellious heart to develop in their children, it most often delivers a citizen into the world who fights authority at every level of life.

However, relationship without rules breeds inordinate self-regard, to our children, producing in them varying levels of narcissism: making for extremes of self reliance, conceit, and a lack of compassion toward and ability to work with others. It does not teach the importance of working under authority, failing to prepare the child for a future that finds authority figures around every corner.

We need to grow a loving relationship with our kids that hears their hearts, deals with them appropriately, and teaches them to be good citizens of God in a world of rules. If we do not teach them to follow authority while they are young, they will have difficulty following God when they are old. God is the ultimate authority. We have no sense of covenant with God without exemplary, parental authority following Him. Without faith to trust God, following close under His authority, we cannot please Him.

The rod of authority is a vital instrument in the hands of the parent. Both ends of that rod includes and flows from the word of God. Any discipline we give our children should point to God and His rule found in His word. It should lead the children to love God and desire to please Him. The word of God is a living and active sword that cuts deep into the heart and soul of the child to help them become the best person they can possibly be.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-27; Hebrews 4:12).

This requires parents to be students of the Word. We cannot rightly teach what we do not know. The role of parents is to raise up children who will be a profitable member of society. As Christians, we are to raise up citizens of the Kingdom of God, who know and follow Him in Christlikeness, being people of God that are adequately equipped for every good work opportunity He brings their way. Good Kingdom citizens make good citizens on earth, following first God’s authority, honoring parents, and knowing how to follow those authorities set up on earth.

The rod of discipline is a vital tool in our parental arsenal as we fight for our kids to be all God created them to be, protecting them from a world of evil. The rod of discipline couples with love for the good of the child and the glory of God.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 7/8/24

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James 1:5-8 NASB1995

Father, thank You for the truth that Your wisdom calls to us, desiring relationship with us. Understanding that comes from wisdom lifts her voice. You desire wisdom for us and call us to seek her diligently, promising those who seek her to practice that wise counsel, will find her. May my ears be found truly listening for the noble things wisdom speaks.

The opening of wisdom’s lips reveals right things. Wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her. She dwells with prudence, and leads us to find knowledge and discretion.

Wisdom instructs our hearts to understand that the fear of the Lord is to hate evil. Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, wisdom hates. Counsel belongs to sound wisdom. Oh how I need it and long to see it in those I love and those who lead. Wisdom is understanding, and power is possessed by it. Wisdom loves those who love it. Those who diligently seek wisdom, will find it.

The fruit of wisdom is better than gold, even pure gold; its yield better than choicest silver. I pray for myself and for mine to walk in wisdom, whose way is righteousness, and whose paths are justice. Wisdom leads to true wealth for those who love her wise counsel and walk in it, that she may fill their treasuries.

Grant us ears to listen for wisdom and not move without her, for there is blessing in keeping her ways. Fill us with desire to heed her instruction and be wise, and let us not neglect it, for blessed is the person who listens to her, watching daily at her gates, waiting patiently for her at her doorposts. For those who find wisdom find life. They obtain the favor of the Lord. But he who sins against wisdom, ignoring her counsel, injures themselves with many pangs. For those who hate wisdom, love death.

Your Word is wisdom. It’s living and active and sharper than a double edged sword, cutting deep into our souls to make us holy as You are holy. May we love Your Word and walk in it, finding true wisdom and righteous paths for life abundant and full. In Jesus, amen.

Proverbs 8 (:1, 6, 11-14, 17, 19-21, 32-36)

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 7/3/24

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See also Acts 17:24-28; Matthew 11:28-30; Ephesians 1:15-2:10; 5:17-24; Matthew 6:24-34

“…The Father gave us life and the incredible treasure of what He made us to be. He gave us His Son in order to retrieve that treasure, and the instant we yield our lives to Him, He gives us the kind of life that not only transforms us now but provides assurance of eternity with Him forever.” (Jack Hayford)

You know the plans You have for me, Lord. You gave me life through my parents, placing me in the environment and time You planned me to live in. And You gave me new life in Christ, revitalizing Your image in me for Your purposes, working constantly to restore me to Your perfect intent and purpose. What a treasure trove of discovery You give me.

Lord, I am aged, but not dead. I am in a time and place that can feel quite had, harsh, and pressing. Help me to remember that You are with me. Grant me to remember the yoke I share with Jesus. May I know You, enter Your rest, and discover the treasure You have for me to possess in this season. As long as I draw breath, there is a work to do in bringing Your plan to fruition and Your Kingdom purpose to its fulfillment. Make me faithful to be found doing the good work You planned for me even now. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Mourning Prayer: 5/27/24

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‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬-‭24‬; ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬-‭13‬; 2 Corinthians 7:7-10; Ezekiel 9:4-6, NASB1995‬‬

I do cry out to You, O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who still preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love You and keep Your commandments. In the righteousness of Christ covering me, I bow before You through the veil. By Your gracious mercy, sufficient for me in that blessed union, I pray that Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night.

I grieve the sin in my own life and seek to fully surrender to Your chastening hand, for You love me as Your daughter in Christ and desire my good, that I honor You and walk in Your ways at all times and in all things. This, too, is my heart cry; so I humble myself today and seek Your face with all that I am and ever hope to be.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence nor take Your Holy Spirit from me, but draw near to me as I draw near to You. Fill me to the full with all that You are and created me to be in union with You. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation. Sustain me with a willing spirit of obedience to You, Your will and Your way. Then use me to teach transgressors Your ways, so that sinners will be converted to You.

Also, Father, daily my heart breaks over the sin and struggle I see in many I so greatly love, and for those in this great nation You have caused me to habitat for Your glory and purpose. More still, my heart breaks for those who are blind to You and Your ways, absolutely incapable of seeing and acknowledging their need of You and Your mercy in Christ.

On behalf of those who seek to know You, living as Your servants, confessing the sins we, too, fall into, in which we have sinned against You, I beg Your pardon and ask Your cleansing. Make us to walk as lights in this night, useful to You in drawing the many who do not know and serve You into the saving grace that frees from sin’s grip and the death that comes to those who refuse Your provision in Christ. And open blinded eyes, stirring cold, dead hearts and dulled minds, causing many to see, hear, and know You. This I pray for me, for mine, for this nation, and, indeed, for the world at large. In Jesus Holy and pure Name, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 5/17/24

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“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” – Matthew 28:18-20 NASB1995

Father, we are first called to “make disciples,” specifically teaching them to observe all that You command us. And when they believe You, we are told to baptize them in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Baptism is important and not to be degraded. We make disciples and baptize them in Your name. That is our clear, undeniable call and instruction. Make us who are disciples of Your teachings and baptized into Your Name faithful to Your call. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 3/21/24

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1 Peter 3:13-22; Romans 12:1-3, NASB

Father, I seek You in truth, desiring to know, speak, and live Your truth. May I be found faithful, proving to be zealous for what is good. Sanctifying Christ as Lord in my heart, Father, remove from me every fear and dread of intimidation.

May Your truth so reside in me that I may be able to make a defense when called for, yet with gentleness and reverence. Grant me life in You, making me able to keep a good conscience, even in suffering. If I must suffer, let it be for righteousness sake, that I may be found suffering for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. And use that suffering for the glory of Your name, growing my character to perfection in Christ, shining Your Light so that others may see and be drawn by You to walk in the Light, as You are in the Light.

Father, by Your mercy and grace, grant to me the power and perseverance needed to put to death my flesh, while being made alive in the spirit. Transform me, Father, by the renewing of my mind, so I become living proof of what Your will is: that good, acceptable, and perfect will of my God. In Jesus’ Holy and beloved Name and for Your glory, let it be so. Amen.

Holy Habitation

Trust in the Lord, Even Now

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“But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened.” – Mark 6:49-52 NASB1995

The disciples just saw Jesus feeding thousands. Jesus sends them on ahead of him in the boat while he sent the masses away and went up on the mountain to pray. Coming to them walking on the water, we are told how astonished they were to see him. Then it says of them “they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves.” Why? Because their heart was hardened. They were seeing God incarnate doing mighty things that only God can do, but were refusing to realize the power they were walking beside.

Children of God, we often do the same when we see God meet our needs in ways that amaze our heart and make us know it is him acting on our behalf. Then the next challenge comes and our hardened heart panics without realization that God is still on the side of those who are His and still provides for our needs.

A heart that trusts God remembers the things he has already done for us, and with the hope revealed in our experience, faces the next challenge with a greater peace that understands that God is faithful. He, who has looked after us before, will look after us now.

A heart of trust knows there is nothing too great for God, there is no need beyond his reach. Trust in the Lord, even now, when fear attacks our thinking, and do the good that faith produces.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

I want to do this well, Father.

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Philippians 2:1-8, 4:10-14; Hebrews 4:14-16; James 2:14-17; 1 John 3:16-24.

Father God, in the opportunities these devastating fires have presented me and each of us, Your children in Christ, empower us to accomplish Your will done Your way for the glory of Your name and the building of Your Kingdom and people. All I have and all I am belongs to You for Your Name’s sake. Make me a faithful steward of all Your good supply.

I want to use my home and resources well as I help these in need, Lord. Help me trust You with my home and the things going on here that make for wear and tear, and stress my patience and peace. Help me to trust Your supply for household things when this unusual strain is relieved. The important thing is to trust You, be Your light that reveals Your trustworthiness and care, and practice the hospitality that accomplishes Your righteousness and makes You known to the hearts of those I seek to help.

I want to love as You love, with patience, kindness, endurance, and graciousness. Help me give my all fearlessly, as You have given. This need will not pass us by in a day, Lord, as the devastation is extensive and area resources are stressed. It will take time to get people back into homes. Grant us endurance with peace of heart and mind, taking every thought that hinders peace and righteousness captive, so love prevails and encouragement flows to help the stressed and distressed find the hope to be had in You alone.

Grant us Your heart, Lord, as we weep with those who weep, and as we seek to help them recognize Your goodness in the midst of these storms all around us and inside us. These opportunities present eternal purpose, Father. Fill our hearts with Your truth as we encourage the grieving and fainthearted. In Jesus and for His glory, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 2/2/24

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“How can we sing the Lord’s song In a foreign land?” – Psalms 137:4 NASB1995

Life in these days is so foreign to Kingdom living. Things in life that are so greatly against You and Your ways set our hearts in a tailspin and stop the flow of prayer as we feel we know not how to even begin to pray. So, set our hearts on the things above where You are. Keep our hearts set on You. Only then do we have hope and find help in time of need. You not only hold the answer to every trying situation. You are the answer. We pray You for life. Deliver us and those we love from everything that’s not You. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation

Is “Legalism” a Manmade Philosophy? Part 2/2

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We left things last post at “So, Darlene,” you ask, “what brought you to the question at hand, “Is ‘legalism’ a manmade philosophy?””

I’ve always been told that the fellowship of believers known as the Church of Christ is a legalistic group, requiring obedience as part of salvation. I can see where one might think that. But as I study with them, the thing I find more true is their extreme emphasis on the proof of salvation seen in Christ’s words: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience is required and proves our love of God and His ways. We should all give “extreme emphasis” to this act of love for God that reveals we have come to know Him.

“We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world” (1 John 4:16-17).

Love that obeys “…is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10).

Scripture leads us to understand that right standing with God is seen in lives that consistently bear GOOD fruit (Luke 8:15; Matthew 7:15-30; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:7-10; and more). We are also told to “WORK OUT our salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). But in our day I hear more and more from people confessing Christ, being confronted with the word of God or with opportunity for self examination, spout out, “That’s legalistic!” Many reveal an attitude toward salvation in Christ that appears to believe obedience is not a necessary part of salvation and is unrelated to it.

I have, for all my days in ministry through writing and teaching, been used of God to call us – beginning with myself – to;

  • “test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! …” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
  • “Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit” (Luke 12:35 ).
  • “prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22).

It is my calling in Christ and He makes me fearless when it comes to the backlash that can come from the world, and most assuredly, from those who profess Christ.

Recently I’ve shared some things that come from Church of Christ bulletins that I found thought-provoking and worthy of consideration. The things that help me, I enjoy sharing in hopes that it will help others. Having shared many such items in my past, even from Chuch of Christ publications, I never dreamed of being told that an item was legalistic in its content. It came across to me as something said simply because it was linked to a Church of Christ publication.

Coupling that with the number of times that I’ve heard people say, “that’s legalistic,” when they are confronted with conviction, leads me to believe it is a man-made philosophy used to make ourselves feel righteous, and remove from ourselves any sense of the conviction that God may be putting upon us.

Conviction is from God. God does not condemn through false accusations and throwing forgiven sins we’ve turned away from practicing in our faces. The words of others will not bother us if we are walking in righteousness in the area of truth presented. To deny conviction without considering it before God, is to deny God. Things we do not want to face become an easy target for squelching with the blanket called “legalism”.

The choice I see is simple. We can continue to use the excuse of legalism as a way of separating ourselves, or we can choose to do business with God, find truth for our lives, and walk together in love’s unity. The important thing is that we find the truth of God, practice the repentance that proves unity with Him, bear fruit in keeping with righteousness, and walk together in love.

Jesus knows those who are His. Those He knows are the church. And those who are His reveal themselves through alignment with His righteousness. Let us choose to love God through Christ and be The Church.

Holy Habitation

Is “Legalism” a Manmade Philosophy? Part 1/2

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This writing contains tons of scripture necessary as proof text. It also requires some introduction as to what brought me here, necessary for friends and family who read my posts. As a result, it may turn into a two or more days series. Please bear with me and hear God’s Word.

Before getting into why I am asking God this question and presenting it to you, I must share a bit of testimony about what is going on that has me asking this question, and where God has me at this time in my life.

I recently joined a local Church of Christ fellowship. Yes, I received baptism to do so, not because I believe I came to them as a lost soul. My life bears fruit in every area God’s word tells us proves our union and calls us to evaluate ourselves. I pass the test spoken of in 2 Corinthians 13:5-6.

After my baptism, I told them I will not deny the work of God’s Spirit that has grown me. To deny the spiritual growth I already have seems to me as blasphemous. I cannot do that. But I dug into baptism and learned a deeper truth concerning having a right heart in it. Convinced that I needed to make sure I had a right heart in the receiving of that baptism, I was baptized into this fellowship.

I’ve been baptized twice before in my life. The first was at the age of nine+, when I recognized Christ as Savior and my need of Him. It was in a fundamental Baptist church that believed a whole lot like the Church of Christ. Baptism was treated as a vital part of the steps of salvation. It is not done as some testimonial show, but is a vital part of entering into Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection to new life.

In my recent baptism, I realized just how much the first breath when coming out of that water is like the first breath of a new born babe. It is a vital part of rebirth, the receiving of new life with new breath that starts our journey into a life that is, in that instant, a clean slate, ready for new input. But I was young when I first received baptism, and it was long ago, so I cannot recall my heart attitude and level of understanding in it.

The second time was in my mid twenties. God was dealing with me on my level of commitment and degree of surrender to Him in my obedience to and trust level in Him as a disciple of Christ. Speaking with my pastor at the time, we decided that it would be a good thing for me to just make sure of my stance in Christ, by going through the steps of salvation, including baptism, with that full understanding of the commitment I was making in heart. Thus, I was baptized anew.

Still, with many years behind me, I could not recall if my attitude of heart was in line with my deepened understanding regarding the significance and importance of baptism to salvation. Desiring to make sure my heart was right and my baptism was done with full understanding of its importance to the salvation process and it’s significance, I walked into those cold, baptismal waters and made sure my commitment in Christ.

That little sidestep of testimony behind me, let’s return to my reason for going to the Church of Christ in the first place.

Since my husband‘s passing, I have felt very out of place in the church I was attending. I just did not feel like I belonged there in this new season. I missed Johnny, and I felt like it was not right being there without him. I was a square peg. Not knowing where to even begin to look for where God wanted me, I asked Him where I needed to start. He immediately brought to mind the Church of Christ.

Now, I did not just go with that thought. That is not my practice. First I called on friends to pray, then I got into God‘s word, and began to ask Him to confirm for me the word heard. In my daily reading, scriptures stood out to me, not only confirming that I was hearing God clearly, but instructing my heart in the purpose and heart attitude I was called to have on this journey. I was instructed to go with a humble and submissive heart toward God, having ears to hear with a listening heart, ready to be as the men of Berea, who did not just receive the word preached, but dug into the word of God to prove its truth.

So, I am immersing myself in the Word of God as I consider the teachings of the Church of Christ, digging into the scriptures to find truth. My heart cry is for truth. Most of what I am finding, I have long believed, and practiced. There is really not that much, so far, that I cannot stand in agreement with, from what I already know, believe, and practice. But there is still much study to do, as there are many areas that I question, especially end time beliefs.

And I ask questions. Right now I am digging into Ephesians, letting God teach me and show me all that He desires me to know. I started with Ephesians because my scripture focus for spiritual growth this year is in this book. I begin that focus by looking at it in context to the full thought process it flows from. As I draw near to the conclusion of my own study, I will dig into notes that were given to me by the preacher’s wife, from the preacher’s notes on the study of the New Testament at the church I attend, and see where we agree and where I need to ask questions.

This commitment to God’s calling will take time. God has called me to full immersion, so even when I miss in person fellowship because of sickness and the like, I do a Church of Christ service online. Lord willing, I will soon make a month long trip to my daughter’s, to be there for the birth of a granddaughter’s first child. Usually I would go with her to church, but I am fully committed to God in this season and will look for a Church of Christ fellowship to attend.

“So, Darlene,” you ask, “what brought you to the question at hand, “Is ‘legalism’ a manmade philosophy?” This piece is long already, so let’s start here in my next post.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 12/29/23

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“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him. You have done foolishly in this; therefore, from now on you shall have wars.” – 2 Chronicles 16:9 AMPC

“God is not democratic. His Kingdom is not a democracy. He is never subject to our whim or rule. The only real authority we ultimately have with God is the right to completely rule Him out of our lives. You can do that. But who in their right minds wants to? That’s the decision of those who refuse Christ, who reject God’s redemption and rule through His appointed King.

“But once I receive Jesus Christ as Savior, He enters to become Lord. Once my choice is to “rule Him in,” He comes in to rule! He takes over at Master-control and exercises God’s Kingdom rule to achieve our best blessing and highest destiny.” (From Praise in The Presence of God, by Jack Hayford)

Father God, I am so grateful for Your saving grace found in Jesus Christ, my Savior and King. Thank You for leading my heart to bow before You and choose Jesus as Lord and Redeemer King. Thank You for paying the price I could not pay so I can have the Life I do not deserve.

And thank You for giving Your Word and Teacher Spirit to train me in righteousness and empower me to walk out the salvation You call me to, living out the righteous life You call me to display. You are awesome God and Faithful Creator, worthy of all glory, praise, and honor. May my life and every breath prove these truths to the glory of Your name. In Jesus and for Your glory and crown, amen.

Holy Habitation

Forgiveness is Waiting

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John 3:13-21

“Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”” Luke 17:1-4 NKJV

God’s forgiveness is there, waiting to be received. We who belong to Him, having received His gift of forgiveness, are called to forgive in likeness to Him. To do so, we must understand and fully receive God’s forgiveness.

Isaiah 43:25 reveals to us that God chooses forgiveness for His own sake. Choosing forgiveness before repentance is seen is a choice that protects from the tendency to give up on a desired relationship. It protects the one who chooses forgiveness from being hindered from moving forward, being hurt mentally and spiritually by bitterness, anger, hate, and other such maladies that take hold to destroy life, filling hearts with inability to trust and give unconditional love.

We who are called by His name are responsible before God to forgive those who offend us in the likeness of His forgiveness given to us. However, God’s forgiveness for us is not ours to possess until we reach out through repentance to receive it. Until we actively receive God’s gift of forgiveness, provided by His grace, we will not possess the relationship with Him that He desires with us.

Jesus died in the place of us sinners to provide us The Way to receive God’s forgiveness. His provision is ours once we reach out from repentant hearts to The Father, through Him who is the propitiation (full payment) owed by us because of our sin. God provided The Way for us to enter healed and full, eternal relationship with Him as we believe The Truth of The Christ, and receive The Life eternal and made new that only He provides for us.

We show ourselves recipients of that new life as we live the life He calls us to with every breath He graciously supplies. For the remainder of our earthly dwelling, we are to walk out the salvation we are freely given, maintaining a healthy relationship with God that glorifies Him and reveals His love to others.

If you’ve not received the greatest gift ever given, reach out and take it with a believing heart that recognizes it’s sinful ways that stand against this holy God, requiring God’s forgiveness. Reach to Him, ready to receive His grace with a heart that is determined to live for Him, knowing He is holding His gift out, ready to give. Then reach out to a Christ-centered friend and seek to be baptized into Christ, joining His fold in a fellowship that teaches truth from the full gospel of Christ, where Christian fellowship and encouragement for growth is found.

Baptism into Christ is a vital step of obedience in one’s salvation experience and is not to be taken lightly. Like marriage vows done as God intended, it is a joining in union with Him, fully entering the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Buried with Him in water baptism, we are raised to receive and walk in newness of life, fully committing oneself to walk forevermore in full relationship with God, determined to live life as one belonging to Him. When we step out of those waters, we leave the eternal grave and our old, flesh-driven life behind to walk in the new, Spirit-filled and directed life God calls us to live according to His wisdom found in His Word. As a new slate, clean and fresh, we now live a life written out for us to possess in a way that honors Him as Savior, God, Father, and King.

Get into God’s Word every day, starting with the New Testament. Reading it is important, but it is also vital to find someone who can teach you how to study God’s Word for the fullest benefit of understanding. Stay in the New Testament until you have a firm grasp of the covenant agreement you are called to, and walk in His ways for the remainder of your days.

The Old Testament is important to understand as well, but it is best understood in light of the full truth found in the New Covenant. This is the call to new life given through the gift of forgiveness found in Christ. God bless you as you make full use of the gift found in Christ, and fully established in us as we grow strong in God’s word.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 12/17/23

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Jude 1:14-25 NKJV

“… These are inveterate {chronic} murmurers (grumblers) who complain [of their lot in life], going after their own desires [controlled by their passions]; their talk is boastful and arrogant, [and they claim to] admire men’s persons and pay people flattering compliments to gain advantage. But you must remember, beloved, the predictions which were made by the apostles (the special messengers) of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). They told you beforehand, In the last days (in the end time) there will be scoffers [who seek to gratify their own unholy desires], following after their own ungodly passions. It is these who are [agitators] setting up distinctions and causing divisions–merely sensual [creatures, carnal, worldly-minded people], devoid of the [Holy] Spirit and destitute of any higher spiritual life. ….” – Jude 1:14-25 AMPC

Inveterate (murmurers) – Firmly and long established; deep-rooted. Persisting in an ingrained habit; habitual: synonym: chronic.

Father, I don’t think I’m a grumbler – especially not habitually so. But if I, in any way or depth, am given over to grumbling and complaining, reveal this evil in me and deliver me from its grasp.

I do see that I tend to fall to the sin of giving compliments, not falsely – what I speak, I say out of true evaluation, but with the wrong motives of trying to get into another’s good graces, or trying to prove something they believe about me to be incorrect. This, too, is not out of a lie. The things the ones I think of in this do believe of me is a lie. But working to please them in proving them wrong is prideful. So forgive me this sin, O God, and prove righteousness and truth in me in ways they can rightly see. I rest my defense into Your capable Hands, for You see and know the truth of every heart.

Father, let me not be found an instigator of division, but use me to bring peace that unites from a position of righteous understanding. In Jesus I pray, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 12/14/23

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A devotional done with friends reminds me of the need of long hours at Your feet in some life issues, Lord. My heart stays so overwhelmed by so much in these days that part of me feels prayerless – or at least inadequate in prayer for such unbelievable turmoil, while the other part feels the groaning of Your Spirit that has me constant at Your feet – watchfully waiting. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.

Thank You for Your Word that is the dictator and heart of my prayers in these days. And thank You for the answer received today in one of those major devastations. I love You dearly and long for Your will, to see Your hand in the land of our living, as You have so faithfully done so many times throughout my years of running hard after You. In Jesus, make it so. Amen!

Holy Habitation

Entering the Baptism of Christ

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“I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.” – Luke 12:49-51 NKJV

Jesus took our sins upon Himself for the purpose of taking our eternal death of separation from God for us. In the baptism of His death and burial, followed by His rising again as Victor over sin and death, He gave us opportunity to enter into His baptism and rise again to newness of life.

Do not take the baptismal waters lightly, as commonplace. This is the sin of the Pharisees who ritually washed without thought of its importance. When you enter those waters, do so in full understanding of its meaning, as this is a vital step in the experience of the saving grace of Christ. It is not a ritual. It is a commitment, requiring full understanding of its importance as a first act of obedience for righteousness sake. This, too, follows the example Christ gives (Matthew 3:13-15 NKJV).

Entering the baptismal waters is the reality we enter into in Christ when we surrender ourselves to walk in the newness of life Jesus provides for us. As we enter those waters, we enter His death. Recognize that as you step into that glorious bath. Your old life is over. Leave it behind and let it die.

In being lowered in submersion to those waters, we are buried with Him. If you want the full experience of this, let those waters be cold. It takes your breath away so in rising again, you inhale deeply, as taking the first breath of life – a life made new in Christ. The slate of your past is wiped clean.

As you step out of those waters, fully realizing the reality of entering the baptism Jesus took for you, do so with a heart determined to write on the slate of your life the good God desires to write through You, following the example of the Christ with every subsequent breath.

This is the meaning of “There is also an ANTITYPE which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 3:21 NKJV).

Anyone can say the right words and get dunked under those waters. But God, who knows the heart of every person, sees the sincerity of the commitment we make when we enter the baptism of Christ in this first step of obedience. It is vital we understand the heart of the action, and do not take these steps lightly.

Holy Habitation

God’s Living, Life Giving Word

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“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12 NASB1995

Thinking on this verse this morning, I couldn’t remember exactly how it’s worded, so I looked it up. As I think on it, I realize – maybe not for the first time – the significance of its parameters.

The Word of God is living and active. It’s timeless: useful to God for directing and instructing, inspiring and strengthening our lives now as much as it did those it was originally spoken to. God can highlight any portion of it to our hearts, giving wisdom for our now situations. It is as relevant and vital to life now as it was in the days it was lived out. It has the capacity to lift us out of death and depression, giving us all that is needful for an abundant life that glorifies and honors God, accomplishing His purpose with wisdom and grace. So how does it work? This verse tells us.

The Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword. It cuts to the quick of life as God’s Spirit highlights it to our hearts for our good, to inspire, teach, direct, reprove, and train in righteousness. It pierces our lives as far as the division of…

Soul and spirit: the soul is our mind – the way we think; our will – the desires and inclinations that dictate choice; and our emotions; all making us the unique individuals we are. Our spirit is that part of us that is eternal. It cannot be separated from that which makes us who we are and will live on after our flesh shell dies. The question is, where? There is an eternal destination we are responsible to choose before our physical flesh dies. We will either be with God for all eternity, or we will be doomed to separation from Him, given over to the hell that separation brings us to.

Joints and marrow: joints make full, functioning mobility possible. Without the joints, the body cannot move far quickly, nor accomplish much. Marrow is the factory for red blood cells, which are the oxygen carriers of our bodies. Oxygen is necessary for life. The breath of life cannot flow through our bodies without well functioning marrow. God’s Word keeps our spiritual and physical lives healthy and full of Life, able to function at full strength.

Rightly judging the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Without right thoughts within us, even our best intentions will fall short of God’s glory, which makes even our good to be sin in God’s economy. We cannot recognize when our good intentions are being misled and fed by wrong thinking and selfish motives without the instruction of God found in His Word.

We cannot live righteously on the earth apart from God. We learn of God and His ways through His Word. God transforms us to be and function at our best capacity, with adequate life-breath and full function, as we let His Word penetrate our lives and make us wholly holy, as He is holy.

I pray you find time everyday to be in God’s Word. It is our life breath. Since, in Christ, we live in the New Covenant found in the New Testament, this is the reading plan I recommend. Read 5 times through the New Testament in this fashion:

  • John through Revelation
  • Matthew, skip to Acts through Revelation
  • Mark, skip to Acts through Revelation
  • Luke, skip to Acts through Revelation
  • Matthew through Revelation
  • Then read Genesis through Revelation.
  • Repeat over and over again. The Word of God never gets old or obsolete. And there is always and forever greater depth of understanding to glean.

When a verse or passage makes your heart jump, don’t just read on as if nothing happened.

  • Pause over it.
  • Note the full context of the passage. Who? What? Where? When? And why?
  • Pray over it, asking for wisdom and understanding in its application to your life.
  • Make note of it.
  • Follow the references that are listed with it and note any of them that speak to your heart and need.
  • Look up definitions of words that stand out – both in a good language dictionary and a detailed Bible Word dictionary.
  • Note any insights found.
  • Memorize the verse or passage.
  • Write the verse or passage on a piece of paper. Put it in your pocket. Reread and meditate on these things throughout your day, asking God for His good seed to take root in the soil of a heart made ready to apply its truths to your life.

May the Lord bless you, through the reading of His Word, to have a glorious life.

“He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who ignores reproof goes astray.” – Proverbs 10:17 NASB1995

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 11/13/23

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“Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.” – Colossians 1:25-29 NASB1995

Thank You, Father, for making a way for us to be clothed again in Your glory, through Christ Jesus our Lord. In Christ, we were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that we might be joined to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Therefore, if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord. Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. This we profess and this we trust as we walk out our salvation in the land of our living; this place of habitation You set us in.

Whether, then, we eat or drink or whatever we do, empower us to do all to the glory of God, that Your glory may rest on and shine through us as Your light to a lost and dead world. Whatever we do in word or deed, may we be faithful to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to You, our Father God. For it is in Jesus we pray, amen.

Romans 7:4; Romans 14:8; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 11/9/23

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Mark 14

“Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”” – Mark 14:37-38 NKJV

Father, thank You for pausing me here this morning, leading me to consider these words. As I do, it dawns on me that Jesus just told these with Him that they would fall away and deny Him. If ever they needed to be praying, it was then. He was warning them of what was coming to Him and that one of their number would betray Him. If ever they needed to be praying, it was then.

Father God, You call us to Yourself, giving us assignment in living and serving You. Living for You is bigger than our flesh can accomplish without Your work in us and cannot be done apart from You. The wisdom of this world, our very flesh, and demonic influences stand against us, set to draw us into falsehood and sin. If ever we need to be praying and seeking Your Face, it is now.

Here am I, O God. Teach me to pray fervently, just as Jesus did. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation

Defining “This Generation”

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Mark 13

The Literal Bible app defines the use of “this generation”, as used in this verse, to mean “of all the people of a given period.” The question I see in need of understanding is, “What is ‘the given period’ addressed here?”

Now, before I go further, let me clarify here, I am not a Theologian. And I am not an expert on biblical, end-time prophecy. I am a disciple of Christ, seeking Him for understanding. This is my understanding at this point in my spiritual growth; and I am still growing.

As Jesus said, only Father God knows the day or hour of the fullness of times. We are tasked with recognizing the signs and symptoms of the times and epochs in which we live, and to make sure we are found watchful, faithful, and ready when He comes. For us to do that, we must be practicing students of His Word, disciples of Christ, seeking God’s wise council that we may understand truth and walk in it.

Now let’s look at this passage, and I’ll share my understanding of these things. May the heart of the Father lead us to His truth.

““But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”” – Mark 13:24-37

Verse 32 says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

In this passage, Jesus says that He does not know the timetable for the completion of these things, so that tells me the “generation” spoken of is not necessarily meaning that generation to whom He is speaking, for that would be designating a timeline which He claims no knowledge of. The “generation” spoken of, in my estimation then, would be the people destined to watch and wait for His coming: those people who live from that moment of His speaking, through to the time set by God. Has that time come and gone yet? Look back in Mark 13 to verse 14:

““So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”” – Mark 13:14 (Daniel 11-12)

This would appear to be the last of the signs we are told to watch for by Jesus. Since Jesus speaks of an event He has not seen fulfilled, we know that nothing before His words fit the parameters of this prophetic marker. I have not seen this fulfilled yet, in life, nor have I heard of it in historic account.

Some who say that the ascension of Christ was it fail to read and understand Paul’s warning to those who were being troubled by some who said that the rapture of the saints had already happened, and those left behind at that time missed the boat:

“Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” – II Thessalonians 2:1-4 NKJV

Paul’s word put to rest the thought of Christ’s ascension being the expected rapture event.

Some say this passage speaks of a spirit of evil that will possess the heart of men. If that’s it, we are certainly there. But the wording here would appear to be referencing a literal person, personifying the deepest levels of evil, who will profess himself to be God incarnate, having come again and being the one for whom we watch. If this is the case, I have not seen this yet.

Thus, I, for one, still watch and wait expectantly. And I continue to pray for lost souls to come to Christ before it is too late.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus, for the days are evil. But please, draw our beloveds in and hold off until the last one who will say, “I do” to You says so. I trust Your patience, knowing that You wish none to perish, but all to come to repentance. For as long as You tarry, Your patience still waits and works to draw the last sheep home.

Make us faithful in the wait, Lord, to fearlessly and shamelessly share Your gospel truth at every opportunity. Jesus is the way, truth and life, the only Name by which we must be saved. Open eyes, ears, hearts, minds, and wills to know truth and surrender to You while there is still time. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation

Morning Prayer: 11/2/23

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“Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased [as if exhausted by its own activity]; and they were completely overwhelmed, because they had not understood [the miracle of] the loaves [how it revealed the power and deity of Jesus]; but [in fact] their heart was hardened [being oblivious and indifferent to His amazing works].” – ‭‭Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭51‬-‭52‬ ‭AMP‬‬

They took it for granted. The power and might of the Christ became commonplace to them. It made the evidence of His power go over their heads without note.

To take something for granted: “to believe something to be the truth without even thinking about.” Cambridge Dictionary

“The expression to take for granted means “to accept without question or objection,” and often implies a lack of appreciation or gratitude. (E.g., “Many of us may take for granted the fact that we have access to clean drinking water.”)

“When it comes to people, to take someone for granted means to take advantage of, show no appreciation for, or undervalue them.” – Dictionary.com

Father, forgive me for failure to be amazed and realize Your power and ability to work among us. Nothing is too difficult for You. You can and will accomplish what concerns me. I can trust You. Forgive when I forget that You are God.

You place on my heart a work You desire I do, and I do so willingly, but I too readily slip into trusting my own ability instead of relying on Yours. You don’t need me to accomplish Your purpose in a work You lead me to. It is a privilege and joy to be Your instrument in accomplishing Your purpose. But it is still Your work in and through me. I can do nothing truly good or of eternal purpose apart from You. Father, You are my first, most vital need and necessity. Help me remember Your greatness and give You the glory due Your name.

Forgive me when I forget Who You are, becoming hardened against Your reality and might, failing to trust You to direct me and accomplish Your purpose in me. You are faithful. I trust You. Make Yourself known in, to, and through me. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 10/31/23

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Any one of us weak fleshed beings are capable of denying the Christ apart from Your work of grace in us, Lord. Draw near to me, Lord, as I draw near to You. Fill me with Your Holy Presence, for apart from You I can do nothing. You are my first, most vital need and necessity. You are the oil in my lamp that keeps me dressed in readiness with lamps alight. Make me faithful and, according to Your faithful Word, empower me to stand despite any fear that comes my way. You are my hope and my help. I bow to You. This I pray in Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 10/23/23

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Jude 1:17-25 NASB1995

Every time we face something in life that appears impossible or tempts us away from faithfully following You; any time we sense Your call to a hard thing we aren’t sure we can do; with every opportunity to doubt or fear, a stone pops up to cause stumbling, making us stop, leading us to sin against You. Father, grant us faith to trust You that, in all You call us to and every opportunity You set before us, You are with us to move those stones or show us the path to removing their hindrance. When we walk with faith that fully trusts You, stones of stumbling get crushed under the Cornerstone of our faith, and we walk free to stand firm on the foundation of our victory in Christ. Increase our trust as we walk securely in The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Make us faithful to trust You more and obey You fully, especially in the hard places. IJA

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 10/22/23

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“For it was an act worthy [of God] and fitting [to the divine nature] that He, for Whose sake and by Whom all things have their existence, in bringing many sons into glory, should make the Pioneer of their salvation perfect [should bring to maturity the human experience necessary to be perfectly equipped for His office as High Priest] through suffering.” – Hebrews 2:10 AMPC

Thank You, Lord, for doing life in human experience to the full so You are adequately equipped to encourage, strengthen, and help us in our struggles. Thank You that You understand human flesh and how to overcome, setting the example that helps us know truth so we can walk free indeed. Thank You for being with us and for us. May we be faithful in walking through life with and for You. In Jesus, amen.

Holy Habitation, Prayer

Morning Prayer: 10/21/23

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About the Nicolaitans

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” – Revelations 2:2-6

Father, thank You for this passage that always gives me opportunity for self evaluation. Am I producing a work that honors You as God, laboring in patient endurance out of love for You, as pleases You as my First and Foremost desire? Am I testing the teachers and teaching I sit under by digging into Your word for myself, that I may know truth, giving me a basis for recognizing falsehood? Do I live as one who hates evil? Am I remaining true to You as my First Love?

Here am I, O God. Search me and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts. Grant me eyes to see myself – my heart – as You see me. See if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me to a right heart in walking through life into eternal purposes fulfilled to the glory of Your Name. Grant me right heart attitudes in serving You with whole hearted fervor, practicing patient endurance, to a finish that glorifies Your name and accomplishes Your purpose. May I realize the evil around me and recognize any way in which I inadvertently give myself to those things that displease and dishonor You. Deliver me from evil, and lead me to repentance that reestablishes right standing with You. Make me a light that helps those I love or come in contact with to find You for themselves. This I pray in Jesus’ Name and by His authority, amen.