How does God want us to live each day? Many people only respond to what their five senses tell them. But God gives His spirit to those who believe that He raised Jesus from the dead and make His Son their Lord. And we are then to live by the spirit of God within us. The Apostle Paul wrote about this in his letter to the Romans. Let’s look at how “spirit” is used in chapter 8 of that epistle.
Lord, I know I don’t deserve, any of Your grace,
But I’m thankful that I have it, through my many days.
Lord, I need Your mercy, for when I make mistakes,
And Your kind forgiveness, each time my conscience breaks.
Please read this last chapter from James’ letter all the way through. It is from the Lamsa translation of the Aramaic and has good insight for our lives.
After an exhausting day of healing the multitudes, Jesus must once again find renewal in the intimate fellowship between Father and Son, so he goes to a solitary place for prayer that night. Let’s follow him up the mountain.
Just before God graciously helped the children of Israel reach the promised land, he gave Moses amazing truth. This revelation included one of the key areas that we, even today, can grow in–God’s love. We find 16 references to God’s love. Biblically, the number 8 shows a new beginning and the number 2 establishes a thing. Here in Deuteronomy, love [8 x 2] establishes a new beginning for those believers. Let’s look at the 16 places where the English word “love” is used in the King James Version of Deuteronomy to see what we can learn about God’s love then, and how God’s love can help us live His promises today.
It’s not polite to say “Shut up,” but sometimes it is necessary when dealing with your mind. After being programmed and sensitized to worldly thinking, God’s Word offers a refreshing alternative—the truth.
Let’s take up from where we left off last time with the Pharisees’ reaction to Jesus healing the man with the withered hand.
Matthew 12:14; Mark 3:6; Luke 6:10 (Matthew and Mark) [NKJV]
Then the Pharisees went out, and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him. But they were filled with rage, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus, how they might destroy Him.
Sherry and I have been thinking a lot about healing lately. Several friends and family have a need for restored health and to overcome physical attacks. We too, are faced with such challenges as we grow older. What is God’s solution to these important needs?
Today I learned a great lesson. My posture has been getting worse over the past few years because I allow my head to hang forward. A physical therapist said our heads weight 10 to 14 pounds (the same weight as a bowling ball). For every inch we lean forward, we are putting 10 pounds of pressure on our neck muscles. It’s taking work, but I’m keeping my head centered on my body and am immediately seeing less pain, better breathing, and I’m standing taller. It’s nice to get rid of this literal “pain in the neck.”
Sometimes I’ve argued with God. That’s because I hear my own words instead of His words about what He’s done for me through Jesus Christ. As a local teacher, I often tell my elementary school students that they need to do three things: listen, remember, and obey. I say, “If you don’t listen to me will you hear what I want you to do?” They always say “No.” Then I ask, “If you don’t remember what you heard, can you obey?” This takes a little longer for a response, but they usually come up with another “No.” Then I finally ask, “If you’ve listened to me, and remembered what I said—but you don’t want to do it, will you obey?” They realize that they won’t obey unless they decide to.