Good-bye -written Sept.21

I am writing this Tuesday evening, September the 21st
- the fist day of fall, with a beautiful full moon outside.

A battle rages within me that I fear to voice...
A battle rages in my home...

I do believe greatly that the power of our thoughts and words affect every area of our life.

I do believe that what we see and hear greatly influences our thoughts,
which flows to our hearts
and back out our mouths.
Releasing chemicals and electrical impulses throughout our vessels.

My children have watched and listened to a great deal of 'stuff'.
I have allowed it.
Now I reap what I sowed.

In 1 Samuel Eli, the high priest, learned of his two sons basically stealing from the offering to the Lord and sleeping with women at the temple gate. Eli spoke sternly to his sons and told them to stop, but they did not listen. Then God put an end to Eli's family and their service to the Creator because 'he did not restrain them'. God has been bringing this passage to my mind a lot over the last year or more.

As parents we are responsible to teach and train our children.
They are not mini adults as I once sermized. Dr. Caroline Leaf demonstrates how until a brain is about 18 years old it still is not fully developed and is still building it's 'foundation' that will determine a lot as an adult.
You need to teach a child to do right - not wrong.

Teach a child in the way they should go ...

I have made some big blunders ...
So the computer, and influences tied to it, must go .... at least for awhile.

bye bye.

More than 40 mom!

Concluding notes from my mom's study:


(Day 41 :) )
THROUGH CHRIST, I CAN DO ALL THINGS
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil.4:13

(Day 42 :) )
CHRIST WILL PRESENT ME “HOLY, UNBLAMEABLE AND UNREPROVEABLE IN HIS SIGHT” – Col.1:22

(Day 43 :) )
IN CHRIST, I HAVE A FANTASTIC FUTURE -
“God…hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (why?) that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Eph.2:4-7
We will return to the earth with Jesus Christ and all the saints (I Thess.3:13) to rule and reign with Him for 1,000 years (Rev.5:10; 20:6) in a kingdom of peace, justice and righteousness.

(Day 44 :) )
IN CHRIST, I am on the winning side!
“Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power……..’’ I Cor.15:24-28


ALL GLORY IS DUE UNTO HIM!!

“BUT OF HIM are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, HE THAT GLORIETH, LET HIM GLORY IN THE LORD!” I Cor.1:31

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of GOD, and not of US.” 2 Cor.4:7

I’m a NEW CREATURE! Gal.6:15
I live under a NEW COVENANT! Heb.8:8
I have a NEW NAME! Rev.3:12
I have a NEW spirit! Ezek.11:19
I have a NEW heart! Ezek.366
I have a NEW SONG! Ps.40:3; Rev.5:9
ALL things have become NEW! 2 Cor.5:17

WORTHY IS THE LAMB THAT WAS SLAIN TO RECEIVE POWER, AND RICHES, AND WISDOM, AND STRENGTH, AND HONOUR, AND GLORY AND BLESSING ! Rev.5:12



Notes of Interest:

I am being CONFORMED,
and will be CONFORMED to the image of Jesus Christ. ( Rom.8:29)
The Greek word for CONFORMED in this Scripture is ‘summorphos’ which means having the same form – we do not TRY to be like Jesus – we have HIS LIFE IN US!
(Other scriptures with this meaning are Gal.4:19, Phil.3:10 and Phil.3:21 where the English words formed, conformable and fashioned are used.)

Rom.12:2 says, “be not CONFORMED to this age”.
The Greek word for CONFORMED in this Scripture is ‘suschemnatizo’ which means to fashion in the same way.
In reality, we are new creations, the same substance as Christ.
Why would we want to fashion ourselves to be what we aren’t?
“….but be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind”
- to undergo metamorphosis - another study!

Phil.2:6,8 says, "Who, being in the FORM (morphe=structure, essence of His nature) of God,
and, “being found IN FASHION (schema=appearance) as a man…”
In reality, He was God, but He fashioned or took on the appearance of man.
(good point for those who don't believe that Jesus was God)

To that last I'll add Isaiah 9:6:
"For unto us a child is born,
unto us a SON is given:
and the government shall be on His shoulder:
and His name shall be called
Wonderful
Counsellor (HOLY SPIRIT),
the Mighty God,
the Everlasting FATHER,
the Prince of Peace."
In one verse Jesus is called all three - Son, Spirit and Father. :)

Day 40 - IN CHRIST, purged

Day 40 - IN CHRIST, I have been purged from my old sins and am now a partaker of the divine nature

... adding to my faith; virtue (force, strength of mind and body), knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, love --- if these be in me, and abound, theymake me that I shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2Peter 1:2-9


Behold, all things become new!!

Day 39 - IN CHRIST, living hope

Day 39 - IN CHRIST, I have a living hope

He has begotten us again
to a lively hope
by the resurrection of Jesus Christ
from the dead,
to an inheritance incorruptible,
and undefiled,
and that fades not away,
reserved in heaven for you.
1Peter 1:3-4


Such hope never disppoints or deludes or shames us,
for God's love has been poured out in our hearts
through the HOly Spirit
Who has been given to us. Rom. 5;5

And not only the creation,
but we ourselves too,
who have and enjoy the firstfruits of the Holy Spirit
(a foretaste of the blissful things to come)
groan inwardly as we wait for the redemption of our bodies
(from sensuality and the grave,
which will reveal) our adoption (our manifestation as God's sons).
For in this hope we were saved.
But hope which is seen is not hope.
For how can one hope for what he already sees?
But if we hope for what is still unseen by us,
we wait for it with patience and composure.
Rom. 8:23-25

For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction,
that by our steadfast and patient endurance
and the encouragement from the scriptures
we might hold fast to and cherish hope. Rom 15:4

And further Isaiah says,
"There shall be a Sprout from the Root of Jesse,
He Who rises to rule over the Gentiles;
in Him shall the Gentiles hope. Rom.15:12

May the God of your hope
so fill you with all joy and peace
in believing through the experience of your faith
that by the power of the Holy Spirit
you may abound and be overflowing with hope.
Rom.15:13

If we who are abiding in Christ
have hope only in this life
and that is all,
then we are of all people
most miserable and to be pitied. 1Cor.15:19

For it is He Who rescued and saved us from such a perilous death,
and He will still rescue and save us;
in and on HIm we have set our hope
(our joyful and confident expectation)
that He will again deliver us (from danger and destruction and draw us to Himself). 2 Cor. 1:10

So then brothers,
stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you,
whether by word of mouth or by letter.
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father,
Who loved us
and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement
and good hope,
encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thess. 2:15-17

Day 38 - IN CHRIST, God works in me

Day 38 - IN CHRIST, God is making me perfect
in every good work to do His will,
working in me
that which is well pleasing in His sight.
(Heb.13:20-21)

It is God who works in you
both to WILL
and to DO
His good pleasure.
Phil. 2:13

Day 37 - IN CHRIST, perfection

Day 37 - IN CHRIST, I am perfect

Because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Heb. 10:14

For by a single offering He has forever completely cleansed and perfected those who are consecrated and made holy. Heb. 10:14 - Amplified Version

Day 36 - IN CHRIST, sanctified

Day 36 - IN CHRIST, I am santified, set apart

By the will of God "we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Heb. 10:10

Day 35 - IN CHRIST, clean conscience

Day 36 - IN CHRIST, my conscience is purged from dead works to serve the living God

This is an illustration for the present time,
indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered
were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. ...

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ,
who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God,
cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,
so that we may serve the living God!...

The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming
- not the realities themselves.
this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices
repeated endlessly year after year,
make perfect those who draw near to worship.
If it could, would they not have stopped being offered?
For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all,
and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins.

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith,
having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience
and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Heb. 9:9,14; 10:1,2,22

"Then Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet, but my hands and head as well!"
Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wah his feet; his whole body is clean..." John 13:9-10 [Speaking of us being clean IN CHRIST, but a daily washing off of the world's filth that we live in is needed]

Day 34 - IN CHRIST, boldness

Day 34 - IN CHRIST, I have boldness to come to the throne of grace

...that I may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4:16

Day 33 - IN CHRIST, circumcised

Day 33 - IN CHRIST, ...

I am circumcised in putting off the body of the flesh by His circumcision,
I am crucified, dead to sin,
buried with him in the baptism of death,
and I am risen with Him in newness of Life
Col. 2:11-13; Rom.6

Baptism (as a state of death) does also now save you... by the resurrection of Jesus Christ
1Peter 3:21

But he is a Jew who is one inwardly,
and TRUE CIRCUMCISION is of the HEART,
a spiritual and not a literal matter.
Rom.2:29

*mom, I added Rom 2:29 ... it seems that this included three things - circumcision, crucifiction, and baptism. Do you have any comments to add?

Day 32 - IN CHRIST, I am complete

Day 32 - IN CHRIST, I am complete

...You are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power...
Col. 2:10


But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19

But the anointing which you have received of HIm abides in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in Him. 1John 2:27

And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient (possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished inabundance for every good work and charitable donation. 2 Cor. 9:8

Day 31 - IN CHRIST, I have redemption

Day 31 - IN CHRIST, I have ...

redemption through His blood,

even the forgiveness of sins,

He has made me fit to be a partaker of the in heritance of the saints in light,

delivered me from the power of darkness

and translated me into the kingdom of His dear Son.
Col. 1:12-14

Day 30 - IN CHRIST, I have access

Day 30 - IN CHRIST, I have access to the Father

But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace. Eph.2:13
In Christ, I have access by one Spirit unto the Father ... I am a fellow citizen with the saints, and of the household of God. Eph. 2:13-22

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace... Heb. 4:16

Day 29 - IN CHRIST, I am HIS workmanship

Day 29 - IN CHRIST, I am God's workmanship

For we are HIS WORKMANSHIP,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God has before ordained

that we should walk in them.

Eph. 2:10

Day 28 - IN CHRIST, I have been quickened

Day 28 - IN CHRIST, I have been quickened, raised up to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in trangressions - it is by grace you have been saved.

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms
in Christ Jesus,
IN ORDER THAT in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -
and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -
not by works, so that no one can boast.

For we are God's workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Eph. 2:1-10

Day 27 - IN CHRIST, spiritual blessings

Day 27 - IN CHRIST, I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in Heavenly Places

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.
In love he predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will-

to the praise of His glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One He loves.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure,

which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment
-to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
Eph. 1: 3-10


Question - Can you list the 'spiritual blessings'?

Day 26 - IN CHRIST, crucified

Day 26 - IN CHRIST, the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world

But God forbid that I should glory,
save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by whom the WORLD IS CRUCIFIED UNTO ME,
AND I UNTO THE WORLD.
Gal.6:14

I'm not entirely clear on what mom means by this so I will add this...

"Galatians 6:14 (The Message)
14-16For my part, I am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. Because of that Cross, I have been crucified in relation to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate. Can't you see the central issue in all this? It is not what you and I do—submit to circumcision, reject circumcision. It is what God is doing, and he is creating something totally new, a free life! All who walk by this standard are the true Israel of God—his chosen people. Peace and mercy on them!"

I began to see "Christ in me" in high school and struggled (and still do) with the 'not walking in the flesh, but walking in the spirit'. Something my cousin Tim showed me, and I often quote as one of my favorite verses, is
Galatians 2:20
(uppercase 'I' representing my selfish flesh,
lowercase "i" representing my new life hid in Christ)

I am crucified with Christ,

nevertheless i live,

yet not I,

but Christ lives in me,

and the life which i now live

i live by the faith of the Son of God,

Who loved me and gave Himself for me.

When I become a Christian my old self is crucified with Christ. My pride, my selfish ambition, my possesions, everything. When conflict or strife arise, and ask God, I always see that old self trying to rise up. When I walk in Christ I have peace and joy. I no longer need to defend myself because I can trust God to be my defender.

If I find a dirty child on the street, homeless and unloved, and I take him into my home, I will not immediately put fresh clothes on him. First he must trust me, and be willing to strip his old ones off and be washed, then he will be given fresh new garments.

Gal.6:7-16 (in full context)
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.
A man reaps what he sows.
The one who sows to please his sinful nature,
from that nature will reap destruction;
the one who sows to please the Spirit,
from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity,
let us do good to all people,
especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised.
The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.
Not even those who are circumcised obey the law,
yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh.
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything;
what counts is a new creation.
Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule,
even to the Israel of God.

Day 25 - IN CHRIST, I am rich

Day 25 - IN CHRIST, I am rich

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though he was rich,
yet for your sakes he became poor,
that ye through his poverty
might BE MADE RICH."
2 Cor.8:9

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.2Cor.9:10-12

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.1 Tim.6:17

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints Eph.1:18

Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,Eph.3:8

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,Col.2:2

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.Col.1:27

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Rom. 11:33

Day 24 - IN CHRIST, I am a new creature

Day 24 - IN CHRIST, I am a new creature

"Therefore if any man be in Christ,
HE IS A NEW CREATURE:
old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new."
2 Cor.5:17

Day 23 - IN CHRIST, I have life

Day 23 - IN CHRIST, I have life

"For IN HIM WE LIVE,
and move,
and have our being."
Acts 17:28

Day 22 - IN CHRIST, victory

Day 22 - IN CHRIST, I have victory over death and the grave

"When this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,
and this mortal shall have put on immortality,
then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,
Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is thy sting?
O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin;
and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God,
which GIVETH US THE VICTORY
through our Lord Jesus Christ."
I Cor.15:54-57

Day 21 - IN CHRIST, member

Day 21 - IN CHRIST, I am a member of the body of Christ, the Church

So we, being many are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Rom. 12:5

Day 20 - IN CHRIST, child and heir

IN CHRIST, I have been made a child of God, an heir of God, and a joint-heir with Jesus Christ

The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the CHILDREN of God: and if children, then HEIRS; HEIRS OF GOD, AND JOINT-HEIRS WITH CHRIST.

Ye are all the CHILDREN OF GOD by faith in Christ Jesus. Gal.3:26

I will be a FATHER unto you, and ye shall be my SONS and DAUGHTERS, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Cor.6: 18

I enjoyed being called a daughter today and decided to read 2 Cor.6:18 in context, here is some more for you to chew on as a son or daughter of the most high King:
(6:14 - 7:1)
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.
For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?
Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?
What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?
For we are the temple of the living God.
As God has said:
"I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.Therefore come out from them and be separate,"
says the Lord.
"Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.
I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,"
says the Lord Almighty.
Since we have these promises,
dear friends,
let us purify ourselves from everything
that contaminates body and spirit,
perfecting holiness out of reverence for God!

Day 19 - IN CHRIST, eternal life

Day 19 - IN CHRIST, I have the gift of eternal life

For the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom.6:23

This is the promise that he has promised us, even eternal life. I John 2:25

Some people conjure up ideas of wings and clouds and harps forever and say 'no thanks!'.

But the scripture says:

Eye has not seen,
nor ear heard,
nor has it entered the heart of
men
what God has prepared for those that love Him!

It only took Jesus 6 days to create everything - from the universe to the tiniest speck that we haven't even discovered yet.
Now Jesus has been on the Father's right hand interceding on our behalf AND PREPARING A PLACE FOR US for about 2010 years!

And although it can blow our minds what it will be like,
may our first and only ecstasy be that we will be with Jesus!

I recall being at an Amway convention when I was dating Roger, he had been invited but had no interest in being there (Lake Louise!).
I was standing in a gorgeous lobby looking out of the massive windows held by beautiful wood work at the stunning mountains and Lake.
Dad came up to me and put his arm around me, pulling me in close.
He starting talking about he majesty of God's creation, in only the way my daddy can.
Then said 'but'... but even if this convention was in the ugliest most awful place in the earth he would still cross oceans and deserts to be there - just because mom was there and being with her was worth anything.

I'll never forget that moment with my dad. The love that exuded from him, the sincerity. He taught me in that moment the love for a spouse - and a demonstration of God's love for us.

May my love for Jesus grow and deepen so that I KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that my longing
is not 'fire insurance',
nor a selfish notion of eternal life,
but my longing would be to be with Jesus,
as an old song goes:
"Heaven is being with You Jesus."

Day 18 - IN CHRIST, reconciliation

Day 18 - IN CHRIST, I have been reconciled to God

For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Rom.5:10

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2Cor.5:17-21

I put "..." on my last comment because Friday was a tough day in our home. Everyone has bad days and Friday was my husband's turn.

It was hard to live in the moment when HIS 'wrath' was pouring forth - and it was not INTENDED to be directed at us, his loved ones. It made me ponder Friday night at the sweet truth that I am saved from the justifiable wrath of God - only IN JESUS.

Then when I read Saturday morning these verses on reconciliation, the Holy Spirit continued His help in my heart to truly love my husband, even when the pressures of this life are weighing him down :) The part of the passage that says He "has given us the ministry of reconciliation" really stood out.

So I add to my other comment from Day 14:
Because I've experienced reconcilation from God I am free to minister reconciliation to other's - demonostrating love and grace when it truly counts.

Be aware, and enjoy the peace and love that reconcilation brings today!

Day 17 - IN CHRIST, saved from wrath

Day 17 - IN CHRIST, I am saved from wrath

Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Rom.5:9

The wrath of God can be a very tough subject.I have no time to articulate right now on this subject ....

Day 16 - IN CHRIST, grace

Day 16 - IN CHRIST, I have a standing in grace

through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom.5:2

Day 15 - IN CHRIST, peace

Day 15 - IN CHRIST, I have peace with God

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Rom.5:1

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:7

Day 14 - IN CHRIST, liberty

Day 14 - IN CHRIST, I have liberty

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Gal.5:1

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty;
only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh,
but through love serve one another. Gal.5:13

Now the Lord is the Spirit;
and where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is liberty. 2Cor.3:17

But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 1Cor.8:9

But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it,
and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,
this one will be blessed in what he does. James 1:25

For this is the will of God,
that by doing good
you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—
as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice,
but as bondservants of God.
Honor all people.
Love the brotherhood.
Fear God.
Honor the king. 1Peter2:15-17

Day 13 - IN CHRIST, I have no more...

Day 13 - IN CHRIST, I have no more condemnation for sin

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,... Rom.8:1

I am thoroughly enjoying reading through this whole chapter and would encourage you to do the same!

-those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. (Rom.8:5b)
-the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; (Rom 8:6b)
-those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God (Rom.8:14)
-you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." (Rom.8:15)
-the Spirit helps us in our weakness (Rom.8:26)
-the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.(Rom.8:27)

-I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.(Gal.5:16)
-But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.(Gal.5:18)

(Also see Rom.6 and Heb.9 for more on freedom from sin! :) )

I would have loved to have posted a video from Facebook - but figure out how...

Day 12 - IN CHRIST, I am free ...

Day 12 - IN CHRIST, I am free from the law of sin and death

...because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Rom.8:2

The whole understanding between old testament/covenant/law vrs. new testament/covenant/law; what IS done away with and what we continue to hold to; is a very difficult battle for me.

What I do know is that I am hid in Christ ...

The best illustration I have heard/seen concerning this verse is taking an object and dropping it...

then drop it again but put your hand under it ...

If I'm not abiding/hid in Christ the law of sin and death is like gravity on that object;

but if I'm abiding in Christ then sin and death simply act to keep me in His hand and dependent on Him ...

then I am free to do something other than fall.

Day 11 - IN CHRIST, I have victory

Day 11 - IN CHRIST, I have victory
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.2 Cor.2:14

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.1 John 4:4

Day 10 - IN CHRIST, I am righteous

Day 10 - IN CHRIST, I am righteous
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.2 Cor. 5:21

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, ...Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: Rom.3:21-22(KJV)

This is a tough one to accept for a personality like mine.

To take what is not mine.

When I am weak He is strong - leaning on that breastplate of righteousness.

Jesus completely covers me - I can't help but think of that Red Hen story I grew up hearing.

There was a barn fire and she could have gotten out, but when the fire was out and the farmer sadly sifted through the ashes he came across her charred body - under which were all her chicks, safe and sound.

It's Awe-full and Wonder-full, I cannot even contain in my heart -

that the Creator of all things,

whose standard is higher than I can even imagine,

would envelop me in His arms,

cover me,

be my support,

... be my righteousness!

Day 9 - IN CHRIST, I have a sound mind

Day 9 - In Christ I have a sound mind
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2Tim.1:7

Day 8 - Faith dwells in me

Day 8 - Faith dwells in me
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you:
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought,
but rather think of yourself with sober judgment,
in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Romans 12:3

To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: 2Peter1:1

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith OF Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith OF Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Gal.2:16(KJV)

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith OF the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Gal.2:20(KJV)

And how can I pass by without including "the faith chapter" and my "creed" passage! :)
Hebrews 11
1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
2For by [faith-trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report.
3 By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible.
4[Prompted, actuated] by faith Abel brought God a better and more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, because of which it was testified of him that he was righteous [that he was upright and in right standing with God], and God bore witness by accepting and acknowledging his gifts. And though he died, yet [through the incident] he is still speaking.
5 Because of faith Enoch was caught up and transferred to heaven, so that he did not have a glimpse of death; and he was not found, because God had translated him. For even before he was taken to heaven, he received testimony [still on record] that he had pleased and been satisfactory to God.
6But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
7 [Prompted] by faith Noah, being forewarned by God concerning events of which as yet there was no visible sign, took heed and diligently and reverently constructed and prepared an ark for the deliverance of his own family. By this [his faith which relied on God] he passed judgment and sentence on the world's unbelief and became an heir and possessor of righteousness (that relation of being right into which God puts the person who has faith).
8 [Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go.
9 [Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise.
10 For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God.
11 Because of faith also Sarah herself received physical power to conceive a child, even when she was long past the age for it, because she considered [God] Who had given her the promise to be reliable and trustworthy and true to His word.
12So from one man, though he was physically as good as dead, there have sprung descendants whose number is as the stars of heaven and as countless as the innumerable sands on the seashore.
13These people all died controlled and sustained by their faith, but not having received the tangible fulfillment of [God's] promises, only having seen it and greeted it from a great distance by faith, and all the while acknowledging and confessing that they were strangers and temporary residents and exiles upon the earth.
14Now those people who talk as they did show plainly that they are in search of a fatherland (their own country).
15If they had been thinking with [homesick] remembrance of that country from which they were emigrants, they would have found constant opportunity to return to it.
16But the truth is that they were yearning for and aspiring to a better and more desirable country, that is, a heavenly [one]. For that reason God is not ashamed to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God--the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob], for He has prepared a city for them.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test [while the testing of his faith was still in progress], had already brought Isaac for an offering; he who had gladly received and welcomed [God's] promises was ready to sacrifice his only son,
18 Of whom it was said, Through Isaac shall your descendants be reckoned.
19 For he reasoned that God was able to raise [him] up even from among the dead. Indeed in the sense that Isaac was figuratively dead [potentially sacrificed], he did [actually] receive him back from the dead.
20[With eyes of] faith Isaac, looking far into the future, invoked blessings upon Jacob and Esau.
21 [Prompted] by faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons and bowed in prayer over the top of his staff.
22 [Actuated] by faith Joseph, when nearing the end of his life, referred to [the promise of God for] the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his own bones.
23 [Prompted] by faith Moses, after his birth, was kept concealed for three months by his parents, because they saw how comely the child was; and they were not overawed and terrified by the king's decree.
24 [Aroused] by faith Moses, when he had grown to maturity and become great, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
25Because he preferred to share the oppression [suffer the hardships] and bear the shame of the people of God rather than to have the fleeting enjoyment of a sinful life.
26He considered the contempt and abuse and shame [borne for] the Christ (the Messiah Who was to come) to be greater wealth than all the treasures of Egypt, for he looked forward and away to the reward (recompense).
27 [Motivated] by faith he left Egypt behind him, being unawed and undismayed by the wrath of the king; for he never flinched but held staunchly to his purpose and endured steadfastly as one who gazed on Him Who is invisible.
28 By faith (simple trust and confidence in God) he instituted and carried out the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood [on the doorposts], so that the destroyer of the firstborn (the angel) might not touch those [of the children of Israel].
29 [Urged on] by faith the people crossed the Red Sea as [though] on dry land, but when the Egyptians tried to do the same thing they were swallowed up [by the sea].
30 Because of faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encompassed for seven days [by the Israelites].
31 [Prompted] by faith Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed along with those who refused to believe and obey, because she had received the spies in peace [without enmity].
32And what shall I say further? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
33Who by [the help of] faith subdued kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promised blessings, closed the mouths of lions,
34Extinguished the power of raging fire, escaped the devourings of the sword, out of frailty and weakness won strength and became stalwart, even mighty and resistless in battle, routing alien hosts.
35[Some] women received again their dead by a resurrection. Others were tortured to death with clubs, refusing to accept release [offered on the terms of denying their faith], so that they might be resurrected to a better life. [I Kings 17:17-24; II Kings 4:25-37.]
36Others had to suffer the trial of mocking and scourging and even chains and imprisonment.
37They were stoned to death; they were lured with tempting offers [to renounce their faith]; they were sawn asunder; they were slaughtered by the sword; [while they were alive] they had to go about wrapped in the skins of sheep and goats, utterly destitute, oppressed, cruelly treated--
38[Men] of whom the world was not worthy--roaming over the desolate places and the mountains, and [living] in caves and caverns and holes of the earth.
39And all of these, though they won divine approval by [means of] their faith, did not receive the fulfillment of what was promised,
40Because God had us in mind and had something better and greater in view for us, so that they [these heroes and heroines of faith] should not come to perfection apart from us [before we could join them].

Romans 4:18- 22
[For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So [numberless] shall your descendants be.
He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah's [deadened] womb.
No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God,
Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.
That is why his faith was credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God).

Be encouraged in the faith that Jesus has given you! :)

Day 7 - God's love dwells in me

Day 7 - God's love dwells in me

Mom's verse is again 2Timothy 1:7 (see yesterday's)
Here's some more for our meditation! :)

-He that loves not knows not God;
for God is love. 1John 4:8

-And hope makes not ashamed;
because the love of God is shed abroad
in our hearts by the Holy Ghost
which is given unto us. Romans 5:5

-No man has seen God at any time.
If we love one another,
God dwells in us,
and his love is perfected in us. 1John 4:12

-And we have known and believed the love that God has to us.
God is love;
and he that dwells in love
dwells in God,
and God in him. 1John 4:16

-If a man say,
I love God, and hates his brother,
he is a liar:
for he that loves not his brother whom he has seen,
how can he love God whom he has not seen? 1John 4:20

Day 6 - God's power dwells in me

Day 6 - God's power dwells in me

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity
(of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear),
but [HE HAS GIVEN US A SPIRIT OF] POWER
and of love
and of calm and well-balanced mind
and discipline
and self-control.
2Timothy 1:7 (Amplified)
Or from the King James that I am use to hearing:
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Mom also included 1Cor. 1:23:
But we preach Christ crucified, ...unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, CHRIST THE POWER, and the wisdom of God.

Here it is in context from the Message version (vrs22-25):
"While Jews clamor for miraculous demonstrations
and Greeks go in for philosophical wisdom,
we go right on proclaiming Christ, the Crucified.
Jews treat this like an anti-miracle—
and Greeks pass it off as absurd.
But to us who are personally called by God himself
—both Jews and Greeks
—Christ is God's ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one. Human wisdom is so tinny, so impotent, next to the seeming absurdity of God.
Human strength can't begin to compete with God's "weakness."

Day 5 - God dwells in me

Day 5 - God dwells in me

What agreement [can there be between] a temple of God and idols?
For we are the temple of the living God;
even as God said,
"I will dwell in & with & among them
and will walk in & with & among them,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be My people."
2Cor.6:16 (Amplified)

Days 1-4 verses

Day 1: CHRIST IS IN ME
The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations,

but now is made manifest to the saints:

to whom God would make known what is the riches

of the glory of this mystery

among the Gentiles,

which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory. Col.1:26,27

I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but CHRIST LIVETH IN ME;

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me and gave himself for me. Gal.2:20
(this has been a favorite verse of mine since high school)


Day 2: THE MIND OF CHRIST IS IN ME
The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God,

for they are foolishness unto him;

neither can he know them,

because they are spiritually discerned…
BUT WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST. I Cor. 2:14-16

I also think of Phil.2:5 that says

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."

The mind is a major battle field for me, this is something I hold tight to.

Makes me think of the armor:

The helmet of salvation

-protecting the mind of Christ in me

The breastplate of righteousness

-it is His righteousness that holds me upright

The belt of Truth

-may all that is conceived in and birthed from me be Truth

The shoes of the gospel of peace

-May everywhere I go know His peace and good news

The sword of the Spirit/Word

-May I remember I battle NOT flesh and blood

-but principalities and powers...

The shield of faith

-it is the faith of Christ in me that thwarts the darts of the enemy.

Day 3: THE WISDOM OF CHRIST IS IN ME
But it is from Him that you have your life IN Christ Jesus,

Whom God MADE OUR WISDOM FROM GOD

(revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting it as)

our righteousness (thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God),

and our Consecration (making us pure and holy),

and our Redemption (providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin).

1 Cor.1:30

I also read:

-"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him." Eph.1:17

-For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.Luke 21:15

-His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Eph.3:10-12

-For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.Col.1:9

- My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.Col.2:2-4

-Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.Col.3:16

-If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.James 1:5

-But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17

Day 4: THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST IS IN ME
Do you not discern and understand that you are God's temple,

and that God's Spirit has His dwelling in you?

I Cor.3:16

Introduction to mom's 44 day challenge

My mom did a study on Philemon 6 awhile ago and is going to read each of the 44 verses involved, meditate on them, and possibly memorize them;
she has invited me to do it with her ...
and I invite you...

-Here you will find her introduction.
-In tomorrow's blog you will find the first 4 verses (because I didn't think to do this till today and it would be nice for the blog to be current).
-Then I will have each day's verse posted, and I will add any additional thoughts, etc.

So today's and tomorrow's are long,
but the additional 40 will be shorter...
and please, if you are reading these,
feel free to add any comments!

PHILEMON 6

"I MAKE MENTION OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS….
THAT THE COMMUNICATION OF THY FAITH
MAY BECOME EFFECTUAL
BY THE ACKNOWLEDGING OF EVERY GOOD THING
WHICH IS IN YOU IN CHRIST JESUS."

COMMUNICATION: The Greek word is "koinonia" and means the act of using as common; the fellowship, the sharing of the things we hold in common.
World Book says that "Communication suggests merely that it becomes the common property of giver and receiver."
When we look at all the Scriptural references where "koinonia" and it’s derivatives are used, we find the following which we hold in common:
(the words in quotation marks are the English words used for translating "koinonia".)

‘partakers’ of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Phil.3:10; 1Pet.4:13
‘partakers’ of the divine nature. 2 Peter 1:4
‘partakers’ of the glory that shall be revealed. I Peter 5:1
‘fellowship’ with the Father and His Son. I John 1:3
‘fellowship’ of ministering materially to the saints. Hebrews 13:16; Romans 15:26; 2 Cor.9:13; Phil.4:14; 2 Cor.8:4; Gal.6:6; I Tim.6:18; Rom.15:27
‘fellowship’ with one another. I John 1:7
‘fellowship’ in the gospel. Phil.1:5
‘fellowship’ in the mystery which has been hid from ages and generations but is now made known to the saints, which is CHRIST IN US, the expectation of glory! Eph.3:9; Col.1:26,27
‘companions’ of those who receive reproaches and afflictions. Heb. 10:33
‘communion’ of the blood of Christ. I Cor.10:16
‘communion’ of the body of Christ. I Cor.10:16
‘communion’ of the Holy Spirit. 2 Cor.13:14
liberal ‘distribution’ to others produces many thanksgivings to God. 2 Cor.9:13

EFFECTUAL: The Greek word is "energes", or in-working.
World Book says under ‘Energy’:
derived from the Greek "energeia",
derived from "energos" meaning Active,
derived from "en" meaning IN and "ergon"
meaning WORK=ACTIVE IN WORK
– active strength or force, healthy power, vigor, ability to produce desired action or results. Active in experience, where the rubber hits the road.

ACKNOWLEDGING: The Greek word is ‘epignosis’ which means FULL KNOWLEDGE AND REALIZATION.

PHILEMON 6 PARAPHRASED FROM ABOVE INFORMATION:

"THAT THE COMMUNICATION OF THY FAITH,
that is, the sharing of that which we hold in common; scripturally, sharing in His sufferings,
in the divine nature,
in the glory that shall be revealed,
in the fellowship with the Father and His Son,
in giving materially to the saints, to those who teach, and to all men;
being companions of those who receive reproaches and afflictions;
the communion of the blood of Christ,
the body of Christ, and of the Holy Spirit;
the fellowship with one another in the gospel
and in the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations
but is now made known to the saints,
which is Christ in you, the expectation of glory…
MAY BECOME EFFECTUAL, active, operative, energized, producing the desired results,
BY THE ACKNOWLEDGING, that is by the full knowledge and realization of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus."

If the property of the Giver (Jesus Christ)
becomes that of the receiver (me)
and it becomes our property in common (communication)
and if the sharing of what we hold in common
becomes productive and operative
by the full knowledge and realization
of every good thing which is in me
in Christ Jesus,
then it is imperative that I know what those good things are,
and they should be the confession of my mouth!

They are mine in Jesus Christ the minute I receive Him, but until I have a full knowledge of what they are, they will not do me any good in my daily life. It is like a person who is struggling under a heavy load of debt and living like a pauper. He is suddenly given a cheque for $1,000,000, but he keeps it in a coffee can at home. He continues his daily struggle in his own strength to provide meager existence when he could be living in abundant supply and producing life in others around him, which in turn would produce many thanksgivings to God.

2 Peter 1:2 says,
"GRACE and PEACE be MULTIPLIED unto you
THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE (epignosis=full knowledge) of God,
and of Jesus our Lord,
according as his divine power HAS GIVEN UNTO US ALL THINGS
THAT PERTAIN UNTO LIFE(zoe=life, motion, activity)
AND GODLINESS (reverence for God),
THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM
that hath called us to glory and virtue (force, strength of mind or body):
whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious PROMISES:
that BY THESE ye might be PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust…"

I Cor.2:12 says,
"I have received, not the spirit of the world,
but the Spirit which is of God:
THAT I MIGHT KNOW THE THINGS
THAT ARE FREELY GIVEN TO ME
BY GOD."

MAY WE ALL DESIRE TO BE PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE……