LIVE BY THE SPIRIT

As Christians, we fight a battle between
our own human natures (which are
sinful) and the Holy Spirit that lives in
us. We have to consciously and constantly
listen to the Holy Spirit and follow His
leading. If we don't, our human nature
will lead us to things that destroy our
Christian walk.


Heavenly Father, we humbly ask for
strength, wisdom, and discernment to
follow the leading of your Holy Spirit
so that we will not sin against you. In
Jesus' name.


Read Galatians 5:16


"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will
not gratify the desires of the sinful
 nature." (NIV)


"This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and
ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.'
(KJV)


     
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PRESENT SUFFERING

Suffering is something we can all
understand. Most of us have
suffered or are currently suffering
in our lives. During our suffering
we think about how bad it is, how
hard it is to endure. The Lord has
promised us that whatever suffering
we experience on this earth will
fade and be forgotten when we enter
 into His eternal glory. When we are
suffering, we can look ahead with
hope and anticipation.


Heavenly Father, although we
don't understand why we go
through suffering, we know that
you have prepared a much more
wonderful eternity for us. We
thank you that our suffering
isn't even comparable to the
glory you will reveal in us.
In Jesus' name.


Read Romans 8:18


"I consider that our present
sufferings are not worth comparing
with the glory that will be revealed
in us." (NIV)


"For I reckon that the sufferings
of this present time are not worthy
to be compared with the glory
which shall be revealed in us."
(KJV)


     
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THY WORD IS LIGHT

When the sun slowly comes out from behind a dark cloud,

the light increases and soon shines brightly on everything

in sight. It enables us to see more clearly and thoroughly.

It is the same with the Word of God, which is light. As we

study and learn, the eyes of our understanding become

bright and clear, alive with understanding of our Lord.

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that you gave us

your Word so that we might see and understand the things

of God more clearly. Help us to never take your Word

lightly. In Jesus' name.

Read Psalm 119:130

"The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding

to the simple." (NIV)

"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding

unto the simple." (KJV)

     

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ALL WE NEED

Knowledge of the Lord comes by staying in the Word, by

communing with Him, and by gathering with other believers.

Through our knowledge of Him, He freely gives us His mighty

power so that we will lack nothing. We will have everything

we need to live Godly and holy lives. The more we know Him,

the more He will allow His power to flow though our lives.

Heavenly Father, we thank you and praise you for giving

us all we need to live a life of victory while we are on this

earth. Give us more hunger for your Word, and for prayer,

and to be with our fellow Christians. In Jesus' name.

Read 2 Peter 1:3

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life

and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us

by His own glory and goodness." (NIV)

"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things

that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge

of him that hath called us to glory and virtue." (KJV)

     

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GOD LOVES OBEDIENCE

If we fill our hearts and minds with the Word of God and obey it, we will have the love of God flowing freely and abundantly through us. More over, our obedience to God shows that we love Him and it pleases Him so much that He will reveal Himself to us.

Heavenly Father, sometimes it is difficult to obey, but we ask that you would show us grace and mercy to stand strong and obey your word. Knowing you will reveal yourself to us if we obey is more than enough motivation. In Jesus' name.

Read John 14:21

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them he is the one who

loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too

will love him and show myself to him." (NIV)

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." (KJV)

     

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NO REVENGE

When someone has hurt us and committed a terrible wrong
against us, our natural response is to get even. If we follow
that natural inclination, we turn into the same kind of person
that wronged us. Rather, God says to do nothing, but wait on
Him and He will see that we are vindicated. He will allow the
transgressor to reap what was sown.


Heavenly Father, Oh how we need your grace when we have
been hurt by others. Help us to rise above our human nature
and leave revenge alone. We trust that you will take care of
the situation for us. In Jesus' name.


Read Proverbs 20:22


"Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the
Lord, and he will deliver you." (NIV)


"Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD,
and he shall asve thee." (KJV)



     

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SHHH! LISTEN TO THE POWER

We can talk about the things of God, quote scripture, sing hymns, and state our beliefs, but there is no power in talking and discussing the things of God. The power of God is unleashed when we live God's Word and demonstrate His kingdom in our lives through the Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father, we ask for wisdom to keep from just talking

words that have no power, but to live our lives in the power of

the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name.

Read 1 Corinthians 4:20

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power." (NVI)

"For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." (KJV)

"Beware of reasoning about God's Word - obey it." Oswald Chambers

     

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FIRE OF THE SPIRIT

Fire is a great consuming flame that affects and changes

the nature and properties of everything it touches. The Holy

Spirit is a powerful consuming fire. When we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, our nature is changed and we have the power to affect those around us with Godly influence and to allow the power of God to change lives through us. We are not

to put out the fire of the Holy Spirit or hinder His working through us.

Heavenly Father, we thank you and praise you for the gift of

your Holy Spirit. Help us to keep the fire of the Holy Spirit

burning in our lives so that others will change and want to

seek You. In Jesus' name.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:19

"Do not put out the Spirit's fire." (NIV)

"Quench not the Spirit." (KJV)

     

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HOW TO BE HAPPY

God's Word tells us how to be happy. If we have a good and

pure heart as the basis of our actions, we will have happiness.

If we live continually in the boundaries of God's will, we will

know true happiness. Happiness is the result of a pure heart

and obedience.

Heavenly Father, we thank you and praise you that you have

revealed to us the way to find true happiness. Give us a pure

heart and the determination to obey, so that we may know

you fully. In Jesus' name.

Read Psalm 119:1

"Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk

according to the law of the Lord." (NIV)

"Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law

of the LORD." (KJV)

     

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DON'T LOOK BACK

Our minds often go back to times when we were hurt, rejected,

overlooked, abused, neglected, and left all alone. Dwelling on

these times keeps us from moving forward in our Christian walk.

We are not to focus on all that happened in the past, but look

forward to that place God wants us to be. We will never forget

all that has happened, we just cannot allow ourselves to get

stuck there. Keep going forward; God is waiting for us there.

Heavenly Father, we ask your forgiveness for letting our

minds and our memories keep us from growing in you. Help

us to keep our eyes fixed on you and your plan for our lives,

which is becoming more like Christ. In Jesus' name.

Read Philippians 3:13,14

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of

it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining

toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the

prize for which God has called me heavenward for Christ

Jesus." (NIV)

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this

one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and

reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press

toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in

Christ Jesus." (KJV)

     

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GUARDING YOUR SOUL

The Word of God says that He will never allow harm to come to us. Then why does Jesus tell us that we will have suffering and tribulation if we live a righteous life in this world? The answer is not about worldly things. God will always and forever protect our souls from harm by the evil one and never allow us to perish with the unrighteous. That is true no matter what happens to our physical bodies on this earth.

Heavenly Father, we praise you and thank you that we have the full assurance that you are guarding our souls from harm. We ask that you help us live righteously before you. In Jesus' name.

Read Psalm 121:7,8

"The Lord will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore." (NIV)

"The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." (KJV)

  

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BLINDED

Since the evil one cannot keep the Light of the Gospel out of the world, He works overtime making sure the Light doesn't get into the hearts and minds of those who do not yet believe. Unbelievers allow the darkness to rule in their hearts because they are more comfortable with the lie and they see the lie as more realistic and logical. Our commission as believers is to be

light in this dark world and pray that the Holy Spirit will prepare the hearts and minds of the unbelievers to receive and believe the truth of the Gospel.

Heavenly Father, we are aware of the work of the evil one in this world. But we know that You are greater and the truth of the Gospel is greater. Help us to be light to this dark world. Prepare the hearts and minds of those who are still prisoners of the darkness, so they will get a glimpse of the truth and turn from the darkness to the light. In Jesus' name.

Read 2 Corinthians 4:4

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (NIV)

"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (KJV)

     

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STAND FIRM

Because we live in a world of uncertainty and increasing natural

and manmade calamities, it is easy to get thrown off track. We are apt to get our eyes off the Lord. We are told in His Word to stand firm and not let anything make us waver. God is with us always and He is in control.

Heavenly Father, we praise you that you are always with us and that you are in control of all things. But you know we are human and that we get distracted when things happen in our lives. Please help us to stay strong and unmoved by these things and to remember that you are God Almighty. In Jesus' name.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:58

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you.

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because

you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (NIV)

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable,

always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye

know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (KJV)

     

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SOFT TALK

When we get into an argument with another person, it is

natural for us to raise our voice and match the negativity

of the other person. There is blaming, bringing up past hurts,

criticizing, and making demands. The natural outcome of this

behavior is more anger and hurt. As Christians, we are free to

stay unhooked from arguing by responding with gentleness

and soft words. Soft words have a way of taming anger.

Heavenly Father, please help us to remember that we don't

have to get caught up in arguments that stir up anger. In

those times when arguments happen, give us the soft words

to speak that will take the anger captive and calm it. In

Jesus' name.

Read Proverbs 15:1

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (NIV)

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (KJV)

     

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FREE TO REFRAIN

When we accept the truth of God that we are free where the Spirit of the Lord is, it means we are free to say no to sin. Even more, we can say no to those things that are not really sinful, but they do not add to our godliness or to the growth of new Christians who are learning how to walk. All things may be available to us to do, but all things are not always the right thing to do. We use love and discernment, thinking of the welfare of others first.

Heavenly Father, we humbly confess that we sometimes carry

out our own agendas that are not necessarily wrong, except we

haven't taken time to think how our behavior may affect a new

Christian who watches us. Help us to always be aware that just

because something is all right for us to do, we need to be careful

that we don't confuse or cause a new Christian to stumble. In

Jesus' name.

Read 1 Corinthians 10:23

Everything is permissible-but not everything is beneficial.

Everything is permissible--but not everything is constructive.

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others." (NIV)

"All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient:

all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man

seek his own, but every man another's wealth." (KJV)

     

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STAND FIRM TO THE END

Jesus warned us that the world would become so evil that many

would just accept evil as normal, they will not be pierced in their

soul by it, their love for God will lose it's fervor. We are to be alert to this because only those who are firm in their spiritual walk with Christ will be saved.

Heavenly Father, we know this world is getting more evil as time

passes. We ask you to keep us firm and passionate about our walk with you. Help us to resist evil and to continue being lighthouses for you in this evil world. In Jesus' name.

Read Matthew 24:12,13

"Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." (NIV)

"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (KJV)

     

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WAITING

Waiting is a difficult thing when we are needing something now.

It becomes nearly impossible when we have waited far beyond

the time we expected we would need to wait. It is then we begin

to lose heart, to weaken, and become discouraged. But, this is the time when we can allow the Lord to make us strong and courageous so that our trust and faith will be a testimony to an unbelieving world.

Heavenly Father, we confess that we become impatient and lose

heart quickly. Help us to exercise our faith so that we will be

strong and confident that the answer to our prayer is on the way.

In Jesus' name.

Read Psalm 27:14

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." (NIV)

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." (KJV)

     

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THE AWESOMENESS OF GOD

Do we really grasp the awesome nature of our Lord Jesus Christ? He is eternal, existing from eternity to eternity, no beginning and no end. Do we really understand that Christ is the One who causes all things created to hold together, have shape and form, and have organization. That includes all things in the universe and all things in the spiritual world. That is why every knee will bow at His coming.

Heavenly Father, the greatness of your Son, Jesus Christ is so vast it is hard for our minds to comprehend it. Help us to know Him and to show Him the reverence and obedience that is His. We thank you for sending Him to save us and that we will live with Him forever. Praise His holy name. In Jesus' name.

Read Colossians 1:17

"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (NIV)

"And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (KJV)

     

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NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US

The Gospels proclaim that God is love and that He loves the world so much, He sent His Son to save us. There is nothing in this world that can get in the way of God's love for us. There is something within individuals that will willingly not allow God's love to save them; and that is leaving this world without willfully repenting and accepting Jesus Christ as personal Saviour.

Heavenly Father, our minds cannot contain the dimensions of the

love you have for us. We ask that you help us to live in that love,

share that love, and honor that love in everything we do. We pray

for those who have not accepted that love, that you will allow us

to cross their path to share your love so that they can know You.

In Jesus' name.

Read Romans 8:38-39

"For I am convinced that either death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ

Jesus our Lord." (NIV)

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.' (KJV)

     

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WISDOM OF THE WORLD

Earthly knowledge and wisdom has grown by leaps and bounds.

We are often impressed at the things that are discovered and

explained by scientists, researchers, and scholars. As Christians,

we understand that the knowledge and wisdom of this world

cannot reconcile us to God nor lead us to God. The world's

wisdom is temporary and it will disappear along with the rest of

the wood, hay, and stubble when Christ comes for us.

Heavenly Father, we ask for Your true wisdom and knowledge

that will bring life to our souls and that will bring us safely

home to You in eternity. Help us not get distracted and caught

up in the wisdom of this world. In Jesus' name.

Read 1 Corinthians 1:19

"For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the

intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.'" (NIV)

"For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." (KJV)

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LIVE WISELY NOW

Who would disagree that we live in evil times? We are commanded, as Christians, to stop living like we don't believe His coming is near and that the time is very close when we will be persecuted and even killed for even a hint that we belong to Christ. If we are alert and take every opportunity to shine His light now, we will be able to stand before Him with crowns to lay at His feet.

Heavenly Father, please help us to be more aware of the seriousness of shining Your light now, while we have the opportunity. May we be found doing Your work when You come for us. In Jesus' name.

Read Ephesians 5:15,16

"Be very careful then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (NIV)

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (KJV)

     

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LETTER KILLS, SPIRIT GIVES LIFE

With Jesus Christ bringing us the New Covenant, we no longer have to rely on the law. We can study the law hours on end and memorize it from cover to cover, but that in itself will not give us life. The Spirit of God is what brings life to our own soul and spirit. If we have the Spirit of God, we will fulfill the law and all that is fruitful and pleasing to God.

Heavenly Father, we praise you and thank you for Your Word and for Your precious Holy Spirit. We are a blessed people to have the Word of God brought to life by your Holy Spirit. And the life is living within us, your children. Give us more hunger for your Word and openness to the Holy Spirit that gives life and light. In Jesus' name.

Read 2 Corinthians 3:6

"He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant-- not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (NIV)

"Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." (KJV)

     

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COMPLETELY JUSTIFIED

We could never be justified from our sins by the law, by the fat and blood of animals, or by any works we could do. It took the highest sacrifice to satisfy  God so that He would totally forgive us and free us from the curse of sin. Jesus Christ was that perfect, ultimate sacrifice, and through Him we are justified and cleansed from our sins.

Heavenly Father, we know that You required a great price to save us from our sin. We also know that Your love for us is so great that you sent Your only Son to die for us. We praise You and thank You for such great love and giving. In Jesus' name.

Read Acts 13:39

Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses." (NIV)

"And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." (KJV)

     

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BLOG JOG DAY

“Thank you for stopping by my Blog! Become a follower or leave a comment.
Please explore all this Blog has to offer, then jog on over to http://caroleannecarr.blogspot.com/

If you would like to visit a different Blog in the jog, go to http://blogjogday.blogspot.com/.”

SOWING AND REAPING

The law of sowing and reaping is one that has proven true throughout the history of mankind, in the Old Testament and the New. Whatever thoughts we harbor, whatever words we speak, whatever our deeds, they will come back to us. If we are careful what seeds we sow, we won't need to worry abut the harvest we will reap.

Heavenly Father, we pray that You will help us to be aware of the thoughts we have, the words we speak, and the actions we do, that they will be pleasing to you and uplifting to others. Help us to plant good seeds so that we will welcome the harvest we reap. In Jesus' name.

Read Obadiah 1:15

"The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head." (NIV)

"For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head." (KJV)

     

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FOUNDATION OF ALL KNOWLEDGE

Of all the knowledge that can be known, none of it is worth anything unless it is built on the most important foundation. That foundation is the fear of the Lord. It is the most important knowledge because recognizing God is all in all, everything we learn will grow out of that fact and God will direct our knowledge until we get to Him. If we want wisdom, we begin with fear of the Lord.

Heavenly Father, help us to search ourselves so that we have that fear that leads to wisdom and knowledge that is worth eternal life with you. In Jesus' name.

Read Proverbs 1:7

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (NIV)

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (KJV)

    

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OMNIPOTENT GOD

If we really believe that God is all powerful, we will not worry

about things like we do. When God sets something in place,

there is nothing that can change it, except God Himself. If God

chooses to keep something from happening, there is nothing that

can make it happen, except God Himself. God is omnipotent. He

is all powerful and there is no power greater than Him. Trust Him, we will not be disappointed.

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that you are all powerful,

and that we can put our whole trust in you. You know what is

best for us and we thank you that you open and shut the doors

according to your will. Because of that, You will be glorified and

we will have what is best for us. In Jesus Name.

Read Revelation 3:7

"....These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open." (NIV)

"....These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth." (KJV)

     

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LISTENING AND DOING

Listening to the Word brings faith. But that is only the beginning. If we do not do what the Word says, we are deceived by thinking all we need to do is listen and know the Word to be safe and secure. Obedience by doing is what makes our faith alive. Knowing and listening to the Word with faith and not doing what the Word says makes our faith just like a corpse.

Heavenly Father, we ask that you help us do what your Word says so that our faith will be alive and fruitful for your kingdom. In Jesus' Name.

Read James 1:22

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (NIV)

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (KJV)

     

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