10/20/13

Psalm 24 NIV

Psalm 24 (New International Version)

 

 

Perhaps at first glance Psalm 24 does not appear to be a warfare Psalm. David speaks of the beauty and majesty of GOD’s creation. He speaks of the beginning of the world; the first thoughts of Creation. Yet, if you read Psalm 24 with the heart of GOD you will realize that it is a Psalm of warfare, for it gives us a glimpse into the weaponry needed to fight the battles.

 

 

Weaponry is not always physical, it is predominately spiritual. David speaks of the qualifications for the job of warrior–those qualifications that touch GOD. A clean, purely minded individual who obeys the ten commandments as Jesus taught of them in the Book of Matthew Chapter 5: 17- 20 .

 

“Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to make their teachings come true. Remember that as long as heaven and earth last, not the least point nor the smallest detail of the Law will be done away with–not until the end of all things. So then, whoever disobeys even the least important of the commandments and teaches others to do the same, will be least in the Kingdom of Heaven. On the other hand, whoever obeys the Law and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven. I tell you, then, that you will be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven only if you are more faithful than the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees in doing what GOD requires.”

 

Does this mean that we are to be as the Pharisees were? Are we to stand around congratulating ourselves about how holy we are? No, it does not. This means that we are to obey and revere our LORD and in so doing gain control of the battleground. It is in being willing to fight the battles that we will gain strength to overcome, and to be able to enter the gate of Heaven. Jesus is the King of Glory, the LORD mighty in battle. David knew this in his spirit, we can know it also.

So, lift up your head and let the Spirit of GOD enter your doors. Be mighty and strong in this battle that we as saints face, and let GOD be the warrior in us.

 

Additional Reference: Matthew 5 through 7; Proverbs 6: 12-19; Galatians 5:19-26; 2 Samuel 1-23

 

Charlene

 

 

Of David. A Psalm.

 

 

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
    the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it on the seas
    and established it on the waters.

 

 

 

3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
    Who may stand in his holy place?
4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not trust in an idol
    or swear by a false god.[a]

 

 

 

5 They will receive blessing from the Lord
    and vindication from God their Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek your face, God of Jacob.[b][c]

 

 

 

7 Lift up your heads, you gates;
    be lifted up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord strong and mighty,
    the Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, you gates;
    lift them up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?
    The Lord Almighty—
    he is the King of glory.

 

 

Footnotes:

 

  1. Psalm 24:4 Or swear falsely

  2. Psalm 24:6 Two Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac (see also Septuagint); most Hebrew manuscripts face, Jacob

  3. Psalm 24:6 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 10.

 

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2013 Charlene Kirst
10/5/13

Autumn Embraced by Charlene Kirst


Gazing at the leaves beginning to turn
The russets and golds; the crimsons that burn
With a fire that can’t be put out
Let’s embrace the autumn with a cheer and a shout.

 

 

Great trees like lollipops sway in the breeze
As I gaze at their colors they give my heart ease
They’re symbolic of change in the air and my heart
Let’s embrace the autumn; let’s embrace a new start.

 

 

Watching the fat squirrels gathering loot
Searching my closet for snug and warm boots
Curling up close to the warmth with a book
Let’s embrace the autumn while safe in our nook, and…

 

 

As winter approaches on autumn’s hued heels
To snuggle with loved ones is just what I feel
Would do us all good if we could only  try
To embrace the autumn as it passes by.

 

 Photo Credit: environment.nationalgeographic.com

 

 

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2013 Charlene Kirst
09/14/13

Phillipians 2: Humility, Jesus Christ,

Philippians 2

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

Imitating Christ’s Humility

 

 

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

 

 

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

 

 

6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

 

 

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

 

 

 

Do Everything Without Grumbling

 

 

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

 

 

 

Timothy and Epaphroditus

 

 

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

 

 

 

Footnotes:

 

 

  1. Philippians 2:6 Or in the form of

  2. Philippians 2:7 Or the form

  3. Philippians 2:15 Deut. 32:5

 

 


New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®

09/4/13

The Book of Philemon: Buried Treasure

The Book of Philemon is one of the best kept secrets of the Christian Church. This wonderful scripture, written by Paul the Apostle to his friend and fellow minister Philemon encourages him to embrace and receive Onesimus, Philemon’s run away slave, back into his household. Onesimus is now converted to Christianity through the ministry of Paul, and desires to return to his former master not as a slave, but as a free man in Christ.

 

Within my own experience, the ‘Book of Philemon’ is seldom used as sermon material. I am frequently astonished to learn that few Christians have delved into the beauty of this book about accepting others in Christ as changed individuals under the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit. Paul uses his servanthood gift of persuasion to pave the way for Onesimus to become an asset to his master’s household, not a burden. How we should seek to emulate Onesimus; to turn the other cheek on this world and it’s temptations, and to become a blessing to our Master, Jesus Christ. To seek to hear Jesus tell us that we have done well in Him.

Charlene

 

Philemon 1  (NIV)

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— 2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home:

 

 

3 Grace and peace to you[a] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

Thanksgiving and Prayer

 

 

4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

 

 

Paul’s Plea for Onesimus

 

 

8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,[b] who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

 

 

12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary.

 

15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

 

 

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

 

 

22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

 

 

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

 

 

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

 

 

 

Footnotes:

 

 

  1. Philemon 1:3 The Greek is plural; also in verses 22 and 25; elsewhere in this letter “you” is singular.

  2. Philemon 1:10 Onesimus means useful.

 


New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

08/28/13

The Yes Behind God’s “No”, Parts 1 & 2

It can become so confusing when seeking GOD’s will for our lives. We want to pursue those things that appeal to our senses and egos. Yet, obedience is the key to joy and fulfillment in Christ. Our Father knows our needs and desires more deeply than we know ourselves. Lean on His wisdom when seeking answers to life’s questions.

credit: Pastor Anton T. Wesley

Charlene’s Source: youtube

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08/15/13

Romans 14 God Accepts All

The question of what foods to eat in God’s Kingdom had become a stumbling block among the Jews and Gentiles, and the early church was suffering because of the difference of lifestyles and opinions. This was one of many challenges that the early church faced, and all was based predominately upon differences of interpretation. We as humans tend to judge easily and forgive after much struggle.

 

 

Sadly, the church today is still challenged by differences of opinion and interpretation. There are so many scripture versions as to make your head spin–and while they may all benefit the church body, we are faced with a sanctuary filled with so many different versions at a given moment that it becomes hard to read along with one another. Any area of confusion can cause division or misunderstanding. Perhaps this can inspire us to all listen to the speaker, for in so doing we all hear the same words.

 

Joy comes from acknowledging our differences to one another in an atmosphere of openness and trust.  Prayerfully this is not a means of control and challenge, but a method of  sharing in dialogue so that all may partake at the table. What is true, good, and nourishing will reveal its refreshment if we can allow others to have a right to taste different foods. The key is seeking and tasting so that truth is revealed–and as we all know, ‘the truth will set you free”.

 

Charlene

 

Romans 14

 

 

Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

 

Don’t Criticize Others

 

 

14 Be willing to accept those who still have doubts about what believers can do. And don’t argue with them about their different ideas. 2 Some people believe they can eat any kind of food,[a] but those who have doubts eat only vegetables. 3 Those who know they can eat any kind of food must not feel that they are better than those who eat only vegetables. And those who eat only vegetables must not decide that those who eat all foods are wrong. God has accepted them. 4 You cannot judge the servants of someone else. Their own master decides if they are doing right or wrong. And the Lord’s servants will be right, because the Lord is able to make them right.

5 Some people might believe that one day is more important than another. And others might believe that every day is the same. Everyone should be sure about their beliefs in their own mind. 6 Those who think one day is more important than other days are doing that for the Lord. And those who eat all kinds of food are doing that for the Lord. Yes, they give thanks to God for that food. And those who refuse to eat some foods do that for the Lord. They also give thanks to God.

7 We don’t live or die just for ourselves. 8 If we live, we are living for the Lord. And if we die, we are dying for the Lord. So living or dying, we belong to the Lord. 9 That is why Christ died and rose from death to live again—so that he could be Lord over those who have died and those who are living.

10 So why do you judge your brother or sister in Christ? Or why do you think that you are better than they are? We will all stand before God, and he will judge us all. 11 Yes, the Scriptures say,

 

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘Everyone will bow before me;
everyone will say that I am God.’”

 

12 So each of us will have to explain to God about the things we do.

 

Don’t Cause Others to Sin

 

13 So we should stop judging each other. Let’s decide not to do anything that will cause a problem for a brother or sister or hurt their faith. 14 I know that there is no food that is wrong to eat. The Lord Jesus is the one who convinced me of that. But if someone believes that something is wrong, then it is wrong for that person.

 

15 If you hurt the faith of your brother or sister because of something you eat, you are not really following the way of love. Don’t destroy anyone’s faith by eating something they think is wrong. Christ died for them. 16 Don’t allow what is good for you to become something they say is evil. 17 In God’s kingdom, what we eat and drink is not important. Here is what is important: a right way of life, peace, and joy—all from the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever serves Christ by living this way is pleasing God, and they will be accepted by others.

 

19 So let’s try as hard as we can to do what will bring peace. Let’s do whatever will help each other grow stronger in faith. 20 Don’t let the eating of food destroy the work of God. All food is right to eat, but it is wrong for anyone to eat something that hurts the faith of another person. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else that hurts the faith of your brother or sister.

 

22 You should keep your beliefs about these things a secret between yourself and God. It is a blessing to be able to do what you think is right without feeling guilty. 23 But anyone who eats something without being sure it is right is doing wrong. That is because they did not believe it was right. And if you do anything that you believe is not right, it is sin.

 

 

Footnotes:

 

Romans 14:2 any kind of food The Jewish law said there were some foods that Jews could not eat. When they became followers of Christ, some of them did not understand that they could now eat all foods.

 

Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

 

Copyright © 2006 by World Bible Translation Center

08/6/13

The Book of Jude

Jude 1

 

 

1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,

To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for[a] Jesus Christ:

 

2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

 

 

The Sin and Doom of Ungodly People

 

 

3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about[b] long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

 

 

5 Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord[c] at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.

 

 

8 In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”[d] 10 Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them.

 

 

11 Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.

 

 

12 These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. 13 They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.

 

 

14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”[e] 16 These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

 

A Call to Persevere

 

 

17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

 

 

20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

 

 

22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.[f]

 

Doxology

 

 

24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

 

 

Footnotes:

 

Jude 1:1 Or by; or in

Jude 1:4 Or individuals who were marked out for condemnation
Jude 1:5 Some early manuscripts Jesus
Jude 1:9 Jude is alluding to the Jewish Testament of Moses (approximately the first century a.d.).
Jude 1:15 From the Jewish First Book of Enoch (approximately the first century b.c.)
Jude 1:23 The Greek manuscripts of these verses vary at several points

 

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide

07/28/13

1 Corinthians 2: The Language of The Spirit

The Language of The Spirit Revised and Updated

 

 Rev. Charlene

 

In the United States we assume that we all speak the same native language. However, there are other languages spoken, some even more original. English predominates, so it is the responsibility of those who wish to communicate with the masses to learn to speak English. Yet it is fast becoming a necessity for those of us who speak English to take on Spanish as our second language. This language must be learned through diligent application, whereas the language of our birth was naturally acquired over time without hardship.

 

 

Those who travel and minister across the world must also learn the languages native to other regions and countries.  This can prove to be an even harder task. The desire to communicate and to spread God’s love is a motivational force that empowers people to learn new ways and new languages.

 

The languages of the world are different from the language of The Spirit. Those who possess God’s Spirit speak another-worldly language that has its origin in heaven, not earth. This language is not our native tongue, but became accessible when we came to Christ. It is through surrender to Christ and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit that we discern this gifted language. Without our interpreter, God’s Holy Spirit, we cannot discern the ways of God, nor can we understand the mysteries of our salvation.

 

 

As Paul writes to the Corinthians:

 

“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived[b]—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—

10 These are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit”.

 

Unless you are in indwelled by God’s Holy Spirit you simply cannot hear nor speak the heavenly language. It is a part of your inheritance gifts, just as speaking the spiritual language of the world makes you heir to the degradation of the world. Death becomes your wages, not life. Only Jesus Christ could pay the price for our sins because of His sinless nature, and it is only through The Cross that our sins are forgiven. Jesus knows the fullness of who we can be or are in Him.

 

 “Who has known the mind of the Lord
so as to instruct Him?’[d]

 

 

But we have the mind of Christ”. 

 

 

1 Corinthians 2

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

 1 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.[a] 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

 

 

God’s Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit

 

 

 6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9However, as it is written:

 

   “What no eye has seen,
   what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”[b]—
   the things God has prepared for those who love him—

 10these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

   The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.[c] 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. 15 The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, 16for,

 

 

   “Who has known the mind of the Lord
   so as to instruct Him?”[d]

   But we have the mind of Christ.

Footnotes:
  1. 1 Corinthians 2:1 Some manuscripts proclaimed to you God’s mystery
  2. 1 Corinthians 2:9 Isaiah 64:4
  3. 1 Corinthians 2:13 Or Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual
  4. 1 Corinthians 2:16 Isaiah 40:13

 

Scripture Credits:  Holy Bible. New International Version. BibleGateway.com

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2013 Charlene Kirst