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Camp Devotions “Get It Right With God!”

July 2nd, 2009

Get It Right With God! Monday 27th July, 2009

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.” Matthew 6:9

Our devotions this week are based on Matthew 6:9-13. In these words we learn about communication with God.

Notice the words “Our Father“. These are words of relationship. God is our Father, because we have come to Him, by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. See John 1:11-13.

The Bible calls this being born again or being adopted into God’s family. God is addressed as Father. A good and loving father is one who cares for his children, provides, protects, loves, guides, teaches and trains them. Children will follow his example. They often walk and talk like him. His thoughts are concerning his children. The father gives his children his family name. These things are all true of our heavenly Father! We are to honor the Name of God. We are only to do, think or say those things that bring honor and glory to His name, our family name. But God is not just concerned about me and mine! He is also concerned about all of His other children in “our” family. The way we treat others shows our love and respect for the Father.

Four questions will be asked in our devotions each day.

1. What does this verse teach me about the nature and character of God? List at least four things. Praise God for who He is.

2. For what blessings should I give thanks? Make a list. Thank God for what He is doing and has done for us and others.

3. What sins does this verse reveal I need to confess? Name your sins to God. Confess your sins to God.

4. What help do I need from God to do His will? Ask for God’s help with your needs.

Pray. “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.” Mt.6:9

Get It Right With God! Tuesday 28th July, 2009

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” vs. 10

A kingdom must have a king. In this case, it is the kingdom of Our Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. The Father is Sovereign in His kingdom. Sovereign means having supreme rank, power, or authority.

Have you surrendered your life to Jesus? Those who try to be king of their own life will find they are in rebellion against the rightful King. Jesus Christ is Lord. “Behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:21 Every kingdom or nation has its own laws. His kingdom has its royal law. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” James 2:8 The will of our Sovereign is revealed in His word. When we read the ten commandments or the sermon on the mount; we come to understand the nature of our Father and how we are to treat other people.

Prayer is about seeking the Father’s will! Too often, when we pray, it is about my will and my way. One day His kingdom will come and His will be done in earth. “We are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:13 Just think of a new earth where His will is done! All the commandments are kept! Men love one another and live in peace. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Rev.22:20

1. What is the nature of our King? What does His law teach us about His character? All glory and praise to the King! Rev.5:12-14

2. What blessings come from being in His kingdom and living under the royal law? Thank God for making you part of His Kingdom.

3. What sins do I need to confess? Confess your rebellion and disobedience to your Sovereign”

4. What help do I need to be a loving and obedient subject in the kingdom of God? Father help me be an obedient subject in your kingdom.

Pray. “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10

Get It Right With God! Wednesday 29th July, 2009

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11

Every good father provides for his children the things they need. So it is with Our Father! “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father.” James 1:17 “The eyes of all look to You and You give them their food in due time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:15,16

Notice, we are not just to pray for our needs. The words us and our remind us of others and their needs. For them we are also to pray. But Jesus is not just talking about physical bread and needs in this prayer. He is also talking about a daily relationship with the Bread of Life, Jesus. “Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD.” Deut. 8:3 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:32-35

1. What does this verse teach us about the nature and character of God? Praise God for who He is.

2. For what blessings should I give thanks? Thank God daily for all His blessings.

3. What sins does this verse reveal I need to confess? Remember lack of trust and complaining are sin! Confess your sins to God.

4. What help do I need from God? Ask for God’s help with your needs.

Pray. “Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11

Get It Right With God! Thursday 30th July, 2009

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12

We think of Christ dying for our sins on the cross. “But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’” Luke 23:34 Our sins are many. A Just and Holy God must punish sin. But God in His love and mercy sent His Son to die in our place. We who have been forgiven all our sins; must forgive those who sin against us. “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Eph.4:32 Forgive others the same way Christ forgives you. Total, complete forgiveness and He remembers the sin against us no more! We are never more like Christ than when we forgive someone who does not deserve to be forgiven.

1. What does this verse tell you about God’s holiness, justice, love and mercy? Praise God for who He is.

2. For what blessings should I give thanks? Thank God daily that your sins are forgiven by faith in Christ.

3. What sins does this verse reveal I need to confess? Remember to fail to forgive others is sin. Confess your sin to God.

4. What help do I need from God? Ask for God’s help and power to give and receive forgiveness.

Pray. “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12

Get It Right With God! Friday 31st July, 2009

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:” Matthew 6:13

We have a wonderful promise from God in 1 Cor. 10:13; “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” God does not tempt us with evil; He gives the power and the way to overcome temptation. Read James 1:12-16.

We can be delivered from the evil one and his evil. “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 “Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:5 We live in an evil day and temptations are all around us each day.

1. What does this verse teach me about the nature and character of God? Praise God for who He is.

2. For what blessings should I give thanks? Thank God for what He is doing and has done for us and others.

3. What sins does this verse reveal I need to confess? Name your sins and confess them to God.

4. What help do I need from God to do His will? Ask for God’s help with your needs. Oh how we need to pray! “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Matthew 6:13

The Lord’s Prayer Matthew 6:9-13 KJV

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

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Desperate? Call on Jesus! Mk.5:1-43

June 27th, 2009

28 June, 2009

Desperate - Having lost hope; yielding to despair. Many are desperate. They feel things in this world and in their life are out of control and hopeless. Some have almost given up. Don’t despair! Jesus loves, helps, heals and saves desperate people. We will look at three people who were saved from desperate situations by Jesus.

There was a man with an unclean spirit. Read Mark 5:1-20. This man was uncontrollable, no one could bind, or restrain him. He was in torment. Night and day, he was screaming among the tombs and gashing himself with stones. A very desperate and tormented man was he. Many today are out of control. They are addicted to sins that have enslaved them. “My name is Legion; for we are many.” vs.9 They are doing things they do not want to do. They are destroying themselves and those they love. They despair! Is their anyone who can set me free? Jesus came and set Legion free and He can set you free! “They came to Jesus and observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, and very man who had had the “legion”; and they became frightened.”vs.15 Jesus had this message for the set free one;”Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” vs.19

A desperately sick woman reached out to Jesus. Mark 5:24-34. This woman had a sickness that could not be cured. “A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse.” vs.25, 26 She had tried everything. She had been to all the doctors. She had suffered their treatment. She had spent all her money. Things were not better, they were worse! This woman just touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed. “And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.” vs. 34

Jairus’ daughter was sick to the point of death. Mark 5:22-24, 35-43. When he was on his way to bring Jesus to her; His daughter died! “Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?” Jesus said, “Do not be afraid. Only believe.” vs.35,36 “Taking the child by the hand, He said to her, ‘Talitha kum!’ (which translated means; Little girl, I say to you, get up!) Immediately the girl got up and began to walk.” vs.41,42

Controlling the uncontrollable, setting free the tormented, curing the uncurable, and giving new life to the dead, that is what Jesus is about. Giving the desperate hope, that is what Jesus is about! You and I were once uncontrollable, enslaved to our sin. We once had a sin sickness that no human doctor or any amount of money could cure. All our efforts to fix ourselves only made things worse and led to hopeless despair. We were already dead in our trespasses and sins. “But God being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ ( by grace you have been saved).” Eph.2:4,5 Having met the God of hope in Christ Jesus; Let us share His hope in this world of despair. The gospel of Christ shines like a bright light in a very dark night. We are to let the light of Christ shine through us to those in darkness, despair and hopelessness. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Mt.5:16

If you are desperate today; Come to Jesus. He is the God of hope. Admit you can not fix yourself or save yourself. Repent of your sin. Trust in Jesus; in the work He did for you on the cross. Have faith, only believe. He will say, “Your faith (in Me) has saved you; go in peace and be healed of your affliction. One day with a shout He will say; “Get up!” “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, … and the dead in Christ will rise first.” 1Thess.4:16 Keep sharing your hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Jesus Teaches Us About Prayer! Matthew 6:9-13

June 26th, 2009

Jesus Teaches Us About Prayer! Matthew 6:9-13

9 “Pray, then, in this way:
‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’”

Prayer was very important in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ! He would get up early or stay up late, in order to pray. “He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.” Lk.6:12 “Jesus Himself would slip away to the wilderness and pray.” Lk.5:16 Finally one of His disciples made this request; “Lord, teach us to pray.” Lk. 11:1 Jesus also taught this in the Sermon on the Mount. Something that was so important to our Lord; surely, should be important to us.

As we pray through this passage or when we use any scripture as a basis of our prayer; It is helpful to ask four questions. 1. What does this text teach me about the nature and character of God? Praise God for who He is. 2. For what blessings does this verse show me to be thankful? Thank God for what He has done and is doing for us and others. 3. What sins does this verse reveal I need to confess? Confess all sin that He reveals to us from His word. 4. What help do I need from God to do His will? Ask for His help, for our needs.

“Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” vs.9 First we see, prayer is about our Father, His glory and the honor of His name. Prayer is about His kingdom and His will. Prayer is about abiding in Jesus and having His will and word on our hearts. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”Jn.15:7 We also see in the first sentence of the prayer that prayer is also about others. The words “Our Father” remind us of the community of believers. Let us take time to examine each part of this prayer. “Father” makes us think of Provider, Protector, and Teacher. David in the Psalms calls God, His Rock, Refuge, Shield, and High Tower. First we must praise God for all that He is. He is a perfect Father who is in heaven. He is holy, all knowing and all powerful. Enter into prayer mindful of our Father. Give glory to His name. “Hallowed be Thy Name.” In the presence of God the angels cry, “Holy, Holy, Holy!” Isa.6:3 We must also remember that we as His children carry the name of Christ and should do nothing to dishonor His name. “You shall be holy for I am Holy.” 1 Peter 1:16

Next we thank God for all He has done for us. He has made us His children. He has forgiven us and has given us His holiness. “Our Father” has provided, protected, loved and cared for us. We praise God for all that He is and thank God for all he has done.

Seeing God in His power and glory and honor; we see ourselves in our true condition. We are like Isaiah of old. “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” Isa.6:5 We, like the tax collector in the story of Jesus cry out, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” Lk.18:13 We often do not trust our heavenly Father to provide, protect and care for us! We often dis-honor His holy name! What sins does this passage lead you to confess? Confess them now and receive His forgiveness.

Now ask God for help. Help to trust Him as Father. Help to know Him better. Pray you will live to honor His name. Pray that others in your family, community, nation and the world will come to know God as Father through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. May we receive His power to live a holy life.

“Your kingdom come Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.” vs.10 Praise God! He has a kingdom and a will. One day Jesus will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. One day His will shall be done on earth. God reveals His will in the Bible. Pray for God’s will to be done. Pray men will love God and receive the Jesus Christ as Savior. Pray men will love their neighbor. Pray we will not lie, steal, murder, comit sexual immorality, or covet what belongs to our neighbor. Thank the Father that He has made you a member of His kingdom and revealed His will to you. Confess we do not always seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Help us Lord live under your reign, your lordship. Help us to obey your law and delight to do your will.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” vs. 11 Praise God! Our heavenly Father provides all our physical and spiritual needs. “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”Mt. 4:4 Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” Jn.6:48 Thank God for the gifts of spiritual and physical bread. Give thanks to the Father that He meets all our true needs. Confess we are often ungrateful and do not appreciate or share our gift of bread with the more needy. Help us to share our spiritual and physical bread with those in need.

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” vs. 12 God, our Father loved the world so much that He gave His Son to redeem us. Praise God! He is a God of mercy, love, grace and holiness. Thank God that though His Son the Lord Jesus Christ all our sins are forgiven. Our debts which were many have been paid in full by Jesus Christ. Thank God that because we have been forgiven we have His power to forgive others. Confess that sometimes we doubt His forgiveness. Some times we fail to forgive others and want to make them pay for what they have done. Sometime we forget that He is the Judge not us. Help us trust in your forgiveness and share that good news with others. Help us to forgive others as you have forgiven us.

“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” vs.13 Praise God! He is holy and all powerful. “God can not be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.” James 1:13 “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 Jn.4:4 Thank God! He will give us the way, the power and the desire to overcome temptation and to have victory over evil. “The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” 1Jn. 3:8 Confess that we are often in love with sin and do not want to turn from sin. Help us Father to see sin as you see it to hate our sin and to repent and forsake our sin. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we might have victory over sin.

“For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” vs. 13 In this ending of the model prayer we see again that prayer is first about the Father, His kingdom, power and glory. Our loving Father delights to meet our needs and the needs of others. Our greatest need is to know Him and to be a part of His kingdom and purpose in the world.

Prayer Walking!

Soon we will be walking through this community and praying for the people. We can expect the opposition of satan, but greater is He who is with us than he who is with the world. Let us go, abiding in Jesus, walking in the Spirit. Let us go, with His word, will and glory on our hearts and minds. Let us ask for God’s blessing and will for this community. God will guide your heart and mind as you pray. You can agree with your partner in prayer. You will mostly pray silently, seen and heard only by God. God will bring people across your path who you are to greet, and show God’s love and concern. At the end of your prayer walk, you should have a greater burden and concern for this community as you have seen this community in the light of God’s word and will. “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” 1 Tim 2:1-6 “Brethren, pray for us.” 1Thess.5: 25 To God be the glory. Amen.

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Jesucristo nos enseña como orar

June 26th, 2009

El Padre Nuestro

Jesucristo nos enseña como orar

Jesucristo dijo en San Mateo 6:9-13

Vosotros, pues, oraréis así: “Padre nuestro que estás en los cielos, santificado sea tu nombre. Venga tu reino. Hagase tu voluntad, como en el cielo, así también en la tierra. El pan nuestro de cada día, danoslo hoy. Y perdonanos nuestras deudas, como también nosotros perdonamos a nuestros deudores. Y no nos metas en tentación, mas libranos del mal, porque tuyo es el Reino, y el poder y la gloria, por todos los siglos. Amén”.

La oración era muy importante en la vida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. La palabra de Dios documenta que él se levantaba temprano para orar y oraba también por largas noches. En San Lucas 6:12 dice “En aquellos días él fue al monte a orar, y pasó la noche orando a Dios”. En San Lucas 5:16 dice “Pero él se apartaba a lugares desiertos para orar”. Finalmente en una ocasión uno de sus dicípulos le pidió que les enseñara como orar. San Lucas 11:1 “Aconteció que estaba Jesús orando en un lugar y, cuando terminó, uno de sus discípulos le dijo: - Señor, enséñanos a orar…” Jesús también enseñó esto en el sermón del monte. Si la oración era muy importante para nuestro Señor Jesucristo, debiera también ser importante para nosotros.

Así que, cuando veamos este pasaje o lea otro pasaje de las escrituras, recuerde que el padre Nuestro es base para escudriñar su palabra. Cuando lo haga preguntesé estos cuatro puntos:

1. Que me enseña este versículo del carácter y deidad de Dios? De gracias a Dios por todo lo que el es.

2. Por que bendiciones debo dar gracias a Dios? Dele gracias por todo lo que ha hecho y hará en nuestras vidas.

3. Que pecado o falta me revela el Señor y que necesito confesar? Confiese al Señor sus pecados y faltas.

4. en que necesito reconocer la ayuda y socorro del Señor en mi vida? Pidalé a Dios por su susto y ayuda.

Versículo 9: “Padre nuestro que estás en los cielos, santificado sea tu nombre”. En primer lugar vemos que la oración es sobre nuestro Padre, su gloria y su santo nombre. La oración es sobre su reino y su voluntad. La oración es para que permanezcamos en Jesucristo y ayudarnos hacer su voluntad. En San Juan 15:7 dice “Si permanecéis en mí y mis palabras permanecen en vosotros, pedid todo lo que queráis y os será hecho”.

También podemos ver en la primera parte del Padre Nuestro, que la oración no es individual, sino que es para todos los creyentes: “Padre nuestro” .

Examinemos un poco más cada porción del Padre Nuestro.

La palabra “Padre” nos permite pensar en las funciones de un padre: provisión, protección, y maestro. David en los Salmos llama a Dios: roca mia, refugio mio, escudo mio y castillo mio.

Continuando con el versiculo 9, “Santificado sea tu nombre” nos enseña que debemos de alabarle por todo lo que él es. El es un padre perfecto que está en los cielos; él es santo; él es omniciente, que todo lo sabe; el es omnipotente, todo poderoso. Cuando oremos debemos ser concientes de nuestro Padre Celestial. Demos Gloria a su nombre. En Isaias 6:3 dice que los angeles en su presencia claman “Santo, Santo, Santo”. Esto pues nos reitera que como sus hijos debemos de llevar su nombre en alto y no traer reproche a su Santo nombre. 1ra. de Pedro 1:6 dice “Sed santos, porque yo soy santo”.

Demos gracias a Dios pues nos ha hecho sus hijos atraves de Jesucristo; nos ha dado perdón y nos ha santificado, él provee y nos proteje, él nos ama y cuida es nuestro Padre Celestial.

Cuando meditamos en su poder, gloria y santidad; podemos ver nuestra pobre condición. El profeta Isaias en el capitulo 6:5 dijo” ¡Ay de mí que soy muerto!, porque siendo hombre inmundo de labios y habitando en medio de pueblo que tiene labios inmundos, han visto mis ojos al Rey, Jehová de los ejércitos”. Jesucristo en San Lucas 18:9-14 enseño la parabola del fariseo y el publicano. El fariseo puesto en pie oraba jactandose y diciendo “Dios, te doy gracias porque no soy como los otros hombres…” mas el publicano apartado oraba humildemente “Dios, ten misericordia de mí, pues soy pecador”. Clamemos a Dios que tenga misericordia. Este pasaje nos infunde a confesar nuestros pecados para obtener su perdón.

No le ofendamos olvidando que él es nuestro Padre Celestial. Pidamosle que nos ayude ha confiar en él, y que vivamos una vida que de gloria y honor a su Santo Nombre. Pidamosle por nuestras familias, comunidad, nación y el mundo, para que vengan al conocimiento de su Amor redentor a traves de su Hijo Jesucristo.

Versiculo 10 ” Venga tu Reino. Hágase tu voluntad, como en el cielo, así también en la tierra”. ¡Gloria a Dios! El tiene un Reino venidero y Autoridad. Un día Jesucristo reinara como Rey de Reyes y Señor de Señores. Su palabra, las sagradas escrituras revelan su Reino y voluntad. Oremos que su voluntad se hecha en nuestras vidas. Oremos que todos amen a Dios y reciban a Jesucristo como su Salvador. Oremos que todos amen a su hermano. Oremos que no mintamos, robemos, matemos, cometamos inmoralidad sexual, y envidiemos las pertenencias de otros. Demos gracias a Dios que él nos ha hecho miembros de su Reino y ha revelado su voluntad para nuestras vidas en su palabra. Confesemos pues que no siempre hemos buscado su reino y voluntad. Oremos y pidamosle que nos ayude a seguir su voluntad y vivir una vida bajo su reino y plan.

Versiculo 11 “El pan nuestro de cada día, dánoslo hoy”. ¡Gloria a Dios! Nuestro Padre Celestial provee de todas nuestras necesidades fisicas y espirituales. San Mateo 4:4 ” No solo de pan vivirá el hombre, sino de toda palabra que sale de la boca de Dios”. San Juan 6:48 Jesucristo dijo “Yo soy el pan de vida”. Demos gracias a Dios por darnos el pan fisico y espiritual. Demos gracias a Dios por proveer todas nuestras necesidades. Confesemos que amenudo no valoramos su provisión. Confesemos que amenudo no compartimos sus bendiciones con el nesitado. Oremos que el nos ayude a compartir con otros su pan fisico y espiritual.

Versiculo 12 ” Perdónanos nuestras deudas, como también nosotros perdonamos a nuestros deudores”. Dios, nuestro Padre; amo al mundo que dio a su unico hijo para redimirnos. ¡Gloria a Dios! El es un Dios lleno de misericordia, amor, gracia y santidad. Demos gracias a Dios que por medio de su hijo Jesucristo todos nuestros pecados son perdonados. Todas nuestras deudas han sido pagadas por la sangre preciosa de Jesucristo, la cual nos hace recipientes de su amor, poder y perdón. Cuando oremos confesemos que amenudo nos olvidamos de su perdón. Reconozcamos que él es el Juez y no nosotros. Oremos que nos ayude ha aceptar su perdón, compartir la buenas nuevas con otros, y perdonar aquellos que nos han faltado.

Versiculo 13 ” No nos metas en tentación, sino líbranos del mal” ¡Gloria a Dios! El es Santo y todo poderoso. En Santiago 1:13 dice “Cuando alguno es tentado no diga que es tentado de parte de Dios, porque Dios no puede ser tentado por el mal ni él tienta a nadie” En 1ª. de Juan 4:4 “porque mayor es el que está en vosotros que el que está en el mundo” Gracias a Dios que él nos guia, nos da poder y deseo para vencer la tentación y obtener victoria sobre el mal. En 1ª. de Juan 3:8 dice “Para esto apareció el Hijo de Dios, para deshacer las obras del diablo”. Confesemos que amenudo tenemos pasión por el pecado y no queremos dejarlo. Pidamosle a nuestro Padre Celestial que cambie nuestros ojos espirituales, para que veamos el pecado como él lo ve. Que nos ayude ha arrepentirnos y desechemos todo lazo de pecado. ¡Dios nos llene de su Santo Espiritu y seamos mas que victoriosos en Cristo Jesús.

Al final del versiculo 13 “porque tuyo es el Reino, el poder y la gloria, por todos los siglos. Amén”. Nuevamente vemos que la oración es sobre el Padre, su Reino, su poder y su gloria. Nuestro Padre es un Dios amoroso que se deleita en suplir nuestras necesidades. La mas grande necesidad es conocerle y ser parte de su Reino y voluntad.

 

 

Caminata de oración

Pronto vamos a ir a caminar en esta comunidad y oraremos por la gente. Se que tendremos oposición del enemigo, pero recordemos que es mas poderoso el que está en nosotros que el que está en el mundo. Vayamos bajo el poder de Jesucristo, caminando en el Espíritu. Vayamos en el poder de su palabra, voluntad y gloria en nuestras mentes y corazones. Pidamosle a nuestro Padre Celestial por su bendición y voluntad en esta comunidad. Dios guiara nuestros corazones para orar. Caminemos de acuerdo con nuestro compañero en oración. Cuando caminemos oraremos en silencio, escuchando la voz de Dios en nuestros corazones. Gente cruzara nuestro camino, saludele y muestrele el amor de Dios. Despues de haber terminado nuestra caminata de oración, usted sentira un deseo más profundo para orar por la comunidad, pidiendo que el Reino de Dios y su voluntad sea hecha en sus vidas. En 1ª. de Timoteo 2:1-6 dice “Exhorto ante todo, a que se hagan rogativas, oraciones, peticiones y acciones de gracias por todos los hombres, por los reyes y por todos los que tienen autoridad, para que vivamos quieta y reposadamente en toda piedad y honestidad. Esto es bueno y agradable delante de Dios, nuestro Salvador, el cual quiere que todos los hombres sean salvos y vengan al conocimiento de la verdad, pues hay un solo Dios, y un solo mediador entre Dios y los hombres: Jesucristo hombre, el cual se dio a sí mismo en rescate por todos, de lo cual se dio testimonio a su debido tiempo”. “Hermanos, orad por nosotros” 1ª. de Tesalonicenses 5:25 ¡A Dios sea la Gloria! ¡Amen!

Por: Pastor Rodrigo Campbell

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Waves, Wind and the Word! Mark 4 :35-41

June 20th, 2009

21 June, 2009

There are many storms in the world today. We just had a bad wind and rain storm in our community last week. But this is not the only kind of storm I am talking about. Jesus got into a boat and sat and taught by the seashore. Having taught for some time it began to get dark. “He said to them, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’” vs 35 For a time, all was calm and Jesus was taking a nap, as they sailed across the sea. Then it happened! “There arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up.” vs.37 Life is like that trip across the sea. Most of the time to water is calm. We get married. Have a baby. Start a new job. At first things seem to be going well and then the storm hits and our boat is filling up fast. For many today the storm has hit. Gale force winds are blowing. Waves keep coming higher and higher. Many wonder how much longer they can stay afloat. You may feel like the disciples. “They woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” vs.38 Some are beginning to call on Jesus. They have ignored or taken Him for granted in the past. Now they cry, “Do You not care that we are perishing? Of course He cares! “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jn.3:16 He came to give new life. He came to break the power of sin. He came to take you through the storms of live and into a safe habor of rest.

Jesus asked them a question, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Why are we afraid? Notice the waves and wind! Some of the waves we face today maybe an uncertain economy, unemployment, rising debts, moral collapse, family breakup, divorce, sickness, disease and death. The waves are many and they can hit your life at anytime. They are real, devastating and powerful. We will all will experence some wind, waves and storms in life. We must remember Jesus has authority over the winds and waves. “And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm.” vs.39 “They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” vs. 41

They became even more afraid now that the wind and sea were calm. They were beginning to understand this Man who was their Teacher was also God. The wind and the sea obey His command. They were afraid because they were in the presence of the Holy One of God. He must have authority over their lives. We will find in the chapter 5 of Mark that the people of the Gerasenes sent Jesus away when they saw His power and authority over demons. “They began to implore Him to leave their region.” Mk.5:17 Why would they send Him away? Why do we send Jesus away? Why would the disciples now be afraid? They had seen the power and authority of Jesus. Now they must make a choice. Worship Him! Trust Him! Serve Him! Obey Him! Or scorn Him! Reject Him! Hate Him! Disobey Him! You will have storms in life. The question is will you have Jesus as your Lord and Savior to take you over to the other side. Trust Him today! Surrender your life to Him today! “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” vs.40 Call on Jesus right now. He will save you. To God be the glory. Amen.

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Power of the Word! Mark 4: 26-34

June 14th, 2009

14 June, 2009

“The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil;” Mk.4:26 “It is like a mustard seed” Mk. 4:31 The seed in these parables is the Word of God. A seed is small but it has the power of new life, great transformation, and fruitfulness within. The mustard seed is the smallest of seeds; Yet, if it is sown, it grows and becomes larger than all the other garden plants. What power has a seed! What power has the Word of God. It was the word of God that brought the world into existence. “In the beginning was the word, … All things can into being through Him.” Jn.1:1-3 The Word was the Person who gave life to the world. In the plan of God, seeds hold the germ of new life. Who would think that there is such power in the tiny seed. If one takes the tiny acorn and plants it in the soil; from this tiny seed can grow the mightiest oak tree. From the tiny apple seed comes the beautiful apple tree with its lovely blooms and delicious apples. If we did not know it to be so, we would hardly believe that it could be. So is the word of God! The word of God enters a humble, dirty, and broken life. As that word takes root and grows there are almost unbelievable changes and transformations that take place in a person. A life that was once useless, now becomes useful to God and man. The story of Lynn Barnes and Twayna Smith is an example of the life redeeming power of the Word. They were addicted to methamphetamine. Lynn had been an addict for 20 years, Twayna for 15. But the Word of God came into their lives and took root and began to grow. Their lives were changed forever! They began to share that Word with others. Three meth labs in the small town of Alicia, Arkansas were shut down and twelve other meth users got saved over the next few weeks. “Not one of our original 12 who got saved are back on meth,” Pastor Baldwin says. (On Mission, summer 2006, pp.32-38) These lives were transformed! It affected their families, and their community and they will go on affecting lives for eternity. That is the power of the gospel, the power of the word of God. Mk.4:32 “Yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that the birds of the air can nest under its shade.” Perhaps you are hearing the word of God today and asking yourself ; “How can these things be?” It is the power of God and it is open to whoever will receive His Word!

How important it is that the Word of God is sown. Isa.55:11″So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” Only the seed that are sown can be received by the soil and begin to grow! The sower does not know which seeds will be received by the soil and begin to grow.

He only knows that all of the field needs to be sown. Many times we are very surprised at where seeds can take root, in a crack of a rock, in a vacant lot, in the garbage dump. Our job as Christians is to sow the Word all over the world and all over our community. Mt. 13:38 “The field is the world.” Too many times we say to ourselves “those people” would not be interested in the Word! We are not to judge our listeners! We are to give all men the gospel! Rm. 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Ps. 126:6 “He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” What a promise from God! My word will not return to Me empty! It will accomplish what I desire! It will succeed in accomplishing My purpose. Let us go out to sow God’s word in our family, in our community, state, nation, and the world. Some of the seed will bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold. Gal. 6:9 “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” To God be the glory! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Salvation, Work of Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Jn.3:1-21

June 6th, 2009

7 June, 2009

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” 2 Cor. 13:14

We can only know about God those things that God has chosen to reveal. God reveals Himself as One God in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God has revealed all we need for our life, salvation and welfare. The things that God has chosen not to reveal are beyond our understanding. When I was a child, my family would go to Gulf Shores, Alabama. We would swim, fish and walk on the beach. Some men have spent their lives traveling on the sea, fishing in the sea and exploring the oceans depths. But no man knows all there is to know about the sea. In the same way, we can know God, we can enjoy His presence and power and we can receive a great benefit from Him. But to understand God completely we would have to be as wise and powerful as God. Most things about God are beyond our understanding in this life. Let us focus on what God has revealed about the work of Father, Son and Holy Spirit in our salvation and eternal life.“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Cor. 8:9 “No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.” vs.13-15 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.” Eph. 1:7,8 God the Son who was in the beginning with the Father and the Holy Spirit came down to earth and put on human flesh. This was the will of the Father and the Son. This was accomplished by God the Holy Spirit. “The angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.’” Lk.1:35 The Son of God/Son of Man came to die for our sins. “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up;” “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Jn.1:29 This is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. He gave us favor! He took our place! He died for our sins that we might be forgiven and receive eternal life.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” vs.16 The Father in His great love and provision for His creation planned our salvation. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. God the Father blessed us, chose us, predestined us to adoption as sons all because of the kind intention of His will. If was God the Father who planned the way for us to be forgiven and to have eternal life.

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” vs.6-7 God the Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin and creates repentance and faith in us. We are born again by the Spirits power and we are given that Holy Spirit to live in us as a seal of our salvation. “After listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation–having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.” Eph.1:13-14

Glory to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Pentecost Has Come! Acts 2:1-21

May 30th, 2009

31 May, 2009

“AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,” God says, “THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND;” … “AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” vs. 17, 21 “And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.” vs.2-4 “We hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.” And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” vs.11,12

This means that God is keeping His word. Fulfilling His will on earth and establishing His kingdom. ” I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND.” Jesus is keeping His word. “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth. … I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” Jn.14:16-18 God’s will; the salvation of all peoples is being carried out. “You shall be my witnesses … even to the remostest part of the earth.” “AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” vs. 21 There were three signs given at Pentecost Noise like a violent rushing wind. This is a sign of the powerful life giving breath of God’s Spirit. Tongues as of fire. This speaks of the holiness of God. “He is like a refiner’s fire.” Mal.3:2 Speaking with other tongues. This is a sign of the Living Word of God coming to all people. “We hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.”

We have been taught to pray; Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Now we have the power of the Holy Spirit, to give life and empower the believer. Now the Spirit dwells within to convict us of sin and to cleanse and refine us. Now God lives within to empower us to speak His word with boldness. Now we can go forward because the Spirit of God goes with us. Now we share the Bread of Life with a hungry and dying world. Now we have the power to forgive as we have been forgiven. Now we have His strength to stand against temptation and evil. Now will our life bring glory and honor to the name of our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Brethren, what shall we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. Acts 2:37-41 Repent, be baptized, confessing your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He will forgive your sins and you will receive the Holy Spirit! This promise is for you! This promise is for your children! Be saved from this perverse generation! Glory to God! He has given us the firstfruits of the Holy Spirit. The first of an even greater inheritance to come. To God be the glory. Amen.

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Not of the World! Jn.17:11-21

May 24th, 2009

24 May, 2009

“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” vs.14-18 Do you fit in with the world around you? Are your views and values any different than your non christian friends? “For My thought are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, declares the LORD.” Isa.55:8 We have been given the thoughts, words, mind and ways of the LORD! This will make us different! “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Jn.8:31,32 We will be free to live a life that overcomes the slavery of sin! We will be free to love those the world hates! We will be free to forgive those the world can not forgive!

Because of these things the world will hate us. “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them!” “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” The world in this verse is the people who are in rebellion against God. The people who are following the lord of this age, Satan. Jesus prays we will be set apart in the truth, kept in the name of the Father, and be one with the Father and the Son. The world has hatred for Jesus. The world has hatred for absolute truth. And the world will have hatred for us if we are kept in His name and sanctified in the truth.

However, Jesus prays these words. ” I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.” Some Christians have tried to isolate themselves from the world. This is not God’s plan. We are to be in the world as salt and light but not of the world. We live by a different standard of absolute truth. We have a different Spirit living in us. What would our community, nation and the world be like if there was no Christian influence? What would our schools, hospitals, businesses, law enforcement and government be like without the influence of Christians?

“As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” Jesus has not asked that we be taken out of a world that hates us. He has asked that we be kept in His name and in His word. He has asked that we be kept from the evil one! We have been sent into the world with the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. He is sending His people into the government, education, military, law enforcement, business and many other areas. We are to be His salt, light, witness and His ambassador! “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal though us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2Cor.5:20 We go out as Ambassadors of the kingdom of God. We represent our King in the kingdoms of this world. We can only speak of His word, His standard, and His way of salvation. Others will hate us. But we will be kept by the power of His name. Many will hear His word and come to His kingdom. Others will become followers of our king. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;” Phil. 3:20 To God be the glory. Amen.

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Fullness of Joy! Jn. 15:9-17

May 16th, 2009

17 May, 2009

“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” vs.11 Jesus wants to have joy because of our lives! Jesus wants our joy to be made full! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know that your life was giving joy to your Heavenly Father. Surely fullness of joy is something we want in our life. But what does keeping the commandments have to do with joy? What does keeping the commandments have to do with love? How is love, commandment keeping and joy connected together?

The Father loves the Son with a perfect, constant, steadfast love. Jesus has loved us with that same quality of love. We are told to abide, to continue in that love! We can only abide in that love if we abide in the vine of Jesus Christ. “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” Jn.15:5 But how do we know if we are truly abiding in the vine? This is where the commandments come in. If someone claims to be walking in fellowship with Christ they will be keeping the commandments. The commandments are a mirror of the human soul. A mirror is very helpful. We can see if our face needs washing, our hair needs brushing or our clothes need to be straigthen. The mirror can not wash our face, brush our hair, or fix our clothes, but it can show us the problem. The commandments show us if we are loving God and if we are loving our neighbor. The commandments are about love!

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love;” vs.10 We think of commandments as a duty, or a rule. We don’t think of them having anything to do with love and joy. Jesus said the commandments are about love, love of God and neighbor. Mt.22:36-40 Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law? And He said to him, ” ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Gal. 5:14 “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” Just as we check the mirror daily to be sure of our appearance; how much more important to take a daily look at God’s commandments! Do I have other gods or idols that I serve? Do I honor the name of God with my behavior and thoughts? Do I have any hatred or lust toward someone else? Do I speak the truth? Do I respect all the property of my neighbor? The answers to these questions will tell us if we are abiding in the vine, and if we are truly abiding in His love. For too long we have let the world define how we think about love. The love of the world is weak, selfish, temporary and based only on feelings. God’s love is strong, powerful, life changing, Christ centered, and permanent. God love has to do with right actions and right relationships with God and man.

This is where the fullness of joy comes! Joy is from the Spirit. Joy comes from abiding in the vine. Living in a right relationship with God and man. Many chase happiness all their lives only to find it is temporary and very short lived. On and on they run, like a dog chasing his tail. Most do not know that joy is as close as a surrender of their life to Christ. Respond to the call of Jesus and He will put peace, love and joy in your heart. Walk in fellowship with Him. By the power of His Spirit; keep His commandments. Your joy will be full! The Father will joy in your life! Heavenly Father, We thank you for your eternal love that has been shown to us in our Lord Jesus Christ. May we abide in your love. Help us to understand that your love demands right relationships with God and our neighbor. Thank You for the fullnes of joy we have when we are right with you. Help us to love one another. Amen.

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