"The translation of doulos by 'servant' rather than 'slave' [led] to the total effacement of its ancient significance (1965: 319). This ennobling title means the believer belongs to the Lord, who constantly "gives Himself away" in infinite love, through faith. Indeed, the doulos (slave) of Christ is His very Bride (cf. Rev 19:7-9). Accordingly, the faithful believer seeks to do all things in intimate partnership with Christ, as He births faith in the heart (cf. Ro 10:6-8,17; Heb 11:6). This is possible because the believer is joined to Christ as a genuine member of His very body (Jn 14:20; 1 Cor 12:13).
Praying the Psalms- Psalm 20 A Psalm of Assurance and Rescue
Before we begin to pray this encouraging Psalm, let's take a few minutes to look at some heart-swelling truths to focus our minds on Christ during trouble. In verse 1 in the NKJV, David pens, "May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;" If you read this passage and see the phrase "day of trouble," you may think that it is referring to one great big, terrible day, like a natural disaster. But, in the original language, this word day can mean a time period, which could even be a year, or a long period of time. You may be walking through a difficult trial without end in sight. During this wilderness, the promises in Psalm 20 about the character of God and his heart towards his people apply to you through your entire difficult journey. The NASB does a vivid job translating verse one in this way, "May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high." The Hebrew literally means that the believer is, "elevated so unassailably safe, beyond the reach of attackers; (figuratively) to enjoy maximum safety and security because inaccessible, i.e. removed from danger when the approach is (literally) too steep o climb; unassailable stronghold, lofty refuge." (Discovery Bible Software.)
A Call to Fast to End Abortion part 2
When Jonah was sent into Ninevah, he was sent with the message: "God will destroy his city in 40 days." Ninevah was a pagan city, yet the Lord sent a reluctant prophet to warn the people. God didn't want to destroy Ninevah. He didn't delight in its demise, so he sent a man of God …
Praying and Fasting to End Abortion Part 1
There are national issues which may seem like a lost cause. Abortion is perhaps one of those issues to many who believe in Jesus and grieve over the national condition. However, something is happening right now on a national level. There is a battle raging to win hearts and minds and to educate men and …
Continue reading "Praying and Fasting to End Abortion Part 1"
Chinese Christians Memorize the entire Bible in prison, so the government can’t take it away from them.
American believers scrutinize churches they attend to see which church is the most comfortable for them. American Christians don’t want to pray out loud. American Christians don’t want anything to make them uncomfortable. Our gods are money and comfort. We serve them well. Years ago, when my husband was working with teens at a leadership …
Resurrection Power- It’s Not Just for Easter.
The power at our disposal, for our personal lives and for eternity, is more than we can even begin to imagine. No eye has seen and no ear has heard, no heart has understood what God has prepared for us in Christ Jesus.
Spiritual Leadership “Spiritual Fathers and Mothers”
Being in spiritual leadership is not easy. You commit yourself to serve people who may not always respect your sacrifice—like Jesus did. When you are a servant leader, you can find yourself carrying a lot of the load while other people relax—like Jesus did.
Cleaning Out Your Closet for Greater Joy
So, why in the world would I show you all my dirty laundry? Well, not laundry. I would never show you that! But, why would I show you my mess? Because the Lord impressed something so precious on my heart, as I walked through the mess, stepping over wires from my husband's studio, and trying to find a square foot to set my bags down on after work. You see, I just finished speaking at a lovely weekend retreat called Revealed Retreat: Discover Who I Am in Christ. I challenged the ladies to give the Lord the deepest parts of their hearts - even the rooms of their hearts that they have shut the doors on for years. In the fight to stay positive and to keep from drowning in pain, sorrow and despair, people tend to avoid difficult conflict that arises when dealing with broken relationships and pain from the past. It's easier to ignore things and to just keep stuffing. These are things that may give us PTSD, if we decide to unpack them.
What I Love About You, Mom!
My mother prayed with me so many times, that I felt prayer was a natural extension of life, like breathing. She prayed with me when I was sick, when I was afraid, and in the car driving to the mall. She did spiritual warfare with me. She prayed in the Spirit over me. She made all things spiritual clear and easy. It was all about our relationship with Jesus.
No Regrets
Have you ever felt unworthy before the Lord? Do you struggle with intimacy with God, because you are afraid he is mad at you? This podcast is by Shieldwall Ministries for men. My brother Seth Dean shares his story about walking through this battle against fear. Listen and share with any men in your life! …
