I'm dealing with my condo this morning. I won't be putting out a broadcast today.

Just a Guy and His World

To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.
Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly. Psalms 75:4-5

In times of chaos, we need to remember God and His blessings. This is a hymn of praise. It thanks God for the wondrous deeds he has done for Israel. It celebrates the fact that he is the judge of all the earth. He will, in his own time, put down the wicked and lift up the faithful.

Psalm 75 also mentions a "horn". I didn't know what was meant by this symbol, so I looked it up. Most often, it's used as a symbol for physical or military strength. From the ESV commentary it says, "The horn could be a symbol of power and military strength, and thus to lift up or exalt it was to publicly assert power. God warns the ungodly not to lift up their horns (75:4), and promises that he will lift up the horn of the faithful."

Join me in reading Psalm 75 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD  - Isaiah 11:2

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

O God, why have you rejected us forever?
Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture? Psalms 74:1

Do you ever feel like the people in the Bible are blessed because they're so good? Or, do you feel like God hears their prayers but not yours? Psalm 74 and yesterday's, Psalm 73, are examples of people thinking and saying the same things I do! Why does that person that does evil prosper? How long will these trials last? 

This psalm probably dates from the time when the Caldeans destroyed the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. The main emphasis of the opening verse lies in the argument which arose from Israel’s close relationship with God. Were they not his congregation? Was not the Temple his own chosen sanctuary? Did not these facts constitute the reason why he should come with swift footsteps to undo the evils that their foes were inflicting? The invaders were his (thine) adversaries. The Temple was the dwelling-place of his (thy) name. 

Join me in reading Psalm 74 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

 “‘“The LORD bless you and keep you;
 the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. ”’ Numbers 6:24-26

I was reading an exposition on prayer and the Easton Bible Commentary began with this statement, "Prayer is converse with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him." 

This is so powerful! We are speaking directly to God! We aren't speaking to a priest, a councilor or a intermediary, but the Creator of the world, God! The infinite despite us being finite. With that in mind, let's go to Him in prayer and seek Him out directly! 

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Psalms 73:2-3

Do you ever see the wicked prospering and wonder, "Why are they doing so well and I'm barely surviving?" The Psalmist had the same thought and walks us through his ideas in Psalm 73. This Psalm is very similar to the 37th Psalm, which should let us know, it's a topic that's struggled over. We aren't alone in our trouble. Charles Spurgeon writes, "May the Spirit of God graciously apply this Psalm to our hearts, comforting us as no one else can! Is He not the Comforter? And what better cordial has He for our spirits than His own Word?" 

Join me in reading the 73rd Psalm and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

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. Philippians 2:12-13

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:19-20

From a Daily Devotional with AW Tozer:
A miraculous work of grace operates in the life of every sinner who is soundly converted and born again. It is the conscious transplantation of the divine nature into his heart through faith in Jesus Christ. It is such an overwhelming experience that he is likely to be explosively happy. He might cry out as Jacob of old did, “God is in this place, and I didn’t know it.”
 What happened? What made the difference? What had been restored to him? It was not the presence of God, but rather the conscious presence of God. What makes heaven what it is? The unhindered and unsullied presence of God. What makes hell what it is? The absence of a consciousness of the presence of God.
That is the difference between a prayer meeting and the dance hall. The unsullied presence of God fills heaven and earth, contains heaven and earth and is present everywhere. In the prayer meeting, some little old lady kneels and says, “O Jesus, where two or three are gathered there Thou art in the midst.” God is there. In the dance hall, they would be embarrassed if the presence of God were to be manifest.
My conversion is the implantation of the divine life in this repenting sinner.

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Luke 12:35-40

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
 26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:24-28

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
 and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Proverbs 1:8

THE BIBLE DOES NOT DESCRIBE how life ought to be. It matches how life is. The wisdom of Proverbs is reality-based counseling as we live in this fantasy-world of human invention. We see the blunt realism of the Bible in Proverbs 1:8-19.
Why are we in the book of Proverbs at all? Because so much of life is a series of nuanced judgment calls.

Join me in reading Proverbs 1 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. James 5:13-15

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. Daniel 12:9-10

"Go your way Daniel" hits me as saying, go live your life, I'm in control. My final take away from Daniel is exactly that, I need to live my life for God and not worry about tomorrow because God is in control. All of our speculation about the end of days is exactly that, speculation. Let's live our lives, love God with our whole hearts and our neighbors as ourselves and leave the rest to God because He's got this!

Join me in reading Daniel 12 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:23-24

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time. Daniel 11:35

Chapter 11 foretells the histories of Xerxes, of Alexander the Great, the division of his kingdom after his death, and the long conflicts between the kings of Syria and Egypt. However, it also mentions that the wise will stumble and go through a refining process. Growth, refinement, isn't always easy. God doesn't just take away our trials and make us "good". We need to go through a purification process. 

This has made me think about where I turn when I'm stumbling. Do I turn to God or do I try to solve things on my own? Am I looking in His word, praying on my knees or thinking and scheming? This journey is all about turning to Him and growing in Him. So, join me in reading Daniel 11 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel Ephesians 6:18-19

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Psalms 95:6-7

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. "Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” Daniel 10:18-19

God's message to Daniel is to be strong! God held Daniel in high regard or esteem. God didn't just tell Daniel to suck it up and be strong though! Instead, He literally touched Daniel and gave him strength while telling him to not be afraid! He will do the same for us, too.

I know many will say, but Daniel was special. God esteemed him! I'm just a sinner. A man or woman that's barely qualified to be called a Christian. That thought process is wrong! You are HIGHLY ESTEEMED! You are so esteemed and loved, Jesus died for you! If you were the only person on the earth, he would have died for you! God loves you and wants all of us to be strong and without fear. Let's humble ourselves and look to Him for our strength!

Join me in reading Daniel 10 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Galatians 5:22

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.
I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: Daniel 9:2-4

I look at this example of Daniel and see a man to emulate. He's studying the scriptures, understands something bad is going to happen and passionately prays/intercedes for the nation. A life spent in studying the word and prayer is a life well lived.

Charles Spurgeon says of Daniel's actions, "A TRUE-HEARTED Believer does not live for himself. Where there is abundance of Grace and great strength of mind in the service of God, there is sure to be a spirit of unselfishness. It was so with Daniel, who was a model man in the matter of decision of character and a holy, believing walk before the Lord."

Join me in reading Daniel 9 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Matthew 14:23
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Matthew 26:36
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35

Here's a portion of a prayer by Charles Spurgeon for revival:
We specially pray for our country that God would bless it; and oh, that we might have a season of revival of pure and undefiled religion in the land. We perceive that Thou canst turn the hearts of the people, as the trees of the wood are moved in the wind. Oh, that there might come a deep searching of heart, great thoughtfulness of the Scriptures, reverence of God and the principles of justice and peace: and may this land make another stride in onward progress, and out of it may there be gathered a people whom Thou hast chosen, who shall show forth Thy praise.

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

I, Daniel, was worn out. I lay exhausted for several days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding. Daniel 8:27

As we read chapter 8, a part of me is amazed at how Daniel kept working at his job! With all of the visions and interpretations he did, I wouldn't blame him if he just focused on that one activity, but that isn't Daniel! While he continues to serve God and is obedient to Him, Daniel continues to serve the kings and works! I wouldn't blame him if he just stayed in his room and prayed.

In preparation for this chapter, I was reading a devotional that goes through the Bible each day. It pointed this same fact out, "The Church of God is menaced today, as never before, by a vast multiplication of malign influences; but the Master’s promise holds good that the gates of Hades shall not prevail against her. They shall be broken without hand. This is our strong confidence with respect to all our foes, and therefore we may possess our souls in patience. It is interesting that Daniel continued to do the king’s business, notwithstanding the abundance of the revelations given unto him. However much we may be caught up into the heaven of religious meditation and ecstasy, we must never forget or neglect the interests which are committed to our hands, whether of the home, the business, or the state."

While I don't feel confident to attempt interpreting the vision, I will point out Daniel's work ethic. He doesn't stop doing his job and serving the king to the best of his ability! It's a lesson I need to take to heart also! Join me in reading Daniel 8 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. Acts 20:36

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

“I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me." Daniel 7:15

As I was preparing for this chapter, I was struggling to find a message that hit my heart. Then I read this from Kent Hughes and it struck home, "Many people love the book of Daniel, but few venture into these last six chapters. In Sunday school we learned the stories of Daniel in the lions' den, the handwriting on the wall, as well as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the blazing furnace. But how many Sunday school classes even ventured across the line of chapter 6 into the dark mysteries of Daniel 7—12? I would venture to say that most Christians could not tell you what is contained in chapters 7—12 of the book of Daniel. Some people do not study the prophecies of Daniel 7—12 because they are convinced they will never be able to understand them. They have the opinion that if scholars cannot agree on the interpretation of these chapters, they will not be able to understand the true meaning.
Other people do not study these chapters because they think the prophecies are too frightening."

Let's not worry about our inabilities to interpret, but instead, let's trust in the Holy Spirit to guide us and to open our hearts and minds to what He wants us to understand. So, please join me in reading Daniel 7 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:11-12
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

John Bunyan wrote about Jacob, "A wrestling spirit of prayer is a demonstration of an Israel of God; this Jacob had, this he made use of, and by this he obtained the name of Israel. A wrestling spirit of prayer in straits, difficulties, and distresses—a wrestling spirit of prayer when alone, in private, in the night, when no eye sees but God’s, then to be at it, then to lay hold of God, then to wrestle, to hold fast, and not to give over until the blessing is obtained, is a sign of one that is an Israel of God." 

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. Daniel 6:7

AW Tozer hits the nail on the head once again! He writes, "I can see how a right man might live in a wrong world and not be much affected by it except that the world will not let him alone. It wants to educate him. It is forever coming up with some new idea which, by the way, is usually an old idea dusted off and shined up for the occasion, and demanding that everyone, including the said right man, conform on pain of deep-seated frustration or a horrible complex of some kind." 

Isn't this what they have doing for years? Telling us our beliefs in God and our history is wrong? They've said we have to change and grow because the times are changing. What they fail to say is that the changes are as old as man. Sexual perversion? Just look at Sodom. Thinking man knows all, just look at the Tower of Babel. What the "elites" are trying to sell us as new and advanced are just the same old lies of Satan.

Join me in reading Daniel 6 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, LORD, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. 1 Chronicles 29:10-11

Miguel de Molinos writes in The Spiritual Guide Which Disentangles the Soul, "You should know that there are two sorts of prayer—the one tender, delightful, amicable, and full of sentiments; the other obscure, dry, desolate, tempted, and darksome. The first is for beginners, the second for proficients who are in the progress to perfection. God gives the first to gain souls, the second to purify them. With the first He uses them like children; with the second He begins to deal with them as with strong men."

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 8:21

G. Campbell Morgan preached a sermon entitled, "The Holy Spirit Through Christ, In the Church, For The World" and said, "No man can pray for the world unless the Spirit interpret to him the world’s agony, and the Spirit cannot interpret the world’s agony to any man unless that man live in the midst of the world’s agony. Not by retirement from the world, not by hiding away within a monastic institution, not by seeking to develop my own spiritual life by removing myself from the agony of the world, can I ever pray for the world."

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

As I'm reading some of the works from past saints, men and women of God, that AW Tozer read, I'm finding insights gained from lives devoted to the Lord. One such person is Madam Guyon who wrote, "Prayer is the guide to perfection and the sovereign good; it delivers us from every vice and obtains us every virtue. For the one great means to become perfect is to walk in the presence of God. He Himself has said, “Walk in my presence and be ye perfect” (Genesis 17:1). It is by prayer alone that we are brought into this presence, and maintained in it without interruption."

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

 Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. Daniel 5:27
“‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ Luke 19:17

Which do you want to hear, well done or you've been found wanting? I know what I want, but at times, I'm not willing to work for it. At times, I'm lazy and self absorbed! Dear Lord, help me during those times! 

Join me in reading Daniel 5 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Prayer. Being faithful in prayer. It's such a critical element of our relationship with God and is often the first to be given up when we start to fall away from Him. As St Teresa of Avila wrote, "So, then, going on from pastime to pastime, from vanity to vanity, from one occasion of sin to another, I began to expose myself exceedingly to the very greatest dangers: my soul was so distracted by many vanities that I was ashamed to draw near unto God in an act of such special friendship as that of prayer."

Prayer is a special time with God and one Satan would like to stop. Let's stay "faithful in prayer", go to the infinite One and pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with Him. 

The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. Daniel 4:34

Pride! The sin that trips up so many. God gave Nebuchadnezzar 12 months to change his ways, but he couldn't and I can relate! Nebuchadnezzar gave all credit for his blessings to himself, just as I've done so many times! And like Nebuchadnezzar, God has humbled me while teaching me yet another lesson in humility. I have lost successes/businesses, wealth and loved ones time after time because of pride. I pray I have finally learned my lesson!

Can you imagine what was said about King Nebuchadnezzar? The whispers and comments must have been amazing! His people left him to his own devises. He was eating grass for goodness sakes! He was crazy and for what? He refused to credit God with what was rightfully His! It seems so obvious to not do, but as I mentioned above, it's something I've done time after time. 

Just a Guy and His World

You who answer prayer,
to you all people will come. Psalms 65:2
All the nations you have made
will come and worship before you, Lord;
they will bring glory to your name. Psalms 86:9

In St. Francis de Sales introduction to his work, The Devout Life, he writes, "Prayer opens the understanding to the brightness of Divine Light, and the will to the warmth of Heavenly Love—nothing can so effectually purify the mind from its many ignorances, or the will from its perverse affections. It is as healing water that causes the roots of our good desires to send forth fresh shoots, which washes away the soul’s imperfections and allays the thirst of passion."

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. Daniel 3:17-18

The world is a fickle place. One minute Daniel and his friends are praised and promoted, the next, the three are being thrown into a furnace! Being able to stand in such times can only happen if we know who we are in Christ. During the crisis is not the time to learn one's faith is weak. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn't know how things would turn out, but they knew they wouldn't serve the king's created idol. 

The other takeaway from this event is, don't limit God and how He's going to act! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were sure of one thing, they weren't worshipping the idol and that God would deliver them. What they didn't know was how and if you'd asked them about being able to walk around in the flames, that probably wouldn't have made their list. So often I already have a solution prepared for God when I need help and I really just need to know He's in charge and will deliver me in some awesome way!

Join me in reading Daniel 3 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. Isaiah 58:9

In his work, Does Prayer Change Things, RC Sproul writes, "Prayer is not simply a soliloquy, a mere exercise in therapeutic self-analysis, or a religious recitation. Prayer is discourse with the personal God Himself. There, in the act and dynamic of praying, I bring my whole life under His gaze. Yes, He knows what is in my mind, but I still have the privilege of articulating to Him what is there. He says: “Come. Speak to me. Make your requests known to me.” So we come in order to know Him and to be known by Him." 

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Daniel 2:17-19

This chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and His power to reveal deep and hidden things to those who seek Him. It also showcases Daniel's faith and God's faithfulness in responding to prayer.

Daniel knew immediately what he had to do, but he wasn't going to do it alone. He returned to his house where his three friends were staying. He explained to them that they would all be executed the next day if God did not reveal to them Nebuchadnezzar's dream and its interpretation. Those four men were on their knees in fervent prayer all through the night. They felt the urgency, they felt their helplessness, and they knew that only God was great enough to perform such a miracle. I think the reason that we do not pray more faithfully and fervently is because we don't feel the urgency; we tend to be self-sufficient, and we do not see our God as big enough. So there are times when God brings things like this into our lives and into the lives of our friends to bring us to our knees.

Join me in reading Daniel 2 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision Daniel 2:17-19

Daniel and his friends had a specific need and they prayed for it. Just as God answered their prayer, He'll answer ours. 

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Daniel 1:8

Despite being in the heart of the enemy, Daniel knew who he was and what he stood for. As a result, it didn't matter if he was in Jerusalem or Babylon. Charles Spurgeon shared in 1893 with his congregation, "But though they might change Daniel’s name, they could not change his nature, nor would he give up anything that he believed to be right. Captive as he was, he had a right royal soul, and he was as free in Babylon as he had been at Jerusalem. And he determined to keep himself so, for he, "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank.""

Join me in reading Daniel 1 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning Genesis 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, LORD, you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps. Genesis 32:9-10
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

As I was reading "Does prayer change things" by RC Sproul, I came across this statement, "It is our privilege to bring the whole of our finite existence into the glory of His infinite presence" and it struck me as incredibly insightful! It felt like God was saying, Dude, I spoke the world into existence, I made Jacob prosper despite him having only a stick and I can do mighty things for you, if you'll just come to me and pray!

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Matthew 14:23
As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Luke 9:29

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

The beauty and humaneness of the culture described here by Paul—rejoicing, restoration of relationships, mutual comfort, unity and peace, heartfelt physical affection—is the culture the gospel breeds. This is where the gospel takes us. 

Join me in reading this last chapter of 2 Corinthians and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6

AW Tozer says about the state of prayer in today's world, "Praying itself must be the work of the individual. That it is the one religious work which gets done with the least enthusiasm cannot but be one of the tragedies of our times." 

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, 1 Peter 2:9
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” 2 Corinthians 12:9

As I was thinking about the chapter, I started looking into Grace. I first began by searching for a definition. It turns out that Grace has many meanings and can be explained/defined in many ways. For our discussion today, here are some definitions from the Webster dictionary:

• unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification
• disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency
• a virtue coming from God
• a charming or attractive trait or characteristic

A brief video sharing the meaning and use of the word Grace in the Bible can be found at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABPVVw_aw44

AW Tozer says of the above verse, "God never works out of human strength. The strongest man is the weakest man in the kingdom of God, and the weakest the strongest. The holy apostle said, “When I am weak, then am I strong.” You can turn it around and say, “When I am strong—whenever I feel that I can do it—then am I weak.”"

Join me in reading 2 Corinthians 12 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. 2 Corinthians 11:4
For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14

False prophets/apostles have existed throughout history. There are examples in both the Old and New Testament. Here in 2 Corinthians 11, Paul is refuting the "super apostles" and their teachings. Just as the Corinthians had to show discernment, we do too because Satan "masquerades as an angel of light". We must be on guard and know the Word to stand fast! Join me in reading 2 Corinthians and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

AW Tozer writes, "Anyone who wishes to check on his true spiritual condition may do so by noting what his voluntary thoughts have been over the last hours or days. What has he thought about when free to think of what he pleased? Toward what has his inner heart turned when it was free to turn where it would?"

Join me in reading 2 Corinthians 10 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.  Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:18-20

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

At times, when I had fallen away, I often thought I needed to get my act together before coming back to God. I believed I had to clean up my swearing, my health, my anger, my... but none of that mattered because I could never earn the Gift of Christ! The redemptive power of Christ could never be earned! It is a gift of Grace, freely given, never earned!

Join me in reading 2 Corinthians 9 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 2 Corinthians 8:1-4

Spurgeon writes about chapter 8, "Although this is rather a practical than a spiritual chapter, I hope that we shall get profit out of it by the teaching of the Spirit of God who inspired Paul to write it. Paul was writing to the Church at Corinth to commend the Churches of Macedonia, that he might stir up the one Church by the example of the others."

8:1–9:15 This section specifically deals with Paul’s instruction to the Corinthians about a particular collection for the saints in Jerusalem but, it also provides the most detailed model of Christian giving in the NT.

Join me in reading 2 Corinthians 8 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

“What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, Sovereign LORD.  For the sake of your word and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant. 2 Samuel 7:20-21

RC Sproul writes in his work, Does Prayer Change Things, "Prayer, like everything else in the Christian life, is for God’s glory and for our benefit, in that order. Everything that God does, everything that God allows and ordains, is in the supreme sense for His glory. It is also true that while God seeks His own glory supremely, man benefits when God is glorified. We pray to glorify God, but we also pray in order to receive the benefits of prayer from His hand. Prayer is for our benefit, even in light of the fact that God knows the end from the beginning. It is our privilege to bring the whole of our finite existence into the glory of His infinite presence."

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn —conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever. 2 Corinthians 7:5-7

Throughout history, many of the greatest pastors have faced depression. Often we think they have all reached such high spiritual planes of enlightenment, that they were always content. It's not true because they're just humans!

On a notable Sunday morning in 1866, the famous Victorian preacher C. H. Spurgeon shocked his five thousand listeners when from the pulpit of London’s Metropolitan Tabernacle he announced, “I am the subject of depressions of spirit so fearful that I hope none of you ever gets to such extremes of wretchedness as I go to.” For some of his audience it was incomprehensible that the world’s greatest preacher could know the valley of despair. Yet it was a regular part of his life because twenty-one years later in 1887 he said from the same pulpit, “Personally I have often passed through this dark valley.” 2 Corinthians 7:2

John Henry Jowett, the renowned pastor of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian in New York City, and later Westminster Chapel in London, wrote to a friend in 1920, “You seem to imagine I have no ups and downs but just a level and lofty stretch of spiritual attainment with unbroken joy and equanimity. By no means! I am often perfectly wretched and everything appears most murky.” 2 Corinthians 7:2

The reality is that godly believers sometimes get depressed. Those who have set their minds on “the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1) have not been exempted from down times. Those who have gone for it all, who have scaled heights we may never attain, sometimes were subject to depression and despair — the “damp of hell” as John Donne called it. Depression has been called the common cold of the soul, for sooner or later most people catch it. And God’s servants are not immune. 2 Corinthians 7:2

Even the apostle Paul got down or depressed. In verse six, he writes, "But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus". Thankfully, he was lifted out of his despair by the Corinthians who "comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me." The result was that his "joy was greater than ever". 

Join me in reading 2 Corinthians 7 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: 2 Samuel 7:18

“Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 19 And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign LORD, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant—and this decree, Sovereign LORD, is for a mere human! 2 Samuel 7:18-19

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

 As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2

I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high. Leviticus 26:12-13

Now is the time of His favor and He's here to break the bonds that hold you! Will you make the decision to accept His favor and be free? In my past, I thought this only applied to non-believers, but I found it applied to me, a saved sinner, too! You see, I held on to my past sins and didn't accept His favor over all of my past sins. I used to say, "Well, while my family and God have forgiven me, I don't and never will forgive myself for..." I was denying God's superiority and right to forgive me! I was putting myself above Him and nullifying Jesus's sacrifice on the cross! Accept God's favor and be freed of those bonds!

Join me in reading 2 Corinthians and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:6

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:7-8

And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:6-8

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

Charles Spurgeon says of this fundamental element of the Gospel, "I have not known men made to live unto God and holiness except by the doctrine of the death of Christ on man’s behalf. He arts of stone that never beat with life before have been turned to flesh through the Holy Spirit causing them to know this truth. A sacred tenderness the obstinate when they have heard of Jesus crucified for them. Those who have lain at hell’s dark door, wrapped about with a sevenfold death-shade, even upon them hath a great light shined. The story of the great Lover of the souls of men who gave himself for their salvation is still in the hand of the Holy Ghost the greatest of all forces in the realm of mind."

Join me in reading 2 Corinthians 5 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. James 5:13

RC Sproul writes in his book, Does Prayer Change Things, "The neglect of prayer is a major cause of stagnation in the Christian life. Consider the example of Peter in Luke 22:39–62. Jesus went to the Mount of Olives to pray, as was His custom, and told His disciples, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” The disciples fell asleep instead. The next thing Peter did was try to take on the Roman army with a sword; then he denied Christ. Peter did not pray, and as a result he fell into temptation. What is true of Peter is true of all of us: we fall in private before we ever fall in public." 

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

You do not have because you do not ask God. James 4:2

One of the greatest US evangelist of the early 1900s is Reuben Archer (RA) Torrey. He established churches all of over the US, including BIOLA (Bible Institute of Los Angeles) University. He was the second  President/Superintendent  of the Moody Bible Institute. His churches and evangelical events reached thousands. He was also a passionate proponent of prayer. He wrote many briefs and books. The Power of Prayer is one of those briefs and it really hit my heart hard. As a result, I wanted to share it with you.

Join me in listening to this incredible evangelist's thoughts on prayer and be encouraged!

If you'd like to read along with me, this link has a free edition of the work I'm reading:
https://bibleportal.com/sermon/RA-Torrey/the-power-of-prayer

Just a Guy and His World

You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:2-3

I'm reading various works regarding prayer and one of the greatest US evangelist of the early 1900s is RA Torrey. He established churches all of over the US, including BIOLA (Bible Institute of Los Angeles) University. He was the second  superintendent  of the Moody Bible Institute. His churches and evangelical events reached thousands. He was also a passionate proponent of prayer. He wrote a brief regarding prayer, The Power of Prayer. This is the opening few paragraphs:

I BRING YOU A MESSAGE FROM GOD contained in seven short words. Six of the seven words are monosyllables, and the remaining word has but two syllables and is one of the most familiar and most easily understood words in the English language. Yet there is so much in these seven short, simple words that they have transformed many a life and brought many an inefficient worker into a place of great power.

I spoke on these seven words some years ago at a Bible conference in central New York. Some months after the conference, I received a letter from the man who had presided at the conference, one of the best-known ministers of the gospel in America. He wrote me, "I have been unable to get away from the seven words on which you spoke at Lake Keuka, they have been with me day and night. They have transformed my ideas, transformed my methods, transformed my ministry." The man who wrote those words has since been the pastor of what is probably the most widely known of any evangelical church in the world. I trust that the words may sink into some of your hearts today as they did into his on that occasion and that some of you will be able to say in future months and years, "I have been unable to get away from those seven words, they nave seen with me day and night. They have transformed my ideas, transformed my methods, transformed my life, and transformed my service for God."

You will find these seven words in James 4:2, the seven closing words of the verse, "Ye have not, because ye ask not."

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

The LORD bless you  and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Good morning - 

I'm not able to record today. I hope to return tomorrow with Pray 365 and 2 Corinthians 5 on Monday.

Take care and be blessed!

Just a Guy and His World

 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

The glory of Christ is God. God's glory is in Christ. This is the basic summary of verses 4 - 6. Paul goes on to share that this glory is then entrusted to us, jars of clay, and all that is achieved or done isn't by our power but by God's.

Kent Hughes puts it this way, "jars of clay provided Paul with a penetrating metaphor for his and his followers’ humanity. Indeed Adam was formed out of the dust of the ground, and to dust he returned (cf. Genesis 2:7; 3:19). As clay jars we are all frail, weak, transitory mortals.
This understood, Paul’s famous declaration pulses with meaning: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” (v. 7). The “treasure” is the illuminating power (described in the preceding verse as “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”) that God provides with the full creation power with which he spoke things into existence. This “treasure,” this creational, transforming gospel power, has been committed to insignificant, fragile followers of Christ — men and women who, like Paul, are all clay pots.
 The reason for this is so there would be no mistake about where the power comes from — “to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” "2 Corinthians 4:7

Join me in reading 2 Corinthians 4 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10

A Morning Prayer
 We give Thee thanks
 —yea, more than thanks O Lord our God, for all Thy goodness at all times, and in all places, because Thou hast shielded, rescued, helped, and guided us all the days of our lives, and brought us unto this hour. We pray and beseech Thee, merciful God, to grant in Thy goodness that we may spend this day, and all the time of our lives, without sin, in fullness of joy, holiness, and reverence of Thee. But drive away from us, O Lord, all envy, all fear, and all temptations. Bestow upon us what is good and meet. Whatever sin we commit in thought, word, or deed, do Thou in Thy goodness and mercy be pleased to pardon. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; through the grace, mercy, and love of Thine only begotten Son. Amen.
 —Liturgy of St. Mark

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! 2 Corinthians 3:11
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Transitory to permanent. The Law to the Gospel. God moved us from death to life through Jesus. AW Tozer writes, "The gospel not only furnishes transforming power to remold the human heart; it provides also a model after which the new life is to be fashioned, and that model is Christ Himself. Christ is God acting like God in the lowly raiments of human flesh. Yet He is also man; so He becomes the perfect model after which redeemed human nature is to be fashioned."

Join me in reading 2 Corinthians 3 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

For Protection
 Be gracious to our prayers, O merciful God, and guard Thy people with loving protection; that they who confess Thine only begotten Son as God, born in our bodily flesh, may never be corrupted by the deceits of the devil; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 —Ambrose.

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Just a Guy and His World

 Hide your face from my sins
 and blot out all my iniquity.
 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
 and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
 11 Do not cast me from your presence
 or take your Holy Spirit from me.
 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
 and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalms 51:9-12


Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:9

Charles Spurgeon spoke about verse 9 this way, "We are justified, dear Friends, in speaking about our own experience when the mention of it will be for the benefit of others. Especially is this the case with leaders in the Church such as Paul, for their experience is rich and deep and the rehearsal of it comes with great weight and is peculiarly valuable. We are all the better when we are distressed for discovering that such an one as Paul was also subject to heaviness — we feel safe in following the line of conduct which was marked out by the great Apostle and we are hopeful that if he came out of his troubles which were so great, we may, also, be delivered out of ours which are comparatively so little."

Join me in reading 2 Corinthians 1 and be encouraged!

A link to an introductory video of 2 Corinthians:
https://youtu.be/3lfPK2vfC54?si=aQqTeWFQuoDokMUw

Just a Guy and His World

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me. “I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies. 2 Samuel 22:2-4
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:10-13

For Growth in Grace
 Give perfection to beginners, O Father; give intelligence to the little ones; give aid to those who are running their course. Give sorrow to the negligent; give fervour of spirit to the lukewarm. Give to the perfect a good consummation; for the sake of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
 —Irenaeus, Old Gallican Sacramentary.

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

Paul prayed that the thorn in his flesh might be removed, and his prayer brought a large increase of spiritual strength, while the thorn, most likely, remained. God may not answer our prayers how we might want, but He does answer them and it's better than how we imagined.

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land

Just a Guy and His World

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2

Almighty God, we beseech Thee to hear our prayers for all who sin against Thee, or neglect to serve Thee, all who forget Thee, all who leave Thee out of their lives. O Lord, have mercy upon them; bestow upon us all true repentance and an earnest longing for Thyself. Vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to strengthen and confirm all Thy faithful people, and to lift up the light of Thy face upon them, giving them continually heavenly desires; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 —An Ancient Collect

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land

Just a Guy and His World

but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. Romans 7:23

Charles Spurgeon shared a message to his congregation on the dual nature of a Christian and the duel that resided within him. It's the most helpful message I've ever heard on this topic that has caused me so much conflict over the years! As a result, I felt compelled to share it with you. 

This post is a lot longer than my normal posts and I'd ask for your grace as you listen. It was a challenge because the length and some of the speech is different from today's normal flow. With that said, I'm confident it will bless you and lift you up! Join me in listening to this sermon from Charles Spurgeon on Romans 7:23 and be encouraged! 

Just a Guy and His World

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Lord Jesus Christ, Keeper and Preserver of all things, let Thy right hand guard us by day and by night, when we sit at home, and when we walk abroad, when we lie down and when we rise up, that we may be kept from all evil, and have mercy upon us sinners. Amen.
 —Nerses of Clajes

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land

Just a Guy and His World

So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. Romans 7:21
Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:25

This is a repost of Romans 7. Today we'll read chapter 7 of Romans and tomorrow I'll share the sermon from Charles Spurgeon regarding chapter 7 and the dueling natures within the believer.

Join me in reading Romans 7 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Kent Hughes writes of chapter 16, "THE FINAL CHAPTER of this letter seems a bit anticlimactic. Chapter 15 was a lengthy and beautiful treatment of the most pivotal event in human history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So anything that comes after that seems like a postscript. In fact, at the end of Paul’s letters he appears to be cramming in a bunch of disjointed thoughts before the curtain closes. But through these final instructions, what the reader sees emerging is a portrait of a community that lives in light of that event that changed the world—the kind of community that the church is supposed to be. And very simply put, it’s one that mends what’s torn, that rights what’s wrong—that reconciles. How?
 By Sharing Its Goods
By Sharing Its Life
Across Every Dividing Line" 1 Corinthians 16:1

Join me in reading 1 Corinthians 16 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

A prayer from the 3rd century church: For a Knowledge of God’s Will
O Almighty God, we are confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in us, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: we pray that our love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that we may approve things that are excellent; that we may be sincere and without offense, till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Amen.
—Adapted: Philippians 1:6-11. 

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land

Just a Guy and His World

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Charles Spurgeon has this to say about the resurrection, "But showing Himself to men like Thomas, and bidding them put their fingers into the print of the nails, and thrust their hand into His side, He gave to men the most absolute proofs of His resurrection and received from the most competent witnesses the most assured evidence that no deception had been practiced. "Handle Me and see that it is I, Myself," was a challenge of identity all the more conclusive because it was addressed to the men who had known Him intimately during the whole period of His ministry."

Join me in reading 1 Corinthians 15 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. Acts 20:36

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land

Just a Guy and His World

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 1 Corinthians 14:1

It struck me while reading 1 Corinthians 14 that I don't think I've ever sought or desired a spiritual gift! While I can't say never because I'm old and may not remember way back when, but I know it has not been a focus in my recent past. However, it was so important to Paul that he instructs the Corinthians to desire spiritual gifts! In fact, he gets specific and argues for prophecy because it blesses others.

Benefits of Tongues vs. Prophecy in 1 Corinthians 14:2–4
Tongues                                                                                          Prophecy
speaking to only God (not fellow humans)                fellow humans 
intelligible to only God (not fellow humans)            fellow humans 
builds up only the speaker                                                  the church 

Tongues are not as edifying as prophecy. Tongues build up only the one person speaking in them, but prophecy builds up the whole church.

Join me in reading 1 Corinthians 14 and let's pursue spiritual gifts together!

Just a Guy and His World

 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you
 and wait expectantly. Psalms 5:3

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. Acts 9:40

"Prayer is like the dove that Noah sent forth, which blessed him not only when it returned with an olive-leaf in its mouth, but when it never returned at all.", Robinson's Job. 

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

And yet I will show you the most excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:31
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

I love (pun intended) how Paul has brought us to this point! He's been addressing so many of the Corinthian's ways that were based on their old ways: sexual immorality, pride and status seeking to the point it corrupted the blessings of God, spiritual gifts and the Last Supper.

Chapter 13 puts all of these human traits into their proper perspective. Kent Hughes puts this into perspective, "The Corinthian Christians had the religious thing down. They did what Christians do every week (they went to church, they prayed, sang, listened to a sermon, and even shared a meal together). But in all the coming and going, in all their churchly activity, in spite of all the sermons they had ever heard on 1 Corinthians 13, they struggled to keep love at the center of their lives." 1 Corinthians 12:31

Join me in reading 1 Corinthians 13 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

“Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
  “‘“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. ”’
“So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”  Numbers 6:23-27

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

Are you surprised that the Corinthians were also claiming one spiritual gift was better than another? This status seeking people naturally wanted to have the "Best" spiritual gift so they could brag about it. I know at times I shake my head at the early Christians and wonder how they could be so dense! However, when I think about it, I usually discover, my friends and I do the exact same thing!!! People are the same regardless of the era. 

Have you ever felt like you weren't as strong or good of a Christian because you don't speak or pray in tongues?  I was recently at a class designed to build our faith and relationship with God. The leader is a great and earnest guy, but oh how he wanted people to pray in tongues! At one point, it became awkward because nobody was and he just kept encouraging us! 

The ESV commentary explains the situation Paul had to address, "Some Corinthian Christians seem to have been creating divisions over spiritual gifts. Paul’s use of the body analogy in 12:12–27 implies that they have placed so much emphasis on one gift that those without that gift feel that they are not part of the body (12:16–17). Considering its prominence in the discussion, that one gift is probably speaking in tongues."

Join me in reading 1 Corinthians 12 and be encouraged about your spiritual blessings!

Just a Guy and His World

But if you will seek God earnestly and plead with the Almighty,
if you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf
and restore you to your prosperous state. Your beginnings will seem humble,
so prosperous will your future be. Job 8:5-7

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29

Kent Hughes in his Preaching the Word commentary says about the issue facing the Corinthians, "Few acts are more expressive of companionship than the shared meal. . . . Someone with whom we share food is likely to be our friend, or well on the way to becoming one.” In an ideal world the dinner table is far more than a functional space where human beings mechanistically refuel by themselves. The dinner table is a place where community is created and sustained. The dinner table is a place where hospitality is extended and conversation experienced. It is also a place where communal dysfunction or breakdown is seen and felt. Meals carry values; they tell stories about the people who have prepared them, the people who partake of them, and even about the people who are excluded."

It was this situation that Paul needed to address in the second half of chapter 11. The people had taken a solemn, blessed event and corrupted it. I think about how many times I or society have done that. Just take our dinner time. Do we still meet together and bond. Or, do we have a meal for the kids and something else for the parents that they grab. Meanwhile, no fellowship happens. Or, what about our sexual relationship with a spouse? Has porn or other societal norms corrupted that blessing?

Paul reminds the Corinthians (and us) that Jesus meant for to be blessings and corrupting them for our own glory, isn't acceptable. Join me in reading 1 Corinthians 11 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

You will pray to him, and he will hear you,  and you will fulfill your vows. What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways. Job 22:27-28

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

AW Tozer reminds us, "God is also faithful to the tempted. The faithfulness of God is operating to deliver us also from the temptations that bother us.
 Some poor, suffering Christians say, “I feel all boxed in, as if there was a wall all around me.” Someone has pointed out that when you can’t escape to the right, the left, forward or backward, you can always go up. God’s faithfulness is the way out, because it’s the way up, you can be sure of that. Your temptation is common to everybody. If you’re on the borderline of the victorious life and you say, “Under the circumstances in which I live, I just can’t make it,” remember God says your temptation is common to all."

Join me in reading 1 Corinthians 10 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 1 Corinthians 9:19

Charles Spurgeon writes about Paul, "The Apostle Paul is here giving a description of the way in which he made everything help toward the fulfillment of his desire to be a faithful minister of Jesus Christ. He longed to be the means of winning souls. He desired that at the last his Master might be able to say to him, "Well done, you good and faithful servant." And, therefore, everything with which he had to do was made to bend in that direction. "

Join me in reading 1 Corinthians 9 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

“Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. 1 Samuel 1:15

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall. 1 Corinthians 8:13

Kent Hughes writes in his Preaching the Word commentary, "There were two parties in the Corinthian church, those representing the permissive party (progressive) and the restrictive party (conservative). These groups had different concerns. The primary concern for the progressives was personal freedom, whereas the conservatives pursued personal morality. These concerns when carried out to their extreme ends led to licentiousness for one party and legalism for the other. In our passage Paul is directly addressing the permissive party. He will address the restrictive party in passages to come."

Join me in reading 1 Corinthians 8 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. 1 Corinthians 7:7
Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. 1 Corinthians 7:17

The Bible is full of radical ideas for the time! Here we see it again because Paul’s words are in contrast to Roman law, which permitted either a husband or a wife to begin a divorce with no stated cause required. 1 Corinthians 7:10

Join me in reading 1 Corinthians 7 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. 1 Corinthians 6:7

Do you have issues with your brothers and sisters? Do you complain about the service, music, message or just don't like some fellow believers? If so, then we've already lost and we're supporting our adversary. Paul has been preaching unity in the church and yet there's more strife. Kent Hughes writes, "THE PROBLEMS OF THE Corinthian community continue to stack up one after the other. This chapter considers how believers are to relate to one another when someone has been wronged. How does a gospel-shaped community handle disputes and grievances between believers? Much like what has already been discussed in previous chapters, the book of 1 Corinthians provides us with a very good example of how not to respond!"

Join me in reading 1 Corinthians 6 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes. Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone. Genesis 35:2-3

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. 1 Corinthians 5:6-7
But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. 1 Corinthians 5:11

The chapter is focused on sexual sin and one that is especially bad. With that said, Paul directs the focus of the church inward, not outward. He tells the Corinthian church to look at the actions of each other and not those outside because what do you expect of those that don't know Jesus? No, we need to look at those that do know Jesus and protect ourselves from their actions, if they're unrepentant. 

Join me in reading 1 Corinthians 5 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalms 34:6-7

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Hi - My daughter is a professional equestrian. She had a bad fall and broke her hip and femur. Please pray for her. She faces surgery soon. Her name is Rebecca. I'll return when I get back into town.

Thanks

Just a Guy and His World

For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? 1 Corinthians 4:7

The Corinthians valued advancement, knowledge and gain highly. They compared their teachers, their wealth and positions against what others had. Again, it sounds very familiar to us! Paul attempts to temper this pride with the reality of God's blessings.

Spurgeon writes of pride, "Pride is the inherent sin of man, and yet it is of all sins the most foolish. A thousand arguments might be used to show its absurdity; but none of these would be sufficient to quench its vitality. Alive it is in the heart, and there it will be, till we die to this world and rise again without spot or blemish. Yet many are the arrows which may be shot at the heart of our boasting."

Join me in reading 1 Corinthians 4 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

 Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven, Lamentations 3:41

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future —all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God. 1 Corinthians 3:21-23

Kent Hughes writes of the Corinthians, "The Corinthians lived in a meritocratic society. They were interested in being upwardly mobile. In some ways they lived to achieve, progress, and grow their portfolios. In the process of climbing the ladder, they were looking for an expression of Christianity that would serve them in their aspirational pursuits. They desired knowledge, rhetoric, and leaders that would set them apart as being wise, mature, and progressive." In their pursuit of this ladder climbing, they started to claim a certain preacher was better than the other, much like we may say our college is better than yours. In so many ways, they are just like us! People's toys and technology may change, but our nature doesn't.

In this chapter, Paul brings them back to reality, it's Jesus that matter, not the preacher they learned from. Also, their earthly wisdom was foolishness compared to God's.

Join me in reading 1Corinthians 3 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

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. 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. 1 Corinthians 2:11-12
But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16

Paul writes to the Corinthians in chapter 2 about knowledge. The Corinthians were a people that valued knowledge and all the benefits it brought. On the contrary, Paul didn't come to them with eloquent speeches and polished arguments. Instead, he simply let the Spirit of God do the speaking and it was powerful! In fact, he focused on the fact that their wisdom was foolishness to God because He knows all and can think things we can't even imagine!

I know I've often relied on my own "wisdom" to make an argument on a topic when I should have relied on the Spirit. It wasn't easy for Paul to do it. In fact he said he did it with "great fear and trembling", but he did it anyway. Is it time to rely on the Holy Spirit who knows God's thoughts, instead of our own? It won't come without fear and trembling, but I believe it is.

Join me in reading 1Corinthians 2 and be encouraged! 

Just a Guy and His World

But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. Exodus 32:11

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:17-18

Paul only preached the cross. He didn't use eloquent words, but shared the power of the cross and the Holy Spirit. Aw Tozer says this, "The cross of Christ is the most revolutionary thing ever to appear among men."

Join me in reading 1 Corinthians and let's hear about the power of the cross and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

 But if you will seek God earnestly
 and plead with the Almighty,
 if you are pure and upright,
 even now he will rouse himself on your behalf
 and restore you to your prosperous state.
 Your beginnings will seem humble,
 so prosperous will your future be. Job 8:5-7

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you
 and wait expectantly. Psalms 5:3

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Colossians 4:2-3

Kent Hughes writes about Colossians 4:2, "At the very heart of our communication must be full devotion to prayer. The idea here is persistence in prayer — continual prayer. Elsewhere the Lord himself encouraged this by telling the story of a widow who got her way with a godless, uncaring judge because she nagged him. It was "a parable," Luke says, "to show them that they should always pray and not give up" (Luke 18:1). Such continual prayer was the abiding experience of the Apostolic Church (Acts 1:14; 2:42). The apostles were constantly encouraging this, as did Paul when he challenged the Thessalonians to "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) —full, continual communication with God."

Join me in reading Colossians 4 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

 Hide your face from my sins
 and blot out all my iniquity.
 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
 and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
 Do not cast me from your presence
 or take your Holy Spirit from me.
 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
 and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalms 51:9-12

This is my favorite prayer! It's as if David is reading my heart and on my behalf! This is exactly what happens every time we submit to the Holy Spirit and He guides our prayers! He nails it for us.

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things Colossians 3:1-2
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Paul continues to remind us to focus on the good and Godly. Just as he instructed us in Philippians to focus on the good, he again tells us to "set our hearts" on Christ. God knows our nature which is to focus on the earthly desires, but we have been changed and that new nature needs to be fed and trained. Just as an infant didn't eat steaks right away, we can't immediately understand the things of God, but as we mature in Christ, our understanding can grow and expand, which leads to our nature changing. 

Paul started Colossians by encouraging them to grow in the knowledge of God and to gain the wisdom and understanding that comes from the Spirit. In chapter 3, he reminds us to focus on Christ who sits next to God in Heaven. It's all part of our growth process. 

Join me in reading Colossians 3 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:8-10

Paul continues to preach that Jesus is all we need, nothing else needs to be added. He warns us to be careful that we don't listen to those that want to add human touches and/or rules to God's grace. He then emphasizes that we have been "brought to fullness" through Jesus. Let's accept His mercy and grace and not add anything to it. Remember, Jesus told us, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light". (Mat 11:30)

Join me in reading Colossians 2 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way Colossians 1:9-10

Charles Spurgeon reminds us how can live Colossians 1:9-10, "We cannot more wisely show our love to our friends than by, first, acknowledging the Grace which is in them — and then by praying that God may give them more! Being himself delivered out of darkness, Paul strives to bring others into the marvelous light of Grace. Paul would have his Brethren thoroughly furnished for sacred service, knowing the will of the Lord, themselves, and able to teach others. He desired for them that they might possess comforting knowledge, strengthening knowledge, edifying knowledge, sanctifying knowledge, directing knowledge — so that they might be ready for all the trials, duties and labors of life."

Paul knew the church in Colosse's strengths and weaknesses. He prayed they'd have more of what they excelled at and worked to help them gain what they were lacking. I need to be more like Paul! It's so easy to see the faults and focus on those versus the strengths. Father, help me to see others as you see them!
 
Join me in reading Colossians 1 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Ephesians 6:18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Kent Hughes writes about these verses, "He (Jesus) wants to keep our minds.
We emphasize this because it has direct bearing on Paul’s command about the Philippians’ thought lives in 4:8, 9. As we see from the immediately preceding context, in order to counter the discord between Euodia and Syntyche that was threatening the unity of the Philippian church, Paul gave four brief imperatives that, if obeyed would bring them the peace of God — namely: 1) rejoice, 2) be gentle, 3) do not be anxious, and 4) pray.
If these were implemented, Paul promised, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (v. 7). Now Paul exhorted the Philippians to embrace exalted thought patterns and practices that would enhance God’s presence and peace, as he promised in verse 9: “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me — practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Join me in reading Philippians 4 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge Psalms 73:28

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

 Then I called on the name of the LORD:
 “LORD, save me! Psalms 116:4

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ Philippians 3:7-8

AW Tozer writes about one's ability to know God and truly experience Him, "The Christian is strong or weak depending upon how closely he has cultivated the knowledge of God. Paul devoted his whole life to the art of knowing Christ. Progress in the Christian life is exactly equal to the growing knowledge we gain of the Triune God in personal experience. And such experience requires a whole life devoted to it and plenty of time spent at the holy task of cultivating God. God can be known satisfactorily only as we devote time to Him."

Join me in reading Philippians 3 and be encouraged in your journey back to God!

Just a Guy and His World

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Colossians 4:2-3

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, Philippians 2:9

The Joy of the Lord! Does it ever feel like a far off and lost experience? I know that at times it has felt that way for me, but when I consider the "why" of that, I find it is my own mindset causing me to feel like I don't measure up to God's standards. AW Tozer reminds us in his writings:
"The truth is that God has never planned that His children should live forever stretched upon a cross. Christ Himself endured His cross for only six hours. When the cross had done its work, life entered and took over. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.”" Philippians 2:9

It's time to exalt the Lord and enjoy His joy. Join me in reading Philippians 2 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

For this reason I kneel before the Father... And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14;17-19

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

What is a worthy life? In Philippians, Paul tells us to "conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel..." as he's sitting in a jail cell and facing a capital charge! Thankfully, he also shows us how to live this worthy life and there's only one way we can, it's by the strength of the Spirit! 

Join me in reading this first chapter of Philippians and let's be encouraged to live this worthy life!

Just a Guy and His World

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. Romans 16:19

Often we think about Paul as a tremendous theologian, but his motivation is really driven by love and it's shown in this last chapter. Kent Hughes writes, "The first characteristic of Paul's heart described in this chapter is that it overflowed with personal love. If the long list of names and greetings in these verses teaches us anything, it is that Paul had a diffusive love for people. The word "greet" appears nineteen times, and seventeen of them are by Paul. Our text features thirty-three names. Twenty-four were in Rome (seventeen men and seven women). In addition, the apostle mentions two households, the mother of Rufus, and the sister of Nereus. Nine of the people mentioned were with Paul in Corinth (eight men and one woman). Obviously Paul maintained a remarkable amount of affectionate relationships."

Join me in reading this last chapter of Romans and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” Romans 15:1-3

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31

Kent Hughes writes, "How did Christ accept you and me? He accepted us with our many sins, prejudices, and innumerable blind spots. He accepted us with our psychological shortcomings and cultural naiveté. He accepted us with our provincialisms. He even accepted us with our stubbornness. This is how we are to accept one another." 

Join me in reading Romans 15 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. Romans 14:1
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Romans 14:13

Unity and peace within the church is highly valued by God. David writes in Psalm 133:  How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalms 133:1
Jesus prayed, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you." John 17:20-21

I know I can look back and see times when I quarreled with others and it wasn't for their benefit, but mine. I wanted to prove I was correct! It's time motives are checked and Jesus's peace and unity are prioritized.

Join me in reading Romans 14 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. ” Psalms 122:6-7

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. Romans 13:14

Have you ever noticed that no matter how small a trial is, if we think about it constantly, it grows into a crisis in our minds and heart. I also recognize that if I think about sin, an apparent slight or another negative, they grow and become overpowering. In Romans 13, Paul reminds us again to clothe ourselves in Jesus and if we're thinking about Him, then we won't be as likely to think about those things of the flesh. 

Join me in reading Romans 13 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Psalms 95:6-7

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

As I was in church this morning, it struck me that there are many that don't have a church to go to! They may not have a house or even their loved ones to hug! Praying for our nation isn't just about addressing the political and economic circumstances. Let's lift our fellow citizens up to God and pray for His mercy upon them!

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39

Do you ever struggle with doing the above? I know I do!!! So often I beat myself up because I don't have this passionate, gushy type of love for God or my neighbors! In fact, at times I'm even upset at one or both.

This has really played havoc in my relationship with God at times. Often, I've felt like I've missed out on something and I'm a failed Christian. That is until I started praying daily and began reading Christian works from leaders, pastors and others that have spent their lives serving God. When I read a sermon, chapter or article that is impactful to my walk, I will be sharing it with you in this Sermon or Chapter Series. 

Join me in reading chapter 8 of AW Tozer's book Man: What it means to Have Christ Living in You. I hope it blesses you as much as it did me!

Just a Guy and His World

 These things I remember as I pour out my soul:
 how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One
 with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng Psalms 42:4

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

So far, Romans has had a lot of theological truths and now comes the instruction on applying them to our lives. In chapters 12 - 15, Paul provides guidance of how the Christian is to live by applying these truths. In chapter 12, these three topics are covered: 

• Our bodies are holy, treat them as sacrifices to God.
• Be humble. No one person or gift is superior to the other.
• Love sincerely, even your enemies.

These are high callings and we need God's grace to achieve them, but they bring the peace of God to us when we do. AW Tozer says the following:
To will the will of God is to do more than give unprotesting consent to it; it is rather to choose God’s will with positive determination. As the work of God advances, the Christian finds himself free to choose whatever he will, and he gladly chooses the will of God as his highest conceivable good. Such a man has found life’s highest goal. He has been placed beyond the little disappointments that plague the rest of men. Whatever happens to him is the will of God for him and that is just what he most ardently desires. But it is only fair to state that this condition is one not reached by many of the busy Christians of our busy times. Until it is reached, however, the Christian’s peace cannot be complete. There must be still a certain inward controversy, a sense of spiritual disquiet which poisons our joy and greatly reduces our power.

Join me in reading Romans 12 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him Luke 9:18
As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Luke 9:29
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Matthew 14:23
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed Matthew 26:39

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Romans 11:33-34

God's ways are not ours and His understanding is not ours. This is evidenced in chapter 11. In this part of Paul's letter, he shows us that God isn't going to reject the Jews, but is using their opposition to Jesus's message to save the Gentiles and that He hasn't rejected them but will still fulfill His promises to them.

Chapters 9-10 were taken up by the question of whether God’s Word has failed since so many of his own chosen people have not responded to the gospel message. In chapter 11 Paul takes up a different though related question: “Has God rejected his people?”

Paul’s initial response is autobiographical, emphatically rejecting the notion. He is Exhibit A of God’s faithfulness to those of Abrahamic descent, as his own connections with Israel, Abraham, and the tribe of Benjamin make clear. 

Join me in reading Romans 11 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them. Psalms 34:6-7

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience Hebrews 10:19-22

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

The book of Romans has had some pretty complex and amazing concepts in it. Often, I've had to read chapters 2, 3 or more times! Today, I was reading a sermon from Charles Spurgeon and he kept it very simple. He focused on the most basic and fundamental message, God loves us, He wants to fellowship with us and gave His life to atone for our sins so we could once again fellowship with Him!

The message went something like this:
1. God made us to fellowship with. In the Garden of Eden, God walked, talked and resided with Adam and Eve.
2. Man was made in His image. God is spirit (John 4:24) As a result, we're a spiritual being with a physical body. This sets us apart from the other creatures of the earth.
3. Adam's and our sins prevent God from fellowshipping and residing with us.
4. Christ, who is God in man's form, is the sacrifice for our sins (Gal 1:4), so God can now fellowship and reside in us again via the Spirit, if, we believe and accept His Grace. This requires faith.
that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. John 3:15
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, John 3:18
Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24
Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved Acts 16:31
Believe in Him. Receive His Grace. Fellowship with God, which was the plan from the start. The rest is about learning about Him, but it's a pretty simple and straight forward message. It requires faith. 

Join me in reading Romans 10 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. Romans 9:30-32

Kent Hughes writes about the grace shown to faith filled gentiles, "For thousands of years they worshipped brutish idols and blocks and stones. Their philosophy was mixed with filthiness. Their lives were abhorrent to God. Even these, at last, have attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith, for the Gospel being preached among the Gentiles, they have believed in Jesus and they are saved! "

AW Tozer states, "The natural man must know in order to believe; the spiritual man must believe in order to know. The faith that saves is not a conclusion drawn from evidence; it is a moral thing, a thing of the spirit, a supernatural infusion of confidence in Jesus Christ, a very gift of God." Faith, not works, is the key to salvation. 

Join me in reading Romans 9 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

they called on the LORD and he answered them.
He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; Psalms 99:6-7
You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted;
 you encourage them, and you listen to their cry Psalms 10:17

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16

As we've been reading in Romans, there's a duality of nature within us, the Flesh and the Spirit. When we are saved, the Holy Spirit moves in and takes up residence, but how can this be? AW Tozer says it this way, "One quality belonging to the Holy Spirit, of great interest and importance to every seeking heart, is penetrability. He can penetrate mind; He can penetrate another spirit, such as the human spirit. He can achieve complete penetration of and actual intermingling with the human spirit. He can invade the human heart and make room for Himself without expelling anything essentially human. The integrity of the human personality remains unimpaired. Only moral evil is forced to withdraw." Romans 8:16

Join me in reading Romans 8 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. Romans 7:23

Charles Spurgeon shared a message to his congregation on the dual nature of a Christian and the duel that resided within him. It's the most helpful message I've ever heard on this topic that has caused me so much conflict over the years! As a result, I felt compelled to share it with you. 

This post is a lot longer than my normal posts and I'd ask for your grace as you listen. It was a challenge because the length and some of the speech is different from today's normal flow. With that said, I'm confident it will bless you and lift you up! Join me in listening to this sermon from Charles Spurgeon on Romans 7:23 and be encouraged! 

Just a Guy and His World

For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7:15
For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. Romans 7:22-23

This conflict has often caused me much angst and even, depression! Often I have thought, "How can I be a Christian when I keep on sinning?!" Thankfully, God let us know that only One was perfect and it is our fate to continue to wage war against sin which is trying to keep "me a prisoner of the law of sin".

Charles Spurgeon has much to say on this topic. In one message he states, "Thus, dear Friends, I have showed you that there is a conflict within. And let me congratulate you if it is a conflict. The ungodly know no such inward warfare! They sin and they love it — but where there is spiritual conflict the Grace of God is present!"

Join me in reading Romans 7 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin — because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Romans 6:6-7

In Roman 6, Paul shifts his focus from justification to the practical. As the MacArthur Bible commentary states:
Paul moves from demonstrating the doctrine of justification, which is God’s declaring the believing sinner righteous (3:20–5:21), to demonstrating the practical ramifications of salvation for those who have been justified. He specifically discusses the doctrine of sanctification, which is God’s producing actual righteousness in the believer (6:1–8:39).

Do you ever feel like you've missed something because you don't feel like you're dead to sin? I know I do often. What Paul shares is that regardless of our feelings, it's true, we are dead to sin. He says, "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." Romans 6:11 So, the issue isn't whether we've been made new, it's whether we believe it and live like it. 

Remember, Jesus said. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30

Join me in reading Romans 6 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 4:32 - 5:2

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8
The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21

These two scriptures work together in an amazing way: Jesus is the manifestation of God's grace that had already been at work.  Charles Spurgeon says it this way in a sermon from 1855:
There is no point upon which men make greater mistakes than upon the relation which exists between the law and the gospel. Some men put the law instead of the gospel: others put the gospel instead of the law; some modify the law and the gospel, and preach neither law nor gospel: and others entirely abrogate the law, by bringing in the gospel.
In the same sermon, he addresses the Law's ability to demonstrate our sin:
The law causes the offence to abound by discovering sin to the soul. When once God the Holy Ghost applies the law to the conscience, secret sins are dragged to light, little sins are magnified to their true size, and things apparently harmless become exceedingly sinful.
All the while, he continues to point out "where sin increased, grace increased all the more."

Join me in reading Romans 5 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself am going.’ And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and to entreat him. Zechariah 8:21-22

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:3

Abraham believed God not texts or words. He placed his faith in God and it was credited to him as righteousness. AW Tozer says it this way:
But there is another kind of faith: it is faith that depends upon the character of God. You will remember that the Scripture does not say, “Abraham believed the text, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” It says, “Abraham believed God.” It was not what Abraham believed, it was who Abraham believed that counted. Abraham believed God, and the man of true faith believes God and his faith rests on the character of God. Romans 4:3

Join me in reading Romans 4 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said:
 “Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign LORD, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant—and this decree, Sovereign LORD, is for a mere human! 2 Samuel 7:18-19

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22-24

Romans 3 is a critical chapter in which Paul lays bare the idea the Jews had about their righteousness. As pointed out by Kent Hughes in the Preaching the Word commentary:
As we approach the third chapter of Romans, we must keep in mind that it well describes the condition of the Jews whom Paul has just been addressing. The Jews imagined themselves to be clothed with a righteousness that was actually nonexistent. They were duped by a misleading religious confidence. So Paul, like the little boy, stripped away their layers of delusion. They believed that because they possessed the Word of God they were safe. They saw themselves as guides to the blind, correctors of the foolish, teachers of the immature. But Paul undressed them, proving that having God's Word is no guarantee of life. Paul also stripped away their errant confidence in circumcision, showing that their religious affiliation would not save them.

Join me in reading Romans 3 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the LORD will be broken. 1 Samuel 2:9-10

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. Acts 12:5

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God. Romans 2:28-29

Paul is saying that one's why for their actions is more important than the action. AW Tozer writes the following insightful statements in three different books:

Christians, and especially very active ones, should take time out frequently to search their souls to be sure of their motives.
To sum it up, we may say simply that in the sight of God we are judged not so much by what we do as by our reasons for doing it. Not what but why will be the important question when we Christians appear at the judgment seat to give account of the deeds done in the body. 
My faith does not rest on God’s promises. My faith rests upon God’s character. Faith must rest in confidence upon the One who made the promises. . . . 

Join me in reading Romans 2 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:4-6

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20

AW Tozer says of Romans 1:
God originally created man in His own image so that man could know companionship with God in a unique sense and to a degree which is impossible for any other creature to experience.
Because of his sin, man lost this knowledge, this daily partnership with God. In the first chapter of Romans, Paul gives us a vivid picture of men and women whom God gave over to a reprobate mind because they did not wish to retain God in their knowledge, their foolish hearts being darkened (see 1:21, 28).
This is the Bible portrait of man. He has that great potential of knowing God as no other creature can, but he is lost; and without God in his knowledge, his conduct is unworthy of his high origin and his being despairs in its encompassing emptiness. Romans 1:16

Join me in reading Romans 1 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:2-3
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:
 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7

Romans is described as one of the most intense books of the Bible. Some say you could spend a year or more studying it! In fact, the ESV Commentary provides the following warning to pastors preparing to preach on it:
"Romans is complex enough to overwhelm an unwary expositor. It is so dense and rich that the biggest danger in preaching it might be information overload. Both preacher and congregation might despair of ever working through such a long and meaty treatise. "
AW Tozer says the following to introduce the book of Romans:
"Romans is Paul’s longest epistle, laying out a systematic treatise that theologically explains the gospel message of salvation as a gift of God provided through Jesus Christ, received by faith alone. Writing to a capital city obsessed with power, Paul emphasizes God’s power to save. In chapters 1–11, Paul lays out the story of humanity, covering the sinfulness of Jews and Gentiles alike, God’s righteousness, and God’s love and forgiveness. Paul describes the freedom available only in Christ. Paul gives a shortened recounting of the story of Israel, demonstrating God’s righteousness and saving power. In chapters 12–16, Paul shows how a believer’s faith can be applied in the world. Having faith in Christ is more than theological knowledge; it is about living in the fullness of Christ in our everyday lives."

Check out this short video about Romans 1-4 https://youtu.be/ej_6dVdJSIU

Join me in exploring this most interesting and full book of Romans and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2

If a brother or sister are sinning, what should the church do? Should they be kicked out and fellowship removed? No! They should be GENTLY restored by those that are living in the Spirit! God is kind, not brutal. He loves each of us and wants us restored. Our brothers and sisters, me included, need to remember this.

Why do you think Paul says gently? It's likely a reminder that often those sinning are struggling, know they're sinning and in a fragile state that requires love and compassion, not rebuke and condemnation.

Join me in reading Galatians 6 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:18-20

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. Galatians 5:16-17

Being a slave to sin, is a decision we make. Christ has set us free to live in the spirit, not the flesh, if we accept His yoke and not the yoke of slavery. Join me in reading Galatians 5 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:6

Adoption by God. Becoming an heir of His and part of His family is something God does throughout history. God adopted Israel and He has adopted those saved through His Son. Ezekiel 16:4-7 shares when God adopted Israel:
On the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to make you clean, nor were you rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths. 5 No one looked on you with pity or had compassion enough to do any of these things for you. Rather, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born you were despised.
 6 “‘Then I passed by and saw you kicking about in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you, “Live! Ezekiel 16:4-6

We are redeemed by Jesus and the Holy Spirit lives in us. The Law, with it's festivals and sacrifices, doesn't apply to us. We can call out to God, Abba Father, and He will hear us.

Join me in reading Galatians 4 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:7-8

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? Galatians 3:5

The hearing of faith is actually hearing with faith. Paul appealed to the Galatians’ own salvation to refute the Judaizers’ false teaching that keeping the law is necessary for salvation. 

Salvation and the the Holy Spirit come not from keeping a set of rules, but by having faith in the salvation provided by Jesus's sacrifice, nothing more and nothing less. Join me in reading Galatians 3 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9-10

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 2:16
I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” Galatians 2:21

Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He died for the sins of our past, present and future. He has poured out His Grace on us. It is undeserved and can't be earned and despite this, I continue to try to be good enough. I continually beat myself up for my short comings. When I get angry, swear or sin in some other way, I beat myself up and tell myself that I failed and I'll never measure up! Even worse, I tend to then hide from God, the last thing I should do. Instead, I should recognize my sin, thank God for His grace and ask for His strength to not do it again. I will never be perfect. I will never not sin, but with His strength and the Spirit living in me, I can be better AND have His peace.

Grace, not works is the answer. The Law has proven we fall short and can never be good enough. Join me in reading Galatians 2 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me Galatians 1:15-16

Charles Spurgeon makes the point that often we focus on God's grace once we're converted, but we should also think about and cherish the grace we received even before we were saved.
We do not attach enough importance to the Grace of God in its dealings with men before He actually brings them to Himself. Paul says that God had designs of love towards him even before He had called him out of the dead world into spiritual life. 

Join me in reading Galatians 1 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

We're going to read the letter from Paul to the Galatians for the next week or so. In this introduction, we'll read some insights from the MacArthur Commentary and a couple of others. It will set the stage for the next few days as we go through this letter addressed to churches located in multiple cities. It is interesting to note, this is the only epistle that does that.
Timing
There are two theories for the date of this letter. The first asserts that Paul wrote it between A.D. 53 and 56 either in Macedonia or Ephesus to cities north of those he visited while journeying with Barnabas. Paul may have visited this section of Galatia on his second missionary journey. The second argues that Paul wrote the book in Syrian Antioch circa A.D. 49 to the churches he and Barnabas had previously established in southern Galatia. If the southern Galatia theory is true, Galatians is one of the earliest books written in the New Testament canon, just before the council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:4–21).
Outline
Paul Defends His Ministry
Greetings 1:1–5
Paul’s authority 1:6–2:10
Conflict with Peter 2:11–21
 Paul Defends the Gospel of Grace
Justified by faith 3:1–29
Contrasting covenants 4:1–31
Freedom in Christ 
Set free in Christ 5:1–12 
The right use of freedom 5:13–26 
We reap what we sow 6:1–10 
Final warnings and blessing 6:11–18 

Join me in reading Galatians and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Today is a short prayer for the new month, the nation, our families and our relationship.

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

The podcast has been on hold for a little while. It will begin again on Monday the 1st. 

Just a Guy and His World

Today is a short prayer for the new month, the nation, our families and our relationship.

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

 And it shall come to pass in that day
 That the remnant of Israel,
 And such as have escaped of the house of Jacob,
 Will never again depend on him who defeated them,
 But will depend on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. Isaiah 10:20

God holds Israel accountable and uses Assyria to that end. Assyria then becomes arrogant and God holds them accountable. I guess, I shouldn't be surprised when I'm then held accountable too.

Join me in reading Isaiah 10 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.  My heart says of you, “Seek his face! ” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Psalms 27:7-8

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. Isaiah 9:2

Have you ever been outside in the dark and couldn't see anything? When it was so dark, you stumbled around. Do you remember what it was like when you saw that first plash of light? The relief and happiness that swept over you? This is what the world experienced when Jesus was born. The earth had been living in darkness and suddenly, Wonderful entered in! The angles and seraphim began to sing. 

AW Tozer speaks of it this way, "His name shall be called Wonderful,” and only He can engage and excite the wonder of angels and seraphim and cherubim and archangels and all beings and creatures. Only He is wonderful, and He came to us to reconcile us unto Himself. How beautiful, how wonderful!"

Join me in reading Isaiah 9 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21

Charles Spurgeon prays the following in his book, The Pastor in Prayer,
"And now we have a prayer to put up to Thee, Great God, and it is this, that in us Thy dear Son may see some portion of the travail of His soul. Lord, let Him see a reward for His sufferings in all of us being repentant for sin, and trusting in God, and confessing His name. We fear there are among us this morning some who still indulge in the sins which brought Christ to death, some that still are trusting in their own righteousness and so are despising His, because if theirs will suffice then His were superfluous. O God, we beseech Thee, bring men away from all their false trusts to rest in the great sacrifice of Thy dear Son. 

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

And when they say to you, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? Isaiah 8:19

When faced with a challenge, I often run to friends and family for advice, but shouldn't the first place we turn be to God? He is the creator of all and wants what's best for us, after all! 

Join me in reading Isaiah 8 and be encouraged!

Just a Guy and His World

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Psalms 51:10-12

Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your keeping, and gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more! Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon. 2 Samuel 12:7-9

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

 O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. Psalms 51:15

Holy Spirit, please pray the perfect prayer through me, so I can praise God in the best way possible. Often, I feel as if my prayers are inadequate, but I'm grateful I can turn to Him and know they will always be just right.

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Moreover the LORD spoke again to Ahaz, saying, 11 “Ask a sign for yourself from the LORD your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.” Isaiah 7:10-11

Have you had to do something for God that you didn't want to do? Isaiah had to. As Spurgeon states, "Isaiah had a very heavy commission from God. He was to go and speak to people who would not hear him and to be to them a messenger rather of death, than of life. Though the message, itself, would be full of life, yet they would refuse it, and so bring upon themselves a tenfold death. As a sort of experiment in his work, he was called upon, first, to go and speak to king Ahaz, that wicked king."

Join me in reading Isaiah 7 and be encouraged when you're struggling to do God's will!

Just a Guy and His World

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10

Lets let nothing stand in our way of praying to the Lord for our families, country and relationship. 

Let's pray daily for our nation, family and relationship with God. The spoken word is powerful. God spoke the world into existence and in John 1 we read that the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let's speak the Word over our land.

Just a Guy and His World

Woe is me, for I am undone!
 Because I am a man of unclean lips,
 And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
 For my eyes have seen the King,
 The LORD of hosts. Isaiah 6:5

In Isaiah 6 we see a clear portrayal of what happens to a person in the mystery of the Presence. Isaiah, overpowered within his own being, can only confess humbly, “I am a man of unclean lips!”
I remind you that Isaiah recognized the “strangeness”—something of the mystery of the Person of God. In that Presence, Isaiah found no place for joking or for clever cynicism or for human familiarity. He found a strangeness in God, that is, a presence unknown to the sinful and worldly and self-sufficient human. Isaiah 6:5

Just a Guy and His World