"Word of God Speak"

March 12, 2014 (Deuteronomy 19-21; Galatians 3)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 NLT

Observation: Through faith in Jesus Christ everyone has the opportunity to have a relationship with God the Father. While the Law was given to the people of Israel only, the measure of faith has been given to all humans. Though many humans still try to separate and segregate people into groups that please them, God has joined all of His children together as one by faith. Because of Christ there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. We are all one in Christ Jesus. It’s our faith in Christ that brings us into unity with His love and faithfulness. It’s our faith in Christ that propels us to live in a manner that is well pleasing to Him. It’s our faith in Christ that enables us to overcome the sinful nature of our flesh and surrender and submit to Him completely. By faith we have been set free from the curse of the Law.

Application: It seems now day’s people have all kinds of faith. Many people place their faith in the Pope, or in their favorite religious leader. While some have faith in certain religious denominations, others have faith in the stars and the moon. Yet it is only through faith in Christ that anyone can be justified. It is only faith in Christ that reconciles a lost soul with the Holy God of the universe. It is only by faith in Christ that we become united together in His love and faithfulness. Our faith must be founded on God’s truth, not our own well intended imaginations. We cannot simply make up what we want to believe and call it faith. It is only through faith in Christ that the walls of division will be broken down between God’s people. It is only through faith in Christ that we have been redeemed and delivered from the prison of sin we were born into.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for the measure of faith You have given all mankind. Thank You for Jesus, whom we can confidently put our hope in. Unite Your people together as one and break down the walls of division that have been built by faith established on the wrong foundations. In Jesus name, Amen!

March 10, 2014 (Deuteronomy 13-15; Galatians 1)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being.” Galatians 1:15-16 NLT

Observation: Paul did not give credit to a local pastor for his soul being saved. He makes no mention of anyone “leading” him to Christ for salvation along the Damascus road. In fact he goes to great lengths to assure the Galatians that no man had anything to do with his salvation, nor his ministry. He does however acknowledge that he was chosen by God to receive His marvelous grace even before he was born. He did not come to Christ when he was ready, nor did he come to Christ when it was convenient for him. Though Paul was religious, he was lost and undone. He surrendered to Christ when Christ came unto him. He submitted to Christ on the day God had set apart for the saving of his soul. Paul’s salvation had nothing to do with any man and his ministry was not built on any human foundation either. He was chosen by God. He was called and set apart by God. Paul was careful to acknowledge these facts because he knew ALL the glory belonged to God.

Application: It’s not uncommon in religious circles today to hear someone give a pastor, or evangelist glory for “leading” them to Christ. In fact I’ve personally heard many pastors and evangelist take credit for the salvation of many souls. How ignorant and arrogant we have become when we actually try to openly steal God’s glory. We boastfully proclaim how great “we” are and ignore the One that is actually great and deserves ALL the credit. We encourage people to accept Christ on their terms and whenever they’re ready, as if God is hopelessly and helplessly waiting for us to “choose” Him. All the while His word clearly teaches that no man comes to Christ unless the Father draws them. No matter how many sinners are led in prayer, if The Father has not drawn them, they will not be saved. We must be careful to remember where our salvation comes from. We must also remember who has called us into ministry. If He so graciously allows us to be a part of someone else’s salvation experience, let us be mindful to never take the glory that belongs to Him and Him alone.

Prayer: Dear Lord, have mercy on us. Open up our eyes that are blinded by religion. Help us understand all glory belongs to You and You alone. Salvation is not of men, it is of You oh Lord. Remind each of us that ministers where our salvation comes from. God forgive me for trying to steal Your glory and thank You for allowing me the privilege of being a part of anyone else’s story. In Jesus name, Amen!

March 9, 2014 (Deuteronomy 10-12; Mark 16)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “If you carefully obey all the commands I am giving you today, and if you love the Lord your God and serve Him with all your heart and soul, then He will send the rains in their proper seasons, the early and late rains, so you can bring in your harvest of grain, new wine, and olive oil.” Deuteronomy 11:13-14 NLT

Observation: God’s love for His people is, and always has been, unconditional in spite of all the rebellious and blatant actions of disobedience committed by the ones He loves. However, just because His love for His people is unconditional that doesn’t mean there will be no consequences suffered for doing wrong. The generation that walked out of Egypt, never set foot on the Promised Land due to the consequences of their disobedience. Even Moses, their leader, would not be able to enter the Promised Land because he disobeyed God. Moses was now speaking to the children of those that had been denied entry into the Promised Land. He gives them a stern warning and clear instructions. This instruction included two “ifs” and one “then”. “If you carefully obey all the commands I am giving you today, and if you love the Lord your God and serve Him with all your heart and soul, then He will send the rains in their proper seasons, the early and late rains, so you can bring in your harvest of grain, new wine, and olive oil.”

Application: Does any of this Old Testament stuff apply to us today? What is the purpose of the Old Testament for our lives in the twenty first century? Should we heed the warnings and lessons that God spoke to His chosen people long ago? I sure believe so. I think the “if’s” and “then’s” still mean something. I trust God’s word to be true and helpful to every generation. I can clearly see the affects not following His instructions has had on our culture and my own life as well. His word has been given to us as a great benefit to help us understand what He has commanded from the beginning. The “if’s” that applied to His chosen people in the days of Moses still apply to us today. And I believe if we can get the “if’s” right He will still do the “then’s”. It’s not working for salvation, or blessings, it’s more like following His order and reaping the bountiful harvest He gives. Listening to His commands and then putting them into action in our lives for our own benefit.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy, grace and unconditional love. Father, help me sow the right seeds so that I can reap the right harvest. Protect me from disobedience and discipline me as needed to keep me on the right path. Forgive me for the sins I’ve committed this week and help me overcome the temptations that caused me to stumble this past week, in Jesus name, Amen!

March 7, 2014 (Deuteronomy 5,6; Psalms 43; Mark 14)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.” Deuteronomy 5:33 NLT

Observation: Final instructions were given by Moses to God’s chosen people before they crossed over the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land. Moses was careful to stress the importance of staying on the path that God had commanded. On this path the people would be safe from every storm and secure from every enemy. Not only safe and secure, but blessed and highly favored. They would live long prosperous lives in a land flowing with milk and honey as long as they stayed obedient to the Lord’s commands. The people were reminded of the Ten Commandments that God Himself had written in stone. They were reminded of the failures of their ancestors and the consequences they suffered. Even Moses himself would not be allowed to enter this glorious Promised Land because he allowed the people to cause him to be disobedient in his frustration. With a heavy heart of disappointment Moses delivered a heartfelt and compassionate final message of encouragement.

Application: God has laid out a path for each of our lives. His word is available to each of us as a light unto our feet. His standards for godly living are the same today as they were in the day of Moses. God still calls, and expects, His people to live according to His standards and His commands. He has provided us a land flowing with milk and honey and still honors those that are fully committed to Him. He protects us from every storm of life and keeps us safe and secure in perilous times. We have the example and warnings of our ancestors just as the children of Israel did. Yet so many times we choose the same path of disobedience, rather than the straight and narrow path He has called us to trod. Today we should stop and consider the consequences that have been suffered by all those before us that chose the wrong path. Is that really the road we desire to go down? Will we continue on that path?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Help me see the path You desire for me to walk. Keep my feet firmly on the right path. Light the pathway with Your word and help me understand the consequences of disobedience. Let this understanding deter me from going astray, in Jesus name, Amen!

March 5, 2014 (Deuteronomy 1-2; Mark 12)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces.” Mark 12:38 NLT

Observation: Jesus openly exposed the religious leader’s impure motives. Their ministry had become an employment opportunity rather than a labor of love. Their success was measured by how large an offering was taken up. Since Jesus was not interested in making Himself a name among the religious elite He was completely free to preach the absolute truth. Jesus was not hindered by a self-centered hunger and thirst for others respect, or their money. His ministry was not about him, it was all about the Fathers will. Confronting the leaders of religious law and exposing their hypocrisy was absolutely necessary. In doing this God was actually extending grace to the spiritually blind through Jesus Christ. Its obvious God was certainly doing a work in the heart of one of the religious leaders when he was prompted to ask Jesus what the greatest commandment was.

Application: What is the purpose of your ministry? How do you measure your success? Do you act more spiritual when you’re at church or around other believers? Do you hunger and thirst for the approval of men? The truthful answers to these questions can easily expose a hypocrite. But if exposed, what would you do? Would you repent and turn from your self-centered ways? Would you give up the praise of men to gain the approval of God? Are you willing to become a nobody in the world’s eyes in order to be everything God has called you to be? Do you have the freedom to preach the absolute truth like Jesus did, or are you bound by your own selfish needs? Are you content to work behind the scenes and accomplish God’s will, or must everything you do be seen by others? When it comes to being a Christian, are you a hypocrite?

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me be sincere in all my dealings. Let my desire to be pleasing in Your sight overrule my desires to be praised by men. Keep my eyes clearly focused and remind me often it’s not about me, it’s ALL about You. Thank You for the mercy and grace You have given us through Your son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus name, Amen!

March 3, 2014 (Numbers 32-33; Mark 10)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.” Mark 10:42-44 NLT

Observation: James and John approached Jesus asking to sit in places of honor on His right and left side in heaven. This request upset the other disciples so Jesus used this opportunity to teach His disciples a lesson in humility. Jesus instructed His disciples to become godly leaders by teaching them how to put the concerns of others before their own. When Jesus instructed His disciples in the ways of righteousness He was serving them. He taught that leadership in ministry, or among Christians, was not meant to be treated the same way the world treated leadership. It was not to be used as an opportunity to rule over people, but rather as an opportunity to serve others. As a Christian leader one must intentionally place their own desires last. It’s not about us, it’s all about Him. When we adopt this humble attitude and apply these biblical principles to our actions we become leaders God is well pleased with.

Application: When Jesus instructed His disciples about leadership He wasn’t saying become a door mat for everyone to walk on. When He stated we must become a slave to everyone else He wasn’t saying we should overly concern ourselves with all the wants and desires of every person. He wasn’t saying our responsibility as leaders was to grant all of the wishes people could imagine. Sometimes serving in a Christ-like manner looks much different than one might think. Often time’s real Christian leadership offers stern warnings and difficult corrections. When delivering these stern warnings and difficult corrections to the people, Christian leaders are in reality serving them. Real Christian leaders do not lord their authority over others. Real Christian leaders rightly divide the word of God and realize all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me become a leader You are well pleased with. Teach me humility and help me display a genuine love and affection for those You have given me the opportunity to serve. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for Your word that teaches and instructs in the ways of righteousness. Open up my understanding and fill me with Your Spirit, in Jesus name, Amen!

March 2, 2014 (Numbers 30-31; Mark 9)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “John said to Jesus. “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.” Mark 9:38 NLT

Observation: “Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.” However, Jesus was not saying that being indifferent or neutral toward him is as good as being committed. As He explained in Matthew 12:30, “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” In both cases, Jesus was pointing out that neutrality toward him is not possible. His followers must be sold out and of one mind, because a double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Jesus lifts us up out of the miry pit and sets our feet on solid ground. In Fact, a solid foundation that is to be built upon with great care and concern. Once born again we are in His group, it’s called the family of God, and there is no division among us.

Application: Many people today would love to stop those that are not in their group from using the name of Jesus. People are very protecting of their denominations and doctrines. And if you challenge them to dig deeper into God’s word and explore their personal beliefs you will most likely be shut off from them. Recently I was told of a Pastor that stated from the Pulpit at a Sunday morning worship service “if you don’t believe just like we do why are you here?” Sounds like an unbelievable statement coming from a Pastor that claims to be “filled” with the Holy Ghost. But this is an excellent present day example of how even the very elect can be deceived by satan and crippled by tradition. As disciples we must learn to major on the majors, and minor on the minors. God is not the author of confusion, nor is he the author of jealously, bitterness, anger, or hate. He is a God of love and great patience.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your love and patience You have with this world. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for replacing, and multiplying, everything the enemy tried to steal. Open up the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing on me that overflows. Provide for me that I may have to give to others, in Jesus name, Amen!