“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.“ (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Do not be overcome (nikao: conquered, prevailed over) by evil (kakos: harmful, wicked, ill, bad, troublesome, injurious, destructive), but overcome (nikao: conquer, prevail over) evil with good (agathos: well, beneficial, useful, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent, upright, honorable).“
SUMMARY
Don’t be prevailed over and defeated by evil and harmful things, but conquer and prevail over evil with things that are useful, excellent and upright.
MEDITATION
What is "good"? How does one define "good"? I hear many people discuss their definitions and personal opinions of this word. The thing is, its use in this Scripture is easy to define (see above). I often wonder how our world would look if instead of just complaining about all of the evil in the world, the Body of Christ decided to overcome it with good. I believe that much would look differently. Today, exude good things. Be upright, be joyful, be honorable - be an Ambassador of Christ.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Titus 2:7
“In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“In all things show yourself to be an example of good (kalos: better, honest, beautiful, excellent, eminent, choice, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable) deeds (ergon: works, doings, labor, business), with purity (adiaphthoria: uncorruptness, incorruptibility, soundness, integrity) in doctrine (didaskalia: teaching, learning, instruction, precepts), dignified (semnotes/aphtharsia: purity, sincerity, incorrupted reverence, respect, majesty, sanctity, honorable).”
SUMMARY
In all things be an example of beautiful and admirable doings, with integrity in regards to what you teach and what you learn – also be found pure, sincere, honorable and dignified.
MEDITATION
I absolutely love this verse. Within it lies enough challenges to keep one on task for years. We are to set an example of exemplary deeds – we are to be set apart. What we teach others about as well as what we choose to be taught to us must meet the criteria deemed pure, according to The Word. We should be seen as one who is sincere in all we do as well as dignified. Now this has nothing to do with outward appearances whatsoever. It does however have to do with our spiritual behavior as who we are on the outside is governed by who we are on the inside. Today, choose to adopt these qualities and characteristics as part of your life. The Christ within you will be your Enabler.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“In all things show yourself to be an example of good (kalos: better, honest, beautiful, excellent, eminent, choice, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable) deeds (ergon: works, doings, labor, business), with purity (adiaphthoria: uncorruptness, incorruptibility, soundness, integrity) in doctrine (didaskalia: teaching, learning, instruction, precepts), dignified (semnotes/aphtharsia: purity, sincerity, incorrupted reverence, respect, majesty, sanctity, honorable).”
SUMMARY
In all things be an example of beautiful and admirable doings, with integrity in regards to what you teach and what you learn – also be found pure, sincere, honorable and dignified.
MEDITATION
I absolutely love this verse. Within it lies enough challenges to keep one on task for years. We are to set an example of exemplary deeds – we are to be set apart. What we teach others about as well as what we choose to be taught to us must meet the criteria deemed pure, according to The Word. We should be seen as one who is sincere in all we do as well as dignified. Now this has nothing to do with outward appearances whatsoever. It does however have to do with our spiritual behavior as who we are on the outside is governed by who we are on the inside. Today, choose to adopt these qualities and characteristics as part of your life. The Christ within you will be your Enabler.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Acts 13:52
"And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
"And the disciples were continually filled (pleroo: complete, made full, abounding in, liberally supplied) with joy (chara: joyfulness, gladness) and with the Holy Spirit.”
SUMMARY
The disciples were always found to be abounding with joy, gladness and the Holy Spirit (at the referred to time anyway).
MEDITATION
I've personally been challenged recently to walk in joyfulness and gladness, despite my changing circumstances. Perhaps the disciples understood something that I often do not, as I still find myself succumbing to the doldrums now and then. Today, join with me to walk continually reminded that the Holy Spirit indwells us. The LORD of all Creation has chosen to reside with us. May we learn to rise above all circumstances and be found full of joy and gladness.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
"And the disciples were continually filled (pleroo: complete, made full, abounding in, liberally supplied) with joy (chara: joyfulness, gladness) and with the Holy Spirit.”
SUMMARY
The disciples were always found to be abounding with joy, gladness and the Holy Spirit (at the referred to time anyway).
MEDITATION
I've personally been challenged recently to walk in joyfulness and gladness, despite my changing circumstances. Perhaps the disciples understood something that I often do not, as I still find myself succumbing to the doldrums now and then. Today, join with me to walk continually reminded that the Holy Spirit indwells us. The LORD of all Creation has chosen to reside with us. May we learn to rise above all circumstances and be found full of joy and gladness.
Monday, January 12, 2009
1 Peter 2:16
“Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Act as free (eleutheros: at liberty, freeborn, exempt) men, and do not use your freedom (eleutheria: liberty, licence) as a covering (epikaluma: cloak, veil, pretext) for evil, but use it as bondslaves (doulos: devoted servant, one who gives himself up to another's will, attendant) of God.”
SUMMARY
Act as free men and don’t use your liberty that you have been given as a veil to hide evil, but use it as a devoted servant of God.
MEDITATION
One biblical reference defines freedom in Christ as “living as we should not as we please”. I thought that this is a pretty good summary. How foolish for anyone who has been redeemed and regenerated by Christ to say and do whatever he or she pleases, motivated by selfish motives. Yet this is exactly what we do when we walk according to our flesh and not the Spirit. Today, take captive every thought – control your tongue – submit your every detail and decision to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Walk in complete freedom without abusing it in any way and rejoice that you are free in Christ Jesus!
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Act as free (eleutheros: at liberty, freeborn, exempt) men, and do not use your freedom (eleutheria: liberty, licence) as a covering (epikaluma: cloak, veil, pretext) for evil, but use it as bondslaves (doulos: devoted servant, one who gives himself up to another's will, attendant) of God.”
SUMMARY
Act as free men and don’t use your liberty that you have been given as a veil to hide evil, but use it as a devoted servant of God.
MEDITATION
One biblical reference defines freedom in Christ as “living as we should not as we please”. I thought that this is a pretty good summary. How foolish for anyone who has been redeemed and regenerated by Christ to say and do whatever he or she pleases, motivated by selfish motives. Yet this is exactly what we do when we walk according to our flesh and not the Spirit. Today, take captive every thought – control your tongue – submit your every detail and decision to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Walk in complete freedom without abusing it in any way and rejoice that you are free in Christ Jesus!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Jeremiah 33:3
"Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
"Call (qara': call out, cry out, utter a loud sound, call unto, cry for help, summon, invite, commission) to Me and I will answer (`anah: hear, respond to) you, and I will tell (nagad: show, declare, utter, expound, report, make known, inform) you great (gadowl: great and large in magnitude and importance) and mighty things, which you do not know (yada`: perceive, understand, acknowledge, consider, find out or discern) .”
SUMMARY
Cry out to Me and I will hear you and respond. I will make known to you great and mighty things which you don't now perceive or understand.
MEDITATION
We call, He answers. The issue at hand when people say that they just simply don't hear the voice of God is not that He is not speaking. The problem is that we are not calling out to Him. He is a God of His Word, unable to break His covenant and promises. Today, cry out to Him. Open your mouth and audibly call out to your God - He will not be silent.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
"Call (qara': call out, cry out, utter a loud sound, call unto, cry for help, summon, invite, commission) to Me and I will answer (`anah: hear, respond to) you, and I will tell (nagad: show, declare, utter, expound, report, make known, inform) you great (gadowl: great and large in magnitude and importance) and mighty things, which you do not know (yada`: perceive, understand, acknowledge, consider, find out or discern) .”
SUMMARY
Cry out to Me and I will hear you and respond. I will make known to you great and mighty things which you don't now perceive or understand.
MEDITATION
We call, He answers. The issue at hand when people say that they just simply don't hear the voice of God is not that He is not speaking. The problem is that we are not calling out to Him. He is a God of His Word, unable to break His covenant and promises. Today, cry out to Him. Open your mouth and audibly call out to your God - He will not be silent.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Proverbs 12:1
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Whoever loves discipline (muwcar: instruction, correction, chastening) loves knowledge (da`ath: perception, skill, discernment, understanding, wisdom), But he who hates reproof (towkechah: rebuke, correction, punishment, chiding) is stupid (ba`ar: brutish, foolish)."
SUMMARY
Whoever loves instruction and correction loves understanding and wisdom, but he who hates correction and rebuke is foolish.
MEDITATION
How’s that for being blunt and to the point? There was a time in my life when anyone who went against my opinions and preferences was instantly my enemy. Looking back, I believe that this stemmed out of rebellion against God Himself. Many years and some maturing later, I see the value and importance of God’s instruction and correction. What many errantly deem as God’s wrath or lack of moving on their behalf is likely His instruction. Today, be sensitive to seek God’s motives and direction in all that you’re going through – good or bad. Heed His instruction. You don’t want to be stupid do you? I sure don’t.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“Whoever loves discipline (muwcar: instruction, correction, chastening) loves knowledge (da`ath: perception, skill, discernment, understanding, wisdom), But he who hates reproof (towkechah: rebuke, correction, punishment, chiding) is stupid (ba`ar: brutish, foolish)."
SUMMARY
Whoever loves instruction and correction loves understanding and wisdom, but he who hates correction and rebuke is foolish.
MEDITATION
How’s that for being blunt and to the point? There was a time in my life when anyone who went against my opinions and preferences was instantly my enemy. Looking back, I believe that this stemmed out of rebellion against God Himself. Many years and some maturing later, I see the value and importance of God’s instruction and correction. What many errantly deem as God’s wrath or lack of moving on their behalf is likely His instruction. Today, be sensitive to seek God’s motives and direction in all that you’re going through – good or bad. Heed His instruction. You don’t want to be stupid do you? I sure don’t.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Hebrews 10:25
“[Let us] not forsake our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (NASB)
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“[Let us] not forsake (egkataleipo: leave, abandon, desert, leave helpless, abandon) our own assembling (episunagoge: gathering in one place) together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging (parakaleo: comfort, exhort, console, pray, instruct, admonish, exhort) one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
SUMMARY
Let us not abandon and leave our own gathering together, as is the habit of some, but exhorting, consoling, instructing and encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
MEDITATION
It’s no big surprise to anyone who knows my wife and I very well that we don’t attend organized church. With this being so, we often hear this verse declared to us with great force. The problem is, man has errantly deemed organized church as the only way to assemble together. Any gathering outside of a church building, for many, has absolutely no spiritual significance whatsoever. May it no longer be so! Invite someone over to your house and read the Word together. Have dinner with others and discuss the goodness of the LORD. Today, open up your “assembly box” and expand your understanding of when and where God can move. You may be surprised.
STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS
“[Let us] not forsake (egkataleipo: leave, abandon, desert, leave helpless, abandon) our own assembling (episunagoge: gathering in one place) together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging (parakaleo: comfort, exhort, console, pray, instruct, admonish, exhort) one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
SUMMARY
Let us not abandon and leave our own gathering together, as is the habit of some, but exhorting, consoling, instructing and encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
MEDITATION
It’s no big surprise to anyone who knows my wife and I very well that we don’t attend organized church. With this being so, we often hear this verse declared to us with great force. The problem is, man has errantly deemed organized church as the only way to assemble together. Any gathering outside of a church building, for many, has absolutely no spiritual significance whatsoever. May it no longer be so! Invite someone over to your house and read the Word together. Have dinner with others and discuss the goodness of the LORD. Today, open up your “assembly box” and expand your understanding of when and where God can move. You may be surprised.
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