Author Archives: lrbartel

Jan 16 2017
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Devos

A few thoughts on the upcoming presidential inauguration…

presidential-inauguration-2017
In a few days, a new president will be inaugurated in the United States. Sincere, good people disagree about whether the administration of this new leader will be a positive or negative experience for our nation. I am praying for Him – more than that, I’m praying for our nation – that God will help him, and us, at this critical period in human history! There are many needs in America… But our great need is for a spiritual and moral revival in our nation! We need that more than we need financial prosperity, secure borders, military strength… or anything else!
 
This morning in my Bible reading during “coffee with the Lord” I read of another “inauguration” – of another leader and administration – the inauguration of a leader who will one day rule and reign forever! The impact of His leadership will not be simply over a nation – it will be universal and cosmic! Consider this description of the influence of the One Isaiah called “the Branch!”…
 
“And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what His ears hear, but with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth… Righteousness shall be the belt of His waist, and faithfulness the belt of His loins… They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea! … Of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious!” (From Isaiah 11:1-10)
 
After reading that prophetic passage from the Bible this morning, here’s what I found myself praying from the bottom of my heart… “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven!” (Matthew 6:10) … “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)
Jan 14 2017
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Devos

What’s the secret to Spiritual victory?

spiritual-victory-overcomingWhat is the secret of spiritual victory? How can a person enjoy what is often called an “overcoming Christian life?”
 
This morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I read and reflected on Apostle Paul’s advice on this issue… And it’s not just Paul’s advice… He presents it as God’s provision through Christ!
 
Believe it or not, the answer is “BAPTISM” – that’s right “baptism” and the spiritual reality it represents! Surprised? You see, baptism is really about more than the water! It’s about Jesus and our identification with Him and what He did on our behalf!
 
First of all, it’s about His death – and our identification with Him in His death. His death becomes our death to our old way of life – living for sin and self!
 
Then it’s about His burial – and our burial, in a decisive way, to our past (B.C. – before Christ)!
 
Finally, it’s about His resurrection – and our identification, by faith, in His resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit that brought it about. It’s about believing that incredible power can work within us and transform our lives.
 
Apostle Paul’s advice? “Consider” those realities true in your life! The Greek word he uses is a mathematical term… It means to calculate something – to take the facts and draw a conclusion based upon those facts.
 
Paul also says we need to “present ourselves” (completely – every part of us, inside-out) to God, as those who have died, been buried and risen again with Christ! He declares that if we’ll do that – and do it decisively (and as often as necessary) – we’ll have spiritual victory! Here let me give it to you in His words… No, in his Holy Spirit inspired words!
 
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been BAPTIZED into Christ Jesus were baptized INTO HIS DEATH? We were BURIED therefore with him BY BAPTISM INTO DEATH, in order that, JUST AS CHRIST WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD by the glory of the Father, we too might WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE… We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin… Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him… So you also must CONSIDER YOURSELVES dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but PRESENT YOURSELVES TO GOD as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” (From Romans 6:1-14 ESV)
 
Wow! What wonderful good news for those who have struggled with sin and self! We can enjoy spiritual victory through Christ – through the reality our baptism represents! (And believe me friends, that’s a good reason to obey Jesus and be baptized after we decide to become Christians!).
 
Oh, and here is Apostle Paul’s final declaration… “Sin will NOT have dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace!” All I can say to that is, Praise the Lord!!! Yes, Praise the Lord!!!
Jan 13 2017
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Devos

“Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more!”

“Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more!” (Romans 5:20) … Not an excuse to go on sinning! … Instead, a celebration of the life-transforming power of God’s grace!!!

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