To Include or Exclude?

The Best of the Feast    May. 5, 2016 – Romans 14 To Include or Exclude?   clic aquí en español Please join with us sharing God’s Word daily. We spend about fifteen minutes a day praying and reading every word in God’s Word in approximately three years. “6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7, English Standard Version (ESV) Return to Admenu – Admenu’s Alternate Site Dear Saints, Today we prayerfully, continue our Feast in Romans 14. We see that the Jewish who have accepted Jesus are cautioned against judging others.  Gentiles following Jesus are warned not to hate each other. Once we are free of sin many of us have a tendency to want to exclude others.  We don’t want their sin to taint our sin free life.  God reminds us all; that the gift of grace doesn’t make us a judge.  Our freedom from sin does not make us part of a group that decides who is eligible for God’s grace. Rather we are reminded that we are free to share the grace of God.  For example; Man’s law says that I can gamble drink anytime I prefer to.  God’s grace reminds me that my actions shouldn’t be a stumbling block to a brother or sister.  “20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” Romans 14:20-23, ESV.  Our freedom from sin is only given by faith that Jesus died for sin and then rose from the dead.  We need not exclude others from faith because we are afraid that they might spoil the neighborhood.  Jesus died once for the sin of all mankind he is not willing that any should perish from sin.  He wants all who hear the Word to come to Him in faith with a repentant heart.   “7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."” Jeremiah 17:7-8, ESV. Because we trust Jesus he blesses us with faith that leads to salvation.  By faith we are saved and not of ourselves. The scorching heat will in no way hurt us!  That is because Jesus gives us water so that we will never thirst.  Because we walk in His light, we don’t need to fear anything or judge anyone. We walk in faith not fear.   We need to share Jesus and that is how we bear fruit that leads to everlasting life. Our faith in Jesus, makes us part of God’s inclusive family.  If the Lord is willing I will send and post the Feast again tomorrow. Romans 14, – “The Jewish converts cautioned against judging, and Gentile believers against despising one the other.(1-13) And the Gentiles exhorted to take heed of giving offence in their use of indifferent things. (14-23)” – Matthew Henry Concise Commentary      God Bless You, Brother Mike Links That Inspire me |Click Here| http: //www.admenu.com https://admenu.wordpress.com

The Well-Dressed Christian!

The Best of the Feast    May. 4, 2016 – Romans 13 The Well-Dressed Christian!   clic aquí en español Please join with us sharing God’s Word daily. We spend about fifteen minutes a day praying and reading every word in God’s Word in approximately three years. “30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” Matthew 6:30, English Standard Version (ESV) Return to Admenu – Admenu’s Alternate Site Dear Saints, Today we prayerfully, continue our Feast in Romans 13. We may not agree with the powers in government, if we are tired of the way they treat us what is the best course of action?  These are the powers appointed over us, so prayer would be our strongest ally. If they turn to Jesus as their savior then they would certainly treat us with love and respect.  If we say prayer can’t help or change them; aren’t we denying the power of God?  Our Feast today encourages us to mutual love for one another regardless of position or any other reason under God’s sun.  We are again encouraged to walk in God’s love; in seriousness and sobriety.    “13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Romans 13:13-14, ESV.  When we pray we are to express our love and care for others over our needs.  There is no need to bluster and fret about the condition our world is in! Remember we do not war against flesh and blood in our walk with Jesus.  Prepare yourself for the battle Saint!   “10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12, ESV.  Think about this; No soldier would go into battle half dressed. Make sure you are wearing all the armor God provides for those who are called according to his purpose. As for us; walk in the light of God, not the darkness of those who embrace world. “4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, ESV.   Let us endeavor to shine for our Lord and savior Christ Jesus, as we walk in His light.  If the Lord is willing I will send and post the Feast again tomorrow.  Wed, March 20, 2013, Romans 13, – “The duty of subjection to governors. (1-7) Exhortations to mutual love. (8-10) To temperance and sobriety. (11-14)” – Matthew Henry Concise Commentary      God Bless You, Brother Mike Links That Inspire me |Click Here| http: //www.admenu.com https://admenu.wordpress.com

Examine Your Heart!

The Best of the Feast    May. 3, 2016 – Romans 12 Examine Your Heart! clic aquí en español Please join with us sharing God’s Word daily. We spend about fifteen minutes a day praying and reading every word in God’s Word in approximately three years. “12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12, English Standard Version (ESV) Return to Admenu – Admenu’s Alternate Site Dear Saints, Today we prayerfully read our Feast in Romans, Chapter 12; “Believers are to dedicate themselves to God. (1,2) To be humble, and faithfully to use their spiritual gifts, in their respective stations. (3-8) Exhortations to various duties. (9-16) And to peaceable conduct towards all men, with forbearance and benevolence. (17-21)” -  Matthew Henry Commentary Concise. Today we prayerfully (or should I say prayerfully and carefully), continue our Feast in Romans 12. Because as saints called by Jesus and justified by faith we are to dedicate ourselves to God. We do not run around and point out to others how humbly, and faithfully we use our spiritual gifts, in our service to Jesus.  There is no need to point out our duties to others as Saints; our very actions will highlight our calling.  We are called to peaceable service to all men, with patience and compassion by our Lord Jesus.   “19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:19-21, ESV.  With this entire thought in mind we must ask ourselves what is our motivation for sharing Jesus’ love?  Do I share with my enemies to clobber them or because I really want them to become Saints, sealed with the peace that passes understanding by the Holy Spirit.  Are we sharing because the love of God fills our hearts?   We can be sure God knows our hearts.  “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23, ESV.  Look at your life in relationship to Jesus.  Because the Holy Spirit motivates us; we should see these things in our very lives; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control!  Never forget God knows our hearts and motivations.  If the Lord is willing I will send and post the Feast again tomorrow.    God Bless You, Brother Mike Links That Inspire me |Click Here| http: //www.admenu.com https://admenu.wordpress.com

We Are Sealed!

The Best of the Feast    May. 2, 2016 – Romans 11 We Are Sealed! clic aquí en español Please join with us sharing God’s Word daily. We spend about fifteen minutes a day praying and reading every word in God’s Word in approximately three years. “30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30, English Standard Version (ESV) Return to Admenu – Admenu’s Alternate Site Dear Saints, Today we prayerfully read our Feast in Romans, Chapter 11; “The rejection of the Jews is not universal. (1-10) God overruled their unbelief for making the Gentiles partakers of gospel privileges. (11-21) The Gentiles cautioned against pride and unbelief, The Jews shall be called as a nation, and brought into God's visible covenant again. (22-32) A solemn adoring of the wisdom, goodness, and justice of God. (33-36) ” -  Matthew Henry Commentary Concise. Let’s prayerfully continue our Feast in Romans 11.  There some Jews who accepted Jesus as the messiah, the remnant that received the gift of salvation thru faith in Jesus received God’s grace.  God overrode the Jews unbelief by making the Gentiles recipients of His grace.  The Gentiles should protect against pride and unbelief, The Jews shall be called as a nation, and brought into God’s covenant again.   Can the creation begin to understand the wisdom, goodness, and justice of the Creator?   “33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!  34 "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?"  35 "Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?"  36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33-36, ESV.  We must accept God’s gift of eternal life thru Jesus by faith. “13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. ” Romans 15:13, ESV.  Thank God for our trust in him leads to faith in Jesus whereby justification and righteousness are received as a gift.  Just as salvation is given by Jesus, we have joy and peace from the Holy Spirit by whom we are sealed.  If the Lord is willing I will send and post the Feast again tomorrow.    God Bless You, Brother Mike Links That Inspire me |Click Here| http: //www.admenu.com https://admenu.wordpress.com

Faith Comes From Where?

The Best of the Feast    May. 1, 2016 – Romans 10 Faith Comes From Where? clic aquí en español Please join with us sharing God’s Word daily. We spend about fifteen minutes a day praying and reading every word in God’s Word in approximately three years. “6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6, English Standard Version (ESV) Return to Admenu – Admenu’s Alternate Site Dear Saints, Today we prayerfully read our Feast in Romans, Chapter 10; “The apostle's earnest desire for the salvation of the Jews. (1-4) The difference between the righteousness of the law, and the righteousness of faith. (5-11) The Gentiles stand on a level with the Jews, in justification and salvation. (12-17) The Jews might know this from Old Testament prophecies.(18-21)” -  Matthew Henry Commentary Concise. Today we prayerfully continue our Feast in Romans 10. The Jews tried to build on the wrong foundation. They seek to be saved by the law and works. The foundation we are trying to build on is righteousness and faith in Jesus. Jesus doesn’t differentiate between Jews and Gentiles in justification and salvation. The Jews might gain understanding from Old Testament prophecies; “20 And Isaiah even dares to say, I was found by those who didn’t look for me; I revealed myself to those who didn’t ask for me. 21 But he says about Israel, All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” Romans 10:20-21, ESV. Our faith is in Jesus not in the law or tradition. If we expect to live by faith we must continue to feast in God’s Word; “16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ,” Romans 10:16-17, ESV. We shall endeavor to keep the first thing first; salvation and righteousness thru Jesus. There is no other way by which we might be saved. No other name than Jesus; by which we might be saved. God blesses us for Feasting in God’s Word; where faith comes by hearing the Word! Praise God! Our righteousness is in Jesus! Amen?  If the Lord is willing I will send and post the Feast again tomorrow.    God Bless You, Brother Mike Links That Inspire me |Click Here| http: //www.admenu.com https://admenu.wordpress.com

Saved By Tradition?

The Best of the Feast    Apr. 30, 2016 – Romans 9 Saved By Tradition? clic aquí en español Please join with us sharing God’s Word daily. We spend about fifteen minutes a day praying and reading every word in God’s Word in approximately three years. “15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” Ephesians 4:15, English Standard Version (ESV) Return to Admenu – Admenu’s Alternate Site Dear Saints, Today we prayerfully read our Feast in Romans, Chapter 9; “The apostle's concern that his countrymen were strangers to the gospel. (1-5) The promises are made good to the spiritual seed of Abraham. (6-13) Answers to objections against God's sovereign conduct, in exercising mercy and justice. (14-24) This sovereignty is in God's dealing both with Jews and Gentiles. (25-29) The falling short of the Jews is owing to their seeking justification, not by faith, but by the works of the law. (30-33)” -  Matthew Henry Commentary Concise. Today we prayerfully continue our Feast in Romans 9.  I know something of Christian by tradition.  When I went into the military at the age of eighteen, the process by which we were inducted was like an assembly line.  There we had lines for clothing, haircuts, physicals, shots, etc. We were organized by groups and as we went through the induction process we stayed in our place just as we were organized.  The person making my dog tags said to me; “Religion?”  To which I replied; “What are the choices?”  He looked up at me and said; “Are you Catholic?”  When I answered no he said; “Protestant” finished my dog tags and put them in my hands.  The reason I remember this I was a Christian by tradition.  Had the man said are you a Christian I would have said yes!  I knew that everyone in my family were Christians therefore so was I.  Not because of faith in Jesus however, it was because of family tradition.  “32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense;  and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”” Romans 9:32-33, ESV.   I thought Christianity, Jesus and heaven were more like a story told to keep people in line.  Along those lines I thought that it was a good tradition and therefore I was a Christian by birthright.  I didn’t have a relationship with Jesus that would lead to life, faith and salvation.  I was lost and it didn’t bother me because I thought I was saved by tradition, a good man. “12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,” Colossians 3:12, ESV. As a traditional Christian not only wasn’t I saved but I had none of the qualities mentioned in this verse.  Praise God! I didn’t die in combat; I lived until I was convinced what a miserable condition I was in. When I realized that I needed Jesus, he was there holding out his arms for me.  The truth is some treat the Church like a club that you can join if you’re invited.  Only if you measure up to the standard of the current club members.  There may be fellowship without faith in Jesus.  Without faith in Jesus there is there is no hope or love and no future. There is no salvation in tradition or the law.  No one is saved without a personal relationship with Jesus.   If the Lord is willing I will send and post the Feast again tomorrow.    God Bless You, Brother Mike Links That Inspire me |Click Here| http: //www.admenu.com https://admenu.wordpress.com

Dressed For Victory!

The Best of the Feast    Apr. 29, 2016 – Romans 8 Dressed For Victory! clic aquí en español Please join with us sharing God’s Word daily. We spend about fifteen minutes a day praying and reading every word in God’s Word in approximately three years. “25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.” Job 19:25, English Standard Version (ESV) Return to Admenu – Admenu’s Alternate Site Dear Saints, Today we prayerfully read our Feast in Romans, Chapter 8; “The freedom of believers from condemnation. (1-9) Their privileges as being the children of God. (10-17) Their hopeful prospects under tribulations. (18-25) Their assistance from the Spirit in prayer. (26,27) Their interest in the love of God. (28-31) Their final triumph, through Christ. (32-39)” -  Matthew Henry Concise. Today we prayerfully continue our Feast in Romans 8. Saints we are among the believers who are separated in Jesus from condemnation.  We share in the privileges as the children of God through Jesus.  That is we who know Jesus and have faith in Him. We have hope through Jesus when under attacks of the world.   The Holy Spirit gives us peace and guides us in prayer. The love of God is in our interest as we serve Jesus.  We hold on to the promise that through Christ we will have victory over worldly things.   “37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. ” Romans 8:37-39, ESV.  Not only do we have faith in Jesus we rejoice in the power of His might.  God prepares us for whatever duty He gives us!  “ 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”” Acts 4:10-12, ESV.  Our Lord died so that we would have victory over whatever the world challenges us with.  God dresses us and the Holy Spirit supports us for victory in Jesus (see 1 Thessalonians 5:7-9, ESV).  In God’s army we are clothed in God’s armor.  If the Lord is willing I will send and post the Feast again tomorrow.    God Bless You, Brother Mike Links That Inspire me |Click Here| http: //www.admenu.com https://admenu.wordpress.com