Lay Down Your Weapons And Take Up His

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  Colossians 2:8.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.  2 Corinthians 10:3-5.





By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson

Gift of Encouragement

I was having a conversation with my mom and she encourage me that God loves me with a jealous love.

And I receive it.

Thanks Mom.

By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson

Good

That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.  Psalm 104:28.

Grace comes in many ways.  One of those ways is material provision.  Food, clothing, shelter, etc...

There is another form of grace which God offers.  Grace to overcome sin.  It seems that certain sins are more difficult to let go of than others.

For example, when I was saved, God mercifully cut the ropes which bound me to alcohol.  Before I was delivered I could not get sober by myself nor could I stay sober for an indefinite period of time.  It was a definite moment in time when I placed my trust in Jesus Christ to forgive me of my sins that set me free from a perpetual addiction.  Miraculous!

Grace is miraculous.  Even when it seems minor or inconsequential.  For by grace are ye saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  Ephesians 2:8,9.

My mom is one of the most grace filled persons I know.  She has given me so much.  I can never ever repay her for what she has done.  Only God can reward her the way that she deserves!  There's no amount of good that I can do to cancel my debt to her.

It's the same with Jesus Christ.  I couldn't repay Him if I tried to.  The truth is I don't even know what all He has done for me.  I haven't lived long enough in God's redeeming love to accept the truth of how fully and unconditionally was His atoning sacrifice on my behalf.

It's amazing how truly blessed I am to live here, rent free, utility free, bill free, indefinitely.  Glory to God!

Lord, I believe.  Help my unbelief.  Amen.

By Grace,

Travis

Get a Life

But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.  Matthew 8:22.

Tell that to somebody who's loved one is dying or who has just lost somebody to the grave.
I don't know whether or not it would do them any good.
But it won't do you any good to follow them that's for sure.  And it won't do them any good for you to follow them.  I'm sure they would love to have a big entourage.  Misery loves company.


By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson

Best Friends

He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice:  this my joy therefore is fulfilled.  John 3:29.

Long night.  Next door neighbor was playing some jazz music outside and I don't know if it was trumpets or saxophones.
It was kind of annoying at first until I realized that it was a call to pray.  After I prayed I experienced a feeling of being held fast.
This morning I spoke with an old friend.  It was refreshing to say the least.  And encouraging.
So I'm sticking it out on the narrow path.  Though the way is constrained.  I know that it leads to life because it's the path that He took.

By Grace,

Travis

Topaz

His hands are like rods of gold set with [nails of] beryl or topaz.  Song of Solomon 5:14a AMP

Today I want to leave you with a burning question.

I found when I was looking up topaz that the scholars debate whether or not topaz mentioned in the Bible is the same topaz as we know today.  I've decided that for the purpose of this study it would do little to clarify our understanding.  

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  1 Corinthians 13:2.  

What good are hands in a display case if they never touch anyone?  

By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson

Beryl

His hands are like rods of gold set with [nails of] beryl or topaz.  Song of Solomon 5:14a

Sharply dressed.  You all know that it's what's inside that counts.  God looks at the heart not the outer appearance.  Joyce Meyer puts it this way, "We're not just clothed in our regular clothing but there's spiritual clothes we have to put on as well."

Revelation says, "Behold I'm going to come like a thief.  Blessed is the man who stays awake and guards his clothes."

The first mention of beryl in the Scriptures is found in Exodus 28:20.  And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

Beryl is a precious stone that comes in many variations.  The most well known are emerald and aquamarine.  Emeralds probably would have been in the possession of the Israelites at the time of this event taking place.  Emeralds are mined in Egypt.  As part of the Exodus God god gave the plunder of the Egyptians into their hands.  For something as important as the breasplate to be worn by the High Priest I would imagine they weren't frugal.  I stress the word imagine because I don't have the definitive answer.

But what I do know is this.  The best way to detect a counterfeit is to examine the real thing.  Look at the price that God paid for your soul and for mine.  Jesus Christ.  The spotless Lamb of God.  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things.  Romans 8:32.

Next time you look in the mirror remember Romans 8:32.  I hope that helps you to see yourself as you truly are.

Till next time.

By Grace,

TRavis P. Dickerson