by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 30, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
đ Do Not Be Conformed to This World đ
‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ‘
Romans 12:2
Romans 12:2 reminds us to be transformed by renewing our minds in God’s truth. Friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4). Understand, this world is under Satan’s dominion.
2 Corinthians 4:4 reveals that Satan blinds unbelievers, veiling the truth of the gospel. Thus, believers must not conform to this world. Every inch is under the curse until Christ’s return.
Even when Satan offered the Lord Jesus worldly kingdoms, Jesus rebuked with Scripture (Matthew 4:8-10). We must do the same, staying in the Word daily (James 4:7; Ephesians 6:17).
Faith is key; it overcomes the world (Ephesians 6:16, 1 John 5:4). Not conforming to this world is living for God (Titus 2:11-12); it requires daily Bible study and relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance. đđ
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
1 John 5:4
Get your Bible out and Study these verses đ
Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
James 4:4
“Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
2 Corinthians 4:4
“whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.”
Matthew 4:8-10
“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'”
James 4:7
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Ephesians 6:16
“Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”
1 John 5:4
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the worldâour faith.”
Titus 2:11-12
‘For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; ‘
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 29, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In the midst of the overwhelming wave of cataclysmic end-time events and the accompanying frenzy of doomsday headlines, it’s easy to lose sight of the essential doctrine applicable to our lives today. These teachings are richly embedded in the passages from Romans through Hebrews. While understanding ‘the signs of the times’ remains vital, grounding ourselves in sound doctrine must be uppermost for our daily Christian walk. Let us not forget that amidst the chaos, a solid foundation in doctrine provides us with the unwavering guidance we need.
Beloved, this is an absolutely amazing truth: We are in Christ right now! From the moment we believe the gospel alone by faith alone, our identity is securely and eternally in Christ! This is an amazing, immeasurable, incomprehensible reality that leaps off the pages of Scripture.
“Know ye not, that so many of us were baptized into Jesus Christ (not into our local Church or a denomination, but into Jesus Christ; we are baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ), were baptized into His death?”
Romans 6:3
Read and meditate on these passages:
‘Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? ‘
Romans 6:3
‘Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.’
Romans 6:4
‘For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.’
Colossians 3:3
In these mind-boggling passages, the Apostle Paul defines our identity as believers in Christ. Water baptism cannot accomplish what is achieved here; it’s a spiritual act, the work of the Holy Spirit. We are baptized into Jesus Christ (the body of Christ), into His death, symbolizing the death of our old selves (old Adam) and the birth of our new identity in Him.
Paul alone teaches what is unique to grace-age believers: “The Body of Christ, which is His Church.” Just as a human body has many members with different functions but is one, so is the Body of Christ. It goes beyond denominational boundaries, emphasizing our spiritual connection with other believers and with our Lord and Savior Who is the Head of the Body.
The apostle Paul delineates how we are all (it doesn’t matter who we are as believers, from the great evangelist to the garbage can Christian we are ALL), as believers, members of His body baptized (the only baptism that counts) into the body of Christ by the work of the God the Holy Spirit.
‘For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit, we were all baptized into one bodyâ whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or freeâand have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many.’
I Corinthians 12:12-14
In Romans 6:4, we’re reminded that (the instant we believed the gospel alone by faith alone) we’re buried with Him in baptism, symbolizing the death of our old Adam, sinful nature. Just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too walk in the newness of life. This spiritual baptism signifies that, in God’s eyes, our old selves have died (Colossians 3:3), and we are raised with Christ a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) to live victoriously.
Takeaway
Our identity is not in denominations or religious affiliations but in being in Christ, crucified with Him, buried with Him, and raised with Christ to new life.
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 20, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Job 13:15
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him
Introduction
To those whoâve weathered storms like Jobâthe loss of loved ones, livelihoods, health, and the desertion of all supportâthis message is for you. In the midst of lifeâs harshest trials, itâs easy to feel shattered. But take heart, just as Job found the strength to declare, âThough He slay me, yet will I trust Himâ (Job 13:15), you too can rise above. 
Our new post reminds you that your faith in God can conquer any adversity (because Christ overcame the world, John 16:33). Your struggles donât define you; your trust in God and faith in His word does. I encourage you to set aside a few minutes to dive into this post. Open your Bible, locate the referenced passages, and immerse yourself in their wisdom. The Word of God is powerful, and in its pages, youâll find strength and inspiration to navigate any storm.
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In the depths of life’s trials and challenges, we often find ourselves standing at the crossroads of despair and faith. Just like Job, who uttered these words in the midst of unimaginable suffering, we may be dealing with trials where all seems lost. Job lost his children, his wealth, his health, and even the support of those around him. His life appeared to be hanging by a thread, and yet, he declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15).
The story of Job reminds us that even in our darkest hours when everything crumbles around us, our trust in God can remain unshaken. Our faith is not anchored in our circumstances but in the unchanging character of our Heavenly Father. The Apostle Paul reaffirms this in Romans 8:37, declaring that “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. ‘
Romans 8:37
Job’s unwavering trust and Paul’s declaration of victory both speak to a profound truth: We can triumph over life’s challenges because we are anchored in Christ. When you feel like your world is falling apart, remember that God is in control His love for you is unwavering, and His strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Because He has overcome the world (John 16:33)
‘And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ‘
2 Corinthians 12:9
‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’
John 16:33
In times of hardship, when your faith is tested, hold onto the promise that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39). Whether you face loss, sickness, or adversity, rest assured that you are not alone. Your Heavenly Father stands with you, ready to carry you through. So, like Job, declare with a resolute heart, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Your trust in Him is a testament to your unwavering faith, and through it, you are more than a conqueror.
May this truth empower you to face life’s challenges with courage and unwavering faith. God’s love is your anchor, and victory is already yours.
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 19, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Get your Bible out; read, study, and meditate on these verses. The word of God is powerful.
Ephesians 2:1-6
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
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**Devotional:**
In Ephesians 2:1-6, we find a powerful message of heart transformation and redemption. These verses vividly depict our condition before encountering God’s grace. We were spiritually dead, enslaved to our sins, and under the dominion of the enemy. But in the midst of our hopelessness, two words emerge like a beacon of light: **”But God!”**
1. **Dead in Sin:** Before God’s intervention (our salvation is all of God), we were spiritually lifeless, entangled in our trespasses and sins. We were enslaved and followed the world’s corrupt path and were influenced by the evil ruler of the air, Satan himself. We were in a state of disobedience, far from God’s holiness.
2. **But God’s Mercy and Love:** Here comes the turning point. “But God” reveals His character and His incredible love for us. He is “rich in mercy,” and it’s His “great love” that prompted Him to die for us, shed His blood for us, and raised us from the dead (the gospel). Despite our unworthiness, God chose to rescue us.
3. **Made Alive with Christ:** Through His boundless grace, God made us spiritually alive. He didn’t just resuscitate us; He resurrected us with Christ (Romans 6:3-5). We are no longer slaves to sin; we are sons and daughters of the living God. This transformation is entirely by His grace and not by our own efforts (Ephesians 2:8-9).
4. **Seated in Heavenly Places:** God’s grace not only restores our spiritual life but also places in Christ in the heavenlies (this is our position right NOW!). We are raised up (resurrected) and seated with Christ in the heavenly places. This signifies our new identity and the inheritance we have in Him.
**Reflect and Respond:** As you meditate on these verses, consider the magnitude of God’s grace in your life. Remember the “But God” moments when He intervened, and let it inspire gratitude and a deeper commitment to living in alignment with His will. Rejoice in the fact that you were once dead in your sins, but now, through God’s incredible love and mercy, you are alive in Christ. By the finished work of the cross alone.
*In your prayers today, thank God for His transformative grace and ask for the strength to live out your new life in Christ.*
by Jamie Pantastico | Sep 14, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Lamentations 3:22-23
‘Through the Lordâs mercies, we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.’
In the darkest hours of life, it’s easy to lose hope. Yet, like the sun rising faithfully each morning, so does the Lord’s unwavering faithfulness and mercy shine upon us. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that even when we face trials, God’s compassion and faithfulness never waver.
Every day, we’re granted a fresh start. Each morning, God’s love and grace are available to us in His word and through prayer, offering us comfort and encouragement. Just as the dawn chases away the darkness, His presence extinguishes our fears and anxieties.
When life seems uncertain, remember that the Lord remains steadfast. His promises are sure, and His love is unchanging. Trust in His faithfulness, and you’ll find hope even in the darkest moments. As surely as the sun rises, so does God’s enduring love light up your life.
*Prayer:*
Heavenly Father, I come to You in Jesus name thanking You for Your unending faithfulness and mercy. Help me trust in Your promises, knowing that Your love shines brightest in our darkest moments. Amen.
‘And He said to me, âMy grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.â Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ‘
II Corinthians 12:9
