The prodigal son, down in a far country. Away from his father's house, toiling away in the pig pen. His friends were all gone, and there was no one to help him. Hungry and destitute he begins to think of his father. His father's servants fared very well compared to him. He decides to return home and confess his sin to his father. To ask to be as one of his father's hired servants. Before he even gets to the house, his father runs out to meet him, kisses him, welcomes him home. He confesses his sin to his father, but doesn't even get to ask his father if he can be a servant. His father is so glad to have his son home he has the servants bring a robe and a ring and shoes for his son, to bring forth the fatted calf and rejoice.
As a lost person, I was out in the world. I realized my sinful state, and that no one could help me. My friends were helpless. I knew of the love of my Heavenly Father. I had heard about it all of my life. I knew that He loved me so very much He sent Christ to die in my place (just as the prepared fatted calf was slain for the prodigal). I knew I was a sinner, I'd been feasting on the pig slop of the world, and it did not satisfy me. I went to the Lord, knowing I was not even worthy to be called His child. He met me at the foot of the cross. I repented, and He claimed me as His own. He put a robe of righteousness on me (I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. - Isaiah 61:10). He put a ring on my hand (sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption...also that every work from that day forward should be done in the energy of the Holy Spirit). He gave me shoes so that my feet were shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace that I may go and tell of God's great salvation.
In Luke 15:24 it says they began to be merry. There was rejoicing in my heart and in Heaven on the day i was saved. It was only the beginning. The rejoicing will never end. Hallelujah!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
His Grace
The Grace of God
"Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Acts 11:19-26
The grace of God is something that is visible. Barnabas could see it in the lives of these Christians at Antioch. They were first called Christians in this place..where the grace of God was very apparent. Would the world call us Christians? Are we so much like Christ that His grace shines through us? Do the people we interact with every day know that we have the grace of God in our lives?
Acts 1:8 says, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." The very fact that the word of God was preached to "the uttermost part of the earth" is grace. We are saved by grace. Everything that we lay claim to, we can only lay claim to it because of God's grace. Everything He does for us is because of Jesus. (Ephesians 2:7) That's certainly a lot to think about. How truly undeserving we are of all the grace that is given to us.
"Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 5:20 The grace of God....so amazing when a sinner realizes what grace is. When they see their sin, how great their sin abounds, it makes the grace of God abound more and more to them. Only when they see their sin in it's hideous ever-abounding state will they truly see the grace of God. As Christians, we demonstrate the grace of God by loving lost souls. We see these depraved people, we can see their sin, we know it's a stench before God. Yet we love them. THAT is the grace of God in our hearts. I think we should not forget where He brought us from, what wondrous grace He bestowed upon us! That will keep our hearts tender toward the lost.
These Christians in Antioch hungered to be taught the Word of God. That is a characteristic of someone who truly knows God's grace. Do we desire Him? Can we say as the Psalmist: "As the hart panted after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."? Charles Spurgeon said, "An indifference tot he Word of God is one of the greatest curses on the church at this time". He said that back in the 1800s. How much worse it is now!
We should determine to recognize and appreciate God's grace in our lives.We should want His grace and love to show in our lives. We need to hunger for Him and for His Word with a veracity that will only be fully satisfied when we reach Heaven. To live denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, godly, and with charity. Let's let Christ and His grace be demonstrated through us.
"Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Acts 11:19-26
The grace of God is something that is visible. Barnabas could see it in the lives of these Christians at Antioch. They were first called Christians in this place..where the grace of God was very apparent. Would the world call us Christians? Are we so much like Christ that His grace shines through us? Do the people we interact with every day know that we have the grace of God in our lives?
Acts 1:8 says, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." The very fact that the word of God was preached to "the uttermost part of the earth" is grace. We are saved by grace. Everything that we lay claim to, we can only lay claim to it because of God's grace. Everything He does for us is because of Jesus. (Ephesians 2:7) That's certainly a lot to think about. How truly undeserving we are of all the grace that is given to us.
"Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 5:20 The grace of God....so amazing when a sinner realizes what grace is. When they see their sin, how great their sin abounds, it makes the grace of God abound more and more to them. Only when they see their sin in it's hideous ever-abounding state will they truly see the grace of God. As Christians, we demonstrate the grace of God by loving lost souls. We see these depraved people, we can see their sin, we know it's a stench before God. Yet we love them. THAT is the grace of God in our hearts. I think we should not forget where He brought us from, what wondrous grace He bestowed upon us! That will keep our hearts tender toward the lost.
These Christians in Antioch hungered to be taught the Word of God. That is a characteristic of someone who truly knows God's grace. Do we desire Him? Can we say as the Psalmist: "As the hart panted after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."? Charles Spurgeon said, "An indifference tot he Word of God is one of the greatest curses on the church at this time". He said that back in the 1800s. How much worse it is now!
We should determine to recognize and appreciate God's grace in our lives.We should want His grace and love to show in our lives. We need to hunger for Him and for His Word with a veracity that will only be fully satisfied when we reach Heaven. To live denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, godly, and with charity. Let's let Christ and His grace be demonstrated through us.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
He's All We Need-from a message by Joe Arthur
"After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." Genesis 15:1
This reward was after Abram had engaged in a conflict. After Abram had been faithful, God said "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward". This was said after he'd shown compassion to Lot. After he had poured his life into the life of another. When we invest our lives into the lives of others, God will be our shield and our reward. God said this to Abram after a choice he made. Abram was not for sale! He'd made a vow to the Most High God. Abram knew where his blessings came from, and he didn't want anything from the world. He lived separated. One reason many men don't receive the blessing of God is because they're too busy being compensated by the world, the flesh and the devil. When we don't let the devil pay us off, God always does! Our citizenship is in Heaven, therefore we owe this world nothing. He didn't have Sodom's gold, but he had Heaven's God! He didn't have Sodom's riches, but he had the Redeemer. He cared not for the King of Sodom because he was cared for by the King of Salem!
This reward was a blessing. "Fear not" is the blessing of peace. The devil can try to get you to doubt that you're doing the right thing, even when you know you're doing His will. But God speaks, "Fear not!". Step out by faith. There is peace in serving God. He didn't have Sodom's possessions, but he had Heaven's peace! "I am thy shield" is the blessing of protection. Real safety is being in the perfect will of God. "I am thy exceeding great reward" is a portion. I AM! What greater reward can God give you than Himself? He didn't have Sodom's portion, but he had Heaven's portion! When you have the great I AM, you have all that you need.
This reward was binding. Abram wasn't making a covenant with God; God was making a covenant with him. Salvation is not what we did with God, but it is a work of grace God did in us. God is too rich to be a debtor to anyone.
He is faithful.
This reward was after Abram had engaged in a conflict. After Abram had been faithful, God said "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward". This was said after he'd shown compassion to Lot. After he had poured his life into the life of another. When we invest our lives into the lives of others, God will be our shield and our reward. God said this to Abram after a choice he made. Abram was not for sale! He'd made a vow to the Most High God. Abram knew where his blessings came from, and he didn't want anything from the world. He lived separated. One reason many men don't receive the blessing of God is because they're too busy being compensated by the world, the flesh and the devil. When we don't let the devil pay us off, God always does! Our citizenship is in Heaven, therefore we owe this world nothing. He didn't have Sodom's gold, but he had Heaven's God! He didn't have Sodom's riches, but he had the Redeemer. He cared not for the King of Sodom because he was cared for by the King of Salem!
This reward was a blessing. "Fear not" is the blessing of peace. The devil can try to get you to doubt that you're doing the right thing, even when you know you're doing His will. But God speaks, "Fear not!". Step out by faith. There is peace in serving God. He didn't have Sodom's possessions, but he had Heaven's peace! "I am thy shield" is the blessing of protection. Real safety is being in the perfect will of God. "I am thy exceeding great reward" is a portion. I AM! What greater reward can God give you than Himself? He didn't have Sodom's portion, but he had Heaven's portion! When you have the great I AM, you have all that you need.
This reward was binding. Abram wasn't making a covenant with God; God was making a covenant with him. Salvation is not what we did with God, but it is a work of grace God did in us. God is too rich to be a debtor to anyone.
He is faithful.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
There is a river!
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High."
Knowing that sooner or later the Assyrian army would beseige Jerusalem, Hexekiah had taken wise and practical steps to ensure that Jerusalem had an unfailing water supply, no matter how long the seige. Hezekiah diverted the spring of Gihon through a conduit, 1777 feet long and hewn out of a completely solid rock, into a reservior inside the city's walls. (history taken from "Exploring the Psalms" by John Phillips)
The enemy had intentions of starving them into surrender or certain death. However the enemy didn't realize that THERE IS A RIVER! Satan and this world try to get at us. Try to dry up our spirit; to get us to come out and surrender. Dear Christian, remember, we have something that this world knows not of: There is a river. We have an ever-flowing fountain inside of us. Draw from it. Let it be your life. Let Jesus and His Word flow freely through you. It is a fountain that no enemy can take away from you for it flows through a Solid Rock, Jesus Christ.
Knowing that sooner or later the Assyrian army would beseige Jerusalem, Hexekiah had taken wise and practical steps to ensure that Jerusalem had an unfailing water supply, no matter how long the seige. Hezekiah diverted the spring of Gihon through a conduit, 1777 feet long and hewn out of a completely solid rock, into a reservior inside the city's walls. (history taken from "Exploring the Psalms" by John Phillips)
The enemy had intentions of starving them into surrender or certain death. However the enemy didn't realize that THERE IS A RIVER! Satan and this world try to get at us. Try to dry up our spirit; to get us to come out and surrender. Dear Christian, remember, we have something that this world knows not of: There is a river. We have an ever-flowing fountain inside of us. Draw from it. Let it be your life. Let Jesus and His Word flow freely through you. It is a fountain that no enemy can take away from you for it flows through a Solid Rock, Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
God is so good!
Let me start by saying "God is so good!". Now I know that we say that often, and indeed it is true. However the Lord has been dealing with my heart lately about--do I really see Him as a good God in the bad times as well as the good? Now I can certainly SAY that I do, but do I really mean it? It's like that song 'The God on the Mountain': "We talk of faith when we're up on the mountain, but the talk comes so easy when life's at it's best. But then things change, and we're down in the valley..." He is an unchanging God (Hebrews 13:8), so therefore He is everything He is ALL of the time. Things have been really wonderful for me lately, and I am thankful to God for that. I am aware that there will be times of testing, as there have been all through my Christian life. When those times come will God still be good? The answer is YES!!
Look at Psalm 46:5 "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early." This city was facing an enemy from without (as we are today), but God was WITH her. She could still say "God is good" even in this bad time for He was always with her. Here is a hard thing to understand, but totally true: God is good to us when He gives us trials. That may sound crazy, but in reality it IS true. If all we had in life were good times, we could not fully appreciate what the Lord does for us. That He is with us always, that He bears our burdens, or to know the blessedness of leaning on Him in prayer during a time of trouble. The things are good things too, the same as when he blesses us with a new job or house, or when He gives us someone special to love, or when He gives us great victory in our lives. The simple truth is that God is good ALL the time, and we just need to realize it ALL the time.
Look at Job. He had it all, and he could truly say "Wow! God is so good!", but it wasn't until God allowed all the blessings to be removed that Job could say "I have heard thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee."-Job 42:5. He could then say that he had not only heard of God's ever-abiding presence, but that he had experienced it for himself. After facing the trial Job could see that God was still God (Job 19:35), and that He was alive and there with Job even in the trials. This is something my soul longs for. Of course the mountaintop experiences are so wonderful and dear to me (probably because they are so rare), but it's those valley experiences that I remember more for those are the times when God seems nearest.
The Hebrew children in the furnace of fire. God could've kept them from ever being put into the furnace. Instead He allowed them to be thrown into the furnace to show Himself and ever present God. You'd better believe those Hebrew children could say after that day "Our God...He is a very present help in time of trouble!'. This testimony completely changed the way the King and others looked at their God. Having a testimony of a God who is always with you impacts others greatly.
Oh, that God would use the mountain and the valley experiences to bring us all closer to Him. To refine us. To help us encourage others in the way. God is so good!
More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee.
This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!
Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!
Let sorrow do its work, come grief or pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!
Look at Psalm 46:5 "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early." This city was facing an enemy from without (as we are today), but God was WITH her. She could still say "God is good" even in this bad time for He was always with her. Here is a hard thing to understand, but totally true: God is good to us when He gives us trials. That may sound crazy, but in reality it IS true. If all we had in life were good times, we could not fully appreciate what the Lord does for us. That He is with us always, that He bears our burdens, or to know the blessedness of leaning on Him in prayer during a time of trouble. The things are good things too, the same as when he blesses us with a new job or house, or when He gives us someone special to love, or when He gives us great victory in our lives. The simple truth is that God is good ALL the time, and we just need to realize it ALL the time.
Look at Job. He had it all, and he could truly say "Wow! God is so good!", but it wasn't until God allowed all the blessings to be removed that Job could say "I have heard thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee."-Job 42:5. He could then say that he had not only heard of God's ever-abiding presence, but that he had experienced it for himself. After facing the trial Job could see that God was still God (Job 19:35), and that He was alive and there with Job even in the trials. This is something my soul longs for. Of course the mountaintop experiences are so wonderful and dear to me (probably because they are so rare), but it's those valley experiences that I remember more for those are the times when God seems nearest.
The Hebrew children in the furnace of fire. God could've kept them from ever being put into the furnace. Instead He allowed them to be thrown into the furnace to show Himself and ever present God. You'd better believe those Hebrew children could say after that day "Our God...He is a very present help in time of trouble!'. This testimony completely changed the way the King and others looked at their God. Having a testimony of a God who is always with you impacts others greatly.
Oh, that God would use the mountain and the valley experiences to bring us all closer to Him. To refine us. To help us encourage others in the way. God is so good!
More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee.
This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!
Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!
Let sorrow do its work, come grief or pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!
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