But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find [him], if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. (Deuteronomy 4:29)
If we seek God, it is promised that we shall find Him. How wondrous then that it is God who makes us to be seekers of Him! In His beautiful supremacy over the history of His redemptive purpose, God has ignited in each of His chosen people, a divine and unquenchable spark of desire to know Him. So rest, O believer, assured in the fact that you love God because He first loved you—and because of His love for you, He will in nowise cast you out!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
GROWING IN GOD'S GRACE
Growing in the Grace of God
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)
Let's reflect upon some of the heavenly territory we have explored thus far. Grace is for spiritual growth and progress in the Lord. It is not intended only for birthing and starting out with the Lord. "But grow in the grace…of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Growth in Christ always results as God's grace works in us.
At times, we can be apprehensive about such an emphasis upon God's grace. We become concerned that irresponsibility, ungodliness, laziness, or indulgence will result. We can rest assured on the promises and purposes of God that true grace does not produce such consequences. Ungodly living always involves the flesh of man, which is inclined toward licentiousness and legalism.
Licentiousness hopes to turn grace into a means by which sinful indulgence is acceptable. "For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness" (Jude v.4). Legalism aspires to add religious performance to grace, thereby appealing to the self-righteous hopes of man. "Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:2-3).
When a person truly lives by the grace of God, righteousness results, not ungodliness. As a person increasingly learns to draw upon God's grace for daily living, Christlikeness develops, not worldliness. As grace becomes our resource for life, sin diminishes; it does not increase. "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under law but under grace" (Romans 6:14).
The temptation is to rely upon the law of God in order to generate godliness. The demand of the law to be holy, loving, and perfect becomes a false security to our flesh. We think that by hearing, repeating, or striving to meet this demand, we can thereby accomplish it. Let us not forget that "the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope" (Hebrews 7:18-19). God's grace is the "better hope" that does not fail to bring forth what God desires.
The Lord has ordained for us a life-long involvement with His grace. He wants to work "grace for [upon] grace" (John 1:16) for the rest of our days. This is the "new and living way" (Hebrews 10:20). Perhaps this could all be summarized in another acronym on grace: "Glorious Realities As Christ Empowers.
Gracious Father, how bountiful is Your provision for my spiritual growth. How foolish of me to think that I need more for developing in godliness than Your grace supplies. O Lord, I long to grow in the image of Christ. I beseech You, remind me and convince me that Your grace is the only sufficient hope. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)
Let's reflect upon some of the heavenly territory we have explored thus far. Grace is for spiritual growth and progress in the Lord. It is not intended only for birthing and starting out with the Lord. "But grow in the grace…of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Growth in Christ always results as God's grace works in us.
At times, we can be apprehensive about such an emphasis upon God's grace. We become concerned that irresponsibility, ungodliness, laziness, or indulgence will result. We can rest assured on the promises and purposes of God that true grace does not produce such consequences. Ungodly living always involves the flesh of man, which is inclined toward licentiousness and legalism.
Licentiousness hopes to turn grace into a means by which sinful indulgence is acceptable. "For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness" (Jude v.4). Legalism aspires to add religious performance to grace, thereby appealing to the self-righteous hopes of man. "Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:2-3).
When a person truly lives by the grace of God, righteousness results, not ungodliness. As a person increasingly learns to draw upon God's grace for daily living, Christlikeness develops, not worldliness. As grace becomes our resource for life, sin diminishes; it does not increase. "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under law but under grace" (Romans 6:14).
The temptation is to rely upon the law of God in order to generate godliness. The demand of the law to be holy, loving, and perfect becomes a false security to our flesh. We think that by hearing, repeating, or striving to meet this demand, we can thereby accomplish it. Let us not forget that "the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope" (Hebrews 7:18-19). God's grace is the "better hope" that does not fail to bring forth what God desires.
The Lord has ordained for us a life-long involvement with His grace. He wants to work "grace for [upon] grace" (John 1:16) for the rest of our days. This is the "new and living way" (Hebrews 10:20). Perhaps this could all be summarized in another acronym on grace: "Glorious Realities As Christ Empowers.
Gracious Father, how bountiful is Your provision for my spiritual growth. How foolish of me to think that I need more for developing in godliness than Your grace supplies. O Lord, I long to grow in the image of Christ. I beseech You, remind me and convince me that Your grace is the only sufficient hope. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
For we are labourers .
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building. (1 Corinthians 3:9)
Once we have devoted our lives to Christ, we become a working part to further the kingdom of God. We are His field that He cultivates as we produce fruits for His glory. We are the structure of His building as He resides in our hearts. Yet, we are only His field and building by the grace of God. The triumph of Christ over death allows us to be used to His glory. After all, to be used of Christ is one of the greatest blessings in the Christian life.
Once we have devoted our lives to Christ, we become a working part to further the kingdom of God. We are His field that He cultivates as we produce fruits for His glory. We are the structure of His building as He resides in our hearts. Yet, we are only His field and building by the grace of God. The triumph of Christ over death allows us to be used to His glory. After all, to be used of Christ is one of the greatest blessings in the Christian life.
Monday, January 23, 2012
THE RIGHTEOUS REIGN OF GRACE
THE RIGHTEOUS REIGN OF GRACE
Romans 5:18-24
http://www.BibleStudyTools.com/search/?query=Romans+5:18-24
Dear Father, bestower of eternal life,
How amazing that, even though one man's disobedience leads to
condemnation, the obedience of Jesus acquits us, makes us righteous
and leads to life!
Thank you that, whereas law increased the trespass, your grace
abounded all the more! Sin reigned in death, but your grace reigned
through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ
our Lord.
Thank you, Father in heaven. Thank you, thank you, thank you! In
the name of Jesus, our Savior and Justifier, I offer this thanks
and praise for your wonderful grace. Amen.
Romans 5:18-24
http://www.BibleStudyTools.com/search/?query=Romans+5:18-24
Dear Father, bestower of eternal life,
How amazing that, even though one man's disobedience leads to
condemnation, the obedience of Jesus acquits us, makes us righteous
and leads to life!
Thank you that, whereas law increased the trespass, your grace
abounded all the more! Sin reigned in death, but your grace reigned
through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ
our Lord.
Thank you, Father in heaven. Thank you, thank you, thank you! In
the name of Jesus, our Savior and Justifier, I offer this thanks
and praise for your wonderful grace. Amen.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
I will lift up mine eyes
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help [cometh] from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (Psalms 121:1-2)
From the high places that surround us come every foe and bandit, seeking to destroy us and make of nothing our faith. How can we stand against such villainy? Where are we to turn for aid in the spiritual war in which all the children of God are engaged? Turn to the Lord. He is your help. The creator of heaven and earth who holds power over every living thing will protect His child from every spiritual harm. Take comfort and love Christ.
From the high places that surround us come every foe and bandit, seeking to destroy us and make of nothing our faith. How can we stand against such villainy? Where are we to turn for aid in the spiritual war in which all the children of God are engaged? Turn to the Lord. He is your help. The creator of heaven and earth who holds power over every living thing will protect His child from every spiritual harm. Take comfort and love Christ.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Every good gift .
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17)
Absolutely every good thing comes from our Father who tends to all our needs according to His purpose. Amazingly, our gracious Father never changes, but remains the same through all eternity. May we continue to give thanks to Him who pours forth His love and peace to all who believe.
Absolutely every good thing comes from our Father who tends to all our needs according to His purpose. Amazingly, our gracious Father never changes, but remains the same through all eternity. May we continue to give thanks to Him who pours forth His love and peace to all who believe.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH
JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH
Dear Father, just and justifier, All praise is due you, Father. Our boasting is totally excluded. Our justification is not by our works, but through our faith in you. So we are convinced by Paul that a person is justified by faith and not by works of the law. You are God not only of the Jews but of all other nations also. You are the one God, the only God, the God of all people everywhere. On the basis of whether people put their trust in you instead of themselves you justify people from every nation and race. What a wonderful God! Thank you for putting faith in my heart and accepting me. In the name of Jesus we ask all this and lay claim to the grace which you have so generously extended. Amen.
Dear Father, just and justifier, All praise is due you, Father. Our boasting is totally excluded. Our justification is not by our works, but through our faith in you. So we are convinced by Paul that a person is justified by faith and not by works of the law. You are God not only of the Jews but of all other nations also. You are the one God, the only God, the God of all people everywhere. On the basis of whether people put their trust in you instead of themselves you justify people from every nation and race. What a wonderful God! Thank you for putting faith in my heart and accepting me. In the name of Jesus we ask all this and lay claim to the grace which you have so generously extended. Amen.
Friday, January 13, 2012
NONE RIGHTEOUS
NONE RIGHTEOUS
Romans 2:25-3:20
0
Dear Father, holy God,
Allow me to bear the marks of your covenant in my heart and my
mind. May I be a spiritual descendant of Abraham. Let my praise be
not from men but from you!
Help me understand that all human beings are under the power of
sin, as it is written, "None is righteous, no not one!"
I ask forgiveness for all my sins by reason of your perfect
expiation put forth in Christ Jesus. Clothe me with his
righteousness, not my own. Having nothing to claim for myself, I
put my trust in him.
In the name of Jesus, the all-sufficient sacrifice for sin and my
holy intercessor, I pray. Amen.
Romans 2:25-3:20
0
Dear Father, holy God,
Allow me to bear the marks of your covenant in my heart and my
mind. May I be a spiritual descendant of Abraham. Let my praise be
not from men but from you!
Help me understand that all human beings are under the power of
sin, as it is written, "None is righteous, no not one!"
I ask forgiveness for all my sins by reason of your perfect
expiation put forth in Christ Jesus. Clothe me with his
righteousness, not my own. Having nothing to claim for myself, I
put my trust in him.
In the name of Jesus, the all-sufficient sacrifice for sin and my
holy intercessor, I pray. Amen.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
He will
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. (Psalms 145:19)
Fear the Lord and seek Him on His heavenly throne and you will be given the desires of your heart. So fervent is the believer's desire to see God and please Him that God is well pleased to fulfil this desire. These that seek God shall see Him! This is incredible! This is amazing! There is no reason that man in his shabby and sinful existence has any right to expect God to reveal Himself. Yet God has given His children surpassing desire to see Him and He in mercy will show Himself to His children! Glory!
Fear the Lord and seek Him on His heavenly throne and you will be given the desires of your heart. So fervent is the believer's desire to see God and please Him that God is well pleased to fulfil this desire. These that seek God shall see Him! This is incredible! This is amazing! There is no reason that man in his shabby and sinful existence has any right to expect God to reveal Himself. Yet God has given His children surpassing desire to see Him and He in mercy will show Himself to His children! Glory!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
For we are made .
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; (Hebrews 3:14)
Here we have an encouragement to keep on walking the walk. God will help us to persevere. He would never give us something that we cannot do through Him. As partakers of Christ, we have the privilege of having Christ's righteousness put on us. Then God sees Christ's righteousness instead of our sin. We are allowed this privilege if we persevere in the practice and proclamation of Christianity.
Here we have an encouragement to keep on walking the walk. God will help us to persevere. He would never give us something that we cannot do through Him. As partakers of Christ, we have the privilege of having Christ's righteousness put on us. Then God sees Christ's righteousness instead of our sin. We are allowed this privilege if we persevere in the practice and proclamation of Christianity.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Peace I leave with you,.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
What a breath of fresh air! As Christians, we have the privilege to partake of the beautiful peace through the love of our merciful God. Praise Him! Christ has conquered sin and death! Indeed, let not our hearts be troubled, but let us take joy in the glory of Christ.
What a breath of fresh air! As Christians, we have the privilege to partake of the beautiful peace through the love of our merciful God. Praise Him! Christ has conquered sin and death! Indeed, let not our hearts be troubled, but let us take joy in the glory of Christ.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Recommit
For those of us who are lost, backslidden, feeling separated from The Lord or who have never committed ourselves and for those of us who simply want to recommit ourselves to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour . Let us do it here and now and rededicate ourselves to The Will and The Way of God........
"God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life"
"Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always."
Psalm 51
1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
"God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life"
"Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always."
Psalm 51
1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
