"If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1 John: 1:8)
There is no way to justify sin in our lives; no way to just gloss over them. Sometime, when we go to God with our sin, all we want is a covering; an easy way out. How can God heal what we deny? How can He touch what we cover up?
What does God have to say about all this dodging around sin in our lives?
God will come to you when you lead a blameless life. You must not look upon evil things of this world, and have nothing to do with such them that do.
Our God reins over all. It is our Lord who made you and you are His child. Our Lord is great and is worthy of all our praises. The splendor of His holiness causes the world to tremble; In His great name, all the earth all will bow down.
When your foot starts to slip, and anxiety is great within you, in His great mercy He is always there in His great love to support you and bring consolation to your soul. How great is our God.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
God's Signiture
"Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you", (Jeremiah 1:5)
It's no acccident that you are in the world; you are a gift to the world.
We are't the only creatures with flesh, blood, and heart.
What makes us special is God,s signiture on our lives.
We are His works of art; created in His image to do good.
We are significant not because of who we are, but because of whose we are.
It's no acccident that you are in the world; you are a gift to the world.
We are't the only creatures with flesh, blood, and heart.
What makes us special is God,s signiture on our lives.
We are His works of art; created in His image to do good.
We are significant not because of who we are, but because of whose we are.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
The Powerful Sight of God
What does worship me to you? In Psalm 34:3, O, magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together. Worship is the act of glorifying Gold Enlarging our vision of Him changes our perception of Him
"Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord, God Almighty". That says it all.
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I might dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord .and to seek Hm in His temple. For in the day of trouble , He will k33 me safe in his dwelling.
l
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"Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord, God Almighty". That says it all.
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I might dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord .and to seek Hm in His temple. For in the day of trouble , He will k33 me safe in his dwelling.
l
g
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Who Made You God, the Judge?
It is so easy to be the judge when its you that's been hurt. Some will rehash the same hurt every chance they get with anyone who will listen.
One question? Who made you God, the Judge? "Vengence is Mine" declares the Almighty. I will repay". (Hebrew 10:30). "Wait for the Lord, and He will make things right", (Proverbs 20:22).
You are assuming God can't do it when you take over. Revenge is irreverent.....to forgive someone is to display reverence.
Forgiveness is not saying the other guy was right, it's stating that God is faithful and will handle it justley.
That, my friend, is called trusting God. The Bible says He is our refuge our strength an ever-present help in trouble. Who are we to fear. Not even if the earth gave way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the Holy place where the Most High dwells.
He says to us, "Be still and know that I am God", (Psalm 46:10)
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self controlled set your hope fully on the grace to be given when Jesus Christ is revealed. How great is our God. Do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He called you is Holy, so be Holy in all you do.
Since you call on a Father who judges each mans work impartially, live your lives in righteousness. For you know is was not with perishable things such as silver and gold that your were redeemed from the empty way of life, but with the precious blood of Christ
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth, love your brothers, love one another deeply from the heart.
1 Peter 1 Chris Tomlin Max Lucado Psalm 46
One question? Who made you God, the Judge? "Vengence is Mine" declares the Almighty. I will repay". (Hebrew 10:30). "Wait for the Lord, and He will make things right", (Proverbs 20:22).
You are assuming God can't do it when you take over. Revenge is irreverent.....to forgive someone is to display reverence.
Forgiveness is not saying the other guy was right, it's stating that God is faithful and will handle it justley.
That, my friend, is called trusting God. The Bible says He is our refuge our strength an ever-present help in trouble. Who are we to fear. Not even if the earth gave way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the Holy place where the Most High dwells.
He says to us, "Be still and know that I am God", (Psalm 46:10)
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self controlled set your hope fully on the grace to be given when Jesus Christ is revealed. How great is our God. Do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He called you is Holy, so be Holy in all you do.
Since you call on a Father who judges each mans work impartially, live your lives in righteousness. For you know is was not with perishable things such as silver and gold that your were redeemed from the empty way of life, but with the precious blood of Christ
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth, love your brothers, love one another deeply from the heart.
1 Peter 1 Chris Tomlin Max Lucado Psalm 46
Saturday, June 30, 2012
When does Salvation Come?
"Those who believe in the Son have eternal life, but those who do not obey the Son will never have life", (John 3:36)
Salvation comes when we look to Christ, embrace Him, and run to Him out of our love. You finally decide to stop going through the motions, and say, "Lord Jesus now, I don't want to go another day without You".
You finally realize God the Lover, God the Giver, God the Savior, erased clouds of doubt and took you just the way you were. Now you think of God alone; your great Almighty One, who looks after you.
But, there are some who do not believe; they don't trust the promise. If they would only try; test it. But God is as polite as He is passionate and He will never force His way in. There choice.
It's sad because His love reaches the heavens, His faithfulness just as high; His righteousness is like the mighty mountains and His justice like the great deep. Both high and low amoung men find refuge in the shadow of His wings. For with God there is the fountain of life and love.
My blessed Savior lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my heart. May your love and truth always protectd me.
Thank you for Your amazing grace. There was nothing I cou;ld do to make You love me more...and there is nothing I can do to make You love me less. O, how you love me, and did before the foundations of the earth. You chose me. Praise Your Holy Name. Your great Name...Jesus
Psalm 36 Natalie Grant Chris Mullins Max Lucado David Crowder Band Francesa Batinelli
Salvation comes when we look to Christ, embrace Him, and run to Him out of our love. You finally decide to stop going through the motions, and say, "Lord Jesus now, I don't want to go another day without You".
You finally realize God the Lover, God the Giver, God the Savior, erased clouds of doubt and took you just the way you were. Now you think of God alone; your great Almighty One, who looks after you.
But, there are some who do not believe; they don't trust the promise. If they would only try; test it. But God is as polite as He is passionate and He will never force His way in. There choice.
It's sad because His love reaches the heavens, His faithfulness just as high; His righteousness is like the mighty mountains and His justice like the great deep. Both high and low amoung men find refuge in the shadow of His wings. For with God there is the fountain of life and love.
My blessed Savior lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my heart. May your love and truth always protectd me.
Thank you for Your amazing grace. There was nothing I cou;ld do to make You love me more...and there is nothing I can do to make You love me less. O, how you love me, and did before the foundations of the earth. You chose me. Praise Your Holy Name. Your great Name...Jesus
Psalm 36 Natalie Grant Chris Mullins Max Lucado David Crowder Band Francesa Batinelli
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Soul Forgiveness
More than any other emotion the unwillingness to forgive imprisions the soul. Do flames of fire boil within you when you have been mistreated?
Insttead of harboring that resentment, why not free yourself? Yes, you were mistreated, but why not be the one that says, "they mistreated my Savior, but all he ask was for their forgiveness".
(1Peter 2:20) "If you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then God is pleased".
David says in Psalm 123 "I will lift up my eyes to You on the throne. till He shows us mercy". King Soloman says his fruit is better than fine gold, walk in the pathes of righteousness, along the paths of justice. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up dissection, but love covers all wrongs.
If you harbor anger inside of you, fights and quarrels result. You want something but you can't get it. Why not try asking God? If you ask and you do not recieve it is because you have the wrong motives.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Max Lucado Psalm 123 Proverbs 8 Proverbs 10 James 4 Bebo Norman
Insttead of harboring that resentment, why not free yourself? Yes, you were mistreated, but why not be the one that says, "they mistreated my Savior, but all he ask was for their forgiveness".
(1Peter 2:20) "If you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then God is pleased".
David says in Psalm 123 "I will lift up my eyes to You on the throne. till He shows us mercy". King Soloman says his fruit is better than fine gold, walk in the pathes of righteousness, along the paths of justice. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up dissection, but love covers all wrongs.
If you harbor anger inside of you, fights and quarrels result. You want something but you can't get it. Why not try asking God? If you ask and you do not recieve it is because you have the wrong motives.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Max Lucado Psalm 123 Proverbs 8 Proverbs 10 James 4 Bebo Norman
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
The Body of Christ
How beautiful the body of Christ. The supreme miracle occurs, the Son of God becomes man. The word is made flesh. He that had existed from eternity in the glory of the Father, He was the agent of creation. In this humanly body he takes all flesh upon himself. That is why His life, death, and resurrection are events that involve all men. It is sinful flesh he bears though he is without sin (11Corinthians 5:2, Hebrews 4:15)
The earthly body of Jesus underwent crucifixion and death. He took on all sinful flesh so that it was our infirmities and all our sin that He bears to the cross. We are crucified with Him, only to rise again in a glorious new body. A body with sinless perfection, O, how wonderful to know I have been made perfect by being washed in His precious blood. How worthy is the Lamb.
Dallas Holm Twila Paris Hillsong Detrick Von Bonhoeffer Various Scriptures
The earthly body of Jesus underwent crucifixion and death. He took on all sinful flesh so that it was our infirmities and all our sin that He bears to the cross. We are crucified with Him, only to rise again in a glorious new body. A body with sinless perfection, O, how wonderful to know I have been made perfect by being washed in His precious blood. How worthy is the Lamb.
Dallas Holm Twila Paris Hillsong Detrick Von Bonhoeffer Various Scriptures
Monday, June 25, 2012
Secure for Eternity
You took your first step the day you confessed Christ as the Son of God. He gave you the Holy Spirit to hold on to, and a rope for encouragement; His Word.
Your first few steps were confident and strong, step by step you said you would follow, but all of a sudden you fell. As you fell, you felt out of control with no one there to pull you through.
All of a sudden you felt a strong grip and saw Jesus holding on with a comforting smile. You knew He would never let go.
After all, who can separate you from the love of Christ? Know one, for in all these things you are more than a conqueror. For Jesus has convinced you that neither life nor death, angels of demons, the present or the future, neither any powers, height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate you from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus your Lord.
After all, you were chosen by Him.
Max Lucado David Crowder Band Romans 8 Rich Mullins
Your first few steps were confident and strong, step by step you said you would follow, but all of a sudden you fell. As you fell, you felt out of control with no one there to pull you through.
All of a sudden you felt a strong grip and saw Jesus holding on with a comforting smile. You knew He would never let go.
After all, who can separate you from the love of Christ? Know one, for in all these things you are more than a conqueror. For Jesus has convinced you that neither life nor death, angels of demons, the present or the future, neither any powers, height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate you from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus your Lord.
After all, you were chosen by Him.
Max Lucado David Crowder Band Romans 8 Rich Mullins
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Greed Unlimited
Jesus had a definition for greed. He called it the measuring life by possessions. Greed equates a persons worth with a persons purse.
You got a lot---you are a lot. You got a little ---you are little,
Greed is not defined by what something costs, but what it costs you. If anything costs your faith or your family, the price is too high.
One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing. Another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. A mans riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat.
He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker.
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his lowly position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabbily clothes also comes in. If you pay special attention to the one wearing fine clothes and say,"here is a fine seat for you" and say to the poor man, "you stand there, or sit by my feet". Have you not discriminated against yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers, hasn't God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith, and to inherit the kingdom to those who love him?
I come on my knees, to bow down before You. Bringing all that I am, just wanting to know You. Seeking Your face and not only Your hand. I find You embracing me---just as I am.
James 2 Big Daddy Weave Max Lucado Proverbs 14
You got a lot---you are a lot. You got a little ---you are little,
Greed is not defined by what something costs, but what it costs you. If anything costs your faith or your family, the price is too high.
One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing. Another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. A mans riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat.
He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker.
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his lowly position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabbily clothes also comes in. If you pay special attention to the one wearing fine clothes and say,"here is a fine seat for you" and say to the poor man, "you stand there, or sit by my feet". Have you not discriminated against yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers, hasn't God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith, and to inherit the kingdom to those who love him?
I come on my knees, to bow down before You. Bringing all that I am, just wanting to know You. Seeking Your face and not only Your hand. I find You embracing me---just as I am.
James 2 Big Daddy Weave Max Lucado Proverbs 14
Saturday, June 23, 2012
A Glance into Hell
There is no fear of God before his eyes. For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much or to detect his sin. O, how the evildoer lies fallen, unable to rise.
"Don't be afraid of people that can kill the body, but cannot kill the soul. The only one you should fear is the one who can kill that can destroy the soul and the body in hell", (Matthew 10:28)
Hell's misery is deep, but not as deep as God's love. To understand hell is to pray more earnestly and to serve more diligently. We have a high stakes mission before us.
And for the lost, find out the meaning of this message. Get ready, this plane won't fly forever. "Death is the destiny of every man, the living should take this to heart"(Eccles. 7:2), By their fruits you shall be known. Not everyone that says to our God, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
There is no use prying into the hearts of others. All we need do id wait until the tree bears fruit, and we shall not have to wait long. Jesus tells us men cannot keep up appearances long. The bad tree is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Confessor and doer are separated from one another. If love is absent, it is the most serious, most incredible satanic possibility. How will Jesus accept them? "I have never known you".
If we follow Christ, cling to His word, and let all else go, it will see us through the day of Judgement. His word is His grace.
If we rely on our own good deeds and do not rely on His outrageous grace, the glance into hell will become a reality.
"Don't be afraid of people that can kill the body, but cannot kill the soul. The only one you should fear is the one who can kill that can destroy the soul and the body in hell", (Matthew 10:28)
Hell's misery is deep, but not as deep as God's love. To understand hell is to pray more earnestly and to serve more diligently. We have a high stakes mission before us.
And for the lost, find out the meaning of this message. Get ready, this plane won't fly forever. "Death is the destiny of every man, the living should take this to heart"(Eccles. 7:2), By their fruits you shall be known. Not everyone that says to our God, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
There is no use prying into the hearts of others. All we need do id wait until the tree bears fruit, and we shall not have to wait long. Jesus tells us men cannot keep up appearances long. The bad tree is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Confessor and doer are separated from one another. If love is absent, it is the most serious, most incredible satanic possibility. How will Jesus accept them? "I have never known you".
If we follow Christ, cling to His word, and let all else go, it will see us through the day of Judgement. His word is His grace.
If we rely on our own good deeds and do not rely on His outrageous grace, the glance into hell will become a reality.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Complete Assurance
How great is our God; how we shout out His holy name--Yahweh, God of all the earth, we rest in Your arms. I live says the believer.
Because of His amazing grace I am acquitted before His Judgement seat. I now live in His loving kindness, His light, and His love.
Gone are the chains of sin; I have been set free. I am righteous before God even, as He is righteous. The entire goodwill of God embraces me.
A the blessedness and peace of God raises me and lifts me higher. It is the air I breathe and the joy of it all. There is no sin in me, and I have ceased entirely to commit it.
I have a good conscience and know I am walking in His ways and doing His will. I know that my life is fashioned in accordance with that whether I walk or stand, sit or lie down, am awake or asleep; every deed I do and think, is within His will.
My guilt is forever wiped out, and it is impossible for me to incur fresh guilt which cannot be expiated. I am preserved by His grace and am forever His.
Death cannot harm me, for I have eternal life and am eternally redeemed from the wrath to come. The evil one has to flee and the world no longer wears me down, because of Your great name, my Jesus.
Who can separate us from the love of God? If He be for us, who can be against us?
Natalie Gray Chris Tomlin Phil Wickam
Because of His amazing grace I am acquitted before His Judgement seat. I now live in His loving kindness, His light, and His love.
Gone are the chains of sin; I have been set free. I am righteous before God even, as He is righteous. The entire goodwill of God embraces me.
A the blessedness and peace of God raises me and lifts me higher. It is the air I breathe and the joy of it all. There is no sin in me, and I have ceased entirely to commit it.
I have a good conscience and know I am walking in His ways and doing His will. I know that my life is fashioned in accordance with that whether I walk or stand, sit or lie down, am awake or asleep; every deed I do and think, is within His will.
My guilt is forever wiped out, and it is impossible for me to incur fresh guilt which cannot be expiated. I am preserved by His grace and am forever His.
Death cannot harm me, for I have eternal life and am eternally redeemed from the wrath to come. The evil one has to flee and the world no longer wears me down, because of Your great name, my Jesus.
Who can separate us from the love of God? If He be for us, who can be against us?
Natalie Gray Chris Tomlin Phil Wickam
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
The Silence of God
John once ask Jesus, Are you the one who is to come or should we expect someone else? John had been listening for an answer to his earthly problems, while Jesus was busy solving his heavenly ones.
You might think of that the next time you hear the silence of God. Just think what He has done for you: He did for you what you could not do for yourself, He rescued your soul from death.
So, set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will appear with Him in Glory.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, God adds to these perfect love.
What makes this love so beautiful to behold, is the outrageous grace of God, and the perfect gift at the cross.
All the condemned feel no shame;. Every fear has no place; All the weak find their strength; at the sound of the great name of Jesus.
"All the World Praise the great Name of Jesus"
You might think of that the next time you hear the silence of God. Just think what He has done for you: He did for you what you could not do for yourself, He rescued your soul from death.
So, set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will appear with Him in Glory.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, God adds to these perfect love.
What makes this love so beautiful to behold, is the outrageous grace of God, and the perfect gift at the cross.
All the condemned feel no shame;. Every fear has no place; All the weak find their strength; at the sound of the great name of Jesus.
"All the World Praise the great Name of Jesus"
Monday, June 18, 2012
Love in the Spirit
Surrendering does not come natural to me. So, please hold me Jesus, and love me in the Spirit of your grace.
Then I heard His voice, "All you need to know is all the faith and love springs from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven. Now, always love in the spirit and walk worthy, for I gave myself battered and bleeding on a Roman cross so you may have life eternal and be reconciled by My Holy blood.
My Savior rescued me from the dominion of darkness, and like sunlight shining at midnight and by His grace, He made my life beautiful, beautiful.
But sometimes there is a raging sea out in front of my; trying to pull me in. So, let the waters rise, if You want them to, I will follow you. I have put my trust in you before, I will trust you now.
Colossians 1 Rich Mullins MIKESCHAIR Jeremy Riddle Francesca Battistelli
Then I heard His voice, "All you need to know is all the faith and love springs from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven. Now, always love in the spirit and walk worthy, for I gave myself battered and bleeding on a Roman cross so you may have life eternal and be reconciled by My Holy blood.
My Savior rescued me from the dominion of darkness, and like sunlight shining at midnight and by His grace, He made my life beautiful, beautiful.
But sometimes there is a raging sea out in front of my; trying to pull me in. So, let the waters rise, if You want them to, I will follow you. I have put my trust in you before, I will trust you now.
Colossians 1 Rich Mullins MIKESCHAIR Jeremy Riddle Francesca Battistelli
Friday, May 4, 2012
Once Bound---Once Released
"Christ's love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love", (Ephesians 3:19).
Knowing God and knowing His love for you, is so important in becoming a child of the King... Now you find yourself separated from His love. Even through the storms of life; even through the darkest night, love has come to rescue you. You no longer have to be bound by chains of guilt and shame. A new day has begun when you find life. It wasn't right that spikes pierced the hands that formed the earth, or was forced to hear the silence of His Father. God sat in silence while the sins of the world were placed upon His Son, and He did nothing while a cry a million times bloodier than John echoed in the black sky: " My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?"
Was it right? No.
Was it fair? No.
Was it love? Yes.
When the work of Christ was done on the cross, the veil of the Temple was torn from top to bottom indicating man no longer was separated from God. Know that all of us who were baptized into Christ, just as He was raised from the dead through the Glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
So, by now dying to what once bound you, you have been released from sin so that you may serve in the new way of the Spirit.
By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of His mouth. I once was bound in sin and death staring me in the face, now I am once released and reconciled by the blood of the Lamb who takes away my sin and loves me forever.
MercyMe Jeremy Camp Max Lucado Romans 7 Psalms 33
The Promise of God's Rest
Do you ever just get so tired of searching for what is real in this world and what the truth of the matter really is?
Dose God really know me and care about how I live?
Does He have a plan for my life even though I continue to sin?
How can He use me after all that I have done and my rejection of His will?
You should memorize 1 John 1:7. "The blood of Jesus, God's Son, cleanses us from all sin.". In the Greek, this means you are always being cleansed. The cleansing is not a promise for the future, but a reality in the present. Let a spot of filth land on the heat of God's child and the filth is wiped away. If you are full of guilt and shame, run to Jesus and from the basin of His grace, He scoops a hand full of mercy and you are clean once more. And what is amazing, you and I can do the same; because He lives in us and has forgiven us, we can forgive others.
When you became a Christian you entered into the rest of His comfort and assurance. Since then make sure you know the promise of His rest and be carful you have not fallen short of it. It must have been combined with faith and obedience before you could ever enter in. Instead you are probably floundering around trying to figure things out on your own and that can be terrifying.
The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates dividing soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges the thought and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all of creation is hidden from God's sight, but everything about you is uncovered and lay bare before the eyes of Him that you must give account.
Allow yourself to approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that you may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Are you tired and run down from chasing after the things of this world? The more you chase, the more frustrating your life will become. Run to Jesus and profess to Him by faith that you need God's grace to fall down like rain and to enter into:
"The Promise of God's Rest".
Trust in the holy Lamb of God and seek His kingdom first, and all these things will be added unto you by His grace and outrageous love for you.
Max Lucado Chris Rice Hebrews 4 Chris Mullins MercyMe
Cast into the River of Life
"Then Jesus went about a stones throw away from them. He knelt down and prayed" (Luke 22:41).
Did you know that the final prayer of Jesus was about you? The passion he would enter into was for you. Before He went to the cross, He went to the garden and spoke with His Father and prayed about you.
God couldn't turn His back on you because He saw you and one look was all it took. Right there in the middle of a world which isn't fair, He saw you cast into a river of life you didn't request. He saw you betrayed by those you love; He saw you with a body that grows weak, and a heart full of loneliness.
In the garden, Jesus made a decision. He would rather go to hell for you than go to heaven without you. Holy is the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world.
Praise be to Jesus, for in His great mercy he has given you new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish. Though you do not see Him you love and believe in Him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy.
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus is revealed. Since you call on a Savior that judges each man's work, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you were not redeemed by precious things like gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.
Far back in time, Jesus knew you before this earth ever revolved around the sun. He loved you with an outrageous love then and knew that you would turn your back on Him and go your own way. He knew that you'd need a Savior. he never gave up on you and knew He would have to go the way of the cross. Look into the heart of Jesus and there you are. And you may ask Him, "Why did you have to die that horrible death, and suffer so much?" And He will tell you that He didn't have to, He chose to because of you. He knew you were going to be:
Did you know that the final prayer of Jesus was about you? The passion he would enter into was for you. Before He went to the cross, He went to the garden and spoke with His Father and prayed about you.
God couldn't turn His back on you because He saw you and one look was all it took. Right there in the middle of a world which isn't fair, He saw you cast into a river of life you didn't request. He saw you betrayed by those you love; He saw you with a body that grows weak, and a heart full of loneliness.
In the garden, Jesus made a decision. He would rather go to hell for you than go to heaven without you. Holy is the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world.
Praise be to Jesus, for in His great mercy he has given you new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish. Though you do not see Him you love and believe in Him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy.
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus is revealed. Since you call on a Savior that judges each man's work, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you were not redeemed by precious things like gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.
Far back in time, Jesus knew you before this earth ever revolved around the sun. He loved you with an outrageous love then and knew that you would turn your back on Him and go your own way. He knew that you'd need a Savior. he never gave up on you and knew He would have to go the way of the cross. Look into the heart of Jesus and there you are. And you may ask Him, "Why did you have to die that horrible death, and suffer so much?" And He will tell you that He didn't have to, He chose to because of you. He knew you were going to be:
"Cast into the River of Life"
and couldn't swim out by yourself. So He plunged in; became flesh and delivered you from the storms of life, and by His blood reconciled you to Himself. Because He couldn't stand to see you in Satan's clutches, so He smiled when you surrendered to Him.
Jeremy Riddle Among the Thirsty 1 Peter 1 Max Lucado David Crowder Band
Conflict of the Spirit
"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Him the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death", (Romans 8:1).
Why do I have conflicts going on inside my mind you might ask? It's because you also have within you the old sinful nature which may weaken your new nature in Christ. Are you living according to the old nature, or according to the new Spirit?
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on that of which nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit, have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God, but those who live by the Spirit have a life of peace.
Therefore, you have an obligation to live a life according to the Spirit. The choice is yours to make; will it be peace or conflict?
The Spirit of God will help you in your weakness. For instance, you may not know what you ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for you with words you cannot express. Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ, not hardships, persecutions, or dangers of the old nature. Paul says, "I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord", (Romans 8:38). No wonder we are considered more than conquerors.
God knew that you would have conflicts because that old nature is always lurking about. He knew you couldn't handle it by yourself, so He designed a way that seemed strange to us, the mystery of the cross. He sent His Son to become flesh and rescue your soul from death. The hand that reaches out for you has been pierced with nails. The voice that cried out, "My God, My God why have you forsaken Me?" says to you, come and follow Me, and I will give you mercy and grace to receive life everlasting.
By His great name, Jesus, He will send His Spirit to protect you and teach you the will of God for your life. Walk in the way the Spirit leads, and you will never have to wonder what it would have been like if you had just given more of yourself.
So, sing to Him a new song for the earth is full of His outrageous love for you. Let Him be your hiding place form the old nature within you that keeps you in a state of conflict and confusion. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently on Him.
Jesus gave you His Spirit so there would be no conflict in your heart. Rest in Him alone.
Why do I have conflicts going on inside my mind you might ask? It's because you also have within you the old sinful nature which may weaken your new nature in Christ. Are you living according to the old nature, or according to the new Spirit?
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on that of which nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit, have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God, but those who live by the Spirit have a life of peace.
Therefore, you have an obligation to live a life according to the Spirit. The choice is yours to make; will it be peace or conflict?
The Spirit of God will help you in your weakness. For instance, you may not know what you ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for you with words you cannot express. Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ, not hardships, persecutions, or dangers of the old nature. Paul says, "I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord", (Romans 8:38). No wonder we are considered more than conquerors.
God knew that you would have conflicts because that old nature is always lurking about. He knew you couldn't handle it by yourself, so He designed a way that seemed strange to us, the mystery of the cross. He sent His Son to become flesh and rescue your soul from death. The hand that reaches out for you has been pierced with nails. The voice that cried out, "My God, My God why have you forsaken Me?" says to you, come and follow Me, and I will give you mercy and grace to receive life everlasting.
By His great name, Jesus, He will send His Spirit to protect you and teach you the will of God for your life. Walk in the way the Spirit leads, and you will never have to wonder what it would have been like if you had just given more of yourself.
So, sing to Him a new song for the earth is full of His outrageous love for you. Let Him be your hiding place form the old nature within you that keeps you in a state of conflict and confusion. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently on Him.
Jesus gave you His Spirit so there would be no conflict in your heart. Rest in Him alone.
Romans 8 Psalm 37 Natalie Grant 4HIM Selah
A Reason to Believe
Remember that at one time you were separate from Christ, without hope, without God in the world. You lived in your sins and transgressions and followed the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. We were like that at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinning nature. We were, by nature, children of wrath.
But, He can set you free from this prison you and the powers that be on this earth have built around you. God knows your heart and your ways. Your days are like a breath; your days like a fleeting shadow. Ask God to show you the way you should go... He will answer you and show you a new day that bursts from the heavens above.
God realized that you would need a Savior and a Spirit from above to transform you into a new creation. So, out of His mercy and love for you, He sent His Son to suffer and die on a Roman cross. By believing on the power of the cross and trusting in the blood of Jesus to save you, and reconcile you unto Himself. He will reach down from heaven and touch you, and give you a reason to believe.
God will raise you up with Christ and seat you with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in his kindness to you in Jesus.
You see it is by grace you have been saved through faith in Jesus---and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God---not by works, so that no one can boast. For you are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Once you were far away, but now you have been brought near by the blood of Jesus.
At the cross He beckoned me, and as I saw Him hanging between heaven and earth, I became so lost in love that I became "sweetly broken, wholly surrendered", He was so bruised and crushed, yet he reached out and said "you are forgiven". I was taken in by His outrageous love for me, through His crucifixion and death, He gave me:
But, He can set you free from this prison you and the powers that be on this earth have built around you. God knows your heart and your ways. Your days are like a breath; your days like a fleeting shadow. Ask God to show you the way you should go... He will answer you and show you a new day that bursts from the heavens above.
God realized that you would need a Savior and a Spirit from above to transform you into a new creation. So, out of His mercy and love for you, He sent His Son to suffer and die on a Roman cross. By believing on the power of the cross and trusting in the blood of Jesus to save you, and reconcile you unto Himself. He will reach down from heaven and touch you, and give you a reason to believe.
God will raise you up with Christ and seat you with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in his kindness to you in Jesus.
You see it is by grace you have been saved through faith in Jesus---and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God---not by works, so that no one can boast. For you are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Once you were far away, but now you have been brought near by the blood of Jesus.
At the cross He beckoned me, and as I saw Him hanging between heaven and earth, I became so lost in love that I became "sweetly broken, wholly surrendered", He was so bruised and crushed, yet he reached out and said "you are forgiven". I was taken in by His outrageous love for me, through His crucifixion and death, He gave me:
"A Reason to Believe"
He gave me all He had, now I will give Him all I have; with honor and love. Bless me with your Spirit Lord, so that I may know You and Jesus Christ, and be filled up with the Holy Spirit. All that I need is to be with you in the Holy depths of Your heart.
MercyMe Jeremy Riddle Psalm 144 Ephesians 2, 3 Rod Stewart
Created to be Like God
I know I was created by God, however, in my wildest dreams could I ever imagine that I was created to be like God. That's a tall order, so here are some starting points:
To know love that surpasses knowledge that I may know the fullness of Him.
Put off my old self to be made new in the attitude of my mind.
Put on the new self in true righteousness and holiness.
Be very careful of how I live---making the most of every opportunity.
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them.
Be slow to anger and rich in love, being gracious and compassionate.
Uphold the cause of the oppressed and give food to the hungry.
Watch over the alien and sustain the fatherless and the widow.
The tall order is to be imitators of God; therefore, there must not be a hint of sexual immorality, impurity, or greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.
If I live like that, things around me will start to change; my life will become beautiful because of who I am imitating. Instead of always asking for God's blessings, I can be the one who is used by Him to bring blessings to others without realizing it.
But I don't know where to begin; I feel the world caving in around me. I try but I can't control this fear inside; so where do I go from here?
As I pray I hear a distant voice "Be filled with the Holy Spirit"...
"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.".
After all, you were:
"Created to be Like God".
Isaiah 26:19, 60:1 MIKESCHAIR Psalms 145, 146 Ephesians 3, 4, 5
Francesca Battistelli
A Light Has Dawned
You may be wondering, "What am I doing here in the middle of this hopeless mess called life? What's the use, why am I here anyway? Does anyone really care?". Your life is going around in circles and seems to lead nowhere.
Fact is, you are not alone. Most people, including Christians are in the same boat with you, waiting for something to happen. They don't have a clue about why they are here and much less God's will for their lives and are spiritually bankrupt.
My question to you is, where are you looking, up or down? Most are looking toward the earth and see only darkness and distress and fearful gloom. However, if you are willing to look up for a change, there will be no more gloom and fearfulness. You, among those who continue to look down, will see a great light shining though you feel like you have been living in the shadow of death, "A Light Has Dawned". You finally realize that only God has all the answers for your life.
A new day has begun as you realize, Jesus saves. You will rejoice when you know that you can trust in Him and not be afraid anymore. You will feel like shouting out, "The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation!".
Everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. Isaiah 26:19 says, "Wake up, O sleeper, rise form the dead, and Christ will shine on you.". You need to grasp how wide and long, and high and deep is the love Christ has for you.
Jesus knows about your struggles, and knows that they are not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. He has got you covered with a full set of armor that will protect you. You can stand firm with your belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness in place; and the shield of faith. Then, most importantly for anyone experiencing struggles, take up the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Now, you will not feel alone with life's problems and you can call out "Hold Me Jesus" and He will be right there. He will let His light shine on you, giving you grace and understanding. And you will know your new happiness and freedom are there because:
Fact is, you are not alone. Most people, including Christians are in the same boat with you, waiting for something to happen. They don't have a clue about why they are here and much less God's will for their lives and are spiritually bankrupt.
My question to you is, where are you looking, up or down? Most are looking toward the earth and see only darkness and distress and fearful gloom. However, if you are willing to look up for a change, there will be no more gloom and fearfulness. You, among those who continue to look down, will see a great light shining though you feel like you have been living in the shadow of death, "A Light Has Dawned". You finally realize that only God has all the answers for your life.
A new day has begun as you realize, Jesus saves. You will rejoice when you know that you can trust in Him and not be afraid anymore. You will feel like shouting out, "The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation!".
Everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. Isaiah 26:19 says, "Wake up, O sleeper, rise form the dead, and Christ will shine on you.". You need to grasp how wide and long, and high and deep is the love Christ has for you.
Jesus knows about your struggles, and knows that they are not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. He has got you covered with a full set of armor that will protect you. You can stand firm with your belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness in place; and the shield of faith. Then, most importantly for anyone experiencing struggles, take up the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Now, you will not feel alone with life's problems and you can call out "Hold Me Jesus" and He will be right there. He will let His light shine on you, giving you grace and understanding. And you will know your new happiness and freedom are there because:
"A Light Has Dawned"
And now you can see Jesus.
Proverbs 1-4 Ephesians 3-5 Rich Mullins Bebo Norman Isaiah 9 and 12
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