Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11
As I contemplate Christmas this week, and spurred on by some recent sermons at church, I've been thinking about the incarnation and about the child, born a King to die.
It really is a glorious truth that is hard to fully wrap my mind around - that the King of the Universe would leave His majestic throne to come to earth and live as a man, and then humbly obey His Father even to the point of death on a cross in order to take the sins of the world upon His body.
This, this is Christ the King! Jesus is God - and while He was here on earth, He was fully man as well. He is equal to God - the exact representation of Him, as the writer of Hebrews tells us.
And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. Hebrews 1:3
No wonder the shepherds guard and angels sing! This is Christ the King!
May favorite verse of this carol is the second one which reminds us of this great truth - Jesus, the Word made flesh, bore the cross for me and you.
Although Jesus is God, the Scriptures tell us that He did not use His position for selfish advantage. Instead, as the passage from Philippians (above) tells us, He emptied Himself. This doesn't mean that He emptied Himself of His deity - quite the contrary! He didn't subtract His deity but He ADDED humanity. And he never stopped giving of Himself even to the point of emptying Himself.
And He did it for you and me, so that through His emptiness - through His poverty - we would become rich!
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. II Corinthians 8:9
He did this through the incarnation - by becoming a man He then gave His life so that we would have life.
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28
Nails and spear shall pierce Him through. Jesus was a man - his flesh could be speared - and when it was, blood and water flowed out to prove that He was dead.
But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. John 19:34
He bore the cross for me and you.
And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. I Peter 2:24
By His wounds, you are healed! Through Jesus' obedience on the cross, God canceled the decree of debt against us.
When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14
The King of Kings salvation brings!
For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. I Thessalonians 5:9-10
This King of Kings, born as a baby, entered the world through a human mother and was laid to rest in a manger. He humbled Himself from the very beginning! But His serving and giving continued through His whole life. That's why Paul admonishes us to "have the same attitude."
As you enjoy Christmas this week, think about the King of Kings, born a baby, who humbled Himself for you and for me. And then meditate on what it means for you to "have the same attitude" and let the Holy Spirit work in you that you may become more and more like Jesus.
What Child is This?
Words by William Dix
What child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Thursday, November 21, 2013
The Lord is Rich and Merciful
In my opinion, these are two of the most powerful words in the Bible: But God.
They are used most frequently by Paul and it seems as if he wants to remind us that we're not in control here. But God.
In one instance, in the book of Acts, Luke starts by quoting Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Peter reminds the Jews that they nailed Jesus to the cross, but He didn't stay dead forever. But God.
This Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. Acts 2:23-24
But God raised Him up again! In Paul's exhortation in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, he delivers the same message Peter did earlier.
When they had carried out all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tombtombtomb. But God raised Him from the dead; and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. Acts 13:29-31
But God. Not only did God raise Jesus from the dead, but in His predestined plan He arranged for Jesus to appear to many so that they could be witnesses of His Lordship.
There's good news in these two little words: But God.
For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8
But God demonstrates His love for us. While others would hardly die for a righteous man, God sends His son to die while we were YET sinners. He didn't wait for us to get better, to become perfect, to quit sinning. But God!
And again! When we were dead, He made us alive together with Christ.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:3-7
But God, whose very character is RICH in mercy, and because He loves us, even while we were yet sinners, did all of this:
1) made us alive with Christ
2) saved us by grace
3) raised us up with Christ
4) seated us with Christ in the heavenly places
and why? So that in the future He might show us the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us! This list is absolutely overwhelming. But God.
This "But God" phenomenon isn't limited to the most amazing gift that He's given us: Jesus Christ. It works itself out in daily life, in big and small ways. I can think of so many instances in my own life that I thought things were going one way and then, "But God." His ways are higher than my ways, and He intervenes at just the right time. He shows me where my plans are not according to His plan, and He sets me on a straight path.
I am so thankful for these "But God" moments. I am so thankful for a heavenly Father who knows me, loves me, and works things together for my good and His glory.
The Lord is Rich and Merciful
Words by Thomas Lynch
The Lord is rich and merciful,
The Lord is very kind;
O come to Him, come now to Him,
With a believing mind!
His comforts, they shall strengthen thee,
Like flowing waters cool;
And He shall for thy spirit be
A fountain ever full.
The Lord is glorious and strong
Our God is very high;
O trust in Him, trust now in Him,
And have security;
He shall be to thee like the sea,
And thou shalt surely feel
His wind, that bloweth healthily
Thy sicknesses to heal.
The Lord is wonderful and wise,
As all the ages tell;
O learn of Him, learn now of Him,
Then with thee it is well;
And with His light thou shalt be blest,
Therein to work and live;
And He shall be to thee a rest
When evening hours arrive.
They are used most frequently by Paul and it seems as if he wants to remind us that we're not in control here. But God.
In one instance, in the book of Acts, Luke starts by quoting Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Peter reminds the Jews that they nailed Jesus to the cross, but He didn't stay dead forever. But God.
This Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. Acts 2:23-24
But God raised Him up again! In Paul's exhortation in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, he delivers the same message Peter did earlier.
When they had carried out all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tombtombtomb. But God raised Him from the dead; and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. Acts 13:29-31
But God. Not only did God raise Jesus from the dead, but in His predestined plan He arranged for Jesus to appear to many so that they could be witnesses of His Lordship.
There's good news in these two little words: But God.
For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8
But God demonstrates His love for us. While others would hardly die for a righteous man, God sends His son to die while we were YET sinners. He didn't wait for us to get better, to become perfect, to quit sinning. But God!
And again! When we were dead, He made us alive together with Christ.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:3-7
But God, whose very character is RICH in mercy, and because He loves us, even while we were yet sinners, did all of this:
1) made us alive with Christ
2) saved us by grace
3) raised us up with Christ
4) seated us with Christ in the heavenly places
and why? So that in the future He might show us the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us! This list is absolutely overwhelming. But God.
This "But God" phenomenon isn't limited to the most amazing gift that He's given us: Jesus Christ. It works itself out in daily life, in big and small ways. I can think of so many instances in my own life that I thought things were going one way and then, "But God." His ways are higher than my ways, and He intervenes at just the right time. He shows me where my plans are not according to His plan, and He sets me on a straight path.
I am so thankful for these "But God" moments. I am so thankful for a heavenly Father who knows me, loves me, and works things together for my good and His glory.
The Lord is Rich and Merciful
Words by Thomas Lynch
The Lord is rich and merciful,
The Lord is very kind;
O come to Him, come now to Him,
With a believing mind!
His comforts, they shall strengthen thee,
Like flowing waters cool;
And He shall for thy spirit be
A fountain ever full.
The Lord is glorious and strong
Our God is very high;
O trust in Him, trust now in Him,
And have security;
He shall be to thee like the sea,
And thou shalt surely feel
His wind, that bloweth healthily
Thy sicknesses to heal.
The Lord is wonderful and wise,
As all the ages tell;
O learn of Him, learn now of Him,
Then with thee it is well;
And with His light thou shalt be blest,
Therein to work and live;
And He shall be to thee a rest
When evening hours arrive.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
The Word of God Shall Stand
Today is Reformation Day - the day we remember Martin Luther nailing his 95 theses to the church door to spur debate about the practices of the church, namely the selling of indulgences. Luther had several points to make - including the glorious truth of justification - that God accepts us by grace alone, through faith alone, on the basis of Christ alone. One of his other points was a significant one - that the Scriptures are our only final authority.
The Word of God shall ever stand!
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8
God has purposed for His Word to endure - even when and if it is stormed by every foe, engaged by all the powers of hell and hosts of sin. No power can overthrow it. His changeless Word will prevail.
God's Word has stood, and it will stand. The Scriptures are our authority for how to grow, how to think, how to love, how to act, how to LIVE. The Scriptures provide all we need to be equipped for every good work that God has planned for us to do.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. II Timothy 3:16-17
The Word of God convicts us of sin - it is living and active, and judges our hearts!
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
God's Word lights our way so that we know how to walk.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
And God's Word provides encouragement. As we read about what happened to saints and sinners who have gone before, we see God's faithfulness over generations and generations.
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4
As we see how the saints before us persevered, it gives us hope that we, too, can persevere through this sinful generation until Jesus calls us home.
Since Scripture is our final authority, I encourage you to study it and know it - let it dwell in your heart richly!
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16
The Word of God Shall Stand
Words by Frank Huston
The Word of God shall ever stand,
Though stormed by every foe;
Upheld by His almighty hand,
No powers can overthrow.
Though all the powers of hell engage,
And hosts of sin assail
God’s wondrous might, His changeless Word
Shall evermore prevail.
Refrain
The Word of God shall stand,
Shall stand unchanged forever;
In every clime and land
The world shall own its sway.
The Word of God shall stand,
Its foes can change it never;
Though Heav’n and earth may pass away,
God’s Word shall stand forever.
God’s Word has stood the fiery darts
Of all the sinful world;
And skeptics all through ages past
Their fiercest blows have hurled;
It stands unmoved, a mighty rock,
’Gainst cruel hate and scorn,
To bless the nations of the earth,
And nations yet unborn.
Then sound we forth His glorious Word
To souls of all the earth,
To tell them of the Father’s love,
And Jesus’ matchless worth.
It is the Spirit’s mighty sword
No power on earth can stay;
Though Heav’n and earth may be removed,
God’s Word shall stand for aye.
The Word of God shall ever stand!
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8
God has purposed for His Word to endure - even when and if it is stormed by every foe, engaged by all the powers of hell and hosts of sin. No power can overthrow it. His changeless Word will prevail.
God's Word has stood, and it will stand. The Scriptures are our authority for how to grow, how to think, how to love, how to act, how to LIVE. The Scriptures provide all we need to be equipped for every good work that God has planned for us to do.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. II Timothy 3:16-17
The Word of God convicts us of sin - it is living and active, and judges our hearts!
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
God's Word lights our way so that we know how to walk.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
And God's Word provides encouragement. As we read about what happened to saints and sinners who have gone before, we see God's faithfulness over generations and generations.
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4
As we see how the saints before us persevered, it gives us hope that we, too, can persevere through this sinful generation until Jesus calls us home.
Since Scripture is our final authority, I encourage you to study it and know it - let it dwell in your heart richly!
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16
The Word of God Shall Stand
Words by Frank Huston
The Word of God shall ever stand,
Though stormed by every foe;
Upheld by His almighty hand,
No powers can overthrow.
Though all the powers of hell engage,
And hosts of sin assail
God’s wondrous might, His changeless Word
Shall evermore prevail.
Refrain
The Word of God shall stand,
Shall stand unchanged forever;
In every clime and land
The world shall own its sway.
The Word of God shall stand,
Its foes can change it never;
Though Heav’n and earth may pass away,
God’s Word shall stand forever.
God’s Word has stood the fiery darts
Of all the sinful world;
And skeptics all through ages past
Their fiercest blows have hurled;
It stands unmoved, a mighty rock,
’Gainst cruel hate and scorn,
To bless the nations of the earth,
And nations yet unborn.
Then sound we forth His glorious Word
To souls of all the earth,
To tell them of the Father’s love,
And Jesus’ matchless worth.
It is the Spirit’s mighty sword
No power on earth can stay;
Though Heav’n and earth may be removed,
God’s Word shall stand for aye.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Blessed are the Souls that Hear and Know
How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O Lord, they walk in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all the day, and by Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength, and by Your favor our horn is exalted. Psalm 89:15-17
I was so moved in church this past weekend, hearing a wonderful story about the spread of the gospel to a remote people group in Asia. More than 120 years ago, my church sent a missionary couple to go to this people group - people who were self-described as wicked savages. Their language had not yet been written down, and this missionary couple left their comfortable life in the Midwest (as comfortable as it could be in 1890!) to ensure that these people would hear the gospel. They were obeying Jesus' command:
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." Mark 16:15
For 37 years, this couple learned the language, wrote it down, preached sermons, discipled the people, translated the Bible and introduced men, women and children to the gospel. Their goal was that the people would turn from their wickedness to the living God.
“Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them." Acts 14:15
The beautiful story of the gospel can transform hearts and lives. This story, about Jesus, who died for our sins, was buried, rose again, and was seen by many people before returning to heaven, has saving and sanctifying power.
Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. I Corinthians 15:1-8
The missionaries in this story faithfully served their Lord and Savior for nearly 40 years before coming back to the United States and going home to be with the Lord. But their work is still reaping great rewards! Of the 600,000 people in the group in Asia, 500,000 are now believers! They have an active and living church, and are sending missionaries out among other people groups in their region to spread the gospel.
Certainly, these souls are blessed who heard the gospel's joyful sound and their joy is bearing their spirits up through their Redeemer's name. Our Lord gladly gave them salvation and their, and our King, lives forever! Glory be to His name!
Blessed are the Souls that Hear and Know
Words by Isaac Watts
Blessed are the souls that hear and know
That Gospel’s joyful sound;
Peace shall attend the path they go,
And light their steps surround.
Their joy shall bear their spirits up
Through their Redeemer’s name;
His righteousness exalts their hope,
Nor Satan dare condemn.
The Lord, our glory and defense,
Strength and salvation gives;
Israel, thy King for ever reigns,
Thy God for ever lives.
I was so moved in church this past weekend, hearing a wonderful story about the spread of the gospel to a remote people group in Asia. More than 120 years ago, my church sent a missionary couple to go to this people group - people who were self-described as wicked savages. Their language had not yet been written down, and this missionary couple left their comfortable life in the Midwest (as comfortable as it could be in 1890!) to ensure that these people would hear the gospel. They were obeying Jesus' command:
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." Mark 16:15
For 37 years, this couple learned the language, wrote it down, preached sermons, discipled the people, translated the Bible and introduced men, women and children to the gospel. Their goal was that the people would turn from their wickedness to the living God.
“Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them." Acts 14:15
The beautiful story of the gospel can transform hearts and lives. This story, about Jesus, who died for our sins, was buried, rose again, and was seen by many people before returning to heaven, has saving and sanctifying power.
Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. I Corinthians 15:1-8
The missionaries in this story faithfully served their Lord and Savior for nearly 40 years before coming back to the United States and going home to be with the Lord. But their work is still reaping great rewards! Of the 600,000 people in the group in Asia, 500,000 are now believers! They have an active and living church, and are sending missionaries out among other people groups in their region to spread the gospel.
Certainly, these souls are blessed who heard the gospel's joyful sound and their joy is bearing their spirits up through their Redeemer's name. Our Lord gladly gave them salvation and their, and our King, lives forever! Glory be to His name!
Blessed are the Souls that Hear and Know
Words by Isaac Watts
Blessed are the souls that hear and know
That Gospel’s joyful sound;
Peace shall attend the path they go,
And light their steps surround.
Their joy shall bear their spirits up
Through their Redeemer’s name;
His righteousness exalts their hope,
Nor Satan dare condemn.
The Lord, our glory and defense,
Strength and salvation gives;
Israel, thy King for ever reigns,
Thy God for ever lives.
Friday, August 23, 2013
O Wisdom, Precious Wisdom
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! Romans 11:33
As a new school year gets underway, I thought it would be edifying to look at the idea of wisdom. As we train up children in how they should go, we want to not only help them become well-read and educated, but also wise according to God's standard. We want them to be able to live in the world as God's children, knowing what it is to be wise and to act with wisdom.
The Bible has a lot to say about wisdom.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 111:10
To start, we must fear the Lord. This doesn't mean being scared of Him, it means approaching Him with awe and reverence. As C. S. Lewis describes it, this kind of fear is filled with awe, in which you "feel wonder and a certain shrinking" or "a sense of inadequacy to cope with such a visitant of or prostration before it." It is a fear that comes forth out of love for the Lord. This verse tells us that we act wisely when we are influenced by the fear of the Lord. When we understand our position in relation to His, we can make good, wise decisions.
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. Proverbs 3:13
Proverbs tells us that those who find wisdom and gain understanding are blessed. I can think of a couple of reasons why those who find true wisdom would be happy: true wisdom comes from the knowledge and love of God, and those who love Him do His will and are conformed to His truths and laws. I am happiest when I am living a life of obedience. And that obedience brings wisdom.
For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
The Lord is also the One who gives us wisdom. He is the ultimate Wise One, and from Him we get knowledge and understanding. How do we get this? By listening to His voice! And we hear His voice most readily when we read His word. So, to receive the wisdom, knowledge and understanding that our Lord has, and wants to impart to us, we must become students of His word and actively engage with Him through the reading and study of the Bible.
Why would we want to do this? Why should we seek after wisdom and aim to become wise? Proverbs has answers for us.
For wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her. Proverbs 8:11
All desirable things cannot compare! When we are wise, and our lives demonstrate wisdom, the true wisdom that is from knowing God, it is better than wearing jewels and precious stones of the greatest value - we show the value of wisdom which is greater than the value of things of this world. This verse also encourages us in how our time should be spent - seeking the things that are above - the wisdom of God - instead of the things that are of this world, like precious jewels. When we attain Godly wisdom, it is far more valuable than even the most precious of metals.
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. Proverbs 16:16
Solomon is bold in his exclamation about the value of wisdom - HOW MUCH BETTER it is than gold! Heavenly wisdom is for sure better than worldly wealth, and as Christians, there is a soul-satisfying element of attaining wisdom, which is not only preferable, but more beneficial, than worldly things.
Know that wisdom is thus for your soul; if you find it, then there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 24:14
Here, the writer is comparing honey, which is good and sweet to taste, to wisdom, which is good for the soul. I love this verse because it gives us a promise if we work hard to attain wisdom. The promise is that we will have a future, and our hope will not be cut off. This is an encouragement as we work to become wise, and as we encourage our children in seeking after wisdom. There will be a future! Our Lord has promised. And we would be wise to trust and obey.
O Wisdom, Precious Wisdom
Words by Deborah Blossom
Oh wisdom, precious wisdom,
We sing in praise of thee;
Thy ways are surely pleasant,
Thy works we wondering see.
There’s pleasure in the seeking,
And those who seek may find,
Within thy halls of learning
A cultivated mind.
To Thee, the God of wisdom,
Let grateful praise abound,
For now within our churches,
Fair learning’s court is found.
And he who longs for knowledge,
That He may work for Thee,
Can find in school and college
An education free.
The power of mind is mighty
If it be used aright,
And Christian education
Can best bestow this might.
So let us gain the scepter
And throne of true success
That waits for those who’re worthy
Its honors to possess.
As a new school year gets underway, I thought it would be edifying to look at the idea of wisdom. As we train up children in how they should go, we want to not only help them become well-read and educated, but also wise according to God's standard. We want them to be able to live in the world as God's children, knowing what it is to be wise and to act with wisdom.
The Bible has a lot to say about wisdom.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 111:10
To start, we must fear the Lord. This doesn't mean being scared of Him, it means approaching Him with awe and reverence. As C. S. Lewis describes it, this kind of fear is filled with awe, in which you "feel wonder and a certain shrinking" or "a sense of inadequacy to cope with such a visitant of or prostration before it." It is a fear that comes forth out of love for the Lord. This verse tells us that we act wisely when we are influenced by the fear of the Lord. When we understand our position in relation to His, we can make good, wise decisions.
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. Proverbs 3:13
Proverbs tells us that those who find wisdom and gain understanding are blessed. I can think of a couple of reasons why those who find true wisdom would be happy: true wisdom comes from the knowledge and love of God, and those who love Him do His will and are conformed to His truths and laws. I am happiest when I am living a life of obedience. And that obedience brings wisdom.
For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
The Lord is also the One who gives us wisdom. He is the ultimate Wise One, and from Him we get knowledge and understanding. How do we get this? By listening to His voice! And we hear His voice most readily when we read His word. So, to receive the wisdom, knowledge and understanding that our Lord has, and wants to impart to us, we must become students of His word and actively engage with Him through the reading and study of the Bible.
Why would we want to do this? Why should we seek after wisdom and aim to become wise? Proverbs has answers for us.
For wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her. Proverbs 8:11
All desirable things cannot compare! When we are wise, and our lives demonstrate wisdom, the true wisdom that is from knowing God, it is better than wearing jewels and precious stones of the greatest value - we show the value of wisdom which is greater than the value of things of this world. This verse also encourages us in how our time should be spent - seeking the things that are above - the wisdom of God - instead of the things that are of this world, like precious jewels. When we attain Godly wisdom, it is far more valuable than even the most precious of metals.
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. Proverbs 16:16
Solomon is bold in his exclamation about the value of wisdom - HOW MUCH BETTER it is than gold! Heavenly wisdom is for sure better than worldly wealth, and as Christians, there is a soul-satisfying element of attaining wisdom, which is not only preferable, but more beneficial, than worldly things.
Know that wisdom is thus for your soul; if you find it, then there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 24:14
Here, the writer is comparing honey, which is good and sweet to taste, to wisdom, which is good for the soul. I love this verse because it gives us a promise if we work hard to attain wisdom. The promise is that we will have a future, and our hope will not be cut off. This is an encouragement as we work to become wise, and as we encourage our children in seeking after wisdom. There will be a future! Our Lord has promised. And we would be wise to trust and obey.
O Wisdom, Precious Wisdom
Words by Deborah Blossom
Oh wisdom, precious wisdom,
We sing in praise of thee;
Thy ways are surely pleasant,
Thy works we wondering see.
There’s pleasure in the seeking,
And those who seek may find,
Within thy halls of learning
A cultivated mind.
To Thee, the God of wisdom,
Let grateful praise abound,
For now within our churches,
Fair learning’s court is found.
And he who longs for knowledge,
That He may work for Thee,
Can find in school and college
An education free.
The power of mind is mighty
If it be used aright,
And Christian education
Can best bestow this might.
So let us gain the scepter
And throne of true success
That waits for those who’re worthy
Its honors to possess.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
I'll Work for Thee
I am Your servant. Psalm 143:12
I work in an academic setting, and even though I work year-round, there is a certain new energy and pace of work that comes with the new school year (starting next week!). As I think about my work, I've been meditating on one of my favorite verses, and a verse that can bring you great encouragement - and hope - in your work as well.
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do.
Notice that Paul doesn't say "when you do what you like" or "when you enjoy your work." He says WHATEVER YOU DO.
This likely will require a change in attitude, and I am preaching to myself as much as to anyone else...we must work as for the Lord, because we will receive our reward from Him. It is Him whom we serve.
So, even if you have a boss who is disagreeable, or a task that is undesirable, you can still work heartily. You can do this because you are serving your Father through the work you do.
And He deserves our service - as this hymnwriter says, we are mortals who have been set free from our sin - mortals with shortening days who are permitted to work and praise! What a privilege we have the serve the One who gave Himself up for us! And to praise Him while we're at it! Paul reminds the Colossians that praising, giving thanks, is an important part of our work.
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17
Look - there's that familiar phrase: WHATEVER YOU DO. Do all in the name of your Lord, giving thanks!
He also deserves our best effort - our hearty work. He is our dearest friend, on whom our every hope depends!
For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth. Psalm 71:5
But as for me, I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more. Psalm 71:14
Because we work for the Lord, we can boast - not a vain boast, but a boast in Him.
Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God. Psalm 20:7
We may not boast in chariots or horses, but we may be tempted to boast in computers, presentations - things that help us "win the battle" at work. However, we should choose to boast in the Lord - the one who has gifted us and given us our abilities to do our work and do it well.
But be careful to boast appropriately and give credit where credit is due - you do not want to be like a cloud without rain.
Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely. Proverbs 25:14
Paul also exhorts us to boast carefully - and not to compare ourselves with others.
For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. Galatians 6:3-4
When we boast in the Lord, our boasting is not in vain. And when we work for the Lord, we're giving Him glory for what He has done for us. He came to earth to die for us, to save us from our sins. And He has prepared good work for us to do.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
Let's work for Him!
I'll Work for Thee
Words by William Fawcett
Jesus, and may I work for Thee,
A mortal man from sin set free,
A mortal man with shortening days,
Permitted thus to work and praise?
Refrain
I’ll work for Thee, I’ll work for Thee
Yes, dearest Lord, I’ll work for Thee.
To work for Thee, the Morning Star
That saw me lost, and from afar
Shed o’er my soul a light divine,
And comforted this heart of mine.
To work for Thee, my dearest friend,
On whom my every hope depends;
Who washed away my earthly shame,
And gave to me a new, best name.
I’ll work for Thee, Thou blessed One,
Eternal God, eternal Son,
And boast, but never boast in vain,
I’ll work for Him who once was slain.
I work in an academic setting, and even though I work year-round, there is a certain new energy and pace of work that comes with the new school year (starting next week!). As I think about my work, I've been meditating on one of my favorite verses, and a verse that can bring you great encouragement - and hope - in your work as well.
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do.
Notice that Paul doesn't say "when you do what you like" or "when you enjoy your work." He says WHATEVER YOU DO.
This likely will require a change in attitude, and I am preaching to myself as much as to anyone else...we must work as for the Lord, because we will receive our reward from Him. It is Him whom we serve.
So, even if you have a boss who is disagreeable, or a task that is undesirable, you can still work heartily. You can do this because you are serving your Father through the work you do.
And He deserves our service - as this hymnwriter says, we are mortals who have been set free from our sin - mortals with shortening days who are permitted to work and praise! What a privilege we have the serve the One who gave Himself up for us! And to praise Him while we're at it! Paul reminds the Colossians that praising, giving thanks, is an important part of our work.
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17
Look - there's that familiar phrase: WHATEVER YOU DO. Do all in the name of your Lord, giving thanks!
He also deserves our best effort - our hearty work. He is our dearest friend, on whom our every hope depends!
For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth. Psalm 71:5
But as for me, I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more. Psalm 71:14
Because we work for the Lord, we can boast - not a vain boast, but a boast in Him.
Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God. Psalm 20:7
We may not boast in chariots or horses, but we may be tempted to boast in computers, presentations - things that help us "win the battle" at work. However, we should choose to boast in the Lord - the one who has gifted us and given us our abilities to do our work and do it well.
But be careful to boast appropriately and give credit where credit is due - you do not want to be like a cloud without rain.
Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely. Proverbs 25:14
Paul also exhorts us to boast carefully - and not to compare ourselves with others.
For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. Galatians 6:3-4
When we boast in the Lord, our boasting is not in vain. And when we work for the Lord, we're giving Him glory for what He has done for us. He came to earth to die for us, to save us from our sins. And He has prepared good work for us to do.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
Let's work for Him!
I'll Work for Thee
Words by William Fawcett
Jesus, and may I work for Thee,
A mortal man from sin set free,
A mortal man with shortening days,
Permitted thus to work and praise?
Refrain
I’ll work for Thee, I’ll work for Thee
Yes, dearest Lord, I’ll work for Thee.
To work for Thee, the Morning Star
That saw me lost, and from afar
Shed o’er my soul a light divine,
And comforted this heart of mine.
To work for Thee, my dearest friend,
On whom my every hope depends;
Who washed away my earthly shame,
And gave to me a new, best name.
I’ll work for Thee, Thou blessed One,
Eternal God, eternal Son,
And boast, but never boast in vain,
I’ll work for Him who once was slain.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Glorious Freedom, verse 4
As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Job 19:25
Paralyzing fear. Have you experienced it? As this hymn says, fear is a tormentor. But because of our freedom in Christ, we have been delivered from fear. Jesus reminds us that we don't need to be fearful because He has given us His peace.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27
And here's a reason not to fear - we've been adopted as God's children - we can call Him Father! We are free from our spirit of slavery and adopted into His family!
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15
What is the one thing most feared by most people? It is death. And when we fear death, we are like slaves to that fear - subject to slavery "all our lives" - paralyzed by fear. But there's hope -- Jesus' death made the devil, who had the power of death, powerless! Because of Jesus' death, we are FREE!
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. Hebrews 2:14-15
We also are free from fear about the future, even when the future may include hurt and suffering. We are urged to be faithful, and not fearful.
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10
And look at the reward for our faithfulness - the crown of life! We can be free of fear because we've been set free from our slavery to fear.
We are also set free from our slavery to care, or to worry. Worrying over things from little to big is nothing new for humans, we've been doing it for thousands of years. Jesus tells His followers repeatedly to not worry.
"Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’" Matthew 6:31
"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34
"But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say." Matthew 10:19
"If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters?" Luke 12:26
"And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying." Luke 12:29
Do not keep worrying. Clearly this was a pattern with people, just as it is today. Worry is really rooted in control. We worry because we cannot control everything. It is our sinful nature that seeks to control, but Christ's atonement has set us free from cares and their pain! We don't need to be a slave to worry anymore! He is on the throne, doing what He pleases.
Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps. Psalm 135:6
And we can trust the One who gave His life for us. It is no longer we who live, but Christ in us. Christ who has set us free. Hallelujah!
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20
Glorious Freedom
Words by Haldor Llineas
Once I was bound by sin’s galling fetters;
Chained like a slave, I struggled in vain.
But I received a glorious freedom,
When Jesus broke my fetters in twain.
Refrain
Glorious freedom! Wonderful freedom!
No more in chains of sin I repine!
Jesus the glorious Emancipator—
Now and forever He shall be mine.
Freedom from all the carnal affections;
Freedom from envy, hatred and strife;
Freedom from vain and worldly ambitions;
Freedom from all that saddened my life!
Freedom from pride and all sinful follies;
Freedom from love and glitter of gold;
Freedom from evil temper and anger;
Glorious freedom, rapture untold!
Freedom from fear with all of its torments;
Freedom from care with all of its pain;
Freedom in Christ, my blessed Redeemer—
He who has rent my fetters in twain.
Paralyzing fear. Have you experienced it? As this hymn says, fear is a tormentor. But because of our freedom in Christ, we have been delivered from fear. Jesus reminds us that we don't need to be fearful because He has given us His peace.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27
And here's a reason not to fear - we've been adopted as God's children - we can call Him Father! We are free from our spirit of slavery and adopted into His family!
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15
What is the one thing most feared by most people? It is death. And when we fear death, we are like slaves to that fear - subject to slavery "all our lives" - paralyzed by fear. But there's hope -- Jesus' death made the devil, who had the power of death, powerless! Because of Jesus' death, we are FREE!
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. Hebrews 2:14-15
We also are free from fear about the future, even when the future may include hurt and suffering. We are urged to be faithful, and not fearful.
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10
And look at the reward for our faithfulness - the crown of life! We can be free of fear because we've been set free from our slavery to fear.
We are also set free from our slavery to care, or to worry. Worrying over things from little to big is nothing new for humans, we've been doing it for thousands of years. Jesus tells His followers repeatedly to not worry.
"Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’" Matthew 6:31
"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34
"But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say." Matthew 10:19
"If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters?" Luke 12:26
"And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying." Luke 12:29
Do not keep worrying. Clearly this was a pattern with people, just as it is today. Worry is really rooted in control. We worry because we cannot control everything. It is our sinful nature that seeks to control, but Christ's atonement has set us free from cares and their pain! We don't need to be a slave to worry anymore! He is on the throne, doing what He pleases.
Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps. Psalm 135:6
And we can trust the One who gave His life for us. It is no longer we who live, but Christ in us. Christ who has set us free. Hallelujah!
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20
Glorious Freedom
Words by Haldor Llineas
Once I was bound by sin’s galling fetters;
Chained like a slave, I struggled in vain.
But I received a glorious freedom,
When Jesus broke my fetters in twain.
Refrain
Glorious freedom! Wonderful freedom!
No more in chains of sin I repine!
Jesus the glorious Emancipator—
Now and forever He shall be mine.
Freedom from all the carnal affections;
Freedom from envy, hatred and strife;
Freedom from vain and worldly ambitions;
Freedom from all that saddened my life!
Freedom from pride and all sinful follies;
Freedom from love and glitter of gold;
Freedom from evil temper and anger;
Glorious freedom, rapture untold!
Freedom from fear with all of its torments;
Freedom from care with all of its pain;
Freedom in Christ, my blessed Redeemer—
He who has rent my fetters in twain.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Glorious Freedom, verse 3
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
Freedom from pride and all sinful follies;
Freedom from love and glitter of gold;
Freedom from evil temper and anger;
Glorious freedom, rapture untold!
Today we continue to look at and meditate on what Christ has set us free from - and I hope you will rejoice with me that we do not have to be slaves to these things! It is for freedom that Christ set us free!
We have freedom from pride. The Bible warns us about pride, and exhorts us to embrace the opposite: humility.
When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. Proverbs 29:23
Jesus, our Savior, was the ultimate example of someone who could have been proud, but was not. Paul tells us that Jesus, even though He is God, did not consider being equal to God as something to crow about. Instead, He humbled Himself.
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8
Jesus' humility led Him to the cross, where He paid the price for our sin. Because of His death, we are set free from sinful follies. It won't take you long to find a list of sinful follies in God's word. As humans, we are apt to participate in any number of them, whether thought or deed.
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man. Mark 7:21-23
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. I John 2:16
Paul, in his letters to the new churches, encourages believers with how to think and act now that they have been set free. Instead of succumbing to sinful follies, believers are called to reject sin and embrace actions that show that we belong to Christ. These are good verses to consider memorizing so they are hidden in your heart and can be recited when you are tempted to sin.
But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices. Colossians 3:8-9
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:29-32
Christ has also set us free from the love of glitter and gold. Again, the Bible warns us about this folly.
He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:10
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. I Timothy 6:10
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
As Christians, we have the privilege of being stewards of the gifts God has given us - and that includes our jobs that provide our income. It's all God's money - and He entrusts it to us to make good decisions. And because of our faith, we can trust that God will provide for us what we need. We don't need to worry about what we will eat or wear - God cares for us and will provide, as Jesus told us!
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:25-33
We must first seek God's kingdom, making that our first priority. That, in itself, will set us free from the love of money and all that glitters. Another sinful folly is a hot temper and anger. Proverbs has much to say about anger, wisdom and prudence.
A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back. Proverbs 29:11
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29
A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man conceals dishonor. Proverbs 12:16
Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man,or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself. Proverbs 22:24-25
I really appreciate how King Solomon encourages us - do not be eager in your heart to be angry! He makes it clear that anger is a choice - a sinful folly.
Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9
There is a dire consequence for these sinful follies, including anger and its ripple effects of disputes, dissensions, factions and envying - those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God!
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
James provides us with a great alternative - be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.
But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20
James reminds us that getting angry doesn't achieve anything - most importantly of all, it does not achieve righteousness. "Quick to hear, slow to speak" is a mantra worth repeating!
Today, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude that I have been set free. I am no longer a slave to these things, these sinful follies, because Christ has set me free. Thank you, Lord!
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Romans 8:20-21
Glorious Freedom
Words by Haldor Llineas
Once I was bound by sin’s galling fetters;
Chained like a slave, I struggled in vain.
But I received a glorious freedom,
When Jesus broke my fetters in twain.
Refrain
Glorious freedom! Wonderful freedom!
No more in chains of sin I repine!
Jesus the glorious Emancipator—
Now and forever He shall be mine.
Freedom from all the carnal affections;
Freedom from envy, hatred and strife;
Freedom from vain and worldly ambitions;
Freedom from all that saddened my life!
Freedom from pride and all sinful follies;
Freedom from love and glitter of gold;
Freedom from evil temper and anger;
Glorious freedom, rapture untold!
Freedom from fear with all of its torments;
Freedom from care with all of its pain;
Freedom in Christ, my blessed Redeemer—
He who has rent my fetters in twain.
Freedom from pride and all sinful follies;
Freedom from love and glitter of gold;
Freedom from evil temper and anger;
Glorious freedom, rapture untold!
Today we continue to look at and meditate on what Christ has set us free from - and I hope you will rejoice with me that we do not have to be slaves to these things! It is for freedom that Christ set us free!
We have freedom from pride. The Bible warns us about pride, and exhorts us to embrace the opposite: humility.
When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. Proverbs 29:23
Jesus, our Savior, was the ultimate example of someone who could have been proud, but was not. Paul tells us that Jesus, even though He is God, did not consider being equal to God as something to crow about. Instead, He humbled Himself.
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8
Jesus' humility led Him to the cross, where He paid the price for our sin. Because of His death, we are set free from sinful follies. It won't take you long to find a list of sinful follies in God's word. As humans, we are apt to participate in any number of them, whether thought or deed.
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man. Mark 7:21-23
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. I John 2:16
Paul, in his letters to the new churches, encourages believers with how to think and act now that they have been set free. Instead of succumbing to sinful follies, believers are called to reject sin and embrace actions that show that we belong to Christ. These are good verses to consider memorizing so they are hidden in your heart and can be recited when you are tempted to sin.
But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices. Colossians 3:8-9
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:29-32
Christ has also set us free from the love of glitter and gold. Again, the Bible warns us about this folly.
He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:10
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. I Timothy 6:10
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
As Christians, we have the privilege of being stewards of the gifts God has given us - and that includes our jobs that provide our income. It's all God's money - and He entrusts it to us to make good decisions. And because of our faith, we can trust that God will provide for us what we need. We don't need to worry about what we will eat or wear - God cares for us and will provide, as Jesus told us!
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:25-33
We must first seek God's kingdom, making that our first priority. That, in itself, will set us free from the love of money and all that glitters. Another sinful folly is a hot temper and anger. Proverbs has much to say about anger, wisdom and prudence.
A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back. Proverbs 29:11
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29
A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man conceals dishonor. Proverbs 12:16
Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man,or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself. Proverbs 22:24-25
I really appreciate how King Solomon encourages us - do not be eager in your heart to be angry! He makes it clear that anger is a choice - a sinful folly.
Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9
There is a dire consequence for these sinful follies, including anger and its ripple effects of disputes, dissensions, factions and envying - those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God!
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
James provides us with a great alternative - be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.
But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20
James reminds us that getting angry doesn't achieve anything - most importantly of all, it does not achieve righteousness. "Quick to hear, slow to speak" is a mantra worth repeating!
Today, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude that I have been set free. I am no longer a slave to these things, these sinful follies, because Christ has set me free. Thank you, Lord!
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Romans 8:20-21
Glorious Freedom
Words by Haldor Llineas
Once I was bound by sin’s galling fetters;
Chained like a slave, I struggled in vain.
But I received a glorious freedom,
When Jesus broke my fetters in twain.
Refrain
Glorious freedom! Wonderful freedom!
No more in chains of sin I repine!
Jesus the glorious Emancipator—
Now and forever He shall be mine.
Freedom from all the carnal affections;
Freedom from envy, hatred and strife;
Freedom from vain and worldly ambitions;
Freedom from all that saddened my life!
Freedom from pride and all sinful follies;
Freedom from love and glitter of gold;
Freedom from evil temper and anger;
Glorious freedom, rapture untold!
Freedom from fear with all of its torments;
Freedom from care with all of its pain;
Freedom in Christ, my blessed Redeemer—
He who has rent my fetters in twain.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Glorious Freedom, verse 2
Jesus, through His death in my place has set me free. That is an amazing truth. But I think it's even more amazing to dig a little deeper and think about what He has set me free FROM - the writer of this hymn reminds us of just that - and it is QUITE a list.
We are free from carnal affections. This means that we are not slaves to fleshly sin - we are free! Paul reminds us what we were like before we had this freedom.
Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. Ephesians 2:3
We all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging ourselves. Can you relate to this? The continual indulging of our flesh only leads to death -- but great news -- because we now belong to Christ we can kill that flesh, the very flesh that is full of passions and desires can be held in check because we are not slaves to sin.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24
We have also been freed from our slavery to sin in regards to our relationships to other people - we are free from envy, hatred and strife. Again, before we had Christ, we were foolish, not only indulging our flesh but also hating one another!
For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. Titus 3:3
That's a horrible way to spend a life isn't it? Aren't you thankful that God freed you from that slavery? Luckily, the next few verses from that passage in Titus provide us with the good news. And it starts with one of my favorite words from the Bible: BUT.
But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7
We were spending our lives being disobedient, slaves to passion, and hateful BUT then the kindness of our God and Savior appeared. And He saved us, according to His mercy.
Even though we were spending our life being slaves to sin, He didn't hesitate to demonstrate His love for us.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Paul gives us some great alternatives to the way we used to live. Here's what we do now, since we belong to Him.
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:9-11
Let all that you do be done in love. I Corinthians 16:14
Love. Cling to what is good, give preference to one another, serve the Lord, and love. Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called!
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3
The Lord has set us free from worldly ambitions. These are things the world desires and aspires to. These worldly ambitions lead to desires of the flesh - and the Word promises us that those who participate and practice these things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21
Instead of worldly ambition, we have a different kind of ambition. As the result of being freed from our slavery, we have our ambition to be pleasing to the One who set us free.
Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. II Corinthians 5:9
In our old selves, when we were worldly minded, we didn't have the Spirit, and we caused divisions.
These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. Jude 1:19
BUT. Since through God's grace we have received salvation, He instructs us to deny our inherent worldliness and to live godly in our present age.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus. Titus 2:11-13
This truly is freedom from all that saddened my life. Glorious freedom, wonderful freedom, no more in chains of sin I repine! Hallelujah.
Glorious Freedom
Words by Haldor Llineas
Once I was bound by sin’s galling fetters;
Chained like a slave, I struggled in vain.
But I received a glorious freedom,
When Jesus broke my fetters in twain.
Refrain
Glorious freedom! Wonderful freedom!
No more in chains of sin I repine!
Jesus the glorious Emancipator—
Now and forever He shall be mine.
Freedom from all the carnal affections;
Freedom from envy, hatred and strife;
Freedom from vain and worldly ambitions;
Freedom from all that saddened my life!
Freedom from pride and all sinful follies;
Freedom from love and glitter of gold;
Freedom from evil temper and anger;
Glorious freedom, rapture untold!
Freedom from fear with all of its torments;
Freedom from care with all of its pain;
Freedom in Christ, my blessed Redeemer—
He who has rent my fetters in twain.
We are free from carnal affections. This means that we are not slaves to fleshly sin - we are free! Paul reminds us what we were like before we had this freedom.
Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. Ephesians 2:3
We all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging ourselves. Can you relate to this? The continual indulging of our flesh only leads to death -- but great news -- because we now belong to Christ we can kill that flesh, the very flesh that is full of passions and desires can be held in check because we are not slaves to sin.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24
We have also been freed from our slavery to sin in regards to our relationships to other people - we are free from envy, hatred and strife. Again, before we had Christ, we were foolish, not only indulging our flesh but also hating one another!
For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. Titus 3:3
That's a horrible way to spend a life isn't it? Aren't you thankful that God freed you from that slavery? Luckily, the next few verses from that passage in Titus provide us with the good news. And it starts with one of my favorite words from the Bible: BUT.
But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7
We were spending our lives being disobedient, slaves to passion, and hateful BUT then the kindness of our God and Savior appeared. And He saved us, according to His mercy.
Even though we were spending our life being slaves to sin, He didn't hesitate to demonstrate His love for us.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Paul gives us some great alternatives to the way we used to live. Here's what we do now, since we belong to Him.
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:9-11
Let all that you do be done in love. I Corinthians 16:14
Love. Cling to what is good, give preference to one another, serve the Lord, and love. Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called!
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3
The Lord has set us free from worldly ambitions. These are things the world desires and aspires to. These worldly ambitions lead to desires of the flesh - and the Word promises us that those who participate and practice these things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21
Instead of worldly ambition, we have a different kind of ambition. As the result of being freed from our slavery, we have our ambition to be pleasing to the One who set us free.
Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. II Corinthians 5:9
In our old selves, when we were worldly minded, we didn't have the Spirit, and we caused divisions.
These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. Jude 1:19
BUT. Since through God's grace we have received salvation, He instructs us to deny our inherent worldliness and to live godly in our present age.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus. Titus 2:11-13
This truly is freedom from all that saddened my life. Glorious freedom, wonderful freedom, no more in chains of sin I repine! Hallelujah.
Glorious Freedom
Words by Haldor Llineas
Once I was bound by sin’s galling fetters;
Chained like a slave, I struggled in vain.
But I received a glorious freedom,
When Jesus broke my fetters in twain.
Refrain
Glorious freedom! Wonderful freedom!
No more in chains of sin I repine!
Jesus the glorious Emancipator—
Now and forever He shall be mine.
Freedom from all the carnal affections;
Freedom from envy, hatred and strife;
Freedom from vain and worldly ambitions;
Freedom from all that saddened my life!
Freedom from pride and all sinful follies;
Freedom from love and glitter of gold;
Freedom from evil temper and anger;
Glorious freedom, rapture untold!
Freedom from fear with all of its torments;
Freedom from care with all of its pain;
Freedom in Christ, my blessed Redeemer—
He who has rent my fetters in twain.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Glorious Freedom
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
As we get ready to celebrate the freedoms that we have in our nation this week, I thought it would be beneficial to also look at the freedom that was bought for us with Jesus' blood. Everywhere around our country this week, people will gather with family and friends to eat, launch fireworks, watch a parade, celebrate independence and hopefully pause to remember what that means for us as citizens. We have freedoms in our country because people fought for them - and because many people lost their lives in order to guarantee them for us.
But more importantly, as Christians, we also are free! Before Jesus paid the price, we were slaves to sin, but His death on the cross has purchased our freedom. Now, THAT is something to celebrate!
When we were dead in our trespasses and sins, we were like the prisoners described in Psalm 107:
There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in misery and chains, because they had rebelled against the words of God and spurned the counsel of the Most High. Psalm 107:10-11
As slaves to sin, we struggled in vain because we could never live up to God's holy standard for our lives.
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. James 2:10
But God had a plan. He would send His sinless, perfect Son to die a cruel death that belonged to you and me. His atoning work on the cross ensured our freedom from slavery - slavery to sin that had us bound up in chains.
For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Romans 6:5-7
Jesus broke my fetters in twain! Hallelujah! This glorious, wonderful freedom breaks the bonds of sin. Jesus is my emancipator, having freed me from my former life.
So what is my response? Now and forever He shall be mine! I will live for Him for what He has done for me. Let's celebrate freedom!
(Join me back here in the next week or two as we look at the next verses of this hymn and more closely meditate on what we have been freed from - and what we are set free for!)
Glorious Freedom
Words by Haldor Llineas
Once I was bound by sin’s galling fetters;
Chained like a slave, I struggled in vain.
But I received a glorious freedom,
When Jesus broke my fetters in twain.
Refrain
Glorious freedom! Wonderful freedom!
No more in chains of sin I repine!
Jesus the glorious Emancipator—
Now and forever He shall be mine.
Freedom from all the carnal affections;
Freedom from envy, hatred and strife;
Freedom from vain and worldly ambitions;
Freedom from all that saddened my life!
Freedom from pride and all sinful follies;
Freedom from love and glitter of gold;
Freedom from evil temper and anger;
Glorious freedom, rapture untold!
Freedom from fear with all of its torments;
Freedom from care with all of its pain;
Freedom in Christ, my blessed Redeemer—
He who has rent my fetters in twain.
As we get ready to celebrate the freedoms that we have in our nation this week, I thought it would be beneficial to also look at the freedom that was bought for us with Jesus' blood. Everywhere around our country this week, people will gather with family and friends to eat, launch fireworks, watch a parade, celebrate independence and hopefully pause to remember what that means for us as citizens. We have freedoms in our country because people fought for them - and because many people lost their lives in order to guarantee them for us.
But more importantly, as Christians, we also are free! Before Jesus paid the price, we were slaves to sin, but His death on the cross has purchased our freedom. Now, THAT is something to celebrate!
When we were dead in our trespasses and sins, we were like the prisoners described in Psalm 107:
There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in misery and chains, because they had rebelled against the words of God and spurned the counsel of the Most High. Psalm 107:10-11
As slaves to sin, we struggled in vain because we could never live up to God's holy standard for our lives.
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. James 2:10
But God had a plan. He would send His sinless, perfect Son to die a cruel death that belonged to you and me. His atoning work on the cross ensured our freedom from slavery - slavery to sin that had us bound up in chains.
For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Romans 6:5-7
Jesus broke my fetters in twain! Hallelujah! This glorious, wonderful freedom breaks the bonds of sin. Jesus is my emancipator, having freed me from my former life.
So what is my response? Now and forever He shall be mine! I will live for Him for what He has done for me. Let's celebrate freedom!
(Join me back here in the next week or two as we look at the next verses of this hymn and more closely meditate on what we have been freed from - and what we are set free for!)
Glorious Freedom
Words by Haldor Llineas
Once I was bound by sin’s galling fetters;
Chained like a slave, I struggled in vain.
But I received a glorious freedom,
When Jesus broke my fetters in twain.
Refrain
Glorious freedom! Wonderful freedom!
No more in chains of sin I repine!
Jesus the glorious Emancipator—
Now and forever He shall be mine.
Freedom from all the carnal affections;
Freedom from envy, hatred and strife;
Freedom from vain and worldly ambitions;
Freedom from all that saddened my life!
Freedom from pride and all sinful follies;
Freedom from love and glitter of gold;
Freedom from evil temper and anger;
Glorious freedom, rapture untold!
Freedom from fear with all of its torments;
Freedom from care with all of its pain;
Freedom in Christ, my blessed Redeemer—
He who has rent my fetters in twain.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Let Us Praise and Adore
Praise the Lord in song, for He has done excellent things; Let this be known throughout the earth. Isaiah 12:5
I've been thinking and meditating on God's protection and power - His wonderful mercy, goodness and care. These are sometimes things that we take for granted, but there are times when I absolutely know that I have been physically saved by God's protection - close calls when driving, safety in storms, traveling mercies, etc.
I do not ever want to become complacent and un-praising about His wonderful mercy, His constant protection and His care for me.
You probably remember the Old Testament stories of God's protection of His people.
In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them; in His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, and He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:9
In many Psalms of David, he cries out and appeals to the Lord for protection from his enemy. David needed physical protection as well to be emotionally and spiritually "buffered" or built up in the face of his opposition. And the Lord provided.
How blessed is he who considers the helpless; the Lord will deliver him in a day of trouble. The Lord will protect him and keep him alive, and he shall be called blessed upon the earth; and do not give him over to the desire of his enemies. Psalm 41:1-2
You may not need to hide in a cave from your enemy, but the Lord's protection of you is just as real. Think of how many times you've been on an airplane that safely took off, flew to its destination, and safely came back down to the ground. Or the many times you've gone from home to work and back without incident. I'm sure most of us have been in dangerous situations, or situations that had the potential to be dangerous, and we were spared. He deserves our praise for that! Let us praise and adore Him for all He hath done!
But tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. Psalm 78:4
Let Us Praise and Adore
Words by Fannie Crosby
Let us sing of the wonderful mercy of God,
Of His constant protection and care;
Let our fervent devotions like incense arise,
When we gather before Him in prayer.
Refrain
Let us praise and adore Him for all He hath done,
Let us tell of His goodness and care;
Let our fervent devotions like incense arise,
When we gather before Him in prayer.
Let us sing of the wonderful gift of His grace,
That to us He has tenderly shown;
In the blessed communion with Jesus His Son,
That has brought us so near to His throne.
Let us pray that His blessing may follow us still,
That His light on our pathway may shine;
And at last, that our spirits made perfect in Him,
May inherit His kingdom divine.
I've been thinking and meditating on God's protection and power - His wonderful mercy, goodness and care. These are sometimes things that we take for granted, but there are times when I absolutely know that I have been physically saved by God's protection - close calls when driving, safety in storms, traveling mercies, etc.
I do not ever want to become complacent and un-praising about His wonderful mercy, His constant protection and His care for me.
You probably remember the Old Testament stories of God's protection of His people.
In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them; in His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, and He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:9
In many Psalms of David, he cries out and appeals to the Lord for protection from his enemy. David needed physical protection as well to be emotionally and spiritually "buffered" or built up in the face of his opposition. And the Lord provided.
How blessed is he who considers the helpless; the Lord will deliver him in a day of trouble. The Lord will protect him and keep him alive, and he shall be called blessed upon the earth; and do not give him over to the desire of his enemies. Psalm 41:1-2
You may not need to hide in a cave from your enemy, but the Lord's protection of you is just as real. Think of how many times you've been on an airplane that safely took off, flew to its destination, and safely came back down to the ground. Or the many times you've gone from home to work and back without incident. I'm sure most of us have been in dangerous situations, or situations that had the potential to be dangerous, and we were spared. He deserves our praise for that! Let us praise and adore Him for all He hath done!
But tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. Psalm 78:4
Let Us Praise and Adore
Words by Fannie Crosby
Let us sing of the wonderful mercy of God,
Of His constant protection and care;
Let our fervent devotions like incense arise,
When we gather before Him in prayer.
Refrain
Let us praise and adore Him for all He hath done,
Let us tell of His goodness and care;
Let our fervent devotions like incense arise,
When we gather before Him in prayer.
Let us sing of the wonderful gift of His grace,
That to us He has tenderly shown;
In the blessed communion with Jesus His Son,
That has brought us so near to His throne.
Let us pray that His blessing may follow us still,
That His light on our pathway may shine;
And at last, that our spirits made perfect in Him,
May inherit His kingdom divine.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Hallelujah! Jesus Lives! {verse 4}
Jesus lives! Our Redeemer is the Living One, who conquered death and now lives on high. Because of His atoning sacrifice, life eternal awaits those of us who have put our trust in Him. After singing these truths, it seems only appropriate that the next verse of this hymn would be one of unabashed praise.
Let all rejoice!
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; and shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart. Psalm 32:11
Praise Him, the ransomed of the earth.
Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones,and give thanks to His holy name. Psalm 30:4
Sing for joy in the Lord, O you righteous ones; praise is becoming to the upright. Psalm 33:1
Praise Him in a nobler song, cherubim of heavenly birth.
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts! Psalm 148:1-2
Praise the victor King, whose sway sin and death and hell obey.
Sing praises to our King, sing praises. Psalm 47:6
O sing to the Lord a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him. Psalm 98:1
Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!
Words by Carl Garve
Hallelujah! Jesus lives!
He is now the Living One;
From the gloomy halls of death
Christ, the conqueror, has gone,
Bright forerunner to the skies
Of His people, yet to rise.
Jesus lives! Why do you weep?
Why that sad and mournful sigh?
He who died our Brother here
Lives our Brother still on high.
Lives forever to bestow
Blessings on His church below.
Jesus lives! And thus, my soul,
Life eternal waits for you;
Joined to Him, your living head,
Where He is, you shall be, too;
With the Lord, at His right hand,
As a victor you shall stand.
Jesus lives! Let all rejoice.
Praise Him, ransomed of the earth.
Praise Him in a nobler song,
Cherubim of heavenly birth.
Praise the victor King, whose sway
Sin and death and hell obey.
Jesus lives! To Him my heart
Draws with ever new delight.
Earthly vanities, depart,
Hinder not my heavenward flight.
Let this spirit ever rise
To its Magnet in the skies.
Hallelujah! Angels, sing!
Join with us in hymns of praise.
Let your chorus swell the strain
Which our feebler voices raise;
Glory to our God above
And on earth His peace and love!
Let all rejoice!
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; and shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart. Psalm 32:11
Praise Him, the ransomed of the earth.
Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones,and give thanks to His holy name. Psalm 30:4
Sing for joy in the Lord, O you righteous ones; praise is becoming to the upright. Psalm 33:1
Praise Him in a nobler song, cherubim of heavenly birth.
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts! Psalm 148:1-2
Praise the victor King, whose sway sin and death and hell obey.
Sing praises to our King, sing praises. Psalm 47:6
O sing to the Lord a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him. Psalm 98:1
Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!
Words by Carl Garve
Hallelujah! Jesus lives!
He is now the Living One;
From the gloomy halls of death
Christ, the conqueror, has gone,
Bright forerunner to the skies
Of His people, yet to rise.
Jesus lives! Why do you weep?
Why that sad and mournful sigh?
He who died our Brother here
Lives our Brother still on high.
Lives forever to bestow
Blessings on His church below.
Jesus lives! And thus, my soul,
Life eternal waits for you;
Joined to Him, your living head,
Where He is, you shall be, too;
With the Lord, at His right hand,
As a victor you shall stand.
Jesus lives! Let all rejoice.
Praise Him, ransomed of the earth.
Praise Him in a nobler song,
Cherubim of heavenly birth.
Praise the victor King, whose sway
Sin and death and hell obey.
Jesus lives! To Him my heart
Draws with ever new delight.
Earthly vanities, depart,
Hinder not my heavenward flight.
Let this spirit ever rise
To its Magnet in the skies.
Hallelujah! Angels, sing!
Join with us in hymns of praise.
Let your chorus swell the strain
Which our feebler voices raise;
Glory to our God above
And on earth His peace and love!
Friday, April 12, 2013
Hallelujah! Jesus Lives! {verse 3}
In the last verse of this hymn, we are reminded that Jesus our brother, who died here on Earth, then rose again, now lives on high with our Heavenly Father. And now look at the glorious reassurance we receive from this stanza: because He lives, life eternal waits for you!
What could be more wonderful to look forward to than this?
Jesus lives! And thus, my soul,
Life eternal waits for you;
Joined to Him, your living head,
Where He is, you shall be, too;
With the Lord, at His right hand,
As a victor you shall stand.
God gives us life through His Son.
And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. I John 5:11
Those who believe in God's son have the promise of eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16
The benefit of our belief is being freed from sin, which results in continued holiness and our eventual eternal life.
But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. Romans 6:22
We are joined to Him!
Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4
Where He is, you shall be too!
In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going. John 14:2-4
With Your Lord, at His right hand, as a victor you shall stand!
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. I John 5:4
Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!
Words by Carl Garve
Hallelujah! Jesus lives!
He is now the Living One;
From the gloomy halls of death
Christ, the conqueror, has gone,
Bright forerunner to the skies
Of His people, yet to rise.
Jesus lives! Why do you weep?
Why that sad and mournful sigh?
He who died our Brother here
Lives our Brother still on high.
Lives forever to bestow
Blessings on His church below.
Jesus lives! And thus, my soul,
Life eternal waits for you;
Joined to Him, your living head,
Where He is, you shall be, too;
With the Lord, at His right hand,
As a victor you shall stand.
Jesus lives! Let all rejoice.
Praise Him, ransomed of the earth.
Praise Him in a nobler song,
Cherubim of heavenly birth.
Praise the victor King, whose sway
Sin and death and hell obey.
Jesus lives! To Him my heart
Draws with ever new delight.
Earthly vanities, depart,
Hinder not my heavenward flight.
Let this spirit ever rise
To its Magnet in the skies.
Hallelujah! Angels, sing!
Join with us in hymns of praise.
Let your chorus swell the strain
Which our feebler voices raise;
Glory to our God above
And on earth His peace and love!
What could be more wonderful to look forward to than this?
Jesus lives! And thus, my soul,
Life eternal waits for you;
Joined to Him, your living head,
Where He is, you shall be, too;
With the Lord, at His right hand,
As a victor you shall stand.
God gives us life through His Son.
And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. I John 5:11
Those who believe in God's son have the promise of eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16
The benefit of our belief is being freed from sin, which results in continued holiness and our eventual eternal life.
But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. Romans 6:22
We are joined to Him!
Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4
Where He is, you shall be too!
In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going. John 14:2-4
With Your Lord, at His right hand, as a victor you shall stand!
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. I John 5:4
Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!
Words by Carl Garve
Hallelujah! Jesus lives!
He is now the Living One;
From the gloomy halls of death
Christ, the conqueror, has gone,
Bright forerunner to the skies
Of His people, yet to rise.
Jesus lives! Why do you weep?
Why that sad and mournful sigh?
He who died our Brother here
Lives our Brother still on high.
Lives forever to bestow
Blessings on His church below.
Jesus lives! And thus, my soul,
Life eternal waits for you;
Joined to Him, your living head,
Where He is, you shall be, too;
With the Lord, at His right hand,
As a victor you shall stand.
Jesus lives! Let all rejoice.
Praise Him, ransomed of the earth.
Praise Him in a nobler song,
Cherubim of heavenly birth.
Praise the victor King, whose sway
Sin and death and hell obey.
Jesus lives! To Him my heart
Draws with ever new delight.
Earthly vanities, depart,
Hinder not my heavenward flight.
Let this spirit ever rise
To its Magnet in the skies.
Hallelujah! Angels, sing!
Join with us in hymns of praise.
Let your chorus swell the strain
Which our feebler voices raise;
Glory to our God above
And on earth His peace and love!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Jesus Lives! Why Do You Weep? {verse 2 of Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!}
Can you imagine what it must have been like to have been with Jesus during His earthly ministry? And then, to see Him die on the cross? And then to see Him alive again? I can't even begin to fathom the emotional roller-coaster that His followers would have been on. Happy, sad, wistful, longing, joyful...
Jesus had warned His followers that He would be leaving the earth.
"I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father." John 16:28
And He kept that promise and ascended into heaven!
And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9-11
He's gone again. But He's still alive! The One who died our Brother here lives our Brother still on high.
And look at that glorious promise that the angels give to the men of Galilee: This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in just the same way! He will come again, out of heaven, back to earth!
In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3
That is something to look forward to.
Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!
Words by Carl Garve
Hallelujah! Jesus lives!
He is now the Living One;
From the gloomy halls of death
Christ, the conqueror, has gone,
Bright forerunner to the skies
Of His people, yet to rise.
Jesus lives! Why do you weep?
Why that sad and mournful sigh?
He who died our Brother here
Lives our Brother still on high.
Lives forever to bestow
Blessings on His church below.
Jesus lives! And thus, my soul,
Life eternal waits for you;
Joined to Him, your living head,
Where He is, you shall be, too;
With the Lord, at His right hand,
As a victor you shall stand.
Jesus lives! Let all rejoice.
Praise Him, ransomed of the earth.
Praise Him in a nobler song,
Cherubim of heavenly birth.
Praise the victor King, whose sway
Sin and death and hell obey.
Jesus lives! To Him my heart
Draws with ever new delight.
Earthly vanities, depart,
Hinder not my heavenward flight.
Let this spirit ever rise
To its Magnet in the skies.
Hallelujah! Angels, sing!
Join with us in hymns of praise.
Let your chorus swell the strain
Which our feebler voices raise;
Glory to our God above
And on earth His peace and love!
Jesus had warned His followers that He would be leaving the earth.
"I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father." John 16:28
And He kept that promise and ascended into heaven!
And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9-11
He's gone again. But He's still alive! The One who died our Brother here lives our Brother still on high.
And look at that glorious promise that the angels give to the men of Galilee: This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in just the same way! He will come again, out of heaven, back to earth!
In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3
That is something to look forward to.
Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!
Words by Carl Garve
Hallelujah! Jesus lives!
He is now the Living One;
From the gloomy halls of death
Christ, the conqueror, has gone,
Bright forerunner to the skies
Of His people, yet to rise.
Jesus lives! Why do you weep?
Why that sad and mournful sigh?
He who died our Brother here
Lives our Brother still on high.
Lives forever to bestow
Blessings on His church below.
Jesus lives! And thus, my soul,
Life eternal waits for you;
Joined to Him, your living head,
Where He is, you shall be, too;
With the Lord, at His right hand,
As a victor you shall stand.
Jesus lives! Let all rejoice.
Praise Him, ransomed of the earth.
Praise Him in a nobler song,
Cherubim of heavenly birth.
Praise the victor King, whose sway
Sin and death and hell obey.
Jesus lives! To Him my heart
Draws with ever new delight.
Earthly vanities, depart,
Hinder not my heavenward flight.
Let this spirit ever rise
To its Magnet in the skies.
Hallelujah! Angels, sing!
Join with us in hymns of praise.
Let your chorus swell the strain
Which our feebler voices raise;
Glory to our God above
And on earth His peace and love!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!
I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. Revelation 1:17-18
Hallelujah! Jesus Lives! This is the cry of all creation on this glorious morn! Our Savior, who went to the cross to pay for our sin, has conquered death once and for all through His victorious resurrection. Hallelujah!
He is now the Living One. He was crucified, but He has risen.
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.” Matthew 28:5-7
Jesus escaped the gloomy halls of death to become our Conqueror. And He has gone ahead of us, as the forerunner of resurrection. Because of His resurrection, we can look forward to rising also.
Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. I Corinthians 15:51-52
Jesus IS the resurrection and the life and has given us the promise that we will live eternally even when we die physically.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
Jesus posed a question to Martha: do you believe this? And I pose this question to you as well. As we celebrate Jesus for His sacrifice on the cross and His victory over death, do you believe? Have you put your faith in the One who died to save you?
Join me in praising our resurrected Savior, and come back over the next few weeks as we learn more about Him through this wonderful hymn.
For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection. Romans 6:5
Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!
Words by Carl Garve
Hallelujah! Jesus lives!
He is now the Living One;
From the gloomy halls of death
Christ, the conqueror, has gone,
Bright forerunner to the skies
Of His people, yet to rise.
Jesus lives! Why do you weep?
Why that sad and mournful sigh?
He who died our Brother here
Lives our Brother still on high.
Lives forever to bestow
Blessings on His church below.
Jesus lives! And thus, my soul,
Life eternal waits for you;
Joined to Him, your living head,
Where He is, you shall be, too;
With the Lord, at His right hand,
As a victor you shall stand.
Jesus lives! Let all rejoice.
Praise Him, ransomed of the earth.
Praise Him in a nobler song,
Cherubim of heavenly birth.
Praise the victor King, whose sway
Sin and death and hell obey.
Jesus lives! To Him my heart
Draws with ever new delight.
Earthly vanities, depart,
Hinder not my heavenward flight.
Let this spirit ever rise
To its Magnet in the skies.
Hallelujah! Angels, sing!
Join with us in hymns of praise.
Let your chorus swell the strain
Which our feebler voices raise;
Glory to our God above
And on earth His peace and love!
Hallelujah! Jesus Lives! This is the cry of all creation on this glorious morn! Our Savior, who went to the cross to pay for our sin, has conquered death once and for all through His victorious resurrection. Hallelujah!
He is now the Living One. He was crucified, but He has risen.
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.” Matthew 28:5-7
Jesus escaped the gloomy halls of death to become our Conqueror. And He has gone ahead of us, as the forerunner of resurrection. Because of His resurrection, we can look forward to rising also.
Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. I Corinthians 15:51-52
Jesus IS the resurrection and the life and has given us the promise that we will live eternally even when we die physically.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
Jesus posed a question to Martha: do you believe this? And I pose this question to you as well. As we celebrate Jesus for His sacrifice on the cross and His victory over death, do you believe? Have you put your faith in the One who died to save you?
Join me in praising our resurrected Savior, and come back over the next few weeks as we learn more about Him through this wonderful hymn.
For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection. Romans 6:5
Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!
Words by Carl Garve
Hallelujah! Jesus lives!
He is now the Living One;
From the gloomy halls of death
Christ, the conqueror, has gone,
Bright forerunner to the skies
Of His people, yet to rise.
Jesus lives! Why do you weep?
Why that sad and mournful sigh?
He who died our Brother here
Lives our Brother still on high.
Lives forever to bestow
Blessings on His church below.
Jesus lives! And thus, my soul,
Life eternal waits for you;
Joined to Him, your living head,
Where He is, you shall be, too;
With the Lord, at His right hand,
As a victor you shall stand.
Jesus lives! Let all rejoice.
Praise Him, ransomed of the earth.
Praise Him in a nobler song,
Cherubim of heavenly birth.
Praise the victor King, whose sway
Sin and death and hell obey.
Jesus lives! To Him my heart
Draws with ever new delight.
Earthly vanities, depart,
Hinder not my heavenward flight.
Let this spirit ever rise
To its Magnet in the skies.
Hallelujah! Angels, sing!
Join with us in hymns of praise.
Let your chorus swell the strain
Which our feebler voices raise;
Glory to our God above
And on earth His peace and love!
Saturday, March 30, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 40
Now on the next day, the day after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, and said, “Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’ Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone. Matthew 27:62-66
Dear Lord,
It is hard to believe that the people were against You even after You had died. Surely, they had an inkling of Your power because they wanted to do everything physically possible to prevent You from escaping the tomb. Lord, I thank You that we know what happens next, and that we can look forward to Resurrection Day. Thank You that even though the grave was made secure, and even though there was a guard, and a seal on the stone, it didn't stop You from breaking the bonds of death. Lord, as we await Your resurrection, let us not lose sight of Your suffering and death on our behalf. Keep me humble, Lord, as I celebrate You this weekend.
Amen.
Dear Lord,
It is hard to believe that the people were against You even after You had died. Surely, they had an inkling of Your power because they wanted to do everything physically possible to prevent You from escaping the tomb. Lord, I thank You that we know what happens next, and that we can look forward to Resurrection Day. Thank You that even though the grave was made secure, and even though there was a guard, and a seal on the stone, it didn't stop You from breaking the bonds of death. Lord, as we await Your resurrection, let us not lose sight of Your suffering and death on our behalf. Keep me humble, Lord, as I celebrate You this weekend.
Amen.
Friday, March 29, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 39
They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” John 19:17-19
Dear Jesus,
Today is a dark day as we think about You, our precious Savior, being beaten and crucified. But it is also a bright day, as we meditate on Your humble obedience to Your Father and Your love for us that took You to the cross. For it is by Your wounds that we are healed. And it is because of Your death on the cross that we can die to sin and live to You! Thank You for this incredible gift. Lord, I do not have the words to say what Your substitutionary death means to me, but I bow my knees in thankfulness and praise. Because of your death, I live.
Amen.
Dear Jesus,
Today is a dark day as we think about You, our precious Savior, being beaten and crucified. But it is also a bright day, as we meditate on Your humble obedience to Your Father and Your love for us that took You to the cross. For it is by Your wounds that we are healed. And it is because of Your death on the cross that we can die to sin and live to You! Thank You for this incredible gift. Lord, I do not have the words to say what Your substitutionary death means to me, but I bow my knees in thankfulness and praise. Because of your death, I live.
Amen.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 38
Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, “Not all of you are clean.” So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them." John 13:5-17
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the example You gave to us on this Maundy Thursday. Thank You for Your life of humble service, that You would wash the feet of Your disciples to teach us how we are to serve one another. Lord, make me quick to serve. Let me have the attitude that You have - that a slave is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. Lord, thank You for the promise that we will be blessed if we follow Your instruction, and give me grace and strength to think of others before myself.
In Your Name,
Amen.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the example You gave to us on this Maundy Thursday. Thank You for Your life of humble service, that You would wash the feet of Your disciples to teach us how we are to serve one another. Lord, make me quick to serve. Let me have the attitude that You have - that a slave is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. Lord, thank You for the promise that we will be blessed if we follow Your instruction, and give me grace and strength to think of others before myself.
In Your Name,
Amen.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 37
Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him. From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus. Matthew 24:14-16
Dear Lord,
I am a sinner just like Judas Iscariot. Forgive me for not being completely sold out to You, for not following You closely enough, for not representing You well enough. Thank You for Your grace that covers me, even when I stumble. Lord, may I never be Judas! May I never look for an opportunity to betray You! I do not want to trade my love for You and my following of You for thirty pieces of silver or any other earthly thing, even if it is my life. Draw me to Yourself, Lord, that I would be completely satisfied in You, and not tempted by the silver pieces of this world - that my allegiance would not be sold, but instead that my allegiance would draw others to Your redeeming love.
Amen.
Dear Lord,
I am a sinner just like Judas Iscariot. Forgive me for not being completely sold out to You, for not following You closely enough, for not representing You well enough. Thank You for Your grace that covers me, even when I stumble. Lord, may I never be Judas! May I never look for an opportunity to betray You! I do not want to trade my love for You and my following of You for thirty pieces of silver or any other earthly thing, even if it is my life. Draw me to Yourself, Lord, that I would be completely satisfied in You, and not tempted by the silver pieces of this world - that my allegiance would not be sold, but instead that my allegiance would draw others to Your redeeming love.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 36
Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15
Dear Lord,
How we look forward to this day! We wait with great anticipation for the the kingdom of the world to become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. You WILL reign forever and ever, and You have promised that we will reign with you. Hallelujah! Lord, we wait for every knee to bow and proclaim Jesus as Lord (Philippians 2:10). We wait for the earth to be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Habukkuk 2:14). As we spend our time on this futile planet, Lord, we long for Your return and Your healing. We long to see the end of sin and the new heaven and earth that you have promised (II Peter 3:13). Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Clinging to Your promises,
Amen.
Dear Lord,
How we look forward to this day! We wait with great anticipation for the the kingdom of the world to become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. You WILL reign forever and ever, and You have promised that we will reign with you. Hallelujah! Lord, we wait for every knee to bow and proclaim Jesus as Lord (Philippians 2:10). We wait for the earth to be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Habukkuk 2:14). As we spend our time on this futile planet, Lord, we long for Your return and Your healing. We long to see the end of sin and the new heaven and earth that you have promised (II Peter 3:13). Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Clinging to Your promises,
Amen.
Monday, March 25, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 35
And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” Revelation 4:9-11
Dear God,
You are worthy! You are worthy to be worshiped forever and ever. You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power. I praise You because You created all things and because of Your will they exist and were created. Lord, I long to see this scene for myself: all the living creatures giving glory and honor and thanks to You who sits in the throne. I long to cast my crown before you and sing "Worthy!" Thank You for this small glimpse of my future with You, the Creator of all things, the Only One who is Worthy.
In Your Great Name,
Amen.
Dear God,
You are worthy! You are worthy to be worshiped forever and ever. You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power. I praise You because You created all things and because of Your will they exist and were created. Lord, I long to see this scene for myself: all the living creatures giving glory and honor and thanks to You who sits in the throne. I long to cast my crown before you and sing "Worthy!" Thank You for this small glimpse of my future with You, the Creator of all things, the Only One who is Worthy.
In Your Great Name,
Amen.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Behold, the Lord to Zion Rides
Today is Palm Sunday, the day we remember Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Jesus was the King, but His arrival here was a bit different than other royal processions.
When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold your King is coming to you,
Gentle, and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” Matthew 21:1-5
You see, God had been using the prophets to predict everything about Jesus for many many years. It was Zechariah who told God's people that their King would come on a colt - not riding in a royal carriage but on a humble donkey.
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9
The disciples obeyed Jesus and put their coats on the colt. The crowds who had gathered did the same, and they also spread tree branches in the road, laying a "red carpet" of sorts.
The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their coats on them; and He sat on the coats. Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road. Matthew 21:6-8
Jesus received a warm welcome, and the praises due to Him, from the crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed.
The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:9
But those who did not know about Him wondered about who He was. Even though He was among His own people, they were blind with earthly pride. They couldn't imagine that this was the Christ whom sage and seer from age to age had foretold.
When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:10-11
Jesus came as a King, but not a King to reign by power of earthly might. Indeed, the glory of His royal state was hidden from those who did not know Him.
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. John 1:10-11
Even though this King was the Creator of the World, those in darkness could not see His light.
The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:5
This King was coming to Zion to give up His life as a ransom for many. He came into Jerusalem that day knowing that the end was near; that He would obey His Father and fulfill God's plan from the beginning of the ages to go to the cross to pay for the sin of man.
When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples, “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.” Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, named Caiaphas; and they plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him. Matthew 26:1-4
Jesus came as a King to reign, not over subjects like earthly kings, but in the hearts of His people. His is a kingdom that knows no bounds, and is made up of the souls of men who have been won over from the thrall of darkness.
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. Isaiah 9:2
God was speaking of Jesus through the prophet Isaiah when He told of how Jesus would bring prisoners out of darkness and into His light.
I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon and those who dwell in darkness from the prison. Isaiah 42:6-7
Because of Jesus' triumphal entry that we remember today, and His blood-bought sacrifice that followed a few days later, we can rise from the power of bondage!
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
Thank You, Jesus, for Your loving sacrifice on my behalf. May I tune my heart to You this week as I remember what You have done for me.
Behold, the Lord to Zion Rides
Words by John Brownlie
Behold, the Lord to Zion rides,
And crowds hosannas sing;
They spread their garments in the way,
And hail Him as a king.
O Zion, blind with earthly pride,
Why couldst thou not behold
The Christ of God, whom sage and seer
From age to age foretold?
A king indeed, but not to reign
By power of earthly might;
The glory of whose royal state
Is hid from carnal sight.
Whose subjects are the souls of men
From thrall of darkness won;
Whose kingdom knows no bounds, within
The dawn and setting sun.
Behold thy king to Zion rides
Where He the cross shall bear;
And on that throne with blood bedecked,
His robe of purple wear;
Where slaves to sin His love shall view,
And from their bondage rise
To noble fealty, by the power
Of loving sacrifice.
When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold your King is coming to you,
Gentle, and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” Matthew 21:1-5
You see, God had been using the prophets to predict everything about Jesus for many many years. It was Zechariah who told God's people that their King would come on a colt - not riding in a royal carriage but on a humble donkey.
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9
The disciples obeyed Jesus and put their coats on the colt. The crowds who had gathered did the same, and they also spread tree branches in the road, laying a "red carpet" of sorts.
The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their coats on them; and He sat on the coats. Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road. Matthew 21:6-8
Jesus received a warm welcome, and the praises due to Him, from the crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed.
The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:9
But those who did not know about Him wondered about who He was. Even though He was among His own people, they were blind with earthly pride. They couldn't imagine that this was the Christ whom sage and seer from age to age had foretold.
When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:10-11
Jesus came as a King, but not a King to reign by power of earthly might. Indeed, the glory of His royal state was hidden from those who did not know Him.
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. John 1:10-11
Even though this King was the Creator of the World, those in darkness could not see His light.
The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:5
This King was coming to Zion to give up His life as a ransom for many. He came into Jerusalem that day knowing that the end was near; that He would obey His Father and fulfill God's plan from the beginning of the ages to go to the cross to pay for the sin of man.
When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples, “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.” Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, named Caiaphas; and they plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him. Matthew 26:1-4
Jesus came as a King to reign, not over subjects like earthly kings, but in the hearts of His people. His is a kingdom that knows no bounds, and is made up of the souls of men who have been won over from the thrall of darkness.
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. Isaiah 9:2
God was speaking of Jesus through the prophet Isaiah when He told of how Jesus would bring prisoners out of darkness and into His light.
I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon and those who dwell in darkness from the prison. Isaiah 42:6-7
Because of Jesus' triumphal entry that we remember today, and His blood-bought sacrifice that followed a few days later, we can rise from the power of bondage!
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
Thank You, Jesus, for Your loving sacrifice on my behalf. May I tune my heart to You this week as I remember what You have done for me.
Behold, the Lord to Zion Rides
Words by John Brownlie
Behold, the Lord to Zion rides,
And crowds hosannas sing;
They spread their garments in the way,
And hail Him as a king.
O Zion, blind with earthly pride,
Why couldst thou not behold
The Christ of God, whom sage and seer
From age to age foretold?
A king indeed, but not to reign
By power of earthly might;
The glory of whose royal state
Is hid from carnal sight.
Whose subjects are the souls of men
From thrall of darkness won;
Whose kingdom knows no bounds, within
The dawn and setting sun.
Behold thy king to Zion rides
Where He the cross shall bear;
And on that throne with blood bedecked,
His robe of purple wear;
Where slaves to sin His love shall view,
And from their bondage rise
To noble fealty, by the power
Of loving sacrifice.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 34
Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?” I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:13-17
Dear God,
What wonders we who believe have to look forward to! I thank You that You will bring us out of the great tribulation, and our robes will be washed and made white through the blood of the Lamb. I thank You for the promises in this text - that we will hunger and thirst no longer, and that the Lamb in the center of the throne will be our shepherd. Thank You that He will guide us to the springs of the water of life. Thank You that You will wipe every tear from our eyes. Thank You that we will serve You day and night in Your temple and that You will spread Your tabernacle over us. Surely, Lord, the trials of this life are nothing in comparison to the glories that await us. Thank You that You keep Your promises, God, and that we can be sure of this wonderful future.
In Your Name,
Amen.
Dear God,
What wonders we who believe have to look forward to! I thank You that You will bring us out of the great tribulation, and our robes will be washed and made white through the blood of the Lamb. I thank You for the promises in this text - that we will hunger and thirst no longer, and that the Lamb in the center of the throne will be our shepherd. Thank You that He will guide us to the springs of the water of life. Thank You that You will wipe every tear from our eyes. Thank You that we will serve You day and night in Your temple and that You will spread Your tabernacle over us. Surely, Lord, the trials of this life are nothing in comparison to the glories that await us. Thank You that You keep Your promises, God, and that we can be sure of this wonderful future.
In Your Name,
Amen.
Friday, March 22, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 33
The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21
Dear Lord,
I am thankful for the Law, for through it, I see how desperate I am. I cannot possibly keep the Law on my own merit. I cannot possibly live up to Your holy standard. The Law came so that the transgression would increase - for the Law shows me what a sinner I am. But that's not the end of the story! Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life! Just as the Law shows me what a sinner I am, Your grace shows me how fully saved I am! I am so thankful for Your amazing grace, that covers my sin, calls me righteous, and gives me eternal life with my Savior! Thank You for abounding grace. Thank You for Jesus.
Amen.
Dear Lord,
I am thankful for the Law, for through it, I see how desperate I am. I cannot possibly keep the Law on my own merit. I cannot possibly live up to Your holy standard. The Law came so that the transgression would increase - for the Law shows me what a sinner I am. But that's not the end of the story! Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life! Just as the Law shows me what a sinner I am, Your grace shows me how fully saved I am! I am so thankful for Your amazing grace, that covers my sin, calls me righteous, and gives me eternal life with my Savior! Thank You for abounding grace. Thank You for Jesus.
Amen.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 32
So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19
Lord,
I continue to be in awe of Your power and Your plan. And Jesus, I praise You that You were obedient to Your Father. Just as Adam was disobedient and caused many to become sinners, You were obedient and so many will be made righteous. It's awesome, God, and hard to understand that my sins are covered by Jesus' obedience. Thank you. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, only justification of life. For this I praise You!
Amen.
Lord,
I continue to be in awe of Your power and Your plan. And Jesus, I praise You that You were obedient to Your Father. Just as Adam was disobedient and caused many to become sinners, You were obedient and so many will be made righteous. It's awesome, God, and hard to understand that my sins are covered by Jesus' obedience. Thank you. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, only justification of life. For this I praise You!
Amen.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 31
But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:15-17
Oh Lord,
How I thank You that the free gift is NOT like the transgression! How I thank You that even though death spread to all by the transgression of one, much more did the grace of One, our Lord Jesus, abound to many. Lord, it's amazing to think of Your plan, that even though one transgression resulted in condemnation for all, Your free gift of Jesus arose from many transgressions. It only took ONE Man, the perfect Christ, to pay for all that sin - the sin of the world. Thank You for the power of the cross. Thank You that through Jesus, those who receive the abundance of grace and righteousness will reign in life through Him, our precious Savior and Redeemer.
Amen.
Oh Lord,
How I thank You that the free gift is NOT like the transgression! How I thank You that even though death spread to all by the transgression of one, much more did the grace of One, our Lord Jesus, abound to many. Lord, it's amazing to think of Your plan, that even though one transgression resulted in condemnation for all, Your free gift of Jesus arose from many transgressions. It only took ONE Man, the perfect Christ, to pay for all that sin - the sin of the world. Thank You for the power of the cross. Thank You that through Jesus, those who receive the abundance of grace and righteousness will reign in life through Him, our precious Savior and Redeemer.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 30
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned—for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. Romans 5:12-14
Lord,
These verses show a pretty depressing picture of the state of fallible humans. Sin entered the world through one man, Adam, and that's what separates man from You. Sin brings about death. Because Adam sinned, death reigned in the world. This would be so discouraging, Lord, but we know what verses come next. We know that You had a plan, from Genesis 3:15, to redeem Your people and bring Hope into the world. Even as sin reigns in our world today, Lord, I am thankful that there is Hope - You offer forgiveness through Your Son for those who believe. Thank You.
Amen.
Lord,
These verses show a pretty depressing picture of the state of fallible humans. Sin entered the world through one man, Adam, and that's what separates man from You. Sin brings about death. Because Adam sinned, death reigned in the world. This would be so discouraging, Lord, but we know what verses come next. We know that You had a plan, from Genesis 3:15, to redeem Your people and bring Hope into the world. Even as sin reigns in our world today, Lord, I am thankful that there is Hope - You offer forgiveness through Your Son for those who believe. Thank You.
Amen.
Monday, March 18, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 29
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:9-11
Lord,
I want to thank You for saving me from God's wrath. I don't think everyone understands the gravity and seriousness of this gift - because of Jesus' saving work on the cross, I will be spared God's wrath. Jesus saved me from it. I do not have to face God on my own power - because I am justified by Jesus' sacrifice, God now looks at me and sees Jesus.
As a sinner, I was far away from You, God. But Jesus, through Your blood I am brought near. I have been reconciled to God, and saved! And I can now exult in God through Jesus, as it is He who brings me reconciliation. I was Your enemy and instead of casting me away, You brought me near through Jesus. Thank You God, for your incredible plan that reconciles enemies to Yourself. Thank You for choosing me. Thank You for saving me.
In Your Name,
Amen.
Lord,
I want to thank You for saving me from God's wrath. I don't think everyone understands the gravity and seriousness of this gift - because of Jesus' saving work on the cross, I will be spared God's wrath. Jesus saved me from it. I do not have to face God on my own power - because I am justified by Jesus' sacrifice, God now looks at me and sees Jesus.
As a sinner, I was far away from You, God. But Jesus, through Your blood I am brought near. I have been reconciled to God, and saved! And I can now exult in God through Jesus, as it is He who brings me reconciliation. I was Your enemy and instead of casting me away, You brought me near through Jesus. Thank You God, for your incredible plan that reconciles enemies to Yourself. Thank You for choosing me. Thank You for saving me.
In Your Name,
Amen.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
When O'er My Sins I Sorrow {verse 4}
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” Revelation 5:12
So what is our response to the suffering of Jesus on our behalf? What should we do to show Him our gratefulness for His guiltless death?
This hymn has the answer: I will forever give glory unto Thee, O Jesus, loving Savior, for what Thou didst for me.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36
I will spend my breath in songs of thanks!
In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18
For nothing of this world can compare to what Jesus did for me.
Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15
I will make His name known, and make His name great, among the people so that He will receive the glory and thanks for saving me. And I will look forward to the day when every knee will bow and confess Him as Lord!
So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11
When O’er My Sins I Sorrow
Words by Justus Gesenius
When o’er my sins I sorrow,
Lord, I will look to Thee
And hence my comfort borrow
That Thou wast slain for me;
Yea, Lord, Thy precious blood was spilt
For me, O most unworthy,
To take away my guilt.
Oh, what a marvelous offering!
Behold, the Master spares
His servants, and their suffering
And grief for them He bears.
God stoopeth from His throne on high;
For me, His guilty creature,
He deigns as man to die.
My manifold transgression
Henceforth can harm me none
Since Jesus’ bloody passion
For me God’s grace hath won.
His precious blood my debts hath paid;
Of hell and all its torments
I am no more afraid.
Therefore I will forever
Give glory unto Thee,
O Jesus, loving Savior,
For what Thou didst for me.
I’ll spend my breath in songs of thanks
For Thy sad cry, Thy sufferings,
Thy wrongs, Thy guiltless death.
So what is our response to the suffering of Jesus on our behalf? What should we do to show Him our gratefulness for His guiltless death?
This hymn has the answer: I will forever give glory unto Thee, O Jesus, loving Savior, for what Thou didst for me.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36
I will spend my breath in songs of thanks!
In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18
For nothing of this world can compare to what Jesus did for me.
Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15
I will make His name known, and make His name great, among the people so that He will receive the glory and thanks for saving me. And I will look forward to the day when every knee will bow and confess Him as Lord!
So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11
When O’er My Sins I Sorrow
Words by Justus Gesenius
When o’er my sins I sorrow,
Lord, I will look to Thee
And hence my comfort borrow
That Thou wast slain for me;
Yea, Lord, Thy precious blood was spilt
For me, O most unworthy,
To take away my guilt.
Oh, what a marvelous offering!
Behold, the Master spares
His servants, and their suffering
And grief for them He bears.
God stoopeth from His throne on high;
For me, His guilty creature,
He deigns as man to die.
My manifold transgression
Henceforth can harm me none
Since Jesus’ bloody passion
For me God’s grace hath won.
His precious blood my debts hath paid;
Of hell and all its torments
I am no more afraid.
Therefore I will forever
Give glory unto Thee,
O Jesus, loving Savior,
For what Thou didst for me.
I’ll spend my breath in songs of thanks
For Thy sad cry, Thy sufferings,
Thy wrongs, Thy guiltless death.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 28
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8
Dear Lord,
I was helpless and You died for me, the ungodly. This is love. You didn't wait for me to become better, to get over my sin, to improve. You didn't wait for me to become righteous because You knew I could not. Apart from You, there was no hope for me. While I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me. What an awesome demonstration of Your love for me! I cannot repay, nor could I try. Thank You for Jesus. Thank You for not waiting to save me.
Amen.
Dear Lord,
I was helpless and You died for me, the ungodly. This is love. You didn't wait for me to become better, to get over my sin, to improve. You didn't wait for me to become righteous because You knew I could not. Apart from You, there was no hope for me. While I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me. What an awesome demonstration of Your love for me! I cannot repay, nor could I try. Thank You for Jesus. Thank You for not waiting to save me.
Amen.
Friday, March 15, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 27
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the promise of these verses. For as I exult in the hope of Your glory, I know that I can also exult in tribulations. Lord, this is not a popular idea in today's culture - to exult in trials. But I thank You for what You promise through them - my growth and shaping to be more like Jesus. Through trials I learn perseverance which develops proven character, and then hope. I thank You that hope doesn't disappoint - because You have given me Your spirit who pours Your love into me. Thank You that because of that, I CAN exult in tribulations.
Amen.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the promise of these verses. For as I exult in the hope of Your glory, I know that I can also exult in tribulations. Lord, this is not a popular idea in today's culture - to exult in trials. But I thank You for what You promise through them - my growth and shaping to be more like Jesus. Through trials I learn perseverance which develops proven character, and then hope. I thank You that hope doesn't disappoint - because You have given me Your spirit who pours Your love into me. Thank You that because of that, I CAN exult in tribulations.
Amen.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 26
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2
Dear God,
I am so thankful for the result of justification: peace with You through Jesus Christ. I thank You that I do not need to fear Your wrath for Jesus has paid the price to save me from it. Thank You, Jesus, that through faith in You I have grace in which to stand. Thank You that Your grace covers me. Thank You that through You, Jesus, I can exult in hope of the glory of God. Your plan of salvation included me, and I am so grateful.
Amen.
Dear God,
I am so thankful for the result of justification: peace with You through Jesus Christ. I thank You that I do not need to fear Your wrath for Jesus has paid the price to save me from it. Thank You, Jesus, that through faith in You I have grace in which to stand. Thank You that Your grace covers me. Thank You that through You, Jesus, I can exult in hope of the glory of God. Your plan of salvation included me, and I am so grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 25
“You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and there is no savior besides Me. It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed, and there was no strange god among you; so you are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, "And I am God. Even from eternity I am He, and there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?” Isaiah 43:10-13
Dear God,
There is none besides You. There is no other savior, there was none before You, there will be none after You. You are the Lord. You act and it cannot be reversed, there is no one who can deliver out of Your hand. Thank You, Lord, that You are. Your sovereignty and power are on display in our world and point to the irrefutable fact that from eternity, You are God. Your Name (I AM) declares that You are, and may I reverence You and Your name for You are worthy. Lord, I want to be Your witness that You are God. May people know that You are through my humble obedience and surrender to You.
Amen.
Dear God,
There is none besides You. There is no other savior, there was none before You, there will be none after You. You are the Lord. You act and it cannot be reversed, there is no one who can deliver out of Your hand. Thank You, Lord, that You are. Your sovereignty and power are on display in our world and point to the irrefutable fact that from eternity, You are God. Your Name (I AM) declares that You are, and may I reverence You and Your name for You are worthy. Lord, I want to be Your witness that You are God. May people know that You are through my humble obedience and surrender to You.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 24
But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:21-24
Dear God,
Thank You that Your righteousness was manifested apart from the Law. The law convicts me of my sin, and there is no way I can ever live up to what the law requires. But Your righteousness comes to me through faith in Jesus Christ because I believe. For just like everyone else, I have sinned and I fall short of the glory of God. But You justify me as a gift by Your grace through Jesus' redemption! What can I do but bow in humble submission to Your plan for my life and Your incredible gift? I will thank You with my heart, mind and soul and proclaim Your goodness to those around me, that they too might know Your righteousness.
Amen.
Dear God,
Thank You that Your righteousness was manifested apart from the Law. The law convicts me of my sin, and there is no way I can ever live up to what the law requires. But Your righteousness comes to me through faith in Jesus Christ because I believe. For just like everyone else, I have sinned and I fall short of the glory of God. But You justify me as a gift by Your grace through Jesus' redemption! What can I do but bow in humble submission to Your plan for my life and Your incredible gift? I will thank You with my heart, mind and soul and proclaim Your goodness to those around me, that they too might know Your righteousness.
Amen.
Monday, March 11, 2013
40 Days of Prayer: Day 23
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16
Dear God,
I want to be bold in my proclamation of the gospel. I am not ashamed, for it IS Your power for salvation to everyone who believes. Lord, may everyone I come in contact with today see that I am a proud proclaimer of the gospel, through my actions and through my words. Thank You that You revealed Yourself to me and opened my heart to the gospel that I would be one who believes. Thank You for Your word which teaches us the gospel and is readily available to us. Thank You for Your salvation, given through Jesus Christ; thank You that You have the power to save.
In Your Name,
Amen.
Dear God,
I want to be bold in my proclamation of the gospel. I am not ashamed, for it IS Your power for salvation to everyone who believes. Lord, may everyone I come in contact with today see that I am a proud proclaimer of the gospel, through my actions and through my words. Thank You that You revealed Yourself to me and opened my heart to the gospel that I would be one who believes. Thank You for Your word which teaches us the gospel and is readily available to us. Thank You for Your salvation, given through Jesus Christ; thank You that You have the power to save.
In Your Name,
Amen.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
When O'er My Sins I Sorrow {verse 3}
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
When over my sins I sorrow, I think about Jesus and how He died on the cross to take away my fear of death. I am a sinner. And because of that, I deserve to die. James tells us that sin leads to death.
Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. James 1:15
But because of my faith in what Jesus did for me on the cross, I know that my many, many sins can no longer harm me. Paul reminds us that sin, leading to death, loses its sting for the believer, whose victory is in Jesus.
"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:55-57
It took a perfect Savior, fully man and fully God, the just for the unjust to die for sins once for all.
For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit. I Peter 3:18
I was dead in my sins.
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8
Jesus nailed those sins to the cross, canceled out my debts, and made me alive together with Him!
When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14
My manifold transgressions henceforth can harm me none! Jesus' bloody passion for me God's grace hath won.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7
He paid my debts, canceling out the certificate of debt as we saw in Paul's letter to the Colossians. And because of that, I do not have to fear death - for I am no longer separated from God. I will not face God's wrath, because of the righteousness of Christ appropriated to me.
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:9-11
Because of my faith in what Jesus did for me, I do not have to be afraid of hell. Jesus told His followers while He was here on earth that those who believe and obey Him will have eternal life, but those who don't will face the wrath of God.
"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36
I give glory to God that He has saved me from His wrath and the eternal fires of hell in order to give me eternal life with Him in heaven!
For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. I Thessalonians 5:8-10
When O’er My Sins I Sorrow
Words by Justus Gesenius
When o’er my sins I sorrow,
Lord, I will look to Thee
And hence my comfort borrow
That Thou wast slain for me;
Yea, Lord, Thy precious blood was spilt
For me, O most unworthy,
To take away my guilt.
Oh, what a marvelous offering!
Behold, the Master spares
His servants, and their suffering
And grief for them He bears.
God stoopeth from His throne on high;
For me, His guilty creature,
He deigns as man to die.
My manifold transgression
Henceforth can harm me none
Since Jesus’ bloody passion
For me God’s grace hath won.
His precious blood my debts hath paid;
Of hell and all its torments
I am no more afraid.
Therefore I will forever
Give glory unto Thee,
O Jesus, loving Savior,
For what Thou didst for me.
I’ll spend my breath in songs of thanks
For Thy sad cry, Thy sufferings,
Thy wrongs, Thy guiltless death.
When over my sins I sorrow, I think about Jesus and how He died on the cross to take away my fear of death. I am a sinner. And because of that, I deserve to die. James tells us that sin leads to death.
Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. James 1:15
But because of my faith in what Jesus did for me on the cross, I know that my many, many sins can no longer harm me. Paul reminds us that sin, leading to death, loses its sting for the believer, whose victory is in Jesus.
"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:55-57
It took a perfect Savior, fully man and fully God, the just for the unjust to die for sins once for all.
For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit. I Peter 3:18
I was dead in my sins.
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8
Jesus nailed those sins to the cross, canceled out my debts, and made me alive together with Him!
When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14
My manifold transgressions henceforth can harm me none! Jesus' bloody passion for me God's grace hath won.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7
He paid my debts, canceling out the certificate of debt as we saw in Paul's letter to the Colossians. And because of that, I do not have to fear death - for I am no longer separated from God. I will not face God's wrath, because of the righteousness of Christ appropriated to me.
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:9-11
Because of my faith in what Jesus did for me, I do not have to be afraid of hell. Jesus told His followers while He was here on earth that those who believe and obey Him will have eternal life, but those who don't will face the wrath of God.
"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36
I give glory to God that He has saved me from His wrath and the eternal fires of hell in order to give me eternal life with Him in heaven!
For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. I Thessalonians 5:8-10
When O’er My Sins I Sorrow
Words by Justus Gesenius
When o’er my sins I sorrow,
Lord, I will look to Thee
And hence my comfort borrow
That Thou wast slain for me;
Yea, Lord, Thy precious blood was spilt
For me, O most unworthy,
To take away my guilt.
Oh, what a marvelous offering!
Behold, the Master spares
His servants, and their suffering
And grief for them He bears.
God stoopeth from His throne on high;
For me, His guilty creature,
He deigns as man to die.
My manifold transgression
Henceforth can harm me none
Since Jesus’ bloody passion
For me God’s grace hath won.
His precious blood my debts hath paid;
Of hell and all its torments
I am no more afraid.
Therefore I will forever
Give glory unto Thee,
O Jesus, loving Savior,
For what Thou didst for me.
I’ll spend my breath in songs of thanks
For Thy sad cry, Thy sufferings,
Thy wrongs, Thy guiltless death.
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