He Did Not Die in Vain

You were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. I Peter 1:18-19

As we celebrate the joyous commemoration of our Lord's resurrection, it is important to remind ourselves that He did not die in vain. Jesus fulfilled His purpose for which God sent Him to earth, and His death was not the end; it was just the beginning!

It was a dark day when He died - hope was crushed. But that was not the last chapter. For God had a redemptive plan for His people, and that included bringing Jesus back to life. Jesus conquered death once and for all.

For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever. Hebrews 7:26-28

He did not die in vain because His death accomplished great things for us, His children. His humble obedience to His Father, even to death on a cross, brought us salvation.

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 Thess. 5:9-10

Salvation only comes through Jesus Christ. And it is only possible because He took our sins upon Himself.

He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:11-12

His grief and pain bought us peace.

For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. Colossians 1:19-20

And not just peace in the sense of "I'm calm," but peace in the sense that we have peace with God, our Heavenly Father, and that there is no separation between us and Him.

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

This certainly is wondrous news of life and love. Jesus lives and reigns above!

When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:3-4

He has made the path to glory plain - telling us over and over in the gospel of John that if we believe in Him, we will have 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

When we believe in Him, we have passed out of death and into life.

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. John 5:24

And when we are freed from sin through His atoning blood, we derive our benefit: 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

Jesus did not die in vain.

Lord, let me not live my life in vain, but let me live to glorify You and bring honor to Your name!

He Did Not Die in Vain
Words by Carrie Breck

My blessed Lord was crucified,
The day was dark, and grief was wide,
For hope was crushed and all seemed vain,
Until that Savior rose again.

Refrain
Ring out the blessed news again!
Oh! bear aloft the strain;
The mighty Lord is ris’n in power,
He died, but not in vain!

He brings His great salvation nigh,
And on His love bids us rely;
He bought our peace through grief and pain;
But oh! He did not die in vain!

O, wondrous news of life and love!
That Jesus lives and reigns above!
He made the path to glory plain;
Ah, no! He did not die in vain.

Lenten Reflections: The Incomparable Christ

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach. Colossians 1:13-22

This is a passage that I am working to memorize, because it reminds me of wonderful Christ is, and what He has done for me.

First of all, look at Who He is.

He is the image of the invisible God.

He is the Creator. All things - whether in heaven, on earth, visible or invisible, were created through Him and for Him.

He is before all things, and He holds all things together.

He is the head of the church.

He is the beginning and He will have first place.

All fullness dwells in Him.

And now, look at what He does.

He rescued us from the domain of darkness.

He transferred us to His Kingdom.

He redeemed us and forgave our sins.

He has reconciled us to Himself.

He will present us to God holy, blameless and beyond reproach.

Wow. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by just these concepts, not to mention that this Christ, this Creator, Redeemer, Forgiver, Reconciler has chosen me. This passage sends me to my knees in thankfulness and praise, and I pray that it will do the same for you as you meditate on these profound, and blessed truths.

Lenten Reflections: Run with Endurance

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

God has fulfilled His promise in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ! So let's look to Him as our example. Certainly if the folks mentioned in the "hall of faith" in Hebrews 11 endured what they did in obedience to God, we can endure for the sake of Jesus' name.

When we talk about running the race with endurance, it's important to look to Jesus as our example. The most important clause, to me at least, in the verses above is "who for the joy set before Him..." Jesus endured the cross because He knew what was coming -- life with the Father at His right hand.

We know what's coming too -- eternal life with our Father in Heaven -- and with our Lord Jesus Christ, when we run with endurance and are faithful in obedience to what we've been called to here on earth. This is the joy set before us! We must remember that earth is not our home - and that there is so much more to look forward to. As Paul reminds us,

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. II Corinthians 4:17-18

Our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison! We can't even comprehend our eternal glory. That is a good reason to run with endurance!

Lenten Reflections: Faith

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Hebrews 11 is such an encouragement to me for it reminds me that I am not alone in my striving to live by faith. And it reminds me of those who have gone before, and have lived their lives faithfully and received the reward. This "Hall of Faith" starts at creation and recounts many of the stories of the Old Testament, including Abraham and Sarah (who conceived "even beyond the proper time of life"), Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, David and Samuel - all of whom never lived to see the promised Messiah. The writer to the Hebrews tells us that these examples:

by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. Hebrews 11:33-38

These men and women all lived out their faith, and lived by faith, before God sent His Son to be the Deliverer. They knew something better was coming, and they made decisions that showed that they believed God and followed Him in obedience.

And yet, God has provided for us better things - so much beyond what they received - in Christ Jesus! As a result, our obedience of faith, patience of hope, and labor of love, should be greater.

Join me in praying that our faith would increase, that we may follow these bright examples, "and be, with them, made perfect in holiness and happiness, so that we may shine like the sun in the kingdom of our Father forevermore." (Matthew Henry)

Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Lenten Reflections: Hold Fast

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:19-25

Jesus, through the New Covenant, secured by His blood, inaugurated for us a new and living way - so now we have confidence to enter the holy place, we can draw near in full assurance of faith. And what else can we do? We can hold fast. We must hold fast the confession of our hope! We can do this because He who promised is faithful - He will keep His word. "Hold fast" is an important admonishment in Hebrews. The writer encourages us several times throughout the book to hold fast:

Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end. Hebrews 3:5-6

For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end. Hebrews 3:14

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Hebrews 4:14

Hold fast your confidence, hold fast your assurance, hold fast your confession.

Hold fast. Keep secure - don't lose it. Cling to the One who is faithful, in Whom we place our hope because He has promised.

Lenten Reflections: Jesus is Better

The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever. Hebrews 7:23-28

The writer of this book to the Hebrews was trying to make one main point in his letter: Jesus is better. Jesus, as our High Priest, is better than the priests appointed by man. Jesus, the Lamb of God, offered up Himself for the sins of the people. Jesus, the embodiment of the New Covenant, is better than the Old Covenant that came through Abraham. Jesus, personification of grace, is better than the Law. The Hebrews needed to be reminded so that they would not turn back to the old ways, forgetting the promise of the gospel and the truth that Jesus is better!

I need to be reminded, too.

I need to be reminded that Jesus is better than any material thing and that Jesus is better than having my needs met through my fleshly desires. I need to remember to choose Jesus when faced with a decision. Jesus is better than worldly success. Jesus is better than financial security. Jesus is better than accolades from colleagues. Jesus is better than acceptance from acquaintances. When I have to choose a way to think, behave, relate to others, I need to choose Jesus' way, because His is better.

Lord, keep this phrase at the forefront of my mind today and every day to come. Let my actions reveal that I believe Jesus is better!

Lenten Reflections: The Supremacy of Christ

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. 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. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:1-4

As I read in Hebrews this morning, I was again struck by the supremacy of Christ. I was overwhelmed when I considered that Jesus was appointed heir of all things, and that through Him the world was made. I was awestruck to remember that He upholds everything by the word of His power. And then I read more. This same Jesus is my high priest! And He can sympathize with me and with my weaknesses. When I am feeling insufficient, I only have to rely on Him who not only sympathizes with my weaknesses, but fills them up with His power. And it's all for the asking! The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we can go CONFIDENTLY to the throne of grace to find mercy in our time of need. That is good news, friends! Jesus, through whom the world was created, in whom all fulness of Deity dwells in human form, the One who holds all things together, invites us to approach him with confidence to find grace when we need it! Rejoice in that gift today. And rejoice in our Savior!

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

To Crucify Each Selfish Need

As Lent approaches this year, I am finding myself restless. I am feeling overwhelmed by all the responsibilities of this life (and most of them are self-imposed, mind you). I am needing a season of rest, of slowing, of listening for God's voice, seeking His direction, and being quiet at the feet of Jesus. I need to crucify my selfish needs and rely more on His leading, His grace, His power and His strength. I need to make time in His Word a priority, and be quiet before Him, waiting in anticipation for Him to speak.

Won't you join me? We may not have the same motivation, but Lent is a wonderful time to draw near to God and to wait for how He will move in you. I 'll use the next forty days to read, pray and reflect, and will share what He puts on my heart, here. It may not be daily, but I pray it will be an encouragement to you as you also crucify each selfish need in order to prioritize your relationship with Christ.

To Crucify Each Selfish Need
Words by Nannie Barnum

To crucify each selfish need,
And on the heavenly manna feed,
Is my desire;
A season spent at Jesus’ feet,
For such a life to be more meet
I do aspire.

Each idol cast from out my mind,
A priceless jewel to enshrine
Within my heart;
Nor let its radiance be confined
But shine to lighten human kind
From out the dark.

Not forty days, but year by year,
Until my Savior doth appear
In garments white.
To waken that glad Easter morn,
And to the courts of Heaven be borne
New and contrite.

Break, Newborn Year

As we reflect on the year that has just passed and the year that is to come, this beautiful hymn reminds of us what is constant: the Father loves, the Savior stays, the Spirit does not go away.

Even time, which goes by faster with each passing year, cannot make the Father cease to love.

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. I John 3:1

The year that just passed went quickly, with winged feet as this hymn writer says. But even though it passed quickly, the Savior still stays. Indeed, He is our hope and stay!

But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:1-3

We now face a new year - but we can face it with confidence and hope because the Holy Spirit stays with us - He does not go away.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26

This past year probably brought both joy and sadness, in some degree. We can rejoice that even though our hearts may run over with tears, our Lord's smile still beams on us. And we can be encouraged that we have a Savior who has experienced the things that we face.

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

And, even though are sin is swelling with each new year, God's pardoning grace still streams.

For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. John 1:16

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. 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 5:19-21

So what can we offer to the Lord in this new year? I want Him to have from me, as this hymn says, more service, more glory, more delight. I want my hours to be less sad with sin and my days with Him more bright.

I want to saturate my life with the truth of His Word; that it would dwell in my heart and that my every decision would be in alignment with His will.

I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8

I want to filled with the fruit of righteousness, so that He receives the praise and glory!

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

I want to serve others in love.

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13

I want to have the right attitude about serving - I want to follow Jesus' example as a servant.

It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28

I want to serve in the strength that God supplies so that He is glorified.

Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. I Peter 4:11

I want to work for the Lord, remembering that I am serving Him in whatever I do.

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

I want to meditate more on His word, so that I may not sin against Him.

Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:11

I want Him to shine in me so that others will see His glory.

For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. II Corinthians 4:6

I want to have the attitude of Paul, that to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21) If the Lord blesses me with more time on earth, I want to be thankful for the earthly cheer. And if He chooses to take me home, I rejoice at being in His presence.

For if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8

So, let's look forward to this new year, and greet it with anticipation! For although we do not know what may be coming for us in the new year, we know Who is on the throne, and that He is in control.

So with happy melody, Thine opening grace we greet!

Break, Newborn Year
Words by Thomas Gill

Break, newborn year, on glad eyes break,
Melodious voices move;
On, rolling time; thou canst not make
The Father cease to love.

The parted year had wingèd feet;
The Savior still doth stay;
The new year comes; but Spirit sweet,
Thou goest not away.

Our hearts in tears may oft run o’er;
But Lord, Thy smile still beams;
Our sins are swelling evermore,
But pardoning grace still streams.

Lord, from this year more service win,
More glory, more delight:
O make its hours less sad with sin,
Its days with Thee more bright.

Then we may bless its precious things
If earthly cheer should come,
Or gladsome mount on angel wings
If Thou wouldst take us home.

O golden then the hours must be;
The year must needs be sweet;
Yes, Lord, with happy melody
Thine opening grace we greet.

What Child is This?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.