π¬ Quote 4 2day…Β
“You have saved our lives, we are eternally grateful!“
Tag Archives: Daily Bible Verse
Looking at the world through the cross!
April 10, 2020 
5 Comments
Looking at the world through the cross!
(Octavius Winslow)
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14Β
Jesus could accomplish man’s redemption in no other way than by crucifixion. He must die–and die the death of the cruel cross.Β
What light and glory beam aroundΒ the cross!
Of what prodigies of grace, is it the instrument,Β
of what glorious truths, is it the symbol,Β
of what mighty transforming power, is it the source!Β
Around the cross gathers all the light of the Old Testament economy:Β
Β it explains everyΒ symbol,Β
Β it substantiates everyΒ shadow,Β
Β it solves everyΒ mystery,Β
Β it fulfills everyΒ type,Β
Β it confirms everyΒ prophecy,Β
of that dispensation which had eternally remained unmeaning and inexplicable, but for the death of the Son of God upon the cross.Β
Not theΒ pastΒ only–but allΒ futureΒ splendor gathers around the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. It assures us of the ultimate reign of the Savior, and tells of the reward which shall spring from His sufferings. And while its one arm points to the divine counsels of eternity past–with the other it points to the future triumph and glory of Christ’s kingdom in the eternity to come! Such is the lowly yet sublime, the weak yet mighty instrument, by which the sinner is saved and God eternally glorified.Β
The cross of Christ is . . .
Β the grand consummation of all preceding dispensations of God to men;
Β the meritorious procuring cause of all spiritual blessings to our fallen race;
Β the scene of Christ’s splendid victories over all His enemies and ours;
Β the most powerful incentive to all evangelical holiness;
Β the instrument which is to subjugate the world to the supremacy of Jesus;
Β the source of all true peace, joy and hope;
Β the tree beneath whose shadow all sin expires, all grace lives.Β
The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!Β
What a holy thrill these words produce in the heart of those who love the Savior!Β
How significant is their meaning, how precious is their influence!Β
Marvelous and irresistible, is the power of the cross! The cross of Christ has . . .
Β subdued many a rebellious will;Β
Β broken many a marble heart;Β
Β laid low many a vaunting foe;Β
Β overcome and triumphed, when all other instruments have failed;Β
Β transformed the lion like heart of man, into the lamb like heart of Christ!Β
When lifted up in its own bare simplicity and inimitable grandeur–the cross of Christ has won and attracted millions to its faith, admiration, and love!Β
What a marvelous power does this cross of Jesus possess! It changes the Christian’s entire judgment of the world.Β Looking at the world through the cross–his opinion is totally revolutionized.Β
He sees the world as it really is–a sinful, empty, vain thing.Β
He learns its iniquity, in that it crucified the Lord of life and glory.Β
His expectations from the world, and his love to the world, are transformed.Β
He has found another object of love–the Savior whom the world cast out and slew.Β
His love to the world is destroyed by that power which alone could destroy it–the crucifying power of the cross.Β
It is the cross which eclipses, in the view of the true believer, the glory and attraction of every other object.Β
What is the weapon by which faith combats with, and overcomes the world? What but the cross of Jesus!Β
Just as the natural eye, gazing for a while upon the sun, is blinded for the moment to all other objects by its overpowering effulgence; so to the believer, concentrating his mind upon the glory of the crucified Savior, studying closely the wonders ofΒ graceandΒ loveΒ andΒ truthΒ meeting in the cross–the world with all its attraction fades into the full darkness of an eclipse.Β
Christ and His cross infinitely better than the world and its trinkets!Β
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14Β
The delight which God has in His redeemed people!
April 9, 2020 5 Comments
The delight which God has in His redeemed people!Β
“I willΒ rejoiceΒ over them to do them good.” Jeremiah 32:41Β
“AsΒ a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,Β so your God willΒ rejoiceΒ over you!”Β Isaiah 62:5Β
The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take greatΒ delightΒ in you . . . He willΒ rejoiceΒ over you with singing!” Zephaniah 3:17Β
How heart-cheering to the believer, isΒ theΒ delightΒ which God has in His redeemed people!
We cannot see any reason inΒ ourselvesΒ why the Lord should take pleasure in us. We cannot take delight in ourselves, for we often have to groan, being burdened; conscious of our sinfulness, and deploring our unfaithfulness.Β
And we fear thatΒ God’s peopleΒ cannot take much delight in us, for they must perceive so much of our imperfections and our follies, that they may rather lament our infirmities, than admire our graces.Β
But we love to dwell upon this transcendent truth, this glorious mystery–that as the bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so does the Lord rejoice over us!Β
We do not read anywhere that God delights in the cloud-capped mountains, or the sparkling stars–but we do read that His delights are with the sons of men.Β
We do not find it written that evenΒ angelsΒ give His soul delight; nor does He say, concerning cherubim and seraphim, “You shall be calledΒ Hephzibah, for the LordΒ delightsΒ in you”; but He does say all that to poor fallen creatures like ourselves, debased and depraved by sin–but redeemed and saved by His grace.Β
In what strong language He expresses His delight in His people! Who could have conceived of the eternal One as bursting forth into a song? Yet it is written, “He will take greatΒ delightΒ in you . . . He will rejoice over you withΒ singing!”Β
As He looked upon the world He had made, He said, “It is very good”. But when He beheld those who are the purchase of Jesus’ blood, His own chosen ones, it seemed as if the great heart of the Infinite could restrain itself no longer–but overflowed in divine exclamations of joy.Β
Should not we utter ourΒ grateful responseΒ to such a marvelous declaration of His love, and sing, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!”Β
May we see our sins
April 8, 2020 2 Comments
May we see our sins
(Henry Law, “Family Prayers”)
O God the Holy Spirit, have mercy upon us miserable sinners. Move, we beseech You, in our disordered hearts. Remove the deformities of unruly desires and hateful lusts. Chase away the mists and darkness of unbelief. Brighten our inner man with the pure light of truth. Sow abundantly the seeds of righteousness. Make our souls fragrant as the garden of the Lord. Enrich them with every godly fruit. Beautify them with heavenly grace. Be our comforter, our guide, our light, our sanctification.Β
Especially take of the things of Christ, and show them with enlarged power to our longing souls. May we daily learn more of His love, His grace, His tender compassion, His faithfulness, and His beauty. May we delight ourselves in Him with increased delight.Β Lead us to the cross, and show us in His wounds–the hateful character of sin.Β May we see our sins, as . . .Β
Β theΒ nailsΒ which transfixed Him,
Β theΒ cordsΒ which bound Him,
Β theΒ swordΒ which pierced Him,
Β theΒ thornsΒ which tore Him,
Β theΒ tauntsΒ which stung Him.Β
Help us to read in His cruel death, the reality and immensity of His love.Β
Open to us the wondrous volumes of glorious truth in the cry,Β “It is finished!”Β
Our atonement is forever achieved,Β
our debt is fully paid,Β
all our guilt is washed away,
all our sins most righteously forgiven,
our souls saved,
Hell vanquished,
the devil crushed,
Heaven won, andΒ
eternity of glory our rightful home!
Holy Spirit, deepen in us these saving lessons.Β
Write them with Your finger on the tablets of our hearts.Β
May our walk be . . .
Β sin-loathing,
Β sin-fleeing,
Β Christ-loving,
Β God-fearing!
Believing that God rules all, that He governs wisely, that He brings good out of evil
April 7, 2020 4 Comments
Believing that God rules all, that He governs wisely, that He brings good out of evil
(Charles Spurgeon)
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!” Romans 8:28Β
The Christian does not merely hold this truth as a theory, but he knows it as a matter of fact. Everything has worked for good as yet.Β
TheΒ poisonous drugsΒ mixed in fit proportions, have worked the cure.Β
TheΒ sharp cutsΒ of the lancet, have cleansed out the infected flesh and facilitated the healing.Β
In every event of your life, God has always worked out the most divinely blessed results.
Believing that God rules all, that He governs wisely, that He brings good out of evil–the believer’s heart is comforted, and he is enabled calmly to meet each trial as it comes. The believer can in the spirit of true resignation pray, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine! Send me what You will, my Father, so long as it comes from You!”
The crying evil of both the Church and of the world!
April 6, 2020 4 Comments
The crying evil of both the Church and of the world!Β
(Thomas Reade, “The Desire of More”)Β
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, andΒ covetousness, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5Β
“You can be sure that no immoral, impure, orΒ covetousΒ person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For aΒ covetousΒ person is really anΒ idolaterΒ who worships the things of this world.” Ephesians 5:5Β
The love of moneyΒ under every form, insinuates itself into every heart.Β
A day is fast approaching when it will be clearly seen whether Christ or Mammon has swayed our affections.Β
Covetousness, in the language of Scripture, is the desire of having more. If we are habitually desirous of riches, for their own sake, we are, in the estimation of God,Β covetousΒ people, idolaters, the servants of mammon. Our station may be exalted; our profession of religion may be outwardly strict, but still our destruction is sure.Β
There are, perhaps, few sins which assume so plausible an appearance; and for which so many excuses are made as for that ofcovetousness. And hence it is that we have need to guard so much the citadel of the heart.Β
Covetousness, eatingΒ like a canker, upon the vitals of our religion–isΒ the crying evil of both the Church and of the world!Β
What advantage did Lot’s wife, Achan, Gehazi, Judas, and Ananias and Sapphira, gain by their desire for more? They reaped shame and death; and now stand asΒ beaconsΒ in the Word of God to warn us against their soul-destroying sin!Β
“For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?”Β Luke 9:25Β
As foolish as to hope to bind an angel with a string, or to lure a star with music!
April 5, 2020 5 Comments
As foolish as to hope to bind an angel with a string, or to lure a star with music!Β
(Charles Spurgeon)
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes!” Romans 1:16Β
To try to win a soul to Christ by keeping that soul in ignorance of any truth, is contrary to the mind of the Spirit. To endeavor to save men by mere claptrap, or entertainments, or excitements, or oratorical displays–isΒ as foolish as to hope to bind an angel with a string, or to lure a star with music!Β
The best attraction is the gospel in its purity. The weapon with which the Lord conquers men, is the truth as it is in Jesus. The gospel will be found equal to every emergency. The gospel is anΒ arrowΒ which can pierce the hardest heart–aΒ balmΒ which will heal the deadliest wound. Preach it, and preach nothing else. Rely implicitly upon the old, old gospel.Β
You need no otherΒ netsΒ when you fish for men; those your Master has given you are strong enough for the large fish, and have meshes fine enough to hold the little ones.Β
Spread those nets and no others, and you need not fear the fulfillment of His Word, “I will make you fishers of men.”
The diamonds of Heaven!
April 4, 2020 6 Comments
The diamonds of Heaven!
“You keep track of all myΒ sorrows.
Β You have collected all myΒ tearsΒ in Your bottle.
Β You have recorded each one in Your book.”Β Psalm 56:8
“Behold, he is praying!” Acts 9:11Β
Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. The moment Saul began to pray, the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul. Oftentimes a poor broken-hearted one bends his knee, but can only utter his wailing in the language of sighs and tears; yet that groan has made all the harps of heaven thrill with music; that tear has been caught by God and treasured in theΒ lachrymatory of Heaven.Β “You have collected all my tears in Your bottle.”Β ThisΒ implies that they are caught as they flow!Β
The suppliant, who groans out his words, will be well understood by the Most High God. He may only look up with misty eye; butΒ prayer is the falling of a tear!Β Tears areΒ the diamonds of Heaven!Β SighsΒ are a part of the music of Jehovah’s court, and are numbered with the most sublime strains which reach the majesty on high!
Do not think that your prayers, however weak or trembling, will be unregarded. Our God not onlyΒ hearsΒ prayers, but alsoΒ lovesΒ to hear them. “He does not forget the cry of the humble.”Β
True, He does not regard proud looks and lofty words.Β
He no concern for the pomp and pageantry of kings.Β
He does not listen not to the swell of martial music.Β
He does not regard the triumph and pride of man.Β
But wherever there is a contrite heart full with sorrow, or a lip quivering with agony, or a deep groan, or a penitential sighθhe heart of Jehovah is open! He marks that prayer down inΒ the registry of His memory!Β He puts our prayers, like rose leavesεetween the pages of His book of remembrance, and when the volume is opened at last there shall be a precious fragrance springing up therefrom!
When a tear is wept by you–do not think that God does not behold it
April 3, 2020 0 Comments
When a tear is wept by you–do not think that God does not behold it
(Charles Spurgeon)
“The LORD said:
Β I have indeedΒ seenΒ the misery of My people in Egypt.
Β I haveΒ heardΒ them crying out because of their slave drivers,
Β and I amΒ concernedΒ about their suffering.
Β So I have come down toΒ rescueΒ them . . .” Exodus 3:7, 8
Perhaps no figure of speech represents God in a more gracious light, than when He is spoken of as stooping from His throne and coming down from Heaven to attend to the wants and woes of His redeemed people.Β
How can we but love Him, when we know that He . . .
Β numbers the very hairs of our heads,
Β marks all our paths, and
Β orders all our ways?
When a tear is wept by you–do not think that God does not behold it, for . . .
“You keepΒ trackΒ of all my sorrows.
Β You haveΒ collectedΒ all my tears in Your bottle.
Β You haveΒ recordedΒ each one in Your book.” Psalm 56:8Β
Your sigh is able to move the heart of Jehovah,Β
your whisper can incline His ear unto you,Β
your prayer can stay His hand,Β
your faith can move His arm!
Do not think that God sits on high taking no account of you. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him.
There is one stable rock amidst the billows of the sea of life!
April 2, 2020 3 Comments
There is one stable rock amidst the billows of the sea of life!
(Charles Spurgeon)Β
“Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age!” Matthew 28:20Β
It is well that there is One who is ever the same, and who is ever with us. It is well thatΒ there is one stable rock amidst the billows of the sea of life. O my soul, do not set your affections upon rusting, moth-eaten, decaying treasures–but set your heart upon Him who abides forever faithful to you. Do not build your house upon the moving quicksands of a deceitful world–but found your hopes upon this rock, which, amid descending rain and roaring floods, shall stand immovably secure!
My soul, I charge you–lay up yourΒ treasureΒ in the only secure cabinet; store yourΒ jewelsΒ where you can never lose them. Put yourΒ allΒ in Christ; set . . .
Β all yourΒ affectionsΒ on His person,
Β all yourΒ hopeΒ in His merit,
Β all yourΒ trustΒ in His efficacious blood,
Β all yourΒ joyΒ in His presence,
and so you may laugh at loss and defy difficulties.Β
Remember thatΒ all the flowers in the world’s garden wither and die–and the day is coming when nothing will be left but the black, cold earth.Β Death’s black extinguisherΒ must soon put out your candle. Oh! how sweet to haveΒ sunlight–when theΒ candleΒ is gone! TheΒ dark floodΒ must soon roll between you and all you have!Β
So wed your heart to Him who will never leave you. Trust yourself with Him who will go with you through the black and surging current of death’s stream, and who will land you safely on the celestial shore, and make you sit with Him in heavenly places forever!Β
Go, sorrowing son of affliction–tell your secret troubles to the Friend who sticks closer than a brother. Trust all your concerns with Him . . .
Β who never can be taken from you,
Β who will never leave you, and
Β who will never let you leave Him, even “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”Β
“I am with you always,”Β is enough for my soul to live upon–though all others forsake me!
Praise The Lord!
April 1, 2020 4 Comments
Psalm 150:6Β (ESV)Β
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!Β Praise the Lord!
Job 12:7-10 (ESV)Β
βBut ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.
Β Description…
This is another photo taken on our day trip to Chessington world of adventures a few years ago. The crazy thing isβ¦I had no idea that this Tiger(or any of the creatures in my recent posts) were looking at me until i returned home and zoomed in on the photos whilst viewing them on my iMac, lol! πΒ
I hope thisΒ beautiful Tiger puts another smile on your face,?Β πΒ
Β
πΆ Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all. πΆ
Rejoice π
March 30, 2020 0 Comments
Psalm 118:24Β (NLT)
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Description
This is a photo taken on our day trip to London Zoo a few years ago. I just love how this little dude seems to be smilingβ¦So i just had to put this bible verse with it.
Hope he puts a smile on your face too during this challenging time?!Β πΒ
“Iβve never seen so clearly since going blind” 20 Years Of Sight-loss!
March 28, 2020 26 Comments
Hi friends. As it is 20 years to the day since i went blindβ¦I thought iβd share one of my older posts(yet updated) from 4 years ago when i was asked to share a little of what i went through when i lost my sight at 24.
I really hope that youβll have the time to read it, and that it blesses you in some small way?!Β
Here Goes…
I was asked by our Minister Nik if i would share my Testimony in the parade service. The theme was βFaith through Adversityβ, Nik said “i can ask you some straight forward questions, it will only take about 5 minutes(or so we thought)β βYeah, ok, if you think it will help?β.
Sunday 8th May 2016…
Walking into the church building Sunday morning, it was quite full, as it was parade service, the scouts and other uniformed groups were there, but Nik found us seats at the front, then showed me up the steps and where iβd stand to speak, after testing the microphone i remembered the steps and sat back down.Β
As iβm blind, i canβt use any notes, so i spent a little time trying to etch some answer headings into my mind, hoping iβd not veer too far off track. I then prayed that iβd use this time to Glorify Him, as i talked about the Truth that sets us free, and how iβm not ashamed of the Gospel, itβs the power of God unto Salvation to all who believe…please make it real(be careful praying this, lol).
It;s time…
Steve, we are looking at people who have showed faith in difficult circumstances and I have asked you to share some of your story with us.
Many people here, even those who have seen you around at various church events may not know that you are blind.
My Testimony…
Nik stood next to me at the microphone and started with the first 2 questions:
Have you always been blind? How and when did you loose your sight?
I explained iβd been fully sighted until i was 24, and after 2 brain haemorrhages(March – July 2000) that burst my optic nerve, iβm now registered blind and have Severe Hypertensive Retinopathy.
“How did that change your life?”
I said βI can only scratch the surface this morning, but if ever you see me walking around here or in town, please ask me anything. But now i’ll try and sketch you a quick picture and give you a flavour of what happened⦔
βI went to the gym 6-7 days a week, played football most evenings and was quite violent, acting the tough guy. Β I wasnβt a Christian, i hadnβt been born again, or even been inside a church buildingβ¦soβ¦As i stepped out of the eye consultants office after being told iβd be blind for the rest of my life, it was out of character but i collapsed on the floor sobbingg my eyes out. And as my crying out got a little too loud they pulled me into a small empty roomβ¦.And this was the easy bitβ.
βFollowing this was pure isolation… all my football mates left me, i lost my job, my car and ability to do anything…i lost everything, i was completely broken, and on top of that i was left to my acusing thoughts βNobody wants you, youβre useless now, unwanted, rejected, unloved and unlovable!!β
Suddenly, as i was telling my story…
My mouth was silenced, an image of Jesus in Glory(Revelation 1) filled my mind, it wasΒ so clear(not blurred by my blindness)Β I could see His flaming eyes of judgmentβ¦thenβ¦the image changed, it was Jesus on the cross, now His eyes were filled with Mercy, Compassion & Grace, and while looking down straight at me he said βI did this for you, so that you can live. Iβ¦LOVEβ¦YOU!!!
I started sobbing uncontrollably, and it took a couple of minutes for me to try and start talking againβ¦.but more sobbingβ¦i was completely undone. But these tears were different!
I already knew He’d given His life so i could live. He’d come down so farΒ to save me it is immeasurable. His blood washed me clean, white as snow. He’s forgiven me all my sins, past, present and future, and there is no more condemnation for me, it is finished!
Iβd been Β praying for so long for God to βBreak my heart for what broke Hisβ and sang the songs many times, but rarely had i caught a glimpse of the true cost of His Love, and His free gift of Grace to those who Repent and Believe in Him. I knew He wanted me to share the True Gospel to people listening(and now reading), as it alone is the only Hope. It is the Power of God unto Salvation for anyone that believes.
Still sobbing, i continued…
My every word was a different pitch but i said βMy pit was so dark, my accusing thoughts were too heavy, and this led to a daily cycle of waking up and trying to kill myselfβ¦failing, which made me feel worseβ¦then drinking so much i could drown them out for the rest of the day, until i woke the next day, then it started again.Β
I didnβt have the strength to kill myself, and i didnβt have the strength to live…i was without God, and without Hope!
Nik, whoβs hand was rested on my shoulder asked question 4 “I know you were deeply unhappy at the time, what changed that?”
The world followed itβs pattern and sent me to Counselling, then Psychotherapy & finally Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, they didnβt work, they all had no answer for me, they couldnβt reach far enough down to pull me out. I needed a Saviour, I needed the light of the Gospel!Β
The Good News &Β Lovely Sarah…
Meeting Sarah changed my life! I have no idea how sheβs put up with me. Sheβs Β been so patient and long suffering as i tried attacking her Faith and this Jesus! But she kept on loving me. Sarah always seemed to have a rock to stand on no matter how bad things got for her, and i was being dragged deeper into the sinking sand. She always had this Blessed Hope that i didnβt,
Jesus worked through Sarah to shine the light of the Gospel, the Good News i was dying for.Β
Words failed me as i was trying to describe how much i love Sarah, so when my mind filled with thoughts of how far weβve grown together in loveβ¦i broke down again.Β
The sobbing was still making me pause every few words, but mentioned Jesus doesnβt want to see anyone perish, but he pursues you, He has come to seek and save that which is lost. He loves you and no matter how bad or hopeless you think you are, Heβll keep coming with His free gift of Salvation!
Nik asked Question 5 “some people would say that your life must be worse now, would you agree with them?”
Iβd gone way over my time slot, and i was almost pulled away from the mic as i was so overwhelmedβ¦BUT i knew these tears were not about me, or my losses. I had 1 focus and that was to share the Truth that sets us free. I had no feeling of sorrow or pain. I knew it must have seemed like this to the congregation, and i thought theyβd stick me in a counselling room when iβd finished!
The Holy Spirit was filling me like never before, and made the Power of the Gospel so real to me i almost exploded.
I continued βI wouldnβt agree with anyone who thinks(or measures) life by how good our circumstances are. Iβd lead them to 2 Corinthians 4 & 5 where it talks about living by Faith, not by Sight, and now that we are born again in the Spirit, we should walk by the Spirit. Not living for things that are seen which are temporary(like my sight loss), but living for the unseen which is Eternalβ
βI used to hate this song, but now iβd play it every service if i couldβ¦have you heard Amazing Grace, the Chris Tomlin version? If you pass me in the street youβll normally hear me singing or humming these words:”
“Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.Β I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see. My chains are gone I’ve been set free. My God, my Saviour has ransomed me. And like a flood His mercy reigns. Unending love, amazing graceβ.
βIβve never seen so clearly since going blindβ This is one of my fave sayings.Β πΒ
Nik then walked me back to my seat next to Sarah. The church was completely silent, it had been silent since i first started sobbing. I could feel Sarah was upset as she didnβt react for a while, then she said βPeople kept on running up and passing me tissuesβ. Nik sat down next to Sarah, and Sarah said βYouβre not borrowing him again to speakβ.Β
After the service people came over and said they really connected with the things i said, although i think everyone thinks iβm back in dark depression again, lol.
He showed me the reality and Power of transformation in His Gospel, and how vital it is to share it, as Jesus is the Β Way, the Truth and the Life and no-one gets to Β the Father but by Him. Heβs the forgiver of Sins, breaker of chains, and the only Salvation for Eternal Life in Heaven.
John 3:14-21Β New King James Version (NKJV)
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but[a] have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 βHe who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.β
I felt i needed to share this post to try and explain a little more of what was happening to me, and maybe reach out to someone who is struggling with the creeping death called Depression,or who is just simply lost and without God, and without Hope.
Related Post: My Full TestimonyΒ
You Guide Me
March 26, 2020 4 Comments
Psalm 73:23-26 (ESV)
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength[a] of my heart and my portion forever.
We are tossed upon an ocean of troubles, fears and temptations!
March 25, 2020 0 Comments
We are tossed upon an ocean of troubles, fears and temptations!
(John Flavel)
“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” John 16:33Β
The way to Heaven lies through much tribulation. All our troubles are not over when we are saved by Christ; nay, then commonly our greatest sorrows begin! Nor are we to expect freedom from our troubles, until harbored in Heaven.
ThisΒ winter weatherΒ shall be useful to destroy those noxious weeds, which theΒ summer of prosperityΒ bred. By wintry trials, God will mortify and purge our corruptions!
At presentΒ we are tossed upon an ocean of troubles, fears and temptations–but these will make Heaven all the sweeter. Cheer up, then, O my soul, your salvation is now nearer than when you first believed! Yet a few more days, and then comes that blessed day you have so long waited and panted for!
God will shortly put a blessed end to all of your soul troubles, cares and watchings. The time is coming, when your heart shall be as you would have it, when you shall be discharged of all these cares, fears and sorrows, and never more cry out: “O my hard, my proud, my vain, my earthly heart!”
The time is coming, when all vanity shall be purged perfectly out of your thoughts–and they will be everlastingly, ravishingly, and delightfully entertained and exercised upon that supreme goodness and infinite excellency of God!
Β
“Then the King will say to those on His right: Come, you who are blessed by My Father; take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world!” Matthew 25:34
ππ» We Come Together!
March 24, 2020 0 Comments
We come on our own, we come together.Β We come with our excitement and with our lack of expectation.Β
We come with our lamps burning brightly and with our lamps hidden.Β
We come with our longing and with our pride.Β
We come with our words and with our silence.Β
We come with our music and with our resentments.
We come to you, God of truth, with our hands openΒ
and ask that you reach out to us afresh.
Lord forgive our hardness of heart
Forgive us for those times when we think we can do it without you
Forgive us for our coldness towards you and others
Melt the ice of our coldness and breathe your new life into us
Generous God,
we thank you that a small amount of saltΒ
can season a whole meal;
a small candle can light a whole room,
a small act of kindness inspire a whole life,
a small community transform a whole city,
a small prayer bring near a whole kingdom.
We thank you, Lord, we thank you.
Please show me the areas of my life which have become flavourless?!
Show me in what ways can I be salt in my world?
We pray, gracious God, for your Church throughout the world, for your Church in this nation, in this place, that we would be light bearers and truth bearers.Β May we shed the light of encouragement where there is disappointment;Β the light of integrity where there is corruption;Β the light of clarity where there is uncertainty;Β the light of challenge where there is complacency;Β the light of acceptance where there is rejection.Β And may we always walk and pray and serve in the light of humility and in the strength of your name, that others may see you in us and give you the glory.
We pray in Jesusβ name.
Amen.
May you be as salt where there is staleness;
light where there is darkness;Β
truth where there is unbeliefΒ
and love where there is great need.Β
And may you know the blessing of God the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit,Β
close to you each moment and each day.
The one indispensable book!
March 24, 2020 3 Comments
The one indispensable book!
(Daniel March, 1870)
The Bible is theΒ oldest–and theΒ newestΒ of books.
The Bible surveys the whole field ofΒ time–and it looks farthest into the infinite depths ofΒ eternity.Β
The Bible lends the most vivid and absorbing interest to the scenes and events of theΒ past–and it keeps us in the most active sympathy with the time in which we live.Β
The Bible gives us the most reliable record of whatΒ hasΒ been–and it affords us our only means of knowing what isΒ yetΒ to be.Β
The Bible isΒ holyΒ enough to denounce the very shadow and semblance of sin–and it isΒ mercifulΒ enough to save the chief of sinners.Β
The Bible is full ofΒ God–and must therefore be read with a pure heart, or its true glory will not be seen.Β
The Bible is full ofΒ man–and must therefore always be interesting and instructive to all who would know themselves.
The Bible is theΒ plainestΒ of books–and yet it hasΒ depths of wisdomΒ which no created mind can fathom.Β
The Bible is set up as a beacon to show all wanderers the safe way–and yet its light shines forth from thick clouds of mystery, and from abysses of infinite darkness.Β
The Bible describes all conditions of life–and it gives utterance to all desires and emotions of the soul.Β
The Bible has a song of triumph for theΒ overcomer–and a wail of defeat for theΒ overcome.Β
The Bible . . .
Β sparkles with the fervor and gladness ofΒ youth,
Β celebrates the strength and glory ofΒ manhood,
Β bewails the sorrows and infirmities ofΒ old age.Β
The Bible . . .
Β exults in the mighty deeds of kings and conquerors,Β
Β sympathizes with the poor and lowly,Β
Β lifts up the fallen,Β
Β delivers the oppressed, andΒ
Β breathes the blessing of peace upon the quiet homes of domestic life.Β
The Bible describes with startling clearness . . .
Β the seductions ofΒ temptation,
Β the conflicts ofΒ doubtΒ and
Β the miseries ofΒ skepticism.Β
The Bible . . .
Β searches the secret chambers of theΒ heart,Β
Β brings to light its purest love and its darkest hate,Β
Β reveals its highest joy and its deepest grief.Β
The Bible compasses the utmost range ofΒ thoughtΒ andΒ feelingΒ andΒ desire–and it sounds the utmost depth ofΒ motiveΒ andΒ characterandΒ passion.
Thus in the Bible,Β
Β God and man,
Β earth and heaven,
Β time and eternity–
speak with one voice and teach the same truth.Β
The Bible sets forth the most spiritual and heavenly truths–in the lights and shadows of earthly scenes and human characters.Β
Thus the Bible isΒ the one indispensable bookΒ . . .
Β for all ages–and all nations,
Β for all classes of men–and all states of society,
Β for all capacities of intellect–and all necessities of the soul!
Unless our study of Scripture . . .
February 17, 2019 1 Comment
Unless our study of Scripture . . .
“He who says he abides in Him, ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” 1 John 2:6
Unless our study of ScriptureΒ is conforming us, both inwardly and outwardly, to the image of Christ–it profits us not!
“Leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21
They have often destroyed, by their daily lives–the whole work of their lips!
February 14, 2019 0 Comments
They have often destroyed, by their daily lives–the whole work of their lips!
(J.C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Luke” 1858)
“He told them: Take nothing for the journey–no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town.” Luke 9:3-4Β
Let us observe that our Lord charges His apostles, when He sends them forth–to studyΒ simplicity of habits, andΒ contentmentΒ with such things as they have.Β
These instructions contain a lesson for all time. The spirit of these verses is meant to be remembered by allΒ ministersΒ of the Gospel. The leading idea which the words convey–is a warning againstΒ worldlinessΒ andΒ luxurious habits.Β
Well would it be for the world and the Church, if the warning had been more carefully heeded! From no quarter has Christianity received such damage–as it has from the hands of its own ministers! On no point have its ministers erred so much, and so often–as in the matter of personalΒ worldliness, andΒ luxury of life.Β They have often destroyed, by their daily lives–the whole work of their lips!Β They have given occasion to the enemies of religion to say that they love ease, and money, and earthly things–far more than souls.Β
From such ministers, may we pray daily that the Church may be delivered! They are a living stumbling-block in the way to Heaven. They are helpers to the cause of the devil–and not of God. The preacher whose affections are set on money, and finery and feasting, and pleasure-seeking–has clearly mistaken his vocation. He has forgotten his Master’s instructions. He is not an apostolic man!
The only effectual reformer of the world!
November 1, 2017 2 Comments
The only effectual reformer of the world!
(Samuel Davies, “Serious Reflections on WAR” 1757)
“When He comesβHe will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment!” John 16:8
The Holy Spirit is the only effectual reformer of the world! If He is absentβ
legislators may make laws against crime;
philosophers may reason against vice;
ministers may preach against sin;
conscience may remonstrate against evil;
the divine law may prescribe, and threaten hell;
the gospel may invite and allure to heaven;
but all will be in vain!
The strongest arguments, the most melting entreaties, the most alarming denunciations from God and man, enforced with the highest authority, or the most compassionate tearsβall will have no effectβall will not effectually reclaim one sinner, nor gain one sincere convert to righteousness!
Paul, Apollos, and Peter, with all their apostolic abilities, can do nothing, without the Holy Spirit.
Paul may plant the seedβand Apollos may water it; but God alone can make it grow! “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anythingβbut only God, who makes things grow!” 1 Corinthians 3:6, 7.
Never will peace and harmony be established in this jangling worldβuntil this Divine Agent takes the work in hand.
It is He aloneβwho can melt down the obstinate hearts of men into love and peace!
It is He aloneβwho can soften their rugged and savage tempers, and transform them into mutual benevolence!
It is He aloneβwho can quench those lusts that set the world on fire, and implant the opposite virtues and graces. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, are mentioned by Paul, as the fruit of the Spirit, because the Spirit alone is the author of them. And if these dispositions were predominant in the worldβwhat a serene, calm, peaceful region would it be, undisturbed with the hurricanes of human passions!
Oh, how much do we need the influence of the blessed Spirit . . .
to break the heart of stone,
to enlighten the dark mind, and
to comfort the desponding soul!
I Will Make Darkness Light
June 12, 2017 0 Comments
Isaiah 42:16 New King James Version (NKJV)
I will bring the blind by a way they did not know;Β I will lead them in paths they have not known.Β I will make darkness light before them,Β And crooked places straight.Β These things I will do for them,Β And not forsake them.
The Joy of Forgiveness
June 2, 2017 0 Comments
Psalm 32:1 New King James Version (NKJV)
The Joy of Forgiveness
32 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,Β Whose sin is covered.
Remembrance Sunday(inspiring you by reminding you of the Truth)
November 13, 2016 0 Comments
2 Peter 1 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Growth in Christian Virtue
1 [a]Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Jesus Christ,
To those who have [b]received and possess [by Godβs will] a precious faith of the [c]same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace [that special sense of spiritual well-being] be multiplied to you in the [true, intimate] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through [d]true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature. 5 For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, [e]develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit]. 8 For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is blindβshortsighted [closing his spiritual eyes to the truth], having become oblivious to the fact that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by [f]doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin]; 11 for in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided to you.
12 Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them and are established in the truth which is [g]held firmly in your grasp. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this earthly tent, to inspire you by reminding you, 14 knowing that the laying aside of this earthly tent of mine is imminent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 Moreover, I will diligently endeavor [to see to it] that even after my departure you will be able, at all times, to call these things to mind.
Copyright Β© 2015 by The Lockman Foundation.
Wisdom from Above
September 20, 2016 3 Comments
James 3:13-18 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Wisdom from Above
13 Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and [as a result] be in defiance of the truth. 15 This [superficial] wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly (secular), natural (unspiritual), even demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile]. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace [by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals].
The Deceitfulness Of Sin
November 24, 2014 1 Comment
Hebrews 3:12-13 New International Version – UK (NIVUK)
See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called βTodayβ, so that none of you may be hardened by sinβs deceitfulness.
True Beauty
September 30, 2014 2 Comments
Proverbs 31:30 New International Version
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Strength & Peace
September 29, 2014 2 Comments
Psalm 29:11 New International VersionΒ
The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.
A Broken Tooth
September 25, 2014 1 Comment
Proverbs 25:19 New International Version
Like a broken tooth or a lame foot
is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
Apply Your Heart
September 23, 2014 1 Comment
Proverbs 23:12 New International Version
Apply your heart to instruction
and your ears to words of knowledge.
Guard Your Mouth & Tongue
September 21, 2014 4 Comments
Proverbs 21:23 New International Version
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues
keep themselves from calamity.
Gracious Words
September 16, 2014 5 Comments
Proverbs 16:24 New International Version
Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
A Few Birds & Sea Creatures
August 21, 2014 10 Comments
Genesis 1:21-22Β The VoiceΒ
God: 20 Waters, swarm with fish and sea creatures. Let birds soar high above the earth in the broad expanse of sky.
21 So God created huge sea creatures, all the swarm of life in the waters, and every kind and species of flying birdsβeach able to reproduce its own kind. And God saw that His new creation was beautiful and good. 22 And God spoke this blessing over them:
God: Be fruitful and multiply. Let creatures fill the seas. Let birds reproduce and cover the earth.
See also Blind Photographer
Bad Boys Of The Bible: Doeg
August 12, 2014 4 Comments
Doeg
1 Samuel 22 The Voice
9 Doeg the Edomite stood among Saulβs servants.
Doeg: I saw the son of Jesse when he came to Nob to speak with the priest, Ahimelech son of Ahitub. 10 Ahimelech asked the Eternal One questions on Davidβs behalf, gave him provisions, and even gave him the legendary sword of Goliath the Philistine.Β
Saul (to Doeg): 18 Carry out my orders. Turn around, and kill these priests.
So Doeg the Edomite attacked them. That day he turned and killed 85 men who wore the priestly linen garment. 19 Then he went after Nob, the city of the priests, with his sword and utterly destroyed everything he found thereβall the men, women, children, and infants. Doeg even turned his blade against the oxen, donkeys, and sheep. 20 Only Abiathar, son of Ahimelech, son of Ahitub, escaped, and he fled to David for protection. 21 He informed David that Saul had massacred the priests of the Eternal.
Psalm 52 The Voice
Psalm 52 recalls the callous way Doeg and Saul put to death the 85 priests of Nob (1 Samuel 22:6β19). The psalm ends with a memorable image: the one who keeps faith with God is like a lush olive tree cared for in His garden. While those who do not trust in Him are snatched up and torn away, those who do right will flourish under His care.
1 Why do you boast of all the trouble you stir up, O mighty one,Β when the constant, unfailing love of God is what truly lasts?Β 2 Have you listened to yourself?Β Your tongue is like a sharp razor,Β full of lies that slash and tear right to the soul.Β 3 Youβve fallen in love with evil and have no interest in what He calls good.Β You prefer your own lies to speaking what is true.
4 You love words that destroy people, donβt you,Β lying tongue?Β 5 You wonβt be smilingΒ when the True God brings His justice and destroys you forever.Β He will come into your home, snatch you away,Β and pull you from the land of the living.
6 Those who are just will see what happens to you and be afraid.Β And some of them will laugh and say,Β 7 βHey, look! Over there is the one who didnβt takeΒ shelter in the True God;Β Instead, he trusted in his great wealthΒ and got what he wanted by destroying others!βΒ
8 But my life is abundantβlike a lush olive treeΒ cared for at the house of the one True God.Β I put my trust in His kind loveΒ forever and ever; it will never fail.Β 9 Because of all You have done,Β I will humble myself and thank You forever.Β With Your faithful people at my side,Β I will put my hope in our good reputation.
We Arenβt Trying To Please Everybody, But God
August 1, 2014 2 Comments
1 Thessalonians 2:4 The Voice
but as we have been approved by God and entrusted with the good news, thatβs how we are telling the world. We arenβt trying to please everybody, but God, the only One who can truly examine our motives.
Listen, I Canβt Explain My Actions
May 29, 2014 2 Comments
Romans 7:15-25Β The Voice
15 Listen, I canβt explain my actions. Hereβs why: I am not able to do the things I want; and at the same time, I do the things I despise. 16 If I am doing the things I have already decided not to do, I am agreeing with the law regarding what is good. 17 But now I am no longer the one actingβIβve lost controlβsin has taken up residence in me and is wreaking havoc. 18 I know that in me, that is, in my fallen human nature, there is nothing good. I can will myself to do something good, but that does not help me carry it out. 19 I can determine that I am going to do good, but I donβt do it; instead, I end up living out the evil that I decided not to do. 20 If I end up doing the exact thing I pledged not to do, I am no longer doing it because sin has taken up residence in me.
21 Hereβs an important principle Iβve discovered: regardless of my desire to do the right thing, it is clear that evil is never far away. 22 For deep down I am in happy agreement with Godβs law; 23 but the rest of me does not concur. I see a very different principle at work in my bodily members, and it is at war with my mind; I have become a prisoner in this war to the rule of sin in my body. 24 I am absolutely miserable! Is there anyone who can free me from this body where sin and death reign so supremely? 25 I am thankful to God for the freedom that comes through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One! So on the one hand, I devotedly serve Godβs law with my mind; but on the other hand, with my flesh, I serve the principle of sin.
We Must Receive His Grace
May 27, 2014 2 Comments
2 Peter 1:3-4Β The Voice
His divine power has given us everything we need to experience life and to reflect Godβs true nature through the knowledge of the One who called us by His glory and virtue. Through these things, we have received Godβs great and valuable promises, so we might escape the corruption of worldly desires and share in the divine nature.
God took the first step to rescue us from this corrupt world. He has granted us His power, revealed to us true knowledge, and spoken to us great promises. He has done all this for a reason: that we might participate in His own nature and reflect His own life. But we are not passive observers of Godβs saving actions. We must receive His grace, grow in knowledge, and join Him in this work of redemption.
Whom Will We Serve?
May 22, 2014 0 Comments
Romans 7:1-14Β The Voice
Grace is no license to sin. As creatures, we are made to serve our Creator. In the absence of truth, we will serve somebody or something. Itβs an essential part of our nature. Our only choice is this: whom will we serve? At one time, we all served sin and grew weak under its deadly power over us. Now, through Godβs grace, we have become servants of obedience that sets us right with God, each other, and ourselves. We must daily decide whose servant we are and offer Him our hands, our feet, our hearts, our eyes.
My brothers and sisters who are well versed in the law, donβt you realize that a person is subject to the law only as long as he is alive? 2 So, for example, a wife is obligated by the law to her husband until his death; if the husband dies, she is freed from the parts of the law that relate to her marriage. 3 If she is sleeping with another man while her husband is alive, she is rightly labeled an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is free from the law and can marry another man. In such a case, she is not an adulteress.
4 My brothers and sisters, in the same way, you have died when it comes to the law because of your connection with the body of the Anointed One. His deathβand your death with Himβfrees you to belong to the One who was raised from the dead so we can bear fruit for God. 5 As we were living in the flesh, the law could not solve the problem of sin; it only awakened our lust for more and cultivated the fruit of death in our bodily members. 6 But now that we have died to those chains that imprisoned us, we have been released from the law to serve in a new Spirit-empowered life, not the old written code.
7 So what is the story? Is the law itself sin? Absolutely not! It is the exact opposite. I would never have known what sin is if it were not for the law. For example, I would not have known that desiring something that belongs to my neighbor is sin if the law had not said, βYou are not to covet.β 8 Sin took advantage of the commandment to create a constant stream of greed and desire within me; I began to want everything. You see, apart from the law, sin lies dormant. 9 There was a time when I was living without the law, but the commandment came and changed everything: sin came to life, and I died. 10 This commandment was supposed to bring life; but in my experience, it brought death. 11 Sin took advantage of the commandment, tricked me, and exploited it in order to kill me. 12 So hear me out: the law is holy; and its commandments are holy, right, and good.
13 So did the good law bring about my death? Absolutely not! It was sin that killed me, not the law. Itβs the nature of sin to produce death through what is good and exploit the commandments to multiply sinβs vile effects. 14 This is what we know: the law comes from the spiritual realm. My problem is that I am of the fallen human realm, owned by sin, which tries to keep me in its service.
A Living Hope
April 25, 2014 1 Comment
1 Peter 1:3-5Β Amplified Bible
Praised (honored, blessed) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)! By His boundless mercy we have been born again to an ever-living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
[Born anew] into an inheritance which is beyond the reach of change and decay [imperishable], unsullied and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,
Who are being guarded (garrisoned) by Godβs power through [your] faith [till you fully inherit that [a]final] salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time.
He Has Risen!
April 20, 2014 4 Comments
Matthew 28:6-7Β Amplified Bible
He is not here; He has risen, as He said [He would do]. Come, see the place where He lay.
Then go quickly and tell His disciples, He has risen from the dead, and behold, He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.
β Promise: we Have Access By Faith
March 21, 2014 1 Comment
Romans 5:2Β King James Version
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Be Joyful & Do Good
March 21, 2014 2 Comments
Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 The Voice
What good comes to anyone who works so hard, all to gain a few possessions? I have seen the kinds of tasks God has given each of us to do to keep one busy, and I know God has made everything beautiful for its time. God has also placed in our minds a sense of eternity; we look back on the past and ponder over the future, yet we cannot understand the doings of God. I know there is nothing better for us than to be joyful and to do good throughout our lives; to eat and drink and see the good in all of our hard work is a gift from God. I know everything God does endures for all time. Nothing can be added to it; nothing can be taken away from it. We humans can only stand in awe of all God has done. What has been and what is to beβalready is. And God holds accountable all the pursuits of humanity.
The contrast between God and humanity could not be starker. The teacher drives this point home by reminding his reader that human lives and earthly accomplishments are fleeting. Nothing tangible is permanent. No work lasts. It all slips away and vanishes into thin air. Compare that to God. Everything God does is substantial. Everything God accomplishes lasts forever. Every word God speaks makes a difference. And so, God places within every person a sense of eternity to know yet not understand Him. This world with all its goodness and beauty is not as good as it gets. There is more, so much more, and we are made for that reality too. But not now, not yet.
A Fresh New You
March 18, 2014 1 Comment
Colossians 3:5-10Β The Voice
So kill your earthly impulses: loose sex, impure actions, unbridled sensuality, wicked thoughts, and greed (which is essentially idolatry). Itβs because of these that Godβs wrath is coming [upon the sons and daughters of disobedience], so avoid them at all costs. These are the same things you once pursued, and together you spawned a life of evil. But now make sure you shed such things: anger, rage, spite, slander, and abusive language. And donβt go on lying to each other since you have sloughed away your old skin along with its evil practices for a fresh new you, which is continually renewed in knowledge according to the image of the One who created you.
Jesus Said, Obey My Teaching
March 17, 2014 3 Comments
Don’t put a question mark where God put a period.
John 14:23Β New Life Version
Jesus said, βThe one who loves Me will obey My teaching. My Father will love him. We will come to him and live with him.
From Death To Life
March 7, 2014 0 Comments
Ephesians 2:1-10Β Easy-to-Read Version
From Death to Life
In the past you were spiritually dead because of your sins and the things you did against God. Yes, in the past your lives were full of those sins. You lived the way the world lives, following the ruler of the evil powers that are above the earth. That same spirit is now working in those who refuse to obey God. In the past all of us lived like that, trying to please our sinful selves. We did all the things our bodies and minds wanted. Like everyone else in the world, we deserved to suffer Godβs anger just because of the way we were.
But God is rich in mercy, and he loved us very much. We were spiritually dead because of all we had done against him. But he gave us new life together with Christ. (You have been saved by Godβs grace.) Yes, it is because we are a part of Christ Jesus that God raised us from death and seated us together with him in the heavenly places. God did this so that his kindness to us who belong to Christ Jesus would clearly show for all time to come the amazing richness of his grace.
I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about. God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things he had already planned for us to do.
The Way You Should Live
March 5, 2014 1 Comment
Ephesians 4:17-32Β Easy-to-Read Version
The Way You Should Live
17 I have something from the Lord to tell you. I warn you: Donβt continue living like those who donβt believe. Their thoughts are worth nothing. 18 They have no understanding, and they know nothing because they refuse to listen. So they cannot have the life that God gives. 19 They have lost their feeling of shame and use their lives to do what is morally wrong. More and more they want to do all kinds of evil. 20 But that way of life is nothing like what you learned when you came to know Christ. 21 I know that you heard about him, and in him you were taught the truth. Yes, the truth is in Jesus. 22 You were taught to leave your old self. This means that you must stop living the evil way you lived before. That old self gets worse and worse, because people are fooled by the evil they want to do. 23 You must be made new in your hearts and in your thinking. 24 Be that new person who was made to be like God, truly good and pleasing to him.
25 So you must stop telling lies. βYou must always speak the truth to each other,β[a] because we all belong to each other in the same body. 26 βWhen you are angry, donβt let that anger make you sin,β[b] and donβt stay angry all day. 27 Donβt give the devil a way to defeat you. 28 Whoever has been stealing must stop it and start working. They must use their hands for doing something good. Then they will have something to share with those who are poor.
29 When you talk, donβt say anything bad. But say the good things that people needβwhatever will help them grow stronger. Then what you say will be a blessing to those who hear you. 30 And donβt make the Holy Spirit sad. God gave you his Spirit as proof that you belong to him and that he will keep you safe until the day he makes you free. 31 Never be bitter, angry, or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. 32 Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ.
The True Way To Worship God
March 3, 2014 0 Comments
James 1:26-27Β Easy-to-Read Version
The True Way to Worship God
You might think you are a very religious person. But if your tongue is out of control, you are fooling yourself. Your careless talk makes your offerings to God worthless. The worship that God wants is this: caring for orphans or widows who need help and keeping yourself free from the worldβs evil influence. This is the kind of worship that God accepts as pure and good.
Temptation Does Not Come From God
February 23, 2014 3 Comments
James 1:12-18Β Easy-to-Read Version
Temptation Does Not Come From God
Great blessings belong to those who are tempted and remain faithful! After they have proved their faith, God will give them the reward of eternal life. God promised this to all people who love him. Whenever you feel tempted to do something bad, you should not say, βGod is tempting me.β Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone. You are tempted by the evil things you want. Your own desire leads you away and traps you. 15 Your desire grows inside you until it results in sin. Then the sin grows bigger and bigger and finally ends in death.
My dear brothers and sisters, donβt be fooled about this. Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.
True Riches
February 22, 2014 3 Comments
James 1:9-11Β Easy-to-Read Version
True Riches
Believers who are poor should be glad that God considers them so important. Believers who are rich should be glad when bad things happen that humble them. Their riches wonβt keep them from disappearing as quickly as wildflowers. As the sun rises and gets hotter, its heat dries up the plants, and the flowers fall off. The flowers that were so beautiful are now dead. Thatβs how it is with the rich. While they are still making plans for their business, they will die.
Faith & Wisdom
February 20, 2014 8 Comments
James 1:2-8Β Easy-to-Read Version
Faith and Wisdom
My brothers and sisters, you will have many kinds of trouble. But this gives you a reason to be very happy. You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be.
Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom. But when you ask God, you must believe. Donβt doubt him. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is blown up and down by the wind. People like that are thinking two different things at the same time. They can never decide what to do. So they should not think they will receive anything from the Lord.
To All The Churches #7
February 13, 2014 0 Comments
Revelation 3:14-22Β The Voice
Letter to Laodicea
Write down My words, and send them to the messenger of the church in Laodicea. βThese are the words of the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of Godβs creation:
βI know your works. You are neither cold with apathy nor hot with passion. It would be better if you were one or the other, but you are neither. So because you are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. You claim, βI am rich, I have accumulated riches, and I need nothingβ; but you do not realize that you are miserable, pathetic, poor, blind, and naked. So here is what I suggest you do: buy true gold from Me (gold refined by fire so that you can be truly rich), white garments (to cover you so that you can keep the shame of your nakedness from showing), and eye ointment (to treat your eyes so that you may see clearly).
βThose I love I also correct and discipline. Therefore, be shamelessly committed to Me, and turn back.[a] Now pay attention; I am standing at the door and knocking. If any of you hear My voice and open the door, then I will come in to visit with you and to share a meal at your table, and you will be with Me.
βThe one who conquers through faithfulness even unto death I will place next to Me on My throne, just as I Myself conquered and took a place of honor with My Father on His throne.
βLet the person who is able to hear, listen to and follow what the Spirit proclaims to all the churches.β
iChristian 
Recent Comments