Come and Rest…

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Here's some morning sunshine for this beautiful Sabbath day!

"Jesus loves to have us come to Him just as we are, sinful, helpless, dependent. We may come with all our weakness, our folly, our sinfulness, and fall at His feet in penitence. It is His glory to encircle us in the arms of His love and to bind up our wounds, to cleanse us from all impurity."

"Here is where thousands fail; they do not believe that Jesus pardons them personally, individually. They do not take God at His word. It is the privilege of all who comply with the conditions to know for themselves that pardon is freely extended for every sin. Put away the suspicion that God’s promises are not meant for you. They are for every repentant transgressor. Strength and grace have been provided through Christ to be brought by ministering angels to every believing soul. None are so sinful that they cannot find strength, purity, and righteousness in Jesus, who died for them. He is waiting to strip them of their garments stained and polluted with sin, and to put upon them the white robes of righteousness; He bids them live and not die." 

"God does not deal with us as finite men deal with one another. His thoughts are thoughts of mercy, love, and tenderest compassion. He says, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins.” (Isaiah 55:7) Steps to Christ, p. 52

Review:

• Bible Thought: God is calling us to come as we are, and to rest in Him! 
• Blessing: So thankful for the Sabbath day of rest, and for the rest of soul that He brings!
• Battle: I'm speaking today, and praying God will defeat any purposes of the enemy and that many will be convicted of their need for deeper prayer!

I want a Palace!!

Keep DARING to ask God for more!

You've probably heard the story of Alexander the Great. He was known as a great Conqueror back in the 300 B.C. time period. He conquered all the "then known" world. It is told, that when he reached Asia, he realized there were no more countries to conquer and he actually wept. However, besides being a great conqueror, he was also a compassionate ruler. Every year he set aside one day that he called compassionate day.

On this special day out of the year, he randomly selected different people across his nation who could come and make their requests known to him. They could ask for whatever they wanted or needed. So, after the people had been selected, they were brought to the palace. The King sat on his throne, and people began to come forward and ask for things. They spoke through his spokesman.

The first man came forward. "I don't have money to buy food for my family. Can you supply food for our family?"The spokesman shared the request with the king, and the king replied, "Request granted! Next!" The next man came forward. "I’m a poor man. I don’t have money for medicine. Could you help me get medicine of my family?" Again the king replied, "Request granted! Next!" And so the requests continued one after another. 

Finally a man came forward with a different requests. When he knelt before the king, the king asked, as he had each man before, "What would you like me to do for you today?" The man turned to the king's spokesman and replied enthusiastically, “My lord, can you please tell the king that I want a palace! I want a nice palace…” Before he could continue the king's spokesman began to get upset and angry. "What impertinence! Don’t you see all these people asking for food and medicine. How dare you to think that you can ask for a palace?" 

But the man continued, “Yes, I want a large palace with a big hall where I can host a banquet, because I have lots of friends. And I want the palace to be well furnished." The spokesmen was getting more and more annoyed. "I will not ask the king this! This is the most outrageous thing I've ever heard!" But King Alexander saw his spokesmen was getting angry and he spoke up, “What is going on? What does the man desire?” The spokesmen reluctantly turned toward the King and came forward and whispered in low tones that only he could hear. 

“King, I'm afraid to tell you this. I can't believe how unreasonable this man is, and I know you will be upset. But he's asking for a palace. But not only does he have the audacity to ask for a palace, but he's asking that you'd make a large banquet hall, because he evidently has lots of friends. And he wants the whole thing to be fully furnished…I'm so sorry. I know this is such an unreasonable request, and I tried to get him to ask for something more reasonable, but he persisted." King Alexander paused for a moment, then with a large smile on his face, he turned to the petitioner and enthusiastically replied, “Request granted!” 

The spokesmen looked at the king in astonishment. "How can you grant such an outrageous request?" he asked in shock? The king replied smiling. "You see, all these people are asking for food, for medicine, and for mundane things. They think that’s the only thing I can give. But they don’t need a king to give them these things. Anyone could do this for them. But this man… THIS MAN… He's the first man that's really made me feel like the King I am. For only I could grant such a request.”

Have you ever wondered how God must feel, the King of the Universe, when we come to Him just begging for a few morsels of bread, for a few dollars to pay our bills, for a few small things? Here, He's the King of the Universe. He created our world out of nothing, He can move mountains, cause fire to come down from heaven, and bring the dead back to life! And yet, we are content if we just receive a few crumbs from His table. I say that we dare to ask Him for more!!!!!!! We need to start asking Him for a PALACE! Oh, I'm not talking about the physical kind (although we are promised that even this will come in time. See John 14:2), but I'm talking about the spiritual kind. Like impossibilities that are simply out of this world, that only someone like God could do!

“I asked the angel why there was no more faith and power in Israel. He said, “Ye let go of the arm of the Lord too soon. Press your petitions to the throne, and hold on by strong faith. The promises are sure. Believe ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.” I was then pointed to Elijah. He was subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly. His faith endured the trial. Seven times he prayed before the Lord, and at last the cloud was seen. I saw that we had doubted the sure promises, and wounded the Saviour by our lack of faith.” Early Writings, p. 73

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." Eph. 3:20

Review:

• Bible Thought: Dare to ask for more! While it's ok to ask for small things (God calls about every detail in our lives) remember that He can do anything. Let's ask for a "Palace" of blessings! And let's see what He will do!
• Blessing: If you liked this story, get ready as there are more to come. This is actually excerpts from our new book on prayer "Daring to Ask for More" that is in progress. Yes indeed! This is the big project I've been working on these last couple months. I've asked God for blessings and I believe He's in the process of building a palace that will challenge all of us to go much deeper in prayer. So stay tuned! He is blessing!!
• Battles: My battle today… well, as always, it's to be faithful and to keep my eyes on my King! There are many distractions, so this is my battle.

My Life, His Home!

As Solomon began to build the temple for the Lord (See 2 Chronicles 2), I think his attitude is so important. He could have been like, "God, aren't you so happy with me? I'm King, but I'm taking time to honor you. I'm taking time to build you a home so you can dwell with me! Aren't you so proud?" This is how many come to God with their gifts, but not Solomon.

Listen to what Solomon had to say and may it be a lesson for us today:

"The house that I build is great: for great is our God above all gods. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? Who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifices before him?" 2 Chron. 2:5,6

God really is so great, who are we to think that He should come and dwell with us? And yet when we humble ourselves before Him, with brokenness of heart, pleading for Him to come, He comes, and it is His joy to make our homes His habitation.

"For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isa. 57:15

You know, for years the Holy Spirit was always a mystery to me. He was this unseen force that moved about like the wind, but that you could never quite put your hands or mind around. Yet, as I've grown in my walk with God, I've realized more and more what His true intent is. He wants to dwell with us and live IN us, and He does this through His Spirit.

"In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." Eph. 2:22

We cannot contain God, and who are we to think He would actually come and dwell with us? And yet, hard as it is to imagine. He does! I'm so thankful for this great gift and as I begin another day, I pray that not only would my body and life be His Home, but that He would make Himself at home here. That means, He's the King of this domain, and whatever He desires, I will do. 

"Oh Lord, may my life be Your Home, and may you be at home here today!"

Review:

• Bible Thought: Although He is holy, He makes His home with the humble and contrite.
• Blessing: I'm so thankful I don't have to worry about my Home anymore since the King lives here. He's got everything in control.
• Battles: To allow my King to stay on the throne in my heart. When Satan comes knocking, I send Jesus to answer the door, and Satan runs away. 

Give me Souls or I die!!!!!

As Solomon begins his reign, the Lord draws near to ask Solomon a very interesting question. "What shall I give thee?" 

What if such a question was put before us? What if the King of the Universe came to visit us today and asked, "What would you like me to give you?" How would we answer such a question? 

I can sure think of a whole list of things I need. Like, "Lord…I need my own well so I can have enough water for my home and enough to help those in need. I need gravel on my driveway so I can get to my cabin without getting stuck. I need to get a stove for my fireplace so I can stay warm in the winter and stop paying so much electric. Frankly, I just need money so I can pay the bills and do ministry. And health, speaking of health: Well, God, could you to heal my grandma and my mom? And my eyes…could you strengthen my eyes? These sleepless nights aren't helping my eyes. I'm afraid I'm going to go blind. And a man? I wouldn't mind a godly man either! Someone that I could love and work with in ministry, someone that would be strong to help me carry life's load…"

As you can imagine, my list of needs and desires could go on and on. We all have such a list I'm sure. And yet, what if there was only one thing we could have, what would it be? Solomon asked for "wisdom and knowledge." And because he asked for "wisdom and knowledge" rather than all the rest of his desires or needs, God gave him these gifts plus everything else. 

As I contemplate this question, tears come to my eyes, because I think God truly does ask this question of all of us. You know, there's a lot of things I need, and there's quite a few things I desire as well. But you know what? There's only two things I really really want more than anything else. And I'd be willing to sacrifice everything I have for these two things. I want to know God more fully and I want to be an instrument in His hands to bring many MANY souls to the Kingdom. John Knox prayed, "Give me Scotland or I die!" I'm not John Knox, but I feel this same burning passion in my soul today. "Give me souls for the Kingdom or I will die!!!!!!!" 

Let me share one of my favorite songs that one of my best friends and I use to sing together. (At the end, I'll share a link where you can listen to us sing this song together.)

"I want Jesus in Your Heart."

If I could have one wish, I know just what I'd like to find
If I could have one dream come true before my eyes
More than a pot of gold, more than a pathway to the stars
More than anything I know, I want Jesus in your heart.
If I could paint a picture in your mind of what I'd like to see
If I could take you once instead my deepest dreams
More than treasure's glow
More than a comet traveling far
More than anything I know, I want Jesus in your heart.
He's more than all the world can give
When He truly comes to live in your heart.
Why do you try to search for more,
When He's all you're looking for in your heart?
If I could have one wish, I know just what I'd like to find
If I could have one dream come true before my eyes
More than a pot of gold, more than a pathway to the stars
More than anything I know, I want Jesus in your heart
I want Jesus in your heart
I want Jesus in your heart
I want Jesus in your heart

Here's the LINK where you can download us singing this song!

Review:

• Bible Thought: If God gave you anything you wanted, what would it be? Don't forget His promise of Matt. 6:33.
• Blessing: I think God must have asked his Son this question too! And what did Jesus answer? "Give me souls!! And I'm willing to die!" I'm so thankful He made that sacrifice so we could spend eternity together.
• Battles: To keep my eyes and ears tuned to Him today. Just give me Jesus!

Giving with a willing Heart

This morning I found my "Morning Sonshine" in 1 Chronicles chapter 29. Here, just before David dies, he is giving Solomon important instructions regarding the building of the temple. And to show his entire devotion for this important project (that he will not even get to see completed), he gives of his own wealth freely to help the upcoming building project. This is his words:

"Because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house." 1 Chron. 29:3

He finishes with the challenge to Israel: "And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?"1 Chron. 29:5

This is how the congregation of Israel responded: "Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy." 1 Chron. 29:9

David didn't demand that the people give. He invited them to give. And as a result of their love and devotion for God, they willingly gave just as he had. I think this is so beautiful. And it's a picture of how our service is to Christ today. He doesn't demand anything. But He invites us to give. But it's not those that give out obligation that really make God's heart happy. It's those that give out of a willing heart.

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God liveth a cheerful giver." 2 Cor. 9:7

However, I cannot stop here. In the final words to the children of Israel as King, David blesses the Lord for His majesty and glory. And listen to these humbling words:

"Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own." 1 Chron. 29:13-16

Not only does David praise God for who He is, but He praise Him that he and his people actually have the ability to give. 

You know, sometimes I think that we feel like God owes us thanks. After all, we sacrifice to give him our time, our tithes, and our offerings, right? But David is acknowledging that he couldn't give these gifts (even as a King) if it were not for God's blessing. May we remember that as well even today! And may we give, not just out of obligation, and not just when we have the means, but with a willing heart because we love our King!

Review:

• Bible Thought: Give willingly, even those things most precious. For they come from God anyway!
• Blessings: I have some huge ministry projects that I'm currently tackling. Anyway, I just really felt burdened to take some extra time out to pray last night. (I'm usually an early morning riser, but to stay up late to pray? Well, that's not my cup of tea, unless I'm at ARME praying over people in the hot seat!) Well, I'm praising God today, because despite being up at least half of the night last night praying, I had full strength and energy today and I got an amazing amount of things done. Progress is happening! It truly was an amazing miraculous day, which makes me think that maybe I need to take some more nights out to pray. I'm also thinking that "giving with a willing heart" may also include, "giving up sleep." This isn't easy, even for me, but I'm discovering more and more that the rewards are really worth it.
• Battles: To not listen to the distracting voice of the enemy that constantly tries to pull me off course.

A new perspective on Surrender!

Ok, so today I'm going to do something out of the ordinary. I'm going to repost a blog that my friend Kristin wrote about a book called "When God Writes your Life Story" by Eric and Leslie Ludy. It's been a few years since I read the book, so I was really inspired by the summary Kristin wrote out. May you be inspired as well, as we start this new week. :-)

Kristin's thoughts begin:

The main thrust of "When God Writes your Life Story" is that the real secret of Christianity is learning to let God live His life in ours. Obviously, this is a very deep and meaningful subject and I highly recommend reading the whole book, but today I wanted to share the story of Walter Wilson as I think that it captures the essence of this subject so well.

Walter Wilson was a respected Christian physician in the early 1900s. Several years into his Christian walk, Wilson became severely discouraged. There was no power or victory in his life. He had no sense of God’s presence. He didn’t feel that his work or ministry was producing any significant results. His Christianity was hollow and empty.

One night, Wilson was deeply challenged by a message he heard at a church service, and he realized that he had been missing the very essence of the true Christian life. He went home, locked himself in his study, and fell on his face before God.

‘My Lord,’ he said brokenly, ‘I have mistreated You all my life. I have treated You like a servant. When I wanted You, I called for You; when I was about to engage in something important, I beckoned You to come and help me perform my task. I have sought to use You only as a servant to help me in my self-appointed work. I will do so no more.’

Then Walter Wilson made the exchange that altered his existence forever: He traded his own life for the life of Jesus Christ.

‘Lord, I give You this body of mine; from my head to my feet, I give it to You. My hands, my limbs, my eyes, my brain; all that I am inside and out, I hand over to You. Live in and through me whatever life You please. You may send this body to Africa, or lay it on a bed with cancer. You may blind my eyes, or send me with Your message to Tibet. You may take this body to the Eskimos, or send it to a hospital with pneumonia. This body of mine is Yours alone from this moment on.’

That night, Walter Wilson stepped into the endless frontier of a God-scripted life adventure—and never looked back. His life went from mediocre and meaningless to radical and radiant. Once he exchanged his life for Christ’s, Wilson held the secret to a victorious Christian existence. And nothing was ever the same.

What an amazing testimony! How many times have we tried to fit God into our plans? Have we truly surrendered all?

Consider this quote by Isobel Kuhn:

I believe that in each generation God has called enough men and women to evangelize all the yet unreached tribes of the earth. It is not God who does not call. It is man who will not respond!

This is a sobering thought. I can personally think of many times when God was calling to my heart and I didn’t respond. Perhaps you are one of the ones God is calling to an exciting adventure of service? Have you made excuses about how you are not ready or how you are not a good fit? Have your family and friends made excuses for you?

It’s not too late! Make the exchange today – your life and plans for God’s! Life is too short to hang on to our “logical” “safe” plans that fit nicely and neatly into the norms of society. God is not calling us to be fanatical, but He is calling us to a radical transformation! Are you ready?

When He says "Welcome Home!"

Sometimes we don't understand why God allows some things to happen in this life. We know He loves us and is taking care of us, but we still suffer the results of sin. Yet, can you imagine how quickly all these hurts and sorrows will one day soon pass away? 

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Rom. 8:18

Still thinking a lot about heaven…

"All that has perplexed us in the providences of God will in the world to come be made plain. The things hard to be understood will then find explanation. The mysteries of grace will unfold before us. Where our finite minds discovered only confusion and broken promises, we shall see the most perfect and beautiful harmony. We shall know that infinite love ordered the experiences that seemed most trying. As we realize the tender care of Him who makes all things work together for our good, we shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

We are homeward bound. He who loved us so much as to die for us hath builded for us a city. The New Jerusalem is our place of rest. There will be no sadness in the City of God. No wail of sorrow, no dirge of crushed hopes and buried affections, will evermore be heard. Soon the garments of heaviness will be changed for the wedding garment. Soon we shall witness the coronation of our King. Those whose lives have been hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of faith, will shine forth with the Redeemer’s glory in the kingdom of God." AH, p. 542

I'm so ready for that heavenly Kingdom. But God has given us a little more time, that we might help others not miss out on this amazing gift! 

Review: 

• Bible Thought: Can you imagine what it will be like when Christ says, "Welcome Home." All the sufferings of this world will be nothing in light of the glory we shall experience there. 
• Blessing: Again, I'm so thankful we have a future and HOPE for something better to come!!
• Battles: To be faithful, to fight the good fight of faith. To hold on, until He takes us home!

My Home is in Heaven!

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." 1 Cor. 2:9

Lately I've been dreaming a lot about heaven. It may seem strange for someone who seems to have such a great life here on earth. (And I admit, I really do have a great life!) But how I long to be with Jesus face to face, how I long for that new heaven and new earth, and for all those that are suffering and in chains to finally be free. 

When I was young and my mother was struggling with serious health issues, we use to comfort each other by talking about heaven and what a wonderful place it would be. In fact, my mom, cousins and I all planned out how we would build our heavenly homes down to the tiny details. This may seem crazy to some, but I'm sure Jesus must have been smiling. (Of course, we know Christ is going ahead to build us a mansion, but the Bible also tells us that we will get to build our own homes as well - see Isaiah 65:21!) 

I think if we spent MORE time thinking about our eternal home, we would waste less time worrying about this worldly home and be more in earnest about laying up treasures in Heaven. 

Listen to this inspirational passage:

"A fear of making the future inheritance seem too material has led many to spiritualize away the very truths which lead us to look upon [Heaven] as our home. Christ assured His disciples that He went to prepare mansions for them in the Father’s house. Those who accept the teachings of God’s word will not be wholly ignorant concerning the heavenly abode.... Human language is inadequate to describe the reward of the righteous. It will be known only to those who behold it. No finite mind can comprehend the glory of the Paradise of God.

In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called a country. There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains of living waters. The tree of life yields its fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the nations. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the widespreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams, God’s people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home." Darkness before Dawn, p. 61

How I'm looking forward to going HOME!

Review: 

• Bible Thought: We really have no idea what it will be like to live with Jesus. We have no idea what He has prepared for us in Heaven. If we did, instead of wasting so much time here, we would do everything we could to make Heaven a reality in our generation! 
• Blessing: I praise God for the promises that keep us eager for the heavenly life to come!
• Battles: To not grow content with my life here, but realize I'm not here to be comfortable. I'm here on this earth on a RESCUE MISSION!

Announcement: By the way… I got the link up later yesterday, so if you didn't see it, here my new "Frutopia" fruit creation page. You can see the TAB at the top of this page. Enjoy! 

God loves fruit too!

I love fruit! Maybe you didn't hear that right? I LOOOOOOVE Fruit! I really do. I especially love making creative fruit platters or arrangements for banquets or special occasions. Having lots of fruit around makes me long for that great beautiful fruit laden banquet table in Heaven that we will one day enjoy. (Along with lots of other kinds of food that we can't even imagine yet!) 

However, God's been reminding me lately that He's a fruit lover too…only He's interested in a different kind of fruit - the FRUIT of the SPIRIT! :-)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Gal. 5:22,23

I use to think that these were separate…in other words, that the Spirit had different fruit. But my brother pointed out to me awhile back that it's actually only ONE FRUIT. In other words, if we are filled by the Holy Spirit, we will have all of the above fruit… love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance… etc.

It's also interesting that the passage goes on to say:

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Gal. 5:24,25

In other words, as we came to new life in the Spirit, we need to also walk daily with the Spirit. We don't come to new life through this divine gift and then try to walk the Christian walk without it. They work together from start to finish!

Beautiful!!! 

Review:

• Bible Thought: Is God's fruit in my life? 
• Blessing: As I come to the close of another productive week, I want to praise God for the physical fruit that He's giving me, and for the Spirit fruit that He's creating in me. I keep claiming that promise, "He that started a good work in me will be faithful to complete it." Phil. 1:6
• Battles: To not allow the devil to rob me of my precious fruit from Heaven! 

Note: To see more fruit creations, visit my new webpage called "Frutopia" on the top tab!

All Heaven just for ME??

A few days ago, while I was praying and asking God to forgive me of my sins (which is something that   I believe we need to do daily), God brought a very clear picture to my mind. I was alone before the throne of Christ, and I was the only sinner in the universe…I was the only one who had nailed Him to that tree. And yet, despite all this, Christ just looked at me with the most tender loving eyes and whispered, "I have forgiven you! And all those sins are gone now! I paid the price, now I want to welcome you home!" 

The mental image just broke my heart and I cried and cried. To think that "I" was the only one…and yet, He had stepped down from Heaven just for me. He had been wounded just for me??? And even though He knew I would nail Him to a cross, He had come to earth just for me. And now…NOW He was welcoming me HOME??? (It was hard to wrap my mind around this amazing picture!)

“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). The Lord could have cut off the sinner, and utterly destroyed him; but the costlier plan was chosen. In His great love He provides hope for the hopeless, giving His only-begotten Son to bear the sins of the world. And since He has poured out all heaven in that one rich gift, He will withhold from man no needed aid that he may take the cup of salvation, and become an heir of God, joint heir with Christ." 1 Selected Messages, p. 323

As I was thinking afterwards, the thought came to me that part of the reason that we don't realize the significance of our sins NOW is that we look around and think, "Well, I'm not the only sinner. I'm not alone in killing Christ. There's another 7 Billion other humans on this planet that have done the same thing, and many millions more that lived before. In fact, probably a lot of them have done worse things than me. So, I'm not the only one at fault here!"

With this group mentality, it's easy to forget the weight and the individual consequences of our sins. But when sinners stand before the judgement someday, they will NOT stand as a group. They will stand as an individual alone. If I fail to repent and confess my sins now, I will be one of those lost sinners that go trembling before the throne. 

Thankfully, if we confess our sins now, and allow Him to change us, we will never face this terrible day…at least not the same way that the wicked will! According to the Bible, the judgment for the righteous is actually taking place right now. That's why it's so important that we get our lives right with God NOW, while we still have opportunity.

I love these verses as it captures it all:

"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Rom. 8:32-34

Review: 

• Bible Thought: He poured out all Heaven just for me!
• Blessing: I'm thankful that we as Christians experience the first judgement, rather than the second judgement. Praise God, we have an Intercessor currently standing at the throne of God interceding for us.
• Battle: "Judge not, that ye be not judged!" Sometimes, I think I need to help God out, but I must let God do His work! For those that have wronged or hurt us, God will repay. We can leave all those things with Him. 

The Miracle…not by "trying" but by "dying!"

Remember, as I shared on Monday… to be ungodly is to be "un-god like." But He wants to change that, He wants to make us pictures that reflect Him. We are not aiming to be "God." We simply want to be like Him, and we want to be a picture of Him to the world that has never known who He is. And the miracle is, that He will do this for us when we yield ourselves to Him! :-)

"If any man be in Christ, He is a new creature. Old things are passed away. Behold all things are become new." 2. Cor. 5:17

How do all things become new?? By continual effort, by continual work, by continual "trying"??? No, by continual DYING! By surrender…

Unfortunately many Christians today have taken the cheap grace gospel. They believe that God comes and takes them as they are and forgives them. (Which He does!) But they stop there. They take His grace, but they don't allow Him to take them to a new life. But we have received His grace that we might be enabled to live a new life. 

Rather than me expounding upon what the Bible says, let's just read it together here. I was just reading this myself, and it's so powerful! Listen to how Romans states this:

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom 6: 1-23

Review: 

• Bible Thought: As we die (our old nature of sin) with Christ, so we live (our new nature) in Him!
• Blessing: So thankful for this beautiful miracle! 
• Battle: That I would not get distracted and waste so much time "trying" but focus more on "dying!"

Note: Did you follow the picture sequence from the last three posts??? ;-))) I just found these graphics in my Oxygen Media collection, and I think they are so beautiful! :-)

Take my Heart, for I cannot give it!

I think this whole "works versus grace"thing is harder for cultural Christians than it is for new believers. Because we've grown accustomed to living "good works" to the point that we think our works save us. Where as new believers have not been living a life of good works - they've been living a life of sin. And so when they come and realize the truth (for they KNOW they cannot ever save themselves), it is such a beautiful reality to them that they cannot contain their joy! And this is what we all need…to realize whether in the church for 50 years or in the world for 50 years, it is only Christ's cleansing blood that saves us. We cannot do ANYTHING!!!!! 

I often reflect on this passage, I think it's good to be reminded of this. That neither our justification or sanctification can be done by ourselves. They both are a supernatural process.  

"No man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul. 

It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely.

The nearer we come to Jesus and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly we shall discern the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the less we shall feel like exalting ourselves. Those whom heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last to parade their own goodness. The apostle Peter became a faithful minister of Christ, and he was greatly honored with divine light and power; he had an active part in the upbuilding of Christ’s church; but Peter never forgot the fearful experience of his humiliation; his sin was forgiven; yet well he knew that for the weakness of character which had caused his fall only the grace of Christ could avail. He found in himself nothing in which to glory." Christ Object Lessons, p. 159-160

Announcement: If you haven't noticed yet, I've just added a special Bible Question & Answer tab  in my tab column above. On this page I will begin sharing simple Bible studies on different topics we deal with in our daily lives. So check this page out…first two studies are already up, and ENJOY! :-) 

Review:

• Bible Thought: Only God can make me clean!
• Blessing: Thankful for the simple truths of Scripture He has been bringing home to my heart with new forceful clarity!
• Battle: To allow Him to continue the work…daily! 

Ungodliness is MY KEY Qualification!!

I don't know about you, but when I take time out for self-evaluation and heart evaluation (like I've been sharing in the last few posts), it always makes me feel very sad because I realize how ungodly I am…and it makes me wonder how Christ can save me! (Does anyone identify??) 

However, while this sin-awareness can be discouraging for all of us, it's really great news…because Christ is finally bringing us to the point that He truly CAN save us. Let me explain. 

Ok…so this may sound a bit strange, and hopefully I don't twist Biblical doctrine here (if I do, please speak up), but let me share a simple concept that AT Jones shares in his book "Lessons on Faith." I believe this is Biblical and it really brings the point of all these heart-evaluations home. (This may seem complex, but it's really NOT, so stick with me here!)

I could try to re-phrase all his thoughts, but this is so profound, I'm just going to quote directly.

"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Rom. 4:5

This is the only way that anybody in this world can ever become righteous: first admit that he is ungodly; then believe that God justifies (or counts righteous) the ungodly, and he is righteous with the very righteousness of God.

Of course, everyone in the world is ungodly. "Ungodly" means to be "unlike God." And it is written, "All have sinned and come short of the glory [the goodness, the character] of God." Romans 3:9-18 goes on to tell us that there is not ONE (that means no one!) that does good, no not one! Isa 64:6 tells us that even our righteous good works are as filthy rags. (In other words, no matter how hard we try, we can never produce righteousness of ourselves.)

Thus strange as it may sound, the only qualification, and the only preparation, for justification is for a person to acknowledge that he is ungodly. Then, having such qualification, having made such preparation, all that is required of him to obtain justification, full, free, and sure, is to believe that God justifies him, the ungodly one.

It is quite easy for many to believe that they are ungodly, and even to acknowledge it; but for them to believe that God justifies them - that is too much. And the sole reason why they cannot believe that God justifies them, is that they are ungodly, oh so ungodly.

If only they could find some good in themselves, or if only they could straighten up and do better, they might have some courage and hope that God could justify them. Yes, they would justify themselves by WORKS, and then profess to believe in justification by faith. (Ouch! Did you catch that??)

But that would only take away all ground for justification; for if a man can find good in himself, he has it already, and does not need it from anywhere else. If he can straighten up and do better himself, he does not need justification from anywhere else…let alone God. It is therefore, a contradiction in terms to say that I am so ungodly that I do not see how the Lord can justify me. For if I am NOT ungodly, I do not need to be made righteous: I am righteous. There is no half-way ground between godliness and ungodliness.

But when a person sees himself so ungodly as to find there no possible ground of hope for justification, it is just there that faith comes in; indeed it is only faith that can possible come in. For faith is dependence on the Word of God only. So long as there is any dependence on himself, so long as there is any conceivable ground of hope for any dependence upon anything in or about himself, there can be no faith! (The above thoughts came from Lessons on Faith, p. 25-26)

Christ came to justify the ungodly?? Do we believe it, or will we continue to insist on trying to justify* ourselves? (Hmmmmm…..have a good thought about this!!!!)

This is so simple, yet soooo profound that most of the Christian world is skipping right over it! (And I have to admit, that I often have as well.) But God came to save sinners! Praise the Lord. That means He came for me, He came for YOU!!!!! He doesn't come to leave me or you a sinner though… and that's a topic for another day! ;-)    

Review:

• Bible Thought: God came to justify the ungodly, not righteous. Do we qualify or don't we?
• Blessing: Well, for once, although I don't want to stay ungodly, I'm glad I meet the qualification, because otherwise, I'd be left behind when He comes to take His justified righteous home! :-)
• Battles: My battle, to believe and live that belief in FAITH!

*Important note: Justification and Sanctification are two separate things, not to be confused. Let me clarify. We do have a work to do… that's Sanctification. But that comes as a result of what Christ has done for us, it is NOT what saves us. To "justify" means to set free from the penalty and condemnation of sin. Restated, it is the act of God whereby humankind is made or accounted just, or free from guilt or penalty of sin. We have NO PART in this, it is given us as a free gift. But until we realize our NEED of it, we do not repent, come in brokenness of spirit, and ask for it. And thus, we do not receive it. (That's why I often challenge people to do heart-evaluations, as we forget what sinners we are. We grow accustomed to living in an atmosphere of sin, and we get comfortable. And we need to be awakened out of our lethargy and start repenting (as John the Baptist urged people to do in Jesus do) and go to our Savior. Unless we realize we NEED a Savior, we won't have one! Once we are justified by faith alone, the process of Sanctification begins, and that is the work of a lifetime. In response to what Christ has done for us, we seek to obey Him, honor Him, love Him, follow Him. And our life and works should testify to this. (But even this process can only be accomplished in Him.) 

Oh my… such deep topics that theologians have spent years discussing this. Hopefully I haven't made it too complicated. Just wanted to clarify why I've shared what I have, and that as we see ourselves as sinners, that's actually good news, because the Holy Spirit is revealing our sins (He comes to reprove the world of sin - John 16) and now He can make us into new Creatures in Him, and prepare us for Heaven!!! There will be no SIN in Heaven. But we can't expect to be made righteous instantly when we get to Heaven. Our heart and desires and tastes won't change then if we don't allow Him to change them now!!! He's preparing us even here, right NOW today…to live in Heaven. (More long topics for another day!)  

The Big Life Questions

As I have heard it said, "Christ is not Lord at all, until He is Lord of all!" And I think this is so very true. If He cannot and does not have the final say in what we do and how we live, it's really just a profession we are holding. We profess to be followers of Christ, but in actuality…we are just one of His many fans. We love Him, but we don't want Him to change us. We just want Him to entertain us.

"Oh Lord have mercy! May this not be the case of our lives. If you are coming back soon to take us home, we know that you must make us ready. You must clean away the dross. You must purify our lives and our hearts!"

This is the final heart-evaluation questions I will share for now! These questions have been challenging me afresh, and hopefully they have you as well.

The Big Picture Evaluation

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;

and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt. 6:33

-       Life Goals: Do these reflect the Word of God? (See Matt. 6:33, Heb. 11:16)

-       Daily Decisions and Life Decisions: Are these made based on Biblical principles or my own feelings and desires? (See Prov. 3:5,6, Prov. 14:12, Prov. 11:14)

-       Attitudes: What are the thoughts and the motive of my actions? Am I looking at life through the lens of God’s Word, or through my own limited critical human mindset? (See Phil. 2:5, 2 Cor. 10:5, Phil. 4:8, Ps. 19:14, Ps. 119:165, Isa. 55:8,9)

-       Lifestyles: Does my lifestyle glorify God, or is it just all about what I want to do? (See 1 Cor. 10:31, 1 Cor. 6:19, 2 Tim. 2:3)

-       If my goals/decisions/attitudes/lifestyles do not align with God’s Word, am I willing to change?

“Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of love. When the doctrine we accept kills sin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement, bears fruit unto holiness, we may know that it is the truth of God.” Mount of Blessings, p. 146

Review:

• Bible Thought: May we make God the King of the big and not just the small areas of our life!
• Blessing: The fact that God cares about the big as well as the small parts of our life is amazing!
• Battles: That I not allow the enemy to distract me from seeking Christ in every area of my life!