Just sharing.

[beensetfree]

If I Had My LIfe to LIve Over
==============================

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet
was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the "GOOD" living room and
worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a
fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble
about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a
summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before
it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried
about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television
and more while watching life.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending
the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for
the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was
practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a
lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have
cherished every moment realizing that the wonderment growing
inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a
miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said,
"Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more
"I love you" ...
more "I'm sorry"
... but mostly, given another shot at life,
I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it...
live it... and never give it back.

I would tell all my friends that I need and love and that my
life would be empty without them!

 

[beensetfree]

Jesus Is the Christ - God and Man in One Person For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. Colossians 1:13-16 NIV __________________ Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11 NASB __________________ Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

 

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“Their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.”

2 Chronicles 30:27

Prayer is the never-failing resort of the Christian in any case, in every plight. When you cannot use your sword you may take to the weapon of all-prayer. Your powder may be damp, your bow-string may be relaxed, but the weapon of all-prayer need never be out of order. Leviathan laughs at the javelin, but he trembles at prayer. Sword and spear need furbishing, but prayer never rusts, and when we think it most blunt it cuts the best.

Prayer is an open door which none can shut. Devils may surround you on all sides, but the way upward is always open, and as long as that road is unobstructed, you will not fall into the enemy's hand. We can never be taken by blockade, escalade, mine, or storm, so long as heavenly succours can come down to us by Jacob's ladder to relieve us in the time of our necessities.

Prayer is never out of season: in summer and in winter its merchandise is precious. Prayer gains audience with heaven in the dead of night, in the midst of business, in the heat of noonday, in the shades of evening. In every condition, whether of poverty, or sickness, or obscurity, or slander, or doubt, your covenant God will welcome your prayer and answer it from his holy place. Nor is prayer ever futile.

True prayer is evermore true power. You may not always get what you ask, but you shall always have your real wants supplied. When God does not answer his children according to the letter, he does so according to the spirit. If thou askest for coarse meal, wilt thou be angered because he gives thee the finest flour? If thou seekest bodily health, shouldst thou complain if instead thereof he makes thy sickness turn to the healing of spiritual maladies? Is it not better to have the cross sanctified than removed? This evening, my soul, forget not to offer thy petition and request, for the Lord is ready to grant thee thy desires.

 

[beensetfree]

Aunt Helen’s Cat
================

Yesterday I was sitting in the Animal Hospital waiting to get my
dogs their annual shots and take care of an allergy problem.
I was deep in thought, thinking, “Oh no, this is going to cost
me so much. How will I ever save if these problems keep popping
up with two dogs with allergies, what an expense?”

I watched as a man got off the bus and came through the door.
Immediately I looked at this man and was quick to judge him as a
so-called looser. He saw my dogs, especially my large one and
said, “Boy I wouldn't want him.” He asked me if he would bite
and I said no.

This man put me off guard a bit and he started talking about
Aunt Helen as if everyone should know who she was. The man had
no teeth, it looked as if one of his eyes had cataracts; and
although, he was dressed in clean jeans and a T-shirt, it looked
as if he was dealt his share of troubles. I wondered if he lived
on the street.

I was so quick to form opinions of this poor gentleman.
He told me that Aunt Helen's cat needed to be fixed, and it was
going to cost him more than he had.

He asked if I knew if there was a payment plan there because he
could only afford a bit at a time. I looked around and saw
people looking away; no one wanted to deal with this man.

I watched as he went to the desk and was thankful that the vet
called me into the back so I didn't have to watch this man any
longer.

Today I can't stop thinking of this man.
Why did he put me off guard so much?
Why was I so quick to look down on this man?

This man was trying to help his Aunt Helen who had a cat that
needed care. This man, although he didn't have much, was trying
to work out a deal with the vet so he could get Aunt Helen's cat
looked after.

Today, I wished I could have helped this man look after Aunt
Helen's cat. Today, I wish I could have opened my eyes to the
kindness this man was showing yesterday. Today I have been
praying that the man got the help he needed to help another
person.

I don't know why this man touched me like he did, but I know I
will be changed because of it. My problems are small compared
to that of this man. He is twice the person I am because with
all he must have on his plate, he is still trying to help Aunt
Helen's Cat.

 

[beensetfree]

His sheep know His voice... My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. John 10:27-29 NIV ________________ Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Romans 11:5,6 KJV ________________ For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. Romans 9:15,16 KJV ________________ And 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. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; Romans 8:28,29 NASB ________________ We have not become sinners because we have sinned... we sin because we *are* sinners... ________________ Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

 

[beensetfree]

“Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.”

Psalm 35:3

What does this sweet prayer teach me? It shall be my evening's petition; but first let it yield me an instructive meditation. The text informs me first of all that David had his doubts; for why should he pray, “Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation,” if he were not sometimes exercised with doubts and fears? Let me, then, be of good cheer, for I am not the only saint who has to complain of weakness of faith. If David doubted, I need not conclude that I am no Christian because I have doubts.

The text reminds me that David was not content while he had doubts and fears, but he repaired at once to the mercy-seat to pray for assurance; for he valued it as much fine gold. I too must labour after an abiding sense of my acceptance in the Beloved, and must have no joy when his love is not shed abroad in my soul. When my Bridegroom is gone from me, my soul must and will fast. I learn also that David knew where to obtain full assurance. He went to his God in prayer, crying, “Say unto my soul I am thy salvation.” I must be much alone with God if I would have a clear sense of Jesus’ love. Let my prayers cease, and my eye of faith will grow dim. Much in prayer, much in heaven; slow in prayer, slow in progress.

I notice that David would not be satisfied unless his assurance had a divine source. “Say unto my soul.” Lord, do thou say it! Nothing short of a divine testimony in the soul will ever content the true Christian. Moreover, David could not rest unless his assurance had a vivid personality about it. “Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.” Lord, if thou shouldst say this to all the saints, it were nothing, unless thou shouldst say it to me. Lord, I have sinned; I deserve not thy smile; I scarcely dare to ask it; but oh! say to my soul, even to my soul, “I am thy salvation.” Let me have a present, personal, infallible, indisputable sense that I am thine, and that thou art mine.

 

[beensetfree]

Why Christians Should Not Panic Over the Coronavirus



Unless something unprecedented happens, all indicators are that most who read this article will have their lives impacted in some way by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) within 2020. If not by contracting the virus first-hand then, at the very least, by its influence on the stock market and global economy. I have read some projections that suggest somewhere between 40-70% of the world’s population will contract The Coronavirus this year. While I am unsure if I buy such jaw-dropping percentages, it’s enough to give any sensible person moderate concerns. For others, it’s enough to induce severe anxiety and paralyzing fear. Yet, my aim is to convince you that of all people, Christians ought to look at such times with clarity, hope, and peace. The last thing we should do is panic.

A casual surveyor of history knows this is not the first time the world has been faced with a pandemic. In fact, over the course of human existence widespread illness and disease have been commonplace. In 1918, the Spanish Flu killed an estimated 50 million people. That was barely 100 years ago – not long when compared to all record human history. Although there have been some scares and some regionalized outbreaks since then, the world has not since seen anything on the scale of what happened in the early 20th century. This includes an secondary outbreak of the same flu virus in 2009, which killed an estimated 200,000 people.
Will 2020 be different? I don’t think so, but I really don’t know. What I do know is there are some facts that can ease swelling fears and overreaction. Aside from some useful scientific data about the Coronavirus (which I will provide some facts later) and its effect, Christians have the unchanging Rock of Ages to whom we can anchor our emotions and fears. Our hopes and purpose are not to be tied to anything temporal but to the person of Jesus Christ and His eternal kingdom. To calm our hearts, fears and avoid panic, we must begin here.

A wonderful text for mediation comes to us from 2 Samuel 23:5. Here King David says “Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow” (KJV). David’s statement is valuable for every Christian. He is saying that even though everything in his house is not as it should be, there remains an everlasting covenant. Therein is his source of never-ending comfort and salvation. It’s important to note that David said this before the revealing of the New Covenant in Christ. We benefit from being this side of the cross and having the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to guide our hearts. If the entire world were to wither away and all facets of human civilization were to be turned upside down, we could rest easy upon this wonderful truth.

The Puritan, Jeremiah Burroughs, in his masterpiece The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment comments on this verse and its application with a very relevant message for Christians wrestling with fear and anxiety surrounding the Coronavirus threat. He writes:

“Suppose the plague were to come into your house, and it is not so safe, and you do not enjoy such outward comfort in your house as you once did. Can you read this Scripture and say, although my house is not so blessed with health as other men’s houses are, although my house is not so, yet he has made with me an everlasting covenant? I am still one in covenant with God, the Lord has made with me an everlasting covenant. As for these things in the world, I see they are but momentary, they are not everlasting. I see a family in which all was well only a week ago, and now everything is down, the plague has swept away a great many of them, and the rest are left in sadness and mourning. We see there is no resting in the things of this world, yet the Lord has made with me an everlasting covenant ordered in all things. I find disorder in my heart, in my family; but the everlasting covenant is ordered in all things, yes, and it is sure.”

I find Burroughs’ commentary to be extraordinarily aiding. In Christ, our deepest need has been met. Sin is broken and death has been defeated. Although we may suffer at the hands of persecution, disorder, and disease, our souls can remain at rest in Christ. Our lives, though precious, are but vapors of mist in comparison to the weight of eternity. Whatever physical or financial havoc the Coronavirus might create cannot separate the Christian from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. This is our greatest hope and greatest ally in times of tribulation and tragedy. We must remember that God is sovereign over all of creation and that all things work together for the good of His people (Romans 8:28). If you are in Christ, then find respite in the promises of His deliverance. Whatever evil may befall your person, house, and community, rejoice that Christ has overcome the world.
That is not to say we should pretend as such threats and their damages (physical, emotional, financial, etc.) are not real. Christians should never be fatalists. Disease and poverty are very real, and we should soberly grieve over their consequences. Suffering is the lot for anyone living in our fallen world. Yet, in face of tragedies we grab hold of the beautiful words of our Savior in John 16:33. He says, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”


Therefore, let us repent of uncontrolled fears and anxiety (Philippians 4:6) and remember that we have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb. Let’s run boldly to the throne of grace and seek to redeem such seasons of adversity. Tribulations are wonderful opportunities for the church to be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus Christ. Those marked by the sign of the covenant of grace ought to be the most understanding, gentle, and loving people on the planet. For many progressives, the church is little more than an organization of tax-evading bigots. Yet, in a season of fear and desperation, the love of Christ, as communicated by the people of God, can penetrate even the hardest of hearts. Christians, you are a bright city on a hill in a world of darkness. We may not yet have a vaccine for the Coronavirus, but we have one infinitely more valuable: a cure for the wages of sin, death.

Because all truth is God’s truth, let’s look at some additional data and facts related to the Coronavirus that may help many reading this relax a little bit. Although the disease is relatively new, through the grace and advent of technology and science, we have already learned a great deal. Below are 3 points that are worthy to be shared and considered. Much of the data below was gathered from this helpful website.

1) The overall number of cases in China are now falling.
It was not long ago we were seeing cases about 3,000+ a day. Recently, the number has trimmed to half or less than half of that per day. See this graph. This means it’s getting under control and is manageable. We are likely a few months away from a day in Wuhan where the new cases reported at 0, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. This is encouraging.

2) The death rate is likely much lower than reported.
Most of the world’s ~90,000 cases have been in China’s Hubei Province, with the death toll around 3,000 (estimates as of March 2). These rough numbers would put the fatality rate around 3% . While 0% is certainly preferable, this is still a relatively small percentage. More than that, there is good reason to think that the total number of cases is much higher. Almost 90% of people with Coronavirus experience very mild symptoms – some without any at all. With the vast majority of cases are very mild, it stands to reason there are thousands of people with the Coronavirus that have not been reported and/or counted within the ~90,000.

Perhaps their symptoms were so low they didn’t notice, or perhaps, they knew they were not severe enough and didn’t want to be a burden on the already struggling health care system in Wuhan. If this is the case (which I think it is), this dwindles the fatality rate even further. Its also worth pointing that the strained medical resources in Wuhan were a factor of an elevated death rate. As the rest of the world has time to prepare, I expect we will see the fatality rate continue to drop.
It’s also worth pointing out that that the Hubei Province has over 59 million people in it and, unlike much of the United States, they live in a relatively small geographical area. Such confined conditions have likely led to higher infection rates that may not be experienced elsewhere.

3) There have been no reported deaths in young children.
As a father of 5, this data is comforting to me. Children seem to handle this virus very well. To date, there have been exactly 0 deaths in people aged 0-9. Additionally, the death rate for those aged 10-39 is just 0.2%. This is a fraction of the overall 3%. the majority of deaths have come to the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

In closing, I want to state clearly that my hope in writing this article is that you will be encouraged by truth. First and foremost, by remembering that while tribulations are part of this fallen world, Christ has overcome the world. Our greatest need has been cured in the cross and we can now rejoice in all things. Secondly, by looking at facts and not widespread, media hysteria. The world is not ending because of Coronavirus. It is a serious disease, especially for the elderly. However, it is manageable and, Lord willing, it will be forgotten by most in a few years. If you have been flirting with panic, then I encourage you to repent and remember the everlasting covenant.

 

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A little peace of mind At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. "All things have been committed to Me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:25-30 NIV __________________ So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thank- fulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:12-17 NASB __________________ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:26,27 KJV __________________ Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

 

[beensetfree]

“In thy light shall we see light.”

Psalm 36:9

No lips can tell the love of Christ to the heart till Jesus himself shall speak within. Descriptions all fall flat and tame unless the Holy Ghost fills them with life and power; till our Immanuel reveals himself within, the soul sees him not. If you would see the sun, would you gather together the common means of illumination, and seek in that way to behold the orb of day? No, the wise man knoweth that the sun must reveal itself, and only by its own blaze can that mighty lamp be seen.

It is so with Christ. “Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona:” said he to Peter, “for flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto thee.” Purify flesh and blood by any educational process you may select, elevate mental faculties to the highest degree of intellectual power, yet none of these can reveal Christ. The Spirit of God must come with power, and overshadow the man with his wings, and then in that mystic holy of holies the Lord Jesus must display himself to the sanctified eye, as he doth not unto the purblind sons of men. Christ must be his own mirror.

The great mass of this blear-eyed world can see nothing of the ineffable glories of Immanuel. He stands before them without form or comeliness, a root out of a dry ground, rejected by the vain and despised by the proud. Only where the Spirit has touched the eye with eye-salve, quickened the heart with divine life, and educated the soul to a heavenly taste, only there is he understood. “To you that believe he is precious”; to you he is the chief corner-stone, the Rock of your salvation, your all in all; but to others he is “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence.” Happy are those to whom our Lord manifests himself, for his promise to such is that he will make his abode with them. O Jesus, our Lord, our heart is open, come in, and go out no more for ever. Show thyself to us now! Favour us with a glimpse of thine all-conquering charms.

 

[beensetfree]

What Does The Bible Say About Our Thoughts?



What does the Bible say about our thoughts? Can we control them or are there other influences which affect our thoughts?

Our Nature
We do not live in a neutral world. Our minds are held captive by something…or better yet, someone. They are held captive by someone we might not even believe in, but the Bible tells us who it is behind our thought life. When Jesus was speaking about adultery, He said that it’s not only the physical act that is sinful, but in our minds we can sin too. The Lord said “that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matt 5:28). To be sure, sin begins in the mind before it’s ever manifested in the flesh.

We think about it…ponder it, and then act on it. The fruit the human heart naturally produces evil works, so whatever starts in the mind can end up being “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these” (Gal 5:19-21a), and the bad news about those who bear such fruit is that “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal 5:21b). The fruit reveals the root, and until we’ve received the Holy Spirit, we cannot possible bear righteous fruit like “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22-23).

Overcoming our Thoughts
Since we cannot bear righteous fruit without God’s Spirit, how can we take captive these thoughts that are unwholesome, to say the least? The Apostle Paul said “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). So how do we demolish such thoughts when they enter our mind? Again, without God’s Spirit, we have no hope of reforming our own thoughts.

Paul has said that “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Cor 4:4), so until we’re set free from the clutch of Satan and his minions, we remain blind, even though we think we can see. Only trusting in Christ allows us to resist the Devil, and only then will he flee from us. David had a way of resisting evil thoughts and then having those thoughts bear sin. He wrote, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11), so along with the Spirit of God we have the Word of God to help us avoid such evil thoughts, and only then are we able to “not sin against” God.

Transformed
One way to eliminate something is to replace it with something, and in the case of our thoughts, replace them with something much better. For example, we can dwell on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Phil 4:8), instead of dwelling on whatever is sinful, lustful, or pleases the flesh. By allowing the Spirit of God to renew our minds, we will “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:2). With the Spirit of God and the Word of God, we can renew our minds. The Word of God allows us to walk in safety since the “word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). His Word shows me the path in order that I might stay on the path and avoid leaving the path. That’s the power of God’s Word.

Sanctification
Before conversion, our thoughts gravitate toward whatever pleases us, with little or no regard for those around us. If we are fulfilling the desires of the flesh, we could care less about the fruits of the Spirit. Our minds will be held captive until we repent of our sins and put our trust in Christ. Only then can we have God’s supernatural power; the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God takes the Word of God and changes the child of God into being more like the Son of God. I don’t mean we’ll be sinless, but we should sin less over time. Sanctification takes time…in fact, it takes a lifetime, and only until we enter the kingdom will our minds be completely free of evil thoughts, desires, and intentions.

Conclusion
You cannot take captive any thoughts you have but only for a moment or only temporarily. Eventually, our minds will gravitate to unholy things, that is unless we are in the Word of God daily and have the Spirit of God in us. When we’re saved, we receive a new nature…the nature of God, and even though it falls infinitely short of God’s mind, we strive to have it renewed daily by prayer, by the Word, and by His Spirit, so we can receive help from God in overcoming our thought life, particularly our thoughts on things of the world and of the flesh. Paul asked the Corinthians, “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?”

But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:16). Paul admonishes us to “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Phil 2:5-7). When we focus on serving others in humility, there is no room for selfish thoughts to satisfy the flesh. Instead of it being all about us, the mind of Christ makes it all about others. We cannot control our thoughts but the Spirit of God can. The Spirit of God allows us to “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Phil 2:3).

 

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He Has Freely Given Us all Things In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11-14 NIV __________________ "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it. "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you. John 14:12-17 RSV __________________ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Galatians 5:16-18 NASB __________________ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22,23 KJV __________________ Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

 

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“Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

Psalm 100:4

Our Lord would have all his people rich in high and happy thoughts concerning his blessed person. Jesus is not content that his brethren should think meanly of him; it is his pleasure that his espoused ones should be delighted with his beauty. We are not to regard him as a bare necessary, like to bread and water, but as a luxurious delicacy, as a rare and ravishing delight. To this end he has revealed himself as the “pearl of great price” in its peerless beauty, as the “bundle of myrrh” in its refreshing fragrance, as the “rose of Sharon” in its lasting perfume, as the “lily” in its spotless purity.

As a help to high thoughts of Christ, remember the estimation that Christ is had in beyond the skies, where things are measured by the right standard. Think how God esteems the Only Begotten, his unspeakable gift to us. Consider what the angels think of him, as they count it their highest honour to veil their faces at his feet. Consider what the blood-washed think of him, as day without night they sing his well deserved praises. High thoughts of Christ will enable us to act consistently with our relations towards him. The more loftily we see Christ enthroned, and the more lowly we are when bowing before the foot of the throne, the more truly shall we be prepared to act our part towards him.

Our Lord Jesus desires us to think well of him, that we may submit cheerfully to his authority. High thoughts of him increase our love. Love and esteem go together. Therefore, believer, think much of your Master's excellencies. Study him in his primeval glory, before he took upon himself your nature! Think of the mighty love which drew him from his throne to die upon the cross! Admire him as he conquers all the powers of hell! See him risen, crowned, glorified! Bow before him as the Wonderful, the Counsellor, the mighty God, for only thus will your love to him be what it should.

 

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3 Steps to Truly Forgiving Yourself


Everyone struggles with forgiveness. For many of us, our struggle comes with forgiving those who have hurt us in the past. But we’ll never be free from the hurt of our past until we release that hurt through forgiveness. But for others, even after you’ve forgiven everyone else, the one person you can’t forgive is yourself. You did something that to you is unforgivable. Your parents don’t know, your spouse doesn’t know, your kids don’t know. But God knows, and the seeming judgment coming from Him can be overwhelming. So when you look in the mirror and despise the person looking back, here are three steps to truly forgiving yourself:

1. Stop asking, start thanking.

Most of us continually ask God for forgiveness that we’ve already received. Because of the gravity of what we’ve done, we feel the continual need to ask for forgiveness again and again. The problem becomes that when we continually ask God for forgiveness, we’re assuming that He hasn’t yet truly forgiven us. To embrace the forgiveness that was already won for us through Jesus Christ, stop asking for it and start thanking God for it. That subtle shift from asking to thanking can begin to loosen the chains of condemnation that are weighing down your soul.


2. Stop stewing, start serving.

Unforgiveness is ultimately selfish, self-centered and even narcissistic. When you fail to forgive yourself, you keep the focus on yourself because you feel you must do penance or somehow earn forgiveness for your actions. At the center of it all is you. To break this cycle stop stewing about your lot in life and start serving other people. When you begin to serve others in meaningful ways you’ll discover the liberation that comes from taking the focus off of yourself and beginning to focus on other people.

3. Defeat every lie with the truth.

The enemy has kept you enslaved with lies for too long and he won’t give up without a fight. That’s why the primary battleground for your freedom is your mind. If you can change the way you think, you can change the way you live. Every time a thought enters your head that tempts you to walk back down the destructive path of unforgiveness, defeat that lie with the truth of Romans 8:1-2, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”

 

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He Gives us Purpose For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV __________________ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:16-18 NASB __________________ But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7 __________________ Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

 

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“Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.”

Hebrews 9:20

There is a strange power about the very name of blood, and the sight of it is always affecting. A kind heart cannot bear to see a sparrow bleed, and unless familiarized by use, turns away with horror at the slaughter of a beast. As to the blood of men, it is a consecrated thing: it is murder to shed it in wrath, it is a dreadful crime to squander it in war. Is this solemnity occasioned by the fact that the blood is the life, and the pouring of it forth the token of death? We think so.

When we rise to contemplate the blood of the Son of God, our awe is yet more increased, and we shudder as we think of the guilt of sin, and the terrible penalty which the Sin-bearer endured. Blood, always precious, is priceless when it streams from Immanuel's side. The blood of Jesus seals the covenant of grace, and makes it for ever sure. Covenants of old were made by sacrifice, and the everlasting covenant was ratified in the same manner. Oh, the delight of being saved upon the sure foundation of divine engagements which cannot be dishonoured! Salvation by the works of the law is a frail and broken vessel whose shipwreck is sure; but the covenant vessel fears no storms, for the blood ensures the whole.

The blood of Jesus made his testament valid. Wills are of no power unless the testators die. In this light the soldier's spear is a blessed aid to faith, since it proved our Lord to be really dead. Doubts upon that matter there can be none, and we may boldly appropriate the legacies which he has left for his people. Happy they who see their title to heavenly blessings assured to them by a dying Saviour. But has this blood no voice to us? Does it not bid us sanctify ourselves unto him by whom we have been redeemed? Does it not call us to newness of life, and incite us to entire consecration to the Lord? O that the power of the blood might be known, and felt in us this night!

 

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What The Bible Says About Friendship



Where would we be without our friends? In tribute to our friends and all godly friendships, here is what the Bible says about friendship.
Faithful
The Bible is clear that we all need friends. Friends can comfort us in times of sorrow, they can celebrate with us in our joys, and they can be there when we need them. The proverb is true that “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov 17:17). Think about that. A brother or sister was born for times in our lives where we’re dealing with adversity, but we also are born for time to help be a friend to others. In God’s sovereignty, your friend is no mistake. He or she is placed in your life for good reason, but God has friends too James 2:23 wrote that “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God” (James 2:23). They are friends of God because they believe God, just as our own friends believe us too.

They should give us the benefit of the doubt (1 Cor 13:7). First Samuel 18 shows us just how closely our friendships can become. The Scriptures say, “As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul” (1 Sam 18:1-3). That may be the greatest friendship recorded in the Bible. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13), and Jesus did just that. There is such value in friendship, and even the friends of your family members are to be honored throughout the years and not forsaken when they’re old. Solomon writes, “Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend” (Prov 27:10a), and this has no condition attached to it. We can assume it is until death.

Fruitful
There are many people I know who I can call faithful. Not only have they been faithful to their family, employer, and their church, but they’ve also proven to be faithful to their friends. They don’t agree on everything, but they are not going to be disagreeable because of it. Once again, Solomon’s sage advice tells us that “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Prov 27:17). That means sparks may have to fly, but we can grow in the faith when we are walking with God in community, and particularly with a godly friend. Our friends love us enough to tell us the truth, as the proverb says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy” (Prov 27:6).

One sound’s better (kisses) than the other, but it won’t really help us. Kisses from an enemy could be the kisses of a Judas’ betrayal, but the wounds of a friend are not meant for our harm. They are meant for our good. Just like the Word of God cuts, it cuts in order to heal, and so the wounds of a friend are meant for spiritual healing. Common sense tells us that “One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Prov 12:28). Seeking counsel from the wicked might make us feel better, but the friend who is indeed a friend, will tell us what we need to hear, not what we want to hear, so as “Oil and perfume make the heart glad…the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel” (Prov 27:9). Our lives will be more fruitful with a godly friend.

Influence
I was always warned about running around with friends that’ll get me in trouble, and in time, it happened. Even though I had not personally done anything wrong, I became an accessory the fact. Had I known what the Bible taught on this at an earlier age, I could’ve avoided a lot of heartache.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Cor 15:33), and it sure did me, so pick your friends wisely, and “Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare” (Prov 22:24-25). And if you’re running with the crowd, that may not be good either as it says, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Prove 18:24). That one friend who is closer than a brother or sister is better than a companion of many. James writes, “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4).

Benevolence
Jesus knew what being a friend was like and what a friend should be like. He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). They may not have to lay down their physical life, but they will lay down their time for their friend, just as Job’s friends did when he was under severe affliction. It says, “Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him” (Job 2:11). That’s a true brother born for adversity. Laying down our life for our friends will more like be investing time and effort and resources into our friend’s lives…and that sometimes means, just being a good listener.

Conclusion
After Jesus’ earthly ministry was wrapping up, and prior to going to the cross, he told His disciples, “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). Friends share things with one another that they know will not turn into gossip. The older we get, the more we need our friends, which is why the older we get, the more valuable our friends become, so if you have a friend, please share this with them, knowing, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov 17:17).

 

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Three Reasons Why You Might Be Missing Church



The light flickers on in the pastor’s office. He sets His belongings on his desk and slowly works his way through the church building, unlocking doors and turning on lights. “I’ve got to get some of the good stuff next time,” he tells himself as he fills the carafe with freshly brewed coffee from a can.
After all the Sunday School rooms are inspected, he enters the sanctuary. The early morning sun pushes through the textured, stained-glass window, illuminating the room in a rainbow of color. At the front of small auditorium hangs a wooden cross as a reminder of the risen Christ. The Pastor, eyes landing on the cross, smiles briefly. He will preach Christ this morning–as he always does.

In a few hours, members young and old, black and white, rich and poor, male and female, single and wed, will join in worship of the Almighty God in this small, unassuming building. Those on the mountain tops of life will join in song, lifting their voices together in hymns of adoration, with those in the valleys (Eph. 5:19). They will give tithes and offerings joyfully to the local work (2 Cor. 9:7). They will pray together (Acts 2:42). They will sit under the preaching and teaching of elders who have been charged with keeping watch over their souls (Heb. 13:17). They will partake of the Lord’s Table–remembering Jesus’ sacrifice and perfect substitutionary death on their behalf (1 Cor. 11:20-26). They will serve each other (1 Pt. 4:10) and work toward the furthering of the Gospel in their local mission field and the mission field abroad (Matt. 24:14). They will hold each other accountable to walk in holiness (Gal. 6:1-2). They are more than a club; they are a family under the headship of the risen Savior (Eph. 5:23).

A Christ-centered local body is a delightful foretaste of heaven; a grand opportunity to set self aside and worship the King of Kings with other Christians. Yet, many who profess to be Christians will miss this glorious weekly opportunity. Don’t get me wrong, there are legitimate reasons for missing the gathering of the local body. I think of the many illnesses that circulate each year, the shut-ins who desire to make it to church, but simply cannot due to being stuck in home-bound, “ox in the ditch” situations (Luke 14:5), and many other sovereignly organized reasons. However, many of the most common reasons professing Christians miss church fall into one of three categories: the down, the defiant, or the drowsy.

The Down
I once had dinner with an ex-Christian woman and her atheist boyfriend who had spent many years in the church as a small child. The severing moment came when her father, who was also the pastor of their church, left this woman and her mother for his secretary. “He left with her and the church just left me and my mom. It’s like they didn’t know what to do, so they just ignored us. In one night, I lost my dad, my pastor, and my church family. It was difficult and embarrassing. How could God let that happen? I was just a little girl,” she said through tears.

My heart broke for this woman. Yes, I understand the theological implications of her rejecting Christ. Yes, I know that everyone is accountable to Jesus. But I also understand that it would have been better that a millstone be tied around that man’s neck and he be cast into the sea, than left to offend his little daughter (Matt 18:6).
While many exaggerate their hurts (leaving the church for things they wouldn’t dream leaving a job, hobby, or club over) there is no shortage of people who have been truly hurt by careless Christians and false converts that attend services on a weekly basis. I am speaking now to the genuine believer who has found themselves adrift after some great hurt.

Dear injured one, can I beg you to look to Christ! Your ills are not with the church, but sinful men. If you are a believer you do not have the option of saying, “Well, I love Jesus and hate the church.” It was for those very sinful wretches that the Lord of Glory gave Himself over. Have you been betrayed? So has your Lord. Have you been abused? So has your Lord. Have you been maligned, lied about, and looked upon with disgust? So was He! Yet, for many of those persecutors He hung on the tree. Jesus loves the church, organized the church, and grows the church. Can you find forgiveness for those who have injured you as the Lord has forgiven you, a great injurer?




The Defiant
There is still another kind of professor of the Christian faith that makes a regular habit of missing the Lord’s Day services–the defiant. Those that would view themselves as an island with no need for preaching, teaching, accountability, corporate worship, or shepherds. These are individuals who will come up with any excuse to combat the Lord’s command to no forsake the assembly; and oh, do the defiant have excuses.
I regularly have people repeat to me the tired motto, “You don’t have to go to church to be a Christian,” to which I reply, “No, but Christians want to go to church.” If this is you, seriously ask yourself this question, “If I am a believer, why do I not DESIRE to go to Church?”

Others believe they have outgrown the church–proving they have little to no knowledge of God’s Word, God’s purposes, the role of the church, and their part in it. Still others, like an evangelical Goldilocks, find problems with every provision and forgo the service for the most minor things. These individuals find the sermons to be boring, the music to be lacking, the chairs too uncomfortable, the auditorium too cold, the parking lot too full, the church too big, the church too small, and on goes the mind-numbing list. Others, perhaps in greater rebellion, will use skipping church as a weapon against the pastor, a spouse, or some other individual in the congregation.
My question again is: why? Why would you want to miss the beauties and benefits of Sunday if you profess to know the Lord?

Do you not like the Lord’s people? 1 John 4:20 reminds us that we cannot love God and hate our brothers. Do you find the things of God boring? Friend, they are the most precious things to a believer’s heart. Mr. and Mrs. Defiant, if you are truly believers (a matter I hope you thoroughly examine), it is time to stop with your prideful rebellion. The Lord has made His command, “Do not forsake the assembly of yourselves…” (Heb. 10:25). Now is the time for obedience (John 14:15).

The Drowsy
Complacency is a vile thing. As we get busy in life, we tend to marginalize the important spiritual matters. In a world as busy as ours, it is all the more important to stop, rest, and worship. Often, we fall out of the pattern of going to church without even realizing that is has happened. Are you too tired to go to church? Might I suggest making radical changes to your lifestyle that would help you be able to experience worship on the Lord’s Day? This may include a change in sleep patterns, change of hobbies or even jobs, and cutting non-essential activities out (you should not be too tired for church because you stayed up all night in front of the computer or television). You will be glad that you did!

“Well, I just can’t find a good church in my area.” Then move. If there are truly no biblical churches around, the best thing you can do for your spiritual health and that of your family is to find a place that does. Ephesians 5 tells us, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

As a final word to all three types: can I encourage you to stop with the excuses, no matter what they may be, and show yourself to be a child of the King by joining with a local church family this Sunday for worship?

 

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Our God Is Gracious and Forgiving God forgives us if we but ask Him; Our forgiveness of others should be to everyone without limits... __________________ If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Psalm 130:3-6 NIV __________________ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48 KJV __________________ Then Peter came and said to Him, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times? Jesus said to him, I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21,22 NASB __________________ Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

 

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“And ye shall be witnesses unto me.”

Acts 1:8

In order to learn how to discharge your duty as a witness for Christ, look at his example. He is always witnessing: by the well of Samaria, or in the Temple of Jerusalem: by the lake of Gennesaret, or on the mountain's brow. He is witnessing night and day; his mighty prayers are as vocal to God as his daily services. He witnesses under all circumstances; Scribes and Pharisees cannot shut his mouth; even before Pilate he witnesses a good confession. He witnesses so clearly, and distinctly that there is no mistake in him.

Christian, make your life a clear testimony. Be you as the brook wherein you may see every stone at the bottom — not as the muddy creek, of which you only see the surface — but clear and transparent, so that your heart's love to God and man may be visible to all. You need not say, “I am true:” be true. Boast not of integrity, but be upright. So shall your testimony be such that men cannot help seeing it. Never, for fear of feeble man, restrain your witness. Your lips have been warmed with a coal from off the altar; let them speak as like heaven-touched lips should do.

“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand.” Watch not the clouds, consult not the wind — in season and out of season witness for the Saviour, and if it shall come to pass that for Christ's sake and the gospel's you shall endure suffering in any shape, shrink not, but rejoice in the honour thus conferred upon you, that you are counted worthy to suffer with your Lord; and joy also in this—that your sufferings, your losses, and persecutions shall make you a platform, from which the more vigorously and with greater power you shall witness for Christ Jesus. Study your great Exemplar, and be filled with his Spirit. Remember that you need much teaching, much upholding, much grace, and much humility, if your witnessing is to be to your Master's glory.

 

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He helps us Persevere Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:2-8 NIV __________________ THEREFORE, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 NASB __________________ Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.