Just sharing.

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“The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?”

Mark 14:14

Jerusalem at the time of the passover was one great inn; each householder had invited his own friends, but no one had invited the Savior, and he had no dwelling of his own. It was by his own supernatural power that he found himself an upper room in which to keep the feast. It is so even to this day — Jesus is not received among the sons of men save only where by his supernatural power and grace he makes the heart anew. All doors are open enough to the prince of darkness, but Jesus must clear a way for himself or lodge in the streets.

It was through the mysterious power exerted by our Lord that the householder raised no question, but at once cheerfully and joyfully opened his guestchamber. Who he was, and what he was, we do not know, but he readily accepted the honour which the Redeemer proposed to confer upon him. In like manner it is still discovered who are the Lord's chosen, and who are not; for when the gospel comes to some, they fight against it, and will not have it, but where men receive it, welcoming it, this is a sure indication that there is a secret work going on in the soul, and that God has chosen them unto eternal life.

Are you willing, dear reader, to receive Christ? then there is no difficulty in the way; Christ will be your guest; his own power is working with you, making you willing. What an honour to entertain the Son of God! The heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and yet he condescends to find a house within our hearts! We are not worthy that he should come under our roof, but what an unutterable privilege when he condescends to enter! for then he makes a feast, and causes us to feast with him upon royal dainties, we sit at a banquet where the viands are immortal, and give immortality to those who feed thereon. Blessed among the sons of Adam is he who entertains the angels’ Lord.

 

[beensetfree]

Joshua’s Transition Into Leadership


Joshua chapter 1 is a great chapter for anyone, but especially if you’re going through a time of transition.

The Mentoring
History has shown that Joshua has been faithful and he and Caleb alone gave a good report about the Promised Land when they spied it out. These two men knew God would go before them and they could take the land, but they were outnumbered by 10 to 2, and Israel remained in the wilderness for 40 more years. A huge test of faithfulness to God is when you’re outnumbered and you still choose to do the right thing. That experience qualified Joshua to be a good leader, and later he would be, so time proved that Joshua believed God. That meant that Joshua obeyed God. Joshua was being mentored by Moses for 40 years, but now it was time for him to take over the leadership of Israel. This was not, however, Joshua’s idea or by Joshua’s own choosing. It was God Who chose Joshua (Joshua 1:2-5), and not Joshua choosing to be the leader.

The Commission
The old saying, “God doesn’t call the qualified, but He qualifies the called,” seems to be accurate, but God Himself is the One Who commissions those in leadership. God told Joshua, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel” (Joshua 1:2). God assured Joshua that “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses” (Joshua 1:3). And to make sure Joshua had no doubts, God told him that “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). Joshua had seen all that Moses had been up against, and yet Moses was able to stand, so he knew that whoever God commissions, He commissions with provisions, so God would be all Joshua would ever need to cross over into the Promised Land.

The Command
When God was encouraging Joshua, He repeated the word “courageous” three times. That shows the importance behind God’s message to Joshua. God commanded Joshua to “Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them” (Joshua 1:6). A second time, God tells him to “be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go” (Joshua 1:7). This time God tells him to be courageous but be careful to do all that the Law of Moses commanded them. That meant he was not to swerve to the left or to the right of the Law, because only that will bring them “good success wherever” they go.

The Direction
God had already told Joshua, and by extension, Israel, to not go to the left or the right of the Law of Moses, so a third time, God tells him, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Joshua was told to be courageous three times, but to be cautious to go the way the Lord prescribed. The Lord also tells him that “the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,” so whatever direction they went, God would go with them. In fact, God not only goes with them, “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deut 31:8). If God goes before them, then the direction will be clear, but it will also be prosperous if they walk in obedience to the Law. There is safety being in the stream of God’s will.

Marching Orders
Joshua Passing the River Jordan. Benjamin West.
After Joshua receives his instructions from God, Joshua now commands “the officers of the people, “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess” (Joshua 1:10-11). They have their marching orders, but not before Joshua proved over time to be faithful in obeying God; not before God commissioned him to take over the leadership of Israel after Moses’ death; and not before God encouraged Joshua and reminded Him to walk in the ways of God. Only then would their way be prosperous. It was not until all this that Joshua was finally prepared to take Israel over into the Promised Land.

To encourage Israel, Joshua tells them, “The Lord your God is providing you a place of rest and will give you this land” (Joshua 1:13b), and when they cross into the Promised Land, Joshua reassures them that “Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land that Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but all the men of valor among you shall pass over armed before your brothers and shall help them” (Joshua 1:14). It will not be “until the Lord gives rest to your brothers as he has to you, and they also take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and shall possess it” (Joshua 1:15). In other words, God wants the nation’s military to stay together until the land is safe enough for the women and children to safely dwell in it, but the whole nation is to cooperate until all of this is accomplished. The cooperatin of others is what you will need to be more successful.

Conclusion
Everyone has had to go through a time of transition, and it can be very difficult to adjust, so if you are in a time of transition, then Joshua chapter 1 should encourage you. It was great advice for Joshua, and it is great advice still. God wants us to know, more than three times, that He goes with us and He goes before us, and will not change His mind and forsake us, therefore “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deut 31:8). I pray that encourages you in your time of change.

 

[beensetfree]

He took all our sins upon Himself He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:2-6 NIV __________________ And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1 John 3:5-9 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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“His place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.”

Isaiah 33:16

Do you doubt, O Christian, do you doubt as to whether God will fulfil his promise? Shall the munitions of rock be carried by storm? Shall the storehouses of heaven fail? Do you think that your heavenly Father, though he knoweth that you have need of food and raiment, will yet forget you? When not a sparrow falls to the ground without your Father, and the very hairs of your head are all numbered, will you mistrust and doubt him? Perhaps your affliction will continue upon you till you dare to trust your God, and then it shall end.

Full many there be who have been tried and sore vexed till at last they have been driven in sheer desperation to exercise faith in God, and the moment of their faith has been the instant of their deliverance; they have seen whether God would keep his promise or not. Oh, I pray you, doubt him no longer! Please not Satan, and vex not yourself by indulging any more those hard thoughts of God. Think it not a light matter to doubt Jehovah. Remember, it is a sin; and not a little sin either, but in the highest degree criminal.

The angels never doubted him, nor the devils either: we alone, out of all the beings that God has fashioned, dishonour him by unbelief, and tarnish his honour by mistrust. Shame upon us for this! Our God does not deserve to be so basely suspected; in our past life we have proved him to be true and faithful to his word, and with so many instances of his love and of his kindness as we have received, and are daily receiving, at his hands, it is base and inexcusable that we suffer a doubt to sojourn within our heart. May we henceforth wage constant war against doubts of our God — enemies to our peace and to his honour; and with an unstaggering faith believe that what he has promised he will also perform. “Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief.”

 

[beensetfree]

The Surprising Truth About Persecution


Persecution doesn’t feel good at the time, but it’s actually a very good thing for the believer.

All the Godly
The Apostle Paul delivering the Areopagus sermon in Athens, by Raphael, 1515.
The Apostle Paul reminded Timothy that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12), while at the same time, “evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Tim3:13). I think Paul wanted Timothy to know that because he had likely experienced persecution. He knew what they did to Jesus, Stephen (the deacon), and James, and maybe he thought he’d be next!

By Paul saying, “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12), he was saying that it’s going to be the norm for every believer. The surprising thing would be if a believer never experienced persecution. Persecution, while being painful, is a testament to your faith being seen or heard by the world. Paul knew what it felt like, writing that they were being “persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor 4:9). When persecuted, they were not forsaken; when struck down, they got back up. They could say, even though “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me” (Psalm 129:2).

Not Unusual
Don’t be surprised to suffer for your faith, but rather be surprised if you’ve never suffered for it. One reason might be you’re not sharing your faith or maybe you’re not living your faith, and no one can see any difference in you than in those in the world. If that’s true, then it’s time to examine yourself to see if you’re in the faith, because good works are the fruit of salvation (Eph 2:20; James 2:14-26), even though they’re not the root of salvation (Acts 4:12; Eph 2:8-9). Cleary, persecution is to be expected. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt 5:10-12).

Jesus didn’t say “if others revile you and persecute you,” but “when others revile you and persecute you,” so it’s not a matter of if but when you are persecuted, but this persecution is for His account, not ours. The prophets didn’t suffer persecution for their own message, but that which comes from the Word of God. Our response shouldn’t be, “Please Lord, take this away,” but we should “rejoice and be glad.” We rejoice, not so much for the rewards, but we rejoice we’re being persecuted like the prophets of old. That’s pretty good company, but remember, it’s not them or us that people hate; it is the message. The postal carrier may bring the bills, but their debt is owed to their creditors, not the postal carrier, so it’s not the messenger they really hate but the message itself. This means we should not take it as personally, but even so, you must take it and not respond in kind.

The Unusual
Jesus reminded the disciples that “A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours” (John 15:20). This means we cannot avoid persecution. The Apostle Paul wanted to know Christ so desperately, that he was willing to enter into His sufferings, so “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Phil 3:10). The point being, “we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” (Rom 8:17b), but it’s more than that.

If your friend shares his suffering with you, you know him better; likewise, if you share your pain with your friend, she is going to know you better because of it. Suffering for Christ’s name’s sake is a great way to know Him better. This doesn’t mean we seek it out, but it does mean we see it as a blessing, so “let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Pet 4:19). Why? Because “it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil” (1 Pet 3:17).

Martyrs Syndrome
Persecution is not a good thing when someone has a “martyr’s complex.” That is, they actually go out and look for persecution, but the Bible never teaches this. Even though every Christian cannot avoid persecution, it does not mean we should seek it out. That’s not what persecution really is. That’s just being obnoxious. There is no cause for sharing Christ and being antagonistic.

Jesus never tried to cram His beliefs down anyone’s throat. He said that whosoever may come, can come. It doesn’t say, make people come. God the Father draws people to Himself, but only through Christ (John 6:44). The Prodigal Father didn’t put out an APB for his son and go looking for him. He waited and watched for the son to come to Him. Even now, while it is still called today (2 Cor 6:2), Jesus Christ says to you, and He says to all, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt 11:28-30).

Conclusion
The Apostle Peter’s encouraging words to every persecuted believer is, if you are persecuted for His name’s sake, “rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Pet 4:13), and even better, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (1 Pet 4:14). Don’t you want that? Of course, you don’t seek out persecution to have “the Spirit of glory and of God” resting upon you. If you do, then you’re not really being persecuted for His name’s sake but for your own sake, and that’s not acceptable to God. It’s not persecution if someone’s being “holier than thou,” or Bible-bashing people. That’s plain being obnoxious. And that’s not a good thing.

 

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Faced with tough decisions, Jesus prayed Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." Matthew 26:36-42 NIV __________________ He instructed his disciples how to pray when asked... When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray, then, in this way: "Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:5-13 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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“He shall choose our inheritance for us.”

Psalm 47:4

Believer, if your inheritance be a lowly one you should be satisfied with your earthly portion; for you may rest assured that it is the fittest for you. Unerring wisdom ordained your lot, and selected for you the safest and best condition.

A ship of large tonnage is to be brought up the river; now, in one part of the stream there is a sandbank; should some one ask, “Why does the captain steer through the deep part of the channel and deviate so much from a straight line?” His answer would be, “Because I should not get my vessel into harbour at all if I did not keep to the deep channel.” So, it may be, you would run aground and suffer shipwreck, if your divine Captain did not steer you into the depths of affliction where waves of trouble follow each other in quick succession.

Some plants die if they have too much sunshine. It may be that you are planted where you get but little, you are put there by the loving Husbandman, because only in that situation will you bring forth fruit unto perfection. Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there.

You are placed by God in the most suitable circumstances, and if you had the choosing of your lot, you would soon cry, “Lord, choose my inheritance for me, for by my self-will I am pierced through with many sorrows.” Be content with such things as you have, since the Lord has ordered all things for your good. Take up your own daily cross; it is the burden best suited for your shoulder, and will prove most effective to make you perfect in every good word and work to the glory of God. Down busy self, and proud impatience, it is not for you to choose, but for the Lord of Love!

“Trials must and will befall—
But with humble faith to see
Love inscribed upon them all;
This is happiness to me.”

 

[beensetfree]

To Whom Much Is Given
======================

A Mother was having a hard time getting her son to go to school
in the morning.

"Nobody in school likes me," he complained.

"The teachers don't like me, the kids don't like me, the
superintendent wants to transfer me, the bus drivers hate me,
the school board wants me to drop out, and the custodians have
it in for me. I just don't want to go to school."

"But, John, you have to go to school," said his mother sternly.
"You're healthy, you have a lot to learn, you have something to
offer others, you are a leader.

And besides, you're 40 years old and YOU ARE THE PRINCIPAL."



Have you ever felt like the principal in the above joke?

Mothers?

Bosses?

Husbands?

Even Pastors?


You are in charge; yet, the charges that you are in charge of
can be a real challenge.

Leadership always has its price.
It's full of rewards, but the price can be heavy.

Everyone expects you to boost them, but who boosts you?

I was in the church one day.
I was alone (at least no other person was there).

The day had been hectic and the responsibilities great. I stood
in the sanctuary and asked God, "Why do I have to do so much?"

I had the burdens of the church, the burdens of two businesses,
and a family to deal with. Plus, I had my own stuff.
Everyone has their own stuff in addition to other's stuff.
Your own stuff hides in the corners of your mind just waiting
for an opportunity to jump forth.

Your own stuff is enough to deal with by itself.

Do you remember seeing the pictures of Atlas?
He is the Greek titan with the world on his shoulders.
That's what it feels like sometimes.
I'm sure you know the feeling.

I stood as the echoes of my voice slowly faded.
"Why did I have to do so much?"

I clearly heard God breathe a soft answer into my spirit,
but it wasn't complete. It was half of a sentence
and half of a statement.

"to whom much is given. . ."

That was my answer, "to whom much is given. . ."

There is a quote that goes "you can judge a man by whether he
will ask for a light load or a strong back."

It's the principle of the principal.

"to whom much is given. . .

. . . much is required."

 

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A little more peace of mind... Moses wanted to know God's presence was with them: If this is true, let me know what your plans are, then I can obey and continue to please you. And don’t forget that you have chosen this nation to be your own.” The Lord said, “I will go with you and give you peace.” Then Moses replied, “If you aren’t going with us, please don’t make us leave this place. Exodus 33:13-15 CEV __________________ I pray that the Lord will bless and protect you, and that he will show you mercy and kindness. May the Lord be good to you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-6 CEV __________________ “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:8-10 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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“It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master.”

Matthew 10:25

No one will dispute this statement, for it would be unseemly for the servant to be exalted above his Master. When our Lord was on earth, what was the treatment he received? Were his claims acknowledged, his instructions followed, his perfections worshipped, by those whom he came to bless? No; “He was despised and rejected of men.” Outside the camp was his place: cross-bearing was his occupation. Did the world yield him solace and rest? “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” This inhospitable country afforded him no shelter: it cast him out and crucified him.

Such — if you are a follower of Jesus, and maintain a consistent, Christ-like walk and conversation — you must expect to be the lot of that part of your spiritual life which, in its outward development, comes under the observation of men. They will treat it as they treated the Saviour — they will despise it. Dream not that worldlings will admire you, or that the more holy and the more Christ-like you are, the more peaceably people will act towards you. They prized not the polished gem, how should they value the jewel in the rough? “If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?”

If we were more like Christ, we should be more hated by his enemies. It were a sad dishonour to a child of God to be the world's favourite. It is a very ill omen to hear a wicked world clap its hands and shout “Well done” to the Christian man. He may begin to look to his character, and wonder whether he has not been doing wrong, when the unrighteous give him their approbation. Let us be true to our Master, and have no friendship with a blind and base world which scorns and rejects him. Far be it from us to seek a crown of honour where our Lord found a coronet of thorn.

 

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Seeing The Gospel In Biblical Accounts



The gospels contain accounts that are symbolic of salvation, but you can also find the gospel message within the gospels themselves.

The Bad News
Have you ever flashed your headlights to warn another driver to slow down because there’s a speed trap ahead of them? You are trying to warn them. A few might slow down if they’re breaking the speed limit, but not all, so that’s what the law of God does. It tells us what sin is (Rom 7:7), and reveals to us that we all break God’s law, so before we can give people the good news, we must tell them that no one deserves to be saved (Rom 3:10-12). We all fall impossibly short of God’s glory (Rom 3:23), so what’s the solution to our dilemma? When Jesus introduced the gospel, it had two components to it. He said we need to “repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15b). God commands all of us to repent (Acts 17:30), so if you don’t mention the fact that God requires all people to repent, and what it is they need to repent from, they will not hear the whole gospel.

If sin is never mentioned, then grace means nothing, but when God’s wrath against sinners is revealed (John 3:36b), and“that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things” (Rom 2:2), then grace is suddenly very relevant…at least for some. Just like I was told, the sinner must know that it’s “because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed” (Rom 2:5). If you had a disease and didn’t know it, you wouldn’t even think about seeking a cure, but once you heard the prognosis, then you’d suddenly become very interested in the cure. The disease that is fatal in the coming judgment of God which comes from sin that is not repented of (Rev 20:12-15; 21:8). The cure is trusting in Christ, Who gave His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

The Good News
Now that the bad news has been revealed, the mercy and grace of God should get our attention. Of course, the person who comes to saving faith in Christ is first drawn to Father, but through Christ (John 6:44), and it is only by the Spirit of God that the conviction of sin comes (John 16:8), so when we finally come to understand that we cannot stand before God on our own, it makes us see that our only hope is Christ. After putting our trust in Christ, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1), “since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom 5:1-2). This is why there is such power in the Word of God. It has the very power of God that to save (Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 1:18). When a person is exposed to the Word of God, with the Spirit of God, they should reveal the Son of God. There are many biblical accounts where we see the gospel typified, but we can also see how salvation works within the gospel accounts themselves, and that’s what we’ll see next in Mark 2.

New Testament
One example of the gospel message being within the gospel is in Mark 2. In this account, Jesus was in a home teaching many people. There were so many in the house “that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them” (Mark 2:2). When four men tried to bring a paralytic man to Jesus so He could heal him (Mark 2:3), there was no way they could even get through the door, so they had to take drastic action. The first point is that God uses others to bring people to Christ, and sometimes it takes drastic action (see first paragraph), but we have to understand that we don’t’ save anyone. The four men couldn’t save the paralytic.

It had to be Christ alone, showing we are only saved by Christ alone (Acts 4:12), but God will use us as a means of His saving them. How? It’s by trying to bring them to Christ. God used these four men to bring this paralytic to Christ, and God can use you to bring people to Christ, so “when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5). Of course the self-righteous scribes were shocked, and said, “He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone” (Mark 2:7b), not recognizing Jesus is God and He can forgive sins. Jesus tells them to their face, “that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mark2:10), but to the paralytic, a paralytic no more, He says, “rise, pick up your bed, and go home” (Mark 2:11). The man needed healing…but he needed the forgiveness of sins infinitely more. The healed man will die again…but the one who trusts in Christ receives eternal life.

Old Testament
The Old Testament has historical accounts that are also symbolic of salvation. One example is Mephibosheth. He was the lone son remaining from the house of Saul who was the son of Jonathan. Jonathan was a man that David had trusted with his life. He loved him as he did his own self. In this account, you can see King David as typifying the role of the Father, as David sought out Mephibosheth, not to kill, but to preserve his life (2 Sam 9:5; John 6:44). Mephibosheth did nothing to deserve David’s kindness (2 Sam 9:6-8), and we too received God’s kindness, even though we did not deserve it (Rom 5:6-10; Eph 2:8-9). Mephibosheth was seated with the king and sat at the king’s table as one of his own sons. In similar fashion, after we trust in Christ we become a child of God.

King David made sure that Mephibosheth would be provided for, for the rest of his life, just as those who trust in the King of kings can rest in eternal life (2 Sam 9:7-9). The gospel message, or salvation, is often found in the accounts recorded in the Bible, and there are many, not the least of which is Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice the son of promise.

Conclusion
I have started looking for other gospel-like accounts in the Bible, and I’ve discovered there are many…more than I had imagined, but the gospel often rests within the Word of God with accounts that typify salvation. The Gospel of John may have more of these than the other gospels, like the account of Lazarus who was dead, but made alive by Christ (John 11). The gospel is actually spread throughout the Bible, starting with the first hint of redemption in Genesis (Gen 3:15), and Abraham’s being saved by faith. Abraham “believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness” (Gen 15:6). If you haven’t already, I hope you will obey the Lord Jesus Christ’s command to repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15). Then you too can have the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor 5:21), and you can stand before God on the day of Christ’s visitation, or after death, when it’s appointed for us to be judged (Heb 9:27).

 

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The kingdom - Righteousness, peace and joy They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read. Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them. Nehemiah 8:8-10, 12 NIV __________________ In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls! 1 Peter 1:6-9 NASB __________________ For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Romans 14:17-19 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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“And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.”

Luke 6:12

If ever one of woman born might have lived without prayer, it was our spotless, perfect Lord, and yet none was ever so much in supplication as he! Such was his love to his Father, that he loved much to be in communion with him: such his love for his people, that he desired to be much in intercession for them. The fact of this eminent prayerfulness of Jesus is a lesson for us — he hath given us an example that we may follow in his steps.

The time he chose was admirable, it was the hour of silence, when the crowd would not disturb him; the time of inaction, when all but himself had ceased to labour; and the season when slumber made men forget their woes, and cease their applications to him for relief. While others found rest in sleep, he refreshed himself with prayer. The place was also well selected. He was alone where none would intrude, where none could observe: thus was he free from Pharisaic ostentation and vulgar interruption. Those dark and silent hills were a fit oratory for the Son of God. Heaven and earth in midnight stillness heard the groans and sighs of the mysterious Being in whom both worlds were blended.

The continuance of his pleadings is remarkable; the long watches were not too long; the cold wind did not chill his devotions; the grim darkness did not darken his faith, or loneliness check his importunity. We cannot watch with him one hour, but he watched for us whole nights. The occasion for this prayer is notable; it was after his enemies had been enraged—prayer was his refuge and solace; it was before he sent forth the twelve apostles—prayer was the gate of his enterprise, the herald of his new work. Should we not learn from Jesus to resort to special prayer when we are under peculiar trial, or contemplate fresh endeavours for the Master's glory? Lord Jesus, teach us to pray.

 

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6 Practical Ways to Share Your Faith During the Coronavirus Pandemic


In the span of a few short weeks the coronavirus has swept across the four corners of the globe and has caused panic throughout the world. While our initial instinct is to hunker down, circle the wagons, and only look after our own, Christians are called to “make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). In the midst of this unfolding tragedy we actually have an incredible opportunity to share the gospel with others. Think about it: in times of need, people reach out for hope and help wherever they can find it. The normal barriers of religion become overcomable when a crisis confronts someone, and the global coronavirus pandemic definitely qualifies as a crisis. What are six powerful and practical ways you can share your faith during this pandemic? Since the word “corona” is on everyone’s minds, that’s an easy way to remember:
C – Check on someone who is at risk or living alone. Call someone or stop by where they live (while maintaining a healthy physical distance). Simply calling to check on someone communicates that they are valuable enough to be remembered even in the midst of all the chaos. That will give you a powerful platform to share your faith.
O – Offer to do something to help them out. Don’t just call, offer to help. Do they need help getting supplies? Is there something around the house that needs fixing? Do they need help with childcare? When you meet the needs of those around you, you show the love of Jesus in a tangible way.


R – Respect the way they’re processing the fear of the pandemic. Everyone will process this pandemic in different ways. Some might laugh it off, while others will be one step removed from treating this like the zombie apocalypse. You don’t know their past experiences with tragedy and who they know that’s personally affected. Respect how they’re processing their fear.

O – Organize something social to do. The quarantining of American society (in an attempt to slow the spread of this pandemic) is driving everyone towards isolation. But as God said from the very beginning: it is not good for us to be alone (Genesis 2:18). Take the initiative and bring people together, even if that’s simply online. People crave human interaction, and this pandemic will starve people of that. Be the person that models the value of biblical community by organizing something social for people to do.
N – Network online church resources. Because of the advancement of technology, there is an incredible amount of online church resources (from videos to messages to blogs) that can breathe light and hope into a dark and hopeless situation. More than just filling up your News Feed with another doomsday report, be intentional to spread the word about positive, biblical church resources that can benefit those you know.
A – Ask if (and how) you can pray for somebody. People are afraid, so offer to pray for them. In moments of crisis, people naturally reach for God, and you would be surprised how many people would allow you to pray for them if you offered. Offer to pray for somebody, and see where the conversation takes you!

 

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He disciplines in Love The days are coming,' declares the LORD, 'when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land I gave their forefathers to possess,' says the LORD." Jeremiah 30:3 NIV __________________ But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it. Numbers 14:21-23 KJV __________________ You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD. Deuteronomy 8:2,3 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.

 

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“Men ought always to pray.”

Luke 18:1

If men ought always to pray and not to faint, much more Christian men. Jesus has sent his church into the world on the same errand upon which he himself came, and this mission includes intercession. What if I say that the church is the world's priest? Creation is dumb, but the church is to find a mouth for it. It is the church's high privilege to pray with acceptance. The door of grace is always open for her petitions, and they never return empty-handed. The veil was rent for her, the blood was sprinkled upon the altar for her, God constantly invites her to ask what she wills.

Will she refuse the privilege which angels might envy her? Is she not the bride of Christ? May she not go in unto her King at every hour? Shall she allow the precious privilege to be unused? The church always has need for prayer. There are always some in her midst who are declining, or falling into open sin. There are lambs to be prayed for, that they may be carried in Christ's bosom? the strong, lest they grow presumptuous; and the weak, lest they become despairing. If we kept up prayer-meetings four-and-twenty hours in the day, all the days in the year, we might never be without a special subject for supplication.

Are we ever without the sick and the poor, the afflicted and the wavering? Are we ever without those who seek the conversion of relatives, the reclaiming of back-sliders, or the salvation of the depraved? Nay, with congregations constantly gathering, with ministers always preaching, with millions of sinners lying dead in trespasses and sins; in a country over which the darkness of Romanism is certainly descending; in a world full of idols, cruelties, devilries, if the church doth not pray, how shall she excuse her base neglect of the commission of her loving Lord? Let the church be constant in supplication, let every private believer cast his mite of prayer into the treasury.

 

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Seeing The Gospel In Biblical Accounts



The gospels contain accounts that are symbolic of salvation, but you can also find the gospel message within the gospels themselves.

The Bad News
Have you ever flashed your headlights to warn another driver to slow down because there’s a speed trap ahead of them? You are trying to warn them. A few might slow down if they’re breaking the speed limit, but not all, so that’s what the law of God does. It tells us what sin is (Rom 7:7), and reveals to us that we all break God’s law, so before we can give people the good news, we must tell them that no one deserves to be saved (Rom 3:10-12). We all fall impossibly short of God’s glory (Rom 3:23), so what’s the solution to our dilemma? When Jesus introduced the gospel, it had two components to it. He said we need to “repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15b). God commands all of us to repent (Acts 17:30), so if you don’t mention the fact that God requires all people to repent, and what it is they need to repent from, they will not hear the whole gospel. If sin is never mentioned, then grace means nothing, but when God’s wrath against sinners is revealed (John 3:36b), and“that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things” (Rom 2:2), then grace is suddenly very relevant…at least for some.

Just like I was told, the sinner must know that it’s “because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed” (Rom 2:5). If you had a disease and didn’t know it, you wouldn’t even think about seeking a cure, but once you heard the prognosis, then you’d suddenly become very interested in the cure. The disease that is fatal in the coming judgment of God which comes from sin that is not repented of (Rev 20:12-15; 21:8). The cure is trusting in Christ, Who gave His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

The Good News
Now that the bad news has been revealed, the mercy and grace of God should get our attention. Of course, the person who comes to saving faith in Christ is first drawn to Father, but through Christ (John 6:44), and it is only by the Spirit of God that the conviction of sin comes (John 16:8), so when we finally come to understand that we cannot stand before God on our own, it makes us see that our only hope is Christ. After putting our trust in Christ, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1), “since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom 5:1-2). This is why there is such power in the Word of God. It has the very power of God that to save (Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 1:18). When a person is exposed to the Word of God, with the Spirit of God, they should reveal the Son of God. There are many biblical accounts where we see the gospel typified, but we can also see how salvation works within the gospel accounts themselves, and that’s what we’ll see next in Mark 2.

New Testament
One example of the gospel message being within the gospel is in Mark 2. In this account, Jesus was in a home teaching many people. There were so many in the house “that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them” (Mark 2:2). When four men tried to bring a paralytic man to Jesus so He could heal him (Mark 2:3), there was no way they could even get through the door, so they had to take drastic action. The first point is that God uses others to bring people to Christ, and sometimes it takes drastic action (see first paragraph), but we have to understand that we don’t’ save anyone. The four men couldn’t save the paralytic. It had to be Christ alone, showing we are only saved by Christ alone (Acts 4:12), but God will use us as a means of His saving them. How?

It’s by trying to bring them to Christ. God used these four men to bring this paralytic to Christ, and God can use you to bring people to Christ, so “when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5). Of course the self-righteous scribes were shocked, and said, “He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone” (Mark 2:7b), not recognizing Jesus is God and He can forgive sins. Jesus tells them to their face, “that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mark2:10), but to the paralytic, a paralytic no more, He says, “rise, pick up your bed, and go home” (Mark 2:11). The man needed healing…but he needed the forgiveness of sins infinitely more. The healed man will die again…but the one who trusts in Christ receives eternal life.

Old Testament
The Old Testament has historical accounts that are also symbolic of salvation. One example is Mephibosheth. He was the lone son remaining from the house of Saul who was the son of Jonathan. Jonathan was a man that David had trusted with his life. He loved him as he did his own self. In this account, you can see King David as typifying the role of the Father, as David sought out Mephibosheth, not to kill, but to preserve his life (2 Sam 9:5; John 6:44). Mephibosheth did nothing to deserve David’s kindness (2 Sam 9:6-8), and we too received God’s kindness, even though we did not deserve it (Rom 5:6-10; Eph 2:8-9).

Mephibosheth was seated with the king and sat at the king’s table as one of his own sons. In similar fashion, after we trust in Christ we become a child of God. King David made sure that Mephibosheth would be provided for, for the rest of his life, just as those who trust in the King of kings can rest in eternal life (2 Sam 9:7-9). The gospel message, or salvation, is often found in the accounts recorded in the Bible, and there are many, not the least of which is Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice the son of promise.

Conclusion
I have started looking for other gospel-like accounts in the Bible, and I’ve discovered there are many…more than I had imagined, but the gospel often rests within the Word of God with accounts that typify salvation. The Gospel of John may have more of these than the other gospels, like the account of Lazarus who was dead, but made alive by Christ (John 11). The gospel is actually spread throughout the Bible, starting with the first hint of redemption in Genesis (Gen 3:15), and Abraham’s being saved by faith. Abraham “believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness” (Gen 15:6). If you haven’t already, I hope you will obey the Lord Jesus Christ’s command to repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15). Then you too can have the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor 5:21), and you can stand before God on the day of Christ’s visitation, or after death, when it’s appointed for us to be judged (Heb 9:27).

 

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Thine is the kingdom! Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:7-8 NIV __________________ That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places. Ephesians 1:17-20 KJV __________________ And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18 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 Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.”

Genesis 29:26

We do not excuse Laban for his dishonesty, but we scruple not to learn from the custom which he quoted as his excuse. There are some things which must be taken in order, and if we would win the second we must secure the first. The second may be the more lovely in our eyes, but the rule of the heavenly country must stand, and the elder must be married first. For instance, many men desire the beautiful and well-favoured Rachel of joy and peace in believing, but they must first be wedded to the tender-eyed Leah of repentance.

Every one falls in love with happiness, and many would cheerfully serve twice seven years to enjoy it, but according to the rule of the Lord's kingdom, the Leah of real holiness must be beloved of our soul before the Rachel of true happiness can be attained. Heaven stands not first but second, and only by persevering to the end can we win a portion in it. The cross must be carried before the crown can be worn. We must follow our Lord in his humiliation, or we shall never rest with him in glory.

My soul, what sayest thou, art thou so vain as to hope to break through the heavenly rule? Dost thou hope for reward without labour, or honour without toil? Dismiss the idle expectation, and be content to take the ill-favoured things for the sake of the sweet love of Jesus, which will recompense thee for all. In such a spirit, labouring and suffering, thou wilt find bitters grow sweet, and hard things easy. Like Jacob, thy years of service will seem unto thee but a few days for the love thou hast to Jesus; and when the dear hour of the wedding feast shall come, all thy toils shall be as though they had never been—an hour with Jesus will make up for ages of pain and labour.

Jesus, to win thyself so fair,
Thy cross I will with gladness bear:
Since so the rules of heaven ordain,
The first I'll wed the next to gain.

 

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The Old Man’s Steps
====================

I may be young in years, but I suddenly realized how often we
complain.

I live almost at the top of this tall steep hill. My step dad,
my brother, my dog, and I went on a walk to the bottom to a park.

On the way back up, it was harder. We complained all the way to
the top. A few days later, we were coming down the hill in our
car when I saw an old man. He was going up the hill.

He was taking small, slow steps but he was making it.

Without complaining!

Sometimes we do that to God. He'll give us a task and we
complain about it. If we take small, slow steps we will soon
make it up the tall, steep hill.

All we have to do is do the task that is in front of us and take
small, slow steps to complete it.