Sunday, November 30, 2014

Lord's Day Thoughts



"Our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world" Galatians 1:3b,4a.

"Our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity" Titus 2:13b,14a.


"Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it" Ephesians 5:25b.

Lord, Thy love has sought and found us
Wandering in this desert wide;
Thou hast thrown Thine arms around us,
For us suffered, bled and died:
Sing, my soul! He loved thee;
Jesus gave Himself for me.





Friday, November 28, 2014

Freedom!


"Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh." Genesis 41:14.

     "Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph": Just as Joseph was bound in the dungeon, unable to free himself, someone in bondage to sin, is likewise in a spiritual dungeon, unable to escape by their own means. But, just as Pharaoh called Joseph to come out, God the Father is calling you to believe on His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, whose sinless blood paid the price for your sin!
  
     "And they brought him hastily out of the dungeon": Once the Holy Spirit convicts you of your need of the Savior, and you hear God the Father gently, lovingly, calling you, do not hesitate, come to Him immediately, for tomorrow may be late. You don't know whether this may be your last opportunity, many have perished into an eternity in Hell because they have heard the gospel message, but did not act on it immediately.

     "And he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh":  Notice that Joseph cleaned himself up only after he was brought up out of the dungeon! This is very important to understand. We cannot clean ourselves up and make ourselves acceptable to God by ourselves. We are saved by grace, God wants us to come to Him just as we are. The definition of repentance takes in: Confession; acknowledging we have sinned and are in need of a Savior. Turn; being willing to make necessary changes in our lives and turn from the path we have been on, to following and obeying God.

     "Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" Romans 2:4 (NLT). The goodness and kindness of God is what helps us and allows us to repent. So, after you have believed on Jesus and His shed blood to cleanse you and make you acceptable in God's sight, then be willing to submit to Him and His Word. This will be an on-going, life-long process, and God is very patient, so never give up or get discouraged, or think you will lose your salvation if you do not measure up. Since your salvation is based solely on the finished work of Jesus on the cross, and not anything of yourself, you cannot do anything to lose it. The only unpardonable sin is neglecting to believe on Jesus for your salvation.

     I pray that this gospel message will be an encouragement for believers, and that any that read this that do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, will hear the sweet voice of God the Father calling them to believe and trust in His only begotten Son. This message goes out to all in genuine christian love. You are welcome to contact me with any thoughts or questions you might have, and, I would be happy to join you in prayer for any needs you might have.


Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving!

     Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving to all of you from our family to yours! 

     Today is a great day to reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for. I want to share with you a portion of a great song that reminds us to be thankful, even if we are suffering or going through very difficult times, for the gift of God's only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart – Henry Smith
This classic praise song from the mid-80s has a simple yet timeless message. Song-writer Henry Smith grew up playing secular rock and living for himself, but God got a hold of his heart and dramatically saved him. His faith grew strong, but unfortunately his eyes grew weak. Henry eventually lost his sight because of a degenerative eye disease, but he never charged God and was always thankful. He wrote “Give Thanks” as an expression of his eternal gratefulness to God for the gift of salvation.

“Give thanks with a grateful heart.
Give Thanks to the Holy One.
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His son.
And now, let the weak say ‘I am strong!’ Let the poor say ‘I am rich!’
Because of what the Lord has done for us. Give thanks.”
      All of the words of this song can be seen HERE.

     It seems that when we are going through very tough times, we come to a "Y" in the road. We can either let our problems overcome us, and become angry and bitter against God, or, we can remember that He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us, that He loves us no matter what, that He hears our prayers, and He is working all things together for our good according to the plans He has for us. 

     Here are some verses that I hope will be of encouragement to you today if you are in the midst of difficult times.

"Before I was afflicted (forced to go through sufferings and trials) I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." Psalm 119:67.

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." Psalm 119:71.

"I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me." Psalm 119:75.

"But though he cause (or allows) grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men." Lamentations 3:32,33.

     God's ways are much higher and far above our ways and thoughts. We usually want immediate deliverance from our problems, and we think He does not hear our prayers when this doesn't happen. But God knows just what is needed in our lives to accomplish the purposes and plans He has for us, and His plans for us are far better than anything we can plan for ourselves!

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians 3:20,21.

     I hope these words will encourage you to give thanks to God on Thanksgiving day and every day!

 "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15.