When we choose to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation we find our selves on the receiving end of an infinite array of gifts, blessings and eternal possessions which are far beyond the scope of human understanding. Only when we become glorified will we really begin to properly evaluate our eternal inheritance. Just think about these glimpses mentioned in the Holy Word :
" Verily,verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me (Jesus is speaking) hath everlasting life." John 6:47
"And Jesus said unto them,.....He that believeth on me shall never thirst." John 6:35 "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established;" 2 Chronicles 20:20
Jesus said in John 12:46,"whosoever believeth in me shall not abide in darkness."
"And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." John 11:26
"....believe, and see the glory of God." John 11:40
"Thou wilt keep him in pefect peace, whose mind is stayed upon thee, because he trusteth in thee." Jerimiah 17:7
"The Lord is a strong hold in the day of trouble: and he knoweth them that put their trust in Him." none of them that trust in him shall be desolate" Psalms 34:22
What does this world have to offer in comparison to the eternal riches in glory by Christ Jesus......see Phil. 4:19 and see Col. 2:2
Monday, 27 July 2009
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
A Faithful Pastor becomes a great blessing to a dying woman who desperately needs an assurance based on the word of God. Pastor Piers found her in deep despair when he arrived at her bedside. She acknowledged that in her life she had" had done so much evil, and so little good." He at once declared unto her the glad tidings of salvation: that as to all her good, were it ten thousand times more, could never save her, so all her evil could never hurt her- if she could repent and believe; if she could lay hold on Christ by a living faith, and look for salvation by grace only. This was comfort indeed. She gladly quieted her own merits for those of Christ; the Holy Ghost wrought faith in her heart, which she expressed in a calm, cheerful, triumphant expectation of death.
Her fears and agonies were over at once. Being justified by faith, she had peace with God; and only entered farther into her rest by dying a few hours later. The spectators were melted into tears. She calmly passed into the heavenly presence of God and has there brought up a good report of her faithful Pastor,who under God directed her into this full assurance of faith.O what a way to die The pastor was thereby assured more than ever that the gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed " the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth ." The man who first gave this report was also a faithful pastor,hymn writer and soul winner for many years, his name : Charles Wesley
No matter how much good we have done it will never atone for sin. That is just how horrible sin is. Romans 3:20-24,"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the ;aw is the knowledge of sin. but now the righteousness of God without the law is
manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God;"
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Dear reader, lets not spend our lives in vain, lets redeem every precious moment by trusting Jesus with all of our heart so that we may may be with the one who died for us throughout eternity!
Her fears and agonies were over at once. Being justified by faith, she had peace with God; and only entered farther into her rest by dying a few hours later. The spectators were melted into tears. She calmly passed into the heavenly presence of God and has there brought up a good report of her faithful Pastor,who under God directed her into this full assurance of faith.O what a way to die The pastor was thereby assured more than ever that the gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed " the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth ." The man who first gave this report was also a faithful pastor,hymn writer and soul winner for many years, his name : Charles Wesley
No matter how much good we have done it will never atone for sin. That is just how horrible sin is. Romans 3:20-24,"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the ;aw is the knowledge of sin. but now the righteousness of God without the law is
manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God;"
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Dear reader, lets not spend our lives in vain, lets redeem every precious moment by trusting Jesus with all of our heart so that we may may be with the one who died for us throughout eternity!
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Creation points to God's Faithfulness
Isn't it just amazing how the Lord has just filled this world and universe with sights(eye catching illustrations) to effectually teach us of his ways,character, and attributes that our hearts and minds might continually be full and overflowing with love and adoration to Him.
Thy mercy O Lord is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgements are great deep........How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. Psalms 36:5-7
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lam. 3:22-23
Not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you, all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof. Joshua 23:14
Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his chosen people, according to all he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise. 1 Kings 8:56
O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things: thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth, Isaiah 25:1
Forever ,O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations. Ps.119;89-90
Thy mercy O Lord is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgements are great deep........How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. Psalms 36:5-7
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lam. 3:22-23
Not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you, all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof. Joshua 23:14
Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his chosen people, according to all he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise. 1 Kings 8:56
O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things: thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth, Isaiah 25:1
Forever ,O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations. Ps.119;89-90
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
"WHEN "
by Russell T.
Hope teams up with joy and peace,
And rests within the soul;
Then loves sweet whispers never cease,
Though waves of sorrow roll.
When my eyes are filled with tears,
My heart is warmed with joy;
Loves wondrous words to calm my fears;
Bring peace without alloy.
When my soul is overwhelmed,
Sights and sounds of woe;
In my heart, my Lord is at the helm,
That's all I need to know!
by Russell T.
Hope teams up with joy and peace,
And rests within the soul;
Then loves sweet whispers never cease,
Though waves of sorrow roll.
When my eyes are filled with tears,
My heart is warmed with joy;
Loves wondrous words to calm my fears;
Bring peace without alloy.
When my soul is overwhelmed,
Sights and sounds of woe;
In my heart, my Lord is at the helm,
That's all I need to know!
I just want to add that the part about "loves sweet whispers" is not a figment of my imagination at all. I don't recall ever discussing this spiritual phenomenon with anyone but it is a very real experience and so very precious to my memory. If anyone reading this blog has experienced it please let me know. I know it is so mysterious it is hard to explain, yet when it happens you are just as certain of it as any thing that has ever happened, it is total reality.
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Promises for Uncertain times...
In these times of uncertainty, trouble, and danger; it is such a blessing to be able to look into the promises of one who cannot fail, always true and faithful, one who has faced it all and so much more and knows exactly what we are passing through in this shadowy pathway of life. Here are some that mean so much to me:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" Ps.46:1
The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.Nahum 1:7
The Lord redeemeth the souls of his servants; and none of them that trust in him are left desolate."Ps.34:22
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer,my God,my strength,in whom I will trust, my buckler,and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Ps.18:2
Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them 2 Kings 6:16
I am persuaded that neither death,nor life, nor angels,nor principalities,nor powers,nor
things present, nor things to come,nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus or Lord. Romans 8: 38-39
The promises of men so quickly fail and fall to the ground and are buried under the dust of time. Jesus never fails. Heaven and earth will all pass away, yet Jesus never fails. He alone is worthy of all our praise and glory throughout the endless ages of eternity! What a privilege is ours; to trust in him with all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" Ps.46:1
The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.Nahum 1:7
The Lord redeemeth the souls of his servants; and none of them that trust in him are left desolate."Ps.34:22
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer,my God,my strength,in whom I will trust, my buckler,and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Ps.18:2
Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them 2 Kings 6:16
I am persuaded that neither death,nor life, nor angels,nor principalities,nor powers,nor
things present, nor things to come,nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus or Lord. Romans 8: 38-39
The promises of men so quickly fail and fall to the ground and are buried under the dust of time. Jesus never fails. Heaven and earth will all pass away, yet Jesus never fails. He alone is worthy of all our praise and glory throughout the endless ages of eternity! What a privilege is ours; to trust in him with all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding.
Saturday, 30 May 2009
O For a Heart to Praise My God
Words: Charles Wesley, 1742 (Ps. 51:10)
Music: Thomas Haweis, 1792
O for a heart to praise my God,
a heart from sin set free,
a heart that always feels thy blood
so freely shed for me.
A heart resigned, submissive, meek,
my great Redeemer's throne,
where only Christ is heard to speak,
where Jesus reigns alone.
A humble, lowly, contrite heart,
believing, true, and clean,
which neither life nor death can part
from Christ who dwells within.
A heart in every thought renewed
and full of love divine,
perfect and right and pure and good,
a copy, Lord, of thine.
Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart;
come quickly from above;
write thy new name upon my heart,
thy new, best name of Love.
come quickly from above;
write thy new name upon my heart,
thy new, best name of Love.
Monday, 6 April 2009
Significance
by Joni Eareckson Tada
from Glorious Intruder
by Joni Eareckson Tada
from Glorious Intruder
Every morning Connie opens Diane's door to begin the long routine of exercising and bathing her severely paralysed friend.
The sun's rays slant through the blinds, washing the room in soft, golden glow. The folds of the covers haven't moved since Connie pulled them up around Diane the night before. Yet she can tell her friend has been awake for a while.
"Are you ready to get up?"
"No...not yet," comes the weak reply from under the covers.
Connie sighs, smiles, and clicks shut the door.
The story is the same each dawn of every new day at Connie and Diane's apartment. The routine rarely changes. Sunrise stretches into mid-morning by the time Diane is ready to sit up in her wheel chair. But those long hours in bed are significant.
In her quiet sanctuary, Diane turns her head slightly on the pillow toward the cork board on the wall. Her eyes scan each thumb-tacked card and list. Each photo. Every torn peice of paper carefully pinned in a row. The stillness is broken as Diane begins to murmur. She is praying.
Some would look at Diane- stiff and motionless- and shake their heads. She has to be fed everything, pushed everywhere. The creeping limitations of multiple sclerosis encroach further each year. Her fingers are curled and rigid. Her voice is barely a whisper. People might look at her and say, "What a shame. Her life has no meaning. She can't really do anything."
But Diane is confident, convinced her life is significant. Her labor of prayer counts.
She moves mountains that block the paths of missionaries.
She helps open eyes of the spiritually blind in southeast Asia.
She pushes back the kingdom of darkness that blackens the alley and streets of the gangs in east LA.
She aids the homeless mothers...single parents...abused children...despondent teenagers...handicapped boys...and dying and forgotten old people in nursing home down the street where she lives.
Diane is on the front lines, advancing the gospel of Christ, holding up weak saints, inspiring doubting believers, energizing other prayer warriors, and delighting her Lord and Savior.
This meek and quiet woman sees her place in the world; it doesn't matter what others may not recognize her significance in the grand scheme of things. In fact, she's not unlike Emily in Our Town who signs her address as:
Grovers Corner
New Hampshire
United States of America
Western Hemisphere
Planet Earth
Solar System
The Universe
Mind of God
In the mind of God...that's about as significant as you can get, whether you sit at a typewriter, behind the wheel of a bus, at the desk of a classroom, in a chair by your kitchen table, or lay in bed and pray. Your life is hidden with Christ. Your enrich His inheritance. You are His ambassador. In Him your life has depth and meaning and purpose, no matter what you do.
Someone has said, "The point of this life...is to become the person God can love perfectly, to satisfy His thirst to love. Being counts more then doing, the singer more than the song. We had better stop looking for escape hatches, for this is our hatchery."
It's my prayer that you will discover the significance that has been yours all along as a child of the King. You may not be able to know the full meaning of every event, but you can know that every event is meaningful.
And you are significant.
(Note: Hello from Russell T's daughter, Anita. Russell has not been well at all the last few weeks. He has not been able to write anything recently but when I read this from my devotional book to him on the phone he was so encouraged by it's words. So, often my father is unwell and his life is filled with limitations. There are times when he can feel very discouraged and wonder about his significance in the whole scheme of things. But, it's when he feels the most unwell and struggles most of the night to sleep that he spends hours praying for you and your families. And now I request your prayers in Russell's behalf that God would touch him with Divine healing. Many Thanks and God Bless.)
The sun's rays slant through the blinds, washing the room in soft, golden glow. The folds of the covers haven't moved since Connie pulled them up around Diane the night before. Yet she can tell her friend has been awake for a while.
"Are you ready to get up?"
"No...not yet," comes the weak reply from under the covers.
Connie sighs, smiles, and clicks shut the door.
The story is the same each dawn of every new day at Connie and Diane's apartment. The routine rarely changes. Sunrise stretches into mid-morning by the time Diane is ready to sit up in her wheel chair. But those long hours in bed are significant.
In her quiet sanctuary, Diane turns her head slightly on the pillow toward the cork board on the wall. Her eyes scan each thumb-tacked card and list. Each photo. Every torn peice of paper carefully pinned in a row. The stillness is broken as Diane begins to murmur. She is praying.
Some would look at Diane- stiff and motionless- and shake their heads. She has to be fed everything, pushed everywhere. The creeping limitations of multiple sclerosis encroach further each year. Her fingers are curled and rigid. Her voice is barely a whisper. People might look at her and say, "What a shame. Her life has no meaning. She can't really do anything."
But Diane is confident, convinced her life is significant. Her labor of prayer counts.
She moves mountains that block the paths of missionaries.
She helps open eyes of the spiritually blind in southeast Asia.
She pushes back the kingdom of darkness that blackens the alley and streets of the gangs in east LA.
She aids the homeless mothers...single parents...abused children...despondent teenagers...handicapped boys...and dying and forgotten old people in nursing home down the street where she lives.
Diane is on the front lines, advancing the gospel of Christ, holding up weak saints, inspiring doubting believers, energizing other prayer warriors, and delighting her Lord and Savior.
This meek and quiet woman sees her place in the world; it doesn't matter what others may not recognize her significance in the grand scheme of things. In fact, she's not unlike Emily in Our Town who signs her address as:
Grovers Corner
New Hampshire
United States of America
Western Hemisphere
Planet Earth
Solar System
The Universe
Mind of God
In the mind of God...that's about as significant as you can get, whether you sit at a typewriter, behind the wheel of a bus, at the desk of a classroom, in a chair by your kitchen table, or lay in bed and pray. Your life is hidden with Christ. Your enrich His inheritance. You are His ambassador. In Him your life has depth and meaning and purpose, no matter what you do.
Someone has said, "The point of this life...is to become the person God can love perfectly, to satisfy His thirst to love. Being counts more then doing, the singer more than the song. We had better stop looking for escape hatches, for this is our hatchery."
It's my prayer that you will discover the significance that has been yours all along as a child of the King. You may not be able to know the full meaning of every event, but you can know that every event is meaningful.
And you are significant.
(Note: Hello from Russell T's daughter, Anita. Russell has not been well at all the last few weeks. He has not been able to write anything recently but when I read this from my devotional book to him on the phone he was so encouraged by it's words. So, often my father is unwell and his life is filled with limitations. There are times when he can feel very discouraged and wonder about his significance in the whole scheme of things. But, it's when he feels the most unwell and struggles most of the night to sleep that he spends hours praying for you and your families. And now I request your prayers in Russell's behalf that God would touch him with Divine healing. Many Thanks and God Bless.)
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