Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Mark 10:17-27
17 Now as Jesus was starting out on his way, someone ran up to him, fell on his knees, and said, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”
20 The man said to him, “Teacher, I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws since my youth.”
21 As Jesus looked at him, he felt love for him and said, “You lack one thing. Go, sell whatever you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 But at this statement, the man looked sad and went away sorrowful, for he was very rich.
23 Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the
kingdom of God!”
24 The disciples were astonished at these words. But again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 They were even more astonished and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?”
27 Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans, but not for God; all things are possible for God.”
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Mk 10:17-27). Biblical Studies Press.
So, this passage again, or at least this story again. These kinds of passages are difficult to face. They are difficult to face in that in general so many of us in North America live in such abundance. At a minimum we have enough to eat most days and a roof over our head. Not all in the world have even this luxury. Some of us have stuff to over abundance. I do not think it is a measure of how much we have, but the plain fact that we have.
So I am going to dig down today and see what I can unfold for us.
Our text starts with a rich man who runs up to Jesus and fell on his knees, and said to Jesus, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus reads him right off the top. Let’s just look at what the rich man said. "What must I do". So often we have this agenda on our mind that we are in control of what God can and will do and that it is in our power to get to it and do what must be done. The rich man had obviously seen Jesus and perhaps heard some of his teaching. The rich man had clued into the fact that Jesus was bringing something new to the table. The rich man had tried very hard to obey all the law and felt that he was successful, but in hearing Jesus, he was sensing that there was more to it than just the law.
Side Note: When we have wealth we have the ability to change things around us. This power tends to move us to trust in what we with our wealth can do.
Jesus shocks the rich man with the statement "No one is good except God alone." What Jesus is saying here is a fundamental statement of Christianity. It is impossible by human achievement to be "good", we cannot meet God's standard by our efforts. With that said Jesus lists some of the commandments of what a man must do. The rich man immediately says “been there and done all of that”.
"As Jesus looked at him, he felt love for him". Jesus could see the want in his heart but the man's focus was impaired by his wealth. Now there is nothing wrong with wealth. God can greatly bless you with things. Wealth becomes a problem when you put your trust into the wealth and not into the wealth giver. The more wealth you have the harder it will be to keep your focus to God. I once heard someone say; when you run into wealth unexpectedly your first question should be "God what is this for". So often we just run off and say oh good now I can get x. Yes maybe God has supplied to you wealth so that x can be obtained. Maybe money has arrived that allows you to eat or pay the rent. The key is to continue to seek God through our blessings. Well you might say "but I work hard for my money!" God gave you the talent to earn your money.
Note on the side: Being given wealth can be difficult as well. We might say in our pride that we do not need hand outs, we can make it on our own. But reality is that God moves his goods around and if you reject what is given too you, you are stopping the flow of God’s plan. If the rich man could not find someone to give to then he would still be struggling. We need to ask the question: Lord what is this for?
This statement by Jesus is important to note for our own faith life. To know that when Jesus looks at me he feels love for me is a gift in itself.
Back to the text: Jesus then tells him to go sell everything and give to the poor and come follow him. Now this is not a new law added to the commandments. It is not another thing that you can just go do and all will be okay, but rather Jesus is pointing him in the direction of what he must do to inherit eternal life. He must remove his obstacle to changing his focus from maintaining and enhancing his wealth to being concerned of the things of God. God needs to be first in the equation. Jesus gave to him the short cut to his question. “The man looked sad and went away sorrowful, for he was very rich.” The man walked away in shock I would say. He had done everything in his life in his own strength to meet the expectations of the law. He had done the things that made him a respected member of the community. He was now being asked to totally rework his life picture, to give up control and give it to God.
Jesus, after the man had left, commented that it was hard for someone with lots of wealth to put their trust in God instead of themselves.
This even shook the disciples. “Who can be saved then?” they asked. In this question is the key to it all.
Jesus said to them “This is impossible for mere humans, but not for God; all things are possible for God.” The beauty of this statement is that in the end this change is something that you cannot do. The bad part of this statement is that this change is something that you cannot do. We all want to be in control of our lives. Ultimately though, God is in control he has the big canvas in front of him and he alone works with knowledge.
What we can do is to be open to God's nudges. We need to pull in tight to his word that we may come to know his ways. Faith comes by hearing, hearing by the word of God.
Several people in my family have died over the last couple of years. When you go home to the lord you leave behind all that you have collected. You were in essence a store house of God's inventory that will now be available to others.
With all this in mind, I try yet again to check my focus. Have I got my eyes on Jesus.
In closing, I ask God to do what only he can do, change me. Use me for your purpose Lord. Let me be a blessing to those around me. Help me care for those who you have put in my family of friends. Help me to remember to ask the question. What is this all for Lord?
Amen
Music Encouragement I Will Trust In You
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Encouragement: He delivered me from all my fears.
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Psalm 34:1-5
Written by David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, causing the king to send him away.
I will praise the Lord at all times; my mouth will continually praise him. 2 I will boast in the Lord; let the oppressed hear and rejoice!
3 Magnify the Lord with me!
Let’s praise his name together!
4 I sought the Lord’s help and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him for help are happy;
their faces are not ashamed.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 34:1-5). Biblical Studies Press.
Written by David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, causing the king to send him away.
I will praise the Lord at all times; my mouth will continually praise him. 2 I will boast in the Lord; let the oppressed hear and rejoice!
3 Magnify the Lord with me!
Let’s praise his name together!
4 I sought the Lord’s help and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him for help are happy;
their faces are not ashamed.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 34:1-5). Biblical Studies Press.
The psalms tell us over and over again to seek the lord for all things. We see again and again that the Lord answers those that reach out to him and that those that reach out to him are happy.
God has placed that hunger in us, that we can often not identify. We try as we may to fill this void within us with things of this world. But it is the Lord and the Lord alone that can fill this emptiness and make us into someone that overflows with His grace and mercy that we may affect those around us.
The people we surround ourselves with are very important and we should care for them the best that Christ allows but ultimately they are for here and now and for a while. The Lord is forever and He is what matters above everything else.
So, "I will praise the Lord at all times; my mouth will continually praise him. I will boast in the Lord" .
I ask you to "Magnify the Lord with me! Let’s praise his name together!"
Amen
Music Encouragement Make His Praise Glorious
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Encouragement: Wait on the Lord
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Psalm 31:19-24
19 How great is your favor,
which you store up for your loyal followers!
In plain sight of everyone you bestow it on those who take shelter in you.
20 You hide them with you, where they are safe from the attacks of men;
you conceal them in a shelter, where they are safe from slanderous attacks.
21 The Lord deserves praise
for he demonstrated his amazing faithfulness to me when I was besieged by enemies.
22 I jumped to conclusions and said,
“I am cut off from your presence!”
But you heard my plea for mercy when I cried out to you for help.
23 Love the Lord, all you faithful followers of his!
The Lord protects those who have integrity,
but he pays back in full the one who acts arrogantly.
24 Be strong and confident,
all you who wait on the Lord!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 31:19-24). Biblical Studies Press.
The book of Psalms just says it how it is. The writer allows us to walk along with him and feel the experiences along the way. It provides us with a good point of reference for our walk with God.
How often have you run to God for protection and then exclaimed as the writer here does "I jumped to conclusions and said, I am cut off from your presence!” But you heard my plea for mercy when I cried out to you for help."
We live in a right now society of immediate responses. We get impatient with each other when we do not get a response from our messages to each other right away. When we take this to the level of God we so easily jump to the conclusion that God is offline. But He is always online. He may have set His instant message box to invisible but he is there. He promised never to leave us or forsake us.
The key of this passage is in the last line. "Be strong and confident, all you who wait on the Lord!" We need to wait on the lord. Remember God does not own a watch and He can see the whole canvas that He is painting.
So trust in Him and wait on Him.
Amen
Music Encouragement I Will Wait
19 How great is your favor,
which you store up for your loyal followers!
In plain sight of everyone you bestow it on those who take shelter in you.
20 You hide them with you, where they are safe from the attacks of men;
you conceal them in a shelter, where they are safe from slanderous attacks.
21 The Lord deserves praise
for he demonstrated his amazing faithfulness to me when I was besieged by enemies.
22 I jumped to conclusions and said,
“I am cut off from your presence!”
But you heard my plea for mercy when I cried out to you for help.
23 Love the Lord, all you faithful followers of his!
The Lord protects those who have integrity,
but he pays back in full the one who acts arrogantly.
24 Be strong and confident,
all you who wait on the Lord!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 31:19-24). Biblical Studies Press.
The book of Psalms just says it how it is. The writer allows us to walk along with him and feel the experiences along the way. It provides us with a good point of reference for our walk with God.
How often have you run to God for protection and then exclaimed as the writer here does "I jumped to conclusions and said, I am cut off from your presence!” But you heard my plea for mercy when I cried out to you for help."
We live in a right now society of immediate responses. We get impatient with each other when we do not get a response from our messages to each other right away. When we take this to the level of God we so easily jump to the conclusion that God is offline. But He is always online. He may have set His instant message box to invisible but he is there. He promised never to leave us or forsake us.
The key of this passage is in the last line. "Be strong and confident, all you who wait on the Lord!" We need to wait on the lord. Remember God does not own a watch and He can see the whole canvas that He is painting.
So trust in Him and wait on Him.
Amen
Music Encouragement I Will Wait
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Encouragement: enable me to stand
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Psalm 31:1-8
In you, O Lord, I have taken shelter!
Never let me be humiliated!
Vindicate me by rescuing me!
2 Listen to me!
Quickly deliver me!
Be my protector and refuge,
a stronghold where I can be safe!
3 For you are my high ridge and my stronghold;
for the sake of your own reputation you lead me and guide me.
4 You will free me from the net they hid for me,
for you are my place of refuge.
5 Into your hand I entrust my life;
you will rescue me, O Lord, the faithful God.
6 I hate those who serve worthless idols,
but I trust in the Lord.
7 I will be happy and rejoice in your faithfulness,
because you notice my pain
and you are aware of how distressed I am.
8 You do not deliver me over to the power of the enemy;
you enable me to stand in a wide open place.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 31:1-8). Biblical Studies Press.
"Into your hand I entrust my life" , "You enable me to stand in a wide open Place"
In you, O Lord, I have taken shelter!
Never let me be humiliated!
Vindicate me by rescuing me!
2 Listen to me!
Quickly deliver me!
Be my protector and refuge,
a stronghold where I can be safe!
3 For you are my high ridge and my stronghold;
for the sake of your own reputation you lead me and guide me.
4 You will free me from the net they hid for me,
for you are my place of refuge.
5 Into your hand I entrust my life;
you will rescue me, O Lord, the faithful God.
6 I hate those who serve worthless idols,
but I trust in the Lord.
7 I will be happy and rejoice in your faithfulness,
because you notice my pain
and you are aware of how distressed I am.
8 You do not deliver me over to the power of the enemy;
you enable me to stand in a wide open place.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 31:1-8). Biblical Studies Press.
"Into your hand I entrust my life" , "You enable me to stand in a wide open Place"
I often get asked why do you spend so much of your life looking at the things of God. This question shocks me because I feel I do not spend enough time with the word. In trying to establish an answer for myself, I have to say that in reading God's word I hope to come to know God's ways. In the stories of the bible I also see and am lead by example how to walk with the lord. The Psalms are really good at learning how to deal with the really bad times.
In my walk with God I find that each struggle I go through increases my trust in God. When you can trust then you can have the confidence to stand in the wide open place and face the enemy in the power of Grace.
Cling close to God.
Spend time with His word.
Get to know His ways,
Step forward in trust.
Into His hand.
Amen
Musical Encouragement: Into Your Hands
Monday, August 25, 2008
Encouragement: a place for you
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from John 14:1-4
“Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me.
2 There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you.
3 And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too.
4 And you know the way where I am going.”
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Jn 14:1-4). Biblical Studies Press.
Jesus tells us that he is going to make a place ready for us and if that is not enough, he said he would come back and take us to be with Him. A personal escort home to be with Him. All that is required is that we believe in Him.
Take note here, Jesus knows our hearts and our concerns. He tells us not to be distressed. He knows our lives and what we go through on our walk here.
Trust Him.
Amen
Music Encouragement: Abba Father
“Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me.
2 There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you.
3 And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too.
4 And you know the way where I am going.”
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Jn 14:1-4). Biblical Studies Press.
Jesus tells us that he is going to make a place ready for us and if that is not enough, he said he would come back and take us to be with Him. A personal escort home to be with Him. All that is required is that we believe in Him.
Take note here, Jesus knows our hearts and our concerns. He tells us not to be distressed. He knows our lives and what we go through on our walk here.
Trust Him.
Amen
Music Encouragement: Abba Father
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Encouragement: Honor the Lord
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Proverbs 3:9-23
9 Honor the Lord from your wealth
and from the first fruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled completely,
and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord,
and do not loathe his rebuke.
12 For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.
13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who obtains understanding.
14 For her benefit is more profitable than silver,
and her gain is better than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
and none of the things you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are very pleasant,
and all her paths are peaceful.
18 She is like a tree of life to those who obtain her,
and everyone who grasps hold of her will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the Lord laid the foundation of the earth;
he established the heavens by understanding.
20 By his knowledge the primordial sea was broken open,
and the clouds drip down dew.
21 My child, do not let them escape from your sight;
safeguard sound wisdom and discretion.
22 So they will give life to you,
and grace to adorn your neck.
23 Then you will walk on your way with security,
and you will not stumble.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Pr 3:9-23). Biblical Studies Press.
Well we are back in Proverbs again.
Our text today opens with a line that should be a cornerstone of any stewardship message. These words are not so much a regulation of thou shalt do xyz but is more a statement that defines the position that God should have in our lives. God should be first. It also reminds us that it is a gift from him that we have anything. So if you give willingly and not under compulsion rom our wealth and offer up the first fruits of our labors then God promises to fill our vats and barns.
Our proverb then goes on to say "My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, and do not loathe his rebuke. For the Lord disciplines those he loves,just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights." It feels to good to know that God loves me so much. I sometimes struggle under the weight of God's discipline. It is good to know that we must be on the right track if God is willing to discipline us.
Amen
Music Encourgement Don Moen - Thank You Lord
9 Honor the Lord from your wealth
and from the first fruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled completely,
and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord,
and do not loathe his rebuke.
12 For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.
13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who obtains understanding.
14 For her benefit is more profitable than silver,
and her gain is better than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
and none of the things you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are very pleasant,
and all her paths are peaceful.
18 She is like a tree of life to those who obtain her,
and everyone who grasps hold of her will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the Lord laid the foundation of the earth;
he established the heavens by understanding.
20 By his knowledge the primordial sea was broken open,
and the clouds drip down dew.
21 My child, do not let them escape from your sight;
safeguard sound wisdom and discretion.
22 So they will give life to you,
and grace to adorn your neck.
23 Then you will walk on your way with security,
and you will not stumble.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Pr 3:9-23). Biblical Studies Press.
Well we are back in Proverbs again.
Our text today opens with a line that should be a cornerstone of any stewardship message. These words are not so much a regulation of thou shalt do xyz but is more a statement that defines the position that God should have in our lives. God should be first. It also reminds us that it is a gift from him that we have anything. So if you give willingly and not under compulsion rom our wealth and offer up the first fruits of our labors then God promises to fill our vats and barns.
Our proverb then goes on to say "My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, and do not loathe his rebuke. For the Lord disciplines those he loves,just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights." It feels to good to know that God loves me so much. I sometimes struggle under the weight of God's discipline. It is good to know that we must be on the right track if God is willing to discipline us.
Amen
Music Encourgement Don Moen - Thank You Lord
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Encouragement: Enthusiastic in spirit,
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Romans 12:9-21
9 Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord.
12 Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.
13 Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.
19 Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head.
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ro 12:9-21). Biblical Studies Press.
Some days are good days and some days can seem very bad. All too often the bad days seem to come right after a really good day. It is almost as we have a weakness for thinking that we are not worthy of having a day that good. It is at times like this that it is so easy for the devil to get under our skin. The devil will try to stand on our shoulders and try to get us to beat ourselves up.
Verse 21 here sums it all up. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by good." Now you might be saying "well that is easy to say but hard to do." And you are 100% right it is very hard to do. Perhaps even impossible if we are bound and determined to tackle it on our own. That is where God comes in. God is our source of strength and He gives us unending grace.
9 Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord.
12 Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.
13 Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.
19 Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head.
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ro 12:9-21). Biblical Studies Press.
Some days are good days and some days can seem very bad. All too often the bad days seem to come right after a really good day. It is almost as we have a weakness for thinking that we are not worthy of having a day that good. It is at times like this that it is so easy for the devil to get under our skin. The devil will try to stand on our shoulders and try to get us to beat ourselves up.
Verse 21 here sums it all up. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by good." Now you might be saying "well that is easy to say but hard to do." And you are 100% right it is very hard to do. Perhaps even impossible if we are bound and determined to tackle it on our own. That is where God comes in. God is our source of strength and He gives us unending grace.
In our scripture here we are told to "Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. So we have to turn the vengeance part over to God. Anger and distress consume a lot of our energy. When we find ourselves in this mode, then we will find our strength weakened. It is at times like this that we need to allow our closest friends to help us stand, to help us put focus back on the Lord.
As friends we are instructed to "Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another." We need to be devoted to one another to so that we can lift each other up.
"Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer. " Prayer here is perhaps the most important thing. Remember Prayer is more than putting in a wish list forward to God. Prayer is communing with God, spending time with God, hanging out with Him, and just listening for his nudges.
"Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse." When you do this it is so uplifting to your spirit and it totally disarms you opponent.
Finally If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.
It is through Jesus Christ that we can do this.
Amen
Music Encouragement: Jesus be the centre
"Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer. " Prayer here is perhaps the most important thing. Remember Prayer is more than putting in a wish list forward to God. Prayer is communing with God, spending time with God, hanging out with Him, and just listening for his nudges.
"Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse." When you do this it is so uplifting to your spirit and it totally disarms you opponent.
Finally If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.
It is through Jesus Christ that we can do this.
Amen
Music Encouragement: Jesus be the centre
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Encouragement: Do this in remembrance of me
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Luke 22:14-20
Now when the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table and the apostles joined him.
15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”
17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves.
18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 Then he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
20 And in the same way he took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Lk 22:14-20). Biblical Studies Press
Communion is a very important part of my relationship to God. I have been taught about communion from various sources and studied about communion to understand the importance of what we partake in. Today I am going to strictly focus on Jesus's request that we do this in remembrance of Him.
Jesus took the Old Testament passover meal and placed new meaning on it to be a focal point to remember him.
Amen
Music Encouragement: Remember Me (Jesus of Nazareth and Downhere)
Now when the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table and the apostles joined him.
15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”
17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves.
18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 Then he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
20 And in the same way he took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Lk 22:14-20). Biblical Studies Press
Communion is a very important part of my relationship to God. I have been taught about communion from various sources and studied about communion to understand the importance of what we partake in. Today I am going to strictly focus on Jesus's request that we do this in remembrance of Him.
Jesus took the Old Testament passover meal and placed new meaning on it to be a focal point to remember him.
Amen
Music Encouragement: Remember Me (Jesus of Nazareth and Downhere)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Encouragement: The Lord watches from heaven
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Psalm 33:8-15
8 Let the whole earth fear the Lord!
Let all who live in the world stand in awe of him!
9 For he spoke, and it came into existence,
he issued the decree, and it stood firm.
10 The Lord frustrates the decisions of the nations;
he nullifies the plans of the peoples.
11 The Lord’s decisions stand forever;
his plans abide throughout the ages.
12 How blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom he has chosen to be his special possession.
13 The Lord watches from heaven;
he sees all people.
14 From the place where he lives he looks carefully
at all the earth’s inhabitants.
15 He is the one who forms every human heart,
and takes note of all their actions.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 33:8-15). Biblical Studies Press.
Here is such a clear message of how God is. "He is the one who forms every human heart, and takes note of all their actions." and "The Lord watches from heaven; he sees all people."
Do we really "Stand in awe enough"? I know that I do not. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the day to day trappings of life and forget that God needs to be front and center.
Even in writing these words I fear that I am not keeping the focus enough on Him. I used to have a tracking page so I could just see where all this is going. It was gratifying to see it being viewed all over the world. It became a need to see where did I reach today. The tool stopped working for a couple of days and while the service was unavailable I started to think that perhaps it was better that I did not know how many or from where were reading these notes. It was a freedom and a refocusing where I am just free to write and I trust that God will use these notes as a tool in His kingdom to encourage.
As I step back and read these words from this Psalm again. "The Lord watches from heaven; he sees all people." God is looking at you and me he sees us all. He knows all we do and say. Yes we all fall short of His standard, but that is why we need the completed work of Christ.
All I can do is to walk with Him and let God work through me. I hope I do not get in his way. With that in mind all we can do is to continue to keep our focus on Him "Let all who live in the world stand in awe of him! "
Amen
Music Encouragement: Brienna Lauryn Precious Jesus
Jeff Johnson - God Over Us
8 Let the whole earth fear the Lord!
Let all who live in the world stand in awe of him!
9 For he spoke, and it came into existence,
he issued the decree, and it stood firm.
10 The Lord frustrates the decisions of the nations;
he nullifies the plans of the peoples.
11 The Lord’s decisions stand forever;
his plans abide throughout the ages.
12 How blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom he has chosen to be his special possession.
13 The Lord watches from heaven;
he sees all people.
14 From the place where he lives he looks carefully
at all the earth’s inhabitants.
15 He is the one who forms every human heart,
and takes note of all their actions.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 33:8-15). Biblical Studies Press.
Here is such a clear message of how God is. "He is the one who forms every human heart, and takes note of all their actions." and "The Lord watches from heaven; he sees all people."
Do we really "Stand in awe enough"? I know that I do not. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the day to day trappings of life and forget that God needs to be front and center.
Even in writing these words I fear that I am not keeping the focus enough on Him. I used to have a tracking page so I could just see where all this is going. It was gratifying to see it being viewed all over the world. It became a need to see where did I reach today. The tool stopped working for a couple of days and while the service was unavailable I started to think that perhaps it was better that I did not know how many or from where were reading these notes. It was a freedom and a refocusing where I am just free to write and I trust that God will use these notes as a tool in His kingdom to encourage.
As I step back and read these words from this Psalm again. "The Lord watches from heaven; he sees all people." God is looking at you and me he sees us all. He knows all we do and say. Yes we all fall short of His standard, but that is why we need the completed work of Christ.
All I can do is to walk with Him and let God work through me. I hope I do not get in his way. With that in mind all we can do is to continue to keep our focus on Him "Let all who live in the world stand in awe of him! "
Amen
Music Encouragement: Brienna Lauryn Precious Jesus
Jeff Johnson - God Over Us
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Encouragement: Stand in awe of him!
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Psalm 33:1-8
You godly ones, shout for joy because of the Lord!
It is appropriate for the morally upright to offer him praise.
2 Give thanks to the Lord with the harp!
Sing to him to the accompaniment of a ten-stringed instrument!
3 Sing to him a new song!
Play skillfully as you shout out your praises to him!
4 For the Lord’s decrees are just,
and everything he does is fair.
5 The Lord promotes equity and justice;
the Lord’s faithfulness extends throughout the earth.
6 By the Lord’s decree the heavens were made;
by a mere word from his mouth all the stars in the sky were created.
7 He piles up the water of the sea;
he puts the oceans in storehouses.
8 Let the whole earth fear the Lord!
Let all who live in the world stand in awe of him!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 33:1-8). Biblical Studies Press.
The Lord promotes equity and justice. I took note this morning that it says "The Lord promotes". This leaves it in our hands under His encouragement and guidance to make equity and justice happen. The Lord gives us so many opportunities to make these things happen, all to often the "me" in us takes a higher priority in our lives over the equity and justice.
The message here gives us some pretty good reasons to work on the promotion!
God is a powerful "dude" he spoke and the heavens were created. The Lord separated the oceans from the land so that there is lots of water to be "recycled"
So lets promote equity and justice, lets sing his praises, lets sing new songs. "Let the whole earth fear the Lord! Let all who live in the world stand in awe of him!"
Amen
Music Encouragement: I Stand in Awe of You
You godly ones, shout for joy because of the Lord!
It is appropriate for the morally upright to offer him praise.
2 Give thanks to the Lord with the harp!
Sing to him to the accompaniment of a ten-stringed instrument!
3 Sing to him a new song!
Play skillfully as you shout out your praises to him!
4 For the Lord’s decrees are just,
and everything he does is fair.
5 The Lord promotes equity and justice;
the Lord’s faithfulness extends throughout the earth.
6 By the Lord’s decree the heavens were made;
by a mere word from his mouth all the stars in the sky were created.
7 He piles up the water of the sea;
he puts the oceans in storehouses.
8 Let the whole earth fear the Lord!
Let all who live in the world stand in awe of him!
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ps 33:1-8). Biblical Studies Press.
The Lord promotes equity and justice. I took note this morning that it says "The Lord promotes". This leaves it in our hands under His encouragement and guidance to make equity and justice happen. The Lord gives us so many opportunities to make these things happen, all to often the "me" in us takes a higher priority in our lives over the equity and justice.
The message here gives us some pretty good reasons to work on the promotion!
God is a powerful "dude" he spoke and the heavens were created. The Lord separated the oceans from the land so that there is lots of water to be "recycled"
So lets promote equity and justice, lets sing his praises, lets sing new songs. "Let the whole earth fear the Lord! Let all who live in the world stand in awe of him!"
Amen
Music Encouragement: I Stand in Awe of You
Monday, August 18, 2008
Encouragement: I am the Lord
Here is your almost daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Exodus 5:22-6:2. Before you read on you should perhaps go back to the beginning of chapter 4 and revisit the story.
22 Moses returned to the Lord, and said, “Lord, why have you caused trouble for this people? Why did you ever send me?
23 From the time I went to speak to Pharaoh in your name, he has caused trouble for this people, and you have certainly not rescued them!”
6:1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh, for compelled by my strong hand he will release them, and by my strong hand he will drive them out of his land.”
2 God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the Lord.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ex 5:22-6:2). Biblical Studies Press.
So Moses listens to God and goes out and does what God instructed him to do. And all was perfect........NOT
God never said it was going to be easy. Often when we step forward in God's story to do our part, it can look like all is going wrong. We might say “Lord, why have you caused trouble for this people? Why did you ever send me? " Our trouble is that we can only see the small picture that our eyes allow us to see. God has the view of the full canvas. What might seem like a horrible set back or complete failure might be the first step of something so fantastic that you could not believe.
We just need to remember that God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the Lord."
The "I am" God is all we really need.
Amen
Music Encouragement: Praise you in this Storm- Casting Crowns
22 Moses returned to the Lord, and said, “Lord, why have you caused trouble for this people? Why did you ever send me?
23 From the time I went to speak to Pharaoh in your name, he has caused trouble for this people, and you have certainly not rescued them!”
6:1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh, for compelled by my strong hand he will release them, and by my strong hand he will drive them out of his land.”
2 God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the Lord.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ex 5:22-6:2). Biblical Studies Press.
So Moses listens to God and goes out and does what God instructed him to do. And all was perfect........NOT
God never said it was going to be easy. Often when we step forward in God's story to do our part, it can look like all is going wrong. We might say “Lord, why have you caused trouble for this people? Why did you ever send me? " Our trouble is that we can only see the small picture that our eyes allow us to see. God has the view of the full canvas. What might seem like a horrible set back or complete failure might be the first step of something so fantastic that you could not believe.
We just need to remember that God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the Lord."
The "I am" God is all we really need.
Amen
Music Encouragement: Praise you in this Storm- Casting Crowns
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Encouragement: please send anyone else
Here is your almost daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from Exodus 4:10-17
10 Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not an eloquent man, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant, for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”
11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave a mouth to man, or who makes a person mute or deaf or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 So now go, and I will be with your mouth and will teach you what you must say.”
13 But Moses said, “O my Lord, please send anyone else whom you wish to send!”
14 Then the Lord became angry with Moses, and he said, “What about your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he can speak very well. Moreover, he is coming to meet you, and when he sees you he will be glad in his heart.
15 “So you are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And as for me, I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you both what you must do.
16 He will speak for you to the people, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were his God.
17 You will also take in your hand this staff, with which you will do the signs.”
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ex 4:10-17). Biblical Studies Press.
I ruffled into this piece of text today. Can you say DeJa Vu? I do not know about you, but I have on more than one occasion, had this reaction to God. I may have been praying for God to use me and when God says "hey I want you to...."
I respond with "oh I do not know. I can not do that God because...... " and I will list all the reasons why this job is way out of my league. God do you not have something that is a little closer to my level. Or “O my Lord, please send anyone else whom you wish to send!”
God does respond and I paraphrase "Hey Dude I made you I put the stuff in you, I am in control just do it. Trust me I will make what you do work."
So in reading this passage, I always take comfort that truly called people will never feel they are worthy of the call. It is a good barometer to tell you if you are in God's will. The reason that I think you feel that way is because God made you that way. By that I mean, that you need God's strength and power to do His work.
You can not do it God's way with out his help. God does not always talk to you.
Rather He provides you with the tools like Moses's staff and people like Aaron that are there to be your assistance to get God's story done.
So the next time you feel overwhelmed with what God has put in your lap, look around for the tools and people that God has provided to allow you to be someone important in His story,
Amen
Encouragement: Who Am I - Casting Crowns
10 Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not an eloquent man, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant, for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”
11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave a mouth to man, or who makes a person mute or deaf or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 So now go, and I will be with your mouth and will teach you what you must say.”
13 But Moses said, “O my Lord, please send anyone else whom you wish to send!”
14 Then the Lord became angry with Moses, and he said, “What about your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he can speak very well. Moreover, he is coming to meet you, and when he sees you he will be glad in his heart.
15 “So you are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And as for me, I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you both what you must do.
16 He will speak for you to the people, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were his God.
17 You will also take in your hand this staff, with which you will do the signs.”
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Ex 4:10-17). Biblical Studies Press.
I ruffled into this piece of text today. Can you say DeJa Vu? I do not know about you, but I have on more than one occasion, had this reaction to God. I may have been praying for God to use me and when God says "hey I want you to...."
I respond with "oh I do not know. I can not do that God because...... " and I will list all the reasons why this job is way out of my league. God do you not have something that is a little closer to my level. Or “O my Lord, please send anyone else whom you wish to send!”
God does respond and I paraphrase "Hey Dude I made you I put the stuff in you, I am in control just do it. Trust me I will make what you do work."
So in reading this passage, I always take comfort that truly called people will never feel they are worthy of the call. It is a good barometer to tell you if you are in God's will. The reason that I think you feel that way is because God made you that way. By that I mean, that you need God's strength and power to do His work.
You can not do it God's way with out his help. God does not always talk to you.
Rather He provides you with the tools like Moses's staff and people like Aaron that are there to be your assistance to get God's story done.
So the next time you feel overwhelmed with what God has put in your lap, look around for the tools and people that God has provided to allow you to be someone important in His story,
Amen
Encouragement: Who Am I - Casting Crowns
Saturday, August 16, 2008
When God takes control.
Well as you can see I have posted a few links to music videos. The timing of the posting was God's choice it seems. I had tried to post this music around the time of the Lightning strike July 29. But the post did not seem to work. So after a few tries to post music over serveral days, I just gave up assuming this feature did not work any more.
Yesterday when I went to find something for the blog I just could not come up with anything just a complete blank. So as I have learned over the past 2 months, I just sat back to wait and see what would come.
To my surprise this morning 5 pieces of music are posted. So Who am I to argue. Someone must need to hear these 5 songs maybe that is me. I know that one song is there 3 times but I'm assuming that mean we need to listen three times to drink it all in.
So I sit back and praise God and just listen to the music.
Amen
Yesterday when I went to find something for the blog I just could not come up with anything just a complete blank. So as I have learned over the past 2 months, I just sat back to wait and see what would come.
To my surprise this morning 5 pieces of music are posted. So Who am I to argue. Someone must need to hear these 5 songs maybe that is me. I know that one song is there 3 times but I'm assuming that mean we need to listen three times to drink it all in.
So I sit back and praise God and just listen to the music.
Amen
Friday, August 15, 2008
My Savior, My God
The last 24 hours have been crazy. This song still says it all for my place in life
Amen
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Encouragement: He heard my voice
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from 2 Samuel 22:2-7
“The Lord is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer.
3 My God is my rocky summit where I take shelter,
my shield, the horn that saves me, my stronghold,
my refuge, my savior. You save me from violence!
4 I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I was delivered from my enemies.
5 The waves of death engulfed me;
the currents of chaos overwhelmed me.
6 The ropes of Sheol tightened around me;
the snares of death trapped me.
7 In my distress I called to the Lord;
I called to my God.
From his heavenly temple he heard my voice;
he listened to my cry for help.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (2 Sa 22:2-7). Biblical Studies Press.
"He heard my voice" These are the confident words of David.
When we look at our text here we can see that David was in a fair bit of trouble. When he got to the point of being "in distress" he called to his God who is our God.
Living in North America I am not sure we can really relate to the persecution that David was facing. We do have our problems in our lives, but we are not at risk for praising or believing in God. I am not sure, but I think that makes it harder to trust God with our lives. It makes it harder because it is so easy to live in our own strength. At least until distress comes.
David uses some serious words to describe God "“The Lord is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer." When ever I go to the mountains and I see the how big the mountains are and how small I am, this description takes on new meaning. If God were a mountain He would have many places to hide us.
"My God is my rocky summit where I take shelter, my shield, the horn that saves me, my stronghold, my refuge, my savior." Leading to my Jesus, my savior.
The important part of the message here is the last lines
I called to the Lord;
I called to my God.
From his heavenly temple
He heard my voice;
He listened to my cry for help.
Amen
Music Encouragement: My Savior, My God.
“The Lord is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer.
3 My God is my rocky summit where I take shelter,
my shield, the horn that saves me, my stronghold,
my refuge, my savior. You save me from violence!
4 I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I was delivered from my enemies.
5 The waves of death engulfed me;
the currents of chaos overwhelmed me.
6 The ropes of Sheol tightened around me;
the snares of death trapped me.
7 In my distress I called to the Lord;
I called to my God.
From his heavenly temple he heard my voice;
he listened to my cry for help.
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (2 Sa 22:2-7). Biblical Studies Press.
"He heard my voice" These are the confident words of David.
When we look at our text here we can see that David was in a fair bit of trouble. When he got to the point of being "in distress" he called to his God who is our God.
Living in North America I am not sure we can really relate to the persecution that David was facing. We do have our problems in our lives, but we are not at risk for praising or believing in God. I am not sure, but I think that makes it harder to trust God with our lives. It makes it harder because it is so easy to live in our own strength. At least until distress comes.
David uses some serious words to describe God "“The Lord is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer." When ever I go to the mountains and I see the how big the mountains are and how small I am, this description takes on new meaning. If God were a mountain He would have many places to hide us.
"My God is my rocky summit where I take shelter, my shield, the horn that saves me, my stronghold, my refuge, my savior." Leading to my Jesus, my savior.
The important part of the message here is the last lines
I called to the Lord;
I called to my God.
From his heavenly temple
He heard my voice;
He listened to my cry for help.
Amen
Music Encouragement: My Savior, My God.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Encouragement: to save the world
Here is your daily encouragement words and thoughts. Today I bring you encouragement from John 12:44-50
44 But Jesus shouted out, “The one who believes in me does not believe in me, but in the one who sent me, 45 and the one who sees me sees the one who sent me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not obey them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not accept my words has a judge; the word I have spoken will judge him at the last day. 49 For I have not spoken from my own authority, but the Father himself who sent me has commanded me what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. Thus the things I say, I say just as the Father has told me.”
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Jn 12:44-50). Biblical Studies Press.
I always wonder why we always find it so hard to receive a gift. We always want to find a way that we can make it on our own. This is true of things. It is also true when it comes to God's grace. I have the bible on cd and was listening through the Gospel of John when today's scripture leaped out at me.
Our text here is one of Jesus last public comments. It has a very important message that I think could relieve the stress of guilt from countless people.
Jesus says " If anyone hears my words and does not obey them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not accept my words has a judge; the word I have spoken will judge him at the last day. "
Jesus tells us the way, he gives us his word, but it is as if he knows that we are going to stumble. I guess that is why Jesus is part of God's story. That is why we need Jesus. He says if you hear and do not obey, I am not going to judge you. Jesus says He came to save us not judge us. If you have even the smallest bit of faith in Jesus then we belong to Him and he has come to save us.
Judgement is for those that reject Jesus outright, they are the ones to be judged on the last day by his word.
So failing to be perfect is not going to place us before the judgement seat of Christ on the last day to be judged. So what happens if we are not perfect? More grace will be applied to us. Remember Jesus came to save us.
The funny thing is, is that in accepting the fact that you are not perfect actually forces you closer to Christ. He has the words of eternal life because of the increased grace. Finding that you can not do it on your own, causes you to submit your life further to Christ with the result that you are changed from within by the spirit which then assists you to become closer to being perfect. We are never fully perfected until we go home to the Lord. Until then we are a work in progress.
So the next time you stumble in sin, do not fret, but give yourself further to Christ, trusting that with the Holy Spirit He will change you from within and move you along to perfection.
This will be a tough message if you believe that you are saved and now perfect. Living in the freedom of Grace is hard on one's pride because in the freedom of grace you have to accept that you are not in control but God is. You may be close to perfection, but only christ fufilled the law completely. Only Christ was perfect and we will be just like him when he takes us home to be with him.
Amen
Musical Encouragement Beauty Of Grace - Krystal Meyers
44 But Jesus shouted out, “The one who believes in me does not believe in me, but in the one who sent me, 45 and the one who sees me sees the one who sent me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not obey them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not accept my words has a judge; the word I have spoken will judge him at the last day. 49 For I have not spoken from my own authority, but the Father himself who sent me has commanded me what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. Thus the things I say, I say just as the Father has told me.”
Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Jn 12:44-50). Biblical Studies Press.
I always wonder why we always find it so hard to receive a gift. We always want to find a way that we can make it on our own. This is true of things. It is also true when it comes to God's grace. I have the bible on cd and was listening through the Gospel of John when today's scripture leaped out at me.
Our text here is one of Jesus last public comments. It has a very important message that I think could relieve the stress of guilt from countless people.
Jesus says " If anyone hears my words and does not obey them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not accept my words has a judge; the word I have spoken will judge him at the last day. "
Jesus tells us the way, he gives us his word, but it is as if he knows that we are going to stumble. I guess that is why Jesus is part of God's story. That is why we need Jesus. He says if you hear and do not obey, I am not going to judge you. Jesus says He came to save us not judge us. If you have even the smallest bit of faith in Jesus then we belong to Him and he has come to save us.
Judgement is for those that reject Jesus outright, they are the ones to be judged on the last day by his word.
So failing to be perfect is not going to place us before the judgement seat of Christ on the last day to be judged. So what happens if we are not perfect? More grace will be applied to us. Remember Jesus came to save us.
The funny thing is, is that in accepting the fact that you are not perfect actually forces you closer to Christ. He has the words of eternal life because of the increased grace. Finding that you can not do it on your own, causes you to submit your life further to Christ with the result that you are changed from within by the spirit which then assists you to become closer to being perfect. We are never fully perfected until we go home to the Lord. Until then we are a work in progress.
So the next time you stumble in sin, do not fret, but give yourself further to Christ, trusting that with the Holy Spirit He will change you from within and move you along to perfection.
This will be a tough message if you believe that you are saved and now perfect. Living in the freedom of Grace is hard on one's pride because in the freedom of grace you have to accept that you are not in control but God is. You may be close to perfection, but only christ fufilled the law completely. Only Christ was perfect and we will be just like him when he takes us home to be with him.
Amen
Musical Encouragement Beauty Of Grace - Krystal Meyers
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