In God's word, we are assured that he does not " afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men".(Lam. 3:33) This being the case, we find ourselves often questioning, Lord why this financial stress? Why this blight upon my health? Why this loss of a loved one? The list could go on. Here is what I have found to be the answer to all of these, and many more similar questions.
He deprives us only that we may desire Him.
He lets us hurt that we may seek His comfort.
He lets us stumble that we should learn to lean upon His mighty arm.
He gives us a choice, not because he does not care, but because He wants us to come to Himself of our own free will.
He seeks to inspire in us a love for Himself that will not question.
May we only pray, not that He would remove our sufferings, but that we will learn to love Him aright!
December 27, 2010
December 13, 2010
Watch Ye Therefore!
Mark 13:32-37
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded his porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Upon reading this, first impulse says, don't fall asleep! On second thought, Is there any proof that I am not sleeping? If I was entirely honest I would have to say, I have buried my talent in the ground! (Matt. 25:18) Is my lamp flickering, or is so nearly extinguished that others can't even tell that it's burning? To continue doing something one must first be doing it! I think the needed call for much of America today is not, stay awake, but, wake up!
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded his porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Upon reading this, first impulse says, don't fall asleep! On second thought, Is there any proof that I am not sleeping? If I was entirely honest I would have to say, I have buried my talent in the ground! (Matt. 25:18) Is my lamp flickering, or is so nearly extinguished that others can't even tell that it's burning? To continue doing something one must first be doing it! I think the needed call for much of America today is not, stay awake, but, wake up!
December 9, 2010
A Challenging Thought
Last Wednesday night, Pastor spoke on our personal relationship with Christ and it's effect on the church as a body. The church consists of people, and therefore is only as strong as the people that constitute it. So next time we have a problem with the condition of our churches, consider this, maybe all that is wrong with your church is you! The only human you can blame for a dearth of spiritual life is you. The only reason you can give for not having revival is, you don't really want it. God is ready and willing to all but hand it to you if you will only take it. What is your excuse? What is holding you back? What is wrong with the church today? Who is at fault? Look in the mirror.
November 22, 2010
Our Glorious Saviour
Philippians 2:5-11
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Hallelujah What A Saviour!
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Hallelujah What A Saviour!
November 20, 2010
Bless Me Lord, Unless...
When reading Matt. chapter five, I of course read verses three through eleven. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace makers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
After reading thus far, I, in my shallowness and humanity prayed," Lord, help me to be poor in spirit, let me mourn if it will bring me closer to you, make me meek, let me thirst for righteousness, make me pure in heart, let me be a peacemaker", and here I stopped and thought, what if he gives me what I ask for? So far I had been sincere in my prayers but, should I really pray, "Lord let me be persecuted? I mean, If it comes, "God give me grace to bear it", but, to ask for it? At this point I read verse Twelve, Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Also I recalled Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. And here I realized, It is ridiculous to try to enjoy suffering just for the sake of suffering. However, I can have exceeding joy in persecution, not because I enjoy it, but because of who I suffer for. Truly it is an honor to bear the name of Christ; an honor to suffer to some small degree as he suffered! Thank God for all of his blessings, including persecution!
After reading thus far, I, in my shallowness and humanity prayed," Lord, help me to be poor in spirit, let me mourn if it will bring me closer to you, make me meek, let me thirst for righteousness, make me pure in heart, let me be a peacemaker", and here I stopped and thought, what if he gives me what I ask for? So far I had been sincere in my prayers but, should I really pray, "Lord let me be persecuted? I mean, If it comes, "God give me grace to bear it", but, to ask for it? At this point I read verse Twelve, Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Also I recalled Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. And here I realized, It is ridiculous to try to enjoy suffering just for the sake of suffering. However, I can have exceeding joy in persecution, not because I enjoy it, but because of who I suffer for. Truly it is an honor to bear the name of Christ; an honor to suffer to some small degree as he suffered! Thank God for all of his blessings, including persecution!
November 14, 2010
Why Should You Care If God Doesn't?
So many times, in our churches across this nation; or should I say, the world? We focus on our own feelings and opinions more intently than we do the word of God. Shame on us, christian brothers, when we spend more time talking about the finances of the church than we do our almighty, gracious, loving, omnipotent, Lord and Saviour, to whom we owe our redemption, and our very life and breath! How can we find time to delve so deeply into discussions on carpet colors, and the order of services, when we have such a God to love, praise, and share in such a small lifetime? God have mercy on us! There is infinitely more excitement over aesthetics and other such pitifully insignificant and trivial matters, than there ever is over a lost sheep coming into the fold of God. How can we ask God to bless a church that shows more concern for their own comfort than they do for His word and great commission! We should fall on our knees and implore God's forgiveness for our foolishness and selfish pride! How good it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity! God grant us a singleness of heart, to seek his wonderful face, and to do his sweet will.
November 13, 2010
I Corinthians 15:51-58
Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
GLORY TO GOD!!!!
GLORY TO GOD!!!!
October 29, 2010
Lamantations 3:22-36
22. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25. The LORD is good to them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
27. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
28. He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.
29. He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so there may be hope.
30. He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.
31. For the LORD will not cast off forever.
32. But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitudes of his mercies.
33. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.
34. To crush under his feet all the prisoners of the earth,
35. To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High,
36. To subvert a man in his cause, the LORD approveth not.
What a God we serve!
23. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25. The LORD is good to them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
27. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
28. He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.
29. He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so there may be hope.
30. He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.
31. For the LORD will not cast off forever.
32. But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitudes of his mercies.
33. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.
34. To crush under his feet all the prisoners of the earth,
35. To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High,
36. To subvert a man in his cause, the LORD approveth not.
What a God we serve!
October 24, 2010
Riding in High Places
Isaiah 58:13,14
If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, holy of the LORD, honourable ; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Truly, sweet are the promises of God to those who honor that which is his! When we delight in the LORD, and do his sweet will in his own perfect time and way, the blessings tthat he promises, and gives, defy the imagination! He gives to us based on the merit of Christ, and his merit is so vast and glorious that it also defies the imagination of a mortal!
LORD, WHAT IS MAN THAT THOU ART MINDFUL OF HIM ?! And yet, we have the assurance that "the LORD taketh pleasure in his people. Praise God for his tender mercies which are new every morning!
If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, holy of the LORD, honourable ; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Truly, sweet are the promises of God to those who honor that which is his! When we delight in the LORD, and do his sweet will in his own perfect time and way, the blessings tthat he promises, and gives, defy the imagination! He gives to us based on the merit of Christ, and his merit is so vast and glorious that it also defies the imagination of a mortal!
LORD, WHAT IS MAN THAT THOU ART MINDFUL OF HIM ?! And yet, we have the assurance that "the LORD taketh pleasure in his people. Praise God for his tender mercies which are new every morning!
September 19, 2010
Psalm 142
I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.
I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have have they privily laid a snare for me.
I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
Attend unto my cry: for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.
I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have have they privily laid a snare for me.
I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
Attend unto my cry: for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.
September 5, 2010
An Amazing Thought!
But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinketh upon me. Psalm 40:17a
For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the the meek with salvation. Psalm 149:4
This has always been an overwhelming thought to me, that God Almighty not only thinks about me, but takes pleasure in me! When I think about this, I understand why the Psalms of David are so full of praises to our God.
Psalm 135:3 Praise ye the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
Psalm 117 O PRAISE the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 106:1 PRAISE ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good:for his mercy endureth forever.
For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the the meek with salvation. Psalm 149:4
This has always been an overwhelming thought to me, that God Almighty not only thinks about me, but takes pleasure in me! When I think about this, I understand why the Psalms of David are so full of praises to our God.
Psalm 135:3 Praise ye the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
Psalm 117 O PRAISE the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 106:1 PRAISE ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good:for his mercy endureth forever.
August 29, 2010
Be ye steadfast!
I Corinthians 15:58
Therefore my beloved brethren be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
In this passage of scripture the apostle Paul is exhorting the believers at Corinth to stand for Christ in spite of the opposition they faced. Not only does he entreat them to stand firm in the faith, but he reminds them that their "labour is not in vain in the Lord". It always amazes me to reflect on the fact that God in his infinite mercy and lovingkindness, chooses to reward us for doing that which is our reasonable service. He has every right and reason to demand perfection out of us and destroy us all as we fall short of this standard. Yet he chose to punish his only begotten Son, the Son in whom he was well pleased, in our stead, we who are his rebellious creation, wicked, and perverse. Truly this was not because we were lovable, but because he is loving and gracious beyond human comprehension! I thank God that he stoops to allow me to stand in his glorious name, and labour for his honor and glory.
Therefore my beloved brethren be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
In this passage of scripture the apostle Paul is exhorting the believers at Corinth to stand for Christ in spite of the opposition they faced. Not only does he entreat them to stand firm in the faith, but he reminds them that their "labour is not in vain in the Lord". It always amazes me to reflect on the fact that God in his infinite mercy and lovingkindness, chooses to reward us for doing that which is our reasonable service. He has every right and reason to demand perfection out of us and destroy us all as we fall short of this standard. Yet he chose to punish his only begotten Son, the Son in whom he was well pleased, in our stead, we who are his rebellious creation, wicked, and perverse. Truly this was not because we were lovable, but because he is loving and gracious beyond human comprehension! I thank God that he stoops to allow me to stand in his glorious name, and labour for his honor and glory.
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