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!

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!

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.

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!!!!