When suffering enters a christian's life we sometimes question God, "Why is this happening?" It is somtimes hard to grasp God's reasons why as a child of His we would suffer so much. When a family member, a friend or a child dies it is so hard to understand. When someone close dies without knowing Christ, even after witnessing to that person so much, we sometimes still ask why, even though we know the reason why?
Well I was reading John Piper's book on Desiring God and the first chapter kind of answered these questions so clearly. Here is a part in the chapter Mr. Piper used Johathan Edwards understanding about it.
Jonathan Edwards struggled earnestly and deeply with a problem that stands before us now. How can we affirm the happiness of God on the basis of his sovereignty when much of what God permits in the world is contrary to his own commands in Scripture?
How can we say God is happy when there is so much sin and misery in the world?
Edwards did not claim to exhaust the mystery here. But he does help us find a possible way of avoiding outright contradiction while being faithful to the Scriptures. Putting it in my own words, he said that the infinite complexity of the divine mind is such that God has the capacity to look at the world through two lenses. He can look through a narrow lens or through a wide-angle lens.
When God looks at a painful or wicked event through his narrow lens, he sees the tragedy or the sin for what it is in itself and he is angered and grieved. "I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the LORD God" ( Ezekiel 18:32).
But when God looks at a painful or wicked event through his wide angle lens, he sees the tragedy or the sin in relation to everything leading up to it and everything flowing out from it. He sees it in all the connections and effects that form a pattern or mosaic stretching into eternity. This mosaic in all its parts-good and evil-brings him delight.
God sees the whole picture, we don't. He wants us to trust Him and know He has a purpose in all that happens in our lives.
Faith endures as seeing Him who is invisible (Heb. 11:27); endures the disappointments, the hardships, and the heart-aches of life, by recognizing that all comes from the hand of Him who is too wise to err and too loving to be unkind. But so long as we are occupied with any other object than God Himself, there will be neither rest for the heart nor peace for the mind. But when we receive all that enters our lives as from His hand, then, no matter what may be our circumstances or surroundings—whether in a hovel or prison-dungeon, or at a martyr's stake—we shall be enabled to say, " The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places" (Ps. 16:6). But that is the language of faith, not of sight nor of sense.
—Arthur W. Pink
Cristina
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
What we do now as parents, our children will take with them and may be what they will be like as parents when they have children. It's not just our children we may be an example to, but an example to our grand children and their grand children.....
"Be an example . . . in speech, in the way you live,in your love, your faith, and your purity."
1 Tim. 4:12
The mother must strive to be herself, just what she wishes her child to be. She must cherish in her own spirit those virtues and those graces, which she desires to see as the embellishments of the character of her child.Our children have more right to expect that we shall be model parents--than we have to require that they shall be model children.
Words alone are air. They fall upon the ear, and are forgotten. But who ever forgets abiding, consistent, unvarying example? What child ever ceases to remember the life--the daily life, of its father and mother?
The ornaments and graces of the natural character can best be inculcated upon children through the influence of example. Would you have your daughter learn to control her passions,and cultivate a subdued, gentle, and submissive spirit?
Would you have her speak soothingly to her little brother, when he is irritated, and bear her own little troubles without fretfulness or complaining? Show her how to do it by your example!
In the same manner, all other right moral sentiments of heart, can be best cultivated through the influence of parental example.
The great work of the formation of the character of children, should be done in the heart of the mother herself. I am to teach my child to avoid vanity, and pride, and selfishness--by cultivating within myself, with never-tiring industry, the spirit of meekness, of humility, of self-sacrifice. It is thus, more effectually than in any other way, that I am to reach and influence his heart.
So I am to curb the impetuous passions of my child, mainly by gaining the victory over myself, and bringing all my own passions under perfect control. It is thus within myself--it is in my own heart, that I can work most effectually in molding
the character of my children; for in promoting their moral progress I must go before them and lead the way.
What fearful questions, then, arise in the mind of every parent? Am I what I wish my child to be? Am I grateful, submissive, cheerful? Have I conquered my passions--obtained weanedness from the world--and am I daily, in my life, presenting an example such as my child may safely imitate?
Here lies the great work of parental faithfulness. Here is to be laid the deep foundations of all salutary family discipline. Thus did our Savior plead. Such was the influence He wielded. Persuasive as were His words--infinitely more
persuasive was the power of His example!
(John Abbott)
Proverbs 23:26 "My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways."
2Tim 3:15 "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
Proverbs 29:17 "Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul."
Titus 2:4 "That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,"
"Be an example . . . in speech, in the way you live,in your love, your faith, and your purity."
1 Tim. 4:12
The mother must strive to be herself, just what she wishes her child to be. She must cherish in her own spirit those virtues and those graces, which she desires to see as the embellishments of the character of her child.Our children have more right to expect that we shall be model parents--than we have to require that they shall be model children.
Words alone are air. They fall upon the ear, and are forgotten. But who ever forgets abiding, consistent, unvarying example? What child ever ceases to remember the life--the daily life, of its father and mother?
The ornaments and graces of the natural character can best be inculcated upon children through the influence of example. Would you have your daughter learn to control her passions,and cultivate a subdued, gentle, and submissive spirit?
Would you have her speak soothingly to her little brother, when he is irritated, and bear her own little troubles without fretfulness or complaining? Show her how to do it by your example!
In the same manner, all other right moral sentiments of heart, can be best cultivated through the influence of parental example.
The great work of the formation of the character of children, should be done in the heart of the mother herself. I am to teach my child to avoid vanity, and pride, and selfishness--by cultivating within myself, with never-tiring industry, the spirit of meekness, of humility, of self-sacrifice. It is thus, more effectually than in any other way, that I am to reach and influence his heart.
So I am to curb the impetuous passions of my child, mainly by gaining the victory over myself, and bringing all my own passions under perfect control. It is thus within myself--it is in my own heart, that I can work most effectually in molding
the character of my children; for in promoting their moral progress I must go before them and lead the way.
What fearful questions, then, arise in the mind of every parent? Am I what I wish my child to be? Am I grateful, submissive, cheerful? Have I conquered my passions--obtained weanedness from the world--and am I daily, in my life, presenting an example such as my child may safely imitate?
Here lies the great work of parental faithfulness. Here is to be laid the deep foundations of all salutary family discipline. Thus did our Savior plead. Such was the influence He wielded. Persuasive as were His words--infinitely more
persuasive was the power of His example!
(John Abbott)
Proverbs 23:26 "My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways."
2Tim 3:15 "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
Proverbs 29:17 "Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul."
Titus 2:4 "That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,"
Friday, January 26, 2007
"PEACE! BE STILL!"
Mark 4:36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care if we perish?" 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
How many times have I come face to face with a problem and either try to handle it myself or I just gave up... too many times I have to admit.
When I look at what the disciples faced in The Sea of Galilee, I too would have been frightened. When we face storms in our lives today, we should try to Be still and find that peace only found in in our Lord. How often do I leave Jesus out of my plans? How often do I lean on my own understanding?
I should be leaning on the hope I find in Him...
1Thes 1:3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
And pray constantly (without ceasing 1 Thessalonians 5)
Our relationship with Christ should be constant.
This year that just past has been a year of awakening for me, I have been taking a real good look at myself and was not pleased at what I seen. I am so thankful that the Lord does not give up on us when we turn our back on him at times. He has been so patient with me. His promise has been to never leave His children.
One of my favorite verses is...
Romans 8:38-39 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
He is a patient and loving Father, when the discipes seen Jesus calm the storm, they seen the power of God, they seen that He had complete control of the situation, If he can control the storms of the Seas, can He not control what happens in our lives, He sure can. We can be Still and find peace by just allowing Him to control the reigns in our lives.
John 15:13 Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
He laid down His life for me, He calls me friend, He called me to be His child..I owe Him so much...I owe Him my life.
If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble -- THOMAS WATSON
Cristina
How many times have I come face to face with a problem and either try to handle it myself or I just gave up... too many times I have to admit.
When I look at what the disciples faced in The Sea of Galilee, I too would have been frightened. When we face storms in our lives today, we should try to Be still and find that peace only found in in our Lord. How often do I leave Jesus out of my plans? How often do I lean on my own understanding?
I should be leaning on the hope I find in Him...
1Thes 1:3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
And pray constantly (without ceasing 1 Thessalonians 5)
Our relationship with Christ should be constant.
This year that just past has been a year of awakening for me, I have been taking a real good look at myself and was not pleased at what I seen. I am so thankful that the Lord does not give up on us when we turn our back on him at times. He has been so patient with me. His promise has been to never leave His children.
One of my favorite verses is...
Romans 8:38-39 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
He is a patient and loving Father, when the discipes seen Jesus calm the storm, they seen the power of God, they seen that He had complete control of the situation, If he can control the storms of the Seas, can He not control what happens in our lives, He sure can. We can be Still and find peace by just allowing Him to control the reigns in our lives.
John 15:13 Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
He laid down His life for me, He calls me friend, He called me to be His child..I owe Him so much...I owe Him my life.
If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble -- THOMAS WATSON
Cristina
Sunday, January 21, 2007
FULL SURRENDER- Spurgeon
Don't keep back any part of your life.
Make a full surrender of every inclination
of your heart; work to have but one purpose,
and one aim. And for this purpose give God
complete control of your heart.
Cry out for more of the divine control of
the Holy Spirit, so that as your soul is
preserved and protected by Him, that
it may be directed into one river, and
one only, that your life may run deep
and pure, and clear and peaceful;
its only banks being God's will,
its only river the love of Christ
.........and a desire to please Him
Make a full surrender of every inclination
of your heart; work to have but one purpose,
and one aim. And for this purpose give God
complete control of your heart.
Cry out for more of the divine control of
the Holy Spirit, so that as your soul is
preserved and protected by Him, that
it may be directed into one river, and
one only, that your life may run deep
and pure, and clear and peaceful;
its only banks being God's will,
its only river the love of Christ
.........and a desire to please Him
Friday, January 19, 2007
A WOMAN'S MISSION
I read this today and I thought this was worth sharing....As I said in my previous blog, it is not a menial job, it is a calling from God.
The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Gen. 2:18
Woman's mission is to be the suitable help-mate of that man, to whom she has given herself as the companion of his pilgrimage upon earth.
She is, in wedded life, to be his constant companion, in whose companionship he is to find one, who meets him hand to hand, eye to eye, lip to lip, and heart to heart--to whom he can unburden the secrets of a heartpressed down with care, or wrung with anguish;whose presence shall be to him above all other friendship;whose voice shall be his sweetest music;whose smiles his brightest sunshine;from whom he shall go forth with regret; and to whose company he shall return with willing feet, when the toils of the day are over; who shall walk near his loving heart, and feel the throbbing of affection as her arm leans on his, and presses on his side.
In his hours of private companionship, he shall tell her all the secrets of his heart; find in her all the capabilities, and all the promptings, of the most tender and endeared fellowship; and in her gentle smiles, and unrestrained speech, enjoy all to be expected in one who was given by God to be his companion and friend.
That companionship which woman was designed to afford to man, must of course be included the sympathetic offices of the comforter. It is hers, in their hours of retirement, to console and cheer him; when he is injured or insulted, to heal the wounds of his troubled spirit; when burdened by care, to lighten his load by sharing it; when groaning with anguish, to calm by her peace-speaking words the tumult of his heart; and act, in all his sorrows, the part of a ministering angel.
The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Gen. 2:18
-J. A. James
And to think as we all do this for our husbands, how much easier it will be for him to obey what God has asked him to do as a husband.
Ephesians 5:25 - 33
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband."
Cristina
The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Gen. 2:18
Woman's mission is to be the suitable help-mate of that man, to whom she has given herself as the companion of his pilgrimage upon earth.
She is, in wedded life, to be his constant companion, in whose companionship he is to find one, who meets him hand to hand, eye to eye, lip to lip, and heart to heart--to whom he can unburden the secrets of a heartpressed down with care, or wrung with anguish;whose presence shall be to him above all other friendship;whose voice shall be his sweetest music;whose smiles his brightest sunshine;from whom he shall go forth with regret; and to whose company he shall return with willing feet, when the toils of the day are over; who shall walk near his loving heart, and feel the throbbing of affection as her arm leans on his, and presses on his side.
In his hours of private companionship, he shall tell her all the secrets of his heart; find in her all the capabilities, and all the promptings, of the most tender and endeared fellowship; and in her gentle smiles, and unrestrained speech, enjoy all to be expected in one who was given by God to be his companion and friend.
That companionship which woman was designed to afford to man, must of course be included the sympathetic offices of the comforter. It is hers, in their hours of retirement, to console and cheer him; when he is injured or insulted, to heal the wounds of his troubled spirit; when burdened by care, to lighten his load by sharing it; when groaning with anguish, to calm by her peace-speaking words the tumult of his heart; and act, in all his sorrows, the part of a ministering angel.
The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Gen. 2:18
-J. A. James
And to think as we all do this for our husbands, how much easier it will be for him to obey what God has asked him to do as a husband.
Ephesians 5:25 - 33
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband."
Cristina
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
GOD GIVEN ROLES
This is to all you dear ladies that read this....
I am amazed at the amount of women that are in the pulpit today! I believe these women are disobeying God and and His word. God has given men and women roles that we should obey. I do not mean to insult women that believe that it is alright for them to be in the pulpit, but God said it, not me. Further more I am going to say that feminism is behind most women in the pulpit, by not excepting the role they are given, they think they can preach in the pulpit just like man can and they are wrong.
The role of preacher/teacher is to be the role of men and men alone.
1 Corinthians 14:34-37 34 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. 36 Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? 37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment.
look at 1 Timothy 2:11-15
11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
I have heard women and men say, "This is sexist, old fashion and even narrow minded, but they are wrong, it is what God says. Ladies, we want to follow what the word of God says and please God. I often hear "Christianity" being put down because of verses like these but it is not a put down. It is what God is asking of us and we should gladly obey him.
Many times I have heard this verse being used to prove that it does not matter what gender we are God uses women and men in the pulpit.
Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Yes we are equal in Christ, however God has given men and women roles that differ. We as women are to be quiet, the word says silent, I dont think it means we can not speak at all as we sit in the church, but to be quiet, not unruly, I'll go as far as to say lady-like. Also women are to learn with all submission, I believe God is telling us not to usurp over men.
When you look at verse 12 of 1 Timothy it tells us:
12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.
This does not mean we can not teach. Titus 2 tells us we can teach and train. older women are to teach the younger women. God has given us a mind to study and to share with others and yes teach others. God's role for a woman is to teach other women and children.
1Tim. 5:14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach
Titus 2:3-5 NASB 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
The role of a woman in church and in the home is a God given role and it should be a role that we obey. We are to be a helpmate to our husbands. This is not just a menial job, it is a job of importance. We are to take care of our homes and most importantly take care of our children and raise them up to be Godly children and be there for our husbands.
Ladies, if you believe that it is ok for a women to be in the pulpit, I encourage you to ask the Lord to show you what He wants you to do. Rightfully divide the word. When you search the word of God, search out these few verses I have used and really study them. Feminism is hurting the church, it is deceiving the church just like so many other things out there.
There is no greater calling for men and women then to be obident to God's word. Men and women, husbands and wives were meant to compliment one another not compete against one another.
Cristina
I am amazed at the amount of women that are in the pulpit today! I believe these women are disobeying God and and His word. God has given men and women roles that we should obey. I do not mean to insult women that believe that it is alright for them to be in the pulpit, but God said it, not me. Further more I am going to say that feminism is behind most women in the pulpit, by not excepting the role they are given, they think they can preach in the pulpit just like man can and they are wrong.
The role of preacher/teacher is to be the role of men and men alone.
1 Corinthians 14:34-37 34 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. 36 Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? 37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment.
look at 1 Timothy 2:11-15
11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
I have heard women and men say, "This is sexist, old fashion and even narrow minded, but they are wrong, it is what God says. Ladies, we want to follow what the word of God says and please God. I often hear "Christianity" being put down because of verses like these but it is not a put down. It is what God is asking of us and we should gladly obey him.
Many times I have heard this verse being used to prove that it does not matter what gender we are God uses women and men in the pulpit.
Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Yes we are equal in Christ, however God has given men and women roles that differ. We as women are to be quiet, the word says silent, I dont think it means we can not speak at all as we sit in the church, but to be quiet, not unruly, I'll go as far as to say lady-like. Also women are to learn with all submission, I believe God is telling us not to usurp over men.
When you look at verse 12 of 1 Timothy it tells us:
12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.
This does not mean we can not teach. Titus 2 tells us we can teach and train. older women are to teach the younger women. God has given us a mind to study and to share with others and yes teach others. God's role for a woman is to teach other women and children.
1Tim. 5:14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach
Titus 2:3-5 NASB 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
The role of a woman in church and in the home is a God given role and it should be a role that we obey. We are to be a helpmate to our husbands. This is not just a menial job, it is a job of importance. We are to take care of our homes and most importantly take care of our children and raise them up to be Godly children and be there for our husbands.
Ladies, if you believe that it is ok for a women to be in the pulpit, I encourage you to ask the Lord to show you what He wants you to do. Rightfully divide the word. When you search the word of God, search out these few verses I have used and really study them. Feminism is hurting the church, it is deceiving the church just like so many other things out there.
There is no greater calling for men and women then to be obident to God's word. Men and women, husbands and wives were meant to compliment one another not compete against one another.
Cristina
Saturday, January 13, 2007
GOODBYE MICHAEL...SEE YOU SOON
When we loose a brother or sister in the Lord, it is a sad time but then it is a joyous time because we know we will see him/her again and we know he/she is home with our Lord Jesus Christ. What ever pain he/she had, is wiped away and they will feel at peace. They will be were we all want to be, in the presence of Jesus. I say goodbye to Michael for now, but one day I will be leaving this foreign place to go home also...so I will see you soon Michael!
Here is a beautiful song I heard at a dear brother's funeral a few years back. His name was Earl, and he was another fine soildier for the Lord. He was in a lot of pain in the end of his life, but hardly ever complained.When we don't want our brothers and sisters to leave this world because we will miss them..this song kind of says it all
Cristina
If You Could See Me Now(Kim Noblitt)
Our prayers have all been answered.
I finally arrived.
The healing that had been delayed
has now been realized.
No one's in a hurry.
There's no schedule to keep.
We're all enjoying Jesus,
just sitting at His feet.
If you could see me now,
I'm walking streets of gold.
If you could see me now,
I'm standing strong and whole.
If you could see me now,
you'd know I've seen His face.
If you could see me now,
you'd know the pain is erased.
You wouldn't want me
to ever leave this place,
If you could only see me now.
My light and temporary trials
have worked out for my good,
To know it brought Him glory
when I misunderstood.
Though we've had our sorrows,
they can never compare.
What Jesus has in store for us,
no language can share.
You wouldn't want me to
ever leave this perfect place
If you could only see me now
If you could see me now
If you could only see me now
Here is a beautiful song I heard at a dear brother's funeral a few years back. His name was Earl, and he was another fine soildier for the Lord. He was in a lot of pain in the end of his life, but hardly ever complained.When we don't want our brothers and sisters to leave this world because we will miss them..this song kind of says it all
Cristina
If You Could See Me Now(Kim Noblitt)
Our prayers have all been answered.
I finally arrived.
The healing that had been delayed
has now been realized.
No one's in a hurry.
There's no schedule to keep.
We're all enjoying Jesus,
just sitting at His feet.
If you could see me now,
I'm walking streets of gold.
If you could see me now,
I'm standing strong and whole.
If you could see me now,
you'd know I've seen His face.
If you could see me now,
you'd know the pain is erased.
You wouldn't want me
to ever leave this place,
If you could only see me now.
My light and temporary trials
have worked out for my good,
To know it brought Him glory
when I misunderstood.
Though we've had our sorrows,
they can never compare.
What Jesus has in store for us,
no language can share.
You wouldn't want me to
ever leave this perfect place
If you could only see me now
If you could see me now
If you could only see me now
Thursday, January 11, 2007
PLEASE PRAY FOR AN DEAR FRIEND
Could you please pray for a dear online friend , Michael. He found out he had cancer last year and is going Home to be with our Lord and Savior anytime now. Michael was saved later in his years but from the time he was saved he read and studied God's word fervently. He defended the truth even if it meant loosing friends. The Word of God was first in his life.
Also please pray for his mom, Joanna. She is really taking this hard and Michael was so good to her. Michael will be missed, but I am so thankful we have the gaurantee that we will one day talk again and praise the Lord again together.
thank you Cristina
Also please pray for his mom, Joanna. She is really taking this hard and Michael was so good to her. Michael will be missed, but I am so thankful we have the gaurantee that we will one day talk again and praise the Lord again together.
thank you Cristina
Saturday, January 06, 2007
THERE IS SO MUCH WORK TO BE DONE!
The renewal of our natures is a work of great importance. It is not to be done in a day. We have not only a new house to build up, but an old one to pull down. George Whitefield
Friday, January 05, 2007
A PURITAN PRAYER
Lead me to the Cross (A Puritan Prayer)
O Holy Spirit,Have mercy on me. Move, I beg You, upon my
disordered heart. Take away the infirmities of
unruly desires and hateful lusts. Lift the mists
and darkness of unbelief.
Brighten my soul with
the pure light of truth. Make my soul . . .
as fragrant as the garden of paradise,
rich with every goodly fruit,
beautiful with heavenly grace,
radiant with rays of divine light.
Be my comforter, light, guide, sanctifier.
Take of the things of Christ and show them
to my soul. Teach me more of His . . .
love,
grace,
compassion,
faithfulness,
beauty.
Lead me to the cross
and show me . . . His wounds,
the hateful nature of sin,
the power of Satan.
May I there see my sins as
. . . the nails which transfixed Him,
the cords which bound Him,
the thorns which tore Him,
the sword which pierced Him.
Help me
to see in His death, the reality
and immensity of His love.
Increase my faith in
the clear knowledge of . . .
atonement achieved,
expiation completed,
satisfaction
for sin made,
guilt done away.
May I start to ask more of what God wants for my life....
Cristina
O Holy Spirit,Have mercy on me. Move, I beg You, upon my
disordered heart. Take away the infirmities of
unruly desires and hateful lusts. Lift the mists
and darkness of unbelief.
Brighten my soul with
the pure light of truth. Make my soul . . .
as fragrant as the garden of paradise,
rich with every goodly fruit,
beautiful with heavenly grace,
radiant with rays of divine light.
Be my comforter, light, guide, sanctifier.
Take of the things of Christ and show them
to my soul. Teach me more of His . . .
love,
grace,
compassion,
faithfulness,
beauty.
Lead me to the cross
and show me . . . His wounds,
the hateful nature of sin,
the power of Satan.
May I there see my sins as
. . . the nails which transfixed Him,
the cords which bound Him,
the thorns which tore Him,
the sword which pierced Him.
Help me
to see in His death, the reality
and immensity of His love.
Increase my faith in
the clear knowledge of . . .
atonement achieved,
expiation completed,
satisfaction
for sin made,
guilt done away.
May I start to ask more of what God wants for my life....
Cristina
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
IN CHRIST ALONE
Here is a beautiful song, one of my favorites. Only someone that knows Christ personally can really feel the Love they have for Christ after reading these words...
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt of life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand
( Andrew Shawn Craig and Donald A. Koch)
Cristina
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt of life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand
( Andrew Shawn Craig and Donald A. Koch)
Cristina
Monday, January 01, 2007
2007
A New Year has begun and I look back at the year that just past and reflect and look ahead and wonder what is instore for me in the year ahead.When I look back I do feel a bit like a failure, I look at what I wanted to do in the last year and feel I did not acomplish everything. I look back at times when my walk was not as strong as it should be. Yet I can look back and learn from my failures. I can see where I did wrong and pray about change. God allows failures in our lives so that we can learn from it. Success nor failure is ever final, it is just inevitiable. It is how we handle our sucesses and failures that matter most.Our greatest accomplishment is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.
Mary Pickford once said "Supposing you have tried and failed again and again. You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call " failure" is not the falling down, but the staying down"
With God's help I can stand up after failure and continue on..
(Phil 3:13-14) 13Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
I must confess I am not happy with my walk with Christ. I look back and feel.....no I know, I have failed Jesus and yet I look at what Apostle Paul said forget which is behind you and look forward. Press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ.
It is so amazing how God uses His word to encourage us, even when we fail Him. He just shows me His grace and His forgiveness.
And again as The ApostlePaul says (Phil 4:13) 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
We have the Holy Spirit that will guide us and change us because we can do all things through Him in joy, in pain, in suffering and in failure we can draw strength from the Lord.
I look ahead to 2007 and my prayer is that I will rely more on Christ then myself. I pray that my walk will be a reflection of Christ. I pray for strength I can only find in Jesus. I pray I will spend more time in prayer and in His word.
(Phil 4:4-9) 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. 9The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
I pray this for all those that know Him as their Savior....
Cristina
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
REFLECTING CHRISTMAS
Christmas time I have to say is one of the times of year I love. It has always been this way for me. I can remember as far back as a child, how my parents made this a special time of year. I was not a believer way back then, but my parents always had good values. Family ment everything to them and it still does. I remember one Christmas I wanted this doll that was called a "Walking Doll". It was bigger then I was and when you stood it up, you could move the legs back and forth as you walked it. I remember waking up Christmas morning and there under the tree were two dolls, one for my sister Sandy and one for me, we both were so thrilled. I remember traditions that have been passed down by my Grandmother to my mother then to us and now my older daughter is now passing them on to her chidren. Christmas time in our family has been a time where we all, Brother and sisters can get together with our parents and our families and reminise about the Christmas's before or what has been happening in each of our lives. We all meet Christmas Eve at our parents house and eat and laugh and even sometimes cry over the loss of loved ones not there to share this time with us. We eat moms famous Meat Pie and Sausage Rolls and we all bring other food to share. We then all sit together and open presents from one another. It is one time of the year I can look back at with a smile and warmth.
This Christmas was a time of reflecting too. It started our a week before Christmas, we stopped at my parents to drop off some Can's of Coffee we had bought the week before for my parents. I knocked at the door a few times and there was no answer. It worried me a bit because my dad and mom knew we were coming and they were not home. We headed home and when I checked the messages on the phone, there was a message from my mom, dad had a heart attack. We rushed up to the Hospital and found out it was a serious one. He was hooked up to many machines and the doctors were doing all kinds of tests on him. The doctors informed us it did not look good. All his valves to the heart were blocked except one and it was only working 30% andit had calapsed. They said they were going to go and see if they could put a stent in, to open it up. We waited as they prepared him and finally the doctor came and said he refused to do it because he believed my dad would not come out of the operationing room alive. We were all upset by this news. They put dad back in his room and had to give him a shot because they had weaned him off his blood thinner. He needed rest so we all went home. I went home that night so upset because yes I knew I might loose my father but mostly because I was not sure of his salvation.
As far back as I can remember my parents have knelt down side by side and prayed every night. The read their bible daily and thier devotions too but I still feel they base their salvation on works, I am not 100% sure if they know the Lord personally. I need to feel that they do. So when I got home that night I cold not hardly sleep at all. I would fall asleep for awhile and then just wake up and cry out to the Lord that he was first save my dad and secondly give us a few more months at least. I have to say I have not prayed like that for many years and it made me feel so guilty. I kept thinking why does it take this to happen for me to spend that much time in prayer. Lord forgive me.
The next day the doctors were preping him again for the surgery and the same doctor refused my dad again and then a younger doctor agreed to do it. My dad and mom sat in the room and talked together about thier options and they both decided to have the surgery done. It was hard for us all. They asked my mom to go down to the waiting room while they got him ready and as they were doing that he went into cardiact arrest and they had to use the paddles to revive him. They rushed him down to OR and he was quite upset because he wanted to see my mom before he went in but there was no time. The doctor got the stent in but it was very hard to do. The doctor came out with no bed side manner and just told us, he has no hope that my dad will live much longer. My sister Sandy got upset with how he told my mom and I just told her, this doctor does not have the last say I said there is a greater physician and Healer and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord uses so many situations for us to speak of his greatness, you see my Sister is not saved yet I seen a calmness about her when I said that. My dad's heart attack has given us many reasons for Jim, myself and our children that are saved to bring glory to God and and I am so thankful for that. My dad is home now, it has been a week and three more days the Lord has given us with him and I say "To God be the Glory."
So another Christmas that has been a blessing to me, I have to say more then any Christmas. We didn't just get together and celebrate Christmas, we got together and celebrated what God had done by answering prayer and giving us a little more time with my dad.
Thank you Lord and I would ask for prayer that the Lord would give me the right words in sharing the Gospel and that I can feel 100% that my praents know Him personally. I have shared the Gospel to them many times but I just don't feel 100% about what they base thier Salvation on. I hope I don't sound hard?
May you all have a Happy New Year and that it will Glorify God!
Cristina
This Christmas was a time of reflecting too. It started our a week before Christmas, we stopped at my parents to drop off some Can's of Coffee we had bought the week before for my parents. I knocked at the door a few times and there was no answer. It worried me a bit because my dad and mom knew we were coming and they were not home. We headed home and when I checked the messages on the phone, there was a message from my mom, dad had a heart attack. We rushed up to the Hospital and found out it was a serious one. He was hooked up to many machines and the doctors were doing all kinds of tests on him. The doctors informed us it did not look good. All his valves to the heart were blocked except one and it was only working 30% andit had calapsed. They said they were going to go and see if they could put a stent in, to open it up. We waited as they prepared him and finally the doctor came and said he refused to do it because he believed my dad would not come out of the operationing room alive. We were all upset by this news. They put dad back in his room and had to give him a shot because they had weaned him off his blood thinner. He needed rest so we all went home. I went home that night so upset because yes I knew I might loose my father but mostly because I was not sure of his salvation.
As far back as I can remember my parents have knelt down side by side and prayed every night. The read their bible daily and thier devotions too but I still feel they base their salvation on works, I am not 100% sure if they know the Lord personally. I need to feel that they do. So when I got home that night I cold not hardly sleep at all. I would fall asleep for awhile and then just wake up and cry out to the Lord that he was first save my dad and secondly give us a few more months at least. I have to say I have not prayed like that for many years and it made me feel so guilty. I kept thinking why does it take this to happen for me to spend that much time in prayer. Lord forgive me.
The next day the doctors were preping him again for the surgery and the same doctor refused my dad again and then a younger doctor agreed to do it. My dad and mom sat in the room and talked together about thier options and they both decided to have the surgery done. It was hard for us all. They asked my mom to go down to the waiting room while they got him ready and as they were doing that he went into cardiact arrest and they had to use the paddles to revive him. They rushed him down to OR and he was quite upset because he wanted to see my mom before he went in but there was no time. The doctor got the stent in but it was very hard to do. The doctor came out with no bed side manner and just told us, he has no hope that my dad will live much longer. My sister Sandy got upset with how he told my mom and I just told her, this doctor does not have the last say I said there is a greater physician and Healer and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord uses so many situations for us to speak of his greatness, you see my Sister is not saved yet I seen a calmness about her when I said that. My dad's heart attack has given us many reasons for Jim, myself and our children that are saved to bring glory to God and and I am so thankful for that. My dad is home now, it has been a week and three more days the Lord has given us with him and I say "To God be the Glory."
So another Christmas that has been a blessing to me, I have to say more then any Christmas. We didn't just get together and celebrate Christmas, we got together and celebrated what God had done by answering prayer and giving us a little more time with my dad.
Thank you Lord and I would ask for prayer that the Lord would give me the right words in sharing the Gospel and that I can feel 100% that my praents know Him personally. I have shared the Gospel to them many times but I just don't feel 100% about what they base thier Salvation on. I hope I don't sound hard?
May you all have a Happy New Year and that it will Glorify God!
Cristina
Sunday, December 24, 2006
A BABE WAS BORN TO DIE ON A CROSS
A babe that was born to die on a cross....."O Jesus, 'despised and rejected of men,' how couldst Thou die for men who treated Thee so ill? Herein is love amazing, love divine, yea, love beyond degree. We, too, have despised Thee in the days of our unregeneracy, and even since our new birth we have set the world on high in our hearts, and yet Thou bleedest to heal our wounds, and diest to give us life." Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
Approaching us is what a lot of the world sees as the day of the birth of Christ, December 25th. The truth is, we simply don’t know the exact date of our Savior’s birth.
if God felt it was important for us to know the exact date of the Savior’s birth, He certainly would have told us in His Word. The Gospel of Luke gives very specific details about the event, even down to what the baby was wearing – “swaddling clothes” - and where he slept – “in a manger” (Luke 2:12). These details are important because they speak of His nature and character, meek and lowly. But the exact date of His birth has no significance whatsoever, which may be why God chose not mention it.
The fact is that He was born, that He came into the world to atone for our sins, that He was resurrected to eternal life, and that He’s alive today. This is what we should celebrate, as we are told in the Old Testament in such passages as Zechariah 2:10: "'Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,' declares the LORD.” Further, the angel that announced the birth to the shepherds brought “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10). Surely here is the cause for celebration every day, not just once a year.
The true meaning of Christmas is God's becoming a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. Why did God do such a thing? Because He loves us! Why was Christmas necessary? Because we needed a Savior! Why does God love us so much? Because He is love (1 John 4:8)! Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? Out of gratitude for what God did for us, we remember His birth by giving each other gifts, worshipping Him, and being especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate.
The true meaning of Christmas is LOVE. God loved us so much that He wanted to provide a way for us to spend eternity with Him. He gave His only Son to take our punishment for our sins, He paid the price in full! We are free from condemnation when we accept that free gift of LOVE. "But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
Resource: God's Gift of Christmas by John MacArthur.
May you all have a Christmas full of Christ and centered on Christ and may we all brothers and sisters be grateful for this babe that was born so that His own may live. The greatest sacrifice of all is to lay down your life for another.
Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, and will be fuel for the fire. For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:5, 6)
Cristina
Approaching us is what a lot of the world sees as the day of the birth of Christ, December 25th. The truth is, we simply don’t know the exact date of our Savior’s birth.
if God felt it was important for us to know the exact date of the Savior’s birth, He certainly would have told us in His Word. The Gospel of Luke gives very specific details about the event, even down to what the baby was wearing – “swaddling clothes” - and where he slept – “in a manger” (Luke 2:12). These details are important because they speak of His nature and character, meek and lowly. But the exact date of His birth has no significance whatsoever, which may be why God chose not mention it.
The fact is that He was born, that He came into the world to atone for our sins, that He was resurrected to eternal life, and that He’s alive today. This is what we should celebrate, as we are told in the Old Testament in such passages as Zechariah 2:10: "'Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,' declares the LORD.” Further, the angel that announced the birth to the shepherds brought “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10). Surely here is the cause for celebration every day, not just once a year.
The true meaning of Christmas is God's becoming a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. Why did God do such a thing? Because He loves us! Why was Christmas necessary? Because we needed a Savior! Why does God love us so much? Because He is love (1 John 4:8)! Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? Out of gratitude for what God did for us, we remember His birth by giving each other gifts, worshipping Him, and being especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate.
The true meaning of Christmas is LOVE. God loved us so much that He wanted to provide a way for us to spend eternity with Him. He gave His only Son to take our punishment for our sins, He paid the price in full! We are free from condemnation when we accept that free gift of LOVE. "But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
Resource: God's Gift of Christmas by John MacArthur.
May you all have a Christmas full of Christ and centered on Christ and may we all brothers and sisters be grateful for this babe that was born so that His own may live. The greatest sacrifice of all is to lay down your life for another.
Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, and will be fuel for the fire. For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:5, 6)
Cristina
Thursday, December 14, 2006
A COLLECTIONS OF QUOTES CONCERNING THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch of their flocks at night. Anangel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. - Luke 2:8-11It was great condescension that He who was God should be made in the likeness of flesh; but much greater that He who was holy should be made in the likeness of sinful flesh. MATHEW HENRY
We should rejoice, that the immortal God is born, so that mortal man may live in eternity.
There is no name so sweet on earth, no name so sweet in heaven, The name, before His wondrous birth, to Christ the Savior given. - George W. Bethune
Invisible in His own nature [God] became visible in ours. Beyond our grasp, He chose to come within our grasp. -- Leo the Great
That the Creator himself comes to us and becomes our ransom - this is the reason for our rejoicing.-- Martin Luther
What he was, he laid aside; what he was not, he assumed. He takes upon himself the poverty of my flesh so that I may receive the riches of his divinity. Gregory Nazianzen
There is no name so sweet on earth, no name so sweet in heaven, The name, before His wondrous birth, to Christ the Savior given. - George W. Bethune
Friday, December 08, 2006
IF HE CAN FORGIVE US WE CAN FORGIVE OTHERS
"How precious also are Your thoughts unto me, O God!"
"I—yes, I alone—am the one who blots out your sins for My own sake and will never think of them again." Isaiah 43:25
"I—yes, I alone"—the Great, the Pure, the Holy, the Righteous God! Surely if there be one way more than another, in which God's thoughts are not as man's thoughts, it is this—pardoning the rebel, welcoming the undeserving, forgiving and forgetting. How we remember the sins and the failings of others. How we harbor the recollection of ingratitude or unkindness. We say, "I forgive, but I cannot forget." God does both. Forgiveness is with Him no effort; it is a delight—"The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness' sake."
"I—yes, I alone"—the God who for weeks and months, and, it may be, for years, we have been wearying with our iniquities, whose Book of Remembrance is crowded with the record of our guilt—"I—yes, I alone"—the very Being who has registered that guilt, is ready to take the recording pen and erase the pages thus blotted with transgression!
How can He thus forgive? How can the God who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, cancel the handwriting that is against us in these volumes of transgression, so that they are remembered no more? It is through the atoning work of Jesus. "The Son of man has power to forgive sins." He shed His precious blood that He might have a right to say, "Your sins, which are many, are all forgiven you." What a complete erasure! Crimson sins, scarlet sins; sins against grace, and love, and warning, and privilege—see them all cast into the depths of the sea, never again to be washed on shore!
"Whatever our guiltiness is," says Rutherford, "yet when it falls into the sea of God's mercy, it is but like a drop of blood fallen into the great ocean." "The ancients said there was nothing so pure as snow. But we know of something purer, a human soul washed in the blood of Christ."
What is the impelling MOTIVE with God in so wondrous a forgiveness as this? It is, it can be, nothing He sees in us. No repentance, however sincere; no good works, however imposing or splendid. It is His own free sovereign grace! "For My own sake!" "Thus says the Lord God, I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel; but for My holy Name's sake." If He had meted out retribution in proportion to our deserts, His thoughts towards us must have been of evil, not of peace—our blood would, long before now, have been mingled with our sacrifices. But He is God, and not man. "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed." "O Israel you have destroyed yourself, but in Me is your help found."
Most wondrous chapter in the volume of God's thoughts!—His full, free, unconditional, everlasting forgiveness of the guilty and undeserving. All the most gigantic thoughts of man look poor and shabby after this. God, the just God, yet the Savior—just, in justifying the ungodly.
Lord! I accept the gracious overture of pardon. I joyfully repose on this thought of Your forgiving mercy. "My debt is very great, neither can I pay anything thereof myself. But I trust in the riches and benignity of my Surety. Let Him free me, who became surety for me; who has taken my debt upon Himself."—(John Gerhard). Yes, He has taken my debt! Think of God, not only willing to blot out and bury in oblivion a guilty past—but hear Him giving the assurance that the legion-sins are already cancelled. The debt has been discharged—the wages paid. He makes it an argument for immediate return and acceptance, "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins; return unto Me; for I have redeemed you."
What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31
-by John MacDuff, 1864
"I—yes, I alone—am the one who blots out your sins for My own sake and will never think of them again." Isaiah 43:25
"I—yes, I alone"—the Great, the Pure, the Holy, the Righteous God! Surely if there be one way more than another, in which God's thoughts are not as man's thoughts, it is this—pardoning the rebel, welcoming the undeserving, forgiving and forgetting. How we remember the sins and the failings of others. How we harbor the recollection of ingratitude or unkindness. We say, "I forgive, but I cannot forget." God does both. Forgiveness is with Him no effort; it is a delight—"The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness' sake."
"I—yes, I alone"—the God who for weeks and months, and, it may be, for years, we have been wearying with our iniquities, whose Book of Remembrance is crowded with the record of our guilt—"I—yes, I alone"—the very Being who has registered that guilt, is ready to take the recording pen and erase the pages thus blotted with transgression!
How can He thus forgive? How can the God who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, cancel the handwriting that is against us in these volumes of transgression, so that they are remembered no more? It is through the atoning work of Jesus. "The Son of man has power to forgive sins." He shed His precious blood that He might have a right to say, "Your sins, which are many, are all forgiven you." What a complete erasure! Crimson sins, scarlet sins; sins against grace, and love, and warning, and privilege—see them all cast into the depths of the sea, never again to be washed on shore!
"Whatever our guiltiness is," says Rutherford, "yet when it falls into the sea of God's mercy, it is but like a drop of blood fallen into the great ocean." "The ancients said there was nothing so pure as snow. But we know of something purer, a human soul washed in the blood of Christ."
What is the impelling MOTIVE with God in so wondrous a forgiveness as this? It is, it can be, nothing He sees in us. No repentance, however sincere; no good works, however imposing or splendid. It is His own free sovereign grace! "For My own sake!" "Thus says the Lord God, I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel; but for My holy Name's sake." If He had meted out retribution in proportion to our deserts, His thoughts towards us must have been of evil, not of peace—our blood would, long before now, have been mingled with our sacrifices. But He is God, and not man. "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed." "O Israel you have destroyed yourself, but in Me is your help found."
Most wondrous chapter in the volume of God's thoughts!—His full, free, unconditional, everlasting forgiveness of the guilty and undeserving. All the most gigantic thoughts of man look poor and shabby after this. God, the just God, yet the Savior—just, in justifying the ungodly.
Lord! I accept the gracious overture of pardon. I joyfully repose on this thought of Your forgiving mercy. "My debt is very great, neither can I pay anything thereof myself. But I trust in the riches and benignity of my Surety. Let Him free me, who became surety for me; who has taken my debt upon Himself."—(John Gerhard). Yes, He has taken my debt! Think of God, not only willing to blot out and bury in oblivion a guilty past—but hear Him giving the assurance that the legion-sins are already cancelled. The debt has been discharged—the wages paid. He makes it an argument for immediate return and acceptance, "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins; return unto Me; for I have redeemed you."
What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31
-by John MacDuff, 1864
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
THE COMPROMISING CHURCH
WHAT WE DO NOT OPPOSE,
WE TOLERATE.
WHAT WE TOLERATE,
WE ACCEPT
WHAT WE ACCEPT,
WE PRAISE
WHAT WE PRAISE,
WE PRACTICE.
Friday, December 01, 2006
THE MOST HIDDEN, SECRET AND DECEITFULOF ALL LUSTS
The most hidden, secret, and deceitful of all lusts-A letter addressed to a young lady in the year 1741)"To fear the Lord is to hate evil. I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech." (Proverbs 8:13)Remember that pride is the worst viper that is in the heart, the greatest disturber of the souls peace, and of sweet communion with Christ. Pride . . . was the first sin committed, lies lowest in the foundation of Satan's whole building, and is with the greatest difficulty rooted out. Pride is the most hidden, secret, and deceitful of all lusts--and often creeps insensibly into the midst of religion, even, sometimes, under the disguise of humility itself!
Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
FOR STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS
God always gives us strength enough, and sense enough, for every thing that He wants us to do.... John Ruskin (1819-1900)
2 Cor 12:9 (NRSV) but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Psa 28:7 (NRSV) The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Psa 138:3 (NRSV) On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.
Psa 46:1 (NRSV) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Eph 6:10 (NRSV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.
1 Pet 4:11 (NRSV) Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen."O Lord, in the morning I will direct my prayer to You."
"My strength is made perfect in weakness."—2 Cor. 12:9
O high and mighty God, inhabiting eternity, draw near to a poor unworthy sinner, who ventures anew this morning to approach the footstool of Your throne. Give me now the gracious aids of Your gracious Spirit, that out of much weakness I may be made strong. It is Your own gracious assurance, that "those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." I would rely on the faithfulness of a promising God. May my own utter emptiness drive me to all fullness. May my own conscious weakness wean me from all earthly props, and confidences, and refuges, to "abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
Lord, I confess this day with shame and confusion of face my many infirmities, my coldness and lukewarmness, my distrust of Your providence, my insensibility to Your Love, my murmuring at Your dealings, my tampering with sin, my resisting of Your grace. How often, like the slender reed, have I bent before the blast of temptation, my best resolutions proving "as the morning cloud and the early dew!"
And yet gracious Father, You have not broken "the bruised reed"—You have not "quenched the smoking flax." I am here this morning a marvel to myself that You are still sparing me. "Your ways are not as man's ways." Had it been so, You would long since have grown weary. But it is the prerogative of the everlasting God that "He faints not, neither is weary." You are this morning giving me fresh grants of mercy, renewed proofs and tokens of unmerited love. I am receiving "at the Lord's hand double for all my sins."
I rejoice to know, blessed Jesus, it is Your burdened ones You have specially promised "gently to lead." You will conduct me by no rougher road than is necessary. "Undertake for me." May the wilderness journey be this day resumed and renewed with a more simple, and childlike, and habitual leaning on You. Put this new song into my mouth, "The Lord is my Rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust." Say to me, in the midst of my weakness, "Fear not, you worm Jacob." With the pillar of Your presence ever before me, "I will go from strength to strength."
Keep me this day from sin. May no evil thoughts, or vain imaginings, or deceitful lusts, obtrude on my walk with God. May an affecting sense of how frail I am, keep me near the atoning sacrifice. May the "horns of the altar" ever be in sight. Blessed Jesus, my helpless soul would hang, every moment upon You.
Look down in Your kindness on all connected with me by ties of earthly kindred. May the blessing of the God of Bethel rest on every heart and household I love. May we all be journeying Zionwards, and be so weaned from earth as to feel that Zionwards is homewards. If pursuing different paths, and separated, it may be, far from one another, may the journey have one blessed and happy termination. May we meet in glory, and meet with You. And all I ask is for the Redeemer's sake. Amen.
"Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for in You do I trust."
By John MacDuff, 1852.
2 Cor 12:9 (NRSV) but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Psa 28:7 (NRSV) The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Psa 138:3 (NRSV) On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.
Psa 46:1 (NRSV) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Eph 6:10 (NRSV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.
1 Pet 4:11 (NRSV) Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen."O Lord, in the morning I will direct my prayer to You."
"My strength is made perfect in weakness."—2 Cor. 12:9
O high and mighty God, inhabiting eternity, draw near to a poor unworthy sinner, who ventures anew this morning to approach the footstool of Your throne. Give me now the gracious aids of Your gracious Spirit, that out of much weakness I may be made strong. It is Your own gracious assurance, that "those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." I would rely on the faithfulness of a promising God. May my own utter emptiness drive me to all fullness. May my own conscious weakness wean me from all earthly props, and confidences, and refuges, to "abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
Lord, I confess this day with shame and confusion of face my many infirmities, my coldness and lukewarmness, my distrust of Your providence, my insensibility to Your Love, my murmuring at Your dealings, my tampering with sin, my resisting of Your grace. How often, like the slender reed, have I bent before the blast of temptation, my best resolutions proving "as the morning cloud and the early dew!"
And yet gracious Father, You have not broken "the bruised reed"—You have not "quenched the smoking flax." I am here this morning a marvel to myself that You are still sparing me. "Your ways are not as man's ways." Had it been so, You would long since have grown weary. But it is the prerogative of the everlasting God that "He faints not, neither is weary." You are this morning giving me fresh grants of mercy, renewed proofs and tokens of unmerited love. I am receiving "at the Lord's hand double for all my sins."
I rejoice to know, blessed Jesus, it is Your burdened ones You have specially promised "gently to lead." You will conduct me by no rougher road than is necessary. "Undertake for me." May the wilderness journey be this day resumed and renewed with a more simple, and childlike, and habitual leaning on You. Put this new song into my mouth, "The Lord is my Rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust." Say to me, in the midst of my weakness, "Fear not, you worm Jacob." With the pillar of Your presence ever before me, "I will go from strength to strength."
Keep me this day from sin. May no evil thoughts, or vain imaginings, or deceitful lusts, obtrude on my walk with God. May an affecting sense of how frail I am, keep me near the atoning sacrifice. May the "horns of the altar" ever be in sight. Blessed Jesus, my helpless soul would hang, every moment upon You.
Look down in Your kindness on all connected with me by ties of earthly kindred. May the blessing of the God of Bethel rest on every heart and household I love. May we all be journeying Zionwards, and be so weaned from earth as to feel that Zionwards is homewards. If pursuing different paths, and separated, it may be, far from one another, may the journey have one blessed and happy termination. May we meet in glory, and meet with You. And all I ask is for the Redeemer's sake. Amen.
"Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for in You do I trust."
By John MacDuff, 1852.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
ABSOLUTE PREDESTINATION
Some folks are so gifted with words. I find myself listening more and more or reading more and more to those that are profoundly knowledegable. Those from the past and those from the present....Enjoy
"Absolute Predestination"(Jerome Zanchius, 1516-1590)
Without a due sense of predestination, we shall lack the surest and the most powerful inducement to patience, resignation and dependence on God under every spiritual and temporal affliction. How sweet must the following considerations be to a distressed believer! (1) There most certainly exists an almighty, all-wise and infinitely gracious God.(2) He has given me in times past, and is giving me at present (if I had but eyes to see it), many and signal intimations of His love to me--both in a way of providence and grace. (3) This love of His is immutable; He never repents of it nor withdraws it. (4) Whatever comes to pass in time, is the result of His will from everlasting, consequently(5) my afflictions were a part of His original plan, and are all ordered in number, weight and measure. (6) The very hairs of my head are (every one) counted by Him, nor can a single hair fall to the ground but in consequence of His determination. Hence (7) my distresses are not the result of chance, accident or a fortuitous combination of circumstances, but (8) the providential accomplishment of God's purpose, and (9) designed to answer some wise and gracious ends, nor (10) shall my affliction continue a moment longer than God sees fit. (11) He who brought me to it, has promised to support me under it, and to carry me through it. (12) All shall, most assuredly, work together for His glory and my good, therefore (13) "The cup which my heavenly Father has given me to drink, shall I not drink it?" Yes, I will, in the strength He imparts, even rejoice in tribulation. I will commit myself and the event to Him, whose purpose cannot be overthrown, whose plan cannot be disconcerted; and who, whether I am resigned or not, will still go on to work all things after the counsel of His own will.
"Absolute Predestination"(Jerome Zanchius, 1516-1590)
Without a due sense of predestination, we shall lack the surest and the most powerful inducement to patience, resignation and dependence on God under every spiritual and temporal affliction. How sweet must the following considerations be to a distressed believer! (1) There most certainly exists an almighty, all-wise and infinitely gracious God.(2) He has given me in times past, and is giving me at present (if I had but eyes to see it), many and signal intimations of His love to me--both in a way of providence and grace. (3) This love of His is immutable; He never repents of it nor withdraws it. (4) Whatever comes to pass in time, is the result of His will from everlasting, consequently(5) my afflictions were a part of His original plan, and are all ordered in number, weight and measure. (6) The very hairs of my head are (every one) counted by Him, nor can a single hair fall to the ground but in consequence of His determination. Hence (7) my distresses are not the result of chance, accident or a fortuitous combination of circumstances, but (8) the providential accomplishment of God's purpose, and (9) designed to answer some wise and gracious ends, nor (10) shall my affliction continue a moment longer than God sees fit. (11) He who brought me to it, has promised to support me under it, and to carry me through it. (12) All shall, most assuredly, work together for His glory and my good, therefore (13) "The cup which my heavenly Father has given me to drink, shall I not drink it?" Yes, I will, in the strength He imparts, even rejoice in tribulation. I will commit myself and the event to Him, whose purpose cannot be overthrown, whose plan cannot be disconcerted; and who, whether I am resigned or not, will still go on to work all things after the counsel of His own will.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
