Christ Is

“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.” Colossians 1:19

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Biblical wisdom is the simple that probes and comprehends the complex, not the simplistic that ignores the complex.

Sure, Bible-sounding concepts can be made as simplistic and reductionistic as the worst pop psychology. And non-biblical concepts can quickly turn into labyrinths of complexity…

Christ, on the other hand, is simple, yet he speaks into every nuance. He imparts to us a simple gaze and clear thinking, letting us ponder every variation and ambiguity without losing our bearings. He teaches us how to be properly agnostic and self-critical, and yet to be valiant for truth. He forms in us an unwavering redemptive agenda and an indestructible hope, letting us enter any life, no matter how confused, sordid, anguished, violent, addicted, or terrified. He teaches us how to feel properly weak and overwhelmed, and yet to walk confidently.

David Powlison
Speaking Truth in Love: Counsel in Community

HT: Renewing Thoughts

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Admire Whom?

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17

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“Man’s basic problem is preoccupation with self. In the final analysis, every sin results from preoccupation with self. We sin because we are totally selfish, totally devoted to ourselves, rather than to God and to others.” –John MacArthur

…

Jesus has a cure for our preoccupation with self and our incessant hunger to be properly validated:

“Will any one of you who has a servant…  thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.” Luke 17:7-10

This doesn’t sound fair, does it? We deserve recognition for a job well done. We even want recognition for thanking and praising others! We want praise for just about everything we do because it feels so good when we get it. I know! I also claim to know that God is the only one who deserves all honor and praise. The two don’t mix.

The god – who – serves – ME  requires flattery, not worship. –Tom Wells

“If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”

Why do people aggravate us so much? Why do we feel so underappreciated? Might it be that our focus is on our own ease and agenda? Co-workers, spouses, children, strangers… aggravate us! The cheek we are to offer up is our own cheek. It hurts!

Sometimes we try to soothe ourselves by saying, “Ah, don’t take it so personally!” Good point, don’t! Instead, take it godly; direct your focus to trusting God and serving others.

Turn the other cheek and give him your coat also. Why? because he is sinning against your heavenly Father, who is yet merciful and patient! Walk the extra mile because you love Christ who has walked in excruciating pain, carrying the weight of all our sins as His own!

And what will be our reward? We will be perfect, as our heavenly Father is perfect!

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Mattew 5:38-48

Why do I always have to be the one? After all I’ve done? Why can’t things ever go right for me? You’d think I’d deserve better than this by now! Sound familiar? Do we ever stop to consider that we have already been given much better than we deserve for all we’ve done; that things have gone right countless of times in spite of our going and being wrong?

If we lack wisdom or understanding, God promises to provide it. If we lack worldly goods or even the best of health, we need to stop and look at what we do have—life everlasting in Christ Jesus! We’ve already been given a better hope, a better promise, a better place, and better and lasting possessions!

Consider God’s tender mercies sustaining us, His loving providence supplying us with every good and perfect gift! If we lack recognition or approval from others—or worse, if we are scorned or ridiculed—let us praise the One who makes us holy and who rejoices over us with singing! We deserve none of it, and yet we want more. Oh, that we would want more and more of Him!

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

We know this, don’t we? We understand that salvation is a gift from God, that we could not contribute even the slightest thought or thing because we were dead in sin. We agree wholeheartedly that we can not, dare not brag here. Friends, we can’t brag anywhere!

“For we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

Even our good works are not ours to boast in! These also are a gift from God, prepared beforehand! We can’t take any credit even if we obediently walk in them, because we should walk in them. Paul doesn’t add, “if you feel like it, or when it’s convenient for you.” (Look at Luke 17:10 again!)

When we love and seek God first and then others and lastly our selves, then all will be well and we shall be happy, right? No!! Then, we will be holy and God will be happy! because He has already given us all of Himself!

Great peace, joy and content, such as exceeds all our earthly understanding, fill our hearts whenever we focus on loving God and others. Yet even this is a gift of God’s great grace. Oh God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED
translated by Joseph Morris

Rough our way and dark the night,
Strong our foes but small our might,
Prone to droop our faithless mind,
Life before, but death behind:
Sing we as we journey on,
—”Christon EstaurOmenon!”

Friends are few nor can they heal
Sorrows which we deepest feel;
And when needed most forsake:
Unto Jesus we’ll betake,
Breathing oft, while toiling on,
—”Christon EstaurOmenon!”

When of every joy bereft,
Nought but broken idols left,
Lone we lie upon the earth,
Strangers long to thought of mirth;
Then we’ll sigh though weeping on,
—”Christon EstaurOmenon!”

Bleeds our heart the world to see,
Chained by guilt in misery;
We would heal our brother’s woes,
Break his fetters, bind his foes:
We will cry, while passing on,
—”Christon EstaurOmenon!”

When our Home shall shine in sight,
When our fears are lost in light,
When we hear the summons given,
“Bring my way-worn ones to heaven!”
We will shout, while wafted on,
—”Christon EstaurOmenon!”

In that perfect world above,—
Perfect light and perfect love,
At HIS feet our crowns we’ll cast,
And while heaven itself shall last,
Swell the anthem ever on,
—”Christon EstaurOmenon!”

“Christon EstaurOmenon” — “Christ Crucified”
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There is great peace and joy, such as exceeds all our earthly understanding, whenever we focus on loving God and others. Yet even this is a gift of God’s great grace!

Thank you for reading!

Seek First To Please God

“Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?” Isaiah 2:22

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Remember that the favour and pleasing of man is one of your snares, that would prevail against your pleasing God: therefore watch against the danger of it, as you must do against other earthly things.

Consider what a slavery you choose… What a task have men-pleasers! they have as many masters as beholders! No wonder if it take them off from the service of God.

Remember what a life of unquietness and continual vexation you choose, if you place your peace or happiness in the good will or word of man. — To engage yourselves in so great cares, when you are sure to be disappointed… You dwell among a world of ulcerated, selfish, contradictory, mutable, unpleasable minds, and yet you cannot endure their displeasure.

Remember still that the pleasing of God is your business in the world, and that in pleasing him your souls may have safety, rest, and full content, though all the world should be displeased with you. God is enough for you…  If the pleasing of him does not satisfy you, though men, though good men, though all men should be displeased with you, I know not how or when you will be satisfied.

The Advantages of Pleasing God Rather than Men

1. If you seek first to please God and are satisfied therein, you have but one to please instead of multitudes; and a multitude of masters are hardlier pleased than one.
2. And it is one that putteth upon you nothing that is unreasonable, for quantity or quality.
3. And one that is perfectly wise and good, not liable to misunderstand your case and actions.
4. And one that is most holy, and is not pleased in iniquity or dishonesty.
5. And he is one that is impartial and most just, and is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34)
6. And he is one that is a competent judge, that hath fitness and authority, and is acquainted with your hearts, and every circumstance and reason of your actions.
7. And he is one that perfectly agreeth with himself, and putteth you not upon contradictions or impossibilities.
8. And he is one that is constant and unchangeable; and is not pleased with one thing to-day, and another contrary to-morrow; nor with one person this year, whom he will be weary of the next.
9. And he is one that is merciful, and requireth you not to hurt yourselves to please him: nay, he is pleased with nothing of thine but that which tendeth to thy happiness, and displeased with nothing but that which hurts thyself or others, as a father that is displeased with his children when they defile or hurt themselves.
10. He is gentle, though just, in his censures of thee; judging truly, but not with unjust rigour, nor making your actions worse than they are.
11. He is one that is not subject to the passions of men, which blind their minds, and carry them to injustice.
12. He is one that will not be moved by tale-bearers, whisperers, or false accusers, nor can be perverted by any misinformation.

~ Richard Baxter (1615 – 1691)
(Excerpts of Directions Against Inordinate Man-pleasing
Source: puritansermons.com

 

Thank you for reading!

The Fog Has Lifted: Now What?

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

It was very foggy today. Much of the fog has lifted and I thank God for it! Fog is dangerous, clarity most precious!

“Be all that God wants you to be!” is the call for many this new year. In years past, it was the call that had me bound in fetters of great confusion and painful disappointments. I was to find that special something, to flourish and to prosper, to leave the commonplace and to find my special calling. Thank God for rescuing me!

The fog was lifted–the ugly idol with its poisonous fangs laid bare! The fog’s promised favor was Covet’s insatiably ungrateful child and its god a mere image carved from the minds of discontented prideful men, powerful only in its deception, powerful only in its sinfulness, yet unmistakably dead!

They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” Exodus 32:8

Here is something that I’ve not seen until just this past year: The Second Commandment is not a mere continuation of the First, “You shall have no other gods before me” but a stern warning not to lean on our own understanding or abilities. The second command is not just dealing with other gods but a false (human) version of the one true God.

“These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” Those molten pieces of gold; that ensuing calf was not just some other god but the gods who brought them up out of Egypt. God was reduced to their human understanding, no longer their Creator and LORD but a creature-created idol. Yes, even today–especially today, God’s words still ring loud and clear:

I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. Isaiah 42:8

But I am the LORD your God, [who brought you] out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me. Hosea 13:4

Thank God, the fog has lifted! Now what? What are we to be and what are we to do? If you’re still searching for a New Year’s resolution, one that is biblical and pleasing to the Lord, pick this one: “Be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:15, 16)

“But that’s impossible!”

We’ve just carved another god, one that is incapable of finishing the good work he has begun. We must not do this! Come with me to 2 Peter, chapter one, and see that “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”

Who makes us holy? Not our efforts or resolutions, but God Himself and our knowledge of Him! We cannot become holy by the pulling up of our own bootstraps, but we can know Him and through that knowledge become more and more holy. How do we know Him? We know God by reading and studying His Word–His true revelation! God sanctifies us by His Truth–His Word! (John 17:17)

Reading should not be too hard, yet it is! Don’t despair, God increases our hunger and understanding if we but ask. And asking should not be too hard, but it is!  Yet, even here, God grants us the desire to know Him more! (Ezekiel 36:26, Jeremiah 24:7, Philippians 2:13, James 1:5,  Matthew 7:7, John 14:13, 15:16, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 54:4)

Let us praise Him! Let us be ‘Holy unto the Lord’!

“On that day even the harness bells of the horses will be inscribed with these words: ‘Holiness unto the Lord.’“ Zechariah 14:20

We are to write on all that we ARE, on all that we HAVE — “Holy unto the Lord!” We are no longer to live unto ourselves — but unto Him who loved us, and gave Himself up for us. We are to have…
holy thoughts,
holy desires,
holy motives,
holy aims,
holy pleasures,
holy sorrows, and
pursue holy objects.

See then, what we should BE — holy. This was God’s end in our election, redemption, and effectual calling. This is God’s design in all our trials, troubles, and exercises; they are for our profit — that “we may be partakers of His holiness.”

See also what we should DO — write, “Holy unto the Lord!” on all we possess. We have no right to possess, use, or wear — anything on which we cannot write, “Holy unto the Lord!”

Christian, is there anything in your house, in your business, or on your person, on which it would not be fitting to write, “Holy unto the Lord?” If so — ought you to possess it, practice it, or wear it?

Would such an inscription look well on some of our costly furniture, fine clothing, or entertainments? Would it? Do not shun the question — but let conscience take it up, examine, and return an honest answer.

We should use all that we have — as consecrated to Jehovah’s service and praise —
our mental powers,
our physical strength,
our wealth,
our abilities,
our possessions
— all should be used for God, and for His glory!

When about to employ any of these, we should pause, and ask, “Will putting them to this use honor God? Will it serve His cause? Will it bring praise to His most holy name?”

All who see us, dwell with us, or visit us — should be able to perceive that we have written upon all we have and are, “Holy unto the Lord.” Until they can, we are not what we ought to be — and God’s end in what He has done for us, and conferred upon us, is not answered.

Brethren, what cause for humiliation, have we! How low before God we ought to lie! What deep and heart-felt repentance should we exercise! Can we look back — and not be sorry that we have been so unholy? Can we look within — and not be sorry that we are so unholy? Can we look around — and not grieve, that there are so few evidences of holiness in our present circumstances? Surely, if we saw things aright, if we felt aright — we would sigh and cry unto God, that He would forgive our past unholiness, and beseech Him to sanctify us wholly — and preserve us, body, soul, and spirit, unblamable unto the day of Christ!

Spirit of holiness, come down and by the finger of Your power — write, “Holiness unto the Lord!” upon our hearts! Enable us, as the effect, to write upon all we have and are, upon all that we purpose, plan, and do — “Holiness unto the Lord!” in large and pleasing characters, such as all may understand!

~James Smith, 1865

Read the entire article here

Will we reflect and not fool ourselves? Will we look ahead and ask for a deeper hunger to know and to love God more that we may be increasingly holy in all our ways? It is possible because we serve not an idol that disappoints but the one true God who is able, faithful, and true!

Thank you for reading!

True Gratitude: A Gift

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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“If You’re Going to Have an Attitude, Make it One of Gratitude” was a banner in my classroom, a constant reminder to give thanks in all things. Gratitude beautifies. It seeks the sun amidst the clouds. It reminds us that morning always follows night and that God’s word and promises can be trusted. Gratitude reminds us that there is better ahead, and that the best is yet to come!

Then why does it seem so hard to feel grateful at times?

Complaining seems so much easier, more natural. Was I born with an ungrateful attitude or did I acquire it? Might I unlearn my ingratitude by practicing gratitude (especially during Thanksgiving)?

I am thankful for…

…the mess to clean up after a party
because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
…the taxes I pay
because it means that I’m employed.
…the clothes that fit a little too snug
because it means I have enough to eat.
…my shadow who watches me work
because it means I am out in the sunshine.
…the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot
because it means I am capable of walking.
…all the complaining I hear about our government
because it means we have freedom of speech.
…that lady behind me in church who sings off key
because it means that I can hear.
…lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning
and gutters that need fixing
because it means I have a home.
…my huge heating bill
because it means that I am warm.
…weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day
because it means that I have been productive.
…the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours
because it means that I am alive.

“I am Thankful” by Nancy J. Carmody, Family Circle, 11/99)

Ah, yes, that’s it! Or is it? It’s really not that simple!

According to God’s word, I was born with an ungrateful attitude. I was born in sin, thoroughly equipped with selfishness, discontent, ingratitude, envy, rebellious pride and more. True gratitude can’t be acquired. It’s God’s gift of grace through Christ and a result of regeneration.

Without this gift I can be selfishly, enviously, rebelliously and pridefully grateful. Look again. While the list does contain so very much to be thankful for, it still seems lacking. What if I didn’t have all these things? What then would I be thankful for? What would take their place?

With God’s awesome gift of grace, however, gratitude becomes more than just an effort to turn a frown upside down. With God’s help, gratitude really does beautify things! Roses were once tainted by thorns but now these same thorns are adorned with roses! Attitudes become gratitude not because of a banner, list, or holiday but as the result of a true change of heart!

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26

A new attitude of gratitude:

Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The LORD executes righteousness
He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children,
So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

The LORD has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.

Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
Bless the LORD, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Psalm 103

Thank you for reading, and may your Thanksgiving be richly filled with God’s grace, truth, and beauty through Christ!

Thanksgiving: Autumn, Apples and Able Arms

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

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I ran across this acrostic in a magazine while visiting grandma Dot in the nursing home.

In my heart today, I bow before Calvary’s cross to give thanks for the…

Thorns that tore through the brow of the Savior while His
Hands held fast to Roman wood in a beautiful
Anthem of praise to the Father. And now, because of this
Nail-pierced faith, I can understand a little of what the
Knowledge of the Holy means. It is especially now that I am reminded of the
Servant’s total sacrifice, which made it possible to receive His
Grace-delivered forgiveness. His
Incredible act of love gives a
Vivid view of heaven where the King of Kings is still
Interceding for us, so that
Nothing keeps us silent to His voice or disobedient to His call to
Go tell the story of new life in Christ forever.

-Woodrow E. Fletcher

After savoring the richness of these words, Dot and I then played a Thanksgiving game by naming as many thanksgiving-worthy things as possible while going through the entire alphabet. My only regret is that I didn’t record it!

Autumn, apples, angels, atonement, arms, ability…

Beds, blankets, blessings, boys, beginnings…

Christ, creation, cookies, choir…

Dot, days, dreams, daisies, desires…

It was quite a lot of fun because we discovered a whole slew of things to be thankful for like evenings, friendship, goodness, hands, ice cream, joy, knowledge, laughter, music, newness, old age, peace, quiet, rest, salvation, togetherness, understanding, vision, warmth, xylophones, you, zeal… just to name a few. At times we’d get stumped and then blurt out a word like “keys” just to discover how much we appreciate keys.

 

Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Revelation 7:11-13

Thanks for reading!

Ye People, Be Glad for Five Kernels of Corn!

“I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13

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Five Kernels of Corn!

by Hezekiah Butterworth

‘Twas the year of the famine in Plymouth of old,
The ice and the snow from the thatched roofs had rolled;
Through the warm purple skies steered the geese o’er the seas,
And the woodpeckers tapped in the clocks of the trees;
And the boughs on the slopes to the south winds lay bare,
and dreaming of summer, the buds swelled in the air.
The pale Pilgrims welcomed each reddening morn;
There were left but for rations Five Kernels of Corn.
Five Kernels of Corn!
Five Kernels of Corn!
But to Bradford a feast were Five Kernels of Corn!

“Five Kernels of Corn! Five Kernels of Corn!
Ye people, be glad for Five Kernels of Corn!”
So Bradford cried out on bleak Burial Hill,
And the thin women stood in their doors, white and still.
“Lo, the harbor of Plymouth rolls bright in the Spring,
The maples grow red, and the wood robins sing,
The west wind is blowing, and fading the snow,
And the pleasant pines sing, and arbutuses blow.
Five Kernels of Corn!
Five Kernels of Corn!
To each one be given Five Kernels of Corn!”

O Bradford of Austerfield hast on thy way,
The west winds are blowing o’er Provincetown Bay,
The white avens bloom, but the pine domes are chill,
And new graves have furrowed Precisioners’ Hill!
“Give thanks, all ye people, the warm skies have come,
The hilltops are sunny, and green grows the holm,
And the trumpets of winds, and the white March is gone,
Five Kernels of Corn!
Five Kernels of Corn!
Ye have for Thanksgiving Five Kernels of Corn!

“The raven’s gift eat and be humble and pray,
A new light is breaking and Truth leads your way;
One taper a thousand shall kindle; rejoice
That to you has been given the wilderness voice!”
O Bradford of Austerfield, daring the wave,
And safe through the sounding blasts leading the brave,
Of deeds such as thine was the free nation born,
And the festal world sings the “Five Kernels of Corn.”
Five Kernels of Corn!
Five Kernels of Corn!
The nation gives thanks for Five Kernels of Corn!

…

Start this Thanksgiving by serving everyone just 5 kernels of corn and reading Hezekiah Butterworth’s poem Five Kernels of Corn. Invite everyone to recite 5 things for which they are especially thankful, as they lift each kernel of corn, to help ignite a greater understanding of gratitude and true contentment! The rest of your meal will taste better than ever, I promise.

Our true strength comes not from food alone but from our Savior, the risen Christ, our Lord!

Thank you for reading!

God’s Sovereignty

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Phil 4:6

…

I’m afraid that many believers trust in Christ for their atonement, but fail to trust Him in everything else! Churches have turned from faith-building assemblies to self-building training centers, talking and singing about God’s power through Christ while tightening the bootstraps of self-reliance. Sermons in the name of Jesus no longer point to Jesus but systems! Advice from pastors, counselors, books, lessons, sermons and testimonies no longer strengthen faith in Christ but replace it! And we wonder why we’re still anxious, confused, overwhelmed and exhausted.

When we shift our focus from faith in God to faith in self and others, God and His sovereignty become small while people and their solutions get bigger! We lose track of God’s grace and start chasing after man-made assignments! “Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?” Isaiah 2:22

What is our God-given purpose? GOD IS! In God we live and move and have our being! We are to love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind; and others as ourselves. We are to do everything, whether in word or deed, in gratitude to the glory of God. We are to act justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God. (ref)

But we fail miserably if we do not serve with the strength that God provides. We can neither live for God effectively nor delight in serving Him if we do not lean fully on Christ in FAITH! “Let God be true, but every man a liar,” even if it contradicts everything that has ever made sense to us! (ref)

As believers we do not have to struggle alone if we are yoked to Christ first and foremost. My identity is found in Christ and only in Him, not in my ‘self’ or others. Cooperation with God in obedience to His word is not burdensome but light, whereas all our many righteous acts without Him are like filthy rags. (ref)

I shudder at the following statement: “If things are not right, don’t blame God. You’ve been sowing bad seed!” This gross generalization can be horribly misunderstood and it shrouds God’s sovereignty! Bad seeds are bad choices–sin–but they do not always cause bad things!

Paul did not sow bad seed when he repeatedly faced death! (He probably enjoyed many more comforts while he was still Saul than after his conversion!) Paul did not miss his great assignment when he was imprisoned, flogged, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, adrift in the open sea, sleep-deprived, hungry, thirsty, cold, naked, and in danger from bandits, false brothers, gentiles and even his own countrymen! (ref)

Paul’s great assignment was to die to self (all of it, including his self-esteem) and to live unto Christ! God willed his hardships and weaknesses to make him strong in Christ and to keep him from pride. Flogged and imprisoned, Paul and Silas sang hymns of praise! They didn’t sing the blues! (ref)

Chastening and hardships are God’s gift of grace to us! Christ came to give us life–life more abundant–yes, but HIS abundance of peace, courage, patience, perseverance, faith and much, much more–not worthless, self-serving creature comforts and conveniences!

God’s Sovereignty vs Man’s Grand Plans

In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest Paul. However, Paul was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands. (2 cor 11:32-33)

At an abortion clinic of Los Angeles County Gianna was awaiting her death sentence but was born ALIVE!

God’s sovereign plan had changed everyone else’s plans for Paul and Gianna! God’s sovereign plan is always at work, always changing someone’s plans, and nothing can ever thwart it! God’s sovereign plan never fails; we can trust Him with our lives! (ref)

Why does God allow what He allows? Listen to Gianna and see how in all of her trials God receives praise and glory through Jesus Christ. Gianna’s story is far more than a pro-life pitch, it’s a pro-Christ exaltation!

I know that I am in a government building… and I know that it is not at all politically correct to say the name of Jesus Christ in places like this, to bring Him in to these sorts of meetings because His name can make people so terribly uncomfortable. But I didn’t survive so I could make everyone comfortable. I survived so I could stir things up a bit…

How much are you willing to take and how much are you willing to risk to speak the truth in love and graciousness, and stand up and at least be willing to be hated? Or at the end of the day is it all about you…?

You see, I’ve been hated since conception by so many, and loved by so many more, but most especially by God.

Gianna was diagnosed with what she calls the gift of cerebral palsy, which was caused directly by the lack of oxygen she received while trying to survive.

Ladies and gentlemen there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us. And when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses. The Lord looks after them, but you are the one that will suffer forever…

Don’t you realize that you cannot make your own heart beat? Don’t you realize that all the power that you think you possess, you really possess none of it? It is the mercy of God that sustains you, even when you hate Him…

I fall gracefully sometimes and very ungracefully at other times depending on the situation, but I consider it all for the glory of God. You see, ladies and gentlemen, I am weaker than most of you but this is my sermon, and what a small price to pay to be able to blaze through the world like I do, to offer hope…

And I think in our misunderstanding of the way things work, we misunderstand how beautiful suffering can be. I don’t willingly sign up for it, but when it comes we forget–we forget that God is in control, and God has a way of making the most miserable thing beautiful.

After reminding the men, women, and politicians of their basic God-given moral responsibilities, Gianna then asks the ultimate question and gives its only solution:

What sort of man do you want to be, a man obsessed with your own glory, or a man obsessed with the glory of God? It’s time to take a stand. This is your hour. God will assist you. God will be with you. You have the opportunity to glorify and honor God…

Some of you might be slightly annoyed that all I keep doing is talking about God and Jesus, but how on earth can I walk about–limping through this world–and not give all my heart and mind and soul and strength to the Christ who gave me life. So if you think I’m a fool, it’s just another jewel in my crown. My whole intent of living here is to make God smile!

Could she have a better purpose? Gianna does not have self-esteem, she has God-esteem even if she should fall ungracefully or be considered a fool by unbelievers! Gianna has acknowledged God’s irrefutable sovereignty and grace and Christ’s powerful mercies more during her speech in a government building than most pastors do in their Sunday sermons at church!

Thank you for visiting!

Petra

Weekly Gem!

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!” Psalm 139:23

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This Week’s Gem…

is not a recommended article but a confession of poor time management and less than adequate discernment. In my pursuit of finding weekly gems, I’ve become careless of how I use God’s gift of time and discernment. There are edifying and Christ-glorifying gems to be found, but I will share them more carefully and more prayerfully rather than weekly.

Thank you for your time and willingness to leave encouraging and meaningful feedback. It means much! May our good Lord meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Petra

Christ, The Just And The Justifier

“The sting of death is sin.” 1 Cor. !5:15

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Who has not felt the paralyzing sting of guilt? For the accuser delights to devour us afresh with new onslaughts of regret, to discourage us and to render us useless by bringing alive again and again our sinful pasts and present failures… as he waits and wishes to sift us as wheat.

Do we realize that the biggest sting of death–death of joy, courage, love, peace, and prosperity–is the cancerous effect of sin? Oh, let us retrace our steps back to the cross and see the One who has satisfied the dept fully, once and for all!

How effective would we be if we were free from guilt, if we really knew and truly believed Christ and what He has done? Let’s take a look…

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished.” Acts 4:13

“Since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” 2 Cor. 3:12

What is life without guilt? Life that knows and trusts Christ is a life of unhindered and fruitful labor; it’s a life of courage, perseverance, peace and joy; it’s a life full of God’s unspeakable riches and glory even under trials and persecutions!

“It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!”

Because of his trust and faith, Paul can be confident and courageous even in the face of the unknown! Christ’s sacrifice was, is and always will be sufficient and complete – really!

Even before the cross, Jesus’ message was that of redemption.

“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her…  when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.”

What happens next is priceless! The woman is alone with Jesus–the only one who was truly without sin–the only one who rightly could have hurled the first stone at her! What does He do?

Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?

She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” John 8:9-11

“Neither do I condemn you!” Hold onto these words with me until they ring irrefutably true and evermore loud and clear! These words spell love–the love that Christ took to the cross with Him, where He accomplished the greatest feat ever! The propitiation of our sins!

“He (Christ Himself) is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:2

Friends, let us mount up with wings like eagles and soar to God’s will, and bring glory to Him whom glory is due, and let us not be ashamed!

“So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: “I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is there I shall be also!”
— Martin Luther

And, will you pray for me, as I pray for you? I will yet sin, but Love of my soul, how could I do so willfully or wistfully–how could I?

A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

Thank you for reading!

Petra