Look to Jesus and Marvel - Part 581

In order to believe, we need to have faith. Why? Because as the Bible states, faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. Without faith, it is impossible to please our Lord God and Saviour. For he or she that comes to Jesus must first believe that He is. That our Almighty King -- Jesus is the rewarder of all them that diligently seek Him.

Further, faith is a gift. It is in this context that Jesus has given to every one of us a measure of faith. Faith comes by hearing and the hearing by the Word. The Word -- Jesus. (I John 5:7) Faith is not something that we can conjure up in our minds. If it were, then faith would be akin to works. But the scriptures repeatedly state that faith is not of works but a gift. To obtain that gift, all we have to do is believe. Only believe. 

Don't be like the fool today who has said in his heart that there is no God. Look around - touch and see that the Almighty -- the same Almighty who created us in the beginning and then later as an act of love for His people shed His Holy Spirit blood on the cross for our transgressions --  is everywhere. Look at the flowers in the fields, the fruits on the trees and the harvest in the fields. 

Most of all, look to Jesus. He is the great I AM, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. In the beginning God. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Let the Word -- Jesus -- arise in your heart today. Hear His whisper saying, "Look to me all you people for I AM the Lord your God. Beside me there is no Saviour." Stand in the offering plate. 

There is Nothing Like Jesus - Part 580

Jesus is our stronghold. Jesus is our goodness and our fortress. Our high tower and deliverer in our time of need. Our shield of protection. In Jesus do we trust. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10) His name is Jesus. There is no other name under heaven whereby we can be saved. 

In fact, if we compared Jesus to a tree planted by the waters -- an analogy often used in the Old Testament scriptures ... we can be assured that this tree would spread out its roots far and wide for us. This tree would not see when the heat would come hoping to destroy it or weaken its leaves. Because His focus would be on you and I -- calling us unto Himself, desiring that not one of us would be lost. Indeed, His leaf would remain forever green. The branches forever strong. For Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. This tree would be forever strong, not needing to be careful in the year of drought because He -- Jesus -- would never cease to yield fruit for those who love Him.

This is why in Philippians 3:8, Paul states, "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, counting them as rubbish that I may win Christ." Paul was not just speaking here of personal wealth but rather, that all the gold and silver combined with the wealth of this world could not even begin to measure the abundance of treasure that he had found in Jesus. 

Nothing compares to the love of Jesus. The only wise God our Saviour be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. 

Jesus -- whose divine power has given us everything we need. And godliness through our knowledge of Jesus who called us by His own glory and goodness. Who willingly took our place on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven. Who loved us so much that He would shed His precious blood on the cross so that we might know Him personally.

Even though we don't deserve His grace, Jesus pours it upon those who love Him -- like a waterfall in the desert. Like a river that never stops flowing. Ask Jesus into your life today. Read the scriptures and discover His mercy. Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. (II Peter 1:2) Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Promises Declared - Part 579

James wrote to "count it all joy" because the "trying of your faith worketh patience." But the promises do not end there. Indeed, in James 1:1-12, there are eight promises listed for those who love Jesus. Those individuals who desire Jesus and ask in faith, nothing wavering.

"Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect, and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him [or her] ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." (James 1:4)

Further, let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted. For blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried, he shall receive the "crown of life" which our Lord God and Saviour Jesus has promised to them that love Him.

Joy, patience, wisdom, crown of life, wanting nothing, wisdom, complete (entire), and that "ye may be perfect." And these are only the blessings that James writes about in the scriptures. Remember Jesus' teachings about the sparrow?

In Matthew 6:26, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

Or, in Matthew 10:29, "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father knowing."

Or, in Luke 12:6, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God."

Yes, the same God who holds the universe in the palm of His hands loved us so much that He Himself would become flesh and shed His precious Holy blood on the cross so that we might have His salvation. Jesus declared I AM and He has not changed. Jesus is the same today. He loves us and wants to open the storehouses for those of us who love and desire Him. Ask Jesus into your life today. Stand in the offering plate.

What Must We Do - Part 578

Imagine the scene. Here were 3,000 people in an upper room, hearing about the Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. And they were pricked in their hearts. They wanted to know more about this Lord and Christ whom they had crucified. The same Almighty God who created man and woman in the beginning in Genesis and yet loved them so much that He would become flesh -- as one of us -- and shed His precious Holy Spirit blood on the cross for their salvation. The same Lord and Christ who was going to make their foes thy footstool.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down His life for His friends. (John 15:13)

Therefore let all the house know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. It was He who made a way so that we might be saved when there was no way. Jesus - the only mediator between God and man. Jesus -- who hung in the balance of heaven and earth so that our sins could be forever forgiven.

When these people heard this, they asked the disciples what they should do. Then Peter, standing with the other disciples said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Then they that gladly received the Word were baptized. And the same day there were added unto them about 3.000 souls who continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers. Hitherto, ye have asked nothing in my name: ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)

In other words, these people were rejoicing. Jesus said, these things have I spoken unto you, that in Me, ye might have peace. In the world, ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Ask Jesus into your life today. Take comfort in His peace and love that passeth all understanding. Be of good cheer, believing God that it shall be even as it was told in the upper room. Stand in the offering plate.

We Who Dwelleth in the Secret Place - Part 577

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Not only will He be my refuge but my fortress too. My Lord God and Saviour -- in Him will I trust -- completely because Jesus never fails. If one needs an analogy to explain how good our Lord Jesus is, keep on reading. 

He delivers me from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. It is He that covers me with His feathers, and under His wings shall I trust. His truth is my shield. I will not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day. Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 

^{In the secret place of the most High, I can trust that a} thousand shall fall at my side, and ten thousand at my right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Why? Because I have made the Lord Jesus, who is my refuge, even the most High, my habitation. I have asked Jesus to come into my heart. Indeed, Jesus is my everything. There is nothing that I can do, nor is there any place that I can go that Jesus doesn't already know my needs.

And, as a consequence, no evil shall befall me. Neither shall any plague come near thy dwelling. For He has given his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Because He -- our Lord God and Saviour -- the Most High -- hath set His precious love upon me. Psalms 91 states: "Therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation."

Take time today to dwell in the secret place of Jesus. Be renewed in His strength and peace that passes all understanding. Stand in the offering plate. 

Looking for the River in Jesus- Part 576

I thank my Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ upon every remembrance of you, and in every prayer of mine for you all, making request with joy. For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He which hath began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Colossians chapter one elaborates on this point. Reading chapter one, the scriptures state: "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the Word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you as it is in all the world and brings forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard it, and knew the grace of God in truth."

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. That you might walk worthy in the Lord Jesus, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of Him, strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness.

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dearest beloved Son, in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sin, who is the image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature.

Press in toward Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

The Power of Jesus Prevails - Part 575

Our hope, as we press forward unto the goal, is that Jesus will be magnified in our hearts and soul. In Philippians, Paul invites believers to understand the numerous blessings that Jesus has in store for those who love and desire Him. He encouraged us to "Shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the Word of life."

Further, Paul writes in Philippians, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Why? Because the peace of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds.

In fact Jesus will make your joy complete. (Philippians 2:2)

But not every one desires the grace and freedom that Jesus wants to bestow upon us. Some prefer to remain under the law -- in bondage to men's rules and traditions -- rather than seeking Jesus who by His blood has purchased our sins once and for all.

For example, in Mark 7, the Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem criticized Jesus' disciples. Indeed, seeing some of His disciples eating food with hands that were unclean, that is unwashed, the Pharisees and teachers criticized them.

The reason for this is that the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. When they came from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions too, such as the washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles.

So the Pharisees and teachers of the law ask Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with unclean hands?" He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written, "These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain, their teachings are but rules taught by men."

Jesus told them, "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the tradition of men." And He said unto them, "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions. For Moses said, "Honour your father and your mother. Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death. But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: "Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban (that is a gift devoted to God) then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. Thus, you nullify the Word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

Then Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, "Listen to me everyone, and understand this. Nothing outside a man can make him unclean by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him unclean."

Think about this. Nothing that enters a man from the outside can make that man unclean. Because what enters from the outside doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach and then out of his body. In other words, in this specific example, Jesus was declaring all foods clean. His concern however as He elaborated later to the disciples is that the unclean comes from the inside. In other words, what comes out of a man's mouth is the unclean because what comes forth from the mouth is what men hold dear in their hearts. The innermost thoughts and desires of men and women -- these constitute sin if we choose not to desire Jesus.

This is why we press on toward the goal, that we may be found in Jesus, not having our own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is obtained through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith, that we might know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.

Therefore, like Paul, press on and take hold of His promises for which Christ Jesus took hold of for you and I. Forget what is behind. Crave what lies ahead. Desire Jesus and stand firm in His Word. Stand in the offering plate.

Be Free in Jesus -- Part 574

Hereunto were ye called because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in His steps -- the one who did no sin. His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. By whose stripes we were healed. Jesus -- who when we were as sheep going astray made a way so that we could return unto the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. (I Peter 2:21-25)

The scriptures state that we all -- like sheep -- have gone astray. Indeed, all -- each and every one of us -- have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. As a consequence, we have turned to our own ways and thus, turned away from our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

Nevertheless, the good news is that God -- the same God who created men and women in the beginning loved you and I so much that He wasn't going to leave His creation destitute. Without hope. Without an opportunity to experience the ultimate peace in our hearts that surpasses all understanding. The Bible specifically states "neither will He leave us comfortless."

In fact, God designed a plan of salvation for you and I before the foundations of the world were shaped. He made a way for us to be reconciled to Him before we were even formed in our mother's wombs.

That is, the Word that was in the beginning, the Word that was with God and the Word that was God according to John 1:1-14, became flesh and dwelt among us. Why? So that all of our iniquities and transgressions could be laid upon Him once and for all. Our multitude of sins and countless burdens laid upon Jesus the day He was nailed to the cross. Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords -- who was delivered for our offences was raised again for our justification.

"Before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved, in who we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth; even in Him.

In whom we have obtained an inheritance.

This promise of salvation was not to Abraham, or to his seed through the law. Salvation could only be obtained through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of none effect. Why? Because the law works wrath. Rules that we cannot possibly live up to brings strife and disappointment.

But God knew that where no law exists, there can be no transgression. No guilt that we are not performing enough. How can we know?

Because Jesus paid the price of our salvation once and for all. The precious blood of Jesus was shed so that we could be planted together with Jesus. Planted in the likeness of His death so that we would also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Free from sin by the grace of Jesus who died unto sin once so that we could no longer be under the law but under grace. Being made free from sin, willingly becoming the servants of righteousness.

Therefore, salvation is by faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law but to that also which is of the faith. And being fully persuaded that what God has promised, He is able to perform. Jesus -- the great I AM -- is the same yesterday, today and forever. Stand in the offering plate.

For Ye Shall Go With Joy - Part 573

Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew. like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. (Deuteronomy 32:2) "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not thither but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth the bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I have sent it. For ye shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." (Isaiah 55:10-12) Why would all the trees of the field clap their hands? As it is written, "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." Indeed, He that hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor. It is His grace and righteousness that remains forever. Now He that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food and multiply your seed sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness: being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.  For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God, while by the experiment of this ministration, they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them. and unto all men, and by their prayer for you, which long after you for exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto our Lord God and Saviour Jesus for His unspeakable gift. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Breathes Life Into Us - Part 572

Jesus is the only way. He is the truth. And yes, Jesus is the giver of life eternal. Only Jesus can give you rest that surpasses all understanding.

It is no wonder that under the old covenant, the prophets were continually endeavouring to confirm a date for when the Spirit of Christ - God’s spiritual humanity - would deliver His plan of salvation to the world. Certainly, numerous prophecies in the Old Testament pointed to Jesus becoming the Lamb slain for the world.  

Up until this point in time, God had, using various signs and manners, spoken to our forefathers to convey this message.  Today, in this last dispensation of time, the Spirit of God has spoken to us through our Lord God and Saviour Jesus. The period of time when God who is Spirit stepped forth out of Himself in fashion as a visible spiritual Son so that we might be redeemed unto His power and grace.

But admittedly salvation came at a cost. Indeed, Christ -- the humanity of God -- the Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the end) suffered significantly on the cross. Still, Jesus shed His precious blood so that we -- you and I -- could experience His glory -- the outpouring of God’s Spirit -- which was destined to follow after the crucifixion of God's sinless body -- the Christ. And from the cross, Jesus prayed, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do."

This promise that is for you and your children and all those that are afar off explains why no man knows the mind of the Lord. That no one has been His counsellor.  Therefore, whatever the Spirit of God determines shall surely come to pass. In this context, God is constantly revealing Himself like a scroll, being rolled out gradually down through the ages like a play with many scenes unfolding. God alone orchestrates His hidden plan. 

And thus, it is this God who is Spirit -- that decided (when counselling with Himself) that He was going to create a visible world, a world in creation that will in visible created form be an exact visible image of the invisible world. Similarly, it was this same God who was Spirit that came forth of Himself in visible form as a Son. The beginning of the creation of God being that God the invisible would reveal Himself in a created form. 

This same God then created men and women as earthly images of that form, into which God breathed so that we could become living souls that would rejoice in His Word -- His love -- His peace that passes all understanding. This is why we can never be disappointed when we ask Jesus into our life today. Stand in the offering plate.

Joy Unspeakable in Jesus - Part 571

Jesus made a way for you and I when there was no way. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Jesus Himself said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one cometh to the Father but through me." (John 14:6) Further, Jesus said in John 10:27-28, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give eternal life to them and they will never perish. And no one will snatch them out of my hand."

There is no greater love story than this ... that God who created us in the beginning loved us so much that His decided plan of salvation -- decided before the world was framed -- was to shed His precious blood on the cross so that we could rejoice in His love. So that we could rest in His peace - the peace of Jesus that passes all understanding.

Remember the parables told by Jesus in Matthew 13? The man who found treasure in the field? He originally sought wealth. He had wanted to be rich -- at least that was his mission until he found the ultimate treasure. But when he found this treasure, "in his excitement" the man went and sold all that he had and bought the field. The second parable in Matthew 13 describes the smart merchant man who searched for fine pearls. He was not going to settle for less than the real pearl or, conversely, be deceived into believe that counterfeit pearls would be enough. Indeed, He wanted the pearl of great price. He wanted Jesus who can't be bought with the things of this earth. In fact, there is no amount of money or good works that can purchase salvation. 

The Bible says that "all things are of God who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ." He hath given to us -- you and I -- the ministry of reconciliation. To wit, that God was in Christ -- the fullness of God dwelling bodily in Jesus -- so that the world -- we -- you and I -- could be reconciled back to our Lord God and Saviour Himself, not imputing our trespasses but rather committing unto us the Word of reconciliation.

Why? So that we can become ambassadors for Jesus the Christ who was made sin for us, the one who knew no sin in order that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:18-21) This is the love story that is not told enough. That in the beginning, even before God created man and woman in the Garden, He knew that these human beings -- who He loved so much -- would not have what it takes to save ourselves -- that all men would sin and fall short of the glory of God. This is why God became flesh, willing to shed His precious blood so that we might find the treasure in Him -- His love, His peace and His joy.

“In Jesus, men know and see the Father as they never did before. The cross and the passion of Jesus Christ are the unveiling to the world of the heart of God. It is the dying Christ that reveals the living God ... He is your way to God. See that you seek the Father by Him alone. He is your truth; grapple Him to your hearts, and by patient meditation and continual faithfulness enrich yourselves with all the communicated treasures that you have already received in Him. He is your Life. Cleave to Him that the quick Spirit that was in Him may pass into you and make you victors over all deaths, temporal and eternal." (Alexander McLaren)

And rejoice in this new "confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil. That is, His flesh. And since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19-22). Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus, the Sweetest Name I Know - Part 570

Jesus said, "Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Jesus -- in whom we have redemption through His blood. Jesus - who hath delivered us from the power of darkness. Jesus -- who has translated [us] into the Kingdom. Jesus -- in whom we can be confident we have forgiveness of sins. Jesus -- who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. Jesus -- for by Him were all things created that are in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. Jesus -- all things were created by Him and for Him and He is before all things, and by Him all things exist. Jesus -- in whom it pleased the Father that in Him should all the fullness of the Godhead dwell. (Colossians 1:13-17)

This same Jesus who hung on the cross between heaven and earth -- our Lord God and Saviour who loved us even before the world was formed -- wants to give us rest. His peace. Freedom in His love that surpasses all human understanding.

"This is why it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the of the bondwoman was born after the flesh but he of the freewoman was by promise -- which things are an allegory; for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice thou barren that bears not; break forth and cry, thou hast travails not, for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we brethren as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son; for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman."

So then brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free." (Galatians 4:22-31)

As believers born into the freedom of our Lord and King, Jesus wants to give us His kingdom here on earth -- and fill our lives with His abundance. Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. He wants to bestow upon us His many blessings that until now -- the time of promise that is to you and your children and those who are afar off --  blessings in abundance that the eye hath not seen nor the heart imagined. The goodness of His grace that our Lord God and Saviour has in store for those who love Him and press inward toward Him in their daily journey.

"For if Jesus had given them rest, then would He not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. For He that is entered into His rest, He also hath ceased from His own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest" coming boldly unto the throne of grace, that we might obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:8-11, 16)

Why? Because we do not worship a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Rather, we serve Jesus who was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Indeed, He died for our sins so that we could be set free in the liberty wherein is Christ. This is the same Jesus who wants to live in our hearts today. Rejoice! Stand in the offering plate.

Stand in the Offering Plate - Part 569

"But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you." (Romans 8:11)

The blood that Jesus shed on the cross and His subsequent resurrection is the reason that there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. That we are saved by the precious blood that Jesus shed on the cross. 

Paul in I Corinthians 15 declared that the gospel that he preached, and was received and wherein ye stand,  and have kept in memory how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures and that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures. Peter and the apostles, preaching to the first 3,000 believers confirmed the same message in Acts 2, That is, Jesus was raised to life and they were witnesses of this fact. "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (I Corinthians 15:22)

I Corinthians 15 further elaborates on this point. Beginning in verse 41, "There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon and another glory of the stars, for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.

It is sown a natural body; it is raised in a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual but that which is natural and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.

As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy; and as is he heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption."

And then Paul wrote, "Behold brethren, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet, for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."

Let those that have ears to hear, hear. Note also that the same God who restored Jesus to the throne wants to give you life also. When the first 3,000 in Acts 2 were pricked in their hearts, they asked Peter and the apostles, "What shall we do?"

Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, for the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." Answer His call today. Stand in the offering plate.

Redemption Decided Before the World Was Framed - Part 568

It is for this cause Jesus is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15)  As a consequence, we are now justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is found in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.  (Romans 3:24) 

Jesus' precious blood was shed on the cross so that we -- you and I -- could be justified freely by the grace of Jesus.  Justified even though we were without merit. Justified even though none of us were deserving of His grace. The Bible states that we have all sinned -- each and every one of us -- and fallen short of the glory of God.

This is why God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1-14) So that our sins and transgressions could be covered with His blood as if we were righteous people capable of adhering to the strict ordinances contained in the Law under the old covenant. The promise of salvation decided before the world was framed. 

The shedding of Jesus own blood -- His sacrifice -- was the sufficient atonement necessary for our sins. As a consequence, we are no longer bound under the constraints and chains of the law. Jesus, at the moment of His death removed all the barriers that existed between God and man. The veil that up until this point had served as a barrier between God and man was rent from top to bottom. (Hebrews 4:14-16) 

"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit. At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." (Matthew 27:50-51) 

And from the very moment the veil was torn, our Lord God and Saviour became our High Priest. He was making a way for you and I to enter into the Holy of Holies. Never again would our creator who loved us so much from the beginning of time dwell in a temple made with hands. (Acts 17:24, Luke 13:35, Hebrews 9:8-13) He wanted to dwell in our hearts. Indeed, Jesus was establishing a new covenant for His people to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Therefore, there is no other mediator between God and man, except Christ Jesus. In John 14:6, Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me." 

Hebrews 10 expands on this point. "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us through the veil that is to say, His flesh. And having a high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."

Therefore, be confident "in whom we have redemption -- through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7) Jesus -- the same yesterday, today and forever -- is faithful and just. Stand in the offering plate.

At the Name of Jesus, Every Knee Shall Bow - Part 567

In the scriptures, we are encouraged to shine in the world as lights for Jesus. Indeed, as the scriptures state,  "Fulfill ye my joy, that you be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord -- of one mind." Why? Because greater love hath no one than this -- that one lay down His life for His friends. (John 15:13)

So again under the new covenant -- the dispensation of grace that we live in today -- let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. Indeed, He made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 

Wherefore God has highly exalted Him -- Jesus -- and given Him a name which is above every name in Heaven and in earth. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

This is why the apostles (and by extension you and I) should be thankful upon every remembrance, always in prayer making our requests with joy. Our fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He -- Jesus' holy spirit -- which has begun a good work in you and I will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. 

The scriptures further encourage us by stating, "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." Why? Because as we have alluded to in prior posts, living in His love is knowing Jesus.  

Having this confidence, we know that we shall abide in His joy of faith. Therefore be partakers of His grace.  Rejoice in the abundance that can only be found in Jesus Christ -- today and every day going forward. Remember, Jesus is our hope and salvation and this promise is to you and your family and to all those who are afar off. Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus, I Give You My Heart - Part 566

In the scriptures, we read that the chief priests in consultation with the elders, scribes and the whole council at the time mocked Jesus. Indeed, on the cross where they had crucified Jesus, they had nailed a sign stating, "THE KING OF THE JEWS." (Mark 15:21) Collectively, they passed by Jesus hanging on the cross, railing on Him and wagging their heads saying, "Ah, thou that destroys the temple and buildest it in three days, save thyself and come down from the cross."

Further, the chief priests and scribes laughed among themselves saying, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Prior to this, Pilate had asked Jesus, "Art thou the King of the Jews?" At one point, Pilate who marveled at Jesus and thought Him blameless had even asked his advisers, "Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?"

But the chief priests -- full of envy of the miracles and healings that Jesus had performed -- cried out "Crucify Him." And so Pilate willing to content the people delivered Jesus to be crucified. And they clothed Him with purple and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about His head, and began to salute Him, "Hail, King of the Jews." And thy smote Him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon Him and bowing their knees worshipped Him.

And when they had mocked Jesus enough, they took off the purple from Him and put His own clothes on Him and led Him out to crucify Him. They brought Jesus unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. And they gave Him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but He received it not. And when they had crucified Jesus, they parted His garments casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour when they crucified Him.

Because Jesus was crucified at the same time as two thieves,one on the right and another on His left, the scripture from the old covenant was fulfilled. That is, "And He was numbered with the transgressors." (Mark 15:28) What is important to note is that throughout the accusations being made by the chief priests and scribes to Pilate, Jesus answered nothing other than to later say, Father forgive them for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)

Indeed, what the accusers -- the chief priests, the scribes, the elders, the council -- did not know is that this very moment -- whereby the King of kings and Lord of lords would shed His precious blood on Calvary for our sins -- was decided even before the world was framed. The gift of salvation whereby our Father -- the God who created this world -- and you and I too -- had destined that He Himself would become flesh and die on a cross so that we might be saved.

In the beginning God. (Genesis 1:1) In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God and the Word became flesh. (John 1:1-14) This is the miracle of grace, that our God who created us -- who we in our ignorance have rejected so often -- was still willing to let His humanity die on a cross so that we might experience life abundant in Him. The gift of salvation decided even before we were formed in our mother's womb.

It is no wonder Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God to come, craved the body of Jesus. It is no wonder that he brought fine linen and took Him down and wrapped Him in the linen and laid His body in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door. It is no wonder Mary Magedalene brought sweet spices to anoint Him and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where He lay. They knew that there is no greater love than the sacrifice that Jesus made for us.

Indeed, Jesus of Nazareth was the King of the Jews. At any point on the cross, Jesus could have destroyed the earth. But that would have defeated His predestined purpose and as a consequence, we would not be saved by His grace. Romans 10 states, "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

This is why we worship Jesus. And honour Him. As we read in the scriptures, the destroyer of our souls -- the enemy spirits that determine to keep our hearts and souls entrenched in this earthly world, never saw it coming. The evil spirits could not understand why Jesus -- the King of the Jews -- did not get down from the cross. They did not understand that when Jesus shed His blood on the cross  for our sins, it was so that we could walk freely in Him. Experience the paradise that exists in Jesus and was intended for us from the beginning of time.

This is the promise of salvation. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39) Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus - the Resurrection and the Life - Part 565

Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant, makes you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

We are a privileged generation because we live under the new covenant -- the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus. He demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Jesus died for us. We can put all our faith in Jesus the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. (John 10:11) Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever believes in me shall never die." (John 11:25-26) Further, Jesus said, "I am the door. By me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture." (John 10:9) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Unlike the prophets of old, we received His promise. That is, we -- you and I -- can be assured in our salvation through the blood of Jesus the Christ shed on the cross. Salvation that is free and available to each and every one of us. Through faith in Jesus, we can understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. And we can rest securely in the knowledge of Jesus knowing that if we believe in Him, we are not condemned. (John 3:18) Our faith in Jesus becomes the substance of things hoped for.

And if those of the old covenant who knew not Jesus could through faith subdue kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtain promises, stop the mouths of lions, quench the violence of fire, escape the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, wax valiant in fight, turn to flight the armies of the aliens, how much more can we achieve knowing that we have obtained the better resurrection. We are able to know personally our Lord God and Saviour who only wants the best for His children -- you and I -- sons and daughters of the most high King.

Believe in Jesus today. Fix your eyes and heart on Jesus -- the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame. He is victorious. Stand firm in His promises. Stand in the offering plate. 

As Far As the Eye Can See, There is Jesus - Part 564

Think about this for a moment. The earth is the Lord's but not only the earth. The fulness thereof too. Moreover, the world and every living thing that dwell therein belongs to God Almighty. "For He hath founded it upon the seas and established it upon the floods." David in Psalms asks, "Who [then] shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart, who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessings of the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation."(Psalms 24:1-4)

As believers in Jesus, we are not perfect. The Bible states that all of us -- each and every one of us -- are sinners and fallen completely short of the grace of God. But God never intended for us to be far from Him. After all, God made man in His own image so that we could fully enjoy His blessings and goodness.

But we didn't understand the love that our Lord God and Creator had for us. Indeed, we could not even begin to comprehend the extent that our Father would go to bring us back to our intended place of peace -- resting in His goodness. So in order for this to happen, God had to put in place a plan of salvation whereby we could be fully forgiven by our Lord God and Saviour. And He did. What a plan it was.

Unlike the days where men were bound under the Law and Commandments, God made a way when there was no other way. A plan of salvation so that we could be free. That is, God became flesh and dwelt among us (we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full and grace and truth." (John 1:14)

It is this same God who loved us so much from the beginning of time, knowing us even before we were formed in our mother's womb who wants to bless us today with "all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."

To give us an abundance of spiritual blessings that can only emerge from the goodness of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. The same God who created us wants us to experience His grace and goodness. The breadth and depth of our Saviour's love. And rejoice. Not just once in a while but every moment of every day.  How can we be assured of His love for us?

First, God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. It is Jesus who hath saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our mighty words or intellect, or our seemingly good works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.

Similarly, the Word of God is not bound to the things of this earth. When Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross, He was victorious over death.  He who holds the universe in the palm of His hands abolished death, instead bringing forth life and immortality to those who believe in Jesus. The light of the world that shines brighter than the brightest light on earth through His good news message -- the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, be confident in whom we believe. Be persuaded that He is able to keep that which you and I commit unto Him against that day. Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Continue in the things which you have learned and be assured knowing that it is Jesus that has opened your eyes and heart to receive His blessings. To Jesus be the glory -- Jesus -- the only Pontentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords.  Stand in the offering plate.

Rise and Shine With Jesus - Part 563

There are so many wonderful reasons to rise and shine each day with renewed hope in Jesus. He who has saved us by His grace has called us into a holy life. Not because of anything we have done because there is absolutely nothing that we could do to deserve the unprecedented abundance of love and grace that God our Saviour Jesus has bestowed on those who love and desire Him. Admittedly, we don't deserve His love and yet He loved us.

But regardless of our human failures, the Word -- Jesus -- God Almighty in the flesh -- shed His blood on the cross so that we might be saved. Because of His own purpose, we can be confident in His grace and mercy that was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, Our creator in the beginning devised a plan of salvation and victory for our lives even before the foundation of the world was formed. The scriptures state, "He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." 

Further to this point, there is a fragrance that comes from the knowledge of Jesus. A fragrance in acknowledging that God's plan of salvation was not by happenstance or an afterthought. Moreover, God\s plan to reconcile men and women unto Himself to become the chosen elect was not by accident. God knew that we could not keep the letter of the law and as such, God would have to become flesh and shed His precious blood on the cross.

But the good news of the gospel is that He did so willingly so that we could live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. As a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:2) Note the peace in recognizing that as a consequence of our salvation, bought and paid for freely by our Lord God and Saviour on the cross, we become the aroma of Jesus. 

Therefore continually give thanks to our Lord God and Saviour who leads us in triumphal procession in Christ. Why? Because through us Jesus spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. So as we rise and shine in this brand new day, walk in love as Jesus the Christ hath loved us and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. (Ephesians 5:2) Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Blood Shed For You and I - Part 562

"Follow Me" Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19)

Jesus never just "passes by" in the scriptures. Indeed, Jesus has an impact. In Matthew chapter four, we read that beyond the multiplicity of miracles and healings that were performed, those individuals which had previously sat in darkness -- completely empty and broken without any hope or joy in this world -- saw in Jesus a great light. In fact, for those individuals and families which had previously sat in darkness, Jesus' abundant light was springing up in their hearts. Bubbling with happiness and joy. It is no wonder the multitudes of people, as Matthew 4 explains, wanted more of Jesus.

Here they were discovering that the more they desired Jesus -- the more that they pressed closer to the King of kings and Lord of lords - the more their individual lives were being transformed. All Jesus had to say was "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." As we see from the examples cited, Jesus did not have to ask twice.

Jesus had been preaching, encouraging the crowds of people who followed Him to repent, "for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." When Jesus walked by the sea of Galilee, He saw two brethren fishing. The first was Simon called Peter and the second Andrew his brother. When Jesus happened their way, the two were casting their net into the sea. Jesus said unto them, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." And the two fishers straight way left their nets and followed Jesus. Simon called Peter and Andrew were not the only ones to follow Jesus.

Going on from thence, Jesus saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee and John His brother repairing nets in a ship with their father. And Jesus called unto them. They too immediately left their ship and followed Him. Immediately and straight way. Followed Jesus without hesitation. Follow Jeus - the one who holds the keys to the kingdom. Follow me, He said so that you too can delight in His Word, His mercies and abundant grace.

But the goodness of Jesus did not stop there. While His fame went throughout all Syria. Jesus continued teaching in the synagogues in Galilee  and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, He was also healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people. "Thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven."

And as Jesus preached the gospel, the people brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with diverse diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils and those which were lunatick and those that had the palsy and Jesus healed them. Jesus healed each and every one of them. And there followed Jesus great multitudes of people who recognized that their hope and joy was in Jesus. That there is no other name under heaven whereby we can be saved. Jesus -- the only mediator between God and man.

The multitudes of people recognized Jesus as the Messiah. That Jesus was the Christ prophesied by the prophets under the old covenant. David said in Psalms 23:6, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." It is no wonder the people were determined to follow Him. To dwell in the house of the Lord Jesus forever. Jesus said, "If any man serve me, let him follow me, and where I am, there shall also my servant be. If any man serves me, him will my Father honour." (John 12:26)

You see, God loved us so much that He prepared a way of salvation even before the foundations of the world were formed.  God's Word -- the very Word of God -- became flesh so that the whole world could return to the place where we who were made in the image of God could become all that we were intended to be. Perfected in Jesus. God was making a way when there was no way for us to be saved. He knew that we could not meet the letter of the law, and as such we were doomed. But God wasn't going to let that happen. Because His love for us is abundant. He wants to draw us closer to understanding His will through Christ, our Lord God and Saviour.

This is why Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me." Rejoice in Jesus today. His love and mercy. Remember too that Jesus wants to give you and I -- believers in Jesus that desire and love Him -- the kingdom. Stand in the offering plate.

Joy Unspeakable in Jesus - Part 561

Today is the day that the Lord Jesus hath made. Rejoice in Him. Rejoice in the abundant mercies and grace of Jesus Christ, our Lord God and Saviour. It is He who has begotten us again unto a lively hope by His own resurrection. This is why our lively hope is in Jesus. The same Jesus who arose from the dead. The same Jesus who shed His precious blood on an old rugged cross, as a lamb without blemish and spot so that we might know His abundant love and grace. The same Jesus, who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but manifest in these last times for you and I.

In the first chapter of I Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ named Peter is preaching to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. Herein, the strangers the  "Elect according through the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus."

Peter wanted these people to know that the trial of their faith, our faith, being much more precious than gold -- even though our faith may be tried with fire -- that we would be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Rejoicing in our Father who loved us so much that He Himself would choose to become a living sacrifice for you and I. Those of us who have not seen the miracles and healings that Jesus performed while on earth and yet, we love Jesus in whom, though now we see Him not, still believe and rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Those of us who were once strangers to the gospel of Jesus but now receive the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls because of Jesus. "Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you [in these latter times]. Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow."

It is unto us that the love of Jesus was revealed. Not unto themselves writes Peter but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you and I by them that have preached the gospel with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. 

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot ... who by Him do believe in God that raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently. Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth for ever." (I Peter 1:18-22)

Rejoice in our Lord and Saviour Jesus today. The Lily of the Valley. The Father that desires to give us -- once strangers to the gospel -- everlasting peace in an inheritance that is not only reserved in heaven for us but a peace that is incorruptible and undefiled on this earth today. Established as Peter wrote, to those who believe in Jesus -- our Lord God and Saviour -- and thus "are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time." Grace be unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Stand in the offering plate. 

Transformed Forever in Jesus the Christ - Part 560

Thy kingdom come -- thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Amen!

In Matthew 13, Jesus is sharing parables about the kingdom with His followers -- the masses of people who could not get enough of His Word. Beginning at verse 44, Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven unto treasure hid in a field. This treasure which a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he has and buys that field. Jesus gives more examples. He proceeds saying, "the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man; seeking godly pearls, who when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it." As if these examples were not enough, Jesus again likens the kingdom of heaven to a net that was cast into the sea that gathered fish of every kind which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered of the good into vessels but cast the bad away.

But then Jesus asks, "Have you understood all these things?" Have you understood what Jesus has in store for those who love Him? Often, in our traditions, we repeat what is formally recognized as the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6 without acknowledging that the message contained therein is intended for us today -- on earth. Thy kingdom come -- thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. This is what our Father wants us to understand. That in His name -- Jesus -- we are blessed. .

This is why neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:11-12)

Once we have accepted Jesus into our hearts, the intent is not to stay stationed. Jesus is saying there is so much more that I want to give to those who desire Me. Therefore seek Jesus -- press into the Lord of lords and King of kings who holds the depth of the riches of this earth as well as the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord God our Saviour.

So read His Word -- beginning in the New Testament -- the new covenant for these times. Why? Because whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. "Who is he that overcometh the world but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (I John 5:5)

For everyone that asks receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth and to him that knocketh shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son asks for bread will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? Jesus said, "If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? "

These things have I written unto you, John writes in I John 5, that you believe on the name of Jesus that you may know that you have eternal life and that ye may believe on His name. And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.

This is the kingdom that Jesus wants us to seek on earth -- the same kingdom on earth that is in heaven. Heaven on earth. Continued blessings and mercy for those of us who believe in Jesus. A cathedral of joy in every place that we venture into because we seek Jesus -- the Father who created us in the beginning and loved us enough to become flesh and die on the cross for our sins..

Believe in the grace of Jesus that covers a multitude of sins. Behold the goodness of our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God. Most of all, be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Rejoice today. Stand in the offering plate.

Come Boldly to the Throne of Grace - Part 559

Every house is built by someone but He who built all things is God our Saviour.

The grace of God which brings forth salvation has appeared. God was manifest in the flesh. Indeed, in the beginning God (Genesis 1:1). In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... and the Word became flesh (John 1:1-14) God Himself as a Son over His own redeemed household is the redeemed now being the temple in which His Holy Spirit is pleased to dwell. 

He the Holy Spirit in Christ purchased us with His own precious blood -- His eternal life blood flowing in the veins of the son child Jesus who was considered the Seed life of God who is Holy Spirit. Herein we see the grace of the Lord Jesus the prophesied Christ manifesting the love of God towards you and me. In that God as a Son, by the willing sacrifice of His sinless body has redeemed us to communion and fellowship with His Holy Spirit.

In other words, Jesus is the tree of eternal life. Now unto Him that is able to keep us from falling. Jesus is the one who presents us faultless before the presence of His glory, with exceeding joy. Therefore, holy brethren and sisters, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him whom appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house.

For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honour than the house. For every house is built by someone but He who builds all things is God. And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken after ward, but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. 

Therefore, in Hebrews 3, we read, "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in the wilderness, where your father tempted me, proved me and saw my works forty years." Rather, ask Jesus into your life today. Enter into His rest and recognize that we -- you and I -- are made partakers of Christ in His glory and mercy. He will present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. 

Moving forward, take hold of our confidence in Jesus, our Lord God and Saviour, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. (Ephesians 1:7) Stand in the offering plate. 

Never Thirst Again - Part 558

Jesus said, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14)

In John chapter four, Jesus is speaking with the woman at the well. The woman of Samaria questions Jesus asking Him why He being a Jew asks for drink from her. At the time, the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, "If thou knewest the gift of God and who it is that saith to thee, "Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water."

Observing Jesus, the woman then said, "Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep; from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself and his children and his cattle?"

Jesus then said that whosoever drinks of ordinary well water thirsts again. "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst [for] the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." It is no wonder that the woman responded saying, "Sir, give me this water that I thirst not."

Reading forward in the same chapter, Jesus states that the hour cometh and now is "when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." Essentially Jesus is saying to this woman and to you and I by extension, "Come unto me if you are heavy laden" for I will give you rest. That in me -- Jesus -- you will never thirst again. 

Why? Because whosoever believes in Jesus, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. (John 7:38) The woman at the well had encountered Jesus. Not a lot of words had to be exchanged before she knew with whom she spoke. When she asked if Jesus was the Messias called the Christ that was to come, Jesus said "I that speak unto thee am He."

He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit has to say. The Lord Jesus - the King of kings and Lord of lords - will guide you in truth always. He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land. He will strengthen your frame. And you will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Further, the living water that comes from Jesus will spring up within you now and always -- into everlasting life. You can be confident that you will be bubbling with the joy of Jesus. He never fails. 

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be your Shepherd. He will lead you to the springs of living water. And He will wipe away every tear from your eyes. (Revelation 7:17) Ask Jesus into your life today so that you too will find His grace. His abundant mercy. The same God who loved you enough to shed His precious blood on the cross for our sins will ensure that you never thirst or hunger again. 

In John 6:35, Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." Give us this day our daily bread. This is Jesus' promise to His people. Stand in the offering plate.