A New Beginning in Jesus - Part 597

"Now we believe, not because of your saying" the people said to the woman at the well in the scriptures. Rather, because they had "heard Jesus ourselves, and know that He is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." (John 4:42)

At this time of year, when New Year's resolutions are prevalent, we are advantaged to learn about the woman of Samaria. In the scriptures, we read that this woman had come to the well to draw water. Jesus' disciples had gone into the city to buy food. Therefore, sitting alone, Jesus said unto her, "Give me to drink." The woman aware of long-standing traditions between the Jews and the Samaritans asked, "How is it that you, being a Jew, ask drink of me who am a woman of Samaria?"

But Jesus answered and said, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that said to you, "Give me to drink" you would have asked of Him, and He would have given you living water." Looking around the woman said "Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. From where then have you that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob who gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his cattle?"

Jesus answered and said unto her, "Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst. [Indeed] the water that I give shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. " (John 4:8-26)

As the conversation continued, the woman began to desire the living water that Jesus spoke of -- so that she too would thirst not. Certainly, she wanted to know who Jesus was. Who was this man that in conversation could tell her all about her past? Her many transgressions. In response, the woman knew enough to say to Jesus, "I know that when the Messiah comes, who is called the Christ, He will tell us all things."

But Jesus, recognizing her love, said, "I that speak unto you am He." It is I -- Jesus -- who gives life. And life more abundantly. It is I -- Jesus -- who pours out living water on those believers who desire the Word. Jesus said, "He that believes on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38)

Other scriptures confirm the same. "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)

"For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring." (Isaiah 44:3)

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." (Psalms 23:5) "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." (Revelation 22:1)

Like the woman at the well, desire the living water that is only available from Jesus the Christ. The Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. Our Lord God who became our Saviour and knows each and every one of us by name. The scriptures state that "if we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)

Indeed, "I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." (Revelation 21:6) This is the Jesus we serve. 

Stand in the offering plate.

None Other Than Jesus - Part 596

Be still and know that I am God. Know too that there is no other Lord and Saviour beside Me. (Isaiah 45:1,5-6, Isaiah 43:11, Isaiah 44:6)

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth and the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. [But] the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters and God said, "Let there be light." And the light shone. And God seeing that the light was good then divided the light from darkness. And God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years." And it was so." (Genesis 1:1-16)

The Almighty God, even the Lord our Saviour, has spoken and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof the perfection of beauty. God hath shined. 

This is why we delve into reading the Bible. Because all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:16)

Indeed, similar to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and by extension all humanity -- you and I -- our Lord God and Saviour desires that we become complete in Him as a consequence of His grace and mercy. Fulfilled. Joyous. Complete in the knowledge and wisdom that our Lord God and Saviour Jesus loves us beyond measure. 

"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man [or woman] that trusts in Him." (Psalm 34:8) 

Moreover, when we believe in Jesus, we can be confident in this God-intended completeness that had been decided since the beginning. Indeed, even before the universe as we know it was shaped. When we open the scriptures, we begin to understand that the written Word -- God in the flesh according to I John 5:7-- established Jesus the Christ as the Head of the church. The scriptures similarly establish that Jesus alone saves. 

That it is in Him -- Jesus our Lord God and Saviour -- that the safety of the members of His body depends. For it is Jesus the Christ who loves the church -- His betrothed bride. It was Jesus the Christ that surrendered His own sinless body of flesh up to death for His betrothed. It was Jesus the Christ who counted His own sinless flesh body to be incomplete without the companionship of His betrothed. 

Certainly, creation alone could not break the shackles of sin that had engulfed His one and only love. We know this from the prophecies and journeys elaborated on within the Old Testament. 

We also know that salvation required -- indeed demanded -- that any redemption plan that would save humanity had to include a pure righteous man. This is why Jesus laid down His sinless flesh on a cross for you and I. In so doing, Jesus rescued His betrothed, sanctifying and cleansing her. 

His betrothed church body -- holy -- purifying and consecrating her. As a consequence, Jesus made her body free from all sin. The Spirit of God washed His own redeemed betrothed church body with the washing of the water of His indwelling. Loving words of His declared promises. She in turn willingly submitting to His words of love, and even following Him to death. 

The Spirit of God then -- desirous to present to Himself a glorious church-body. His betrothed as a beautiful splendid bride -- a bride who has not one spot or wrinkle, blots or disfigurements. This redeemed church body -- the betrothed bride of Christ -- became His purchased possession. Now born again. Now faultless and perfect. The Spirit of God which was in Christ loves His betrothed body. He loves His betrothed bride even as He loved His own flesh. For indeed, she was His own flesh. She was created in the beginning for Him. She was the flesh of His flesh and bone of His bone.

Furthermore, there were no limits to His love. There was no orders to her to do this or else. In fact, Jesus did not just talk the talk. He also walked the walk too. For the God who created us, there was no mountain high enough or valley deep enough to keep the Holy Spirit from His betrothed. So Jesus sacrificed His own natural body in order to woe her back from the house of bondage. He willingly sacrificed His own sinless body. He endured all things. Now that is love. 

That is, He brought His grace to man. Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary. His divine love so that you and I would be the betrothed bride of Christ. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come into him and will sup with him and he with me." (Revelation 3:20)  Stand in the offering plate. 

Thank You Jesus! - Part 595

Let Heaven's peace fill your soul with the knowledge that all things created are of God. The same heavenly Father who created you and I in the beginning hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ and given to us the ministry of reconciliation. Therefore, as the scriptures state, if any person be in Jesus the Christ, he or she becomes a new creature. Old things are passed away. Behold, all things are new. (II Corinthians 5:17).

As we also read in the scriptures, God was in Christ reconciling the world -- reconciling you and I to the Father according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... all things were made by Him ... and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-14) Moreover, we read, "I, even I, am the Lord and beside me there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11) The great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity. (Titus 2:13-14)

Indeed, He did so not to impute our trespasses but rather to commit unto us -- into our hearts -- the Word of reconciliation. In other words, He that hath made Jesus to be sin for us -- the same Jesus who knew no sin -- created a plan of salvation so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:19-22) Through the precious blood shed on the cross.

Therefore, praise Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we may ask or think, according to the power that works in us -- the power of Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.


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Stand Fast in Liberty of Jesus - Part 594

Jesus came to set us free. This is the reason for Jesus' birth. To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, for He hath made Him -- Jesus -- to be sin for us -- the same Jesus who knew no sin --- so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:19-21)

Therefore, Jesus is the reason that we are encouraged to "stand fast in the liberty wherewith Jesus the Christ hath set us free."

Indeed, in Galatians chapter five, the scriptures state: "Be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1) But how often does the letter of the law -- the ten commandments from the old covenant times -- for example -- seep into our lives, ultimately stealing our liberty from us? But if we read the Bible, we begin to understand that this was never God's intention for His creation.

In fact, Paul wrote that we are called unto liberty for all the law was fulfilled in Jesus. The veil was rent from top to bottom. Decided in Heaven even before the world as we know it was shaped. Our transgressions covered by the precious blood of Jesus on the cross. Our sins never to be remembered again because of the grace and mercy of our most high God -- Jesus.

As believers in Jesus, we are assured in the knowledge that the same Father which raised up the Lord Jesus on the cross shall raise us up also. For all things are for our sakes that His abundant grace might -- through the thanksgiving of many--  rebound to the glory of God.

It is for this cause that Paul writes, we faint not; but through our outward man we are renewed day by day. II Corinthians chapter four elaborates further on this point. "As we have received mercy, we faint not." (II Corinthians 4:1) We are further encouraged to let the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, shine upon us.

"For God who commandeth the light to shine out of darkness has shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." This is the treasure that we can experience in our earthen vessels -- "that the excellency of the power may be of God."

So when we are troubled on every side, we do not need to be distressed. When we are perplexed, we are not in despair. Even when we are persecuted and cast down, we are not destroyed. Why?  Because the same God who created man and woman in the beginning and then became flesh so that He could impart to us His salvation and grace -- His love that passeth all human understanding -- has stated: "I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people." (II Corinthians 6:16)

And He -- Our Lord God and Saviour -- will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my sons and daughters. This saith the Lord Almighty: "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Trust Jesus today. Ask Jesus into your heart. Discover Jesus by reading His Word. Stand in the offering plate.

Delight in Jesus - Part 593

What is man or woman that you Lord Jesus should know our name? That you Lord Jesus would not only speak the heavens into place but scatter the stars too while all the while giving earth its frame. And yet, this very same Almighty and Everlasting Lord God who calms the oceans daily loves each and every one of us deeply -- with a love for us that is so sufficient and all encompassing that He even knows the number of hairs on our head.

He knows firsthand our trials and tribulations. And yet throughout our worldly issues, we can rest assured in His blessed love knowing that He has clothed us with garments of salvation and arrayed us in a robe of His righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10) That the Lord of hosts opens the storehouses for those who believe in Him. In Isaiah, the Lord of hosts is quoted as saying,  "If I will not open for you the windows of Heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it."

Indeed, the scriptures state that if we ask Jesus into our hearts, the heavens above will rain down upon us with His righteousness. "Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I the Lord have created it." (Isaiah 45:8) The righteousness of Jesus -- the Alpha and Omega -- the beginning and the end.

This is the reason why -- in every thing we give thanks -- for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (I Thessalonians 5:18) Because as Barnes writes about this verse in his commentary, we know firsthand that there will never be a time that we are forced to drink the cup of affliction when there are no drops of mercy intermingled. Ever placed in circumstances in which there is not much for which we should be thankful and yet, we know that even in the worst of times, Jesus will make us victorious.  This is why we as believers delight in the Lord. The reason why our soul rejoices in the God who loved us so much that He would become flesh and shed His precious blood on a cross for our transgressions.

Let Heaven's peace flood your soul today. Let Jesus fill your being with His peace like a river so that your righteousness becomes as the waves of the sea. Stand in the offering plate.

Whom Do You Seek? Part 592

Salvation is a gift. Indeed, salvation is grace imparted to individuals who ask Jesus Christ to come into their hearts. It is He who hath saved us and called us with a holy calling. Not according to our own good works but rather, according to His own purpose and grace. This purpose and grace, according to II Timothy 1:9, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began.

Further, Jesus was raised from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death. Why? Because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him. (Acts 2:24) This is why the question asked at the tomb is so relevant. That is, why do you seek the "living" among the dead? Here the women who loved Jesus when He journeyed with them (as revealed in the gospels) had gone to see the tomb. There, the stone had been rolled away. Inside, Jesus was nowhere to be seen. Indeed, this is because Jesus had already risen. 

Earlier, Jesus had asked the soldiers in the olive grove, "Whom do you seek? Prior to this, the shepherds and wise men looked for the promised Saviour. In all of these occasions, the people sought Jesus the Christ --- the promised redeemer that had been prophesied before the foundation of the world was shaped.

Before the world began, Jesus -- God in the flesh becoming as one of us so that we might experience the gift of salvation personally -- was purposed. Decided because the Almighty God who created us knew -- even before we did -- that we as humans do not have the capacity to live up to the letter of the law. Adam and Eve couldn't do it. Neither can we.

As Romans 5:15 states: "But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many." (Romans 5:15)

As the Bible states repeatedly, God loves us -- His precious creation -- more than the angels. He framed the world and scattered the stars and yet knows us personally by name. Further, Jesus' love is eternal, surpassing even our most in-depth understanding of love. In fact, God --  His name is Jesus -- became the Resurrection and the Life for you and I. He is our Maker, our Refuge. He gives us peace in the midst of the storm. All we have to do is believe that through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved. (Acts 15:11)

Know too that we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24) So the question for each and every one of us this Christmas is "whom do you seek?" Stand in the offering plate.

Mystery Hid From the Ages Now Revealed - Part 591

Let the love and peace of Jesus rule in your hearts. Get to know your Lord God and Saviour "through the tender mercy of our God, which by the dawn from on high has visited us." (Luke 1:78) Through His tender mercy is the free grace and abundant mercy of our Lord God and Saviour available to each and every one of us who asks Jesus into our hearts. And personally accepts the gift of salvation through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. 

For it was mercy that moved God to enter into a covenant that included the most high God becoming flesh as one of us and shedding His blood on a cross for the remission of our sins. His abundant and eternal love in which forgiveness of sin is promised. It was the mercy of God -- His love -- for us that led the one who created us in the beginning to become a lamb for a sacrifice. (I Peter 4:1-10)

This is why as believers in Jesus we continue in the faith -- grounded and settled -- in His love. It is also why we choose not to move away from the hope of the gospel that is Jesus Christ. Even the mystery which hath been hid from the ages and from generations until now -- this appointed time  --- and now made manifest to believers in Jesus. His saints "to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of the mystery among the Gentiles" - you and I - which is Christ in you -- the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:23-26)

This same Jesus - which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fades not away -- reserved in heaven for you and I.

This same Jesus - whom the apostles preached to every man and woman that they met, teaching the same wisdom so that we may present every one of these perfect in Christ Jesus.

James 5:19-20 states, " if any err from the truth and one converts him, let him know that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins." Note that the scriptures state that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Indeed, not one of us could make it on our own.

This is why the birth of Jesus -- God in the flesh -- was necessary. So that we -- having not seen the King of kings in the flesh could still have a personal relationship with Him -- believing and rejoicing with "joy unspeakable and full of glory" -- even the salvation of our souls because of His ultimate gift of love -- the suffering of His only begotten -- Jesus on the cross.

Therefore, be filled in your hearts with His joy. Set your affection on things above, not on the things of earth. Put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him. Rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings that when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. The exceeding joy of Jesus - the "happy are ye" that is spoken of in I Peter chapter four.

Put on too -- as the elect of our Lord God and Saviour -- holy and beloved -- the deep depth of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness and long suffering. And above all these things put on charity which is the bond of perfectness. This Christmas season, let the love and peace of Jesus rule in your hearts. Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. Stand in the offering plate.

Sit in Heavenly Places with Jesus - Part 590

It is for this reason that Jesus was born in a manger. That is, God who is rich in mercy wanted to reveal to us His great love wherewith He loved us -- who even when we were still dead in sin hath quickened us together with Christ -- so that we -- by His abundant grace can be saved.

Indeed, when we believe in Jesus, He raises us up together and makes us sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Imagine the blessings that come from sitting in heavenly places in Jesus. And that in the ages to come, He might show us -- you and I -- the exceeding riches of His grace in His kingdom toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:4-8)

Up until the birth of Jesus -- God Almighty in the flesh -- we were dead in our trespasses. We had all sinned. The scriptures state that there are none that are righteous -- no not one. God knew that in spite of our willingness, we as humans could not live up to the letter of the law. Even the ten commandments -- as minimal as they might seem -- escaped our capacity.

So God -- even before the foundation of the world was formed -- decided that He would become flesh and shed His precious blood on the cross so that we might have salvation. This is why the apostle Paul who described himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ for us Gentiles -- and then further states that grace was given unto him "who am less than the least of all the saints" wrote:

If you had heard of the dispensation of the grace of God ... whereby when you read, you may understand the knowledge that exists in the mystery of Christ which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of man -- but it is now revealed -- that we be heirs of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel.

All so that you and I who once were far away have been brought near to our Lord and Saviour through the blood of Christ. For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:10) Ask Jesus into your heart today. Rest in His peace that passes all understanding, Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord. Stand in the offering plate.

The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ - Part 589

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. (Titus 2:11) Therefore be strong and of good courage. Be not afraid. Neither be thou dismayed for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goes. Further, don't be discouraged. Why? Because Jesus encourages us to not let the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches and the lusts of other things enter into our lives, choking the Word that abides within us, and therefore making us unfruitful. (Mark 4:19)

Indeed, Jesus said in Mark 5, "Be not afraid, only believe." Believe that Jesus is. Believe that the Lord Jesus Himself goes before you and that He -- Jesus -- the Almighty God in the flesh -- will never leave you nor forsake you. Faithful is He that calls you. 

If you have not experienced the peace of Jesus, ask Jesus into your heart today. Obtain the salvation that could only be purchased through the shedding of Jesus' precious blood on the cross. The ultimate plan of salvation clothed in God's love for His people -- for you and I -- decided by God even before the foundation of the world was formed. 

Know also that the Lord your God is Jesus. That He is faithful. And that, from the beginning of time as we know it, He has kept His promises. His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His Word. Therefore, look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity. 

Further, in hope and eternal life, obtain for yourself the faith and knowledge which God promised before the world began. (Titus 1:2) Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy. He saves us by the renewing of the Holy Ghost which He sheds on us abundantly through Jesus Christ the Saviour. That being justified by His grace we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:5-7)

Therefore, be confident in your salvation and justified in His grace. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. Prove all things holding fast to that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And let the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. Paul wrote: "I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (I Thessalonians 5)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. He has a plan for your life. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus is He Whom You Seek - Part 588

Be of good courage. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd. He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom and shall gently lead those that are with young. This is the Jesus we serve. Our Lord God and Saviour, The first and the last. The creator of heaven and earth who loved us enough to become flesh and dwell among us -- and then hang on a tree that He Himself -- watched grow. Indeed, Jesus is He.

This is why the publicans and sinners drew near unto Jesus -- so that they could hear His words. Why? Because they recognized Jesus as their Healer and Saviour.

But the Pharisees and the scribes murmured saying, "This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them." In their minds, the religious elites questioned the idea of the most high King communing with common folk. The ordinary men and women of society.

So Jesus attempted to impart some wisdom to them by sharing a parable. He said in Luke chapter 15, "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders rejoicing, And when he cometh home, he calleth all his friends and neighbours saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost."

Jesus continued, "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance."

Just in case the scribes and Pharisees required further evidence, Jesus used a second analogy to make His point. He carried on speaking, "Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she loses one piece doth not light a candle and sweep the house and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she called her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents."

In telling the parable, Jesus desired that all might come to know the only true God and Saviour Jesus Christ. His love for the people of this world -- you and I -- did not change at any point. In fact, when Jesus hour was nigh, His humanity prayed, "I have glorified thee on the earth. I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do ... I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gave me out of this world. Thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy Word. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me."

"I pray for them -- for them which thou hast given me, for they are thine. Jesus said, "And now I am no more in the world but these are in the world and I come to thee, Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me that they may be one as we are ... And now come I to thee, and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy Word ... keep them from the evil. Sanctify them through thy truth. Thy Word is truth." (John 17:4-22)

Embrace the glory that Jesus has given us -- "that they may be made perfect in one and that the world may know that thou has sent me and hast loved them as thou hast loved me." (John 17:23)

Jesus concluded His prayer saying -- "And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them and I in them."

Jesus did not come so that we could celebrate His birth in a manger but rather that we could be one with Him -- filled with His love and joy -- that surpasses all human understanding. And if you are the one sheep that Jesus desires, turn your heart to Him today. He loves you beyond measure and desires that you too come to know His abundance. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus - Your Very Help in Times of Trouble - Part 587

Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them. How much more are you better than the fowls?

And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If you then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take you thought for the rest?

Consider the lilies how they grow. They toil not. They spin not. And yet, I Jesus say unto you that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these. If then God so clothe the grass which is today in the field and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will He clothe you?

Therefore, don't be of little faith. Seek not what you shall eat or drink, or be of a doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after. Recognize rather that your Father -- the same Father who willingly became a sacrifice on the cross for our sins -- knows that we have need of these things -- even before we do.

So, instead of dwelling on the little things of life, Jesus encourages us to seek His Kingdom first. Seek His gracious counsel. Seek His abundant love. Let Jesus be your refuge and strength. Your very help in times of trouble. Come behold the works of our Lord God and Saviour. (Luke 12)

David wrote in Psalms 46 -- Be still and know that I am God. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Stand in the offering plate.

Avoid the Shipwreck - Ask Jesus lnto Your Life Today - Part 586

We choose to live according to the glorious gospel of our blessed God and Saviour Jesus Christ because He willingly gave Himself as a ransom for all. For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. This is why we praise Christ Jesus our Lord -- because He hath enabled us -- once sinners -- through the shedding of His precious blood on the cross -- to become faithful and pure in His sight. In return, we have found the grace of our Lord Jesus to be exceedingly abundant. His grace. His mercy. His peace. His endless love for His people.

Paul the apostle states in the first epistle to Timothy that we should be aware of false teachings from which some have swerved and turned aside in vain jangling. Indeed, he writes "do not heed any other doctrines than those preached in the scriptures. Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions rather than godly edifying which is in faith." (I Timothy 1:4) Rather, Paul writes, keep that which is committed to thy trust -- avoiding profane and vain babblings and oppositions of science falsely so called. (I Timothy 6:20)

Understand from having a personal relationship with Jesus that His love emerges through charity out of a pure heart and of a good conscience and of faith unfeigned.

Remember in Mark 12 when the scribe asked Jesus, "Which is the first commandment of all?" And Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is "Hear O Israel. The Lord our God is one Lord. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment."

The substance of our faith worthy of all acceptation. That is, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom we like the apostle Paul are chief. "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long suffering for a pattern to them which should here after believe on Him to life everlasting." (I Timothy 1:16)

Our faith and love which is in Christ Jesus -- the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God. Abiding in this faith with a good conscience, which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck. Avoid the shipwreck. Ask Jesus into your heart today. Stand in the offering plate.

Mine Eyes Have Seen Thy Salvation - Part 585

In Jerusalem, there was a just and devout man named Simeon. So devout that God's holy spirit was upon him. At the time, as elaborated in Luke chapter two, it had been revealed to him that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord's Christ.

And thus, he came by the Spirit into the temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy Word, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel."

Simeon's comments were so moving that even Joseph and the mother of Jesus marveled at those things which were spoken.

Matthew Henry in his concise commentary described the scene with Simeon in this fashion: "The same Spirit that provided for the support of Simeon's hope provided for his joy ... a confession of [Simeon's] faith, that this child in his arms was the Saviour, the salvation itself, the salvation of God's appointing. He bids farewell to this world. [Indeed] how poor does this world looks to one that has Christ in his arms, and salvation in his view. See here how comfortable is the death of a good man; he departs in peace with God, peace with his own conscience."

Simeon was not going to be blinded by the minds of them which believed not. Neither would he be swayed in his confidence that Almighty God -- the King of the Jews -- would offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins.

Simeon would not be sidetracked by those who refused to let the light of the glorious gospel of Christ -- who is the image of God -- shine unto them. For he knew, like the apostles later that God "who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (II Corinthians 4:6)

This is why "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us ... For this cause we faint not but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (II Corinthians 4:6-18)

That exceeding and eternal weight of glory because Jesus, even in His youth waxed strong in spirit. Filled with wisdom. The grace of God was upon Him. Yes, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) Ask Jesus into your heart today. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Sufficeth - Part 584

Jesus said to the people -- "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me." But Jesus did not stop there. He went on to say in John chapter 14, that "If ye" -- if you and I -- "had known me, ye should have known my Father also; and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen Him."

So why is it that many religions today get it wrong, preferring instead to follow traditions that err rather than conform to the Word? Even when these questions have already been clarified repeatedly within the scriptures.

For example, when Philip needed clarification, he asked Jesus. "Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us." Jesus said unto him, "Have I been so long time with you and yet thou hast not known me Philip? He that has seen me hath seen the Father, and how sayest then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself but the Father that dwelleth in me. He doeth the works."

John understood that when Jesus -- God Almighty in the flesh -- returned to the Father in completeness, He would give us another Comforter -- the Spirit of truth "whom the world cannot receive because it sees Him not, neither knows Him." (John 14:1-18) Jesus -- the Word according to I John 5:7  told us that He "would not leave us comfortless." That indeed, Jesus would come to us.

"Yet a little while and the world seeth me no more but ye also see me because I live ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father and ye in me and I in you." (John 14:20)

Judas (not Iscariot) also required clarification. He asked Jesus, "Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us and not unto the world?" Jesus responded by saying, "If a man love me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him and we will come unto Him and make our abode with him." (John 14:23)

The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance. (John 14:26)  "Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away and come again unto you. If ye loved me, you would rejoice because I said I go unto the Father for my Father is greater than I." (John 14:28)

This is the confidence that we have in Jesus who shed His precious blood on a cross for us. "For there are three that bear record in Heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one." (I John 5:7)

Further, John wrote, "Little children, let no man deceive you." We have passed from death to life because the same God who created man and woman in the beginning loved us enough to later shed His holy blood on a cross for our sins. This intricate plan of salvation decided before the foundation of the world was formed. This plan of salvation decided personally for you and I even before we were formed in our mother's womb.

It is His peace that Jesus wants to give us. His peace in abundance whereby we know that our sins have been forgiven us for His name's sake -- Jesus name's sake. (I John 2:12) Whereby we know that we have passed from death unto life. Whereby we can be confident in our salvation "because He laid down His life for us." (I John 3:16) That we can love Him because He first loved us. (I John 4:19)

Therefore, believe on the name of the son of God that ye might know too that ye have eternal life. In other words, it is not church or religion or priests or pastors that gives you access to Heaven, It is you believing in the Word -- Jesus. "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcameth the world -- even our faith." (I John 5:5)

Believe in Jesus today. Ask Jesus for His plan for your life. Be confident that Jesus never fails. He is the way, the truth and the life. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Grace Is Sufficient for You and I - Part 583

Jesus' grace is sufficient. Indeed, Jesus' shed His blood to cover our sins. His precious blood -- wholly sufficient for you and I. Further, the Word states that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. His love made perfect in our human inadequacies. In our failures. Why? Because there was absolutely nothing that we could ever do to deserve Jesus' love. 

Absolutely nothing that we could do to deserve Jesus' forgiveness. His promises. His glory. His joy. His peace that passeth all understanding. 

The only hope for humanity to experience salvation was our Heavenly Father -- the same God who created the world in the beginning -- the Word who had foreordained even before the foundation of the world was shaped -- a plan of salvation. Our transgressions paid for because Our Father loved us so much that He would become flesh and hang on a tree that He grew in order that you and I might be saved.

Yes, Jesus shed His precious blood so that He could reconcile His children unto Himself. The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. (Titus 2:11) So that we could become sons and daughters of the Most High King. The same Word that was in the beginning became flesh, dwelling among us, loving us enough to become as one of us. 

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. This same Word became flesh. (John 1:1-14) And this giving Himself so that we have an opportunity to be clothed in Jesus' grace. Jesus' endless mercy. His love. So that we can stand on His promises -- assured that the grace of Jesus is like no other.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (Galatians 2:16) It is also why the scriptures state in Romans 3"24: "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:24) Most of all, Jesus' plan of salvation --- that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:7)

Like Paul in I Corinthians 15, we can rest in the assurance that "by the grace of God I am what I am." Therefore, be strong in the grace that is Jesus Christ. For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law but under grace. Stand in His offering plate.

Blessed Assurance in Jesus - Part 582

Blessed assurance in Jesus! Indeed, we can be confident in His Word -- the scriptures that have been given to us by the inspiration of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Not only are the scriptures profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness but similarly so that those who love the Lord may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)

Further, in understanding the power that is intended by the blessed assurance that we have in Jesus, we need to take hold of His abundance of love for us. As it is written, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons [and daughters] of God. The world knoweth us not because it knew Him not."

In fact, the world in collaboration with the religious of the day crucified Jesus. At the time, they did not recognize that they crucified the Lord God Almighty, who was manifested in the flesh to take away our sins. The Father who created us in the beginning - in the beginning God -- and loved us so much that He became flesh and shed His Holy Spirit blood on the cross so that we might have salvation.

It is for this reason that "whosoever abides in Jesus sinneth not. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in Him: and He cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this [promise] the children of God are manifest ..." (I John 3:6, 9, 10) Further, the Word states, "For if our heart condemn us not, then we have confidence toward God."

We know that we have passed from death unto life.Verse 19 continues, stating, "And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved if our heart condemn us not, then we have confidence toward God."  (I John 5:19-22, 24)

Blessed assurance that extends to whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him because we are willing to keep His commandments, and do things that are pleasing in His sight. As a consequence, we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us.

So rejoice in the Lord Jesus. And know too that which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled -- the Word of Life. The apostles wrote in I John chapter five -- "For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father and now manifested. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us."

This is why we can be confident in our salvation because Lord Jesus, Thou has been and are still our dwelling place. In Jesus we are satisfied and complete. Blessed assurance in the Lamb of God -- the good Shepherd -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. Stand in the offering plate.