"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." (Psalms 98:4-6)
"Therefore will I give thanks unto Thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto Thy name." (Psalms 18:49)
"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." (Ephesians 5:19-21)
" ... count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worth patience. But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." (James 1:3-6)
"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." (Ephesians 5:19-21)
" ... count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worth patience. But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." (James 1:3-6)
Elias is a good example -- a man the scriptures describe as subject to like passions as we are. He prayed earnestly that it might not rain. As a consequence, it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. Then Elias prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. (James 5:17-20)
Can you imagine praying that it would not rain for three years and six months? And then praying again for the heavens to open up and give rain so that the earth could bring forth her fruit?
For us who believe in Jesus by faith, Elias' example should serve as encouragement to gird up the loins of our minds, be sober, and keep looking up with hope to the end for the grace that was (and continues to be) brought unto us -- the revelation of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:11-17)
To this end, it is important for us to recognize that the promises of the Lord Jesus are always true. He never fails those who love Him. As the giver of life, He wants only the best for those who love Him, and desire to abide totally in Him, pushing aside the things of this earth, in favour of the heavenly.
And that, consequently, the trial of our faith (being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire) be found unto praise and honour and glory at the end of the appearing of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen ye love, in whom though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of our faith, even the salvation of our soul. (I Peter 1:7-9, 10)
Indeed, Jesus said He would never leave us, nor forsake us once we have accepted Him into our heart, and been water baptized in the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus. Why? Because when we are water baptized -- buried into Jesus Christ, we are baptized into His death. Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:3-4)
The gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, and His gift of salvation to us is the greatest love story ever told, and because of His love and kindness toward us, we can be partakers of His magnificence and glory. We see this on the day of Pentecost when the first 3,000 souls were saved. On that day, Peter (standing with the eleven) shared that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. When the people ask what they must do to be saved, Peter tells us to repent, and to be water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins so that they can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-41)
But there is so much more that we miss as followers of the Lord Jesus -- His disciples -- when we willingly settle for a comfortable pew.
Like, for example, the opportunity to continue steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers so that none are without. (Acts 2:41-47) Or, becoming a world changer in our own Jerusalem, wherein we can lead people to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Or, the revelations and guidance we receive from the Holy Ghost when we press into Jesus. And even more still, the learning that we receive when we delve into the the questions James asks -- "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you afflicted? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise Him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:13-16)
The message here then is that because of our heart response to Jesus, wherein we love our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we no longer are servants, but rather, His friends who have come to know His business, and -- desiring souls to be saved. It is for this reason that we search the Word for His wisdom and understanding in all things, for the Lord Jesus is the source of all wisdom. The key to all knowledge.
Jesus prayed, "Give us this day our daily bread." In another place, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) In yet another scripture, Jesus describes Himself as the Bread of Life. And yes, similarly, He is the living water wherein we drink and consequently, never thirst again.
Thus, when we search the Word with an honest heart, studying the scriptures to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth, we begin to understand the foundation of God that stands sure. (II Timothy 2:15, 19) The Rock which is JESUS, who shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
The scriptures confirm that the Lord knows them that are His. This is why we remain strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, being justified by faith. And because of the peace we have with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace, wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, we can glory in tribulations with His hope that taketh not ashamed. His love shed aboard in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:1-21)
Therefore, "hold fast the form of sound words .. in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. The good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us. (II Timothy 1:14)
And "if any of you do err from the truth and one convert him, let him know that he which convert the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death and shall hide a multitude of sins." (James 5:17-20)
Think on these things in the days ahead. If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God that gives to all liberally, and upbraids not, asking in faith. For every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, who of His own will begat us with the Word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.
Oh, how He loves those who become doers of the Word and not just hearers only. Then can we make a joyful noise unto the Lord, praying and singing with the Spirit of the Lord, and forever gaining His understanding for our lives.
Stand in the offering plate.
Can you imagine praying that it would not rain for three years and six months? And then praying again for the heavens to open up and give rain so that the earth could bring forth her fruit?
For us who believe in Jesus by faith, Elias' example should serve as encouragement to gird up the loins of our minds, be sober, and keep looking up with hope to the end for the grace that was (and continues to be) brought unto us -- the revelation of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:11-17)
To this end, it is important for us to recognize that the promises of the Lord Jesus are always true. He never fails those who love Him. As the giver of life, He wants only the best for those who love Him, and desire to abide totally in Him, pushing aside the things of this earth, in favour of the heavenly.
And that, consequently, the trial of our faith (being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire) be found unto praise and honour and glory at the end of the appearing of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen ye love, in whom though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of our faith, even the salvation of our soul. (I Peter 1:7-9, 10)
Indeed, Jesus said He would never leave us, nor forsake us once we have accepted Him into our heart, and been water baptized in the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus. Why? Because when we are water baptized -- buried into Jesus Christ, we are baptized into His death. Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:3-4)
The gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, and His gift of salvation to us is the greatest love story ever told, and because of His love and kindness toward us, we can be partakers of His magnificence and glory. We see this on the day of Pentecost when the first 3,000 souls were saved. On that day, Peter (standing with the eleven) shared that this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. When the people ask what they must do to be saved, Peter tells us to repent, and to be water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins so that they can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-41)
But there is so much more that we miss as followers of the Lord Jesus -- His disciples -- when we willingly settle for a comfortable pew.
Like, for example, the opportunity to continue steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers so that none are without. (Acts 2:41-47) Or, becoming a world changer in our own Jerusalem, wherein we can lead people to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Or, the revelations and guidance we receive from the Holy Ghost when we press into Jesus. And even more still, the learning that we receive when we delve into the the questions James asks -- "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you afflicted? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise Him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:13-16)
The message here then is that because of our heart response to Jesus, wherein we love our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we no longer are servants, but rather, His friends who have come to know His business, and -- desiring souls to be saved. It is for this reason that we search the Word for His wisdom and understanding in all things, for the Lord Jesus is the source of all wisdom. The key to all knowledge.
Jesus prayed, "Give us this day our daily bread." In another place, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) In yet another scripture, Jesus describes Himself as the Bread of Life. And yes, similarly, He is the living water wherein we drink and consequently, never thirst again.
Thus, when we search the Word with an honest heart, studying the scriptures to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth, we begin to understand the foundation of God that stands sure. (II Timothy 2:15, 19) The Rock which is JESUS, who shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23)
The scriptures confirm that the Lord knows them that are His. This is why we remain strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, being justified by faith. And because of the peace we have with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace, wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, we can glory in tribulations with His hope that taketh not ashamed. His love shed aboard in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:1-21)
Therefore, "hold fast the form of sound words .. in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. The good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us. (II Timothy 1:14)
And "if any of you do err from the truth and one convert him, let him know that he which convert the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death and shall hide a multitude of sins." (James 5:17-20)
Think on these things in the days ahead. If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God that gives to all liberally, and upbraids not, asking in faith. For every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, who of His own will begat us with the Word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.
Oh, how He loves those who become doers of the Word and not just hearers only. Then can we make a joyful noise unto the Lord, praying and singing with the Spirit of the Lord, and forever gaining His understanding for our lives.
Stand in the offering plate.
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