Praise You Jesus - Part 607

Blessed are those individuals who come in the name of the Lord! As we read in Luke chapter 13, Jesus went through the cities and villages teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. Throughout, Jesus performed miraculous healings and cast out devils. Indeed, when warned by the Pharisees that Herod was out to kill Him, Jesus said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets and stones them that are sent unto thee. How often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not." (Luke 13:34)

Earlier, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. Therein was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years. She was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands on her. Immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. He said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men ought to work. Therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.”

The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? Then so ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years [entitled to be loosed] from this bond on the Sabbath?” 

When Jesus said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame. Further, all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him. Then He said, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?" The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.” 

Further, “to what shall I liken the kingdom of God?" The Kingdom of Heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened. For me and my household, life does not get any better than this. Praise Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

The Breadth and Depth of God's Grace - Part 606

Christ Jesus is rich in mercy. His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us together with Christ and hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus that in the ages to come, He might show the exceeding riches of His grace, in His kindness toward us, through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourself.

When we ask Jesus into our life, we receive the gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus. We receive His grace. We taste His mercy. Indeed, we become privy to the fact that our Lord God and Saviour is gracious and forgiving to those who love Jesus. (I Peter 2:3)

Further, when we worship Jesus in Spirit and in truth, we become the sons and daughters of God. We  become the chosen generation. An integral component of the royal priesthood. An holy nation. Known among the masses as a peculiar people that shows forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. 

It is because of His great love that we sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. That through the shedding of His blood, we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24) He shows us the exceeding riches of His grace toward us. Jesus said in II Corinthians 12:9 that His grace is sufficient for us. Our strength is made perfect in weakness." 

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us so that we could behold His glory -- the glory as of the only begotten of the Father -- full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

The scriptures state that they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Grace be with you in the name of Jesus. Stand in the offering plate. 

Desired To Hear Jesus Personally - Part 605

Jesus said "Except you see signs and wonders, you will not believe." (John 4:48) Often, this scripture is offered by form institutionalized religions as a rationale for accepting that some people simply will not believe that Jesus is our Lord God and Saviour. That our Creator loved us so much that He would offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our transgressions. Or that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.  But there is another context and meaning in this scripture that should also be considered. That is, the reaction of the Samaritans after Jesus met the woman at the well.

Earlier, Jesus had told the woman, "If thou knew the gift of God, and who it is that saith thee, Give me to drink; thou would have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water." (John 4:6-42)

Obviously, the woman had never had a conversation like the one she had with Jesus. So when she went to the city, she told everyone to come. "Come see a man which told me all things that I ever did. Is this not the Christ?"

She was excited. She had just met the Most High God -- King of kings and Lord of lords -- on her way for water. And she wanted everyone to know that this is indeed, the Christ, the Saviour of the world. This man, she said, "is this not the Christ? (John 4:29) But the Samaritans did not initially accept her at her word.

Instead, they ventured out of the city and came to Jesus. Indeed, they besought Jesus that He would tarry with them, and He abode there two days. During this time, "many more believed because of His own words." (John 4:41)

As we read further, we learn that these Samaritans wanted to see and hear Jesus for themselves. Like the lady who was sick for twelve years and desired to press close to the Master Himself for healing. It wasn't enough to simply accept the good news about Jesus the Christ. Their purpose was to hear Jesus' message of salvation from the Master themselves. Like the woman at the well, they would not settle for anything less than experiencing His love. His peace. His mercy.

Once they had met Jesus -- and witnessed the Word for themselves, they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of thy saying; for we have heard Jesus ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." (John 4:42) Their lives had been changed. Firsthand, these Samaritans had experienced the love of Jesus.

Today, we need to reach out the same way. We need to press closer to Jesus. We need to find out personally for ourselves what Jesus intended for our own life. We need to read His Word. Why? Because life-changing experiences only occur when we've encountered the life-changer. The Father who holds the universe in the palm of His hands. The one who comforts us in our dark times. The one who would willingly shed His precious blood on the cross so that we might have salvation.

Like the woman at the well, we need to personally know who it is that we worship. Jesus said, "The hour cometh when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeks such to worship Him. God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth." (John: 23-24) Stand in the offering plate.

Knit Together in Love Because of Jesus - Part 604

For all -- every one of us -- have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23-26) This is why we ask Jesus to come into our hearts. Indeed, the scriptures state that "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) Forever forgiven because of the blood Jesus -- our Lord God and Saviour -- shed on the cross at Calvary.

As our faith increases, we want to become more like Him. Not because we have to perform good works for our salvation but rather, because we love Jesus. When the first 3,000 followers asked Peter and the apostles what they should do, Peter said unto them. 

"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." (Acts 2:38-42)

Then will our hearts be comforted "being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ." (Colossians 2:2) 

In Jesus, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. (Ephesians 1:7) Besides Jesus, there is no other. No other name under Heaven whereby we can be saved. 

Rest in His grace and mercy today. Stand in the offering plate.

Through It All, Jesus Is the Answer - Part 603

"For thou Lord are good and ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." (Psalm 86:5) Indeed, Jesus said, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (II Corinthians 12:9)

Why? Because God promised that the day will come when "God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow,  nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things will pass away." (Revelation 21:4) 

In the interim, know that through it all we can trust Jesus. We can trust in the precious blood that our Lord God and Saviour Jesus shed on the cross for you and I. And know without a doubt that His precious blood will never lose its power. The power to heal. The power to forgive. The power to give us strength in our most weakest moments. 

Indeed, the lyrics in the Andrea Crouch song Through It All says everything - "I've been to lots of places - I've seen a lot of faces - there's been times I felt so all alone - but in my lonely hours - yes, those precious lonely hours - Jesus lets me know that [His eye is not only on the sparrow but that I too] am His own."

A promise of love for His creation that was decided before the world was even shaped. God's unwavering promise to us even before we were even formed in our mother's womb. That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ. (Ephesians 3:6) As believers, reconciled to our Creator because of His willingness to die on a cross. "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30-40)

Today, if your heart is heavy, ask Jesus into your life. Renew your faith in the Lord God and Saviour who loved us so much that He gave Himself for us so that we might be reconnected with Him. For God SO LOVED the world -- you and I -- that He gave His only begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Feel His loving arms embracing you. Let Jesus dry your weeping eyes, filling your heart instead with His abundant joy. His peace. His love that surpasses all understanding. His grace that is so good. Most of all, know that Jesus never fails. Trust in Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

They Shall Mount Up With Wings as Eagles - Part 602

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31) This is the blessed hope that we have in Jesus Christ our Lord -- who is the brightness of His glory and the express image of His substance. Our Lord God and Saviour -- Jesus the Christ -- being the image of the invisible God and the first born of every creature. It is He who shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I.

Indeed, Jesus said, "Come unto me all ye that 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 light." (Matthew 11:29) 

Why? Because "by Him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created by Him and for Him." (Colossians 1:16) In Jesus does all the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily. Jesus, being the unseen spirit of God manifest in the flesh. One God, the Father of whom are all things. 

This same God who holds the universe in His hands was made manifest in the flesh to justify and absolve our sins once and for all. To pardon us from our long list of transgressions because He shed His precious blood on the cross so that we might be delivered.

As the scriptures state, Jesus the Christ being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God -- and yet as a Son in the fullness of time was sent of the Father -- and took upon Himself the form of a servant. (Philippians 2:6-7) Now, Jesus has become a High Priest after the Order of Melchisedec. He is the author of our eternal salvation. His name called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) Indeed, Jesus is the one and only God who loved us enough to become as one of us so that His love and joy could fill our hearts. He is both Lord and Christ. 

Offer yourself to Jesus today. Ask Jesus to show you the way. Stand in the offering plate. 

By Grace Are Ye Saved - Part 601

What is grace? Further, what does it mean when we say "by grace are ye saved." (Ephesians 2:5)

Certainly, the second chapter of Ephesians acknowledges that as believers in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus, we have come a long way since the time we were without Christ. The scriptures actually liken us -- that is in our former life -- to aliens and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, being without God in the world. But the Bible states that it does not have to be this way. Why? Because when we ask Jesus into our heart, those of us who were afar off are now made nigh to Him through the blood of Jesus. As a consequence, we have tasted His mercy. That the Lord is gracious. (I Peter 2:3)

Moreover, as a consequence of our faith, we become a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people that you show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Which in time past were not a people but are now the people of God. Sons and daughters of the Most High King that had not known mercy until we believed on Jesus.

Trusted the He who is rich in mercy. Who because of His great love (wherewith He loved us even when we were dead in sins) hath quickened us together with Christ and hath raised us up and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. So that He might show us the exceeding riches of His grace toward us through the shedding of blood. 

Furthermore, for those of us who were once dead in trespasses and sins, wherein we walked according to the course of this world, and according to the prince of the power of the air, Jesus has made a way of salvation when none was available. For through Him -- Jesus -- God in the flesh -- we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. We are no more strangers and foreigners but instead fellow citizens with the saints. 

Other scriptures validate the breadth and depth of our heavenly Father's love. For example, He giveth more grace -- particularly to the humble. (James 4:6) Sin no longer has dominion over us for we are no longer under the law --- but under grace. (Romans 6:14) As such, we are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone. In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto a holy temple in the Lord. In whom ye also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18-22) 

It is He who said in II Corinthians 12:9 that "My grace is sufficient for thee. For my strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:4-9) God commends His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Amazing grace -- how great thou art! Grace be with you in the name of Jesus. Stand in the offering plate. 

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism - Part 600

Blessed be the God and Father -- our Lord Jesus Christ -- who willingly -- in His abundance provides each of us who believe in Him with blessings that surpass human understanding. Indeed, unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all loving us until we come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of our Lord God and Saviour unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4)

Jesus' promise to those that believe in Him is that we no longer are like children -- tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine created and imposed by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness -- whose only motive is to lie in wait to deceive. The religious institutions of the day that desire that our understanding be darkened because of their own alienation from the abundance of life that God intended for each and every one of us from the very beginning. Those who seek to keep us in bondage. Those who seek to destroy us in our endeavour to live life in faith. Ephesians 4:18-19 aptly states "because of the blindness of their heart, who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with greediness."

This is why the scriptures encourage us to let no man deceive us with vain words. Instead, search the scriptures for ourselves for in the Word we will find eternal life. (John 5:39) We will find the peace that passes all understanding. The joy that only Jesus can provide.

The good news of salvation then -- decided even before the world was formed -- does not come from learning about our Lord God and Saviour from men. Rather it is from reading the Word. Getting to know Jesus personally as our Lord and Saviour.

Indeed, as believers in Jesus, our hearts and minds become renewed. We put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. This is why we speak every man truth with his neighbour for we are members one of another. In the body of Christ. There is one body and one Spirit even as you are called in one hope of your calling.

As Paul stated, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called. With all lowliness and meekness with long suffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Speaking the truth that Jesus has revealed to us in love so that we may grow in Jesus in all things -- increasing in His knowledge and wisdom.

As followers of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus. As dear children, walking in love as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice.

The next step is to be baptized in the name of Jesus, as instructed by Peter, standing with the eleven on the Day of Pentecost. Read Acts 2:38-42 for your learning and edification. Stand in the offering plate.

He That Believes on Jesus - Part 599

World changers. Changing the world as Jesus did. Indeed, Jesus said, "He that believes on me, the works that I do shall also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father." (John 14:12) The question for most of us today is whether we are willing to step fully into the faith that Jesus intended for us. Whether we are willing to stand in the offering plate - literally. To move from our personal comfort zone and become everything that Jesus intended us to become -- from the beginning of creation -- even whilst we were still in our mother's wombs.

The Bible encourages us to "Hearken, my beloved brethren. Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?" (James 2:5) So that He can attest to our faith, as stated in Matthew 25, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." (Matthew 25:23)

But often, we feel inadequate of our calling. Many times, we forget that Jesus called "ordinary people" to become "fishers of men." To go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:28)

Note that Jesus did not stop His teaching in Mark 16 there. Jesus continued His teaching, saying, "And these signs shall follow them that believe. In my name, shall they cast out devils. They shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:15-18)

To occur when that which is perfect is come. (I Corinthians 13:10) When Jesus has returned to the Father and the Comforter has come.

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if indeed I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12) This is the message intended for Jesus' disciples today. In fact, His message has never changed, We have just been side tracked. Settling for much less than discipleship in the Kingdom. Failing to recognize that as believers, we are the sons and daughters of the Most High King.

Luke 6:39-49 further elaborates on this point. Herein, Jesus is sharing a parable with the people. "Can the blind lead the blind?" He says, "Shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his Master, but every one that is perfect shall be as his Master." (Luke 6:40)

Therefore, let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:3-5) Why? Because thou wilt keep you in perfect peace -- those whose mind is stayed on Jesus. (Isaiah 26:3) Those who trust in the great I AM. Bring forth His fruit for a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good.

Be like the man which built a house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock, so that when the flood arose, the stream may have beaten vehemently on that house, but nothing could shake it. The rock is Jesus. His love for you and I is unshakeable. This is why Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross for us. Get closer to Jesus today. Read His Word. Step into the offering plate.

Jesus Is Still Performing Miracles - Part 598

Surely. Jesus on the cross has borne our griefs. And He has carried our sorrows. Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But the good news is that Jesus was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him and yet by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4-5)

Indeed, the Bible is full of examples of miracles Jesus performed. Similarly, the scriptures repeatedly tell of the many times that Jesus healed people who were sick. Those with diseases and afflictions from birth. Those people who had almost given up hope of ever being healed or their situation in life changing. But the one message that remains clear is the following promise from our Lord God and Saviour.

"Behold, I will bring it health and healing. I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of [my] peace and truth." (Jeremiah 33:6)

Yes, Jesus never changes. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Amazingly, as we read in the scriptures, the response to the miracles Jesus performed often differed.

In John chapter six, for example, Jesus answered them and said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled." (John 6:26) Earlier in the book of John, the scriptures state that the same came to Jesus by night and said unto Him, "Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God, for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." (John 3:2)

Two Biblical examples proving the extent to which Jesus performed miracles during His time on earth and yet both garnered very different responses. In the first scripture, it is easy to reflect on those that seek Jesus -- even today -- not because of the miracles -- but rather because the people ate of the loaves and were filled. These believers in Jesus were receiving the manna from heaven. The bread which the Lord hath given us to eat, according to his or her eating, and the number of persons within the household. At the time, some had gathered much bread with nothing left over. In fact, Exodus chapter sixteen states that they had little or no lack. God had promised that " in the morning ye shall be filled with bread." He also said that ye shall know that I am the Lord your God. (Exodus 16)

In the second example, the people recognized from the miracles that Jesus performed -- as elaborated upon in the scriptures -- that He was no ordinary man. They did not look at the action itself but beyond the healings and miracles and accepted that our Lord God and Saviour was responsible for giving people hope. The fact that Jesus could was because He was God in the flesh. (John 1:1-14) Jesus was the Word. (I John 5:7) "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God." (I John 4:2)

Still, at the end of the day, it is not the response that should be the focal point. The good news is that we can receive the manna too. The bread from heaven in which our Lord God and Saviour -- the same God who created the world in the beginning -- became flesh and died on a cross so that we might have salvation. It is His love that fills us, leaving us with no lack -- wanting nothing.

How can we know the love that Jesus has for us? Because He told us so. For God so loved the world! Yes, Jesus knows each and every one of us by name.  Believe in His goodness. His grace. His love. Find peace in His resting place. Then will our light break forth like the morning. So that our healing -- whether physical, spiritual, or social -- can spring forth speedily. As a consequence, righteousness will go before us each day and the glory of the Lord will be our rear guard. (Isaiah 5:8)

Stand in the confidence that Jesus knew you even before you were formed in your mother's womb. That Jesus loves you more than we can ever understand. That Jesus shed His Holy Spirit blood on the cross for our transgressions. Stand in the offering plate.