What is Grace That Jesus Would Bestow His Abundance Upon Us - Part 641

   What is "grace" that Jesus -- our Lord God and Saviour -- would love you and I so much that He would create a plan of salvation that would bestow His abundance of mercy upon us. That our heavenly Father who created us in the beginning would willingly became man so that the veil between Him and us could be taken down. His divine plan of salvation -- decided even before the foundation of the world was formed. His love for us even though we were sinners without hope.

As the scriptures point out, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We ourselves were oft times foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving diverse lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another, to name a few. 

   But after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He reached out to us, Indeed, He saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour -- that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:3-7)

   There are similar insights into the breadth and depth of the love of our Lord God and Saviour -- His grace -- His mercy in Ephesians chapter two. Herein, we also begin to gain an understanding of the extent our Saviour was willing to go to reconcile our hearts to Jesus. The scriptures state:

   And you hath He quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins -- wherein in time past you walked according to the course [and mindset] of this world -- according to the prince of the power of the air -- the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience -- among whom we also have had our conversation in times past in the desires of the flesh and of the mind -- and thus by nature were the children of wrath.

   But even so our Lord God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace you are saved|) 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 us -- [you and I] - the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

   For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. In other words, there was a time in each of our lives that we lived without Jesus. Without His hope, Without His joy and peace within our being. Without His leadership and direction.

   At the time we -- known as Gentiles -- were considered "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise." However, because of Christ Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross, those of us who were afar off are now made nigh by His  blood -- the blood of Jesus,

   For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us, having abolished in His flesh the enmity -- even the law of commandments contained in ordinances -- for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace -- and that He -- Jesus -- might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby. So that we know that through Him, we have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 

That as a consequence of the cross, we have access to the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Most High Priest Jesus -- the only name given under heaven whereby men can be saved.

   Yes, Jesus loves us. In fact, He loves us so much that He would shed His precious blood on a cross so that we might experience His love -- His peace -- and His understanding that surpasses all understanding. Indeed, why would a God who holds the universe in the palm of His hands ever care about us. But He does. Now that is grace. And Jesus wants you to experinece His grace today. Ask Jesus into your life. Stand in the offering plate.

To Our Lord God and Saviour Be the Glory - Part 640

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou may prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in truth." (III John 1:2-4)

Praise you Jesus! I am reminded of the words to the song entitled, "To God Be the Glory." The lyrics are posted below. I hope that they are as much a blessing to you as they are to me. Stand in the offering plate.

How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me
Things so undeserved yet you give to prove your love for me
The voices of a million angels cannot express my gratitude
All that I am or ever hope to be I owe it all to Thee.

Just let me live my life and let it be pleasing, Lord to Thee
And should I gain any praise, let it go to Calvary.

With His blood, He has saved me
By His power, He has raised me.
To God be the glory
For the things he has done.

(Chorus)
To God be the glory
To God be the glory
To God be the glory
For the things He has done
With His blood, He has saved me
By His power, He has raised me.
To God be the glory
For the things he has done.

Jesus Will Not Leave Us Comfortless - Part 639

"And whatsoever you shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name I will do it." (John 14:14)

As we have learned from the gospels, Jesus had already performed numerous miracles among the people. He had healed those who were full of sickness and disease. He fed those who hungered and gave living water to those who thirst. He gave hope to the poor and peace to those who had been hurt. Indeed, Jesus even raised people from the dead. Throughout, Jesus demonstrated His ultimate power over those in authority positions. He countered deceitful questions with wisdom. He comforted ordinary people with His words. He forgave sinners of their transgressions.

Jesus said in John chapter fourteen, "Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go [now] to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am there you may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." (John 14:1-4)

Unfortunately, Thomas wasn't as convinced. He didn't know where Jesus was going and clearly wasn't so happy about the prospect. So Thomas asked Jesus, "Lord, we know not whither Thou goest ... how can we know the way?"

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also; and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen Him."

Upon hearing Jesus' response, Phillip then asked, "Lord, show us the Father and it sufficeth us." Jesus said unto Phillip, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Phillip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father. How sayest thou 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."

And then Jesus said, "Believe Me that I AM in the Father and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on Me the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto My Father."

And I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive because it sees Him not, neither knoweth Him but you know Him for He dwelleth with you and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you." (John 14:21)

Read that again. Jesus told the disciples that the Comforter already dwelleth with them and shall be in you. "I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you." So that whatsoever we ask in the name of Jesus, He will do it.

This is why Jesus said, "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." The Comforter who gives us wisdom and understanding so that we may know Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ -- this is the true God and eternal life. (I John 5:20)

If you haven't yet asked Jesus into your heart, do so today. Jesus never fails. He will give you joy unspeakable. Why? Because Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is still healing the sick and casting out demons. Jesus still offers hope to the poor and food to those who hunger. His blessings are promised to those who seek after Jesus. Therefore, drink of Jesus' living water and never thirst again. Rejoice in His peace, seeking the heavenly Father who loved you from the beginning. Loved you enough to become flesh and shed His precious blood on the cross for you. The Almighty who calls us "Beloved." The Alpha and Omega. This is the true God. His name is Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.

We Being Rooted and Grounded in Jesus' Love - Part 638

People often say "hold on tight" when referring to the cycles of life. Many do so because they do not understand that life actually begins when we ask Jesus to become an integral part of our life. Not just in prayer at meal time, or similarly, when we go to bed but all the time, praying without ceasing, and praising Jesus for His goodness. Only then can we discern between our heavenly Father's destined purpose for our life and the obligations and distractions that often take us in a very different direction. If you are dealing with life struggles that extend beyond your capacity --- at least for this moment, recognize and respond to the Jesus who loves you.

I John 4:16 states: "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in Him."

Further, in Ephesians chapter 8, the idea of being rooted and grounded in Jesus' love continues. We all have an opportunity to do the things that are right and to reject what is wrong. Why? Because Jesus the Christ dwells in our hearts by faith when we commit our hearts, our souls and our minds to Him -- "that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length and depth and height and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:11)

Jesus also said in the scriptures that He is the only mediator between God and man. Beside Him, there is no other. My Lord and my God. Indeed, Jesus is "the way, the truth and the life. No man comes unto the Father but by me." (I John 14:6)

As a consequence, we are reassured in our salvation. Reconciled to our beloved creator once and for all. Our sins forgiven because of the blood shed on the cross. Our life complete in Jesus. His love. His endless mercy. His joy.

Therefore, be "persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height or depth nor any other creature created 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!

Only Jesus Can Forgive Sin - Part 637

The Bible states, "For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." (Hebrews 9:26)

The law in the Old Testament with all those sacrifices and ordinances which they offer year by year in an attempt to "continually make the comers thereunto" would never be enough. If it had been, "then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once purged should have no more conscience of sins. But in these sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins, wherefore when He cometh into the world, He says, "Sacrifice and offering, thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, lo, I come (in the volume of the book is it written of Me) to do thy will, O God." (Hebrews 9:1-7)

He taketh away the first that He may establish the second, by the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all. In other words, every priest that stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices and ordinances and rituals can never take away sins. They can never forgive one's sins.

But this man -- God in the flesh -- after He had offered one sacrifice for sins and ever sat down on the right hand of God -- from henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool -- for by one offering -- the offering of Himself -- He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Perfected those who believe in Jesus with all their heart, with all their soul and with all their mind. Though our sins be as crimson, they shall be as white as snow. Why?

Because the King of kings and Lord of lords by His one offering of sacrifice -- Himself on the cross -- hath perfected for ever those that believe on His name -- the name of Jesus. "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." (Hebrews 9:1-17)

Moreover, "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 the flesh, and having an 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, let us hold fast the profession of our faith -- without wavering -- for He is faithful that promised.

Indeed, it is Jesus who forgives our sins. He is the "only" mediator between God and man. And He paid the price for our sins once and for all when He shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary. Therefore, have the boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus which He hath consecrated specifically for you and I. Decided even before the world was shaped that He would deliver the greatest love story ever told.

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

This is why priests even with all their rituals and ordinances can "never" take away one's sins. Ask Jesus into your heart today. Believe on Him who loved us enough to shed His precious blood on the cross. Stand in the offering plate.

No Remission Without Blood of Jesus - Part 636

But Jesus Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building, neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own precious blood He entered in once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for you and I. (Hebrews 9:11-12)

What these scriptures in Hebrews chapter nine are stating is that we are no longer living under the first covenant. The old testament and adherence to the "law" whereby men meet and drink, and are full of diverse washings and had carnal ordinances imposed on them. As the scriptures state, that was the practice "until the time of Reformation" when Jesus' blood shed on the cross changed everything.

"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh ... [then] how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"

It is for this cause that He -- Jesus the Christ -- is the mediator of the new testament, that by means  of His death on the cross, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. His joy. His wisdom. The peace of Jesus in our hearts that passes all understanding.

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead. Otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. This point is further elaborated upon in Hebrews chapter nine, but for these purposes know that almost all things by the law are purged with blood and "without the shedding of blood there is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22)

It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heaven should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true but into heaven itself; now to appear in the presence of God for us. Jesus -- the "only" mediator between God and man. If we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.

Why? Because He offered Himself for us. Once and for all. Not that He should offer Himself often as the high priest enters into the Holy place every year with blood of others. For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world. But now, once in the end of the world, hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

Indeed, the same God who created the world became as one of us so that we could personally know the living God who loved us enough to shed His precious blood on a cross for us. He was the sacrifice. In the beginning God. 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)

Christ was "once" offered to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for Him, shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Press into Jesus. Love Him today. Stand in the offering plate.

What Was I That I Could Withstand the Love of Jesus - Part 635

Today's Scripture: "And when the captain and the officers had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, "Did not we straightly command you that ye should not teach in this name? And, behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." (Acts 5:27-28)

If you have an opportunity to read the book of Acts, you should. In fact, you will not be disappointed. Not only is the content inspiring, but it reveals significant insights into the formation of the early church and the personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit. "For as much then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us, who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ -- what was I that I could withstand God?"

In Acts 5, we learn that the earlier prophecy of servant David from the old covenant had been fulfilled. Jesus had already risen from the dead and His apostles and followers were being persecuted for their beliefs. Still, as the scriptures state, even in the midst of this pointed persecution, the apostles collectively lifted up their voices to God with one accord and said, "Lord, thou art God that hast made heaven and earth and the sea and all that in them is; who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, "Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ." (Acts 4:24-26)

Throughout, the apostles were aware of the threats being spoken against them but that did not stop them. Instead, the apostles prayed that the Lord would grant confidence unto His servants so that they might speak the Word with boldness. As we read, their prayer was definitely answered. For when they prayed, "the place was shaken with boldness where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and they spake the Word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:29-31) As a consequence, the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul. More importantly, believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. (Acts 5:14)

When we think about it, why wouldn't men and women want to believe? By the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people. The sick and those vexed with unclean spirits were literally brought into the streets and laid on beds and couches to be healed ... so "that at the least the shadow of Peter passing might overshadow some of them." (Acts 5:15) And they were healed every one. Not one of those individuals who were afflicted with illness were left in their misery. "With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and great grace was upon them all, and neither were any among them that lacked."

But the high priest and all that were with him from the sect of the Sadducees were filled with indignation. Indeed, the priests were concerned that as the apostles went from place to place preaching the good news message of Jesus, that more and more people were believing in Him. As a result, the sect was losing its status and power. So what did they do? They laid their hands on the apostles and put them into the common prison. (Acts 5:17-18)

But as we know, man-made prisons were not going to prevent Jesus' name from being preached. That night, the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and set them free so that the apostles could continue to teach the people in the temple "all the words of this life." This was unbeknownst to the sect leaders.

When they finally discovered that the prison was empty -- even though the keepers were still standing outside the closed prison doors -- the high priest and the captain of the temple collectively with the chief priests and the senate of the children of Israel and all that were with them -- brought the apostles to the council. There the high priest asked them, "Did not we straightly command you that ye should not teach in His name?" That is, the name of Jesus?

Peter and the other apostles replied saying, "We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these things, and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him." (Acts 5:29-32)

When the high priests heard this, they were cut to the heart and took counsel to slay them. But in their midst was a reputable doctor of the law -- a lawyer -- who commanded to put the apostles forth a little space. He said, "Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be a somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred joined themselves; who was slain, and all, as many as obeyed him were scattered and brought to naught. A similar demise happened with Judas of Galilee.

The lawyer continued. "Refrain from these men and let them alone. For if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nothing but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply you be found even to fight against God. And to the lawyer they agreed; and when they had called the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, before letting them go.

As expected, the apostles departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame and suffering for His name. The name of Jesus Christ. The one and only mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus who gave Himself as a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (I Timothy 2:5-6) The same Christ Jesus who came into the world to save sinners. (Acts 1:15) The same Jesus who loved us enough to shed His precious blood on a cross so that you and I could be filled with His joy and peace.

The Bible states, "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we -- [men and women] -- must be saved." (Acts 4:12)  "Whosoever believes in Jesus shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:43) And like the believers in Acts, Jesus never fails. Rejoice in your salvation today. Ask Jesus into your life. Stand in the offering plate.

For I Am With Thee - Part 634

"He was led as a sheep to the slaughter and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened He not His mouth .. in His humiliation, His judgement was taken away; and who shall declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth." (Acts 8:32-33)

Herein, Philip was preaching Jesus to the eunuch. Philip said, "If thou believe with all thine heart ..."

If thou believest that Jesus is the same most High who dwells not in temples or church buildings or religious institutions made with hands, but instead He is the great I AM -- the Lord of lords and King of kings -- whose throne is indeed heaven and earth His footstool -- you will be saved.

The Lord once said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Be not afraid, but speak and hold not thy peace ... for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee .." Believe in the marvel that is Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.

For in Jesus we Live, Move, and Have our Being - Part 633

For what has a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or, what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:25-26)

As Jesus passed through Jericho, there was a man named Zacchaeus, who was the chief among the publicans. Indeed, in societal terms, he was rich. Still, he sought to see Jesus. Zacchaeus wanted to see for himself the Lord who commanded the winds to stop and the seas to calm. But because of his small stature and the crowds that pressed against Jesus, he could not. So Zacchaeus ran and climbed into a sycamore tree.

When Jesus passed by the tree, He looked up and saw him, and said unto him, "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down. For today, I must abide at thy house." What do you think Zacchaeus did? The scriptures in Luke 19 state that he indeed "made haste, and came down and received Him joyfully." And when the people saw this, they all murmured saying, "That He [Jesus] was gone to be a guest with a man that is a sinner." The people had already judged Zaccheaus to be a man unworthy of the Lord. But Jesus had a different idea. Jesus already knew Zaccheaus' heart -- his innermost thoughts.

Jesus knew that in Zacchaeus' humility, he would say unto the Lord what he had already been doing. That is, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him four-fold." This is why Jesus said, "This day has salvation come to this house ... for the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:1-10)

For God so loved the world. The same Lord God who created us in the beginning loved us enought to shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I. It is no wonder Zacchaeus made haste. He knew that all the money in the world could never satisfy his desires. That all the riches this world could offer would never provide even a minuscule of the joy that Jesus has in store for those who love Him. Why?

Because Zacchaeus knew that in the beginning, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus gave to each and every one of us life, and breath, and all things. And that He "hath made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him and find Him, though He be not far away from every one of us: for in Him we live, and move, and have our being." (Acts 17:26-28)

Praise Jesus! He came to seek and save those who are lost. Moreover, He inhabits the hearts and souls of those who love Him. Jesus said, "Ye shall never fail" because Jesus never fails. Through it all, He loves us more than we could even begin to think or imagine. He knows our struggles. Our most inner thoughts. That if we would only turn to Him and seek Him as Zacchaeus did, we will receive His blessings. His bountiful supply. In fact, the battle is already won.

The price for our sins was paid once and for all when our Lord God and Saviour -- our heavenly Father -- became as one of us (in the world but not of this world) and shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I. The ultimate sacrifice. And thus, the greatest love story ever told. Learn to trust in Jesus today. Depend upon His Word. Stand firm in His promises. Stand in the offering plate.

Ye Shall Never Fail - Part 632

Until we all reach unity in the faith and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ, we are encouraged to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 4:13) Indeed, to Him be the glory both now and forever.

In the second epistle of Peter, Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ addressess the blessings that come with Jesus. Writing to those who have obtained precious faith through the righteousness of God, He encourages us saying, "Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord according to His divine power as given unto us -- all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue." (II Peter 1:1-3)

In other words, we are being encouraged to press into Jesus whereby we "are given exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance patience, and to patience godliness. And to godliness brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness charity." (II Peter 1:4-7)

God was under no obligation to promise you and I anything. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But the same Father who created us in the beginning loved us enough to shed His precious blood on the cross so that our sins -- past, present and future -- could be forgiven once and for all.

"For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." This is why we remain diligent --  to make our calling and election sure, "for if ye do these things, ye shall never fail." Read that again -- the scriptures state, "ye shall never fail." Collectively, these are the "precious promises" of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. His assurance for us that we will be sustained through His grace.

The precious promise of our Lord that yes, we will be sustained through His grace. Not of ourselves but through Jesus who willingly died on a cross for us. Therefore, our hope is in Jesus. As such, cling to His promises. The blessed assurance of Jesus that He loves us. Receive His blessings. And remember, if the Lord God who created us promised to protect, support and rescue those under the old covenant, including Moses, Abraham, Jacob and Isaac, just think of how much more He has in the storehouses for those under the new covenant who accept that this same God would willingly shed His precious blood on a cross for our salvation.For you and I

We, who could never obtain salvation of ourselves might have an opportunity to become partakers in the grace and freedom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ask Jesus into your heart today. Be diligent in dwelling in the peace of Jesus, without spot and blameless, so that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes -- though it be tried by fire -- might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:7)

Rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of His glory all the while recognizing beyond a shadow of a doubt that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation. Stand in the offering plate.