WHAT SHALL I RENDER
Psalms 116:12 What shall I render unto the LORD [for] all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD.
Twice in the 116th Psalm David makes this same statement. Of course, there are other things he said he would do, but the term "Call upon the Name of the Lord" caught my eye, and I felt I needed to know more about what it means to do it.
I was surprised by what I found. It is one of those words (Strong's #7121) which could be, and has been, translated different ways. Early in the Bible it is found-- Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD.
It is translated "Call" about 500 times, but there are places where it might have been more properly rendered another word-- which, indeed, it was many times.
Three outstanding ways it was also translated are: "Proclaim" (Lev 25:10 et al.), "Publish" (Deu 32:3 et al.) and "Preach." (Neh 6:7, Jonah 3:2)
The two scriptures I have printed above are, in my estimation, two places where it might have been better if the translators had used one of the three alternate words.
It sure changed the face of things when I discovered that the Hebrew word could be, and had been, translated differently with these alternate words.
You will admit with me that there is a vast difference between simply "calling upon" the Name of the Lord, and "Proclaiming, Publishing, Preaching" the Name of the Lord. Yet, they all come from the same root word in the Hebrew text.
"What shall I render-- for all His benefits--? First, I should take the cup of Salvation. That is the first, and most important step.
Then, it would be fitting if I told others about the Name of the Lord, which has become my "Strong Tower, my Rock; my Shield, and the Horn of my Salvation, my High Tower, and my Refuge, my Saviour."
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
REFUGE
REFUGE BECAUSE
Psalm 91 has a few things which I want to touch on right now. It has been quoted many times by many people who were in bad circumstances, and has given them strength to hold up in those hard places.
Three times the word "because" is used, leading us to condlude that there is a reason for our safety in Jesus, and our being delivered when in time of trouble.
Psalms 91:9 Because thou hast made the LORD, [which is] my REFUGE, [even] the most High, thy habitation;
Psalms 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
It would seem, on the surface, that the matter of PRIORITIES enters into the picture, if we are to enjoy the privilege of entering into the REFUGE of the Lord.
Look at the word "habitation". We need to determine where our habitation is. Our TOP PRIORITY could well be the determining factor of our habitation.
The angel of the Lord asked, Judges 2:2 -- but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?
What would be the reason for us not obeying the voice of the Lord? Simply, that we place more value on something else besides the Word of the Lord.
It might be material things that hinder. It might be the good will (favor) of people, and the fear of losing it. It might be our feeling of being too important to do the things which a close walk with God would require.
These things can be lost or stolen from us. They are NOT RELIABLE refuges anyway. They are altogether temporal.
BUT REFUGE IN GOD is NOT TEMPORAL. It will NEVER fail. It is NOT TANGIBLE. It can NEVER BE STOLEN from us, nor taken by force from us.
It is REFUGE IN THE SPIRIT-- in GOD HIMSELF, who has never failed, and will not fail in the future.
Hebrews 6:18 That-- we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: On the Passover night in Egypt, the blood applied to the door of the house was the REFUGE of the children of Israel.
OBEDIENCE TO GOD caused the blood to be put there. OBEDIENCE TO GOD is what will constitute a sure place of refuge for us also today.
For Hezekiah, when Jerusalem was under seige, refuge was provided for him in answer to his prayer to God. The angel of the Lord smote 185,000 men with "Sudden (Infant) Death Syndrome" in a single stroke.
Psalm 91 has a few things which I want to touch on right now. It has been quoted many times by many people who were in bad circumstances, and has given them strength to hold up in those hard places.
Three times the word "because" is used, leading us to condlude that there is a reason for our safety in Jesus, and our being delivered when in time of trouble.
Psalms 91:9 Because thou hast made the LORD, [which is] my REFUGE, [even] the most High, thy habitation;
Psalms 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
It would seem, on the surface, that the matter of PRIORITIES enters into the picture, if we are to enjoy the privilege of entering into the REFUGE of the Lord.
Look at the word "habitation". We need to determine where our habitation is. Our TOP PRIORITY could well be the determining factor of our habitation.
The angel of the Lord asked, Judges 2:2 -- but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?
What would be the reason for us not obeying the voice of the Lord? Simply, that we place more value on something else besides the Word of the Lord.
It might be material things that hinder. It might be the good will (favor) of people, and the fear of losing it. It might be our feeling of being too important to do the things which a close walk with God would require.
These things can be lost or stolen from us. They are NOT RELIABLE refuges anyway. They are altogether temporal.
BUT REFUGE IN GOD is NOT TEMPORAL. It will NEVER fail. It is NOT TANGIBLE. It can NEVER BE STOLEN from us, nor taken by force from us.
It is REFUGE IN THE SPIRIT-- in GOD HIMSELF, who has never failed, and will not fail in the future.
Hebrews 6:18 That-- we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: On the Passover night in Egypt, the blood applied to the door of the house was the REFUGE of the children of Israel.
OBEDIENCE TO GOD caused the blood to be put there. OBEDIENCE TO GOD is what will constitute a sure place of refuge for us also today.
For Hezekiah, when Jerusalem was under seige, refuge was provided for him in answer to his prayer to God. The angel of the Lord smote 185,000 men with "Sudden (Infant) Death Syndrome" in a single stroke.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
THE PUBLICAN
THE PUBLICAN
Jesus told a story one time to illustrate how our attitude of approach to God affects the response we receive from Him.
The story He told was that of the Pharisee and the Publican. The one recited to God all of his goodnesses--, the other smote his breast and called on God for mercy.
Jesus said that the Publican went to his house JUSTIFIED. The simple act of calling on God for mercy had changed the destiny of his soul.
This morning, as every other morning, in prayer, I was asking God to have mercy on EVERY ONE of our posterity. Specifically, I was asking Him to guide, protect, direct, and give health to each one.
Suddenly, it dawned on me that if the Lord can form chains of circumstances around the people we are praying for, and cause them to do what He sees to be best for them, He can also affect the destiny of their souls in much the same way.
I have often been guilty of asking God to cause people to do WHAT I THOUGHT WOULD BE GOOD, but not any more. Some time ago, I was made to know that praying that way can actually be detrimental to those I love.
My understanding of the Will of God is SO FAULTY that I dare not rely on it. But God suffers no such frailties. He knows the end of all things from the beginning. He knows where each course of action will lead. He knows that if left to our own ability to guide ourselves, we will end up in a "swamp."
I believe that the safest way to intercede for our loved ones is to call on God for His mercy to each one.
An old saint in the last church we served said, "God always gives HIS BEST to those who leave the choice to Him."
We can SAFELY intercede for others by calling of God for His Mercy to be extended to them. In this way, we can be assured of them receiving what God deems to be best for them.
Jesus told a story one time to illustrate how our attitude of approach to God affects the response we receive from Him.
The story He told was that of the Pharisee and the Publican. The one recited to God all of his goodnesses--, the other smote his breast and called on God for mercy.
Jesus said that the Publican went to his house JUSTIFIED. The simple act of calling on God for mercy had changed the destiny of his soul.
This morning, as every other morning, in prayer, I was asking God to have mercy on EVERY ONE of our posterity. Specifically, I was asking Him to guide, protect, direct, and give health to each one.
Suddenly, it dawned on me that if the Lord can form chains of circumstances around the people we are praying for, and cause them to do what He sees to be best for them, He can also affect the destiny of their souls in much the same way.
I have often been guilty of asking God to cause people to do WHAT I THOUGHT WOULD BE GOOD, but not any more. Some time ago, I was made to know that praying that way can actually be detrimental to those I love.
My understanding of the Will of God is SO FAULTY that I dare not rely on it. But God suffers no such frailties. He knows the end of all things from the beginning. He knows where each course of action will lead. He knows that if left to our own ability to guide ourselves, we will end up in a "swamp."
I believe that the safest way to intercede for our loved ones is to call on God for His mercy to each one.
An old saint in the last church we served said, "God always gives HIS BEST to those who leave the choice to Him."
We can SAFELY intercede for others by calling of God for His Mercy to be extended to them. In this way, we can be assured of them receiving what God deems to be best for them.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
THE ORDER OF THE PIERCED EAR
THE ORDER OF THE PIERCED EAR
Someone made the remark a while back that every Christian should have a BA degree. BA means "Born Again".
That is correct. Fact is, you can't really be a Christian without it.
There is a world of difference between a mental assent to Jesus Christ-- a hand shake-- a signed card, and a genuine heart-changing encounter (experience) with Jesus, where He comes into our heart and makes us into new creatures. It can, and must be, an EXPERIENCE that makes us KNOW we have been changed.
Then, we should all join the "Order of the Pierced Ear."
In the Old Testament law of Moses, when the slaves were all set free in the Year of Jubilee, provision was made for any servant who had come to love his master, and didn't want to go free could do so.
This was accomplished by having his master back him up to a wall or post and bore through his ear with an awl. That was a contract between them, and a sign to all who would later see the hole in his ear, that he had dedicated his services for the rest of his life to his master.
Each Christian needs that kind of dedication to Jesus!
Difficult times will, and do, come to each of us-- times which will test the sincerity of our commitment to Jesus. We need to have the Spiritual "hole in our ear" to remind us of our pledge to Jesus.
Let's all join the "Order Of The Pierced Ear."
Let's all get our BA degree.
Someone made the remark a while back that every Christian should have a BA degree. BA means "Born Again".
That is correct. Fact is, you can't really be a Christian without it.
There is a world of difference between a mental assent to Jesus Christ-- a hand shake-- a signed card, and a genuine heart-changing encounter (experience) with Jesus, where He comes into our heart and makes us into new creatures. It can, and must be, an EXPERIENCE that makes us KNOW we have been changed.
Then, we should all join the "Order of the Pierced Ear."
In the Old Testament law of Moses, when the slaves were all set free in the Year of Jubilee, provision was made for any servant who had come to love his master, and didn't want to go free could do so.
This was accomplished by having his master back him up to a wall or post and bore through his ear with an awl. That was a contract between them, and a sign to all who would later see the hole in his ear, that he had dedicated his services for the rest of his life to his master.
Each Christian needs that kind of dedication to Jesus!
Difficult times will, and do, come to each of us-- times which will test the sincerity of our commitment to Jesus. We need to have the Spiritual "hole in our ear" to remind us of our pledge to Jesus.
Let's all join the "Order Of The Pierced Ear."
Let's all get our BA degree.
Monday, October 15, 2007
NO TEMPTATION
NO TEMPTATION
I Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].
Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by circumstances which have come our way, and we wonder how we can possible bear up under them. Sometimes we wonder if the tests come because we are Christians, and the devil is persecuting us. While we must be aware that we are constantly being the target of satanic hatred, we have the statement of fact that we are no more a target than non-Christians all around us. What we experience is COMMON to man. We share alike. Not the same exact tests, but similar, in that flesh can be tested in that way.
But, we Christians have a promise which others may not have. God will not allow us to be given more than we can stand at any stage of our development in God.
To be sure, there are more severe tests ahead for each of us, but our strength in God is not sufficient today that we could bear them now. God lovingly stands guard, to prevent anything too difficult from getting to us today.
Whatever is happening to us today, God has deemed us to be able to bear up and endure them. Else they could not have come to us.
BELIEVE THIS! IT IS TRUE!
There will be NO ENEMY allowed into our lives which we can not conquer by FAITH in the FAITHFULNESS of God.
Keep your eyes fastened upon Jesus. Maintain your faith IN Him, and faithfulness TO Him, and you will win!
Ah! There is the secret! Do not battle the circumstances. They will overwhelm you.
Rather, fight to maintain your FAITH IN JESUS. I John 5:4 --: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.
Sounds rather simple, doesn't it? But it is simple! EACH TEST IS A TEST OF OUR FAITH!
Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
I Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].
Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by circumstances which have come our way, and we wonder how we can possible bear up under them. Sometimes we wonder if the tests come because we are Christians, and the devil is persecuting us. While we must be aware that we are constantly being the target of satanic hatred, we have the statement of fact that we are no more a target than non-Christians all around us. What we experience is COMMON to man. We share alike. Not the same exact tests, but similar, in that flesh can be tested in that way.
But, we Christians have a promise which others may not have. God will not allow us to be given more than we can stand at any stage of our development in God.
To be sure, there are more severe tests ahead for each of us, but our strength in God is not sufficient today that we could bear them now. God lovingly stands guard, to prevent anything too difficult from getting to us today.
Whatever is happening to us today, God has deemed us to be able to bear up and endure them. Else they could not have come to us.
BELIEVE THIS! IT IS TRUE!
There will be NO ENEMY allowed into our lives which we can not conquer by FAITH in the FAITHFULNESS of God.
Keep your eyes fastened upon Jesus. Maintain your faith IN Him, and faithfulness TO Him, and you will win!
Ah! There is the secret! Do not battle the circumstances. They will overwhelm you.
Rather, fight to maintain your FAITH IN JESUS. I John 5:4 --: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.
Sounds rather simple, doesn't it? But it is simple! EACH TEST IS A TEST OF OUR FAITH!
Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
THEN OPENED HE THEIR UNDERSTANDING
UNDERSTANDING
Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Job 32:8 But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
I Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
There are many things which God wants to tell our souls. The chief way for Him to do that is for us to speak the Heavenly language which He has provided for that purpose.
Often, after a session of speaking in the unknown tongue, we are able to mentally separate issues which have formerly been confusing to us. We can exercise our mind in Spiritual matters which we could not do before.
There are many people in Pentecostal churches who do not have the Holy Ghost. They have never spoken in tongues. That is the initial evidence.
They do not have freedom in the unknown tongue now. They are selling themselves short.
There is a communion, an instruction, an inspiration in tongues that can not be received in ANY OTHER WAY. It edifies the SOUL.
Education can not give UNDERSTANDING. It only enhances INTELLIGENCE.
Neither can ingenuity produce UNDERSTANDING. It shows itself in CLEVERNESS.
UNDERSTANDING comes to us as a result of HUMBLENESS before God. It is the result of OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL.
The Biblical explanation of UNDERSTANDING is "to put together". Possibly the vernacular phrase "get it together" is not so far out after all.
To UNDERSTAND also means to be able to COMPREHEND. The vernacular would possibly be "get a handle on it."
Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Job 32:8 But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
I Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
There are many things which God wants to tell our souls. The chief way for Him to do that is for us to speak the Heavenly language which He has provided for that purpose.
Often, after a session of speaking in the unknown tongue, we are able to mentally separate issues which have formerly been confusing to us. We can exercise our mind in Spiritual matters which we could not do before.
There are many people in Pentecostal churches who do not have the Holy Ghost. They have never spoken in tongues. That is the initial evidence.
They do not have freedom in the unknown tongue now. They are selling themselves short.
There is a communion, an instruction, an inspiration in tongues that can not be received in ANY OTHER WAY. It edifies the SOUL.
Education can not give UNDERSTANDING. It only enhances INTELLIGENCE.
Neither can ingenuity produce UNDERSTANDING. It shows itself in CLEVERNESS.
UNDERSTANDING comes to us as a result of HUMBLENESS before God. It is the result of OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL.
The Biblical explanation of UNDERSTANDING is "to put together". Possibly the vernacular phrase "get it together" is not so far out after all.
To UNDERSTAND also means to be able to COMPREHEND. The vernacular would possibly be "get a handle on it."
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
SELF DENIAL
SELF DENIAL
AN ANSWER TO A FRIEND
NalaP, you really laid yourself open to miriads of ideas about what constitutes self denial. Many of us have asked the same question, and received hordes of answers-- depending on what is the favorite subject of the people we are talking to.
Advice will run the gammut of ideas about the subject, such as long hair, long sleeves, high neck lines, no neck ties, no jewelry, no toe-less shoes-- you name it.
The best answer I have found is found in Titus 2:11,12. I have been satisfied to advise inquirers to let the Holy Ghost, which is the Grace of God, do the teaching and instructing of individuals about what they should deny a place in their lives.
His instructions are customized to each individual, and He will direct and instruct, and lead to the good life, WITHOUT ERROR.
Paul and Peter both wrote some very good general guidelines for lives that please God. They touched all of the bases-- fathers and mothers, children, husbands and wives, laborers and employers, citizens-- the works.
Let the Holy Spirit, who is the Author of the Word of God, lead you in each step.
You need have NO FEAR of following His leadings for your life.
God Bless!
AN ANSWER TO A FRIEND
NalaP, you really laid yourself open to miriads of ideas about what constitutes self denial. Many of us have asked the same question, and received hordes of answers-- depending on what is the favorite subject of the people we are talking to.
Advice will run the gammut of ideas about the subject, such as long hair, long sleeves, high neck lines, no neck ties, no jewelry, no toe-less shoes-- you name it.
The best answer I have found is found in Titus 2:11,12. I have been satisfied to advise inquirers to let the Holy Ghost, which is the Grace of God, do the teaching and instructing of individuals about what they should deny a place in their lives.
His instructions are customized to each individual, and He will direct and instruct, and lead to the good life, WITHOUT ERROR.
Paul and Peter both wrote some very good general guidelines for lives that please God. They touched all of the bases-- fathers and mothers, children, husbands and wives, laborers and employers, citizens-- the works.
Let the Holy Spirit, who is the Author of the Word of God, lead you in each step.
You need have NO FEAR of following His leadings for your life.
God Bless!
Monday, October 08, 2007
JUSTIFIED!
JUSTIFIED
In Romans, chapters 3,4 and 5, the words "Justified, Justification, Justify" are used upwards of ten times in connection with our heritage in Jesus Christ.
The term means to be declared "Not Guilty," "Innocent," "Acquitted," "Righteous," and other such ways of expressing a right standing in the sight of God.
Often times people who are innocent of the crime they are accused of, are "declared" guilty by juries who are deceived. Likewise,people who are as guilty as sin itself, have been "declared" innocent by a jury which was deceived or prejudiced. Man's ability to discern absolute truth and honesty is seriously flawed.
But not so when we are dealing with the Creator of the Universe. He is Omniscient, and cannot be deceived. He has "concluded all under sin" in order that His Love can be extended to everyone alike.
If we were guilty sinners, and we were; there is no way we can be innocent, righteous, as far as human ability is concerned. We cannot be both-- we are either guilty or innocent, righteous or unrighteous.
But, something happened while Jesus was hanging on the Cross. It startled and surprised the man Christ Jesus, and He cried out in anguish, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
At that moment "He who knew no sin" was stripped of His Righteousness (right relationship with God), innocence, and purity, and the sin of the entire world laid on him.
Jesus had never known what the guilt of sin felt like. It was foreign to Him. He had never known the feeling of the lack of Purity, Righteousness, and Holiness. Suddenly he was in a different "world" than he had ever been in before.
God had to take away the Innocence from Jesus in order to lay on Him the guilt of the world. He could not be guilty and innocent at the same time.
So, at that moment on the Cross, provision was made for every human who will accept the work of Calvary. We may now, by putting our trust in Jesus for the safety of our soul, take advantage of the sudden transfer of innocence and guilt which happened that day.
Jesus offers us a "straight across trade" of our guilt for His innocence and rightness with God.
This is humanly impossible, as we all know. "We can't get there from here." But that is because we cannot perform miracles. God has no such limitations.
Justification is exactly that kind of a miracle, and it is available to any one and every one who will take advantage of it.
Facts are no always Truth. Facts tell me I am guilty. Truth declares me to be innocent. Whom shall I believe-- my knowledge, (facts) or what God says (Truth)?
In Romans, chapters 3,4 and 5, the words "Justified, Justification, Justify" are used upwards of ten times in connection with our heritage in Jesus Christ.
The term means to be declared "Not Guilty," "Innocent," "Acquitted," "Righteous," and other such ways of expressing a right standing in the sight of God.
Often times people who are innocent of the crime they are accused of, are "declared" guilty by juries who are deceived. Likewise,people who are as guilty as sin itself, have been "declared" innocent by a jury which was deceived or prejudiced. Man's ability to discern absolute truth and honesty is seriously flawed.
But not so when we are dealing with the Creator of the Universe. He is Omniscient, and cannot be deceived. He has "concluded all under sin" in order that His Love can be extended to everyone alike.
If we were guilty sinners, and we were; there is no way we can be innocent, righteous, as far as human ability is concerned. We cannot be both-- we are either guilty or innocent, righteous or unrighteous.
But, something happened while Jesus was hanging on the Cross. It startled and surprised the man Christ Jesus, and He cried out in anguish, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
At that moment "He who knew no sin" was stripped of His Righteousness (right relationship with God), innocence, and purity, and the sin of the entire world laid on him.
Jesus had never known what the guilt of sin felt like. It was foreign to Him. He had never known the feeling of the lack of Purity, Righteousness, and Holiness. Suddenly he was in a different "world" than he had ever been in before.
God had to take away the Innocence from Jesus in order to lay on Him the guilt of the world. He could not be guilty and innocent at the same time.
So, at that moment on the Cross, provision was made for every human who will accept the work of Calvary. We may now, by putting our trust in Jesus for the safety of our soul, take advantage of the sudden transfer of innocence and guilt which happened that day.
Jesus offers us a "straight across trade" of our guilt for His innocence and rightness with God.
This is humanly impossible, as we all know. "We can't get there from here." But that is because we cannot perform miracles. God has no such limitations.
Justification is exactly that kind of a miracle, and it is available to any one and every one who will take advantage of it.
Facts are no always Truth. Facts tell me I am guilty. Truth declares me to be innocent. Whom shall I believe-- my knowledge, (facts) or what God says (Truth)?
Friday, October 05, 2007
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
LOVE, and all of the workings that it entails, is produced in our hearts ONLY BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD.
JOY, and all of its activities, comes ONLY BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD.
PEACE, (producing peace) can only be achieved BY GOD'S SPIRIT.
The same is true of all GOOD which comes through a person who has made his peace with God through Jesus Christ.
UNITY AMONG THE BRETHREN CAN NEVER COME ABOUT BY ANY OTHER MEANS THAN TO HAVE THE SPIRIT OF UNITY IN OUR INDIVIDUAL HEARTS. Legislation and resolutions simply cannot cut it.
While it is true that God loves ALL OF HIS CHILDREN, it stands to reason that a person who is producing fruit in his life is of more VALUE to God than one who is not.
What I am saying is: that if my life is full of the good works of the Spirit, or of Faith, I am maturing in God more than I would if I had not progressed in the WAYS OF THE LORD.
James tells us that good works are a natural result of having been born of God through Faith. Faith without works is dead. In other words, Faith alone will not fully please God. It calls for further steps of obedience to God-- Making Him Lord-- doing His bidding with our whole heart.
WORKS OF FAITH become a visible manifestation of the invisible Faith we have in God. This is the way Abraham pleased God--obeying when God spoke to him. His OBEDIENCE was VISIBLE EVIDENCE of his faith in God.
OURS WILL BE, ALSO.
LOVE, and all of the workings that it entails, is produced in our hearts ONLY BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD.
JOY, and all of its activities, comes ONLY BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD.
PEACE, (producing peace) can only be achieved BY GOD'S SPIRIT.
The same is true of all GOOD which comes through a person who has made his peace with God through Jesus Christ.
UNITY AMONG THE BRETHREN CAN NEVER COME ABOUT BY ANY OTHER MEANS THAN TO HAVE THE SPIRIT OF UNITY IN OUR INDIVIDUAL HEARTS. Legislation and resolutions simply cannot cut it.
While it is true that God loves ALL OF HIS CHILDREN, it stands to reason that a person who is producing fruit in his life is of more VALUE to God than one who is not.
What I am saying is: that if my life is full of the good works of the Spirit, or of Faith, I am maturing in God more than I would if I had not progressed in the WAYS OF THE LORD.
James tells us that good works are a natural result of having been born of God through Faith. Faith without works is dead. In other words, Faith alone will not fully please God. It calls for further steps of obedience to God-- Making Him Lord-- doing His bidding with our whole heart.
WORKS OF FAITH become a visible manifestation of the invisible Faith we have in God. This is the way Abraham pleased God--obeying when God spoke to him. His OBEDIENCE was VISIBLE EVIDENCE of his faith in God.
OURS WILL BE, ALSO.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
