I woke this morning with my first words to the Lord being questions. My questions to the Lord were, "Why? Why was it so easy to share a small victory with everyone which excited them to jump on board and to join what I am doing, but I am so resistant to sharing the gain I've received having Jesus the Lord of my life?" Interestingly enough, I opened the word to read in Matthew where I left off last night and the next segment went along with the questions that I was posing to Him. Matthew 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how shall it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor does anyone light a candle, and put it under a basket, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Then my questions continued. "Have I lost my saltiness and am I failing in drawing others to You? I continued my reading in that chapter and as I continued to read, scripture came to me about love. Matthew 5:43-48 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." I followed the scripture I just quoted. At least I try to, I don't consider my husband my enemy, but there are many times where we are on opposite sides. Each time he would treat me bad, I would go out of my way with kindness and friendliness. Until he would make it impossible for me anymore to be nice and he would suck me into the fight. Then I would feel so bad, so remorseful, and just raped by Satan. I would continue to show love to all around me. I wasn't the only one to receive the treatment he was handing out; my children took the brunt of it, too. I continued in prayer for him and also prayed each day that I might be able to bless him throughout the day. Many opportunities presented themselves, some times it would work, other times we would spend more time in negative emotions and debates. I give God the Glory for the great things he has done and the continued blessings I find each day as I serve Him. What a blessed God we serve!! I will continue to have questions and many times they come in the morning as the concerns of the day are shared in the evening when I lift up my thoughts and prayers to him after work. I am again blessed that He is ready with answers to the questions. We are promised in James 1:5: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. So I ask in faith that the questions always have answers from Him and I remain blessed, living in His LOVE. Believing your day will be blessed as you lean not to your own understanding, but lean into the Author and Finisher of our Faith~~
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Our Covenant God
Sunday, March 13, 2011, 8:26:34 AM | missmariemassey
We have so much security in knowing about “covenant”, our Lord’s covenant, the first one is with Noah. The Lord promises to never again destroy all living creatures with water, as He did with the flood, and He gave us the rainbow as a sign of that covenant promise. He is a planning God, ever since time began He set a plan into motion and the final result will be His “new” covenenat as described in Hebrews 8:8-13:
But God found fault with the people and said: “The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord. This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the Old Testament Law obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.Can you imagine? Knowing, spending face to face time with God. And what is our part? I am to believe in Him and His promises and to tell others. To obey my father. We are a blessed people, He wants us more than we want Him. He is my life’s breath, I can’t think of any other way, He is the only way, As Jesus said,”I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
But God found fault with the people and said: “The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord. This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the Old Testament Law obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.Can you imagine? Knowing, spending face to face time with God. And what is our part? I am to believe in Him and His promises and to tell others. To obey my father. We are a blessed people, He wants us more than we want Him. He is my life’s breath, I can’t think of any other way, He is the only way, As Jesus said,”I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
God Is Eternal
Tuesday, March 08, 2011, 7:35:35 PM | missmariemassey
“God is great, and we do not know Him, Nor can the number of His years be discovered.” Job 36:26.
“You are from everlasting” Psalm 93:2
“From eternity I am He” Isaiah 43:13
“The High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity” Isaiah 57:15
“The Living God and everlasting King” Jeremiah 10:10
Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I AM” John 8:58
“The Lord of Lords, who alone has immorality” 1 Timothy 6:15-16
“But you {O God} are the same, and Your years will have no end” Psalm 102:27
“You are from everlasting” Psalm 93:2
“From eternity I am He” Isaiah 43:13
“The High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity” Isaiah 57:15
“The Living God and everlasting King” Jeremiah 10:10
Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I AM” John 8:58
“The Lord of Lords, who alone has immorality” 1 Timothy 6:15-16
“But you {O God} are the same, and Your years will have no end” Psalm 102:27
God Never Changes
Tuesday, March 08, 2011, 7:09:32 PM | missmariemassey
A Story for Keeping the Right Focus in a Changing World
A woman once remarked to E. Stanley Jones, the great missionary, “Sir, you are obsessed with the Kingdom of God.”
He replied, “I wish that were true. For that truly is a magnificent obsession.”
What do people say when they look at your life? Do they see someone who is obsessed with life’s problems and marked by a negative, complaining spirit in the face of change? Or do they see someone who is convinced that the unchanging God is in control and worthy of absolute trust? A person who is determined to glorify God no matter what comes?
- “I the LORD do not change” (Malachi 3:6)
- “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Dear LORD,
Forgive me that so much of my religion is concerned with myself.
I want harmony with Thee. I want peace of mind.
I want health of body ~ and so I pray
Forgive me, for I have made Thee the means and myself the end.
I know it may take long to wean me from this terrible self concern, but O God,
Help me, for hell can be nothing else but a life on which self is the canter.
-Leslie Weatherhead
- “(God is) always the same” Psalm 102:27
- “there is no variation or shadow due to change” James 1:17
- God is not a human being, and he will not lie. He is not a human, and He does not change His mind. What He says He will do, He does. What He promises, He maks come true” Numbers 23:19
Questions to Ponder from “Get Up With God”
Tuesday, March 08, 2011, 3:29:19 PM | missmariemassey
What was God’s first question? It came right after man’s first sin. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, realized they were naked and then tried to hide from God. Not a great plan.
What did God do in response? He asked a simple question:
WHERE ARE YOU?
What if God asked you that question right now? How would you respond?
Are you following Him? Or are you stumbling around on your own?
Is God enough for you? Or do you long for forbidden fruit?
Are you at peace? Or are you ashamed of something you’ve done?
Are you open and honest with God? Or is there something you’re trying to hide?
God already knows all of our deepest, darkest thoughts and all of our ugliest, nastiest actions. But He still loves us more than we could ever imagine.
Turn from your sin.
Run back to God.
Never leave His side.
What did God do in response? He asked a simple question:
WHERE ARE YOU?
What if God asked you that question right now? How would you respond?
Are you following Him? Or are you stumbling around on your own?
Is God enough for you? Or do you long for forbidden fruit?
Are you at peace? Or are you ashamed of something you’ve done?
Are you open and honest with God? Or is there something you’re trying to hide?
God already knows all of our deepest, darkest thoughts and all of our ugliest, nastiest actions. But He still loves us more than we could ever imagine.
Turn from your sin.
Run back to God.
Never leave His side.
Revival Starts With Prayer : Corporate Prayer
Tuesday, March 08, 2011, 3:09:06 PM | missmariemassey
Reviving Prayer
Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah? (2 Kings 2:14).Historians tell us that every recorded revival started with a prayer meeting. When Christians repent and pray in a certain way, it is almost as if this is irresistible to God. We can expect Him to answer and renew us individually, even if it doesn’t lead to widespread revival.
If prayer is the catalyst to large-scale revival within the church, a key question then becomes, what type of prayer will produce this effect? One of God’s servants who has often inspired me and who has taught me much about prayer is the prophet Elijah. As we examine his prayers, we will discover a series of keys that will help us imitate the prayer life of this man of God.
1. Reviving prayer recognizes the situation we are in. 1 Kings 17:20-21. This prayer recognizes the situation rather than trying to deny it or put a brave face on it. The situation drove him to his knees in prayer.
2. Reviving prayer cries passionately to God.
3. Reviving prayer calls on the God of history. 1 Kings 18:36-39. We can remind God of acts he’s done in the past and we can dare to cry out, “Do it again, LORD!”
4. Reviving prayer desires that God be honored. In Elijah’s prayer in 1 Kings 18, we find that his motivation was that God might be honored. He prayed that the people would know that God is God. We need to examine our hearts and ask, “Why am I asking for this? Is it so that I am more comfortable? Or is so that God will be glorified?”
5. Reviving prayer recognizes that repentance is God’s work. Elijah asked God to turn the hearts of his people back to God. Maybe you have prayed for years for a son, daughter or friend who has wandered far from God or has never known Him. Understanding that it is God, NOT US, who turns the heart to follow Him should encourage us not to give up.
6. Reviving prayer boldly asks God to act. Elijah challenged God, saying, “Answer me!” And Elijah was not surprised when his prayer for fire was answered, and he didn’t stop there. 1 Kings 18:41-45.
7. Reviving prayer is persistent in waiting on God. Elijah kept on praying, sending his servant seven times to look for the cloud, and in doing so he was persistent in waiting on God. He didn’t give up as we so often do. Instead he kept coming back to God in prayer despite the lack of any sign that he had been heard.
8. Reviving prayer is honest with God and engages with Him. Elijah didn’t live on the mountain tops, he was down in the valley of despair; and yet in that despair he prayed. 1 Kings 19:4, 1 Kings 19:10.
We can ask for the same things today: Where are the miracles? Where are the salvations? Where are the dramatic acts? Where is God? The answer is, He is still here, He is still in the business of bringing life where there is death, and He is still the One who answers by fire. As churches we can ask Him for the fire of revival, as the psalmist did (Psalm 85:4-7).
Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah? (2 Kings 2:14).Historians tell us that every recorded revival started with a prayer meeting. When Christians repent and pray in a certain way, it is almost as if this is irresistible to God. We can expect Him to answer and renew us individually, even if it doesn’t lead to widespread revival.
If prayer is the catalyst to large-scale revival within the church, a key question then becomes, what type of prayer will produce this effect? One of God’s servants who has often inspired me and who has taught me much about prayer is the prophet Elijah. As we examine his prayers, we will discover a series of keys that will help us imitate the prayer life of this man of God.
1. Reviving prayer recognizes the situation we are in. 1 Kings 17:20-21. This prayer recognizes the situation rather than trying to deny it or put a brave face on it. The situation drove him to his knees in prayer.
2. Reviving prayer cries passionately to God.
3. Reviving prayer calls on the God of history. 1 Kings 18:36-39. We can remind God of acts he’s done in the past and we can dare to cry out, “Do it again, LORD!”
4. Reviving prayer desires that God be honored. In Elijah’s prayer in 1 Kings 18, we find that his motivation was that God might be honored. He prayed that the people would know that God is God. We need to examine our hearts and ask, “Why am I asking for this? Is it so that I am more comfortable? Or is so that God will be glorified?”
5. Reviving prayer recognizes that repentance is God’s work. Elijah asked God to turn the hearts of his people back to God. Maybe you have prayed for years for a son, daughter or friend who has wandered far from God or has never known Him. Understanding that it is God, NOT US, who turns the heart to follow Him should encourage us not to give up.
6. Reviving prayer boldly asks God to act. Elijah challenged God, saying, “Answer me!” And Elijah was not surprised when his prayer for fire was answered, and he didn’t stop there. 1 Kings 18:41-45.
7. Reviving prayer is persistent in waiting on God. Elijah kept on praying, sending his servant seven times to look for the cloud, and in doing so he was persistent in waiting on God. He didn’t give up as we so often do. Instead he kept coming back to God in prayer despite the lack of any sign that he had been heard.
8. Reviving prayer is honest with God and engages with Him. Elijah didn’t live on the mountain tops, he was down in the valley of despair; and yet in that despair he prayed. 1 Kings 19:4, 1 Kings 19:10.
We can ask for the same things today: Where are the miracles? Where are the salvations? Where are the dramatic acts? Where is God? The answer is, He is still here, He is still in the business of bringing life where there is death, and He is still the One who answers by fire. As churches we can ask Him for the fire of revival, as the psalmist did (Psalm 85:4-7).
FORGIVENESS ~ It’s Not From ME
Tuesday, March 08, 2011, 2:16:13 PM | missmariemassey
Forgive: The Greek word makes clear the source of pardon; it does not arise out of anything that is inherent in us, but it is the pure result of free grace. When a creditor forgives a debtor, he does it freely. Pardon of sin is a fine thread, spun out of the heart of free grace. When the LORD pardons a sinner, he does not pay a debt, but gives a legacy. Forgiveness of Sin is only through blood, every pardon has a price in blood. Christ’s blood is the ransom paid, for all past present and future sins for those who love Him and believe. Before sin is forgiven, it must be repented of, turned away from, agreeing with your savior about the sin, then it is forgotten as far as the East is from the West. He will no longer call it to remembrance. (Jer.31:34) He will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. (Mic 7:19) SO IT IS NOT I WHO HAS DONE THE FORGIVING.
TRUST IN HORSES OR CHARIOTS
Monday, March 07, 2011, 7:42:00 AM | missmariemassey
Who or What Do I Put My Trust In?
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
Psalm 118:8-9
This passage leads to an all important question: Who or what do I put my trust in? This is a powerful and life changing question. It makes another question arise: “How often do I trust in man and manmade inventions rather than waiting and trusting in the Lord my God?” It is frightening for me to answer this honestly because I have many times throughout my life put my trust in the things of man.
I cannot count all of the times that I have taken this issue into my own hands and not to God. Instead of asking Him for directions, guidance, strength, and help, I have sought the advice in manmade solutions. I am not saying that they have not been productive but they have been short term and to this day I still struggle with the some of these issues. It makes me angry with myself because I put my trust in fads instead of going the Creator of all. After all everything belongs to Him. This passage convicted me about trusting God with everything.
I am reminded that what we battle in this world is not flesh and blood but the “enemy” of the world. For us to win and be set free, we need to trust in God who has already given us the victory through His Son, Jesus Christ. Every thing we struggle with whether it is weight loss, health, and even hard to deal with people, it is a spiritual battle and God is the only way to win the battle. There is no way that we of own strength can overcome these things. Actually as Christian the battle has already be won but we need to equip ourselves as Ephesians 6 states. So, who am I going to put my trust in today God or man?
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
Psalm 118:8-9
This passage leads to an all important question: Who or what do I put my trust in? This is a powerful and life changing question. It makes another question arise: “How often do I trust in man and manmade inventions rather than waiting and trusting in the Lord my God?” It is frightening for me to answer this honestly because I have many times throughout my life put my trust in the things of man.
I cannot count all of the times that I have taken this issue into my own hands and not to God. Instead of asking Him for directions, guidance, strength, and help, I have sought the advice in manmade solutions. I am not saying that they have not been productive but they have been short term and to this day I still struggle with the some of these issues. It makes me angry with myself because I put my trust in fads instead of going the Creator of all. After all everything belongs to Him. This passage convicted me about trusting God with everything.
I am reminded that what we battle in this world is not flesh and blood but the “enemy” of the world. For us to win and be set free, we need to trust in God who has already given us the victory through His Son, Jesus Christ. Every thing we struggle with whether it is weight loss, health, and even hard to deal with people, it is a spiritual battle and God is the only way to win the battle. There is no way that we of own strength can overcome these things. Actually as Christian the battle has already be won but we need to equip ourselves as Ephesians 6 states. So, who am I going to put my trust in today God or man?
My Prayer Tonight
Sunday, March 06, 2011, 8:30:22 PM | missmariemassey
I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
It is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
(Psalm 73:23-26, 28)
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.
They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
(Psalm 19:1-2, 7-11, 14)
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
It is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
(Psalm 73:23-26, 28)
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.
They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
(Psalm 19:1-2, 7-11, 14)
Meditations from My Heart on My Savior
Sunday, March 06, 2011, 7:42:20 PM | missmariemassey
He Is My God and King~Jesus
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
“The same was in the beginning with God.
“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. …
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1–3, 14).
I thought of that declaration much then, and I have thought of it much since. It leaves no doubt concerning the individuality of the Father and the Son. To the Son the Father gave the great responsibility of creating the earth, “and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
I have seen some of ugliness in this world. Most of it is the work of man. But I think I have seen much more of beauty. I marvel at the majestic works of the Creator. How magnificent they are.
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” He, the Son of the Father, came to earth. He condescended to leave His royal courts on high—where He stood as Prince, the Firstborn of the Father—to take upon Himself mortality, to be born in a manger, the humblest of all places, in a vassal state ruled by the centurions of Rome.
How could He have condescended further?
He was baptized of John in Jordan “to fulfil all righteousness” (Matt. 3:15). His earthly ministry was preceded by the clever temptations of the adversary. He withstood, saying, “Get thee behind me, Satan” (see Luke 4:8).
He went about Galilee, Samaria, and Judea preaching the gospel of salvation, causing the blind to see, the lame to walk, the dead to rise to life again. And then, to fulfill His Father’s plan of happiness for His children, He gave His life as a price for the sins of each of us.
The day of my salvation still stands vivid in my mind, sitting at my kitchen table with a friend who was showing me through the Word and was unselfishly cleaning my home, as I lived in the despair of addiction, she didn’t judge me, she just showed my the love of Jesus, so to speak…she washed my feet and share His Word.
Since then my faith has grown much further. I have become His Apostle, appointed to do His will and teach His word. I have become His witness to the world. I repeat that witness of faith to you .
Jesus is my friend. None other has given me so much. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). He gave His life for me. He opened the way to eternal life. Only a God could do this. I hope that I am deemed worthy of being a friend to Him.
He is my example, His way of life, His absolutely selfless conduct, His outreach to those in need, His final sacrifice… all stand as an example to me. I cannot measure up ever, but I can try.
He marked the path and led the way,
And ev’ry point defines
To light and life and endless day
Where God’s full presence shines.
He is my teacher. No other voice ever spoke such wondrous language as that of the Beatitudes:
“And seeing the multitudes, he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:1–10).
No other teacher has ever offered the matchless counsel given to the multitude on the mount.
He is my healer. I stand in awe at His wondrous miracles. And yet I know they happened. I accept the truth of these things because I know that He is the Master of life and death. The miracles of His ministry bespeak compassion, love, and a sense of humanity wonderful to behold.
He is my leader. I am honored to be one in the long cavalcade of those who love Him and who have followed Him during the two millennia that have passed since His birth.
Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Christ, the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See his banners go!
He is my Savior and my Redeemer. Through giving His life in pain and unspeakable suffering, He has reached down to lift me and each of us and all the sons and daughters of God from the abyss of eternal darkness following death. He has provided something better—a sphere of light and understanding, growth and beauty where we may go forward on the road that leads to eternal life. My gratitude knows no bounds. My thanks to my Lord has no conclusion.
He is my God and my King. From everlasting to everlasting, He will reign and rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. To His dominion there will be no end. To His glory there will be no night.
No one can take His place. None other ever will. Unblemished and without fault of any kind, He is the Lamb of God, to whom I bow and through whom I approach my Father in Heaven.
Isaiah foretold of His coming: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).
Those who walked with Him in Palestine bore witness of His divinity. The centurion who watched Him die declared in solemnity, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Matt. 27:54).
Thomas, on seeing His resurrected body, cried out in wonder, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).
To which I add my own witness that He is “the way, the truth, and the life” and that “no man cometh unto the Father, but by [Him]” (John 14:6).
Gratefully, and with love undiminished, I bear witness of these things in His Holy name, even the name of Jesus the Christ, amen.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
“The same was in the beginning with God.
“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. …
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1–3, 14).
I thought of that declaration much then, and I have thought of it much since. It leaves no doubt concerning the individuality of the Father and the Son. To the Son the Father gave the great responsibility of creating the earth, “and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
I have seen some of ugliness in this world. Most of it is the work of man. But I think I have seen much more of beauty. I marvel at the majestic works of the Creator. How magnificent they are.
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” He, the Son of the Father, came to earth. He condescended to leave His royal courts on high—where He stood as Prince, the Firstborn of the Father—to take upon Himself mortality, to be born in a manger, the humblest of all places, in a vassal state ruled by the centurions of Rome.
How could He have condescended further?
He was baptized of John in Jordan “to fulfil all righteousness” (Matt. 3:15). His earthly ministry was preceded by the clever temptations of the adversary. He withstood, saying, “Get thee behind me, Satan” (see Luke 4:8).
He went about Galilee, Samaria, and Judea preaching the gospel of salvation, causing the blind to see, the lame to walk, the dead to rise to life again. And then, to fulfill His Father’s plan of happiness for His children, He gave His life as a price for the sins of each of us.
The day of my salvation still stands vivid in my mind, sitting at my kitchen table with a friend who was showing me through the Word and was unselfishly cleaning my home, as I lived in the despair of addiction, she didn’t judge me, she just showed my the love of Jesus, so to speak…she washed my feet and share His Word.
Since then my faith has grown much further. I have become His Apostle, appointed to do His will and teach His word. I have become His witness to the world. I repeat that witness of faith to you .
Jesus is my friend. None other has given me so much. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). He gave His life for me. He opened the way to eternal life. Only a God could do this. I hope that I am deemed worthy of being a friend to Him.
He is my example, His way of life, His absolutely selfless conduct, His outreach to those in need, His final sacrifice… all stand as an example to me. I cannot measure up ever, but I can try.
He marked the path and led the way,
And ev’ry point defines
To light and life and endless day
Where God’s full presence shines.
He is my teacher. No other voice ever spoke such wondrous language as that of the Beatitudes:
“And seeing the multitudes, he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:1–10).
No other teacher has ever offered the matchless counsel given to the multitude on the mount.
He is my healer. I stand in awe at His wondrous miracles. And yet I know they happened. I accept the truth of these things because I know that He is the Master of life and death. The miracles of His ministry bespeak compassion, love, and a sense of humanity wonderful to behold.
He is my leader. I am honored to be one in the long cavalcade of those who love Him and who have followed Him during the two millennia that have passed since His birth.
Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Christ, the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See his banners go!
He is my Savior and my Redeemer. Through giving His life in pain and unspeakable suffering, He has reached down to lift me and each of us and all the sons and daughters of God from the abyss of eternal darkness following death. He has provided something better—a sphere of light and understanding, growth and beauty where we may go forward on the road that leads to eternal life. My gratitude knows no bounds. My thanks to my Lord has no conclusion.
He is my God and my King. From everlasting to everlasting, He will reign and rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. To His dominion there will be no end. To His glory there will be no night.
No one can take His place. None other ever will. Unblemished and without fault of any kind, He is the Lamb of God, to whom I bow and through whom I approach my Father in Heaven.
Isaiah foretold of His coming: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).
Those who walked with Him in Palestine bore witness of His divinity. The centurion who watched Him die declared in solemnity, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Matt. 27:54).
Thomas, on seeing His resurrected body, cried out in wonder, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).
To which I add my own witness that He is “the way, the truth, and the life” and that “no man cometh unto the Father, but by [Him]” (John 14:6).
Gratefully, and with love undiminished, I bear witness of these things in His Holy name, even the name of Jesus the Christ, amen.
March 2011
Sunday, March 06, 2011, 7:01:08 PM | missmariemassey
From The Heart of Our Pastor~~
Every once in a while I run across an article I wish I’d had earlier so I could have included it as a sermon illustration. The following is from the February edition of TABLE TALK, and I would have used it when I preached about criticism on January 30th. It’s written in the same genre as
C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters, which were supposed instructions from a senior demon to a junior demon on how to tempt Christians.
Our Accusing Apprentice,
We are encouraged at how discouraged you seem by your inability to get your subject to renounce her allegiance to the name that terrifies even us. Our joy, however, is not in your displeasure, even if your suffering chills our heart. No, your discouragement gladdens us, for we can now show you the right approach to make this woman a weapon against the kingdom that we oppose.
Having watched her for many years, her life convinces us that she is no goat in sheep’s clothing, and we will never pry her loose from her commander’s hand. But fear not; if we play our cards right, she will be such an effective secret agent for us that she will never suspect her role in our plan.
We have noticed that she is increasingly critical of everything — “the length of the worship service, her pastor’s imperfections, the new fellowship hall’s price tag, the laid-back attitude of the young people,” and more. This is precisely the attitude to encourage. For centuries, our aide has enticed some of our mightiest opponents to increase their criticism and become so jaded that they give up trying to help the church with their deplorable “spiritual” gifts. Hyper-criticism has cleansed the pollution of long-suffering, love, and other such things from the covenant community, leading to church splits and the weakening of ministry in various locations.
Fortunately, dear imp, getting silly sheep like her to become hypercritical is easy. First, make sure that she develops expectations for things our foe never promises. Make her think that the church can be wholly free of our influence in her lifetime so that the besetting vices — excuse us, virtues — we find in every church make her focus on its failings.
You also want her to think more highly of herself than she ought. Keep her ignorant of what remains in her from her former life in our realm, and she will be unable to bear with the same flaws — or are they perfections? — in others. The last thing we want to see in her is daily repentance. If she recognizes the old man, she will attempt to put him to death and rely on the enemy to change His people. She will, regrettably, become gracious and start following those dreaded words of Paul to bear with others in love. All hope is lost if she does that.
Your Master, Legion
Sometimes, it’s helpful to see things from the other “side.”
Loving you in the Lord, Pastor Bill
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