Christmas

CHRISTMAS

Christmas is the beginning of a determined, sacrificial thirty three year walk to the Cross of Calvary . To purchase the greatest  and mostly costly and needed gift of all time. God the Son the creator of our earth and universe, leaves all the glories of heaven where He is worshipped by the angels. I just can’t imagine what it was and is like. He came to earth as a helpless little baby, to grow over time into manhood. Then He was ridiculed, rejected, arrested, tormented, beaten then suffered the unimaginable agony of death by crucifixion on the cross. All because of His love for me and you. Many in jest tell children to be good and Santa will bring you gifts. Jesus tells us He is offering us a gift and there is nothing we can possibly do to earn or deserve it. The gift of life, without it we have no hope for the eternal future. As we prepare to give gifts and celebrate Christmas, let’s be sure not to forget Christs’ gift offered freely to all. The gift of forgiveness of sin and to become one of His children . Will you accept or reject the gift He offers to all, the choice is yours.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. “ John 3:16  “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  2 Peter 3:9

 

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EARLY

EARLY
When we get up in the morning what do we do, some shower, get coffee, eat breakfast before starting out for the day. The Psalmist says to seek God early, that is spend some time with Him, in His Word and prayer early. Before meeting others, if only just a few minutes to get our focus right and ask guidance for the day. There are probably only a few occasions when we really couldn’t take a few minutes. The Psalmist had a thirst for God, as Christians where is our thirst for the one who suffered , bleed and died in love for us. Since we can’t meet Him physically we have the Bible His letters to us and the Holy Spirit within to teach us, give us understanding as we read and pray. To all professing Christians, just ask yourself am I really thirsty for God and His Word. Is my thirst shown by actions, life practices. Because of His love shown to us we praise and bless, glorify and exalt Him is our minds, hearts and to others. Because of all He does and has done for us we rejoice. How can e not share our love foe Him and His love to others. The Psalmist says he follows hard after God. How is our personal commitment to live for Him daily. Ones’ life is changed when we go from a head knowledge of Christ and true acceptance of Jesus Chris as Saviour. 2nd Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away: behold, all things are become new.” Psalm 63:1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; 2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. 3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. 4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. 5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: 6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. 7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. 8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. 9 But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. 10 They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. 11 But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

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CHRIST ALONE

CHRIST ALONE
Waiting on God to fulfill His promises. He has promised us a way of salvation, the forgiveness of our sin, our sin nature with which we were all born and our sins committed. He only is our foundation and salvation , its Christ alone! Nothing added not church membership, not church or religious rituals, not personal works or practices. Apart from the shed blood and death of Christ on the cross of Calvary we have no hope, but only an eternity of torment in Hell for our sin. He has given us a promise and will complete that promise. He also is our defense against the attacks of satan both direct and indirect, through our own minds and thoughts to destroy our testimony. God has given us directions for daily living as our defense. He is our refuge vs 7 our place to go in times of trouble and danger. Trust in Him, tell Him all our problems, our doubts and our feelings. As the old preacher C.H. Spurgeon said “God graciously rewards the poor, imperfect works of His people we see in it a clear display of mercy” . Our efforts to avoid things which can lead to our spiritual etc hurt, our efforts to study to know His will and learn more about Him, our efforts to reach out to others in love with His message. He in mercy rewards our less than perfect efforts. Let’s keep Him in our focus daily, hourly, moment by moment. Psalm 62;1 Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. 3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence. 4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. 5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. 9 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. 10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them. 11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. 12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

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Love and Actions

Love and Actions

Its’ been said that love is shown by actions.

God declared His love for us in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”   He demonstrated that love in actions  Matthew 27:22-46 . The answer to the question Jesus asked while on the cross is that it was for me and all others who will accept Him as savior. That’s LOVE in action.    “²⁶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. ²⁷ Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. ²⁸ And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. ²⁹ And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! ³⁰ And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. ³¹ And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. ³² And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. ³³ And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, ³⁴ They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. ³⁵ And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. ³⁶ And sitting down they watched him there; ³⁷ And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews. ³⁸ Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. ³⁹ And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, ⁴⁰ And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. ⁴¹ Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, ⁴² He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. ⁴³ He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. ⁴⁴ The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. ⁴⁵ Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. ⁴⁶ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? “Let’s live our lives with His love and actions in mind daily.

 

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Trouble Coming

TROUBLE COMING

The psalmist begins by seeing that God had rejected the nation(culture) and its defenses were broken down. There was constant fear of what was to come, the nation was torn apart is was shaken. God had judged their nation, they were hurt and in trouble. No nation or group of people can reject God, His Word and ways and receive His blessings. Our nation has been greatly blessed, as a nation and people we acknowledged God, were friend and protectors of Israel and at least respected the Church and the teaching of His Word.  Today that has and is changing at a rapid pace. Not just outside the Church but within, some professing Christians embracing the sins of social drinking and homosexual relationships, both of which are plainly condemned by God. Some preachers, Christians are speaking of the soon coming judgment. Many secular people also are speaking of the coming collapse of America, articles on the financial collapse, others on TV how to prepare for the coming trouble (the preppers). The downfall of our nation as we know it is advancing, some pushing for more gun laws to restrict ownership, registration was the step before confiscation in countries in the past. Making special provisions for Muslims, so they have a place to pray in government buildings. Peace loving Muslims, not what the Koran teachers, its kill unbelievers as we have seen in other countries. Christians need to get things right between themselves and God to see and understand what’s going on. . Sin in ones’ life blocks understanding of both current issues and the Word of God. Let’s have nothing between us and God.   Repent be renewed, forgiveness is just a step away , our hope is in God.  Psalm 60;1  O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again. ² Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh. ³ Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment. ⁴ Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. ⁵ That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.⁶ God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. ⁷ Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver; ⁸ Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me. ⁹ Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom? ¹⁰ Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies? ¹¹ Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. ¹² Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

 

 

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Forever Forgiven

FOREVER FORGIVEN
By his merciful Grace
With his Heart full of Love
Because of His Blood
I’m forever forgiven.

No more punishment of past sins
No more bitterness of heart
New freedom from quilt
I’m forever forgiven .

New hope though Christ
New life with Christ
New freedom to serve
I’m forever forgiven

New love for the Saviour
New love for the Brothers
New love for the preachers
I’m forever forgiven

Now the burdens been lifted
So spread the good news
Give glory to God
I’m forever forgiven.

Thought from Luke 17:4

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Dealing with your Enemy

Dealing with your Enemy
I have an enemy in my life some may have more . I can narrow mine down to one real enemy. One who I realize I will never win over, he has determined to be my enemy for life, yes its Satan, the Devil he uses many others to attack me, my nature, my own mine and even other people. He waits patiently for an opportunity, just a small opening. Something maybe seen in movies, TV etc or read just a little something to give him an opening, just a small one. The Psalmist realized his weakness before the enemy and prays to God to deliver me, defend me and save me. The psalmist prayer concerning the wicked (Psalm 59:5) he prays for judgment from God who is Just in all His dealings, he does not at this time pray for mercy on the wicked. Maybe Christians today have become too easy on sin and the enemies of God, those who reject Christ. The old preacher C.H. Spurgeon states “ How wrong is that state of mind which hates to hear of the punishment of the wicked”. We call sin by many nice sounding names, living together, sleeping together instead of fornicating. Gay instead of homosexual reprobates (Romans 1:27-) Yes Gods’ desire is and ours should be for their repentance and coming to Christ for salvation. With many in churches today nothing is called sin just a different way, let’s get back to calling sin what it is horrible in the face of our Holy and loving God. Then as the Psalmist (vs 16 Psalm 59) we can sing of His power, His mercy and our deliverance from the power of sin. Remember little leaks can sink large boats if not fixed. Let’s stop the leaks, spread the Gospel and give praise to our Lord and Saviour. Psalm 59:1 Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me. 2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men. 3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD. 4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold. 5 Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah. 6 They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. 7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear? 8 But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision. 9 Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence. 10 The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies. 11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield. 12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak. 13 Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah. 14 And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. 15 Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied. 16 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. 17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

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Speech and Heart
Do you in deed speak righteousness, do you really speak the truth. How does this coincide with your daily living, actions, attitude and treatment of others. Do you judge uprightly, correctly getting all the facts before making a judgement on others. Do you get the basis for what’s right or wrong from the plain Word of God and not just your opinion. Our human nature, as sinners begins to show soon after birth, in lies, and Satan is the father of lying. People then reject the gospel, to accept it one has to admit they are sinners and in need of a savior, forgiveness and can’t help themselves. Some close their ears and mind and continue down the road to destruction. In verses 6-9 of Psalm 58 the psalmist is like many of us at times. We see those who reject God seeming to e doing well while true Christians are having it hard in many ways. We want to see justice now but God says some men’s sins are revealed and judged now others go before them to wait at the judgement !st Timothy 5:24. Lets just be sure our speach and heart are coincide and then keep witnessing, warning and praying for those without a true relationship with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. “Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things become new. 2nd Corinthians 5:17.
Psalm 58:1 Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? 2 Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth. 3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. 4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear; 5 Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely. 6 Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD. 7 Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces. 8 As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun. 9 Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath. 10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. 11 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

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TRUST AND MERCY

TRUST AND MERCY
The psalmist pleads for mercy from the merciful God, he ask twice because the need is urgent. His/our trust in God, is like a little baby chick snuggles up close under the wings of the mother hen, there finds warmth, peace and security. As we stay close to our God and Saviour through reading His Word we find warmth, peace and security . Let nothing come between you and our Saviour Jesus Christ. In that secure relationship the psalmist still cries out with confidence to the almighty God who does all things for him and us. If there is no way on earth to meet the need then He will send the help from heaven. We pray for mercy He sends both mercy and truth, more than we ask. The psalmist and we live in danger daily some dangers are different, he list lions, fire, spears, arrows, sharp swords and the tongues of men. Satan uses some people and many things and ways to set the nets for us Gods’ children. As the psalmist says his heart is fixed he is committed to trust in our great God. Sing, give praise and glory to Him the glorious God. He will tell and sing of Gods mercy and greatness to all those around him, giving glory to God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Its sad when a Christian is silent about his love for his Saviour. Christ hung on the Cross in public for us, can’t we give Him praise and glory to others. We see today our nation is turning its’ back on God openly with the new acceptance of homosexual marriage now legal, the content in movies and things that were condemned a few years ago by Christians are now accepted as being ok, but still condemned by God and His Word. It has been said truthfully, evil increase when Christians are silent. The question for each of us before God is what will you do. Psalm 57:1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. 2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. 3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. 4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. 5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth. 6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah. 7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. 8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. 9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. 10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. 11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
As the hymn writer put it in the hymn Nothing Between
Nothing between my soul and the Savior , Naught of this world’s delusive dream; I have renounced all sinful pleasure, Jesus is mine! There’s nothing between. Nothing between my soul and the Savior , So that His blessed face may be seen; Nothing preventing the least of His favor; Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

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BEWARE

Beware

As with the Psalmist we are in a battle daily, our enemy , Satan attacks are constant. At times he uses people we know friends, family etc. His one desire is to see a Christian fall completely. He makes many unaware of the dangers on their path . He uses those walking close to and ignoring the dangers to be an influence on others so he can bring his attacks on them. Some may for a while walk close to danger for a while and not get hurt and others will be destroyed much sooner. A deceiver never tells the truth in the beginning. Today sin is always presented as enjoyable and good, the alcohol ads and movies mostly show good looking people having fun and enjoyment. We use nicer words to make sin sound ok, fornication is referred to as sleeping or just living together, homosexuals are call gays etc. but the end is the same,  heart ache  then eternity in hell. Yes we need to have a fear of the devil and stand clear of his deceptions. But in our fear we need to trust in God. Praise His Word, starts with reading and studying it because of its value. As the Psalmist says in verse 4 of Psalm 56 “fear what the flesh can do unto me” that is my flesh the natural me but for the grace of God anyone of us could do all that others have done. Our enemy Satan just waits daily for an opportunity to cause us to destroy our lives and testimony before God and others. As Christians we have been delivered from death (Hell) only by the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. That is the only hope we have for forgiveness and eternity in heaven we have nothing to offer.  Now let’s pray that we will walk carefully before God and others in our daily lives. Our confidence is in God. Psalm 56:1Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.2 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. 5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.  6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.  7 Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.  8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?  9 When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.  10 In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word. 11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.  12 Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.  13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

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