Month: January 2019

Words of Life ~ ANSWER

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, Words of Life A-Z5 Comments

“Call to Me, and I will answer you,
and show you great and mighty things,
which you do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:3

This verse from Jeremiah was brought to my attention over fifteen years ago and became a part of my prayers every day. The Lord has not failed to answer me; to continually show me new things from His Word, new revelations of His grace and glory, wisdom for living in obedience to Him and the working of His Holy Spirit in my own life and in the lives of others.

In this study of the word ANSWER, we find the focus upon how God will ANSWER, and how we are to ANSWER.

The difference in the two is quite remarkable. We tend to react in the same spirit of a question or comment. God does not react from our level, but He responds from a higher level of understanding. When He answers, it is with wisdom and knowledge of our real needs. As we look at the Biblical use of this word, we will gain knowledge of how we should answer as His children.

Old Testament H6030
Strong’s Concordance defines ANSWER:`anah ä·nä’; respond to, testify
The word is used for speak, cry, witness; sing, utter tunefully.

Jacob made a reference to a time when God answered him.

“And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.” Genesis 35:3

The Way God Answers

And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.
Exodus 19:19

Twice the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind; Job 38:1; Job 40:6
 the God that answers by fire; 1 Kings 18:24; 1 Chronicles 21:26
by terrible things in righteousness; Psalm 65:5
in the secret place of thunder; Psalm 81:7
in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness; Psalm 143:1

For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answers him in the joy of his heart. Ecclesiastes 5:20

In the day when I cried you answered me, and strengthened me with strength in my soul. Psalm 138:3

His Promise to Answer

 “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.” Psalm 91:15

very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry Isaiah 30:19
while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

How We are to Answer

That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. 1 Samuel 3:5

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1 

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! Proverbs 15:23

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer. Proverbs 15:28

The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:1

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Proverbs 26:4

So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. Psalm 119:41

That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? Proverbs 22:21

Then Job answered the Lord, and said, I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Job 42:1-6

New Testament G611
Strong’s Concordance defines ANSWER: apokrinomai ä-po-krē’-no-mī; to give an answer to a question proposed; to begin to speak, but always where something has preceded (either said or done) to which the remarks refer.

Jesus’ responses to Satan were from the Old Testament Scriptures.

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

When Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16:16

There were times Jesus did not react or respond, but answered nothing:

when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, Matthew 27:12
when questioned by Pilate Mark 15:5

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:
and be ready always to give an answer
to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope
that is in you with meekness and fear:”
1 Peter 3:15

Dear Father in heaven, thank you that you answer us in grace and mercy. We pray for your Holy Spirit to teach us through your Word how we are to respond to others in the same grace that you have shown to us. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Fran
Image: Google

O, Day of Rest and Gladness

On By francesrogersIn Beyond a Mere Christianity, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, THE LORD'S DAY (SABBATH)3 Comments

The following sermon is the best I have heard on the Fourth Commandment. It was a blessing and stirred in me a renewal of my zeal for the Sabbath. Beginning next week, I will repost articles on this subject from 2011 when I began on WordPress. I pray the Lord’s blessing for you on this, His Day.

O, Day of Rest and Gladness (January 6, 2019) is a sermon by Chris Strevel, our pastor, preaching through the Book of Exodus.

A Prescription for Praise

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD12 Comments

As a young mother of a four and a one-year-old, my life was ruled by migraine headaches. Nothing killed the pain, and after an x-ray showed a shadow on my brain, my doctor sent me from our small town in Georgia to Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. More x-rays (no CT scan or MRI in those days) and tests proved there was nothing physically wrong.

The doctor sent me home after a week, with a prescription for Triavil, an anti-depressant used also for headaches. He said that the medication would enable me to see through rose-colored glasses. When I look back, I realize that the time I spent in his counseling must have been a week of complaining about my life. Though I did not understand then what he meant by rose-colored glasses, I took the medication. In time, my headaches subsided. Triavil became my god because it got me through those days when I did not know who I was or my purpose in life.

During the ten years I took this medication, the Lord began to draw me to His Word. We attended church but there had been no connection for me with God. Reading the Bible became a new experience, one in which the Lord was speaking to my heart. In His timing, He brought a conviction that the medication was no longer needed; that He would be my God and do more for me than this medication had ever done. He was true to His Word and weaned me from the medication, continuing to teach me and lead me.

In 1992, years after He brought me to His Word, His Spirit did a marvelous work, giving me a new heart and a new life. A new life in the Spirit of Christ was His gift of grace that has worked until today for me to live in dependence upon Him. There is no place for me to complain about anything in my life; no reason to spend my time complaining about the world, the chaos, the evil, and the trials Jerry and I continue to experience.

The Lord, through His Word, has prescribed something more powerful than any medication can provide. His Word prescribes all that His children need in this world of degradation. We cannot change the world or our circumstances; only He can; and will, in His time.

His Spirit provides His grace within us to respond to all things according to His will; responses that prove who we are as His children – those that glorify Him.

His grace brings us to trust in Him for all things. Living in trust enables us to praise Him no matter the circumstances.

Consulting a physician usually results in some kind of treatment, a prescription that has proven in certain cases to solve the physical problem. God’s Word has been proven to solve spiritual, emotional, and sometimes physical cases. His commands are not to be taken lightly. We should, as willingly as we accept a prescription from a physical doctor, accept what God prescribes for us as His people. We not only trust the doctor but also the pharmacist who fills the written prescription.

We accept God’s Word as His plan for our well-being and take His prescriptions to the throne of grace where His Son sits at His right hand to fill all that we bring to Him through His Holy Spirit. In His timing, He fulfills every promise He makes to us through His Word.

In Psalm 107, the same verse is quoted in verses 8, 15, 21, 31.

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

.The Practice of Praise
From Psalm 113, we find reasons to praise and in these verses the command (prescription).

Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.
From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.

Rarely do we miss a dose of medication because we want to be well. We want to get over whatever ails us and so we take all medication that is prescribed every day. In the same way, we must begin and practice daily the habit of praise. We don’t just praise the Lord when all things are well. Especially when the difficult days come, we need this prescription more than at other times.

The beauty of praise is that it does not cost us anything. Our prescription plan was paid for on Calvary by the blood of Christ. He is the reason for the Spirit of praise that lives within us, working every day through the good days and the bad. Our circumstances change but God does not. Saying, “I praise you Lord” privately, or “Praise the Lord” where others hear, is one of the most blessed expressions the Holy Spirit works in us showing our trust in Him and to others.

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3

Why Should We Praise Him?
He is our God; Deuteronomy 10:21
Because of His righteousness:.Psalm 7:17
The Lord is worthy to be praised: Psalm 18:3
For God is the King of all the earth; Psalm 47:7
For the help of His countenance; Psalm 42:5
Praise glorifies God; Psalm 50:23
To honor His name; Psalm 66:2
Because of His word; Psalm 56:10
For His strength, and his wonderful works; Psalm 78:4
Praise is comely; Psalm 147:1
We are accepted in the beloved; Ephesians 1:6
We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;  called out of darkness into his marvellous light; 1 Peter 2:9
His truth endures for ever; Psalm 117:2
For His power; Psalm 21:13
The Lord is my strength and my shield; Psalm 28:7.
For His mighty acts and excellent greatness; Psalm 150:2

Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Psalm 63:3

Where Should We Praise Him?
We should praise Him among the heathen Psalm 18:49 that others may see, fear and trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:3; to the ends of the earth; Psalm 48:10; among the people and nations; Psalm 57:9; in His sanctuary: Psalm 150:1

Who Can Praise Him?
The upright; Psalm 33:1 the poor and needy; Psalm 74:21; His people and sheep of His pasture; Psalm 79:13; the people He formed for Himself; Isaiah 43:21; the meek; Psalm 22:26; those who fear the Lord; Psalm 22:23

I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. Psalm 86:12

When Should We Praise Him?
We should praise at all times; Psalm 34:1; all the day long; Psalm 35:28; Psalm 44:8; continually; Psalm 71:6; Hebrews 13:15; every day; Psalm 145:2; when we have learned His righteous judgments ; Psalm 119:7

 Let us study what our Lord has written for us; the prescription for praise will change our hearts and minds during the times of trial. We can know His grace and peace when we learn to praise Him every day even in times of despair.

Dear heavenly Father, you have given us every reason to praise you. You have given us a proven prescription for all the earthly ills that plague us. By your Holy Spirit, work in us the power of your Word to thank you and to offer the sacrifice of praise to you; the fruit of our lips as we continue to trust you at all times. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Fran
Related Article: The Glad Rule

Words of Life ~ ANOINT

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, Words of Life A-Z6 Comments

The first mention of anointing is found in Genesis 31:13 in reference to the promise of the Lord to give Jacob the land He had promised to Abraham and his descendants. With the stone on which he had slept, Jacob had set up a pillar and poured oil on it (Genesis 28:18-22).

The term anoint relates to the action of consecration, setting something apart for God for His use and His worship.

Old Testament H4886
Strong’s Concordance defines ANOINT mashach mä·shakh’  by implication, to consecrate; also to paint:

The Old Testament records the anointings of the Lord’s priests and the kings of Israel.

Everything that had to do with the worship of the Lord was anointed – the priests, the tabernacle, the table, the altar, etc. were all anointed to symbolize the sacredness and holiness of worship.

Anointings were not special only to the Israelites but to any the Lord chose to anoint.

He anointed (H4899) King Cyrus to deliver His people from their captivity (Isaiah 45:1).

Psalm 2:2 speaks of the kings and rulers of the earth who set themselves against the Lord, his anointed; his Son.

Guests were anointed at feasts.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalm 23:5

The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving strength of his anointed. Psalm 28:8

I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: Psalm 89:20

Anointings and worship in the Old Covenant were expressed through the physical elements, things that were seen and handled. Priests and kings were chosen from the one nation of Israel and anointed for service of the Lord.

New Covenant anointings and worship were spiritual under the power of the Holy Spirit. In the New Testament, we see anointing based on God’s choosing His people from all nations to serve Him through salvation in His Son, Jesus Christ. The anointing is of God by His Holy Spirit, with or without oil.

New Testament G218
Strong’s Concordance defines ANOINT  aleiphō ä-lā’-fō and refers to the use of oil in anointing during Jesus’ ministry. The first of two references; the common word used for a hands-on anointing with oil or ointment.

And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. Mark 6:13

She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Mark 14:8

When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, John 9:6

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: James 5:14

G5548  chriō khrē’-ō is the sacred and religious word for anoint used in the N. T. only tropically, of God
A. consecrating Jesus to the Messianic office, and furnishing him with powers necessary for its administration
B. enduing Christians with the gifts of the Holy Spirit

Luke 4:18 is the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah 61:1

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Acts 1:38

Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 2 Corinthians 1:21

 Psalm 45:7 is the prophecy spoken of in Hebrews 1:9
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 1 John 2:27

Revelation 3:18 speaks of the Lord’s invitation for the blind to come to Him for salve to anoint their eyes that they may see.

As believers and disciples of Jesus Christ, we are anointed to be priests and kings in His kingdom (1 Peter 2:5,9;). We are set apart, consecrated for His will and service in all things pertaining to His holiness.

“And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:6

Dear Father in heaven, eternal God who has chosen a people for yourself from every tongue and nation, we praise you for the anointing that we have in Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, and Savior. Fill us and anoint us fresh each day by your Holy Spirit to know and to do your holy will ~ for your glory and our joy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Fran

Jesus Was Never in a Hurry

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD10 Comments

After becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ in 1992, I have been blessed for Him to pour His grace and love into my new heart and through me to others. Writing for over twenty-five years, the flow has not stopped. At times my work was frustrating because I could not get an article or book finished before He gave something else. I have a backlog of projects; some are filed “on the back burner” some “in the oven;” others “chilling.”

It was a whirlwind at times trying to handle the flow of His grace. Not only in writing, but in other projects in the ministry of the church, for different members of my family and for others, I looked like a “workaholic.” I designed this tee shirt during that time of my life.

In the study, prayer time, research, writing, and publishing, He has taught me how to handle what He gives without expecting that I can share it all in my lifetime. At times, I have prayed that if I cannot handle something as important as He gives, that He would give another of His children the assignment, whether writing or ministry to an individual or family.

All this brings me to the subject of this post.

As I have learned of the Father’s sovereignty and how He directs His creatures in the work He calls them to do, He continues to teach me to wait on Him, to be at peace and know that each day is as He has planned. I cannot accomplish anything if I try to go ahead of Him. This brought to mind our Lord’s daily ministry, and just thinking of His manner of daily work gives me a sense of peace and joy.

The Father’s Business
He was born in the Father’s timing. By the age of twelve, He knew His purpose to “be about my Father’s business.” He did not need to hurry or worry.

In every situation and teaching, Jesus knew His reason for being where He was and the work He had to do. He knew the distance He had to travel, the timing, and the outcome for every day of His life, His death, His resurrection, His ascension and His subsequent role at the right hand of the Father as our High Priest.

John 11 records the event of the death of Jesus’ friend, Lazarus. Even after hearing that he was sick, He did not hurry to heal him. He could have done so with only His Word. He tarried with His disciples until after Lazarus had been buried four days.

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. John 11:15

He never stayed longer in one place than needed to accomplish His purpose for being there, whether to feed five or four thousand, heal an individual, or raise one from the dead. He was always in the right place at the right time according to the will of the Father.

Up until the night in Gethsemane and His arrest early the next morning, He perfectly carried out the plans for which He had been born into this world.

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Galatians 4:4-5

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6

And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Mark 14:41

 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. John 19:30

The sovereignty of our Father has planned our work for us and He will bring it to pass. We need not worry or hurry to be about our Father’s business.

Even as our Lord spent His time with the Father, we must know His will and follow our Lord Jesus Christ in proclaiming the kingdom and ministering in His name where He places us.

In considering what I have desired to accomplish, I have failed many times. The next statement sums up my thoughts on all I think I can do.

When all is said and done,
I will have done all I could have done
and He will have done all He would have done.

Gracious Father, for your plans for our salvation through your Son, we thank you. We bless your name and praise you for your Word that teaches us who we are in Christ and for your Spirit of truth and grace. Continue to lead us, be with us always, and work through us to teach others who you are, who we are, and why we are here. Complete the work you have begun in us in your timing. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Fran

Related Articles: A Sheep’s View; Chance, Accident, Luck, or Divine Providence

Words of Life ~ ANGELS

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S WORD, Words of Life A-Z4 Comments

We add the word angels to our list of Words of Life, not because it is a word used often in the Christian vocabulary but to know how to answer someone who may ask us about angels. We found enough to start another book but would rather you, the reader, find these gems for yourself and rejoice that although we cannot see them, angels are real to us as God’s children. I can relate times in my life when I knew the outcome of a situation had to be by the Almighty power of our Lord who uses His angels to minister to us. Faith believes and rejoices in the truth we find in His Word.

Old Testament H4397
Strong’s Concordance defines mal’ak mal·äk’, messenger, representative

When the same word is used for messenger, it refers to a human messenger sent by another person. When the word is used for ANGEL, it speaks of the angel of the Lord, or of God. A messenger was a representative of man; an angel was a representative of the Lord God.

The word angel or angels is used 108 times in the Old Testament. The first is found in Genesis 16:7 when the angel of the Lord found Hagar in the wilderness when she fled from Sarah. From the angel, she receives instructions to return in obedience to Sarah. The second time the angel appears to Hagar is when she and Ishmael are sent away; the angel assures her that the Lord is with her and Ishmael (Genesis 21:20).

Angels appear in Sodom to bring out Lot and his family (Genesis 19:15).

An angel appears to Abraham to instruct him not to harm Isaac after proving his fear and obedience to God (Genesis 22:11-12).

Many references in Exodus speak of the Lord sending His angel before the Israelites
“Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.” Exodus 23;20

 “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.” Psalm 8:4-5

 “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7

“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” Psalm 91:11

“Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: Psalm 104:4
This is quoted in Hebrews 2.

 Isaiah 63:9 speaks of the affliction of God’s people. The angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them.

King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God who sent his angel and delivered his three servants that trusted in him (Daniel 3:28).

Daniel’s praise is to God who sent his angel and hath shut the lions’ mouths, (Daniel 6:22).

There are many references to Zechariah’s conversations with the angel of the Lord.

It is amazing to find so many references. Instead of listing all these, the link is here for the whole list.

New Testament G32
Strong’s Concordance aggelos ä’n-ge-los, messenger from God.
“In the Scriptures, both of the Old Testament and of the New Testament, one of that host of heavenly spirits that, according alike to Jewish and Christian opinion, wait upon the monarch of the universe, and are sent by him to earth,”

The first reference in the New Testament is Matthew 1:20 where the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream instructing him “fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” Two other times the angel instructed him: first, to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod; afterward, to bring them back to Israel.

Before Jesus’ birth, we have the reference to the appearance of Gabriel to Zacharias.

“And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Luke 1:11

“And in the sixth month (of Elizabeth’s pregnancy) the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,” Luke 1:26

From one angel to a multitude of the heavenly hosts came the announcement of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:13).

Fast-forward to Jesus’ ministry and the promise of His second coming.

After Jesus’ temptation of the devil in the wilderness, angels came and ministered unto him (Matthew 4:11).

“Two angels in white were sitting where the body of Jesus had lain (John 20:12).

“He shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:26).

Where do angels fit in relation to believers?

Luke 15:10 speaks of the joy of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Luke 20:36 gives the promise that believers are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

The writer of Hebrews speaks of the angels’ ministry to us as believers.

“And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Hebrews 1:7,14

 “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;” Luke 16:22

1 Peter 1:12 speaks of the gospel being preached here on earth by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Hebrews 12:22 speaks of mount Sion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

“Know ye not that we shall judge angels?” 1 Corinthians 6:3

 The Book of Acts has many references to angels ministering to the apostles.

The angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors for the apostles (Acts 5:19).

 The Lord sent his angel and delivered Peter out of the hand of Herod (Acts 12:11).

Paul speaks of the angel of God that stood by him on the ship that was about to be capsized (Acts 27:23).

How do angels relate to unbelievers?

 The angel of the Lord smote Herod in his royal apparel, because he gave not God the glory (Acts 12:23).

 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 1:6 speak of the angels that sinned, were cast down to hell; reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment.

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” Matthew 25:41

 Of the 175 references of the New Testament, 72 are found in the Book of Revelation.

 The first is relative to the angel sent to John by Jesus Christ to testify to the churches.

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:” Revelation 1:1

In Daniel 10:13, Michael is spoken of by Daniel as one of the chief princes who came to help him.

 Jude 1:9 identifies Michael as the archangel who contended with the devil.
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,” Revelation 12:7

Have you experienced an incident where you knew God had physically intervened?

Gracious Father, thank you for all the times we can look back and know that your mighty hand was upon us. We praise you for the promises of your presence always with us, even as in times past, we cannot miss the reality of your angels ministering to us. In Jesus’ name, we thank you and praise you. Amen.
Fran
(This word comes right after a sermon I heard yesterday including  Zacharias’ encounter with Gabriel. Here is the link.)
 

 

Where Is God?

On By francesrogersIn Beyond a Mere Christianity, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, MUSIC14 Comments

Unbelievers sometimes ask this question contemptuously, while believers may ask it when overwhelmed by tragedy, trial, and sorrow.

WHERE IS GOD?
Let the Bible tell you.

God is above us.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust.” Psalm 91:1, 4

God is beneath us.

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

God is before us.

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night. Exodus 13:21;

God is behind us.

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21

God is around us.

Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

God is with us.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 (Scripture Tune)

Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20

God is within us.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 1 John 4:13

Take time to meditate on these references and be assured that whatever your circumstances, if you are His child by the birth of His Holy Spirit, the Lord your God is above, beneath, before, behind, around, with, and within you.

Gracious Father, we thank you for your promise to never leave us, nor forsake you; that your presence with us will bring us through whatever we must endure in this life. We praise you that in Christ, we are filled with your grace and wrapped in your glory, now and forever. In Jesus’ name, we thank you and praise you. Amen.
Fran
(If you have read this somewhere else, please let me know. I found this in one of my older journal/notebooks, so I am not positive if it is mine or a copy: I usually note the source of someone else’s work.)

Image:Google

The Unshakable Hope of the Man Who Sees with His Heart and Writes with His Eyes

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD14 Comments

If you already know Bill Sweeney, you understand this title. All who know him are blessed. He is a member of the WordPress Christian Community of which I have been a member for eight years. I put these words together because we are a community of believers who support and encourage each other as we write of a common faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

This post is not for me to tell you Bill’s story but to share his blog site so you can read for yourself his witness of the Lord’s grace in his life during many years with ALS. You will be encouraged and your faith will be strengthened as you read how he lives in hope and ministry to the Lord.
Unshakeable Hope

Words of Life ~ ANCHOR

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, Words of Life A-Z6 Comments

We ended 2018 with AMEN. How gracious our Lord is to give us ANCHOR as our first of Words of Life for 2019.

Although ships are mentioned in the Old Testament, the word anchor is only used in the New Testament. The first three references are found in Acts and as an anchor used in the ship in which Paul was a passenger.

“Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.” Acts 27:29

ANCHOR G45
Strong’s Concordance defines agkyra ä’n-kü-rä, A metaphor. Any stay or safeguard

The fourth reference is used figuratively. Because of Paul’s own shipwrecks, he could very well be the author who used the metaphor in the book of Hebrews.

 “Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

 His covenant blessings with Abraham were confirmed by the oath given through Christ for eternal salvation. The promise and oath are the two prongs of the anchor.

“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”

“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;” Hebrews 6:17-19

An anchor cast into the bottom of the sea cannot be seen. Neither can Christ be seen, but our faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

The soul in this life is either anchored to the world, its promises, and pleasures, or to Christ who is God’s fulfilled promise and our hope to the end. He has entered heaven as our high priest and holds us to Himself. God has made us sit in heavenly places in Christ. And Christ in us is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). This is why we set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:1-3).

Dear heavenly Father, you promised eternal life and fulfilled that promise in Christ, your Son, who is our hope of eternal life. Your sure and steadfast anchor keeps us through even the violent storms of this life. No one can move this anchor; no one can snatch us out of your hand ~ this to your glory and our joy. In Jesus’ name, we thank you and praise you. Amen.
Fran

Related Articles: Staying in the Ship         Laying Hold of Eternal Life

What the Holy Bible Says about The Word of GOD

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, TRUTH24 Comments

Second in the series What the Holy Bible Says is available on Amazon.

What the Holy Bible Says about The Word of GOD follows What the Holy Bible Says about LIGHT, published two years ago. 

Both are devotional studies using references from Strong’s Concordance with questions and suggestions for discovering what God has to say about these topics. The first study on LIGHT is a ten-week study.

The second study on The Word of GOD is a twenty-six-week study. It not only involves a longer time than the first book but will produce a greater understanding of who God is, what He spoke and reveals about Himself.  Going through this study twice, I have experienced a deep humility and relationship with God which I did not have before. This devotional study starts slow but quickens its pace and brings the reader to a greater knowledge of the Word of God. It ends with fullness and joy, giving the student a bountiful love for God and His Word.

(The third study, not published, is What the Holy Bible Says about LIFE.)

The first two books are in paperback and Ebook with others on Amazon.
We began publishing two years ago as a means to archive our work in proclaiming the legacy of God’s kingdom to future generations. Profits from sales are designated for missions and charity. Free copies of any book are available to those who cannot afford to buy.

Dear Father in heaven, we praise you for another opportunity to share the truth of your Word. We pray for your Holy Spirit to lead readers to know you through this study. In Jesus’ name, we pray, thank you and praise you. Amen.