Category: Uncategorized

Testing the Gold

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, HUMILITY, TRUTH, Uncategorized5 Comments


 “And He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, 
unless you are converted and become as little children, 
you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matt. 18:3

Through trials, temptations, tribulations, traumas, travails, turmoil, threats, tensions, tumults, thundering, toxins, trepidation, trouble, teasing, transgressions, trespasses, talk, technology, tangles, thistles, thorns, tripping, trappings, trajectories, tragedies, trivia, tangents, turbulence, transitions, twisting, trembling, treks, tasks, tears, tides, trenches, torture, and tunnels, our Father is teaching, training, testing, and turning us into transparent, thoughtful, tender, and triumphant troopers of truth — for His name’s sake, His kingdom, — and for our joy in Him.

“Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.”
Ps. 8:2

He does not need us, but He has chosen us, created us according to His everlasting covenant made with His Son “before the world was” — to make us His children, to love us, and bless us in this world which we will inherit when He has gathered all His children in Christ and finished His work here.

We can praise Him through whatever we must endure because we have an inheritance of eternal life which Jesus secured for us. By the things He suffered for us, making us joint heirs with Him, He will work in us all that is needful for us to accept the circumstances He is bringing us through. 

It is through our weakness that He, by His power, accomplishes His plans in us — and all to His glory alone. We have little need of His grace until we find ourselves helpless.
In this state, humility becomes our hope for Him to fulfill His covenant in and through us.
The new birth — born of the Spirit — born of God — is necessary for us to praise Him as the “little children” we become in our conversion.

“I will bring the one-third through the fire,
Will refine them as silver is refined,
And test them as gold is tested.
They will call on My name,
And I will answer them.
I will say, ‘This is My people’;
And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”
Zach. 13:9

In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Do not fear;
Zion, let not your hands be weak.
The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zeph. 3:16-17

Fran 8/24

Images: Pixabay

EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANT LIFE

On By francesrogersIn Uncategorized4 Comments

Our new book Exceedingly Abundant Life: The Transforming Power of Our Father’s Love from the well-loved passage in Ephesians 3;14-21 is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH37SGLL

I ask that you praise the Lord with me for bringing me through these past five years of mourning and enabling me to write and publish again. 

During the last three years this book project has been evidence of our Father’s presence with me and the reality of His Spirit’s working again to share what He is revealing through His Word and written on my heart.

What I experience and write is witness to the Life He desires for all His children. Many have no understanding of this fellowship for which we were created and for which we have been redeemed by the sacrifice of His Son. Such are His blessings, that any proceeds — all for His kingdom — are used for seminary scholarships, missions, charity or wherever He directs..

For the next few weeks, the ebook is .99 cents while I secure reviews on my product page. I would be blessed if any of my readers would help get this new book out for those who need it.. After publishing fifteen books, this is the first one I have asked friends to review.  I am bold in my old age as I trust what our Father has given me to be worth promoting for His glory and joy.

Something to consider is that it’s acceptable for you to just read a chapter or two. There is no need to read the entire book in order to leave a review. You can finish it at your leisure, since the main thing at this point is for reviews.

Feel free to skim over and move through it however you’d like. 

Whatever your decision, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and/or seeing a review.

If our Lord so leads you, here is the process.

Step 1: Log into your Amazon account on any internet browser (chrome, safari, edge, etc)

Step 2: Click the URL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH37SGLL and then download for .99 cents, 

Step 3: Leisurely scroll through at least 2/3rds of the ebook (slowly and gracefully asking insight from the Holy Spirit)

Step 4: Read/Skim through at least two full chapters. They are not long.

Step 5: Wait three to four days before posting the review.

Step 6: Write and post your review on Amazon.

Please note, if ordering the paperback, wait until it physically arrives at your house! In fact, if you do this, and you take a picture of the paperback, then Amazon is almost 100% guaranteed to approve your review.

Also, it is impossible to download the ebook through the Amazon App. Not to worry! You can purchase and read the ebook when logged into your Amazon account via your browser (Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, etc).

I ask our Father’s blessing for your participation in this special event, if you so choose — for which I would be very grateful,

From His glory, through the riches of His grace in Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit in the work of our hands,, “to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen..”  Eph. 3:21

Much love and many blessings for you,

Fran

The Power of our Father’s Word

On By francesrogersIn Uncategorized17 Comments

Yesterday morning when I woke up I realized the date — August 1.

My next thought — “I’ve been here in this body for 86 years! I then began to drift back through those years and decades, delighting in visions of our heavenly Father’s presence through childhood, through difficult paths.

By His grace and through my knowledge of His eternal presence, He enabled me to remember the precious times lost in the mire of the adversity and my rebellion. I praise Him that He is still training me to adjust my thoughts by the power of HIs Word and His Spirit.

The Word of God is active and powerful for destroying the strongholds of our thinking, sharper than any two-edged sword — the sword of the Spirit — piercing to the division of soul and spirit — penetrating and permeating every crevice and perpetuating the power of the truth through every fiber of our being, bringing every thought captive in obedience to Christ. It is spoken as His witness through us of His mighty power working to unite us in Christ to Himself and to each other. (Heb. 4:12; 2 Cor. 10:4-5; Eph. 3:20)

He is doing a great and mighty work in His church even though we may not be able to see it. He is revealing His work in and through us individually and corporately.

What a blessing it has been to come through these latter years being held by His righteous right hand, guided by His counsel until the time He receives me into His glory. Ps. 73:22-26

I didn’t want to spend a lot of time writing about me, but just to bring any of you who have wondered how far He has brought me in the last 5 years of mourning.

I have gained much in my loss. After waiting for His timing, we are publishing our new book. I have been immersed these last few years in His Word. My mind has become a vault for what seems to be trillions of words and my heart a reservoir, waiting to pour out what He has been pouring in.

My next post will include a link to Amazon for any who want to read a sample of Exceedingly Abundant Life: The Transforming Power of Our Father’s Love. This is a witness of these years — learning to rest in His love as He has brought me through the loss.
If the apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and his prayer in 3:14-21 are familiar you may want to share this with your family and friends. It is packed with the truths and promises of His Word for those who hunger for the Life for which He created us.
Fran

Women and Theology

On By francesrogersIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Why would women want to hear lectures on Theology?

Download and read A.A. Hodge — Popular Lectures on Theological Themes from 1885 and find out why women need to study Theology for an abundant everyday life.

Click to access Evangelical%20Theology%20-%20A.%20A.%20Hodge.pdf

Weighing, Measuring and Filtering Our Words

On By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, PRAYER, Uncategorized1 Comment

(A reblog from 2017 as new views has been recorded.)

This is a side note from our last post The Voice of Contentment, as we considered the voices that we hear.

Somewhere in the past, I remember hearing or reading that God gives all people a certain number of words for each life. If this was true, many would have nothing to say in their latter years. 🙂

While this statement is not a Biblical reference, it might be something to think about.

There are Biblical references that speak of our voices and our words. There is much written in the Bible about our tongues, our lips, our mouths and the intentions of the heart in reference to the words we speak. These are all related, but let’s look basically at the words that come from the mind, the heart and the mouth when we speak to others. What is the source of what we, as God’s people, speak?

And what effect do our words have on others?

Joseph spoke to his brothers about his dreams. They “hated him for his dreams and his words.” Genesis 31:8

God gave words to Moses and Aaron to speak to the people. Exodus 10:6-7
Moses spoke the words of the ten commandments to the people. Exodus 24:3;
Moses was instructed to speak words of warning and promises. Deuteronomy 1:1
Joshua spoke to the people “the words of the Lord.” Joshua 3:9

 WEIGHING OUR WORDS

When we speak, let us learn to ask four questions:

  1. Would the words I speak be what I would want to hear?
  2. Would they be a burden on the person to whom I speak?
  3. Are my words necessary?
  4. Would my words be to the glory of God?

Jesus came to speak “the words by which all men will be judged.” (John 12:48) He is the only one who has the authority to judge.

“And he said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers.” Luke 11:46

“But ‘the burden of the Lord’ you shall mention no more, for the burden is every man’s own word, and you pervert the words of the living God, the Lord of hosts, our God.” Jeremiah 23:36

“His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.” Psalm 55:2

Words can put a burden on others, even to “torment,” as in Job’s case (Job 19:2)
The Psalmist speaks of “words of trouble and deceit” (Psalm 36:3); “words that devour” (Psalm 52:4); “words of hate (Psalm 109:3) “bitter words like arrows”  (Psalm 64:3); “arrogant words” (Psalm 94:4); “false words” (2 Peter 2:3).

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2

“Charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.” 2 Timothy 2:14

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18

MEASURING OUR WORDS

“Jesus, whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.” John 3:34

“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Ephesians 4:7

“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” Romans 12:3

“Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2

“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” Proverbs 10:19

“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” Proverb 17:27

“For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:37

FILTERING OUR WORDS

If after weighing what we say, and measuring what we speak, we can know that our words will be edifying to those to whom we speak, and to build up the church as a whole by using God’s Word as a filter. If we listened and read more of His Word we would be less likely to be speaking our own words. We can be sure our words will glorify our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ if we encourage ourselves in His Word. Jerry Bridges in his book, The Discipline of Grace, says that he has to preach the gospel to himself everyday.

“The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6); gracious words, pure, like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Proverbs 15:26; 16:24).

His words are sweet (Psalm 119:103); they give light (119:130). We stand in awe of his words (119:147); there is “hope in His words” (119:147); “words of insight and words of the wise” (Proverbs 1:2, 6) they are “holy words” (Jeremiah 23:9)

“The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd.” Ecclesiastes 12:11

We are to hold fast His words that are hidden in our heart, that He will put in our mouth (Psalm 119:11, Proverbs 4:4; Isaiah 51:16)

What did Jesus’ disciples say about His words?

The people “marveled at the gracious words that came from His mouth” (Luke 4:22) Peter said He had “the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

Paul spoke of “the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness in 1 Timothy 6:3; “being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed” (1 Timothy 4:6).

What did Jesus say about His words?

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Matthew 23:35

“For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38

“The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.” John 12;48

The early church was encouraged by “the gospel, not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” 1 Corinthians 1:17
“not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,” 1 Corinthians 2:4
“in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13

Do we consider our words as governed by the Spirit of Christ? Let us make our words a matter of importance for the Father’s kingdom and the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our words should be filtered through His Word and prayer in the power of the Holy Spirit. When we speak to others of Christ, the Holy Spirit must be working in their hearts for them to understand the words we speak.

In all our conversations our words should be that which encourages and strengthens our brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Let us not waste a moment of His precious time given us here, to share His glory. We can be channels and purveyors “holding forth the word of life” with words that give life, using every opportunity as builders with God of His kingdom on earth. We need not be reticent but with prayer and preparation through His Word anticipate that He will fill up our days with His goodness, His grace and love, laying up treasures in heaven as we spread the joy and contentment that is ours in Christ. We can weigh, measure and filter what our heavenly Father has given us in Christ, and with the abundance share the overflow as he continues to fill us with His fulness.

Dear Father  let these prayers from the Psalmist be our prayers
today and everyday.
“Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me,
O Lord God of hosts;
let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me,
O God of Israel.”
Psalm 69:6
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Where Do We Go From Here?

On By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, Uncategorized5 Comments

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(This is part of a post from 2016)

Growing up I was often reminded that when we see the devil’s work, we can be assured that God is doing something greater. We are distracted by the physical elements of the world and how Satan works in and through men. God, our heavenly Father teaches us to look beyond what we can see with the physical eye, to catch a glimpse of His greatness and glory. In this we can see the working of His grace and goodness. The Renaissance and the Protestant Reformation happened at the same time. There were two kingdoms operating from two perspectives, which is the history of this world, since the antithesis began in the Garden with our first parents.

Let us, as God’s children, be about the Father’s business in the only kingdom that will survive all generations, until in the fullness of time, all things are united in Christ, “things in heaven and things on earth.” Ephesians 1:10

Dear Father in heaven, we need you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, to reveal your presence and power to us as your children, as we live in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.  Give us your love, joy, and peace; shine your light through us to draw others to Christ.  Make us an open door to your kingdom.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

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Grace, and Grace Alone

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, POEMS, TRUTH, Uncategorized1 Comment

Grace, and grace alone,
could save a wretch like me.
I could not die for my own sins.
Christ had to die for me.
A thousand deaths would not atone
for my eternity;
Christ’s blood, and His alone,
 bought my sanctity.
His light, and His alone,
shined deep within my soul.
The darkness of my heart
was readily exposed.
His Word, and His alone,
could speak new life in me.
My sin is great, but greater still,
His grace has set me free.
His love, and His alone,
drew me to His Son;
In covenant with Him,
to be His very own.
In goodness, and in His alone,
He brought me to repent,
To turn, to trust, to follow Jesus,
whom He had sent.
His power, and His alone,
gives life beyond my dreams;
Life in Christ, the life of grace,
according to His means.
His glory, and His alone,
suffices as an end.
His purpose in heaven and on earth,
for Him; for me. Amen.
(This poem is the result of waking one morning  around 5:00, hearing the steady refreshing rain that was needful. As with many mornings, I was reminded of God’s grace, and after a few minutes I got up and began to write. Following are the Biblical references that apply.  I pray that those who read may use one or both to discover and refresh your heart in the truth of God’s grace and His glory, which hasbeen my encouragement since beginning this blog in 2011)
Grace ~ Ephesians 2:7-9; 4:7; 2:1-4 2 Timothy 2:5-6; 1 Peter 1:18-20
Christ’s Blood ~ 2 Timothy 2:5-6; 1 Peter 1:18-20
His Light ~ 2 Corinthians 4:-6-7; Genesis 6:5
His Word ~1 Peter 1:3, 23-25; James 1:18; Romans 5:20-21
His Love ~ 1 John 4: 9-10; 1 John:1-3; John :44-45; Ephesians 1:4-5
His Goodness ~ Romans 2: 4; Psalms 107:8; John 17:3
His Power ~ Ephesians 3:19; Romans 8:1-4
His Glory ~ Psalm 73:24; Romans 11:36; 2 Cor. 3:18;Colossians 3:1-4
F.R. 2012
Related article:

Emma’s Heart

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, Uncategorized5 Comments

(Post from 2018)
From the age of three, Emma, our youngest grandchild, has actively shown the love of Christ in her heart; not anything she knew she was doing, but wherever she was, with Jerry and me, and especially with Mother. Emma was three years old; Mother was ninety-one, with dementia, living with us for over four years. At the same time, we also cared for Emma and Olivia, our next oldest grandchild two days a week.

This week, at the age of fifteen, Emma is in Haiti, with a mission group from her church.

Mother was there with her church thirty years ago.

Dear Father in heaven, Thank you for grace beyond measure to us as your children, putting within our hearts the love of Christ, which is the ministry you give us to share with others. We ask you to bless those who live in this love and desire to minister to others in His name. Thank you for loving us and filling us so that it spills over wherever we are. Use your Word through these to draw others to Christ. Bless the young who minister in His name this summer, for your glory and their joy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Fran
Related article:Chasing Butterflies and Blowing Bubbles