Tag: Christianity

The Tomb That Became a Womb

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, QUOTES3 Comments

tomb16 “Jesus awakes, as a mighty man from his slumber, unwraps the napkin from His head and lays it by itself; unwinds the grave clothes in which love had wrapped Him and puts them by themselves; for He had abundant leisure; He was in no haste; He was not about to escape like a felon who bursts the prison, but like one whose time of jail-deliverance has come and lawfully and leisurely leaves his cell. He steps to the upper air, bright, shining, glorious, and fair. He lives! He died once, but He rose from the dead! There is no need for us to enlarge here. We only pause to remark that this is one of the most jubilant notes in the whole Gospel scale….Death is overcome! There is found a man Who by His own power was able to struggle with death and hurl him down. The grave is opened! There is found a man able to dash back its bolts and to rifle its treasures. And thus, brethren, having delivered Himself, He is able also to deliver others.”
Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)

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The context (John 12:23-33) from which Jesus’ words here are quoted was that which spoke of his impending crucifixion. “The hour has come” for Him “to be glorified.” That glorification awaited Him as He continued to follow the will of the Father; when He would be lifted up, and so draw unto Himself those that receive the truth of His word. These would die to themselves, take up their crosses and follow Him.

Jesus left in the borrowed tomb the seeds of new life for all those who belong to Him. He finished the planting that He came to do. He was raised and now waits and rejoices over every new plant.  His Holy Spirit waters by the word of truth in each heart and brings to life what Jesus planted. Those seeds are eternal, continuing to bear fruit.

 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
John 1:1

  “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:11

Grapes Desktop Wallpapers-023“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you,
that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:
that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”
John 15:16

Dear Father, today, please bring forth new plants for your joy; and water what you have planted within us by your Spirit.  Let the word of Christ dwell in our hearts richly so as to bring forth the fruit of your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and temperance.  In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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TWO SIDES OF REALITY ~ the sad side and the glad side

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S WORD2 Comments

In this life we live on one side or the other. We live a sad life, or we live a glad life.

There is not a balance between the two. We may spend time on both sides, but we are prone and influenced to one.

Can we choose which side? Christians believe they are chosen – in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4-5)

Whether we believe we are chosen or not, we have the choice to read what God’s Word says about this reality, to understand the difference and desire the ‘glad life’ He gives.

We find that those who live on the ‘glad side’ live in a special relationship with God.

The  Glad Side is the bright side, the side of a fruitful life.

And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God;
We have waited for Him, and He will save us.
This is the Lord; We have waited for Him;
We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”  Is. 25:9

May my meditation be sweet to Him; 
I will be glad in the Lord. Ps. 104:34

Be glad then, you children of Zion,
And rejoice in the Lord your God;
For He has given you the former rain faithfully,
And He will cause the rain to come down for you—
The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month. Joel 2:23

Glad in His Righteousness

The following verses refer to this fellowship we have with God, our Father, through the Lord Jesus Christ (through whom we are made righteous) by the working of the Holy Spirit in us. 

 The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust in Him.
And all the upright in heart shall glory. Ps. 64:10

 But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God;
Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly. Ps. 68:3

 The hope of the righteous will be gladness,
But the expectation of the wicked will perish. Pro. 10:2

Glad in His mercy

Though I live on the ‘glad side’ I often experience the oppression of this life, and the feelings of sorrow overtake me, but by our Father’s keeping power, I am brought through the trial of the moment back home in praise and thanksgiving, where I know I belong

I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy,
For You have considered my trouble;
You have known my soul in adversities,  Ps. 31:7

 Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
That we may rejoice and be glad all our days! Ps. 90:14

Glad in Quietness and Trust

 Then they are glad because they are quiet;
So He guides them to their desired haven. Ps. 107:30

Glad in Times of Persecution

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven,
for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Mt. 5:12

But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings,
that when His glory is revealed,
you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Pt. 4:13

Bringing Others to the Glad Side

Though we do not live on the ‘sad side’ we are sent to give encouragement to those who live there.

And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!” Roms.10:15

That I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones,
That I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation,
That I may glory with Your inheritance. Ps. 106:5

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls;
though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. 2 Cor. 12:15

 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith,
I am glad and rejoice with you all. Phil. 2:17

The humble shall see this and be glad;
And you who seek God, your hearts shall live. Ps. 69:32

My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Ps.34:2 

Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad 
and glorified the word of the Lord.
And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
Acts 13:48

Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and His wife has made herself ready.” Rev. 19:7

Holy and merciful Father, we praise you for calling us out of darkness into your marvelous light, delivering us out of darkness and ignorance into the kingdom of your dear Son who is the light of our gladness who rejoices in us, and for your Holy Spirit who lives through us to encourage those who live in sadness and sorrow. Through us, your people, give them a taste of your mercy, your love, and your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

See related article; The Glad Rule

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Breakthrough and Follow-through

						

				On  By francesrogersIn Beyond a Mere Christianity, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, PRAYER, QUOTES, TRUTH2 Comments			

					


		

			
(Reprint from chapter in Beyond a mere Christianity)


So as not to miss any gods they might appease, the Athenians had set up an “unknown god” among the others. And so, Christianity today is seen as a religion among many others. The God of Christianity is “unknown” even to some who claim it as their faith. If we see little more than the surface of this way of life, we simply exist without the source and the power of this life. For the most part, we fail to differentiate between what other religions offer.


We must be sure that it is an offering; a supernatural offering between our God and us. It is a spiritual gift from the Lord God of Christianity, whom we know as Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of Jehovah, our Almighty God and Father, Creator of the heavens and the earth, and Redeemer of mankind.


Baptized as a child on a profession of faith, Christianity was basic but ineffective in my life until as an adult, I was drawn to read, then study; to write and teach what I was learning from the Bible. During those years, the Holy Spirit I was reading about in the Bible used God’s own words to transform my life. Through a new birth, with a new heart and spirit, my life was changed and has not been the same for decades. My books, articles, and poems attest to the revealed and fulfilled promises made to those He brings to Himself.


The best way I can describe this new way of life is with a parable I heard several years ago.


A prisoner was held captive for years, not knowing where he was. He existed in an obscure stronghold in a foreign country. His food and drink were barely enough to keep him alive. Since he knew no other way of life, he did not wish for anything else.


One day a stranger entered his cell and told him about life outside his captivity. He had come to deliver him. At first, the man could not vision anything beyond his own existence, and so refused to follow him out. Unknown to the prisoner, the stranger had broken through the outside barrier of the stronghold to save him. He was there, not to be refused; and so, stayed with him, living off the same fare by which the prisoner had been fed most of his life. At times he would open the cell door and lead him down a long dark hallway to show him the light outside. Not used to the light, the prisoner would soon move back to his comfortable cell.


With time, the stranger presented truths about the light, each day praying with him and leading him a little further out from his cell. Gradually getting used to the light, he was drawn more; then more, to it. One day, his eyes becoming used to the light, embraced the light, walking with the stranger into a new life outside himself.


As I contemplated writing this post, I was reminded of an old TV series Mission Impossible. A different mission presented to the team with every episode including the statement, “This is your mission if you choose to accept it.” The missions involved seemingly impossible situations providing an escape for captives.


I imagined what this would have looked like for Jesus before Creation. He and the Holy Spirit were the team, Jesus being the one who would suffer and sacrifice to bring His people out of their bondage. His mission from God the Father was to go down, go to, and live with the captives on earth; live in full obedience to God’s law, which no man had ever done, and provide a true understanding of the laws of His kingdom. He would be the light from heaven to people living in darkness, under oppression and sin. He would at the appointed time, be offered up as a means of appeasing the unknown God and ascend back to the Father, where He would live and reign for us as His people.  He would send His Spirit of light from heaven; through His Word bring us out of our captivity and guide us into all truth.


Jesus accepted and fulfilled His mission. His Holy Spirit is now fulfilling His mission in our hearts and lives as we continue to follow Jesus.


Gracious Father in heaven, we praise you for so loving us that you sent your Son to be a propitiation for our sins. Lord Jesus, we thank you for being the author and finisher of our faith; for breaking through and enabling us to follow through this darkness until we see you in your full glory. Holy Spirit, we know your presence and power of the life of Christ in us. Continue to reveal and fulfill all that the Father has willed for us as your people. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Fran


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A SEASON OF GOD’S GRACE

						

				On  By francesrogersIn GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, HUMILITY, PRAYER, TRUTH5 Comments			

					


		

			






In many ways we Americans are in a new season.





Dead leaves are proof of an ending of the old and the anticipation of a new season of Nature.





If we consider where we have been as a nation recently, we must believe that our God and Father has given us a reprieve.





 “Oh, that You would rend the heavens!
That You would come down!
That the mountains might shake at Your presence—

To make Your name known to Your adversaries,
That the nations may tremble at Your presence!
Isa. 64:1-2





He has answered prayers for our concerns about the season we have been experiencing –





With His judgment looming over us, He has truly shown us His mercy in not cosuming us.





As our pastor has reminded us: we cannot sit back and boast of anything good any man has done. 





We cannot rest on our laurels, any greatness of any nation or of any man. Any good in this country, from the beginning, has been by the mighty hand of God, our Father and Creator.







“His greatness is unsearchable.”
 Ps. 145:3







Now we have the opportunity to return to our roots, for us to stand in the light of His grace, and move forward with the truth while we still have the freedom to proclaim His name among the nations.





Four years is a short time, with no guarantee. Except for our diligence to obedience and His presence with us, the enemy will steal His blessings from us.





Our hope is based on His promises as we trust Him, repent from our individual seasons of rebellion to His Word, live in praise, prayer, and proclamation of His truth with each other and those outside the church.





We must gather as His people during these uncertain times to multiply our ranks, to pray for unity through the sound preaching and attendance of God’s Word and worship. 





We must be restored by His Spirit to reverence and awe – as His children to live in humility and wonder of our God and Father. .





He makes the nations tremble – But, In His loving kindness and tender mercies, He opens His heart and love to us.





If you understand what He has been doing in recent events, return as His child to the body of Christ –to the Church where He dwells with His people – in individual hearts and as His family. 





We must live in the fellowship and joy of our Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit as one people, to prove to the world the power of his presence among us.





“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who, in Christ, Has blessed us 
with every spiritual blessing 
in heavenly places.” 
Eph. 1:3





When this blessed season is done and we face another onslaught from the enemy, we will be prepared, equipped, ready, and victorious, rejoicing with Him our victor, our Lord and King — His triumph in and through us. — now and forever.





 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, 
a holy nation, His own special people, 
that you may proclaim the praises of Him 
who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;{
1 Pet. 2:9





 “See then that you walk circumspectly, 
not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, 
because the days are evil.”
Eph. 5:15-16





In Praise to our Father, His Son our Lord, and His Holy Spirit. 
Love and blessings. 
Fran





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Waiting is Not a Game

						

				On  By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, MUSIC, PRAYER2 Comments			

					


		

			
(How well our  heavenly Father  teaches us this truth as we experience the trials of this life.

The original article with this title (below) was written while we were waiting for Jerry’s healing after the amputation of his leg (2006).

(It took 4 1/2 years and a third surgery before we had any hope of his using a prosthesis with even a walker.

~~~~~~~~~~

October 24, 2007


Today is exactly a year since Jerry’s amputation.  He has been three weeks in rehab, wearing the prosthesis a couple of hours a day, more just for sitting and getting used to it, a few minutes of exercise to put weight on it, and a few minutes walking on it with a walker.  Because of soreness he has not worn it the last two days.  Monday the prosthetist put in a small pad to help buffer the sore area.  It was feeling better, so he wore the prosthesis for about forty-five minutes this afternoon.  When he took it off, his leg was bleeding.  We have to wait again for healing before he can try the prosthesis again.


Sixty-eight years takes its toll on those who have not learned how to wait.  By this time most think that they have arrived at the point of having all things under their control, getting things done when they want them done, settling down to the golden years, and being happy in all their progress.


This is not our case, but we can attest to something better.


How do you explain to those who are impatient that waiting is good for God’s people?  Whether it is for a response to a letter, the arrival of a guest, a special event, for our children to grow up, or healing, the process of waiting is a part of life.  True waiting is the essence of hope, and a means to the end of obtaining contentment in this life as we wait for glory.


Waiting is a natural trait for God, but not for man.  Impatience was born in the Garden of Eden, and plays itself out in every person’s life, from the time of birth until death; except as we are given new hearts that know how to wait.  We learn from experiences that as we wait we receive blessings we did not expect.


Why do we not want a baby to be born before its full term? It will not be fully developed, or, not live at all.  Why do we not get a diploma until we have finished the required courses?  Why do we not marry at the age of eight?  Why do we not eat green bananas?  Waiting is not only necessary for life, but, the means to attaining true life.  It is not something we play at, or think about when we want to.  It is not a game, but a reality, that when practiced enough will become the beauty of life, without wanting to be the winner.


Waiting is serious business, in the same family as endurance, the big brother of patience.


Waiting is the will of God for us, and serves His purposes. “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” (Hebrews 10:36)


Waiting gives Him time to accomplish His work in us to His glory. God waits for the precious fruit of His husbandry, and so must we. (James 5:17)


Hope, and quietly waiting for the salvation of the Lord is synonymous with patience, the characteristic of the saints mentioned in the Book of Revelation. (13:10, 14:12)


 “I had fainted, unless I had believed

to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage,

and he shall strengthen thine heart;

wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 27:13-14


Waiting strengthens our faith, letting patience have its perfect work, that we may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:4)


I praise the Father for teaching me to wait. It comes more naturally now.  He is waiting with us, teaching us, loving us through it all.  I thank Him for all of you who have waited with us. I pray for more patience, more strength, more faith, more grace for us all—for His glory and our joy.


“The LORD is good to them that wait for Him.” (Lamentations 3:25)


Fran 10/07

(Excerpt from In Prayer and In Touch~ Articles and Stories of Faith)

Music:  Wait on the Lord Psalm 27:14 

They That Wait Upon the Lord Isaiah 40:31




			
					

	




			
				


			

		

			
Living and Leaving a Legacy

						

				On  By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, HUMILITY4 Comments			

					


		

			
 In Christ, we, as God’s children, have an inheritance, imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for us who are kept by the power of God. (1 Peter 1:4) We learn of this inheritance in His last will and testament. In Christ, His death and resurrection, He has secured His own inheritance for us. (Hebrews 9:15) A child does not work for a parent’s blessing. It is the legacy given from one generation to the next.


Through us God gives physical life, but we cannot give the blessing of eternal life to our children; so how can we leave this legacy to them? It must be by example and sample. We can only leave the imprint of what we have learned and point them to the will that is recorded in God’s Word for all His children.


Footprints and Handprints

We leave footprints wherever we go. Children and other people see these. We can lead them to where Christ is in His Word, in His worship, in His service.   We leave handprints on what we touch, in how we touch others, holding forth the word of life; touching them with our hands and arms gently and lovingly in their times of need.


Heartprints

The greatest and most lasting impression is the heartprint. 0003KDWe may, in passing speak a word or leave a loving touch; this is but a sample. But the time spent with our children gives them assurance of who we are as God’s children, and the inheritance that we have in Christ. The example we set before them in a lifetime is proof of the work of God in our hearts. The light that is shined into our hearts shines through us revealing who God is and who we are. This is the work of God’s heart in and through ours that proves that we are His. This heartprint is left in different ways; four of which we will mention here ~ in humility, contentment, joy, endurance.


Humility

There is no pride in the legacy that is ours. We have not worked for it; nor do we deserve it. The only means of knowing and receiving this promise of inheritance in and with Christ is by His own desire; through grace, revealing and giving us a new heart through which He pours into us His own love for us. Recently in reading Charles Spurgeon’s sermon, The Meek and Lowly One, I realized that the love of God would never have been known, or available to us, except through Christ’s meekness and lowliness of heart. Others will not see the love of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, except through our humble estate in Christ. We may speak and read God’s Word to our children, but they must see it in us, alive and active through humble hearts and lives.


Contentment

We, who have this legacy, are content in all of this life, living in faith and trust, for the inheritance that is promised for the future. Children learn that true life is not in this world, nor the things of this world. With our seeking those things above where Christ is seated at the right heand of God; our affections set on things above, not on the things of the earth they see what the world cannot promise, nor be to them. They learn to look for life and contentment beyond the world and themselves.


Joy

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;”  Philippians 4:4-5


There is no true joy apart from Christ; not in ourselves, others, or anything in this world. When Christ fills our every longing; when He is all and everything to us; when He is our life there is joy beyond what the world knows. He is the joy of our legacy. We joy in what we have; and Christ is the greatest joy in heaven and earth, for us who know of our inheritance in him.


Endurance

The legacy of ours in Christ includes perseverance. Who would not endure to the end of this life, through thick and thin, that has the promise of such an inheritance waiting for us. Those who are wealthy according to the world’s standards are known by their wealth and how they spend it. Children of wealthy parents live in hope of their legacy. You know them by who they are and how they live.


Paul prayed for the early Christians that God would reveal His legacy to them, “having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,” Ephesians 1:18


God’s children know the promise that Christ spoke to His disciples.


“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  (Luke 12:32) There is enough of His kingdom and His glory to share with all His children. In response to His will we seek His kingdom and His righteousness.


If we are to live it we must continue in faith to know Him and the legacy that is promised. We don’t dawdle away our time and assets that He gives us here. We live it, we even fight for it; and teach our children, so that they can, in God’s timing and His way, know, and with a new heart respond in faith and repentance; and receive the promise.


 “As long as there is breath in our bodies, let us serve Christ; as long as we can think, as long as we can speak, as long as we can work, let us serve him, let us even serve him with our last gasp; and, if it be possible, let us try to set some work going that will glorify him when we are dead and gone. Let us scatter some seed that may spring up when we are sleeping beneath the hillock in the cemetery.” Charles Spurgeon


Dear Father, enable us to continue in faith and obedience to your will, to live and teach what you have promised us as your children. Let us live as children whose Father supplies all our needs according to your riches in glory, which is only a sample of what you have promised. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


			
					

	




			
				


			

		

			
Do You Know Where You Are?

						

				On  By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD1 Comment			

					


		

			
Awareness is a rare gift. Some are born with it. Others receive it at a special time in life. To see beyond our own peripheral vision can be a blessing or a curse. Being aware of others’ faults, mistakes, and weaknesses; judging and condemning them is a curse to others and ourselves. It is the gift that the enemy of our souls uses to work an oppressive spirit within us and toward others. This curse keeps us in a state of oppression and sin. We see in others a reflection of ourselves and continue in this state of oppression until we, like the prodigal son “came to himself.”


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He realized where he was. The gift of awareness enabled him to see his condition, and his surroundings. He saw himself in reality of his sin and rebellion.


But, beyond himself he saw the blessing of forgiveness and reconciliation; he saw the means of returning to the father that loved him.


Awareness is a blessing when we are able to see and confess that we live in a fallen world. John said in John 5:19 “the world lies in the power of the evil one.” We were born into it, with a death certificate in our hands. We grow up in it. We are an integral part of it. And we will die in this state of oppression; of sin and misery, except as we are brought to ourselves; to see where we are and our own condition.


Every Good and Perfect Gift

The awareness that is a blessing enables us to see beyond our own, and others’ failures, to see the giver of this gift from heaven, which comes down from the “Father of lights.” (James 1:17)   Not only are our eyes opened to see where we are in this wilderness, but we see Almighty God, our heavenly Father, ruling and reigning over all things; our shepherd, our keeper, our shield; our God “who supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory.”


desert-streamWe are aware of His presence and power in and through, and over all things. In His covenant with us through His Son, Jesus Christ, we are assured that He will always be with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us. These truths lived within us will be a blessing to others.


 “He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure:

for this is all my salvation, and all my desire.

 2 Samuel 23:5


Dear Father, please open our eyes today, to see where we are; to accept the conditions in which you have placed us.  Let us see Christ as you continue to reveal Him to us, in us, and through us.  Make us aware of your presence and power as we live, love, and rejoice in you.  Be a light, life, and blessings to us all.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.


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Every Good and Perfect Gift

						

				On  By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, HUMILITY3 Comments			

					


		

			
 il_570xN.419352322_i603“Coming down from the Father of lights,

with whom there is no variableness, nor shadow of turning.”


Wrapped in the gift of life are many other gifts that we ordinarily take for granted. If we think only of what we can hold in our hands we miss the best gifts.


Blessings of the Father came this morning with the realization that I can still breathe, hear, and see, taste and smell, reach out and touch, and experience a touch from something and someone else.


These are good gifts in themselves, needed for this life. Every gift is from God our creator. They all come as a package. With these gifts come other gifts that He has prepared for those who love Him; and these are the perfect gifts, needed for another life, a life that is eternal.


The gifts the heavenly Father gives to His children are irrevocable and non-returnable. They come within a covenant that describes the gifts and with instructions for how to use them. These are the precious and perfect gifts that are treasured now and always. We live in awe of His giving such gifts to the children of men; and to us personally.


In his book Heaven Opened ~ The Riches of God’s Covenant, Richard Alleine speaks of a covenant of grace beyond what man can imagine, one that only God, the Father, can reveal. These include God’s giving us Himself, Christ, His Holy Spirit. His kingdom, the earth, the angels of light, with all the means of salvation and much more.


The Father who knew us before the foundation of the world, created us to be noble vessels, earthen vessels that would receive His gifts graciously, reverently, spontaneously, and thankfully; and use them accordingly.


The Greatest Gift

The greatest gift to all mankind is love. This is the gift we desire from others, also. Everybody loves something. In order to know what and how to love we need other gifts, especially the gift of wisdom that James speaks of in the first chapter of his letter. God gave the ordinary good gifts to be used in experiencing a relationship with Him and others. With the gift of His wisdom our senses are trained, as He wants them to be used.


Solomon in Proverbs 1:7 said that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of God is also a perfect gift from above, coming down from the Father of lights. Light is a gift. It was the first gift, spoken by God at the beginning of creation. He is the father of all light, both physical and spiritual. Revelation of Himself comes with this light, so that in awe and fear we hear His voice, see Him, and know Him as God Almighty, the creator and sustainer of the universe. In our encounter with this spiritual light there is a judgment of our condition as a sinner before Him. This light is revealed as Jesus Christ, His Son, and by the gift of His Holy Spirit we are drawn to Him. In this instance we are given the gifts of a new heart and a new spirit. These are His means of communicating this new life with the fear and wisdom that we need.


By the gift of His grace, and in His kindness and goodness, He instills the gift of faith in the new heart and brings us in repentance to receive the gifts of justification, righteousness, forgiveness, redemption, with all the atoning factors of a Father’s love. In our adoption, all other gifts that are ours in Christ are revealed and distributed, as He wants to give. There is nothing lacking for a child of His.


 “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all,

how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

Romans 8:32


The Storehouse of All Gifts

In Jesus Christ, the Son, is the storehouse of all His gifts. He has made Him to be to us and for us all things, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. He is the gift of eternal life to all who receive Him.


“That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love,

to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding

and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ,

 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Colossians 2:2-3


Throughout this life we have the continual blessing of the gifts that are waiting for us to discover. Every day is a new revelation of His gifts to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord. There is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, temperance, His holiness, His righteousness, His truth, His humility, His fullness, the fullness of His Spirit, the fullness of Christ, who, in us is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27) and all the heavenly gifts that are prepared for us there.


Dear Father, take these good gifts, the gifts that you have given us, that we may see, hear, and receive the greatest gift of your love in Jesus Christ, your Son, with all the other gifts wrapped in Him. In Jesus’ name I 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
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GRACE ~ A Realm, Within a Realm, Within a Realm

						

				On  By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD1 Comment			

					


		

			
God’s grace is a realm, within a realm, within a realm.


GOD AND GRACE


WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS DIAGRAM?


It expresses the idea of a first thought, but it does not convey the truth that our heavenly Father gives of Himself and His grace.  Continued thought and meditation on His Word brought me to see that this diagram gives a limited view of Him and His grace.  It encloses all things to my narrow way of thinking.


There are many images of GOD.  We can think of him with many different names and uses. In our own imaginations we make GOD what we want Him to be.  Apart from His Word and His Holy Spirit we can make GOD just like us.  This diagram binds GOD within this circle.  It also binds His grace within my little idea of what He does. The only thing right about this picture is of the world—which is bound.


“HE HAS SET HIS THRONE IN THE HEAVENS;

AND HIS KINGDOM RULETH OVER ALL.”

Psalm 103:19


GOD OVER ALL


WHAT IS DIFFERENT IN THIS PICTURE?


The true and living GOD of the Holy Bible has a name that those of HIS KINGDOM know and acknowledge—THE LORD GOD—who made heaven and earth. No other  (whatever) claims this name or this power.  Of His kingdom there is no limit.  This world and everything beyond is under His rule.


The world is bound within the kingdom of THE LORD GOD. He has set its boundaries. Under His sovereignty and in His providence the world will make its final turn in HIs timing, when He will have put all thinks under the feet of His Son, Jesus Christ.


“THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU.”

Luke 17:22


The realm of  GOD’S GRACE is bound up in Jesus Christ, but not bound by our thinking.  By the power of His grace His kingdom is born within us.  It is a supernatural kingdom, unlike the world.  We cannot see it.  We can only believe it and live it as He continues to sanctify us in Christ. How is this possible?


“And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD:

and they shall be my people, and I will be their God:

for they shall return unto me with their whole heart”

Jeremiah 24:7


 The revelation of Christ brings regeneration—new life in Him.  This new heart and spirit is the kingdom of His grace ruling within us. He is not bound in His own use of His grace, but spreads it wherever He chooses, according to the counsel of His own will; (Ephesians 1:11) that we should be to the praise of His glory; living in the world as light and salt.


The heart is the center of our being.  What rules our heart rules our life.  Are we ruled by the world—or by THE LORD GOD AND HIS GRACE?


The first thought of this diagram came to me on the eve of the most trying decade of my life.  It was a vision that The Lord gave that assured me that though the world surrounds us with its evil, its hypocrisy, its rule of injustice, our heavenly Father’s kingdom is in control of it all.  His grace within my heart and life keeps me by His power, ruling and reigning, now and through eternity. We can stand against the wiles of the devil, the god of this world who blinds the world to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; who is deceived and seeks to deceive by his own devises.


We can face the enemy who would use everything in our lives to turn us against THE LORD GOD and His kingdom. The trials, the temptations, and the losses that occur here in this world are but opportunities for our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ to show us His kingdom, His limitless power and grace in and through us—for His glory, and our joy.


2011