Tag: fellowship with God

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

Images: Google



			
					

	




			
				


			

		

			
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





Image:Pixabay


			
					

	




			
				


			

		

			
“Absorbed in Prayer and Praise”

						

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

					


		

			
Everyone is absorbed in something. It may only be “self.”


It is no secret that our minds and hearts soak in what we see, read, hear, and think. Without a desire for what is good and the means to attain it, we are continually saturated with the things of the world. These are our gods ~ second to self ~ and rule our lives. This lifestyle is one of oppression that suppresses all that is good and true and leads to depression and destruction.


But, life does not have to be this way.


God, our Creator, planned a beautiful life for fellowship with Him. Though our first parents rejected Him choosing a life of sin and rebellion, we have a new life provided for us in His Son, Jesus Christ.


He gives us His Spirit and His Word whereby we can know Him and receive all He planned for us. He promises to share his bountiful kingdom with us (Luke 12:32).


Through our study of His Word, we are led by His Holy Spirit to communicate with him in prayer and supplication. He continues to pour out His blessings upon us as we acknowledge Him as our Father and Redeemer.


We Do Not Know How to Pray

Romans 8:26-27  teaches us that though we do not know how to pray, His Holy Spirit intercedes through us. Prayer is a matter of commitment and discipline of time with our heavenly Father, seeking His Spirit, His presence, and His will. He calls us to fellowship with Him in His Word so as to know what we should ask.


We ask, believing what He has promised, thanking Him as we wait for Him to fulfill His promise. When we come to Him, in humility and gratitude for who He is, speaking His Word, and interceding for others, we know He hears us. In the process, our faithful and fervent prayers turn to praise.


“But you are holy,

Enthroned in the praises of Israel.”

Psalm 22:3


 We cannot but praise Him when we live in fellowship with Him. The more we pray in the Spirit and with understanding of His Word, the more we will praise Him.


Our praise is a witness of Him to others. We can share the joy we have in Him even and especially, through adversity.


The phrase, “absorbed in prayer and praise” is found within the lyrics of the hymn Crown Him with Many Crowns by Matthew Bridges 1851.


Crown him the Lord of peace!

Whose power a scepter sways,

From pole to pole,–that wars may cease,

Absorbed in prayer and praise:

His reign shall know no end,

And round his pierced feet

Fair flowers of paradise extend

Their fragrance ever sweet.


At times, His presence may be overwhelming ~ it may seem as if heaven is opened to reveal a glimpse of His glory. This is a taste of heaven ~ a precious and joyful communion with Him.


More time in prayer and praise leads to a habitual lifestyle of obedience, continual trust, and dependence on Him. It may take years before we experience the depth and height of this life in Christ, but it is worth the practice and the wait.


Gracious Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Make us know your presence and power as we daily seek your kingdom and your righteousness. Let us not miss anything you have prepared for us. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Fran


Images: Google