A Sinner’s Prayer

In 2014, at the age of 75, I wrote this hymn as a witness of how, over many years, the Lord brought me to Himself. I set it to a tune to be sung as a solo but I plan to use a  familiar tune, instead, so that it can be sung in corporate worship. It is a hymn all true Christians should be able to sing.

I share only the text in this post. I will share the musical version when it is available.

A SINNER’S PRAYER

He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:19

1. LORD, be merciful to me, a sinner.
What have I to bring to you?
I am poor, and lost, and helpless;
Show and teach me what is true.

Hear me calling, gracious Father,
I am deaf and cannot see.
I am hopeless; I am dying.
No one here can answer me.

2.  Lord, you said that you would save me 
If I trust in you alone.
What is faith; what is believing?
It is your work, not my own.

Hear me crying, dear Lord Jesus;
Hear my pleading; see my tears.
In my sin and in my anguish,
I have struggled through the years.

3. All my trying, all my labor
Are but vanity to you.
I am dust in need of Spirit.
Breathe in me your life anew.

I confess Lord, that I need you.
I repent of all my sin.
By your Spirit, live within me.
Be my strength and be my Friend.

4. Lord, you promised life abundant
When you came and bled and died.
Let me see and hear you clearly —
Jesus Christ, the crucified.

O, I can see you, I can hear you.
You have opened eyes and ears.
You have covered sin and sorrow;
You have banished all my fears.

5. Lord, let this poor, ransomed sinner
Know you, love you, and obey;
With your guidance, daily leading,
Showing me your will and way.

Hear me calling, blessed Redeemer,
In my nights and in my days.
I am helpless, but your grace, Lord,
Will lift these weak lips to praise.

© Fran Rogers 2014

Words of Life ~ BEAR

We begin in Genesis 4:13 as it relates to punishment. Interestingly and profoundly, God’s Word makes reference to the bearing of our sins, its punishment, and its remedy. As we have highlighted these, let us look personally and take them to heart.

H5375 nâsâʼ, naw-saw’; to lift; in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relativeaccept, advance, bring (forth), burn, carry

“And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear.” Genesis 4:13

 “And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.” Exodus 28:29

Leviticus 10:17 speaks of Aaron eating the sin offering to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the Lord. 

“And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.” Leviticus 16:22

And the Levites shall even bear their iniquity. Ezekiel 44:10

Moses was not able to bear all the people alone. Numbers 11:14

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“And even to your old age I am he;
and even to hoar hairs will I carry you:
I have made, and I will bear;
even I will carry, and will deliver you.:
Isaiah 46:4

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Even he shall build the temple of the Lord;
and he shall bear the glory,
and shall sit and rule upon his throne;
and he shall be a priest upon his throne:
Zechariah 6:13

 That Christ shall bear the glory. Glory is a burden, but not too heavy for him to bear who upholds all things. The cross was his glory, and he bore that; so was the crown an exceeding weight of glory, and he bears that. The government is upon his shoulders, and in it he bears the glory, Isa. 9:6They shall hang upon him all the glory of his Father’s house, Isa. 22:24. It becomes him, and he is par negotio-well able to bear it. The glory of the priesthood and royalty had been divided between the house of Aaron and that of David; but now he alone shall bear all the glory of both. That which he shall bear, which he shall undertake, shall be indeed the glory of Israel; and they must wait for that, and, in prospect of it, must be content in the want of that external glory which they formerly had. He shall bear such a glory as shall make the glory of this latter house greater than that of the former. He shall lift up the glory (so it may be read); the glory of Israel had been thrown down and depressed, but he shall raise it out of the dust. Matthew Henry

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H3205 yâlad, yaw-lad’; a primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; bring forth (children, young),

The following are references to the everlasting covenant established with Abraham; revealed and fulfilled in Jesus.

And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.” Genesis 17:19

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 (See reference below John 18:37)

H5445 çâbal, saw-bal’; to bear, bear a load, drag oneself along to carry(literally or figuratively), or (reflexively) be burdensome
The same word is used for labor and burden.

In the center of these references is the well-known prophecy from Isaiah of the Son, Immanuel, who would bear the iniquities of His people.

“He shall see of the travail of his soul,
and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge
shall my righteous servant justify many;
for he shall bear their iniquities.”
Isaiah 53:11

H6030 ʻânâh, aw-naw’; to answer, respond, testify, speak, shout the same word is used for answer and answered

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16

H5201 nâṭar, naw-tar’; a primitive root; to guard; figuratively, to cherish (anger):—bear grudge, keep(-er), reserve.

Leviticus 19:18 commands us not to bear any grudge but to love thy neighbour as thyself.

H4910 mâshal, maw-shal’;  to rule:—(have, make to have) dominion, governor, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power.

Proverbs 12:24 relates to the diligent who shall bear rule.

New Testament

G3140 martyreō mar-too-reh’-o to be a witness, to bear witness, i.e. to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration

 “The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.” John 1:7

“There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.” John 5:32

“To this end was I born, and for this cause
came I into the world,

that I should bear witness unto the truth.
Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
John 18:37

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” 1 John 5:7-8

G5342 pherō  fe’-rō; to bear i.e. bring forth, produce; endure

“Abide in me, and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,
except it abide in the vine;
no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”
John 15:4

 “Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.” Hebrews 13:13

 G941 bastazōbä-stä’-zō  perhaps remotely derived from the base of G939 (through the idea of removal); to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.) The same word is used for bare, bearing and borne

 “And whosoever doth not bear his cross,
and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:27

Must Jesus bear the cross alone and all the world go free?
No, there’s a cross for all His own, and there’s a cross for me.

“I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.” John 16:12

the strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, Romans 15:1 

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Paul said, “… for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.”Galatians 6:17

G2592 karpophoréō, kar-pof-or-eh’-o; from G2593; to be fertile (literally or figuratively):—be (bear, bring forth) fruit(-ful).

 “seed in good ground beareth fruit.” Matthew 13:23

G3114 makrothyméō ,mak-roth-oo-meh’-o; from the same as G3116; to be long-spirited, i.e. (objectively) forbearing or (subjectively) patient

“And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?” Luke 18:7

G4828 symmartyréō, soom-mar-too-reh’-o; from G4862 and G3140; to testify jointly, i.e. corroborate by (concurrent) evidence:—

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,
that we are the children of God:”
Romans 8:16

 G5297 hypophérō, hoop-of-er’-o; from G5259 and G5342; to bear from underneath, i.e. (figuratively) to undergo hardship:—endure

 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

G4722 stégō, steg’-o; from G4721; to roof over, i.e. (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently)

“Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7

G5409 phoréō, for-eh’-o; from G5411; to have a burden, i.e. (by analogy) to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment:—bear, wear,

“And as we have borne the image of the earthy,
we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
1 Corinthians 15:49

G4064 periphérō, per-ee-fer’-o; from G4012 and G5342; to convey around, i.e. transport hither and thither: (carry) about

 “Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4;10

G399 anaphérō, an-af-er’-o; from G303 and G5342; to take up (literally or figuratively):—bear, bring (carry, lead) up, offer (up).

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many;
and unto them that look for him
shall he appear the second time
without sin unto salvation.”
Hebrews 9:28

From the beginning, God brings us through His Word to see man’s need for a Savior. We are led to His promises and His provision for redemption, forgiveness, and restoration through Jesus, Lord and Savior to those whose sins He has borne on the cross.

Gracious Father of heaven, earth, and all life ~ we praise you for planning for our salvation before the world began, showing us our need and how you have reconciled us to yourself by putting all our sins upon Jesus. How true that only He, the spotless Lamb, could bear our sins, and only He is able to bear the glory. No wonder the disciples could not bear all when He was here. Thank you for eternity when we will be able to receive all you have planned for us. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Fran

 

 

 

Words of Life ~ BELONG

Heidi is our author this week for Words of Life. Visit and get to know her at
Wings of the Dawn 

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In the hallway of my parent’s home in Germany is a plaque with a poem that I have translated from German into English.

This is my house, yet still not mine.
My heir will own it for a while.
And soon the third comes to reside,
Then – when he’s done – gets dragged outside.
The fourth and fifth, too, don’t stay long.
Tell, to whom does it belong?

When I look around, I see many things I confidently call my own. But are they really mine? How long will they be in my possession? To whom do these things truly belong?

As we search the Word of God for the word belong, we find it cannot be translated into a single word since it is commonly used as a verb phrase and is tightly connected to an owner. Therefore, it is better to consider who owns what. There are 8478 references in the Bible to the word his ~ not counting the words hers, theirs or ours. The idea of possession connects everything.

The Word of God says that He is the Possessor of all things.

Possessor H7069 The One who possesses, created, acquired, obtained, and redeemed. Everyone and everything belong to God

And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: Genesis 14:19

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We will focus on the word belong as we find it mostly in the Old Testament. Bible Gateway and Blue Letter Bible reference what belonged to certain men in the Old Testament.

Genesis 40:8  Do not interpretations belong to God?

Numbers 1:50   Numbers 7:9  and Numbers 8:24 speak of the things that belong to the service of the sanctuary of the tabernacle.

The secret things belong unto the Lord our God:
but those things which are revealed belong unto us
and to our children for ever,
that we may do all the words of this law.
Deuteronomy 29:29

There is a profound meaning to this verse. There are secret things that belong to the Lord our God and there are those things that belong to us as His children. We cannot lose these. They are given to us as our inheritance, forever. We might think of this family relationship in connection to Jesus’ words in Luke 13:32 of the Father’s desire to give us the kingdom.

“the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.” Psalm 47:9

“God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; 
that power belongeth unto God.”
Psalm 61:11

Psalm 94:1 vengeance belongs to God.

“O Lord, righteousness belongs unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces… because  they have trespassed against thee.”  Daniel 9:7

“To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;” Daniel 9:9

Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people.” Psalm 3:8

“For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” Mark 9:41  “And you are Christ‘s; and Christ is God’s. 1 Corinthians 3:23

“But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:14

Before I knew Jesus as Lord and Master, someone asked me, “Who is your authority?”
I understood the question to mean, “To whom do you belong? Whose are you?”

Not everyone submits to the truth of God’s ownership. Some continue through life thinking they live on their own. Others commit all they are to Him when convicted of their need for His authority and ownership in their lives.

Of His gracious love and kindness, God our Father has given us many gifts — material possessions, talents, relationships, and time to enjoy these within the souls He has given.

None of these belong to us — they are given for us to steward for only a short time. And then, in His time — we shall claim all the promises of our inheritance in Christ.
As joint-heirs with Him, we shall know what it truly means to belong to Him and enjoy the never-ending pleasures of His presence and kingdom.

Lord, Maker of the universe and Possessor of all things, help us to see that nothing truly belongs to us but that You have graciously given us many gifts to manage for Your glory. Help us to know with assurance, that we belong to You. Thank you for Jesus ~ that by grace through faith in Him we belong to You, now and forever. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Heidi

Image: Heidi

Words of Life ~ BELIEVE

The word BELIEVE is first found in Genesis 15 in reference to Abraham’s response to the word of the Lord, but if we look back to the beginning of creation, when God spoke to Adam and Eve, they did not believe Him. Disobedience is the result of unbelief. Had they believed God, they would not have eaten the forbidden fruit. They forfeited the paradise prepared for them.

We see a difference between Adam and Abraham who is the “father of our faith.”

 And he believed in the Lord;
and he (the Lord) counted it to him for righteousness.”
Genesis 15:6

He proved he believed by acting in obedience to the word of the Lord.

Belief occurs one time and BELIEVE occurs 143 times in 131 verses in the KJV. All references can be found through the two links below. We will let the Lord speak through His own Word in the following verses.

Old Testament H539
Strong’s Concordance defines BELIEVE; ‘aman ä·man
to support, confirm, be faithful;to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in

New Testament G4100
Strong’s Concordance defines BELIEVE; pisteuō pē-styü’-ō
to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in

How and why do we believe?

Mark 1:15
and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.
John 6:29
Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”
 Acts 13:12
Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
Acts 15:11
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”
Acts 18:27
And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace;
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Romans 4:5
But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,
Romans 4:1718; 24
(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”
but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead,
1 Corinthians 1:21
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
Ephesians 1:19
and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believeaccording to the working of His mighty power
Philippians 1:29
For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
2 Thessalonians 2:13
…..God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

What is the result of believing?

Exodus 4:31
So the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel and that He had looked on their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.
Psalm 106:12
Then they believed His words; They sang His praise.
Daniel 6:23
So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.
Psalm 27:13
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.
Jonah 3:5
So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them.
Mark 16:16
He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
John 1:12
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
John 3:18
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:36He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
John 6:35
And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
John 6:47
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.
John 7:38
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
John 8:31
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
John 9:38
Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.
John 11:40
Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”
Acts 2:44
Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
Acts 10:43
To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
Acts 11:21
And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
Acts 13:39
and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Acts 13:48
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 19:18
And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds
Romans 10:4
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
Romans 10:9
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:10
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
Titus 3:8
This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
Hebrews 10:39
But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him
1 Peter 2:7
Therefore, to you who believeHe is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,”
1 John 5:1
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.
1 John 5:5
Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 John 5:10
He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.
1 John 5:13
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
1 John 3:23
And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

Why do some not believe?

John 10:26
But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.
Romans 10:14
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

What happens to those who do not believe?

Luke 8:13
But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.
Jude 1:5
But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.

If we study these passages and other references, we find that all belief is not believing unto salvation. Belief is grounded in God’s Word and the power of His Holy Spirit and will produce the fruit of His working in us.

Gracious Father, thank you for your Spirit that brings those whom you have chosen to salvation in the power of your Word. Sanctify us in your truth. Enable us to continue in your Word assured of our salvation in Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray and praise you. Amen.
Fran

Image: Pixabay

 

Words of Life ~ ASSURANCE


This word in our list of Words of Life A to Z ~ The Ordinary Vocabulary of a Christian follows on the heels of our last post ~ God’s Utmost for My Highest. We don’t plan the order of these but rejoice at how He brings some of our posts so close together. By the revelation of the Holy Spirit, through the life and work of His Son, Jesus Christ, we have the assurance of His plans for our salvation and His keeping us here, now, and eternally.

Old Testament H983
Strong’s Concordance defines ASSURANCE, betach beh’takh; security, safety
The same is used for the words secure, safety, safely, safe, hope and confidence.

Deuteronomy 23 is a record of God’s blessings and curses to Israel. The blessings are for those who hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. The curses are for those who do not obey Him. They have no assurance of life.

“And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:” Deuteronomy 28:66

God’s work of righteousness by His Spirit within us is peace with definite and infinite effects in our lives ~ quietness and assurance forever.

“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” Isaiah 32:17

New Testament G4102
Strong’s Concordance defines ASSURANCE, pistis pē’-stēs
The same is used for the words, faith, belief, and hope.

It is reasonable to say that we have more references of assurance in the New Testament because of the fulfilled work of Christ for us. Again, in the following verse, we see the connection between righteousness and assurance.

“Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Acts 17:31

“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;” Colossians 2:2

“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
1 Thessalonians 1:5

The writer of Hebrews speaks of the assurance of hope and faith.

And we desire that every one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end.” Hebrews 6:11

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22

Heavenly Father,  we acknowledge there is only one assurance of hope and faith ~ that which you work in our hearts. Bless us with your Holy Spirit as you reveal the gospel in power among us. Knit us together in love, in full assurance of understanding, that we may acknowledge the mystery of your great salvation for and in us by your grace and for your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Fran

Jesus Was Never in a Hurry

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

How Could They? (An Ode to the Reformation)

How could they give all?
How could they lay it down?
Was it for crimes that they had done
~~~ or was it for a crown?

How could they die, so firm and sure
~~~ without a shade of doubt?
Was it for show or spectacle?
Was their faith that stout?

How could they stand ~~~ enduring flame?
How could they face the sword?
Were they unfeeling, so reserved?
Were they of another world?

If we but seek to truly know,
If, as they, we see and hear
The Savior, as He died for us ~~~
Is there anything we cannot bear?
Fran ~ 2010

(In praise to God, our Father; and in memory of those who died that we might have the Word of God, His truth, and the great salvation given through Jesus Christ, our Lord.)
The following is an audio sermon on 2 Thessalonians from a church in Northern Ireland about how the Word of God was the most important part in the Reformation.


Be Thou My Vision Ancient Irish poem,  8th Cen. David Evans 1927

PRAYERS That Bring the House Down

It is a delight to share our newest book.
PRAYERS That Bring the House Down is the eighth blessing (akin to having more grandchildren) God has given in answer to our heart’s desire to preserve what He is still teaching us of His goodness, grace and glory.
Father and Family Books are specifically published for our children, grandchildren and future generations to know of the legacy of our Father’s kingdom, and available on Amazon to all who are interested in how He has been working in this seventy-eight year old heart and life. We receive no benefits from sales, even if we ever recoup our expenses. Priced very reasonably, any profits are designated for missions and charity. Fran

“Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.” Psalm 71:18

Fake News

This article may not seem to relate to the topic of Contentment, which we have been spotlighting this year, but as we look at what the world offers, we see how people are influenced to believe things that not true, and miss out on the things that are true.
We see this in how the “gospel” is presented in different forms that seem to come from God’s Word, but they either leave out a main ingredient, or give what is not relevant to the salvation of the soul. It is through the gospel, the “good news” of the love of God in giving His Son to die for our sins, that He is able to “deliver us from this present evil age” (Galatians 1:4).
It is in the power of His Holy Spirit that He convicts us of our sin, and delivers us from the power and guilt of sin. His power is the greater power that within us, frees us and turns us in repentance and faith to a life in Christ that fulfills our every need.Because of a misunderstanding of the meaning of repentance, and whose work it is, many are “turning” to a different gospel which states that “the finished work of Christ” is all we need, and does not require confession of our sin, or turning from it.
An example of this “gospel” will clarify how it supposedly works.
A few years ago there was a fifteen-year-old boy in our church who was attentive to Jerry and me. At times in our conversation, I would ask him what he thought about the sermon he had heard that day relating to salvation. He told me that he could not accept Jesus because he was not ready to give up his sins. He enjoyed the things a young man enjoys in this world, including his thoughts about girls. I told him that I would pray for him. I continued to pray for him, and a few months later, I was surprised one morning when he and his brother were baptized. Afterward, I asked him what happened to change his mind.
He said that his dad told him that he did not have to give up anything, just believe that Jesus died for his sins and be baptized; then, you’re “good to go.” Soon afterward his parents, whose family had been members of our church for five years, sent this “gospel” in an email to all church members, with accusations that our ministers were preaching heresy.

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

My original document has more references. If needful I will do a Part 2. I don’t want to spend a lot of time writing about this controversy, but to go forward and upward in our quest for the kingdom that is ours in Christ.
The writer of Hebrews 6:1 spoke of this.
“Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.”
A related article, Onward and Upward, was posted last week, which comments prompted this article.
Dear heavenly Father, it is easy to be swayed and deceived regarding our relationship with you. I pray that you would, by your Holy Spirit, give new hearts and spirits, birthing your children into your kingdom, so that there is true joy in Christ. Bring conviction of sin and the need for repentance to new life in your Spirit. We need your Almighty power to overcome the false teachings that we hear today. Enable us to grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord. Let us speak truth by your word and Spirit to lead others in your truth.    In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
~FRAN
What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation?

Not Enough Time For Me

sand-clock_thumb[1]The original thought was, “There is not enough time for me to write all that I want to write about God’s love, His goodness, His mercy and His grace. Even if I lived to be a hundred, time would not be adequate.”

The words “not enough time for me” stood out, as a meaning beyond what I was originally thinking. And here’s the meaning. If I am to serve Him, and fulfill His purpose for my creation and redemption it will take all my time. There is no time left for me if He is to do all His will and complete His work in me.

Jesus, in response to Mary when she and Joseph found Him at the age of twelve, conversing with the religious leaders, said, “Did you not know that I must be about my father’s business?” (Luke 2:49) He knew His purpose for being here, in word and deed ~ “to proclaim and bring to reality the good news of the kingdom of God” (Luke 4:43).  He had only thirty-three years, yet every minute counted for our justification, sanctification and glorification.

Wasted Time
As I experience these last years and see how close I am to the end of this life there is a stark realization that a lot of my time has been wasted on me. But, the Lord has been gracious to fill my life with the needs of others, not leaving much time for me. Even in my weakness He is able to make life count for Him. Nothing is wasted, but He will bring all to His own glory, as we realize the true joy in service to Him and others.

He is continuing to teach me to be content with what He is doing in my life and the lives of others, though I wish I could do more. I am still learning what it means to lose my life and to have true life.   Anyone who has been born of His Spirit can witness that writing about Him, proclaiming His kingdom, praising Him and serving is never enough. We long to see Him, to serve Him, and worship Him without hindrance from anything in ourselves.  What a glorious day that will be.

“For whoever would save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.”

Mark 8:35

Heavenly Father, thank you that you will complete the work you have begun in each of us.  In Jesus’ name I thank you and praise you.  Amen.