Tag: TRUTH

Volcanic JOY ~ When TRUTH Erupts

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

Thirty years ago I was drawn to God’s Word to discover things I had never heard. Through adversity, God began to show me great and mighty things I had never known (Jer. 33:3). After searching different religions, including psychology, I came back to the roots of a poor, meager Christian faith that was never stoked and fed.

We live in a world that brings us to see our need for something beyond our understanding. It stirs up a fire that cries for help. If we come to His Word, God uses it in our adversity to burn away the dross of ourselves. Our anguish either turns us to seek the truth or it destroys us and others in the process. When we turn to Him, He uses our helplessness for His glory and our good.

Through years of study and prayer over God’s Word, I begian my life as a writer by formatting for chosen groups what I was learning. This happened to be for middle school students in our church and for youth discipleship groups. 

In August 1992, what I was writing from head knowledge, became a fire of truth in my very soul. I know what Jesus meant when He said, “You must be born of the Spirit.” Some may say that the ember of faith was rekindled. Perhaps. It does not matter whether from an old faith that was put aside or from a totally new spark from God’s Word and His Spirit, there was a welling up of TRUTH within me that lighted a fire and new life that would feed on His Word and bear fruit to this day. I vividly remember my first writing of TRUTH. It was more than my thoughts could contain.

The whole gist of those years was “TRUTH cannot be contained.” Yet, it seemed then as if buried for many generations. I left those notes to continue in my search for TRUTH believing that it could not stay buried but one day would have to explode. You cannot bury TRUTH, just as you can’t bury LIFE.

The enemy has succeeded in hiding TRUTH from God’s creatures for thousands of years, but the power of God in His TRUTH is beginning to accumulate among His people. Those who continue in His Word know the TRUTH and are being set free.

The world has its volcanoes – the nation of America being one of the most volatile. It seems the emotions of human nature are overflowing with the lava of hell itself. 


The Unseen
The world can only see what men are doing to themselves.  They cannot see what God has planned and is doing at this very moment.

I write this post today as I am led to stir this fire of TRUTH in the hearts of His people who read this.

We as individuals have little power over “the powers that be.” Recent news uncovers things happening in this world that are beyond my imagination – things not worth repeating.

Repetition of the promises of our heavenly Father overpower the words of the enemy.

“He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” – that lies in wickedness.”

God’s kingdom rules in the middle of the turmoil. In and through what we are seeing of man’s exploits and deviations is the working of His power stirring up His church. I know this because my church and I am part of this volcanic explosion of TRUTH.

Deuteronomy 29:29 was one of the truths I discovered in those first years of new life.

“The secrets belong to God but are revealed to us and our children.”

They are revealed as we continue in His Word – “you are truly my disciples”—children of God—1 John 3:1-3.  “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Free from what and free for what? 

We are freed from deception and death. We are free to LIVE in light of TRUTH.  TRUTH works the power of God in His people.

So, let us believe beyond what we can ask or think, of His kingdom in the lowest part of this volcanic action happening in our nation bursting through in an explosion of JOY to His glory. 

 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

Lord willing, I will share how our heavenly Father is working in His church today.

In the meantime, I would share with you the link to our pastor’s present series on Philippians in our morning worship and Raising Godly Children in the evening. You would be blessed to see what the Lord is doing in our midst for humility, unity, and joy to His glory.

https://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakeronly=true&currsection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Chris_Strevel

Please begin to pray this prayer for His church with us. He is beginning a great and mighty work.

That we may be “FILLED with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that we may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with JOY;” Colossians 1:9-11

Gracious Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done in earth as it is in heaven. You have set your throne in the heavens and your kingdom rules over all. From the rising of the sun to its setting, we praise you. Stir up your Spirit within the hearts of your people, gather us before your throne to praise you. Let our fervent prayers to your throne of mercy bring lightnings, thundering, and earthquakes to this earth, the power of your TRUTH and LIFE in us through Jesus our Lord surge and bring forth your JOY through us to your glory. Let the world know who you are in us. In His name, I pray. Amen.
Fran

Image: Pixabay

Results of Word Survey

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, PRAYER, TRUTH8 Comments

From the survey last week, seven responses netted forty-nine words, including three of my own that were different than your lists.

I asked for words from a Christian view that are important to our relationship with God and others.

Over the weekend I wondered and prayed about the connection of these words to each other and to us.

First the tally from eight lists, including mine:

Jesus appeared on seven lists.
Forgive (forgiven) appeared on seven.
Love appeared on six.
Grace on five.
Truth and Mercy on four.
God and Salvation on three.

Father, Kindness, Peace, Free, Life, Faith, Know (known), Sin (sinner) on two lists.

Each of the following were listed once on different lists.
Lord
Spirit
Sacrifice
Praise
Glory
Scriptures
Prayer
Encourage
Joy
Patience
Humility
Holy
Accepted
Eternity
Heaven
Hell
Family
Presence
Comfort
Sorry
Repentance
Obedience
Help
Death
Guilt
Welcome
Thank you

In a former post, we wrote of how names leave impressions and bring to mind the character of the person. This can be seen in this survey.

Let’s take the one formal name many of us listed.

Jesus is relative to God, Father, Lord, Spirit.
Forgiveness is through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Love and Grace are revealed in Jesus’ Sacrifice
Mercy, Truth, and Glory came through Jesus.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Jesus means Salvation. Salvation comes only through Faith in Jesus.

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

A Sinner has remission of Sin through the Sacrifice and blood of Jesus Christ.
We Know God and are Known as Jesus is revealed to us and in us.
Life is given through Jesus, both physically and spiritually.
We are Free from Guilt in Jesus.
He is our Peace.
In Jesus’ Kindness, we are brought to Repentance to be Sorry for our sins and to live in Obedience.
Jesus in us, by His Spirit yields the fruit of Kindness, Joy, Patience and Humility.
We are Holy and Accepted in Jesus.
In Jesus, we have the promise of Eternity in Heaven and escape from Hell.
We experience Jesus’ Presence through the Scriptures and Prayer.
In Jesus, we are delivered from the law of sin and Death. 
We say, “Thank you” and in Jesus, we live to His Praise and Glory.
We Encourage, Comfort, and Help others as we receive these in Jesus.
We are Welcome to the Family of God through Jesus

What do we learn from this survey?
In Jesus is hid all the important words we need to know. They are Words of Life. We could never list them all. He is all we need for this life and the next. The more we know Him the more we are amazed and grow in His wisdom and grace.
The words Light, Wisdom, Power came to mind while I was writing this post.

Please share scripture references to the ones that were on your list. We did not have time or room for these in this post.

Meanings of Names Who Contributed to our Survey
In case you do not know the meaning of your name, I am posting these for you who participated in our survey.

Tom, Thank you,
From the nameThomas:
Derived from the Aramaic tē’ōma (a twin). The name is borne in the Bible by an apostle who doubted the resurrection of Christ.
Tom, Praise the Lord for bringing you to faith, not by seeing but by the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. I like to think of Jesus’ image in you, making you a twin.
I pray blessings for your ministry to our Lord as you make known the name of Jesus, His work of Grace, Truth, and Love, through Scripture and Prayer, to help others to be Sorry and to know the Lord who will Forgive, and through His Kindness to you and through you, Encourage others not to doubt.

Jim, Thank you, 
Medieval diminutive of the name James meaning “supplanter”
The name has its root in ya’aquob (supplanting, seizing by the heel).
A supplanter takes over or takes the place of someone else, usually on purpose.
Jim, You are living up to your name.
I pray you continue to wield the sword of truth as you address the Sinner and his Guilt, in the name of Jesus, the God of our Salvation, Grace, Faith, Mercy, and Forgiveness.

Bruce, Thank you,
The name Bruce arrived in Scotland with the Normans, from the place name Brix, Manche in Normandy, France, meaning “the willowlands”.
Robert de Bruce, a knight from Normandy, followed William the Conqueror to England.
There is no Hebrew meaning; though it’s not unlike the Hebrew name Baruch, which means “blessed.”
According to someone from Taiwan, the name Bruce is of Unknown origin and means “Happy warrior”.
Whether the meaning is the willowlands, blessed, or Happy Warrior, take heart in who you are following, how you are blessed in Jesus, and the warrior He has called you to be.
Bruce, I pray you Know the Presence of the Father; that you are Forgiven, Welcome and Holy through Jesus, His Love, Mercy, and Grace,  

Heidi, Thank you,
A pet form of Adalheid (noble one) and Hildegard (battle protector), Heidi is also bestowed as an independent given name. It became well known internationally from Johanna Spyri”s famous story “Heidi” (1880).
Heidi, your name fits you well. In Jesus, you are a noble one ~ a daughter of Zion ~ and a battle protector for His name’s sake. I pray that in Jesus. you Know you are Loved, Accepted, Forgiven and delivered from Death, Sin, and Hell, have an abundant Life in Him nd the promise of Heaven.

Amy, Thank you,
Your name was derived from the Middle English Amye, which is from the Old France Aimee (beloved), a name derived from the verb aimer (to love). It is not surprising that you included Love in your list.
Amy, I pray that knowing you are beloved in our Lord Jesus you are able to Love in Truth, Peace, Joy, Patience and Freedom. And because God is in you, you are a help and comfort to your God’s family and others.

Bonnie,Thank you,
Your name is derived from the Lowland Scotch bonnie (beautiful, good-natured and cheerful; this was derived from Middle French bon(good). Tour name fits you as one of Jesus’ followers.
Bonnie, I pray we all will remember to say, “Thank you” and continue to Praise our Lord Jesus Christ for His Glory, Love, Joy, and Peace, and show His Forgiveness and Kindness to others.

Pat, Thank you,
Patricia is derived from Latin meaning “noble”
I could not find more information on the meaning of your name but this one word is enough to describe one who is born of the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pat, I pray that you continue in your ministry as a noble one ~ a daughter of Zion ~ one who knows God, Jesus, and the blessings that ours through His Salvation; that you are Free to Love, and Forgive, through Faith in the Truth of His Grace and Mercy.  

Dear God and Father of our Lord Jesus, I praise you for revealing yourself to us by your Spirit. May all the glory be yours for your mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Bring forth in us the fruit of our Lord Jesus Christ~ love, joy, peace, kindness, patience, and humility. We thank you for delivering us from death and hell to the abundant Life, accepted and free by the salvation that is ours in Christ. Thank you for the gift of faith to be sorry for our sin; in repentance to live in obedience and sacrifice for your name’s sake. We praise you that one day you will welcome us to eternity in heaven as holy in Him. Keep us in Scripture, truth, and prayer that we may encourage, help and comfort our family and others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Fran

Image: Google

A Page for Lectures

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

I am excited to finally start this page and include lectures/studies that I have been blessed to view. Each of these series has been an aid in helping me to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We will post this as a page on our sidebar for future reference and will add others as we are able.

May the Lord bless you as you take in these truths.

The first two are by R.C. Sproul and accessible from this site. The third is available for purchase. I highly recommend these three to any earnest Christian who wants to know the truth and grow in faith and in relationship with the Lord.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

R.C. Sproul (1939 – 2017)
These two video series can be viewed lecture by lecture at your convenience.

THE HOLINESS OF GOD
filmed in 1986 is a classic in any Christian’s study of the character of God.
5-minute clip as an introduction ~  Holy, Holy, Holy.

1 ~ The Importance of Holiness
2 ~ The Trauma of Holiness
3 ~ Holiness and Justice
4 ~ The Insanity of Luther
5 ~ The Meaning of Holiness
6 ~ The Holiness of Christ

 <<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>

THE ESSENCE OF REFORMED THEOLOGY

Before I watched this series, I had read the book No Place for Truth by David Wells. Sproul makes reference to this book in the video below. This is a very profound series on Theology ~ “the knowledge of the true God.”

1. INTRODUCTION
2. CATHOLIC, EVANGELICAL, AND REFORMED
3. SCRIPTURE ALONE
4. FAITH ALONE (PART 1
5. FAITH ALONE (PART 2)
6. COVENANT
7. TOTAL DEPRAVITY (PART 1)
8. TOTAL DEPRAVITY (PART 2)
9. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION
10. LIMITED ATONEMENT
11. IRRESISTIBLE GRACE
12. PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

THE TRUTH PROJECT is a lecture/study by Del Tackett ~ a series on the purpose of Jesus coming ~”to bear witness of the truth.” It is available for purchase and is usually viewed by churches to enable their members to know the meaning of the Christian Worldview. Watch the trailer and listen for the last statement on truth.

A Focus on the Family production ~ The Truth Project can be purchased here.
You can sign up for a free sample of the first session of the home study here.

Blessings in your viewing. Fran

Treasury of Light and Truth

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, TRUTH2 Comments

Keeping our last post within reading limits, I left out an important under-truth, thinking someone would read and add to what was posted. Here is the part we posted.

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,
hath shined in our hearts, to give the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6

Paul had mentioned in vs. 2-4 ~ though by manifestation of the truth the gospel may be hid from the lost…

“...the god of this world hath blinded
the minds of them which believe not,
lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ,
who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

Now, here is the dynamic part.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the excellency of the power may be of God,
and not of us.”
2 Corinthians 4:7

It is the Father’s LIGHT and TRUTH in and through His Son given to us to believe. There is nothing in our darkness to bring the light into our hearts. By His Word and Spirit, He alone has the power to open our minds and make Christ known in these jars of clay ~ it is the excellency of His power only that does this spiritual work in us.

Dear Father, how precious is your light of truth in Christ. How can we see Him except you shine the light of the gospel in our hearts? Have mercy upon our blindness and save us from the god of this world. In Jesus’ name, I pray and praise you. Amen.
Fran

The Purpose of Jesus’ Resurrection

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, THE LORD'S DAY (SABBATH), TRUTH6 Comments

Most Christians go all-out this season of the year to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. What is the need of Christ’s resurrection the rest of the year? It is important that we as His disciples look into God’s word for His purpose for Christ’s death and resurrection. We are not covering this topic thoroughly but want to shed some light on this special time in the history of our Lord. The whole of God’s Word is to be studied in order to grasp the full meaning of this glorious victory that needs our attention and celebration every day of the year. We will post this week through next Lord’s Day our most-read articles on the subject of Jesus’ work for our salvation.

To Fulfill the Scriptures

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

For New Life, Testing, Praise, Honor, and Glory of Jesus Christ

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:3-7

For our Justification:

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Romans 4:25

For our Assurance, Faith and Hope

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

Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 1 Peter 1:21

And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. 1 Corinthians 6:14

To Reveal God’s Power

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Romans 1:4

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,Ephesians 1:20

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 2:6
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:10

That We May Be Conformed to His Image

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:28-29

That We May Follow in His Footsteps

Herein is love, not that we loved God,
but that he loved us,
and sent his Son to be the propitiation
for our sins.
 Beloved, if God so loved us,
we ought also to love one another.
1 John 4:10-11

Hereby perceive we the love of God,
because he laid down his life for us:
and we ought to lay down our lives
for the brethren.
1 John 3:16

Dear Father, keep us this day and every day in the reality of your redemption, loving you with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbor as ourselves. Make the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ an ever-present working in our hearts and lives for everyday worship in spirit and truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Fran

Image: Google

Words of Life ~ ALL

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, MUSIC, TRUTH, Uncategorized, Words of Life A-Z3 Comments

There are 4664 verses in which the word ALL is found in the Bible. We scrolled through these and prayed the Lord would point out the most important ones. This was not easy, but I felt I needed some insight into this word and how it is used. It is a little word packed with truths of our Lord through whom we live and move and have our being.

If there was one word that summed up the words of life it would be this one.

This is an extensive list and could serve as one Word of Life, so we suggest before you scroll through these references, ask the Holy Spirit to stop you where you need to read whole verses. We will publish a page on this blog for this list of Words of Life, so as to make it easier to reference in the future.

The Old Testament

In Noah’s day, we see the Lord’s rule over His creation. “And all flesh died that moved upon the earth” Genesis 7:21
“the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt,” Exodus 12:29

In Sodom and Gomorrah, He destroyed “all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities” Genesis 19:25

Then we see some of those verses which relate to the Lord’s relationship with His people, from the Old Testament beginning with His promise to Abraham “in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 12:3;Genesis 28:14

He promised, if they obeyed and kept His covenant, “then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:” Exodus 19:5

They were to “teach the children of Israel all the statutes” Leviticus 10:11
“All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth” Psalm 25:10

He has “forgiven and covered all the sin of His people  Psalm 85:2

“All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.” Psalm 75:10

We continue in the book of Psalms.

All who hope and trust in the Lord are “blessed” Psalm 2:12; their “heart is strengthened” Psalm 31:24; “God is a refuge” Psalm 62:8

ALL in Relationship to His Name

 “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.” Psalm 8:1

 “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Psalm 103:1

“All nations shall glorify thy name.” Psalm 86:9
“His name endures forever, throughout all generations.” Psalm 135:13

All in His Works

 “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.” Psalm 33:6

The psalmist praises with his whole heart and shews “forth all thy marvellous works.” Psalm 9:1

“The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Psalm 145:17

The following verses describe His relationship with “all the ends of the world and all the kindreds of the nations.” Psalm 22:27 

 “From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.” Psalm 33:14

“God is the King of all the earth” Psalm 47:7; “let thy glory be above all the earth.” Psalm 57:5

“The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.” Psalm 103:19

 The Lord In All Generations
“Our dwelling place in all generations.” Psalm 90:1
“His mercy, his truth, his faithfulness endureth to all generations.” Psalm 100:5; Psalm 119:90
“thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.” Psalm 145:13:   Psalm 146:10

 “The Lord preserveth all them that love Him, but all the wicked will he destroy.” Psalm 145:20

New Testament

All in Man
“He knew all men.”  John 2:24
“For all have sinned” Romans 3:23
“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man falleth away:” 1 Peter 1:24
“For all that is in the world is of the world.” 1 John 2:16
“All unrighteousness is sin:.” 1 John 5:17
“we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10
“judgment upon all, to convince all that are ungodly of all their ungodly deeds and of all their hard speeches” Jude 1:15
“all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.” Revelation 1:7

All Things

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

“All things were delivered to Him of His Father.” Matthew 11:27: Luke 10:22
“With God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
“All things were made by Him.” John 1:3
“For by him were all things created,” Colossians 1:16
“created all things”  Revelation 4:11
“God quickeneth all things,”  1 Timothy 6:13

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” Romans 11:36

“the Father had given all things into his hands” John 13:3
“All things were accomplished.” John 19:28
“He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.” Acts 17:25
“In all these things we are more than conquerors.” Romans 8:37
“all things work together for His purpose.” Romans 8:28
“He delivered him up for us all… with him also freely give us all things?”   Romans 8:32
“Who shall subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:21

“And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:17

“in all things he might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:18
“appointed heir of all things.” Hebrews 1:2
“upholding all things by the word of his power,”Hebrews 1:3
“for whom are all things, and by whom are all things,” Hebrews 2:10
“all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him.” Hebrews 4:13
“above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:” 1 Peter 4:8
“given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness” 2 Peter 1:3
“all these things shall be dissolved… be in all holy conversation and godliness,” 2 Peter 3:11
“in Christ, all things are new.”2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 1:22;  Revelation 21:5
“Prove all things.”1 Thessalonians 5:21
“every man temperate in all things.”  1 Corinthians 9:25
“Do all things without murmurings and disputings:” Philippians 2:14
“count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:” Philippians 3:8

All of God
Jesus came to “fulfill all righteousness.” Matthew 3:15
“All power” was given unto Him.’ Matthew 28:18
“The Father hath committed all judgment to the Son.”John 5:22
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; ” John 6:37
“above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion.”  Ephesians 1:21
“all things under his feet,..head over all things to the church.”Ephesians 1:22

“Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Ephesians 1:23

“He is Lord of all.” Acts 10:36; to all that call upon Him.” Romans 10:12
“One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:6
“Christ is all, and in all.” Colossians 3:11
“God worketh all in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:6
“all the promises of God in him” 2 Corinthians 1:20
“the God of all comfort;” 2 Corinthians 1:3

“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;” Colossians 1:19

 “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3

 “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2:9

“All scripture by inspiration of God,”  2 Timothy 3:16
Paul declared “all the counsel of God.” Acts 20:27
“high priest in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15“
Holiest of all;” Hebrews 9:3
“the Judge of all,” Hebrews 12:23
“the God of all grace,”  1 Peter 5:10
“God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17;

God Working All in Man
“offence of one judgment upon all men to condemnation; righteousness of one the free gift upon all men unto justification of life.” Romans 5:18
“The gospel preached to all the world.” Matthew 24:14
“redeem us from all iniquity,”  Titus 2:14
“the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
“forgiven all trespasses;” Colossians 2:13
“But wisdom is justified of all her children.” Luke 7:35
“All that believe are justified.” Acts 13:39
“The Spirit of truth will guide into all truth.” John 16:13
“blessed with all spiritual blessings:” Ephesians 1:3
“all wisdom and prudence;” Ephesians 1:8
“strengthened with all might, unto all patience.” Colossians 1:11
“filled with all the fulness of God.” Ephesians 3:19
“able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,”   Ephesians 3:20
“glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages” Ephesians 3:21

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesian 6:18

“peace which passeth all understanding,” Philippians 4:7
“I can do all things through Christ.  Philippians 4:13
“God shall supply all your need.” Philippians 4:19
“thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:17

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

“do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:17
“all baptized into one body, all made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:13
“That all may be one.” John 17:21
“all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
“sanctified are all of one:”  Hebrews 2:11
“one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.” 1 Corinthians 10:17
“all of one mind,” 1 Peter 3:8
“all joy and peace in believing,”  Romans 15:13
“count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;” James 1:2|
“all the law is fulfilled in one word,..love thy neighbour as thyself.” Galatians 5:14 
“abound in love one toward another, and toward all men,: 1 Thessalonians 3:12
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12 

(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Ephesians 5:9
“Preach the word; with all long suffering and doctrine.”  2 Timothy 4:2
“shewing all meekness unto all men.” Titus 3:2
“Casting all your care upon him.” 1 Peter 5:7
“giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;” 2 Peter 1:5
“a crown of righteousness, unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8

 “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Revelation 22:21

Dear Father in heaven, how can we begin to understand all things about you and ourselves except you reveal and fulfill the promises you have made in and through Jesus, your dear Son. By your Holy Spirit use this post now and in the future to make your Words of Life known to us, your children. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Fran
Whether Therefore Ye Eat or Drink ~ 1 Corinthians 10:31

I AM ~ A Perfectionist

On By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, GRIEF, HUMILITY, PRAYER, TRUTH3 Comments

I AM is a Perfectionist. Remember those italicized words in the King James Version, those smaller words that added clarity to the sentence from the Hebrew translation? I speak here as I have learned from the Great I AM.

I AM is a holy God, a perfect Father, Creator and Redeemer. The realm of His kingdom is perfect, nothing lacking, nothing out of order, no frustration, no oppression, no war, no anxiety, no fear, violence, sickness, death, disappointment or tears. In His kingdom there is no criticism, anger, jealousy, envy, dishonesty, or falsehood. He is surrounded by righteousness, humility, peace, harmony, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and temperance.

The LORD has established his throne
in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Psalm 103:19

Through His Son, Jesus Christ, He rules in power, truth, grace, mercy and glory. From His own mind, heart and Spirit He lives and lavishes His own Being throughout His heavens. As a Perfectionist, He created the heavens and the earth, with expectation of having a perfect family bearing His image.

Did He go wrong somewhere? Then He is not a Perfectionist, and He is not able to rule and govern what He created.

Or is all still going according to His plans? Is providence the working out of His holy will?

Human Perfection
If we were perfect, then we would understand His plans and agree that He is perfect.

If we could see the end of all things as He has planned, we would understand His perfection.
We cannot, so we must look to the Perfect One who makes all things perfect.

“The trying of your faith works patience.
But let patience have her perfect work,
that you may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing.”
James 1:3-4

Special revelation comes by the power of His Spirit in the lives of those who are His children, born of His Spirit through His Word. Within us He enables us to see beyond this world and its imperfections  (the list is too long). We are brought beyond the power of sin to be occupied with God. The heavenly Father, Creator and Redeemer, whose perfect, heavenly love, humbles us, and begins the process of perfecting us by the power of HIs Son and His Holy Spirit, to share His eternal kingdom.

We give up our human perfectionism when we understand that only He can make things perfect, and His plan for perfection was not intended for this earth, but for eternity with Him. The only perfect thing here on this earth is His love. In the end, it will perfect all those who are in Christ, His Son. We are holy and acceptable in Him, now and forever  (Romans 12:1)

Gracious and blessed Father, Perfect in all things, with the plan to perfect the disciples of Christ, your Son: in the power of your Holy Spirit, birth and train us according to your perfect will through your Word. Through us, by transforming our minds and hearts, make known your love to a perishing world . Fill us with your light that pierces the darkness and brings your children to a perfect love, joy and peace, as we wait for our Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Fran
Related article: The Power of God’s Holy Will

Psalm 18:32
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

Psalm 19:7
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: .

Psalm 138:8
The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me:

Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the just is as the shining light,
that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Luke 6:40
 but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

2 Corinthians 12:9
 strength is made perfect in weakness.

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

1 Peter 5:10
But the God of all grace…make you perfect.

1 John 2:5
But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.

TRUTH ~ by Man’s Will or God’s Grace?

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, TRUTH12 Comments

“So then it depends not on human will or exertion,
but on God, who has mercy.”
Romans 9:16 ESV

As deists, Voltaire and Diderot attacked Christianity—“their primary weapon aimed at the church was ‘truth’.” (Dr. Bruce Shelley, Church History in Plain Language)  “We think that the greatest service to be done to men,” said Diderot, “is to teach them to use their reason, only to hold for truth what they have verified and proved.” What did these men know of “truth” in their young years of their own “enlightenment?”  What had they proven by their own “reasoning” in their latter years?  What did they have in the end?

Man may create happiness for himself while he is able to think clearly, when everything seems to be in his control, but this does not last. God has proven His work of grace, not only through His written word (which “reasoning” discards), but in the reality of life to its very end.

God proved the truth of His grace to me in 1994 as I, for three weeks, watched my dad gradually consumed by esophageal cancer.*  How could he “reason” for himself what was happening to him?  What was truth to him, at that point of his life?  He had only the mercy (which he had asked for) and the grace of God, which we all experienced together.  He could no longer eat or drink.  He could do nothing but wait for his final breath. He was never on morphine, and so was aware of everything going on around him. He could hear, (until now I had not realized that as a work of God’s grace), and we had those last days to sit by his side, to sing to him, to read the Father’s precious words of truth.  God’s grace was strikingly evident in Daddy’s humility, and his peaceful spirit of acceptance in his last week, and at the end.  He died on Labor Day—his epitaph, “Resting in the Lord.”

For five years we experienced the devastating effects of dementia in Mother’s life. She had no means of “reasoning.”  Nor could we, even though we could still think clearly—clearly in that we could accept that God was sovereign, in control of all things.   Though we could not understand through our own reasoning, we were learning more and more to trust in God’s mercy and grace for what each day would bring. (And we failed many times—for who is prepared ahead of time for such things.)  Her last month was spent in a nursing home, much to our grief; but we were not able to care for her any longer.  I could not “reason” with that.

But, even there, in her last few days, God’s hand of mercy and grace sustained us and held us together.  She had been unresponsive for almost four days.  Jerry and I sat with her those last few hours.  Monday was my birthday, and I prayed, “Father, please don’t let her die on my birthday.”  At midnight the nurses were in and out, checking her vital signs.  The younger nurse asked the older (who was wearing the white cap, and the white uniform), “Shouldn’t we give her something?”  The older nurse answered, “No, she is at peace.”  A few minutes later, as I detected her breathing to be very shallow, and holding her hand, I stood and recited Psalm 23 for her.  When I finished, she took her last breath.  I looked at the clock.  It was 12:38. I could not have willed that; it was God’s grace.

Another example is Ed, 86, who was a member of our church.  He has dementia and now lives with his daughter, Cyndi,  and her husband in another state.  In her last email she wrote of how she reads the Bible to him, and he will quote with her much of God’s Word, as she reads.  It is not by his “reasoning” but by God’s grace, that he recalls the Word of truth that he had hidden in his heart.

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace,
who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself
restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
This is the true grace of God.  Stand firm in it.
1 Peter 5:10-12 ESV

*One Month to Live ~ A Father’s Last Words was my first book (yet unpublished), in which I recorded the working of God’s grace in those three weeks.

(Reblogged from September, 2011)

 

The Voice of Contentment

On By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, TRUTH, Uncategorized26 Comments

Whose voice leads you?
Infants begin life under the influence of parents, and then grow up hearing family and friends. Intermingled with familiar voices, the world speaks volumes of ideas that are embedded in our minds, hearts and souls. Except we are trained in our thinking, we become the voice of the world. Our voices echo what is processed through our minds. Processing includes the foundational ideas from our childhood by which we compare all new information.

What we see, read, hear, and repeat through the years become our basis and voice of truth.

The Voice of the Majority
The voice of the majority is one of discontent.

The voice of contentment is rarely heard and known except from those who hear this voice within them. This voice, however, is not a self-produced voice, but the still, small voice of our heavenly Father and Creator. Contentment is not found in the voices and the noises of everyday life, as we know it. It is the voice of the new heart, new spirit, and new life that is ours in Christ, spoken by the Holy Spirit, kept alive through the reading, and hearing of God’s Word.

The Voice of the Oppressor
The voice of the world is the voice of Satan, the oppressor. If you have been with us from the beginning of A Year for Contentment, you may remember that we started with the two extremes in Born for Contentment. Oppression and contentment are the voices that God’s children hear every day. Either one has the power to drown the other. The voice of contentment must be practiced if it is to overcome the voice of oppression.

God said, “Let there be light. And there was light.” Genesis 1:3

Eve listened to the voice of Satan, the voice of the oppressor, so as to put out the light and to silence His voice.

After the promise of restoration in Genesis 3:15, God sent His prophets to voice His Words. Moses spoke God’s Words to His people.

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” Exodus 19: 5-6

“And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 28:2

These and other passages speak of the blessings and contentment that come to those who hear and obey God’s voice. There are also those that speak of the curses that come to those who do not obey His voice. This is what we see and hear in the world, from generation to generation.

The writer begins the book of Hebrews with these words, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” Hebrews 1:1-3

God’s people would not listen to the voice of the prophets. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day would not listen to Him and their voices influenced the people. They were accustomed to the voice of the enemy and did not recognize God’s voice through those whom He sent.


Jesus’ voice still speaks today by His Spirit and His Word, and His is the voice of contentment. The voice of contentment is the voice of LIFE, life in Christ. In John 6:63, He said to the people, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”

The voice of oppression says, “More, more. Give me more.”

The voice of contentment says, “Christ is enough. He is all I need.”

Repetition
Ministers today must speak warnings against the voice of the world. They are called to be the voice of the gospel, of truth that brings contentment in a world of oppression. Repetition is what keeps either voice alive.

Do we continually listen and share what the world is saying and doing? Does the world need our voice to speak of its oppression? Or do we, as those of God’s kingdom and family, voice His words, words that inform and encourage others by our contentment; a voice that draws others in obedience to Him?

“Out of them shall come songs of thanksgiving,
and the voices of those who celebrate.
I will multiply them, and they shall not be few;
I will make them honored,
and they shall not be small.
Jeremiah 30:19

God, our Father has given us voices to speak for Him, to praise and honor Him, and to witness of His grace and glory. Are we using our voices to share what He has given us?

“Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.” Psalm 63:3

“My mouth is filled with your praise,
    and with your glory all the day.” Psalm 71:8

“My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,
    of your deeds of salvation all the day,
    for their number is past my knowledge.”
Psalm 71:15

Gracious Father, forgive us for voicing the words and actions of the oppressor. Work in us your voice of thanksgiving and praise, from a heart of peace and joy in Christ our Lord. Enable us to share your kingdom of grace with our family and others around us. While others speak the voice of the world, let us respond with the voice of your kingdom. Fill us with your Spirit of contentment that draws others to you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen


image
image

A Year for CONTENTMENT

On By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, HUMILITY, PRAYER, QUOTES, TRUTH, Uncategorized12 Comments

youre-invited-mingle-before-you-jingle1-1r5pkol-1Knowing my own need, the Lord is leading me in the year of 2017 to continue in my desire and search for the contentment that is found in Him alone. It is easy to read about, to talk about, to search for its meaning and to hope and pray for it. Like “humility” which was our subject for 2014, and “meditation” for 2015, “contentment” has not only to be sought after, but prayed for, desired with the whole heart, soul, mind and strength, and more importantly, waited for with patient endurance.  All of these are possible only by His working them in us as His family in His kingdom.

This is our plan for this New Year, and we invite you to come with us, to help us to discover what the Lord wants and has prepared for us.contentment

Contentment is a subject not only to be studied and pursued, but can be described in many ways. It is the desire of most people, but misunderstood when it comes to knowing how contentment is achieved. Since the beginning of time, we learn that contentment does not come from the things of this world.   Without even using the word or a definition, our first parents experienced what I call a seventh sense (we will look at this later) in the Garden of Eden. They were content, until Satan convinced them that they needed more than God had given them.

We live in the same environment as our first parents, but with a greater need. Contentment is a state of being. No one is born with it. Like the apostle Paul, it must be learned, and the lessons do not come from other human beings. The enemy supernaturally instilled the spirit of discontent, and only one who is stronger than he can deliver us from it.

Divine Contentment

For many years Thomas Watson’s book, The Art of Divine Contentment has been a source of study and delight. You can download free and read with us or download free MP3. Unlike our review and study of Andrew Murray’s Humility, we will not be reading through this book chapter by chapter, but we will use some of Watson’s quotes.

We want you to come with us through this year and to add your comments. We will be posting one, two or three times a week. Not every post will be titled contentment, but relating to it in some way, as we continue our search for this precious state, which our Lord desires for us. He died to deliver us from this horrific power of oppression and discontent, which is opposite from life in His kingdom.

Our posts will relate also to a book that we will be finishing this year. Thriving Under Oppression is relative to the spirit that keeps us from contentment and the life for which Christ has saved us. Soon we will publish God Is Our Goal. This too is relative to the life that is lived here in anticipation of the eternal life that is ours in Christ.  Who knows; maybe this will end up being a book, and you will have helped me write it (Proceeds always designated for missions and charity).

We encourage you to share this invitation with your readers or others you would want to be a part of this movement for 2017.
YES ~ let’s call it a “movement for contentment” ~ long needed for the Christian community.
What effect would our contentment have upon the world?

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

Gracious Father in heaven, it is you who has created us so that we may delight ourselves in you; who has redeemed us and restored us to an even greater estate from which we fell. Only you can bring us from the power of the oppressor to you, to know your presence and power, to work in us supernaturally this contentment for which you saved us in Christ. Draw those that you want to be a part of this year’s blessings as you lead us and teach us by the power of your Holy Spirit. Open our hearts, our minds, our ears, our wills, to you, to our Lord Jesus Christ and your Holy Spirit, so that we do not miss anything you have prepared for us. In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.
invitationImage from Related Article: Contentment