Surrender... I am not "My Own".

WTs this Morning:

1. We are "his own" saints. I am not "my own".
2. He loves "his own".
3.  He lavishes on us his perfect love, no failure or imperfection. Rest in it today.
4. Submit my pride to him, my dreams, my rights.
5. Give up my pride for the promise of new life.
6. Count all the world knows as loss. Worldliness and wants... let them go to my great King Jesus.

Lord, forgive me for trying to earn your favor. I can rest under the shadow of your wings today as I am yours. Help me to remember that I am not my own. My life is yours completely. Do with it as you wish. I surrender all to you... Love that song...

I surrender...
all to you...
all to you...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oyHpLg32c8

"I Surrender All to You"  Lincoln Brewster

Im giving You my heart and all that is within
I lay it all down for the sake of You my King
Im giving you my dreams, Im laying down my rights
Im giving up my pride for the promise of new life

And I surrender
All to You, all to You

Im singing You this song, Im waiting at the cross
And all the world holds dear, I count it all as loss
For the sake of knowing You for the glory of Your name
To know the lasting joy, even sharing in Your pain

 

 

 

Faith's Check Book, Daily Entry

C. H. Spurgeon

---

December 30

Loved to Perfection

Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. (John 13:1)
This fact is essentially a promise; for what our Lord was He is, and what He was to those with whom He lived on earth, He will be to all His beloved so long as the moon endureth. "Having loved": here was the wonder! That He should ever have loved men at all is the marvel. What was there in His poor disciples that He should love them? What is there in me? But when He has once begun to love, it is His nature to continue to do so. Love made the saints "his own"—what a choice title! He purchased them with blood, and they became His treasure. Being His own, He will not lose them. Being His beloved, He will not cease to love them. My soul, He will not cease to love thee! The text is well as it stands: "to the end." Even till His death the ruling passion of love to His own reigned in His sacred bosom. It means also to the uttermost. He could not love them more: He gave Himself for them. Some read it, to perfection. Truly He lavished upon them a perfect love, in which there was no flaw nor failure, no unwisdom, no unfaithfulness. Such is the love of Jesus to each one of His people. Let us sing to our Well-beloved a song.

It's a New Day Dawning!

WT -
The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning! It's time to sing your song again. Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes.   Amen

"10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes (LOVE THIS STANZA!)
[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

[Chorus x2]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
Lord, I'll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name

We are but PILGRIMS.

Trials and Pain: Long Eternity to Enjoy Ourselves

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.... And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.—1 John 2:15,17
Any appeal to the public in the name of Christ that rises no higher than an invitation to tranquillity must be recognized as mere humanism with a few words of Jesus thrown in to make it appear Christian....
Christ calls men to carry a cross; we call them to have fun in His name. He calls them to forsake the world; we assure them that if they but accept Jesus the world is their oyster. He calls them to suffer; we call them to enjoy all the bourgeois comforts modern civilization affords. He calls them to self-abnegation and death; we call them to spread themselves like green bay trees or perchance even to become stars in a pitiful fifth-rate religious zodiac. He calls them to holiness; we call them to a cheap and tawdry happiness that would have been rejected with scorn by the least of the Stoic philosophers....
We can afford to suffer now; we'll have a long eternity to enjoy ourselves. And our enjoyment will be valid and pure, for it will come in the right way at the right time. Born After Midnight, pp. 141-142
"Lord, may I be faithful to call people to that which is important to You, at whatever cost. Thank You that 'we can afford to suffer now; we'll have a long eternity to enjoy ourselves.' Amen."

WTs:
1. This world and the things of this world are passing. Keep our eyes on heaven.
2.We are pilgrims passing through.
3. My stuff is not my own, neither is my life.
4.Enjoy what God brings my way.Do not fear it.
5. Simple Pleasures. Remember to capture them.

He is Stronger.

Lyrics to Stronger : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9DEIC0KcYk

There is love that came for us
Humbled to a sinner's cross you broke my shame and sinfuless you rose again victorious

Faithfulness none can deny through the strom and through the fire there is truth that sets me free Jesus Christ who lives in me

Chorus
You are stronger you are stronger
Sin is broken you have saved me it is written Christ is risen Jesus you are Lord of all

No beginning and no end You're my hope and my defence you came to seek and save the lost you paid it all upon the cross

So let your name be lifted higher
Be lifted higher be lifted higher

There is love that came for us
Humbled to a sinner's cross you broke my shame and sinfuless you rose again victorious

Faithfulness none can deny through the strom and through the fire there is truth that sets me free Jesus Christ who lives in me

Chorus
You are stronger you are stronger
Sin is broken you have saved me it is written Christ is risen Jesus you are Lord of all

No beginning and no end You're my hope and my defence you came to seek and save the lost you paid it all upon the cross

----------------------------------------
LOVE THIS SONG, TOO! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgi-G-dHYkY

You are More

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.
'Cause this is not about what you've done,
But what's been done for you.
This is not about where you've been,
But where your brokenness brings you to

This is not about what you built,
But what He built to forgive you,
And what He built to make you know.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seek to be in His Will

WTs: 1. Let patience have its work in me. 2. Do not seek to be happy. Seek to be in the will of God and accept the circumstances he brings in His will. Take the bitter with the sweet as it may come. He is sovereign and knows how much we can take of happiness and trials. Trials and Pain: Heartache or Happiness AW Tozer My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.—James 1:2-4 From the trials and triumphs of Paul, we gather, too, that happiness is really not indispensable to a Christian. There are many ills worse than heartaches. It is scarcely too much to say that prolonged happiness may actually weaken us, especially if we insist upon being happy as the Jews insisted upon flesh in the wilderness. In so doing, we may try to avoid those spiritual responsibilities which would in the nature of them bring a certain measure of heaviness and affliction to the soul. The best thing is neither to seek nor seek to avoid troubles but to follow Christ and take the bitter with the sweet as it may come. Whether we are happy or unhappy at any given time is not important. That we be in the will of God is all that matters. We may safely leave with Him the incident of heartache or happiness. He will know how much we need of either or both. We Travel an Appointed Way, p. 80 "Lord, may I indeed be 'in the will of God' today. I'll 'leave with [You] the incident of heartache or happiness.' I can trust You to decide wisely. Amen."

Idoling Self

Trials and Pain: The Labor of Self-love For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.—Galatians 1:10 The labor of self-love is a heavy one indeed. Think for yourself whether much of your sorrow has not arisen from someone speaking slightingly of you. As long as you set yourself up as a little god to which you must be loyal there will be those who will delight to offer affront to your idol. How then can you hope to have inward peace? The heart's fierce effort to protect itself from every slight, to shield its touchy honor from the bad opinion of friend and enemy, will never let the mind have rest. Continue this fight through the years and the burden will become intolerable. Yet the sons of earth are carrying this burden continually, challenging every word spoken against them, cringing under every criticism, smarting under each fancied slight, tossing sleepless if another is preferred before them. Such a burden as this is not necessary to bear. Jesus calls us to His rest, and meekness is His method. The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort. The Pursuit of God, 112. "Lord, give me this peace, this rest, this meek and humble spirit this morning. Deliver me from concern for the esteem of this world. Give me victory today over every trace of self-love. Amen." WTs: The esteem of the world is not worth the effort. Do not set self up as a little god. Let go of any fierce effort to protect myself from any slights. Do not cringe under criticism. Jesus calls us to His rest. Meeekness is His method. Lord, help me to let go of protecting myself from criticism. I pray not to cringe at it,but to know my worth is in you.Deliver me from concern. Give me victory today over every trace of self-love. Give me this peace, this rest, this meek and humble spirit this morning. Amen.

Devotional Prayers - Henry Thornton

From Devotional Prayers

Henry Thornton

 

Pray to:

1.     Be spiritually and heavenly minded.

2.    Be moderate in my enjoyments.

3.    Bear affliction with a patient and quiet mind.

4.   In prosperity, be ever watchful over myself and moderate in my enjoyment. Impart freely the gifts he has given me to others.

5.    Cultivate every Christian temper.

6.   Be filled with joy and peace in believing which shall be more than compensation for all the temporal sacrifices to which we may be called.

Forgiveness, Cleansing, Blessings: Silencing the Taunts

Tozer on Leadership - Monday, November 26, 2012

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Spiritual Warfare and Sin: The Devil's Taunts

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.—Romans 8:1
God knows that sin is a terrible thing-and the devil knows it, too. So he follows us around and as long as we will permit it, he will taunt us about our past sins.
As for myself, I have learned to talk back to him on this score. I say, "Yes, Devil, sin is terrible-but I remind you that I got it from you! And I remind you, Devil, that everything good— forgiveness and cleansing and blessing-everything that is good I have freely received from Jesus Christ!"
Everything that is bad and that is against me I got from the devil—so why should he have the effrontery and the brass to argue with me about it? Yet he will do it because he is the devil, and he is committed to keeping God's children shut up in a little cage, their wings clipped so that they can never fly! I Talk Back to the Devil, 6.
"Thank You again this morning, Father, for Your marvelous 'forgiveness and cleansing and blessing.' I've often heard those taunts from the Devil; thank You for Your grace that completely silences him. Amen."

WTs - Don't dwell on past sin. It will only hold me back from God's purposes. Don't allow the devil to get a foothold. I am cleansed. I am righteous in Christ. He paid for my sin. Forgiveness, Cleansing, Blessing. Silence the taunts of the enemy... the devil.

He is Everything.

WT-
-Praise God we are free from having to be perfect to earn God's favor.
-When all else fades, GOD is everlasting. His light shines.
-We are nothing in ourselves, but as God's temple, He is everything in us.

 "From The Inside Out"

A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
Should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace
Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, your glory goes beyond all fame

Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise
Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, your glory goes beyond all fame

In my heart, in my soul
I give you control
Consume me from the inside out
Let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love you from the inside out

Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring you praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out

Tozer on Leadership - Saturday, November 24, 2012

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Spiritual Warfare and Sin: Seek God's Remedy

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.—1 John 2:1
I wish it were possible to anoint the head of every Christian preacher so that he would never sin again while the world stands. Perhaps some would consider that a happy way to deal with the subject. But, in fact, if any person can be removed from the possibility of sin, he or she can only be some kind of a robot run by pulleys, wheels and push-buttons. A person morally incapable of doing evil would be, by the same token, morally incapable of doing good. A free human will is necessary to the concept of morality. I repeat: If our wills are not free to do evil, neither are they free to do good....
But what was the sinning priest to do? Should he give up to discouragement? Should he resign himself to failure? No! There was a remedy. And what about ministers and all of God's servants today? In a time of temptation and failure, should they simply quit? Should they write a letter of resignation and walk out, saying, " I am not an Augustine or a Wesley; therefore, I give up"? No, if they are aware of what the Word of God says, they will seek God's remedy. Tragedy in the Church: The Missing Gifts, 75-76.
"Thank You, God, for Your glorious remedy! Thank You for Your love; thank You for Your grace; thank You for constant forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Amen."

Eternal Pleasures...only in Him

Psalm 16:11

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

John 17:20-23

New King James Version (NKJV)

Jesus Prays for All Believers

²⁰ “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will^[a] believe in Me through their word; ²¹ that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. ²² And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: ²³ I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

WTs-

1. Pray God makes known to me His path and walk in it.

2. He will fill me with joy in His presence.

3. Eternal pleasures are at His right hand. Eternal (not temporary).

4. Be one with the body of Christ.

5. Christ in me. God has loved me as he loved Jesus.

6. Your Love Never Fails... never gives up, never runs out on me.

"Your Love Never Fails" by Jesus Culture

Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains
One thing remains

Your love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on me x3
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsty.com/jesus-culture-one-thing-remains-lyrics.html ]
On and one and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never ever have to be afraid
One thing remains

In death and in life I'm confident and covered by the power of your great love
My debt is paid there's nothing that can separate my heart from your great love 

Sweet Graces of Meekness and Humility

WTs: Do not be a "she-bear" watching over any slights wrongly committed. Pray for the sweet graces of meekness and humility. Do not "grow every day harder and more acrimonious as you defend your reputation, your rights, and your ministry against imagined foes." Sweet graces of meekness and humility... a good word from Tozer. Convicting.

Spiritual Warfare and Sin: Resentment

Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled. —Hebrews 12:15

In the course of scores of conferences and hundreds of conversations I have many times heard people say, "I resent that." But I repeat: I have never heard the words used by a victorious man. Resentment simply cannot dwell in a loving heart. Before resentfulness can enter, love must take its flight and bitterness take over. The bitter soul will compile a list of slights at which it takes offense and will watch over itself like a mother bear over her cubs. And the figure is apt, for the resentful heart is always surly and suspicious like a she-bear.

Few sights are more depressing than that of a professed Christian defending his supposed rights and bitterly resisting any attempt to violate them. Such a Christian has never accepted the way of the cross. The sweet graces of meekness and humility are unknown to him. He grows every day harder and more acrimonious as he defends his reputation, his rights, his ministry, against his imagined foes.

The only cure for this sort of thing is to die to self and rise with Christ into newness of life.Of God and Men, 105-106.

"Lord, I have all too often seen the destruction caused by resentment that has turned into bitterness—or bitterness turned into resentment. Keep me, I pray, in the way of the cross, the way of meekness and humility. Amen."

"Self" Sins - Convicting!

Tozer on Leadership - Thursday, November 15, 2012

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Spiritual Warfare and Sin: Self-sins

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.—Galatians 2:20
To be specific, the self-sins are self-righteousness, self-pity, self-confidence, self-sufficiency, self-admiration, self-love and a host of others like them. They dwell too deep within us and are too much a part of our natures to come to our attention till the light of God is focused upon them. The grosser manifestations of these sins—egotism, exhibitionism, self-promotion—are strangely tolerated in Christian leaders, even in circles of impeccable orthodoxy. They are so much in evidence as actually, for many people, to become identified with the gospel. I trust it is not a cynical observation to say that they appear these days to be a requisite for popularity in some sections of the church visible. Promoting self under the guise of promoting Christ is currently so common as to exite little notice....
Self is the opaque veil that hides the face of God from us. It can be removed only in spiritual experience, never by mere instruction. We may as well try to instruct leprosy out of our system. There must be a work of God in destruction before we are free. We must invite the cross to do its deadly work within us. We must bring our self-sins to the cross for judgment. The Pursuit of God, 43-44.
"Oh Lord, do that 'work of God in destruction' within me today. I am indeed 'crucified with Christ.' I pray this morning that the cross would obliterate the self-sins in my life and let me live only for Jesus Christ and His glory. Amen."

Jesus Calling - S. Young

1. Live fully in the present.
2. Trust God enough to quit striving to control everything through constant planning.
3. Relax and refresh myself in the light of his presence.
4. Trust God in every situation, not just the hard ones. Don't rely on self. He is there.

Jesus, Friend of Sinners

CASTING CROWNS LYRICS

"Jesus, Friend Of Sinners"

Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

Yeah...

Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand
Made the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours

And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
Yeah...
You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

Simplicity

God is calling me to simplicity. I feel it in my soul. Whatever that means.

He is impressing upon me this morning that the thief (Satan) comes to kill, steal, and destroy. The thief robs me of my time, my purposes, and the things I truly love... John 10:10-11.

God is perfect in power, love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy...God is holy and pure. There is nothing dark in Him. He is asking me this morning to acknowledge/see his rich presence with me and not let the thief destroy.

I pray your hand, O Lord, upon my life and that you would protect me, my family, my friends from the thief. Lord, help me to enjoy my security/safety in you.  Help me to be strong to trust you as I rid myself/my surroundings of the things that distract. Help me, God, to keep it simple. Help me, God, to set my intentions today. Help me to trust in your shepherding as changes come. You are the great I AM. I pray to BE in you.

For you are good.

Beautiful Savior

Beautiful Savior


Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature,
O Thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul’s glory, joy and crown.

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine,
Fairer still the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast.

All fairest beauty, heavenly and earthly,
Wondrously, Jesus, is found in Thee;
None can be nearer, fairer or dearer,
Than Thou, my Savior, art to me.

Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
Now and forever more be Thine.

Married to Jesus

Jesus' love is intense for us. He will never let us go. Thank you, Lord, that you are my first love and will never divorce or leave us. You are united with me past this world. I have security beyond this world, as do my children. What more do I need?

Sunday, July 22, 2012

This Morning's Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

---

"I am married unto you."—Jeremiah 3:14.

HRIST Jesus is joined unto His people in marriage-union. In love He espoused His Church as a chaste virgin, long before she fell under the yoke of bondage. Full of burning affection He toiled, like Jacob for Rachel, until the whole of her purchase-money had been paid, and now, having sought her by His Spirit, and brought her to know and love Him, He awaits the glorious hour when their mutual bliss shall be consummated at the marriage-supper of the Lamb. Not yet hath the glorious Bridegroom presented His betrothed, perfected and complete, before the Majesty of heaven; not yet hath she actually entered upon the enjoyment of her dignities as His wife and queen: she is as yet a wanderer in a world of woe, a dweller in the tents of Kedar; but she is even now the bride, the spouse of Jesus, dear to His heart, precious in His sight, written on His hands, and united with His person. On earth He exercises towards her all the affectionate offices of Husband. He makes rich provision for her wants, pays all her debts, allows her to assume His name, and to share in all His wealth. Nor will He ever act otherwise to her. The word divorce He will never mention, for "He hateth putting away." Death must sever the conjugal tie between the most loving mortals, but it cannot divide the links of this immortal marriage. In heaven they marry not, but are as the angels of God; yet there is this one marvellous exception to the rule, for in Heaven Christ and His Church shall celebrate their joyous nuptials. This affinity as it is more lasting, so is it more near than earthly wedlock. Let the love of husband be never so pure and fervent, it is but a faint picture of the flame which burns in the heart of Jesus. Passing all human union is that mystical cleaving unto the Church, for which Christ left His Father, and became one flesh with her.

---

It is Well with My Soul

Another amazing hymn. Loving these rich hymns this morning. Meditation on Psalm 146:1.

Psalm 146

¹ Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul.

1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
   When sorrows like sea billows roll;
   Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
   It is well, it is well, with my soul.
   • Refrain:
     It is well, with my soul,
     It is well, it is well, with my soul.
2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
   Let this blest assurance control,
   That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
   And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
   My sin, not in part but the whole,
   Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
   Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
4. For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
   If Jordan above me shall roll,
   No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
   Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
5. But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
   The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
   Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
   Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
6. And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
   The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
   The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
   Even so, it is well with my soul.

Just as I Am- written 1835

Great hymn for a beautiful morning!

1. Just as I am, without one plea,
   But that Thy blood was shed for me,
   And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
   O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
2. Just as I am, and waiting not
   To rid my soul of one dark blot,
   To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
   O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
3. Just as I am, though tossed about
   With many a conflict, many a doubt,
   Fightings and fears within, without,
   O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
   Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
   Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
   O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
5. Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
   Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
   Because Thy promise I believe,
   O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
6. Just as I am, Thy love unknown
   Hath broken every barrier down;
   Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
   O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Fiery Trials - 1 Peter 4:12

Reading this morning someone else's blog as part of my devos. Good reminder on trials. We are not to be surprised when they come upon us like something strange is happening to us.

A Study in Job (from Ray Comfort's blog... Ray's Comfort Food)

Job and Evil

Modern prosperity preachers set people up for a fall when the promise that those who trust in Jesus will have a life that is problem free. We don’t have to look too far to find some Christian who is going through a Job experience. In a moment of time, the godliest of us can lose savings, get a terminal disease, be involved in a serious car accident, or be the victims of violent crime, and have our lives irreparably shattered. This is not negative talk or the speech of unbelief. It is both biblical and reality in a fallen creation. We don’t live in dread of the future, but neither do we live in a world of make believe.

I know of a most respected pastor of a large church whose precious wife has serious Alzheimer’s. He has lost the love of his life. He also has lung cancer. They are both elderly, and bar a miracle in this life, their future looks very bleak. But as godly people, according to Romans 8:28 their dark experience is working for their good. They are going through it today, there’s a possibility that you and I may go through a fiery trial tomorrow:

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you…” (1 Peter 4:12).

Sanctification & God's Word

Love these thoughts below from Charles Spurgeon.

My reflection on them- We are sanctified by the Word.  We must hear them or read them to become sanctified; otherwise, we just continue on in sound living according to our own thoughts. 

Interesting that Spurgeon states that our opinion truly does not matter. Instead, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Error in judgment results in an error in practice. Holding fast to the truth and knowing the truth will sanctify us in the Spirit of God.

Need to read the Word more. Need to meditate and memorize more. Need to take it to my heart more. Need to instruct my kids in devotions so that they love and depend on God's Word.

Wednesday, July 04, 2012

This Morning's Meditation

C. H. Spurgeon

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"Sanctify them through Thy truth."—John 17:17.

ANCTIFICATION begins in regeneration. The Spirit of God infuses into man that new living principle by which he becomes "a new creature" in Christ Jesus. This work, which begins in the new birth, is carried on in two ways—mortification, whereby the lusts of the flesh are subdued and kept under; and vivification, by which the life which God has put within us is made to be a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. This is carried on every day in what is called "perseverance," by which the Christian is preserved and continued in a gracious state, and is made to abound in good works unto the praise and glory of God; and it culminates or comes to perfection, in "glory," when the soul, being thoroughly purged, is caught up to dwell with holy beings at the right hand of the Majesty on high. But while the Spirit of God is thus the author of sanctification, yet there is a visible agency employed which must not be forgotten. "Sanctify them," said Jesus, "through thy truth: thy word is truth." The passages of Scripture which prove that the instrument of our sanctification is the Word of God are very many. The Spirit of God brings to our minds the precepts and doctrines of truth, and applies them with power. These are heard in the ear, and being received in the heart, they work in us to will and to do of God's good pleasure. The truth is the sanctifier, and if we do not hear or read the truth, we shall not grow in sanctification. We only progress in sound living as we progress in sound understanding. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Do not say of any error, "It is a mere matter of opinion." No man indulges an error of judgment, without sooner or later tolerating an error in practice. Hold fast the truth, for by so holding the truth shall you be sanctified by the Spirit of God.

You Are...

Psalm 23:1-4

The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul he guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Love this song! You're the peace to the restless. You are.

Chris Tomlin's God of this City

You're the God of this City 
You're the King of these people 
You're the Lord of this nation 
You are 

[Verse 2]
You're the Light in this darkness 
You're the Hope to the hopeless 
You're the Peace to the restless 
You are 

There is no one like our God 
There is no one like our God 

[Chorus]
For greater things have yet to come 
And greater things are still to be done in this City 
Greater thing have yet to come 
And greater things are still to be done in this City 

[Verse 1]

[Verse 2]

There is no one like our God 
There is no one like our God 

[Chorus]
For greater things have yet to come 
And greater things are still to be done in this City 
Greater things have yet to come 
And greater things are still to be done here 

There is no one like our God 
There is no one like our God 

[Chorus]
Greater things have yet to come 
And greater things are still to be done in this City 
Greater things have yet to come 
And greater things are still to be done here


WTs...
1. Be still.
2. Let restlessness go. He is.
3. I shall not be in want.
4. Rest in His pastures.

Be thankful.

Jesus Calling -

“Open your hands and your heart to receive this day as a precious gift from Me. I begin each day with a sunrise, announcing My radiant Presence. By the time you rise from your bed, I have already prepared the way before you. I eagerly await your first conscious thought. I rejoice when you glance My way.

Bring me the gift of thanksgiving, which opens your heart to rich communion with Me. Because I am God, from whom all blessings flow, thankfulness is the best way to draw near Me. Sing praise songs to Me; tell of My wondrous works. Remember that I take great delight in you; I rejoice over you with singing.”

Ps. 119:24 – Your statutes are my delight. They are my counselors.

Ps. 118:24 – This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Ps. 95:2 – Let us come before him with thanksgiving. Let us extol him with music and song.

Zeph. 3:17 – The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.

WTs - 

• He is mighty to save.
• Be thankful. Be verbally thankful. Express thankfulness. This opens my heart to God. Thankfulness is the best way to draw near to God.
• Be quieted by His love.
• Extol Him with music and song.
• He rejoices over me with singing.

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Great song this morning!


Favorite Part:


I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

• How Deep The Father's Love For Us lyrics

  Lyrics:

  How deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure How great the pain of searing loss, The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the chosen One, Bring many sons to glory Behold the Man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, Call out among the scoffers It was my sin that left Him there Until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom

Trust

Jesus Calling - 

Let my love stream through you, washing away fear and distrust. A trusting response includes Me in your thoughts as you consider strategies to deal with a situation.

Gently bring your attention back to Me whenever it wanders away. I look for persistence, not perfection, in your walk with me.

“But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” Ps. 52:8

“and do not grieve the Holy Spirit, for whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:8

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deut. 31:8

WTs -

Trust in the Lord.

Do not fear.

Do not be discouraged.

I am sealed.

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.

I Watch in Hope for the Lord

Micah 7:7 – “As for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”

Rev. 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Numbers 6:24-26 – “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

These are a reminder to me that I am to watch in hope for the Lord. I am to wait for Him. He hears me. 

He is timeless. Sit and rest in his timelessness. Do not be mastered by time, but be mastered by the Master.

Lord, bless and keep those in my care. Make your face shine upon them, especially Elli today as she is away at camp. Be gracious to them. Turn your face toward them today and give them peace. Turn your face toward me, O Lord, and give me peace.

Come Lord Jesus. Be my breath of fresh air. Holy Spirit - draw near. Fill my house, my family, my home, and Elli as she is away. Draw her near to you. Draw me near to you. Draw me close. I pray my face would be turned toward you, O Lord, and that you may shine upon my heart. Forgive my sin. Breathe on me your wind, your fire, your light, your truth, your Word. Jesus, I give you this day. Strengthen me unto you.

Amen.

God Speaks

Love this Jesus Calling passage below– Good thoughts for a beautiful morning! I reflect as my friend's dad passed away last night. I reflect on some of the journal comments of others as they learned of the news and saw God in nature give them a peace that her dad is in a better place and with Him. This life is not the kingdom. It is the passage to Heaven... our true home... As Paul longed for it, so should we. In the meantime, we will see God here as we keep our eyes open and our hearts seeking Him as our treasure. "You are my strength when I am weak. You are the treasure that I seek. You are my all in all. Seeking you as a precious jewel. Lord, to give up, I'd be a fool. You are my all in all". Forgive me, God, for not making YOU my treasure.

Jesus Calling

I speak to you continually. My nature is to communicate, though not always in words. I fling glorious sunsets across the sky, day after day, day after day. I speak in the faces and voices of loved ones. I caress you with a gentle breeze that refreshes and delights you. I speak softly in the depths of your spirit, where I have taken up residence.

You can find Me in each moment, when you have eyes that see and ears that hear. Ask My Spirit to sharpen your spiritual eyesight and hearing. I rejoice each time you discover My Presence. Practice looking and listening for Me during quiet intervals. Gradually you will find Me in more and more of your moments. You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me above all else.

Psalm 8:1-4

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants, you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

Psalm 19:1-2

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

Jeremiah 29:13

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

1 Cor. 6:19

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God. Your body is not your own. You were bought at a price; therefore honor God with your body.