Created by Christ ~

"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 3:9)

In the context of this verse, Paul is testifying concerning his divine call to preach the gospel, especially proclaiming God's great plan to the Gentiles as well as the Jews.

In support of this revolutionary concept, Paul refers to the great fact of creation. All men, and indeed, "all things," had been created by one God. Furthermore, it was by the Lord Jesus Christ that God had created all things. Before the revelation of this mystery, the Gentiles had been "without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). The phrase "without God" (Greek- atheos-, from which we get the word "atheist") is used only this once in the New Testatment, and it indicates plainly the barrenness of all pagan religions. "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13).

Thus, by Jesus Christ, all things were created, and by Jesus Christ "all things" will be gathered "together in one" in the "dispensation of the fullness of times" (Ephesians 1:10). This is all part of the same "mystery of his will," according to the preceding verse, Ephesians 1:9. In the last chapter, Paul again refers to this now-revealed "mystery" when he urges the Ephesians to pray that he might be able to "make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19).

Thus the "gospel of your salvation" (Ephesians 1:13), which we like Paul are commanded to make known, is the glorious news that Jesus Christ is both Creator and Consummator of all things, and that by His work of salvation all who believe, whether Jews or Gentiles, receive eternal salvation. "All things were created by him," and he has shed His blood "to reconcile all things unto himself" (Colossians 1:16-20). HMM
~~~~~~~~
Days of Praise
Institute for CREATION Research
(devotional date: February 26) <><

Blessings, Abishag

We Need a Great Savior -

Peter shouted, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out
His hand and caught Peter.
Matthew 14:30-31

~~~~We come to Christ in an hour of deep need. We abandon the boat of good works....We realize, like Peter, that spanning the gap beween us and Jesus is a feat too great for our feet. So we beg for help. Hear his voice. And step out in fear, hoping that our little faith will be enough....

Faith is a desperate dive out of the sinking boat of human effort and a prayer that God will be there to pull us out of the water. Paul wrote about this kind of faith....

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast" (Eph. 2:8-9 NIV).
~~~~~~~~~~

In the Eye of the Storm
Max Lucado
Blessings, Abishag ------ JESUS LOVES YOU!

I love your post Abishag, but just wanted to add the following:

Works in and of themselves outside of the saving blood/grace of Jesus Christ will not save a person, since we are all born into sin and fall into sin. Without the redemption/forgiveness of Christ, our guilt remains! For none is righteous in the eyes God and all fall short of the glory of God. However are good works necessary? ABSOLUTELY YES! The evidence of ones sincere faith/conversion is in the fruits -(good works/obedience).



Is often, unfortunately used in isolation and taken out of context and some see it as a "free ticket" to Heaven when it is not read/understood in relation to the rest of the bible This is why it is vitally important for us believers to become familiar with the bible.

Consider the following:















Personal advice to Titus






Read the verses in these quotes that proves to us that the kingdom of Heaven is for workers/overcomers! Once again, emphasizing fighting the good fight.
(Rev 2:7).
(Rev 2:11).
(Rev 2:17).
(Re 2:26-28).
(Rev 3:5).
(Rev 3:12).
(Rev 3:21).
(Rev 12:17).
(Phil 3:8-14).





.































The bible is clear time and time again that faith/conversion should = change. The old to the new. The strive for eternal life by resisting/fleeing from temptation/sin, obeying God's commandments, putting His word into action. Should we fall/fail along the way? God's grace and mercy are there to lift those with sincere regret/repentance back on track and our intention, if sincere, should be to avoid future occassions of sin.

This is not just the sake of our own souls, but also to set the right example to others.

Thank you, Bex!
I really do like your Scriptual Verses! Thanks a lot!

Also your final comments, are RIGHT ON!!!

We put off the 'old man' and put 'on the new man, in Christ Jesus our Lord'!

If there is no change when a person says he has accepted Christ Jesus as His Lord and Saviour, then I definitely question if the person is truly 'SAVED'....set free from the cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, and the boastful pride of life.

Jesus tells us in Mark 4:19 "These are they (worldly hearers) which are seeds sown among thorns; such as hear the word, "And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,and the lusts of others things enter in and choke the Word, it becomes UNFRUITFUL!"

If a person is truly a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, he/she must bear FRUIT for the Kingdom of God.

Thank you, once again, Bex, for your wonderful insight of the living Word of God!
Blessings, Abishag <><

Blessings in our Lord Jesus!

For those reading this post, you may also be enlightened by the post titled, "CREATOR, Who?",.....a recent post made on 2/24/09.

To God be all glory, honor, and praise!
Blessings, Abishag <><

WHO AM I?
By: Casting Crowns
--
Who am I, that you hear me when I'm calling?

Lord, you catch me when I'm falling.

Lord God, I am Yours!

Not because of who I am..

...Because of Who You are!
---
Please take a few minutes and allow the Lord to speak to your heart through these beautiful words.

-WHO AND
HOW

Mark 8:27-33
---
You are the Christ.
---Mark 8:29
~~~~
Whenever I read the Gospels, I identify with the disciples. Like me, they seemed slow to catch on. Jesus kept saying things like "Don't you understand it yet?" and "Are you still so dull?" (see Mark 7:18). Finally, however Peter "got it," at least one part of it. When Jesus asked, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ" (8:29).

Peter was right about the "who"--Jesus--but he was still wrong about the "how." When Jesus predicted His death, Peter rebuked Him for it. Jesus, in turn, rebuked Peter: "Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men" (v.33).

Peter was still thinking in human ways of establishing kingdoms. One ruler would overthrow another and set up a new government. He was expecting Jesus to do the same. But Christ's kingdom was going to come in a new way--through service and the sacrifice of His life.
--
The method God uses today hasn't changed. Satan's voice tempts us to gain power, but the voice of Jesus tells us that the meek will inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5). To gain citizens for God's kingdom, we must follow the example of Jesus, who set aside selfish ambitions, served others, and called people to repent of their sin.

We say we love humanity,
But can we really claim
A readiness to sacrifice
For them in Jesus' name?
-----
A Christian is an ambassador
who speaks for the King of kings.
ODB/JAL

The Influence of Our Convictions
Daniel 1:1-21

Although our circles of influence vary in size, we all have the power to affect others—either for good or bad. Whether at home, in the church, or in the world, our lives are on display. Many times we aren’t even aware of who is impacted by our words, attitudes, and actions.

Daniel didn’t set out with the purpose of making an impression on others, but something about him affected everyone who came in contact with him—from lowly servants to kings of empires. What made this young man stand out was his commitment to his convictions. He believed in the absolute truth of the Scriptures. When he was taken to Babylon, he “made up his mind” not to defile himself with the king’s food because he knew that eating meat offered to idols was forbidden by the Mosaic law.

Daniel’s convictions, not his environment, determined his behavior. Our world offers a multitude of ways to compromise on what we know is right, but if we’ll make up our minds ahead of time, we, too, can stand firm in our obedience to God. Although an unbelieving world may mock our values and lifestyle, their respect for us actually lessens when we waffle and give in to temptations. What’s worse, our witness for Christ is damaged.

Conviction about God’s truth is like an anchor. When the winds of opinion blow and the waves of temptation pound us, we can know with certainty the right way to respond. Don’t vacillate in your obedience to the Lord. Your unwavering stand for what’s right can powerfully influence others.
--

Creation Calls...

"How could I say there is no God, when all around creation calls...."



--I BELIEVE! I BELIEVE !

Revelation Song / Phillips, Craig, and Dean
--- Totally Awewsome! To God be all glory!



This song is so popular, that several of the posted,viewed videos have been blocked/deleted. So, we'll keep trying[b]! In Jesus Name![/b]

Praising the Lamb of God
-Read/Revelation 5
--
John’s revelation of heaven’s throne room is a striking picture of true praise. The place explodes with worship and adoration for Jesus. Those present—the elders and “myriads of myriads” of angels (v. 11)—are motivated to sing their love of Christ because they know who He is. He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (v. 6; John 1:29). And He is the Lion of Judah (Rev. 5:5), the only one worthy to judge the earth and bring forth its renewal. Jesus is wonderful, and these men and created beings cannot resist saying so.

What motivates you to worship? Shouldn’t the reason for lifting hands and voices be to praise our Savior for who He is? To do that, we must take the time to know Him. Opening the Scriptures only on Sunday and praying sporadically are not enough. We have to commit ourselves to discovering Him through regular Bible study, selfless prayer, and service to His kingdom.

Once a believer has glimpsed a side of Christ’s character that is bigger and more amazing than he realized before, he yearns to know more. He hungers and thirsts for God in His life because only the Lord can satisfy (Matt. 5:6). It is in worship that the Christian’s heart is filled.

Praise is part of a cycle: learn more of God’s character, love Him more deeply, worship and serve Him better, and receive spiritual fulfillment. Amazingly, even as we are satisfied, we crave more of His presence in our life. And so we dig into His Word for more and begin the cycle again.

--In Touch

-Disagreeing With God?

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
--(Psalm 139:13-15)

We sometimes believe a mouse in a lion’s den has better odds of success than we do. You flop miserably and descend yet another level into the basement of self-defeat!

Fear of insignificance creates the results it dreads! It arrives at the destination it tries to avoid. If you pass your days mumbling, “I’ll never make a difference; I’m not worth anything,” then guess what? You sentence yourself to a life of gloom without parole!

Even worse—you’re disagreeing with God. Questioning His judgment. Second-guessing His taste. According to God, you were ‘wonderfully made.’ He can’t stop thinking about you.

Why does He love you so much? The same reason the artist loves his paintings. You’re His idea!

And God only has good ideas!

--Max Lucado

-GLORIFYING
GOD IN LIFE
AND IN DEATH

John 21:12-19
---
This [Jesus] spoke,
signifying by what
death he would
glorify God.
--John 21:19
----
IT seems we most often think about how we can glorify God through our lives when we are active and strong. But I wonder if we should also consider how we might glorify God through our death.

After Peter denied Jesus three times (John 18:15-27), the Lord gave him an opportunity to reaffirm his love (21:15-17). Three times, Jesus asked, "Peter, do you love Me?" Then in a surprising change of subject, Jesus said: "'When you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.' This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, 'Follow Me'" (vv.18-19). Jesus told Peter that by an unchosen way of dying he would glorify God.

Paul said that it was his "earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death" (Phil. 1:20).

We can bring honor and glory to God as we live--and as we die.
---
-You are one of a kind---
designed to glorify God as only you can.

-ODB/DM

-Seated, Suited, Sane!
-Mark 5:1-20

"When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid." (Mark 5:15)

Jesus and the disciples make a trip across the Sea of Galilee to radically transform the life and soul of ONE man! If this man lived today, we would have him committed for being a danger to himself and society. He'd be as good as dead--living among the tombs.

But after a divine encounter with the Lord, the wild man's fellow countrymen find him seated, suited and sane! It's extraordinary. He had been completely and totally transformed!

To be seated in Scripture is to be at rest. Jesus sat down at the right hand of God the Father, finishing His work and redemption and taking His seat of power. Jesus gives the weary soul rest! To be clothed in Scripture is to have your nakedness or shame covered by the gracious provision of the Lord.

Adam and Eve were clothed with the robes of righteousness, animal skins provided through the shedding of blood. To be in your right mind is to be declared sane, of sound mind. The Spirit of God renews our minds so that we are able to have the mind of Christ!
--
While we are seated, suited and sane as believers, we look forward to our eternal rest, our new clothes and a perfected mind, in Christ!

--Haven Today/CM

-HOW TO GET
A NEW HEART

Ezekiel 36:26-31
---
I will give you a new
heart and put a new
spirit within you.
--Ezekiel 36:26
---
A friend who is a Cardiologist has an appreciation of Ezekiel 36:26 that not many of us can understand. Mike manages the pre-operation and post-operation care for heart-transplant patients. He's often in the operating room as surgeons remove diseased hearts and replace them with vibrant, pink "new" donor hearts.

Mike explains that the process for selecting who gets a "new" physical heart is similar to who can get a "new heart" from God (Ezek. 36:26). In both cases, need alone is the criterion.

Ezekiel's mention of the people of Israel someday getting a "new heart" is a foreshadowing of the change that takes place at salvation. Ephesians 4:24 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 refer to it as "new man" and "new creation." For the Israelites of Ezekiel's day and for those of us living today, only one criterion must be met for us to acquire
a "transplant." We must need it. It matters not whether we're rich or poor, respected or scorned. Citzenship, social status, and ethnicity are inconsequential. If we need a new heart from God, we can have one through faith in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection.

As sinners, all of us need a new heart. Have you had a spiritual heart transplant?

Christ asks you for nothing--
Come just as you are;
Come sinful, come guilty,
Come give Him your heart.
---
We need more than a new start--
We need a new heart!

--ODB/DB

-Life with God
-Colossians 3:1-4

"For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
--(Colossians 3:3)

When we want to keep something safe, we take it out of circulation and place it in a secure place. For some, this is a safety deposit box at the bank. For others, this is down in the basement, in locked cedar chest behind the Christmas decorations. Where does a person find safety and security? Would bodyguards, bullet-proof vehicles and lots of money provide it?

For the Christian, the first thing we must do is die!
Soul safety and security start with death to self and life with God. Do you see the irony here? Once we experience and process our worst fears, we are blessed with ultimate safety and security with Christ in God.

Our first layer of security is in Christ. Jesus said, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:28).

Our second layer of security is the Father; "My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand" (v.29).
Friend, you are safe in His everlasting arms.
---
-Christians are hidden in the hollow of TWO Almighty Hands!

--Haven Ministries/ No Regrets!

-Listen, You Are Chosen -
-Psalm 139:13-18

"The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'" (Jer. 1:4-5)
----
I used to dread team games in school. The best athletes were always chosen to be the captains and their task was to pick their team from the rest of us. Naturally they would begin with those they were confident would help them win. I was always at the end, desperately wondering who would have pity and choose me.

How deeply grateful I am that God isn't like that! His love for us is simply too great to cause us such shame. Throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, we read the life stories of ordinary men and women God chose and gifted for specific purposes: prophets, priests, kings, leaders, disciples, teachers, evangelists. They were ordinary, that is, until they listened to God's call.

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit." Jesus said in John 15:16. God is writing us, ordinary and sinful as we are, into His story,too. As we listen to His call, we can have hope and confidence that what He asks us to do, He will gift us to accomplish.
---
Ephesians 1:4 says God chose us "Before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight".
We are His chosen! Praise His Name forever!

--Haven Today

- Rest Only in Christ
-By: Henry Morris, Ph.D.

"But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark." (Genesis 8:9)

Unlike the raven, which Noah had sent out first, the dove could not live on the carrion floating on the flood waters. After nine months cooped up in the Ark, she had reveled in her freedom when Noah first released her from the window of the Ark. Unaware of the outside perils while safe with Noah, she flew gaily off into the open spaces beyond, just like many a professing Christian, eager to cast off the constraints of his or her parental religion. "And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness" (Psalm 55:6-7).

But the dove could find no rest away from Noah, whose very name means "rest"! His father, Lamech, by prophetic inspiration, had called his name Noah, saying, "This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord hath cursed" (Genesis 5:29). So she finally returned, finding rest once again in Noah's outstretched hands.

Just so, the Lord Jesus, in His greater ark of secure salvation, is waiting at its open window, with arms outstretched, inviting all those weary of the doomed world outside to return to Him. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

Christ's message to the weary wanderer is: "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, . . . return unto me; for I have redeemed thee" (Isaiah 44:22).
--ICR/HMM
-LISTEN CLOSELY TO THE WORDS, JESUS IS SPEAKING TO YOU!

-Watching for Christ's Return

"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. . . . Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." (Matthew 24:42, 44)

Those who try to predict Christ's return may become skeptical about biblical prophecy. But this would be a sad mistake. Regardless of just when it will happen, Christ will return, for so He promised, and He cannot either lie or fail. He has repeatedly made it plain that no one can determine the date of His coming. Not even He, while in His human limitations, knew that (Mark 13:32).

Again and again He urged us to watch and be ready for His return. He did not tell us to watch for the Antichrist or the revival of Rome's empire or a great apostasy or a great revival or a world government or anything else--just for Him! Note some of His commands to do this (in addition to the two in our text):

"Take ye heed, watch and pray, for ye know not when the time is" (Mark 13:33).

"Watch ye therefore: . . . Lest coming suddenly, he find you sleeping" (Mark 13:35-36).

"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh" (Matthew 25:13).

In addition to such exhortations by the Lord Himself, the apostles also sounded similar warnings:

"Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation" (Hebrews 9:28).

"Abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming" (1 John 2:28).
Space limitations preclude listing others, but again in the words of Christ: "And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch" (Mark 13:37).

--ICR/HMM

-The Beginning of Creation

"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God." (Revelation 3:14)

This salutation in the last of the seven church epistles in Revelation contains the last of four occurrences of the distinctive phrase, "the beginning of the creation." The glorified Christ here assumes this as one of His divine names. Note that even God's work of creation, long since completed (Genesis 2:1-3), had a beginning, and that beginning was Christ. "In the beginning was the Word, . . . All things were made by him" (John 1:1, 3).

The first two occurrences of this phrase also come from the lips of Christ. "From the beginning of the creation God made them male and female" (Mark 10:6). This assertion by the Creator, Jesus Christ (quoting Genesis 1:27), makes it unambiguously certain that Adam and Eve were created at the beginning of creation, not after the earth had already existed for 4.5 billion years. God also wrote this plainly on the tables of the law (Exodus 20:8-11). Those evangelicals who accept the geological ages evidently reject this clear statement of the creation's Creator!

Then Christ also referred to the end-times in the context of the beginning-times. "In those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be" (Mark 13:19).

The phrase is also used in Peter's very important prophecy concerning the scoffers of the end-times who will argue (in willful ignorance) that "all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation" (2 Peter 3:3-4), thereby denying that there ever was a real creation or real Creator and thus rejecting Christ Himself.

But He is also the "true witness" and the "Amen," and such denials will only be "unto their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16). HMM

-The Heavens Declare the Glory of God/ You Are THE WAY!

-The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world." PSALM 19:1-4

IN our society of cell phones and text messages, communication with each other seems easier than ever. But how does God speak to you?

God speaks to us today the same as He always has...in the skies...through His creation. We can know God...we can see the light of God...by simply looking up at the sky.

The Greek word for "man" in the ancient world and in your New Testament is "anthropos," which means "the upper-looking one." Animals look down, but God created man to look up into the heavens to see His glory and to experience His power in creation. God speaks to us in the starry skies!

Indeed, the heavens declare the glory of God. As the psalmist says, "Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge."

Creation is constantly, continually, and eternally speaking. And when we look into the creation, we know that because there is a creation, there must be a Creator!

Now, you may not be a morning person, but I'd encourage you...if you want to catch a glorious glimpse of your Creator...get up early one morning this week to watch the sun rise.

I can assure you, seeing His handiwork in creation will speak words of encouragement to your soul!

-TAKE A WALK OUTSIDE AND REDISCOVER THE GLORY OF GOD'S HANDIWORK!

-PLUGGED IN

-Isaiah 40:27-31
---
He gives power to
the weak, and to
those who have no
might He increases
strength.
--Isaiah 40:29
---
My wife was working at home on her computer recently when she suddenly noticed her laptop battery power was low and the computer was about to shut down. The computer was plugged in, though, so it shouldn't have been using the battery. Following the laptop cord to the extension cord, she finally noticed that the extension cord was actually plugged back into itself instead of the wall outlet! She looked at me, amused, and said, "There's a devotional in there somewhere."

As she said it, I was reminded of a passage of Scripture on the power of God: Isaiah 40:27-31. Isaiah identifies the true and unending Source of strength from which we must draw ours--"the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth" (v.28). Then he speaks to those whose strength is ebbing, encouraging them to wait on the Lord to find their strength renewed (vv.29-31).

Jesus spoke of us as branches abiding in Him as the Vine (John 15:4-5). It's a parallel to Isaiah's powerful closing, which promises that if we're plugged into God we will "run and not be weary,...walk and not faint" (Isa. 40:31).

When we are weary and distressed, we need to plug into the true Source of strength and life.
---
-The Creator of the universe knows no power failure.

--ODB/RK

-Together in Christ

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20)

This is a wonderful promise. Whether believers come together in church or a home Bible study or even just two together (like husband and wife) to fellowship around the name of the Lord Jesus, He is there also!

The Scriptures often speak of our togetherness with Him and therefore with one another. When we followed Him in baptism, we were "planted together in the likeness of his death" (Romans 6:5). Similarly, when He rose from the dead, God "hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:5-6). One day, we are told, "if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:17).

In our Christian walk right now, we are being "fitly framed together" as a "holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:21-22). We ought, therefore, to be "knit together in love" (Colossians 2:2), "perfectly joined together in the same mind" (1 Corinthians 1:10), and "striving together for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27).

Then one day, when Christ returns and the dead in Christ are raised, "we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

So, when we are together with Him, through the indwelling Spirit of Christ, whether in a congregation of thousands, or just together with one or two Christian companions, we rejoice in His presence, for He is our mighty Creator, our loving Savior, our caring Comforter, our unerring Guide, and our soon-coming King.
--ICR/HMM

-OFF-LIMITS

-Romans 5:1-8
---
For God so loved the
world that He gave
His only begotten
Son, that whoever
believes in Him
should not perish but
have everlasting life.
--John 3:16 -

AS a 12-year-old, I was curious about the Bible my dad was given when he retired from the paper mill. It came in a special cedar box marked THE HOLY BIBLE, and I assumed that "holy" meant it was off-limits to me. But still I peererd inside. In the center of the Bible was a picture of Jesus hanging on the cross, along with the words of John 3:16. There was also a see-through red film covering the page, which I assumed meant He bled and died.

Occasionally, when no one else was looking, I would gently pull the holy Book off the shelf, open the box, look at the picture of Jesus on the cross, read the verse, and wonder about this Man and why He died. I wondred if His love was meant for me or if it too was off-limits.

Several years later I heard a message about how God had provided access to His love through Jesus. Romans 5:1-2 tells us: "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand." I believed and received Jesus' salvation from my sin.

Aren't you thankful that the Bible and God's love aren't off-limits? Receive His forgiveness--it's meant for unholy people like you and me.

How precious is God's Holy Word--
Its pages every one!
They lead us to the Living Word--
To Jesus, God's dear Son.
---
-THE BIBLE IS GOD'S LOVE LETTER TO US. THAT INCLUDES YOU AND ME!
SALVATION IS A 'FREE GIFT', BUT IN ORDER TO BE A GIFT, WE MUST 'ACCEPT IT', FREE OF CHARGE!

--ODB/AC

-With Christ
-(Our Position by Faith)

"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:17)

One of the greatest doctrines of the Christian faith is the identification of Christ with His people in all the key events of His great work of salvation. For example, we are considered by God as dying with Him since He died for us. As Paul said, "I am crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20).

Furthermore, when Christ was buried, we were in effect buried also. "We are buried with him by baptism into death" (Romans 6:4). Then we are also resurrected with Christ. "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead" (Colossians 2:12).

But that is only the beginning of our great salvation. Christ then ascended to heaven, sat down on the right hand of the Father, and we are there with Him! "God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ. . . . And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-6).

Not even is this the end, for we are joint-heirs with Christ, as our text assures us. He has been "appointed heir of all things" (Hebrews 1:2), and we share His inheritance. "It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him" (2 Timothy 2:11-12).

Identified with Christ in His suffering, His death, His burial, His resurrection, His ascension, and then in His eternal reign! This is our position by faith.

When He returns, it will become actuality, "and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

--ICR/HMM

[This post is an Introduction to the book of EPHESIANS/ By:Max Lucado]

-The book of
-EPHESIANS --(Introducation)

-I just witnessed a beautiful wedding. The most beautiful I've ever seen. That says a lot since I've seen a lot. Ministers see many weddings. It's a perk of the profession. ~~~~
---
Is there anything more elegant than a wedding? Candles bathe a chapel in gold. Families fill the pews in love. Groomsmen and bridesmaids descend the aisles with bouquets of newness and rings of promise. What an occasion!

And nothing quite compares with that moment when the bride stands at the top of the aisle. Arm entwined with her father's, she takes those final steps with him and steps toward a new life with 'him'.

Ahhh, the glory of a wedding. So to say I just saw the most beautiful one is no small thing. What made these nuptials so unforgettable? The groom. Usually the groom is not the star of the wedding. The fellow is typically upstaged by the girl. But this wedding was made special by the groom.

It was enhanced by something he did.
And who he was made what he did even more startling. You see, he's a cowboy; a stocky fellow who went to college on a rodeo scholarship. But what stood by me was not a macho calf roper, but a pinch-me-I'm-dreaming boy who'd never seen a bride so gorgeous.

He was composed as he walked down the aisle. He was fine as he took his place at the altar.
But when he saw the bride, he wept.
It was the moment he'd dreamed of. It was as if he'd been given life's greatest gift--a bride in all her beauty. By the way, those are the very words Paul uses to describe the church: a bride in all her beauty.

Jesus died for the church so "that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish" (5:7).

Ponder that verse. Jesus died for 'a bride'. He died so He could be married. This passage anticipates the day when the groom will see His bride--when Christ will receive His church. Jesus' fondest longing will be fulfilled, His bride will arrive.

The letter to the Ephesians celebrates the beauty of the church--the Bride of Christ. From our perspective, the church isn't so pretty. We see the backbiting, the squabbling, the division. Heaven sees that, as well. But heaven sees more. Heaven sees the church as cleansed and made holy by Christ.

Heaven sees the church ascending to heaven. Heaven sees the Bride wearing the spotless gown of Jesus Christ.
It's enough to make one weep. ~~~
------

-Recognizing the Son of God
"For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (2 Peter 1:17)

Most people today consider Jesus Christ to have been a great man, but will not believe He is the unique Son of God. Nevertheless, He is indeed God's only begotten Son.

Before His birth, the angel Gabriel predicted it. "That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35). John the Baptist identified Him: "And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God" (John 1:34). His disciples recognized Him. "Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God" (John 1:49). "Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). John said that the very purpose of his gospel was to demonstrate "that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God" (John 20:31). After Christ's resurrection, even Thomas exclaimed, "My LORD and my God" (John 20:28).

The powers of darkness grudgingly acknowledged who He was: "And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God" (Mark 3:11). Even the centurion who supervised His crucifixion had to confess, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Matthew 27:54). Most important of all was the testimony of God the Father from heaven to Christ's Sonship, both at His baptism (e.g., Mark 1:11) and on the Mount of Transfiguration, as Peter records in our text.

Therefore it is necessary for our salvation that we also believe this. "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:18).
--ICR/HMM
(Please, if you know someone who is not saved, share this message with them. "There is no other name under heaven, given unto man whereby we must be saved." JESUS IS SAVIOR AND LORD!)

-GIVE THANKS
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
---
-In everythng give
thanks; for this is
the will of God in
Christ Jesus for you.
--1 Thess. 5:18
---
In Lansing, Michigan, we don't get many sunny days during the winter. But last year God blessed us with one of those beautiful days, and it seemed that almost everyone was thanking God, except me. As I left my office, a man said, "What a wonderful day we're having. This is a gift from God!" To which I replied, "Yes, but we're getting snow later this week." What ingratitude!

The apostle Paul helped his readers to develop a theology of gratitude. He wrote about thanksgiving more often than any other New Testament author. From the 23 times he used the word, we learn a few lessons about it.

Thanksgiving was always directed toward God and never toward people. People were gifts from God, and Paul thanked God for their growth, love, and faith (1 Cor. 1:4; 1 Thess. 1:2). Thanksgiving is given through Jesus for everything (Col. 3:15,17). Paul believed followers of Jesus could be thankful for everything because God is sovereign, and He is working things out for the believers'good (1 Thess. 5:18).

May we intentionally be aware of God's gifts all around us and respond with gratitude. In response to God's gifts, it's natural to say, "Thank You, Lord!"

'Lord, for days that are sunny or gray we simply
want to say, Thank You! And for the daily grace
You give us in Your Son, may we always be faithful
to say, Thank You! You are so good to us. In Christ Jesus.'
-----
-GRATITUDE IS A NATURAL RESPONSE TO GOD'S GRACE.

--ODB/MW

--God Came to Earth!
--- ---
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."- (John 1:1)

What does "the Word was God" in today's verse mean? It means "face to face with God." It describes the most intimate kind of communion and union.

Christ left the intimacy and "face-to-faceness" with God...He left the glory of heaven and the majesty of God's presence...and came to earth.

Think about that for a moment. Jesus left heaven to be born in a stable...to walk among men on the dirty streets of Galilee. He lived and died and rose again as a human being.

Isn't it amazing that God would walk among us? But why would He do this?

He did it because He loves you and me...and He wants you and me to come into a personal relationship with Him. But because we are separated from God by our sin, we can't know God or experience God or get near to God in His absolute holiness. So God came near. He came down in the person of Jesus Christ and paid the price for our sin by dying on the cross.

So let me ask you, how have you responded to Jesus Christ in your life?

If you've accepted Him as your personal Lord and Savior, I praise God that you've made the best decision you will ever make. But if you haven't made this decision what's stopping you from accepting God's free gift of eternal life right now?

--GOD CAME TO EARTH IN THE PERSON OF
JESUS CHRIST AND PAID THE PRICE FOR OUR SIN
BY DYING ON THE CROSS. THAT IS HIS CHRISTMAS
GIFT TO US. WON'T YOU PLEASE ACCEPT IT FROM
HIM TODAY? HE LOVES YOU SO MUCH!

-Omnipotent God--Held by His Love and Grace

-BIBLE MEDITATION:
"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." Jude 24
---

-DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Have you fussed and fumed through life's challenges, wondering if the Sovereign Creator of the Universe was on vacation? I have a message for you: The God who hung the stars, the God who poured the oceans, the God who raised the mountains, the God who knew you before you were knit together in your mother's womb, this sovereign God is your Savior. He is your King, and He is in control.

When you are plucked from the depths of sin, you are placed in the very hand of God! You can't climb up into the hand of God; you are placed into the hand of God. Hallelujah! Our efforts didn't get us there. His grace placed us there. And His love will keep us there forever.
-ACTION POINT:
-Read Psalm 139 and rejoice in the truth that God has created you and will make a way for you!

-Who Was the Babe in the Manger?
-By" John D. Morris, Ph.D.

During the Christmas season, we focus on the blessed fact that Jesus left His home in Heaven to come to earth as a Babe born in a lowly stable into a human family of modest means. But only an extensive treatment of the Christmas story in evangelical circles deals with the Babe's previous lofty position in Heaven and the redemptive goal of His mission on earth. Even then, much is ignored or omitted.

As is true for much of the New Testament, the Christmas story makes little sense without an understanding of the early chapters of Genesis. In fact, the message of Creation is The Big Picture—the work of Jesus Christ from eternity past to eternity future, with its central focus on Christ's death and resurrection—and it includes the Christmas story.

We must first recognize that the Babe, whose birthday we celebrate on Christmas day, was none other than the omnipotent Creator of all things. Paul, writing of the "Father's...dear Son" (Colossians 1:12,13) reveals that "by Him were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: All things were created by Him, and for Him" (v. 16).

Similarly, "All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made" (John 1:3).In order to fully understand the nature of the Christ child, we must back up and appreciate the flow of history. Scripture clearly reveals that while each Person of the Trinity participated in Creation—God the Son played the primary role. As Creator, He had the authority to set the rules for His creation, as well as to set the penalty for breaking the rules. Since God's primary attribute is His absolute holiness, He justly established the penalty for sin to be death (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23, etc.). When mankind chose to rebel against Him, the Holy Creator pronounced the just death penalty on all of Creation. Indeed, sin distorts everything, such that "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain" (Romans 8:22).

But this death penalty was also an act of God's grace, because by establishing a penalty for sin, it became possible for the Creator Himself to step into creation, become a Man without sin, Who did not deserve to die, Who then could die as a sacrificial substitute for sinful man, and redeem fallen creation under the guidelines He had established (Colossians 1:14, 20). Only the Creator could be the Redeemer, and He could redeem creation only by taking on the form of a man, experiencing all aspects of life. Therefore, He can even now identify with all problems of life which we encounter—from the womb, to the stable, to the garden, to the cross. Furthermore, the Creator's resurrection from the dead established victory over death and provides us eternal life, with our sins forgiven.

Finally, the Babe in the manger is the King of kings! Only the Creator is able to take the universe's throne and reign in majesty. "Thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: For Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11).

As we enjoy the warmth of this Christmas season, let us recognize and indeed revel in the complete Good News—Jesus Christ, the Babe in the Manger is the Sovereign Creator, the Holy Judge, the Sinless Sacrifice, the Victorious Conqueror, the King of kings and Lord of lords!
*Dr. John Morris is the President of ICR.

-Garments For The King
-By: Henry Morris, Ph.D.

“All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad” (Psalm 45:8).
---

--One of the most beautiful of the Christmas hymns (though rarely sung at Christmas) is “Out of the Ivory Palaces,” telling how the King of heaven left His heavenly home and laid aside His perfumed, royal clothing to enter “a world of woe.” That this 45th Psalm is symbolic in part is obvious; but that it refers to Christ is also obvious from its use in Hebrews 1:8: “But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom,” quoting Psalm 45:6.

That the eternal King left heaven to come to Earth is not symbolic, however, but very real; nor did He have royal robes in which to be arrayed, for they “wrapped (Him) in swaddling clothes” and laid Him “in a manger” (Luke 2:12).

Then, as He later walked the dusty roads of Judea, we know little of what He wore, but we do know that on one notable occasion, He “laid aside His garments; and took a towel, and girded Himself. . . . and began to wash the disciples’ feet” (John 13:4,5). A strange garment, and stranger action, for the King of glory!

Yet stranger still that men whom He had created, later “took His garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also His coat. . . . but cast lots for it” (John 19:23,24), leaving Him naked to die a painful death spiked to a tree. Finally, His little remnant of friends took “the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes” (John 19:40) for His burial.

Now, however, in glory, He once again is arrayed in kingly apparel, “clothed with a garment down to the foot, and . . . with a golden girdle” (Revelation 1:13), and one day, all His redeemed shall see Him—in His beauty—the King in whose law we delight!
--ICR/HMM
[Yes, Jesus came to earth as a little baby, born of a virgin, and grew to announce salvation for all the world through Him. You must accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, repent of your sins, and ask Him to come into your heart. By faith, He will forgive you and help you to live a Holy life. You will grow into being more like Jesus. It takes time. Yes, Jesus loves you (people), before they come to Him, but He refuses to leave you in sin, so you can one day go to heaven to live eternally with Him. Enjoy this song, explaining a little of His divinity. God Bless you and your loved ones and have MERRY CHRISTMAS! Thank you Russ, Laura and Herb Allure for this Bible forum. Great is your reward in heaven one day.]

--Your Identity
---
Your identity isn’t in your possessions, talents, tattoos, kudos, or accomplishments. Nor are you defined by your divorce, deformity, debt or dumb choices. You are God’s child. You get to call him “Papa.”

According to Scripture, Ephesians 3:12 invites you to approach God with freedom and confidence. I John 4:9-11 promises that you will receive the blessings of his special love and provision. Romans 8:17 says you will inherit the riches of Christ and reign with him forever.

If God loves you, you must be worth loving. If he wants to have you in his kingdom, then you must be worth having. God’s grace invites you—no, requires you—to change your attitude about yourself and take sides with God against your feelings of rejection. Let these words cement in your heart a deep, satisfying, fear-quenching confidence that God will never let you go.

-You belong to Him!
-From: GRACE/ML

--Union With Christ Our Privilege

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)

It is not only the privilege but the duty of every Christian to maintain a close union with Christ and to have a rich experience in the things of God. Then his life will be fruitful in good works. Said Christ, "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit" (John 15:8). When we read the lives of men who have been eminent for their piety we often regard their experiences and attainments as far beyond our reach. But this is not the case.

Christ died for all; and we are assured in His word that He is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. The prophets and apostles did not perfect Chritian character by a miracle. They used the means which God had placed within their reach; and all who will put forth the same effort will secure the same results.

Christ died for you and me. Why? Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. He took our place on the Cross. All of our filthy, sinful ways of living were dumped on His shoulders. He did that so we wouldn't have to. Now what will we do for Him? Only believe. Accept His 'free gift' of eternal life and ask Him to come into your life. He loves you so much. He took all the sins of the entire world on His shoulders so that we might have eternal life with Him. Please, ask Him to come into your life, and He will change you from the inside out.

[Please, maybe close your eyes, and listen to the words of this song. "O,... How He Loves Us"]

--Together with Christ

--"Even when we were dead in sins, [God] hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:5-6)

In these two marvelous verses the word "together" appears three times, referring in each case to our spiritual union with Jesus Christ. Three different words are used, each being compounded with the Greek sun, meaning "together with." The first combination means "made alive with"; the second, "resurrected with"; the third, "seated with."

All of these verbs are given in the past tense, stressing that, as far as God's own word is concerned, we have been already seated eternally in the heavens with Christ, having been born again with His own life spiritually and raised from the dead physically. All of these blessings were given to us "even when we were dead in sins," not because of our good works or by our good intentions, but only "by grace ye are saved."

The remarkable truth is that this doctrine of our eternal union with Christ, given and maintained only by His grace, does not lead to carelessness or sinfulness as some allege, but to a desire for a holy, God-honoring life. "God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? . . . like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:2, 4).

The regenerate nature implanted by the Holy Spirit, a heart of gratitude for Christ's sacrificial love for us, and the wonderful promises in God's word, all combine to transform our lives making us new creatures in Christ, knowing that henceforth we shall "ever be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

--ICR/ HMM

--The King's Table

--BIBLE MEDITATION:
-"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20

-DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
A man once told me, "Back in the depression, we had three meals a day. We had oatmeal for breakfast, corn meal for dinner, and no meal for supper."

You may feel like that. You may not feel as if you have much now. But I don't care what is set on your table today. Friend, listen, when you become a Christian, whether or not you have a freezer full of filet mignon, it makes no difference. There's Someone else Who prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemies, and He is the Lord Jesus Christ. As a Christian, you eat at the King's table.

-ACTION POINT:
If you have opened the door to Him, you feast in Him. You are in the Lord's fellowship! You sit at His table! And no matter how poor you are, you eat with the King! Open your heart's door to the Lord Jesus Christ.

--Adrian Rogers

--Choice, Change, Challenge

"If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his Cross and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24)

--What is a true Christian?-

-First, a Christian is a person who has made a choice. We have to choose--just as Adam and Eve did in the garden of Eden--to obey God or rebel against Him. We make that choice initially when we commit our lives to Christ, but we also make that choice day by day, moment by moment. What kind of choices are you making?

-Second, a Christian is a person whose life has been changed. That transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit. The moment you receive Christ--the moment you choose Him--the Spirit of God comes to live in your heart. What changes have taken place in your life--your thoughts, feelings, behavior, goals, relationships--since you chose to follow Jesus?

-Third, a Christian is a person who has accepted a challenge. The challenge is Jesus' call to deny self--our own selfish ambitions, our own selfish sinful pleasures--and take up our Cross. In what ways are you denying yourself in order to follow Jesus?

--Choice, change, and challenge--these should characterize every Christian. Are they true of you?

--Hope For Each Day/BG

--God's Presence a Reality -

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
(Hebrews 11:1)

Moses did not merely think of God; he saw him. God was the constant vision before him; he never lost sight of his face. He saw Jesus as his Saviour, and he believed that the Saviour's merits would be imputed to him. This faith was to Moses no guess-work; it was a reality. This is the kind of faith we need,--faith that will endure the test. Oh, how often we yield to temptation, because we do not keep our eye upon Jesus! Our faith is not continuous, because, through self-indulgence, we sin, and then we can not endure, as "seeing him who is invisible."

Make Christ your daily, hourly companion, and you will not complain that you have no faith. Contemplate Christ. View his character. Talk of him. The less you exalt self, the more you will see in Jesus to exalt. God has a work for you to do. Keep the Lord ever before you. Reach up higher and still higher for clearer views of the character of Christ.

When Moses prayed, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory," the Lord did not rebuke him, but he granted his prayer. God declared to his servant, "I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of Jehovah before thee." We keep apart from God, and this is why we do not see the revealings of his power.

--"Show Me Your Face"
<http://youtu.be/XLWPsLIM1sA>
----

--The Beauty God Gives To You~~

"And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."
---1 Peter 1:17-19

A very vain woman went to get some photos taken one day. She spent hours with the photographer, getting just the right angles with the perfect lighting. By the end of the day, the photographer was exhausted and the woman was irritated because she didn’t think the pictures were going to turn out well.

When she received the proofs, her fears were confirmed. She hated every single one of them. 'So she called up the photographer and let him have it. “These pictures,” she shouted, “none of them do me justice.”'
At his wit’s end, the photographer said, “Lady, you don’t need justice; you need mercy!”

We can’t physically see the filthiness and ugliness of sin on our souls. And while many people might think they’d look just fine if they sent their spiritual photo to God, the truth is that no amount of makeup or Photoshop could ever do us “justice” in His eyes. We need mercy!

But the good news is that God’s mercy is available to us. Through Christ, we can have God’s goodness and His pardon from all our sins. Because of that, God sees us as having the righteousness and beauty of Christ, which covers all sin. He took all 'our sin' upon Himself, and gave us 'His mercy'. This season of thanks, spend time thanking God for the remarkable gift of mercy He’s given you!

THANK GOD THAT THROUGH CHRIST’S MERCY, HE COVERS EVERY SPOT AND BLEMISH OF SIN AND SEES YOU AS HAVING THE BEAUTY OF JESUS!

--CREATED BY CHRIST ~~

-To understand this regarding Christ being our Creator, you must first acknowledge that we serve a Triune God. God the Father, God the Holy Spirit and God the Son, Jesus. They are all One and the same. Accept this by faith.(Read: Colossians Chapter 1:15-23).

--This Can't Be Happening!
--Exodus 3:1-14

--"...Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, 'I will go over and see this strange sight--why the bush does not burn up.'"
--(Exodus 3:2-3)

-Right in front of Moses there stood a burning bush. Or should we say it was a non-burning bush? If Moses thought, "This can't be happening," he was right! It was logically impossible. A bush cannot be on fire yet not burning at the same time. But there it was--the perfect object to illustrate the lesson that followed.

Essentially, Moses asked God, What is your name?" God's amazing answer was, "I AM WHO I AM." To Moses' mind this was logically impossible, too. Egyptian gods were named after a part of nature or after some attribute they possessed. But this God said He existed with no reference or dependence on anything else. Even today we have difficulty imagining One who exists entirely in and of Himself.

Yet this God who simply 'is who He is' draws near and teaches us about Himself. Not only did He enter our frame of reference through objects like a burning bush, but He entered our world as a man: Jesus. we see that with God nothing is impossible. For Him, even the impossible is a possibility.

--God has revealed Himself to us through His Son who walked among us so that we might better understand what we cannot grasp. Only believe, all things are possible with our great Creator.

--Anchor~~=/ Phillips, Craig & Dean, -'The Great I AM'
<http://youtu.be/y_VR-zwp2KA>
-----------

----HOW TO SHARE CHRIST
---IN A POST-CHRISTIAN ERA~~

--"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the Word of life." --Philippians 2:14-16 ~~

-AS WE look around the globe at what is happening to the Church, it's abundantly clear that North America is slowly moving into what's being called the "post-Christian" era. This shift was predicted over 50 years ago, and is now becoming reality as Christian thinking is no longer guiding our culture.

In addition to a lessening of Christian thought in the public forum, we're also seeing a watering down of the faith in many churches that are becoming indifferent toward issues like premarital sex, abortion, homosexuality, and the exclusiveness of Christ as the way to to Heaven.

This is happening. So we as the Church can either shake our heads and turn our backs on culture, or we can find new ways to engage people in this post-Christian era with the Gospel. But doing that will take getting outside of our comfort zones and investing more time and energy into connecting with people who know nothing of Christ.

The reward will be worth it, but we have to do the work first. Spend time getting to know the non-Christians around you. Of course, do not join in doing things that bring reproach on the name of Jesus Christ. Engage them as friends, live out the love of Christ, and let the Gospel flow from there!
---
--Share Christ in a post-Christian era by engaging others
as friends and showing them the love of Christ.~~

--PP/JG

-SURRENDER TO CHRIST~
-Read Deuteronomy 6:1-9

-"Hear, O Israel: The
LORD our God the...
LORD is one! You shall
love the LORD your God.
---Deuteronomy 6:4-5
---
-From God's point of view, life with Him is far more than just trying to be good. It is always about relationship--relationship in which surrender is the way we express our grateful love to Him. Jesus, in amazing love for us, surrendered Himself on the Cross to rescue us from our helpless bondage to sin and set us on a journey to all that is good and glorious.

We don't have enough words to tell God how much we love Him! So, let's show Him our love by surrendering our hearts and lives to follow Him.
-----
--SURRENDER IS GOD'S LOVE LANGUAGE.

--ODB/JS =WITH ALL I AM~~ Hillsong~~
<http://youtu.be/rZYPfYe77PA>
------

---The Whole World in His Hands

--BIBLE MEDITATION:
“And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.” Colossians 1:17

--DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
-We sing about the Lord having the whole world in His hands. But do you know what is more remarkable than that? He has the whole universe in His hands.

He’s the One who spoke it into existence. He’s the One who keeps it going. He’s the One who is going to fold it up like a garment and tuck it away in a drawer somewhere. He regulates it; He rules it and He runs it.

When you pick up the newspaper and read something alarming, you don’t need to panic. Instead, remember Who has it under His control. He who flung the stars in space has the whole universe in His hands!

--ACTION POINT:
Take the hand of a child today and look at the stars twinkling in the night sky or a flower beginning to bloom. Then share about the awesome Creator and Sustainer of all.~
--Adrian Rogers~~
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-PSALM 33 ~~ The Sovereignty of the LORD in Creation and History ~~(please be blessed by reading all of Psalm 33/ below are selected verses.)

-REJOICE IN THE LORD, O YOU RIGHTEOUS!
-For praise from the upright is beautiful
-Praise the LORD with the harp;
Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.
Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

By the word of the LORD the Heavens were made.
And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.
He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
He lays up the deep in storehouses.

Let all the earth fear the LORD.
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.

The LORD looks from Heaven;
He sees the plans of the peoples of no effect.
The counsel of the Lord stands forever.
The plans of His heart to all generations.
Blessed is the Nation whose God is the LORD.

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope in His mercy,
To deliver their soul from death,
And to keep them alive in famine.

Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You.~~
~~~~~~~
-"CREATION CALLS--stunningly beautiful handiwork of our Lord."
<http://youtu.be/Qsszg-_8DdE>

--Brotherly Love~~
--Romans 12:6-21

'Be kindly affectionate
to one another
with brotherly love,
in honor giving
preference to one
another.'
--Romans 12:10
----
Romans 12:6-21 speaks of God's gifts to us as members of the body of Christ and how we should use them in everyday life. All of them are outward in focus. Teaching, for example, is not for the teacher's self-fulfillment but for the benefit of others. So too with the other gifts mentioned in verses 6 through 8. Paul summarized this openhanded approach by urging us to "be devoted to one another in brotherly love." (see text)

Paul exemplified this attitude by including others in his ministry and investing his life in the next generation of believers. Generosity, hospitality, forgiveness, and compassion guided his behavior.

Our goals in life should include giving away the gifts God has given to us.~~
---
-For a healthier spiritual life, exercise
humility and care for others. ~~ Be a 'GIVER' in your time, talents, special needs, and finances. We need each other.
/ 'IN WONDER'-NEWSBOYS-(the video is fantastic, you may want to go easy with the sound.
<http://youtu.be/a5wZV83Je4A?list=PL0_yyeSqPnXY-cvE3-qRIUllhmfgg3iJS>

---THE ONE AND ONLY GOD~~

--BIBLE MEDITATION:
“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
--- (Exodus 34:14)

--DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
--God is a jealous God. Now, that may sound like a bad attribute. But to God it is a holy attribute.
You see, I have no right to be jealous of another preacher because I am not the only preacher in the world. I do not own preaching. On the other hand, there is only one God.

--Exodus 20:2-3 says, “I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” And when asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37).

--ACTION POINT:
When you die to self and worship God, you will begin to experience the fullness of God in a way that transforms your life.
---Adrian Rogers~~
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--JESUS IS YOUR SUFFICIENCY~~

-"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things may have an abundance for every good work."
---(2 Corinthians 9:8)

-"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
---(Philippians 4:19)

-"And His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."
--(2 Peter 1?3,4)

--"Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
Whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed." --
--(Romans 3:24,25)

--"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting live."
--(John 6:47)

-"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus."--(Galatians 3:26)

"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 1:12)

-"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
whom he has given us.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us, in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
--(Romans 5:5-8)

--"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life."
--(1 John 5:20)[NKJV]/ God of Wonders/ Third Day
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M8XK2w7wmw>

--The Lord Jesus Offers His Love, Grace and Mercy to Everyone. But each person must accept it personally, individually.

'Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin.' Jesus Paid Our Sin Debt. Do you want to have Him for your Savior? That is your decision. No one can make it for you. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."

-"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10)

--BIBLE MEDITATION:
--“...the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11.

--DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
There are three words that came together at Calvary:

----• justice
----• mercy
----• grace

Justice is getting what we deserve. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we don’t deserve.

But wait a minute; grace is more than that! It is grace that gives at great cost to the giver. It is not cheap. Grace cost the life of God’s Son. Jesus gave freely of Himself in agony and blood.

Did you know that grace has to chase us down? If God didn’t run faster than us, we would never be saved! Grace seeks to give to vile and wicked people that which they don’t deserve and can never deserve.

--ACTION POINT:
Are you a grace-giver? Find someone today and do a favor for them – something for which they couldn’t possibly repay you. Perhaps it will even be for a stranger you will never see again.
Be sure to look for an opportunity to share the 'message of salvation, only through Jesus,' to those around you.
Psalm 23 tells us 'The Lord is My Shepherd'. He cares for His sheep, watches over them, and makes sure they have access to Him, for their needs. Won't you ask Him to be your Shepherd as well. He is waiting. Jesus loves you so much that He died on the Cross of Calvary to keep you and me out of Hell. Accept His extended hand, and be saved! ~~

--Adrian Rogers

--CONNECTING THE DOTS~~

"Beginning with Moses
and all the Prophets,
he explained to them
what was said in all
the Scriptures concerning
himself." -(Luke 24:27)
----
-IN THE 1880s French artist Georges Seurat introduced an art form known as pointillism. As the name suggests, Seurat used small dots of color, rather than brush strokes of blended pigments, to create an artistic image. Up close, his work looks like groupings of individual dots. Yet as the observer steps back, the human eye blends the dots into brightly colored portraits or landscapes.

The big picture of the Bible is similar. Up close, its complexity can leave us with the impression of dots on a canvas. As we read it, we might feel like Cleopas and his friend on the road to Emmaus. They couldn't understand the tragic "dotlike" events of the Passover weekend. They had hoped that Jesus "was the one was was going to redeem Israel" (LUKE 24:21), but they had just witnessed His death.

Suddenly a man they did not recognize was walking alongside them. After showing an interest in their conversation, He helped them connect the dots of the suffering and death of their long-awaited Messiah. Later, while eating a meal with them, Jesus let them recognize Him--and then He left as mysteriously as He came.

-Was it the scarred dots of the nail wounds in His hands that caught their attention? We don't know. What we do know is that when we connect the dots of Scripture and Jesus' suffering (VV.27,44), we see a God who loves us more than we can imagine.~~
--ODB/MD--/ --'Christ in Me' / Jeremy Camp ~
--<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ngYXJiqHMg>
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