- The faithful saints are brothers in Him
- He is our hope laid up in heaven
- God is His Father
- His Gospel constantly bears fruit
- His Gospel is the grace of God in truth
- His saints are filled with the knowledge of His will
- Spiritual wisdom and understanding
- Walk in a manner pleasing to Him
- Increase in the knowledge of God
- Strengthened with all power
- Steadfast and patient
- Joyously giving thanks
- Jesus rescued us from the domain of darkness into His Kingdom
- He redeemed us by forgiving us our sins
- He is the image of the invisible God
- He is pre-eminent the firstborn of creation
- He is the Creator of all things--through and for Him
- He is the Sustainer of all things--they hold together in Him
- He is the head of the church
- He is the beginning the first born and first place in everything
- All of God's fullness dwells in Him
- God reconciled all things in Him
- Peace with God is found through Him
- He presents us holy and blameless and beyond reproach.
- Jesus' Gospel is the mystery of all ages--Gentiles and Jews saved through Him.
- Completes men in Him.
- Christ Himself is all the wealth--full assurance of understanding.
- All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him.
- Stability of faith is found in Jesus Christ.
- He is head over all rule and authority.
- He cancelled out the debt of our sin.
- He triumphed over the rulers and authorities having disarmed them.
- Only He is of value over fleshly indulgences.
- Seek things above and not earthly things.
- He is seated at the right hand of the Father.
- My evil life is hidden with Christ in God.
- Believers are revealed with Him in glory.
- Our true self is being renewed into the likeness of Christ.
- Christ is all and in all believers.
- His peace rules in our hearts.
- His Word dwells richly in us.
- All is about Jesus Christ. He is our all in all.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
The Excellencies of Christ
I've been doing some counseling homework and one of my assignments was to read through Colossians and find some of the excellencies of Jesus Christ. Here's what I've found:
Friday, October 19, 2012
Personal Update
It's been awhile since I've updated my blog. There are reasons for that and someday I may explain them. In the meantime I appreciate your prayers for all those who have and are coming along side me to help. The other day I made a list of some of the things believers who are "In Christ" possess from Ephesians One.
- Righteousness
- Heavenly citiznship
- Every Spiritual blessing
- Holiness and blamelessness
- Redemption
- Forgiveness of sin
- Grace lavished upon us.
- An inheritance
- Predestined to believe
- Holy Spirit's sealing
- Spirit of wisdom and revelation in His knowledge
- Adoption by the Father
- Freedom
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
To Die is Gain
Last week I attended the first session of a discipleship training program at my church. It's entitled "Battling Unbelief" by Dr. John Piper. As I was reviewing my notes with a friend tonight there were a number of compelling truths. For one I realized how much of a God glory stealer I am. I walk in my flesh far too many times that I care to admit. Each time I think I'm serving God and I am the giver I steal His glory. As Dr. Piper stated we are in danger to believe that we serve God in the sense that He needs us somehow. Wrong! He is the giver and we are the getters. It is not by my strength but only by His Spirit does any believer do anything and that is to God's own glory.
I loved how Dr. Piper described God's grace as a flowing river. We as a people are empty, needy, hungry and thirsty. God's river of grace flows throughout our entire lives and allows us to live in joy knowing that He will be faithful to His promises. We need not worry but can revel in the joy of knowing God will be true. We may and often are not true, but no so Him. Dr. Piper said that God in seeking His glory seeks the goodness of His creatures. The believer's good is God Himself. Unfortunately during the past few weeks the Lord has been showing me in what things I seek satisfaction. It is biblical shaming to admit what are some of them. I mean really! TV over Jesus Christ? Food over the Sovereign Savior? Love of a dog over the Creator of the Universe? Judge Judy over Judge Jesus? What folly as the Scripture would label it.
The DVD then turned to a discussion on Philippians 1: 20 -23 and how to live is Christ and to die is gain. For a believer to die is to gain Jesus Christ in His full glory. We shall see him just as He is. Death is very much better as it says in the NASB. Jesus is given much honor in the death of the redeemed. I do believe whole heartedly that death is gain. I am not too excited at the prospect of the means of death.
I spend a lot of time at a local assisted living center. This past week three of the residents passed away. I knew and talked to them all. Two had been there just a short time and the other resided for a year or two I think. When you walk in the front door, there is a picture of the deceased with the dates of birth and death listed. I don't like finding out that way but that's the way it's done. It always sobers me. The first question I ask the picture is "where are you now?"
Regardless of their being in heaven or hell I know that if they were able to return all of them to a person would say to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who are in heaven would do so overwhelmed by the Glory of God revealed in His goodness, grace, love and mercy Those in hell would do so overwhelmed by the Glory of God revealed in His holiness, justice, law and purity. Either way God's glory is revealed. However, I as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ must encourage all who read to choose A over B. Believe now, repent now, confess Jesus Christ now. Hell is a horrible price to pay for waiting. All creatures will glorify God. The only issue left unresolved is from what place? May your desire truly be to live is Christ but to die is gain.
I loved how Dr. Piper described God's grace as a flowing river. We as a people are empty, needy, hungry and thirsty. God's river of grace flows throughout our entire lives and allows us to live in joy knowing that He will be faithful to His promises. We need not worry but can revel in the joy of knowing God will be true. We may and often are not true, but no so Him. Dr. Piper said that God in seeking His glory seeks the goodness of His creatures. The believer's good is God Himself. Unfortunately during the past few weeks the Lord has been showing me in what things I seek satisfaction. It is biblical shaming to admit what are some of them. I mean really! TV over Jesus Christ? Food over the Sovereign Savior? Love of a dog over the Creator of the Universe? Judge Judy over Judge Jesus? What folly as the Scripture would label it.
The DVD then turned to a discussion on Philippians 1: 20 -23 and how to live is Christ and to die is gain. For a believer to die is to gain Jesus Christ in His full glory. We shall see him just as He is. Death is very much better as it says in the NASB. Jesus is given much honor in the death of the redeemed. I do believe whole heartedly that death is gain. I am not too excited at the prospect of the means of death.
I spend a lot of time at a local assisted living center. This past week three of the residents passed away. I knew and talked to them all. Two had been there just a short time and the other resided for a year or two I think. When you walk in the front door, there is a picture of the deceased with the dates of birth and death listed. I don't like finding out that way but that's the way it's done. It always sobers me. The first question I ask the picture is "where are you now?"
Regardless of their being in heaven or hell I know that if they were able to return all of them to a person would say to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who are in heaven would do so overwhelmed by the Glory of God revealed in His goodness, grace, love and mercy Those in hell would do so overwhelmed by the Glory of God revealed in His holiness, justice, law and purity. Either way God's glory is revealed. However, I as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ must encourage all who read to choose A over B. Believe now, repent now, confess Jesus Christ now. Hell is a horrible price to pay for waiting. All creatures will glorify God. The only issue left unresolved is from what place? May your desire truly be to live is Christ but to die is gain.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Personal Update
Obviously I haven't been blogging as consistenly as I once did! I hope that in the days to come I can be more consistent again. Many of you know that I am experiencing some health issues that have yet to be resolved. I am grateful for all that the Lord is doing and trust that His purging, refining and shaping of my character is His best and good for me at this time. I know I fail greatly but it is my heart to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Trials are hard. Here on earth is our only opportunity to suffer well for the Lord. I appreciate your prayers and am grateful for all for have come alongside in so many ways. How precious is the family of God. How grateful I am that the Lord has placed me in the middle of such gracious believers. To Him be the glory.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
The Loveliness of Christ--Samuel Rutherford
About a month or so ago a friend gave me a book called "The Loveliness of Christ" by Samuel Rutherford. It is a small book written by Rutherford who was a 17th century Scottish Christian. I had read some of the book and then set it aside for a few weeks. Since May 17th I haven't read much of anything except I John. Many of you that I am suffering a health crisis of sorts and haven't been able to eat well. I have a chronic pain under my right rib cage that radiates to my back. But the health care professionals haven't been able to find anything wrong. During the last few days I am realizing by the grace of God a few of the lessons the Lord is teaching me. I don't want to waste this crisis and not come away from it changed.
I was talking with a friend on the phone this afternoon. I picked up the book and read the marked page. "Whether God come to his children with a rod or a crown, if he come Himself with it, it is well. Welcome, welcome Jesus, what may soever thou come, if we can get a sight of thee; and sure I am it is better to be sick, providing Christ come to the bedside and draw the curtains, and say, Courage, I am thy salvation, than to enjoy health, being lusty and strong and never need to be visited of God." His comments penetrated my heart. It's where I am right now or perhaps I should say finally. I would rather have Jesus than silver or gold even if it means sickness that may or may not improve.
I've struggled hard with this current issue.It feels like in some ways I, like Jacob, am wrestling with God. My flesh dies hard but die it must. Samuel Rutherford wrote a second page that was equally compelling. "I am half content to have boils for my Lord Jesus' plaisters. Sickness hath this advantage, that it draweth our sweet Physician's hand and his holy and soft fingers to touch our withered and leper skins; it is a blessed feverthat fetcheth Christ to the bedside--I think my Lord's 'How doest thou with it, sick body? is worth all my pained nights." Another tidbit of Rutherford's is "One year's time of heaven shall swallow up all sorrows, even beyond comparison."
Here's another bit of wisdom from Samuel Rutherford. "I wonder how many times that ever a child of God should have a sad heart, considering what their Lord is preparing for them." There is no truer thought than this! What a beautiful thought The Lord has gone to prepare a place for us. Our eternity will be in heaven with Him. To live is Christ but to die is gain. It is the very much better thing as Paul says in Philippians 1: 23. May we live this life to glorify Christ but how much better to be in heaven in HIs presence forever. It truly is a win win situation for all who believe.
I was talking with a friend on the phone this afternoon. I picked up the book and read the marked page. "Whether God come to his children with a rod or a crown, if he come Himself with it, it is well. Welcome, welcome Jesus, what may soever thou come, if we can get a sight of thee; and sure I am it is better to be sick, providing Christ come to the bedside and draw the curtains, and say, Courage, I am thy salvation, than to enjoy health, being lusty and strong and never need to be visited of God." His comments penetrated my heart. It's where I am right now or perhaps I should say finally. I would rather have Jesus than silver or gold even if it means sickness that may or may not improve.
I've struggled hard with this current issue.It feels like in some ways I, like Jacob, am wrestling with God. My flesh dies hard but die it must. Samuel Rutherford wrote a second page that was equally compelling. "I am half content to have boils for my Lord Jesus' plaisters. Sickness hath this advantage, that it draweth our sweet Physician's hand and his holy and soft fingers to touch our withered and leper skins; it is a blessed feverthat fetcheth Christ to the bedside--I think my Lord's 'How doest thou with it, sick body? is worth all my pained nights." Another tidbit of Rutherford's is "One year's time of heaven shall swallow up all sorrows, even beyond comparison."
Here's another bit of wisdom from Samuel Rutherford. "I wonder how many times that ever a child of God should have a sad heart, considering what their Lord is preparing for them." There is no truer thought than this! What a beautiful thought The Lord has gone to prepare a place for us. Our eternity will be in heaven with Him. To live is Christ but to die is gain. It is the very much better thing as Paul says in Philippians 1: 23. May we live this life to glorify Christ but how much better to be in heaven in HIs presence forever. It truly is a win win situation for all who believe.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Names of God Part II
Below are some other names for God that can bring much comfort and peace in any situation. The past few months I realize just how much I walk in unbelief. I grieve over my lack of trust in God and His Word. For those who didn't get a chance to hear Dr. Stuart Scott's sermon as he preached at Calvary Bible Church here's a link: http://cbcfortworth.org/media.php?pageID=22. It's worth the 45 minutes or so for you to hear him. He challenged us in terms of our faith. So many of us go from event to event and don't learn what the Lord may be teaching us in the trrial. It helped me immensely. He called it "Suffering and Going Through Trials." The Lord who calls Himself the names below is worthy of our full trust and wants our faith to grow. As Dr. Scott said we have all the faith we need it's a matter of exercising it and cause it to grow. Some of you who do not believe in Jesus Christ, may even want to listen. It's a good discussion of faith. Here are some more names of the One in whom Christians trust.
Jehovah Jireh: God will provide all that we need to live our lives for Him. This is the name give by Abraham to the mount on which the angel of the Lord appeared to him and not only arrested the sacrifice of Isaac, but provided a ram in his place. This name of God is a memorial to all future generations, to encourage all who believe God to obey his will and persevere in his ways.
El Shaddai: El-Shaddai means God Almighty. El points to the power of God Himself. Shaddai signifies one who nourishes, supplies, and satisfies. It is God as El who helps, but it is God as Shaddai who abundantly blesses with all manner of blessings. God desires to bless man and provide in abundance all of mans needs. Only an all powerful God can bless all mankind with all manner of blessings.
El Olam: This name has come to mean the unchanging, eternal God. The word Olam originally meant that which was hidden or concealed as in being unknown. The Jews would speak of the future in terms of Olam or eternity or everlasting. When the word is applied to God it conveys the idea of His immutability or his unchangableness. El Olam never changes.
Jehovah M'Keddesh:
Sanctification is the same Greek word as holiness, “hagios” meaning a separation. First, it is a once for all positional separation unto Christ at our salvation. Second, it is progressive holiness in a believer’s life while awaiting the return of Christ. Third, it is the fact that we will be changed into His perfect likeness—holy, sanctified and completely separated from the presence of evil (Ryrie).
Jehovah Jireh: God will provide all that we need to live our lives for Him. This is the name give by Abraham to the mount on which the angel of the Lord appeared to him and not only arrested the sacrifice of Isaac, but provided a ram in his place. This name of God is a memorial to all future generations, to encourage all who believe God to obey his will and persevere in his ways.
El Shaddai: El-Shaddai means God Almighty. El points to the power of God Himself. Shaddai signifies one who nourishes, supplies, and satisfies. It is God as El who helps, but it is God as Shaddai who abundantly blesses with all manner of blessings. God desires to bless man and provide in abundance all of mans needs. Only an all powerful God can bless all mankind with all manner of blessings.
El Olam: This name has come to mean the unchanging, eternal God. The word Olam originally meant that which was hidden or concealed as in being unknown. The Jews would speak of the future in terms of Olam or eternity or everlasting. When the word is applied to God it conveys the idea of His immutability or his unchangableness. El Olam never changes.
Jehovah M'Keddesh:
Sanctification is the same Greek word as holiness, “hagios” meaning a separation. First, it is a once for all positional separation unto Christ at our salvation. Second, it is progressive holiness in a believer’s life while awaiting the return of Christ. Third, it is the fact that we will be changed into His perfect likeness—holy, sanctified and completely separated from the presence of evil (Ryrie).
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Names of God
During out Thursday Morning Ladies Bible Study at our church we are using some of the names of God to spur our worship of the Lord. It is an interesting and insightful thing to examine the different ways God refers to Himself. Some of them include the following:
Jehovah Tsidqenu: Consider the meaning of the word “tsedek.” The name Jehovah-Tsidkenu draws its meaning from this word. Some say the word has within it the meaning of “stiff” or “straight.” It is a word that is used in relation to God’s dealing with men. Though difficult to translate, it has to do with such things as justification, righteousness, and acquittal. When coupled with the name “Jehovah,” it means that all He does is ever and only righteous. He is the sole source of all that is righteous and good.
Jehovah Nissi: This is the name Moses gave to an altar he erected on a hill after the successful battle against the Amalekites. God’s name reflects the gracious help given by Jehovah in His providence in the affairs of men. Christians fail to have victory in life when God is not their banner. Sometimes we want God to follow and bless our plans. God the Banner must always be in the forefront of our lives, leading the way if we are to be victorious believers. He is the source of our overcoming!
El Roi: No one seemed to care about Hagar and her unborn child, Ishmael, or to monitor their well being in the desert. No One cared but El Roi—You Are The God Who Sees (Genesis ). Sarah had mistreated Hagar and sent her away into the wilderness. There in the desert, feeling the misery of her past and the uncertainty of her future, Hagar met God who saw her, took care of her and met her needs. This same El Roi sees our misery, our painful pasts and current trials and He is the God Who Sees to us. He is so watchful that He knows the very number of hairs on our heads and watches over the smallest of sparrows. Whatever your life my involve today, be assured that El Roi is watching over you, seeing all your circumstances and caring for you as His precious child.
Jehovah Shalom: This is the name given to the altar erected by Gideon in Ophrah after Jehovah had given him the commission to deliver Israel from the Midianites confirming it by miracles and a message of peace (Judges 6: 24). Our greatest conflict is with our own greedy hearts. We are trying to get all we can, even if it means destroying one another to do so. We have no peace because of the war within our covetous hearts. Jehovah-Shalom alone can bring the peace we crave but only when we are fully content solely in Him.
Jehovah Shamah: This is the name of the Holy City when God restores her to her former glory (Ezekiel 48:35). Not only is it a name for the New Jerusalem, but it also is a name that reveals much about God Himself. God lives among men by indwelling His chosen people. Immanuel means “God with us”! He is our refuge and a very present help in times of trouble. He will never ever leave or forsake us. He promises to be there with us even to the end of the world.
Jehovah Tsidqenu: Consider the meaning of the word “tsedek.” The name Jehovah-Tsidkenu draws its meaning from this word. Some say the word has within it the meaning of “stiff” or “straight.” It is a word that is used in relation to God’s dealing with men. Though difficult to translate, it has to do with such things as justification, righteousness, and acquittal. When coupled with the name “Jehovah,” it means that all He does is ever and only righteous. He is the sole source of all that is righteous and good.
Jehovah Nissi: This is the name Moses gave to an altar he erected on a hill after the successful battle against the Amalekites. God’s name reflects the gracious help given by Jehovah in His providence in the affairs of men. Christians fail to have victory in life when God is not their banner. Sometimes we want God to follow and bless our plans. God the Banner must always be in the forefront of our lives, leading the way if we are to be victorious believers. He is the source of our overcoming!
El Roi: No one seemed to care about Hagar and her unborn child, Ishmael, or to monitor their well being in the desert. No One cared but El Roi—You Are The God Who Sees (Genesis ). Sarah had mistreated Hagar and sent her away into the wilderness. There in the desert, feeling the misery of her past and the uncertainty of her future, Hagar met God who saw her, took care of her and met her needs. This same El Roi sees our misery, our painful pasts and current trials and He is the God Who Sees to us. He is so watchful that He knows the very number of hairs on our heads and watches over the smallest of sparrows. Whatever your life my involve today, be assured that El Roi is watching over you, seeing all your circumstances and caring for you as His precious child.
Jehovah Shalom: This is the name given to the altar erected by Gideon in Ophrah after Jehovah had given him the commission to deliver Israel from the Midianites confirming it by miracles and a message of peace (Judges 6: 24). Our greatest conflict is with our own greedy hearts. We are trying to get all we can, even if it means destroying one another to do so. We have no peace because of the war within our covetous hearts. Jehovah-Shalom alone can bring the peace we crave but only when we are fully content solely in Him.
Jehovah Shamah: This is the name of the Holy City when God restores her to her former glory (Ezekiel 48:35). Not only is it a name for the New Jerusalem, but it also is a name that reveals much about God Himself. God lives among men by indwelling His chosen people. Immanuel means “God with us”! He is our refuge and a very present help in times of trouble. He will never ever leave or forsake us. He promises to be there with us even to the end of the world.
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