When I Say, "I Am A Christian"
I'm not shouting "I am saved."
I'm whispering "I was lost";
That is why I chose this way.
When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble,
And need someone to be my guide.
When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak,
And pray for strength to carry on.
When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed,
And cannot ever pay the debt.
When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are too visible,
But God believes I'm worth it.
When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches,
Which is why I speak His name.
When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority;
I only know I'm loved.
I'm whispering "I was lost";
That is why I chose this way.
When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble,
And need someone to be my guide.
When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak,
And pray for strength to carry on.
When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed,
And cannot ever pay the debt.
When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are too visible,
But God believes I'm worth it.
When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches,
Which is why I speak His name.
When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority;
I only know I'm loved.
Just What Is the Gospel?
"I would like a simple and direct answer to the question: 'What is the Gospel?' Many of our pastors talk about it in their sermons only vaguely."
What a wonderful question! But if I answer simply, I'll get in trouble with somebody who will chide: "You forgot this!" or "You left that out!" At the risk of angering someone, let me make it crystal clear:
The word "gospel" means "Good News."1
In a nutshell, the Good News is that God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to deal with our sins so that we can be forgiven, be drawn close to our Maker, and live with him forever. We come to God because we believe that this is indeed true.
That's it. Simple. And, when you think about, it is very, very good news! Being simple, however doesn't keep it from being profound. Someone once said the gospel is simple enough for a toddler to wade in and deep enough for an elephant to swim in.
Famous Verse
One famous Bible verse sums it up pretty well. The verbs in this verse tell the story:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life."2
Your Deepest-Held Belief Determines Your Course
When I explain the simplicity of the Good News, somebody always asks: "Don't I have to do something?"
The answer is: "No, just put your trust in Jesus."
Of course, we're not talking about mere intellectual assent.3 We're talking about the deeply-held conviction that Jesus is who he says he is. The Bible calls that faith. God knows that we will live out our deepest-held beliefs, whatever they are. We can't help it.
You Can't Out-Sin Love
You protest: I believe, but I'll sin. I'll blow it. I know I will! Yes. But the Good News is that God has decided not to allow sin to keep you from him any more. Ask him to forgive you, he does, and the relationship between you and God is clear again.
St. Peter, obviously mad at someone, asked Jesus: "How many times do I have to forgive someone who keeps sinning against me?" Jesus must have smiled as he said quietly and cryptically: "Seven times seventy."4 Now don't get legalistic on me, do the math, and claim that you can stop forgiving at 490. That isn't the point! Jesus was saying: the perfect number times the perfect number times 10 for good measure. In other words, we can never stop forgiving someone who asks our forgiveness.
If we aren't to stop forgiving, I'm sure God doesn't either. All your sins combined don't compare to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for your sins -- but that's getting theological, just what I promised not to do. The bottom line is: you can't out-sin God's love!
Bottomless Love
I think the very best part of the Good News is that God loves you. He is not just aware of your existence. He actively loves you! He cares about your life, about what's troubling you. And he longs to draw you into his embrace the way an affectionate parent would reach out to a beloved child and draw him or her very close.
Jesus told the story of a man with a wayward son. Still in his teens, the young man is bored at home. He asks for his share of his father's estate in cash up front. With that in hand, he proceeds to blow through the money on wine, women, and song in the big city. When his money runs out, he is too poor for rehab. He hits bottom. He is homeless, starving on the street. One day he realizes that his father's employees are better off than he is. He decides to go home, beg for forgiveness, and plead for a job. Before he has scarcely turned onto the street to the house, his father sees him, runs out into the road, and throws his arms around the boy. The son tries to say his prepared speech, but there is no need. The son who had been "dead" is now home, and that is enough. The son who left home in disgrace returns to overflowing love.5
What does the parable mean? It's pretty clear. God loves you and will never, ever stop loving you. Come home, dear friend, come home and feel your dad's embrace. That is the Gospel. It sounds like pretty good news to this sinner. How about you?
Meditating on God's Word
Meditating Gods word means emotionally involving or focusing our thoughts in memorizing scriptures, actively listening Gods word with the help of Holy spirit.
Meditation on Godly things brings wisdom ,purity, spiritual maturity and communion with God.When we meditate on Gods word , God reveals himself to us through his Word. By Meditating on God’s Word it renews our mind and transforms our life.
Supporting verses are:
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah Psalm 4:4
So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. Malachi 3:16
whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 1 Timothy 4:15
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalm 1:1-2
Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:and he shall hear my voice. Psalm 55:17
Meditation on Godly things brings wisdom ,purity, spiritual maturity and communion with God.When we meditate on Gods word , God reveals himself to us through his Word. By Meditating on God’s Word it renews our mind and transforms our life.
Supporting verses are:
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah Psalm 4:4
So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. Malachi 3:16
whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 1 Timothy 4:15
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalm 1:1-2
Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:and he shall hear my voice. Psalm 55:17
In Your Most Holy Faith
Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
It seems that now above any time in history Satan is unleashing a full attack on God’s children. Aren’t you glad God has not left us stranded and alone? He will never leave us or forsake us, and He’s given us some mighty weapons. One of these is the gift to pray in the Holy Spirit. Now is a time where God’s children need to be proactive. The enemy will lay traps for God’s children to stumble into. But, when you pray in the Spirit, you can stop the avenger, the Lord will help us do this very thing. Let’s read in the book of Romans…
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
helps -- is a compound of three different Greek words
Strong’s literal translation, joins in to help . co-operate (assist):
Or to take hold with us together against our weaknesses.
The gifts of the Spirit are for every child of God. I have found they are available to all who are truly hungry for them. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be filled.
Praying in the Spirit is a gift of God we all can have and use, and I believe opens the door for the other gifts to manifest. Praying in the spirit will put us in tune and in a place where we are already receptive to the things of God and flowing in the Spirit. We can not make all of the gifts manifest, as so many times they are as the Spirit wills. We can however be ready and willing to cooperate as the Holy Spirit wills. How many have missed out because they were not in a place spiritually where they could be receptive to the things of God, and because of this were not used. We’ve all missed it at times, I know I have. I also know that I have purposed in my heart to be sensitive and be used when the Lord does want to use me in these areas. We should all take this attitude. We can stop the enemy from his main job, that is to steal kill and destroy God’s children .
Romans 8:28 goes on to say --- And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
This is tied directly in with verses. 26 and 27. You know you don’t start a sentence with and, unless you are finishing a thought. I realize this verse is often quoted by itself without the previous verses tied into it, yet if we read it the way it was written and not single out a verse, we will see more clearly what is being said. I would like to look at this section of Scriptures in the New English Bible. I believe it is said in such a ways as to be a little more understandable, and you can see how this is all tied together.
--New English Bible
Romans 8:26-28. In the same way the Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness. We do not even know how we ought to pray, but through our inarticulate groans the Spirit Himself is pleading for us, and God who searches our inmost being knows what the Spirit means, because He pleads for God’s people in God’s own way; and in everything He co-operates for good with those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
It is talking about the saints interceding in co-operation with the Holy Spirit to overcome every adversity within the body of Christ,
that’s the will of God. Glory to God! Can you see this?
Let the Holy Spirit work together with us against our weaknesses, and also the weaknesses of our brothers and sisters in Christ, then we can truly say as Paul did, if God be for us who can be against us.
And, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.
This portion of scripture has been the source of much prayer, consideration, and meditation, for me. I believe we as the body of Christ have largely missed it in this area. Lets see what the Word of God is saying, and not just sit back and let Satan do as he wills with us! He doesn’t have the right, yet we have the spiritual tools to defeat him. All things can work out to our benefit when we are interceding with the help or co-operation of the Holy Spirit to bring the purpose of God into being. Intercession is God's way to help us fulfill His will and His purpose in our lives, and the lives of others as well. Another way of saying this is to say that intercession is processing out the very plan of God. It is also thwarting the plan of Satan.
This applies not only to us, but can reach out to others as well. We won’t always know who we are praying for, but occasionally the Lord will show us. I believe sometimes it is just none of our business. Aren’t you glad He doesn’t show everybody your business? However sometimes He does show us things. One time after a prolonged period of praying in the Spirit, I had a vision of someone in our church. I knew of this man but didn’t know him personally other than I might have shook his hand a couple of times. I saw his face as clearly as if he was standing in front of me. The next time we went to church I asked about him and found out that he wasn’t there. Several weeks went by and he and his wife were not there. This was very unusual for him as he hardly ever missed. I finally found someone that I know knew him and asked about him. He said this person had lost his job and had taken it very hard. I knew he was older and near retirement and that loosing your job at this point would be a very difficult thing. However the very day I was praying I knew I had gotten a release in my spirit about him, and knew that things would be alright.
Shortly thereafter he got another job working in an area of ministry that he had spent a lifetime learning in the secular world. God is good, and I know many times what Satan means for our destruction God turns around for our good. Praying in the Spirit is one of the ways this takes place. It is literally praying into existence the plan and purpose of God.
This thing that was meant to do him harm was turned around by calling us to fulfill His purpose with the co-operation of the Holy Spirit interceding to fulfill His will. Wow.
Even in the small things the mighty Holy Spirit is there to help and assist. There is no area of our life He won’t help us if we will avail ourselves of Him. I know of one particular instance I was out running errands and had been in a store to do some shopping, when I came out, my car wouldn’t start. I did what most guys do, I raised the hood and looked at the engine as if I actually knew what I was doing. That didn’t help much. I walked across the street to a service station that had a tow truck and asked for help. As I got back to my car and was waiting, some time went by and I realized that the tow truck wasn’t coming. This was before cell phones were so prevalent, and my wife was also out running some errands, so I couldn’t call her anyway. I had no where to go and no way to get there, so I just sat there and started to pray in the Spirit. I was thinking I might as well be productive while I am waiting till my wife got home. After some time, maybe a half hour or so, I knew the answer supernaturally. I didn’t have a vision or hear a voice, I just knew in my spirit exactly what to do. I opened my hood and looked to the back passenger side of the engine and saw a bunch of wires. I lifted these up and saw a single wire that had a plug on the end of it. Next to it was something that looked as if this wire were supposed to be plugged into it. I simply plugged the wire in, went back and put the key into the ignition and the car started up with no problems.
Whether the problem is great or small, the One who knows all the answers is on the inside of us and is an ever present help in a time of need. He will never leave us alone. If He will help with a small wire being unplugged, He will help with all the issues of life, for He is surely able and willing to do just that. We have to put ourselves in a place where we can receive this help, and also be used, so that through us the Lord can help others.
These are the things we the body of Christ should be putting into practice on a very regular basis. Some might say I’ve never really been taught this. I would say to you it is never too late to start, start today and begin to intercede on the behalf of others. The Word of God tells us to pray for one another that we may be healed. In praying for others we open the door for God to bring blessings to ourselves as well. This law of sowing and reaping as the Word of God declares, the very thing we sow we shall reap. Aren’t you glad this is not just in the negative, but a positive force that God can use to bring blessings to us and through us. As we begin to apply these things in our lives we will develop and grow in them. The more we put into practice the things of God the more we will develop in them as well. As we develop we will begin to have greater confidence in these areas. We should always continue to grow in the things of God and not keep the same status quo. As we do, we will grow to greater levels.
Many times the lord will warn us of things to come for the very purpose of averting disaster. One such instance happened to me a couple of years ago. My older son was going on a cross country trip with a friend to go and visit his grandmother. On the second day into the trip I was awakened in the night and began to pray very intensely in the Holy Spirit. This went on for a good portion of the night. The next morning we received a phone call from our son telling us how he had hit an ice patch and his car had flipped three times. He and his friend we virtually unhurt except for a few very minor scrapes and bruises. The car was completely totaled, but by the grace of God and through the help and co-operation of the Holy Spirit their lives were both spared. I have more stories that are just as dramatic and show God’s absolute faithfulness to us His children I would share if room permitted. I pray that the true understanding of this great and precious gift of God will begin to operate and grow in your lives as you step out and begin to co-operate with the Holy Spirit of God to avert the destroyer and to bring the plan and purpose of God to pass. Amen
Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Do you want to be a joint heir with Christ?
If so, I urge you to earnestly pray the following prayer.
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. Your word says, “…and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” (Jn.6:37),
So I know You won’t cast me out, but You take me in, And I thank you for it. You said in your Word, "whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.'' (Ro. 10:13).
I am calling on Your name, So I know You have saved me now, You also said, “…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.” (Ro.10:9,10).
I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe He was raised from the dead for my justification. And I confess Him now as my Lord, Because Your Word says, “… with the heart one believes to righteousness…” and I do believe with my heart, I have now become the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Cor. 5:21),
And I am saved! Thank You, Lord! I can now truthfully say, I see myself as a born again child of God! Glory to God!!!! Amen.
It seems that now above any time in history Satan is unleashing a full attack on God’s children. Aren’t you glad God has not left us stranded and alone? He will never leave us or forsake us, and He’s given us some mighty weapons. One of these is the gift to pray in the Holy Spirit. Now is a time where God’s children need to be proactive. The enemy will lay traps for God’s children to stumble into. But, when you pray in the Spirit, you can stop the avenger, the Lord will help us do this very thing. Let’s read in the book of Romans…
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
helps -- is a compound of three different Greek words
Strong’s literal translation, joins in to help . co-operate (assist):
Or to take hold with us together against our weaknesses.
The gifts of the Spirit are for every child of God. I have found they are available to all who are truly hungry for them. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be filled.
Praying in the Spirit is a gift of God we all can have and use, and I believe opens the door for the other gifts to manifest. Praying in the spirit will put us in tune and in a place where we are already receptive to the things of God and flowing in the Spirit. We can not make all of the gifts manifest, as so many times they are as the Spirit wills. We can however be ready and willing to cooperate as the Holy Spirit wills. How many have missed out because they were not in a place spiritually where they could be receptive to the things of God, and because of this were not used. We’ve all missed it at times, I know I have. I also know that I have purposed in my heart to be sensitive and be used when the Lord does want to use me in these areas. We should all take this attitude. We can stop the enemy from his main job, that is to steal kill and destroy God’s children .
Romans 8:28 goes on to say --- And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
This is tied directly in with verses. 26 and 27. You know you don’t start a sentence with and, unless you are finishing a thought. I realize this verse is often quoted by itself without the previous verses tied into it, yet if we read it the way it was written and not single out a verse, we will see more clearly what is being said. I would like to look at this section of Scriptures in the New English Bible. I believe it is said in such a ways as to be a little more understandable, and you can see how this is all tied together.
--New English Bible
Romans 8:26-28. In the same way the Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness. We do not even know how we ought to pray, but through our inarticulate groans the Spirit Himself is pleading for us, and God who searches our inmost being knows what the Spirit means, because He pleads for God’s people in God’s own way; and in everything He co-operates for good with those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
It is talking about the saints interceding in co-operation with the Holy Spirit to overcome every adversity within the body of Christ,
that’s the will of God. Glory to God! Can you see this?
Let the Holy Spirit work together with us against our weaknesses, and also the weaknesses of our brothers and sisters in Christ, then we can truly say as Paul did, if God be for us who can be against us.
And, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.
This portion of scripture has been the source of much prayer, consideration, and meditation, for me. I believe we as the body of Christ have largely missed it in this area. Lets see what the Word of God is saying, and not just sit back and let Satan do as he wills with us! He doesn’t have the right, yet we have the spiritual tools to defeat him. All things can work out to our benefit when we are interceding with the help or co-operation of the Holy Spirit to bring the purpose of God into being. Intercession is God's way to help us fulfill His will and His purpose in our lives, and the lives of others as well. Another way of saying this is to say that intercession is processing out the very plan of God. It is also thwarting the plan of Satan.
This applies not only to us, but can reach out to others as well. We won’t always know who we are praying for, but occasionally the Lord will show us. I believe sometimes it is just none of our business. Aren’t you glad He doesn’t show everybody your business? However sometimes He does show us things. One time after a prolonged period of praying in the Spirit, I had a vision of someone in our church. I knew of this man but didn’t know him personally other than I might have shook his hand a couple of times. I saw his face as clearly as if he was standing in front of me. The next time we went to church I asked about him and found out that he wasn’t there. Several weeks went by and he and his wife were not there. This was very unusual for him as he hardly ever missed. I finally found someone that I know knew him and asked about him. He said this person had lost his job and had taken it very hard. I knew he was older and near retirement and that loosing your job at this point would be a very difficult thing. However the very day I was praying I knew I had gotten a release in my spirit about him, and knew that things would be alright.
Shortly thereafter he got another job working in an area of ministry that he had spent a lifetime learning in the secular world. God is good, and I know many times what Satan means for our destruction God turns around for our good. Praying in the Spirit is one of the ways this takes place. It is literally praying into existence the plan and purpose of God.
This thing that was meant to do him harm was turned around by calling us to fulfill His purpose with the co-operation of the Holy Spirit interceding to fulfill His will. Wow.
Even in the small things the mighty Holy Spirit is there to help and assist. There is no area of our life He won’t help us if we will avail ourselves of Him. I know of one particular instance I was out running errands and had been in a store to do some shopping, when I came out, my car wouldn’t start. I did what most guys do, I raised the hood and looked at the engine as if I actually knew what I was doing. That didn’t help much. I walked across the street to a service station that had a tow truck and asked for help. As I got back to my car and was waiting, some time went by and I realized that the tow truck wasn’t coming. This was before cell phones were so prevalent, and my wife was also out running some errands, so I couldn’t call her anyway. I had no where to go and no way to get there, so I just sat there and started to pray in the Spirit. I was thinking I might as well be productive while I am waiting till my wife got home. After some time, maybe a half hour or so, I knew the answer supernaturally. I didn’t have a vision or hear a voice, I just knew in my spirit exactly what to do. I opened my hood and looked to the back passenger side of the engine and saw a bunch of wires. I lifted these up and saw a single wire that had a plug on the end of it. Next to it was something that looked as if this wire were supposed to be plugged into it. I simply plugged the wire in, went back and put the key into the ignition and the car started up with no problems.
Whether the problem is great or small, the One who knows all the answers is on the inside of us and is an ever present help in a time of need. He will never leave us alone. If He will help with a small wire being unplugged, He will help with all the issues of life, for He is surely able and willing to do just that. We have to put ourselves in a place where we can receive this help, and also be used, so that through us the Lord can help others.
These are the things we the body of Christ should be putting into practice on a very regular basis. Some might say I’ve never really been taught this. I would say to you it is never too late to start, start today and begin to intercede on the behalf of others. The Word of God tells us to pray for one another that we may be healed. In praying for others we open the door for God to bring blessings to ourselves as well. This law of sowing and reaping as the Word of God declares, the very thing we sow we shall reap. Aren’t you glad this is not just in the negative, but a positive force that God can use to bring blessings to us and through us. As we begin to apply these things in our lives we will develop and grow in them. The more we put into practice the things of God the more we will develop in them as well. As we develop we will begin to have greater confidence in these areas. We should always continue to grow in the things of God and not keep the same status quo. As we do, we will grow to greater levels.
Many times the lord will warn us of things to come for the very purpose of averting disaster. One such instance happened to me a couple of years ago. My older son was going on a cross country trip with a friend to go and visit his grandmother. On the second day into the trip I was awakened in the night and began to pray very intensely in the Holy Spirit. This went on for a good portion of the night. The next morning we received a phone call from our son telling us how he had hit an ice patch and his car had flipped three times. He and his friend we virtually unhurt except for a few very minor scrapes and bruises. The car was completely totaled, but by the grace of God and through the help and co-operation of the Holy Spirit their lives were both spared. I have more stories that are just as dramatic and show God’s absolute faithfulness to us His children I would share if room permitted. I pray that the true understanding of this great and precious gift of God will begin to operate and grow in your lives as you step out and begin to co-operate with the Holy Spirit of God to avert the destroyer and to bring the plan and purpose of God to pass. Amen
Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Do you want to be a joint heir with Christ?
If so, I urge you to earnestly pray the following prayer.
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. Your word says, “…and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” (Jn.6:37),
So I know You won’t cast me out, but You take me in, And I thank you for it. You said in your Word, "whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.'' (Ro. 10:13).
I am calling on Your name, So I know You have saved me now, You also said, “…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.” (Ro.10:9,10).
I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe He was raised from the dead for my justification. And I confess Him now as my Lord, Because Your Word says, “… with the heart one believes to righteousness…” and I do believe with my heart, I have now become the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Cor. 5:21),
And I am saved! Thank You, Lord! I can now truthfully say, I see myself as a born again child of God! Glory to God!!!! Amen.
God watches us because he loves us
It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end. Deuteronomy 11:12
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,On those who hope in His mercy. Psalm 33:18
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,And His ears are open to their cry. Psalm 34:15
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3
Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom, And I will destroy it from the face of the earth; Yet I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,” Says the LORD. Amos 9:8
For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers;But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:12
The Angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Ps 34.7-8
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. (Ps 34.18)
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand. (Ps 37.23-24)
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. (Prov 3.11-12)
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint. (Isa 40.28-31)
(Jesus said:) "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one.'' (John 10.27-30)
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1.2-4)
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Rom 8.16-18)
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. (Ps 145.18-19)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Prov 3.5-6)
Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. (Ps 37.5)
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. (Ps 116.15)
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4.7-8a)
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Pet 5.6-7)
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore. (Ps 121.7-8)
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (Ps 55.22)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:36
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1: 9
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your habitation, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:9-11
The LORD watches over you - the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121
For the rest, brethren, rejoice; be perfected; be encouraged; be of one mind; be at peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matt. 7:7-11
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,On those who hope in His mercy. Psalm 33:18
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,And His ears are open to their cry. Psalm 34:15
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3
Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom, And I will destroy it from the face of the earth; Yet I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,” Says the LORD. Amos 9:8
For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers;But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:12
The Angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Ps 34.7-8
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. (Ps 34.18)
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand. (Ps 37.23-24)
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. (Prov 3.11-12)
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint. (Isa 40.28-31)
(Jesus said:) "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one.'' (John 10.27-30)
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1.2-4)
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Rom 8.16-18)
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. (Ps 145.18-19)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Prov 3.5-6)
Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. (Ps 37.5)
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. (Ps 116.15)
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4.7-8a)
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Pet 5.6-7)
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore. (Ps 121.7-8)
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (Ps 55.22)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:36
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1: 9
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your habitation, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:9-11
The LORD watches over you - the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121
For the rest, brethren, rejoice; be perfected; be encouraged; be of one mind; be at peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matt. 7:7-11
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16
The Jericho Connection a short story of Good Friday by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
If you were to ask each man and woman who joined in the death watch that "Good" Friday, each could tell you of some personal connection to Jesus. There's John the beloved disciple, with Mary, Jesus' mother. Here are Lazarus and Mary and Martha, Jesus' friends from Bethany. The woman taken in adultery is here, too, in shock, and dozens of others. Each has a connection to the man crucified on the center cross. Some remember a healing, others his life-giving words by the shore of Galilee. Others recall a second chance the Master extended to them. Each has a connection.
They stand in clumps, here and there on that stark hill, drawn together by the sheer terror of what is happening. Two words describe what they feel: appalled and shattered.
But off by himself, as close as he could get to the base of the cross, is a tall, gangly sixteen-year-old with thick black hair and an angular jaw that makes him appear decisive, though at heart he is a dreamer and thinker.
But now his eyes are hard and narrow, staring at the blood that is dripping from the rough-hewn crossbar above. It has made a glistening pool in the rocky surface below, and each time another drop falls and breaks the surface of the puddle, Jonathan winces.
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They stand in clumps, here and there on that stark hill, drawn together by the sheer terror of what is happening. Two words describe what they feel: appalled and shattered.
But off by himself, as close as he could get to the base of the cross, is a tall, gangly sixteen-year-old with thick black hair and an angular jaw that makes him appear decisive, though at heart he is a dreamer and thinker.
But now his eyes are hard and narrow, staring at the blood that is dripping from the rough-hewn crossbar above. It has made a glistening pool in the rocky surface below, and each time another drop falls and breaks the surface of the puddle, Jonathan winces.
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Jericho
Jonathan's connection to Jesus goes back a full three years to Jericho and the Jordan when he was thirteen. Jonathan was a shepherd who had grown up out-of-doors, familiar with each hill and vale on the Jericho plain, for he had grazed his father's sheep there since he had been a lad. Of all the shepherd boys, Jonathan had always been curious about God. He was always pestering the town rabbi with questions.
That same hunger to learn explained Jonathan's presence one sultry day when John the Baptist had been preaching and baptizing at the nearby River Jordan. Whenever he could slip away and leave the sheep with his brothers, Jonathan would run down to the Jordan in long, loping strides, until he reached the crowds at the riverside.
That same hunger to learn explained Jonathan's presence one sultry day when John the Baptist had been preaching and baptizing at the nearby River Jordan. Whenever he could slip away and leave the sheep with his brothers, Jonathan would run down to the Jordan in long, loping strides, until he reached the crowds at the riverside.
John the Baptist
With a voice that seemed to carry for miles, the Prophet was saying, "You blind and thoughtless people! You live as if there is no tomorrow. Don't you know that the axe is already at the root of the trees? Don't you know that every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire? Don't you know?"
The Prophet had a kind of desperateness about him as he would call out to the multitudes that stood hushed along the banks. "Don't you know that the Kingdom of God is at hand, that Messiah is nearly come? Don't live in your sins any longer! Cleanse your hearts and your ways, and be baptized! Wash away your sins and receive forgiveness from your God!"
Jonathan had been one of those who had waded into the water in response to the Prophet's call. "Yes, Lord, cleanse my heart," he had prayed. "Make me ready for your Kingdom." And as Jonathan came up out of the water he had felt God's forgiveness and newness. At thirteen he had become a son of the Law. Now he was a son of the Kingdom, too.
The Prophet had a kind of desperateness about him as he would call out to the multitudes that stood hushed along the banks. "Don't you know that the Kingdom of God is at hand, that Messiah is nearly come? Don't live in your sins any longer! Cleanse your hearts and your ways, and be baptized! Wash away your sins and receive forgiveness from your God!"
Jonathan had been one of those who had waded into the water in response to the Prophet's call. "Yes, Lord, cleanse my heart," he had prayed. "Make me ready for your Kingdom." And as Jonathan came up out of the water he had felt God's forgiveness and newness. At thirteen he had become a son of the Law. Now he was a son of the Kingdom, too.
Behold, the Lamb of God
As he had stood, water dripping from his long hair, something strange and wonderful had occurred. Suddenly the Prophet was silent, and just stood staring. Staring at something on the riverbank. As the Prophet continued to stare, soon every eye of every person followed his gaze. John the Baptist was looking at a man walking at the river's edge.
"Behold!" John the Baptist had said in awe. "Behold! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." And at that, the Prophet bowed his head slightly out of reverence, and as he did, so did the rest of the people.
The man had nodded almost imperceptibly to the Prophet in response, and then continued to walk along the bank. The crowds parted as he came to them and they let him through. Then he had passed on, out of sight, and it was over.
Soon the crowd was all a-buzz. "Who was that?" they asked one another.
"Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth," said one who knew him, and soon the word spread throughout the crowd. "It is Jesus. Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth."
The next day it was the same. Preaching, baptizing for hours throughout the morning and then the Prophet stopped again, and again his gaze fell upon the man.
"Lamb of God," Jonathan could hear the Prophet say with hushed reverence. "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."
"Behold!" John the Baptist had said in awe. "Behold! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." And at that, the Prophet bowed his head slightly out of reverence, and as he did, so did the rest of the people.
The man had nodded almost imperceptibly to the Prophet in response, and then continued to walk along the bank. The crowds parted as he came to them and they let him through. Then he had passed on, out of sight, and it was over.
Soon the crowd was all a-buzz. "Who was that?" they asked one another.
"Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth," said one who knew him, and soon the word spread throughout the crowd. "It is Jesus. Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth."
The next day it was the same. Preaching, baptizing for hours throughout the morning and then the Prophet stopped again, and again his gaze fell upon the man.
"Lamb of God," Jonathan could hear the Prophet say with hushed reverence. "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."
Why a Lamb?
That's it? That is Jonathan's connection to this man on the cross? Didn't he even hear Jesus teach or see him perform a miracle?
Actually, no. When Jesus came to Jericho a year or two later and converted that notorious tax collector Zacchaeus, Jonathan had been away in search of ungrazed fields for his flock.
So what kind of tenuous connection is this?
Not tenuous at all. Persistent, obsessive, perhaps -- anything but tenuous -- because the vivid image of Jesus' face and those very strange words, "Lamb of God," had burned indelibly into Jonathan's heart.
What does "Lamb of God" mean? he wondered. Next chance he got, he asked the rabbi.
"What is the Lamb of God, Rabbi?"
The old man gestured for him to sit down in the shade outside the Jericho synagogue that hot afternoon. Then the old rabbi eased his tired body onto a stool next to the doorway.
Actually, no. When Jesus came to Jericho a year or two later and converted that notorious tax collector Zacchaeus, Jonathan had been away in search of ungrazed fields for his flock.
So what kind of tenuous connection is this?
Not tenuous at all. Persistent, obsessive, perhaps -- anything but tenuous -- because the vivid image of Jesus' face and those very strange words, "Lamb of God," had burned indelibly into Jonathan's heart.
What does "Lamb of God" mean? he wondered. Next chance he got, he asked the rabbi.
"What is the Lamb of God, Rabbi?"
The old man gestured for him to sit down in the shade outside the Jericho synagogue that hot afternoon. Then the old rabbi eased his tired body onto a stool next to the doorway.
The Passover Lamb
"You know, Jonathan," the white-bearded rabbi began, "that lambs are regularly sacrificed for the sins of the people.
"Then, too, your father takes his best lambs up to Jerusalem every spring for Passover. Centuries ago, boy," he said, "when God brought us out of the land of Egypt, Pharaoh didn't want to let our people go. You remember the ten plagues God brought on the Egyptians under Moses? The final plague was to be the death of the firstborn.
"So that first Passover which took place the night before the Great Exodus, a lamb was sacrificed for each family. Each father dipped a branch of hyssop into the blood of his family's sacrifice, and daubed it on the doorpost and lintel of his house."
As the rabbi continued to speak, Jonathan's mind could visualize the slaughtered lamb. And he could see the fresh blood of the lamb that had been painted onto the doorpost. He could see it drip down the post and dribble onto the ground.
"And at evening on that Day," the rabbi continued, "each father made very sure that each child -- each son, each daughter -- had been brought inside the house and accounted for. Because outside that night, the Lord struck the land of Egypt, slaying the firstborn son of every family in the entire kingdom. Every firstborn died, except for those sons of Israel whose fathers had sacrificed a lamb and painted its blood on their doorposts as a mark of faith.
" 'When I see the blood,' God had promised, 'I will pass over you.' And He did pass over us," the rabbi concluded. "Not one firstborn Israelite met death that night when death was all around us. And by morning all Israel walked free, journeying out of the land of bondage into a new day of liberty."
So the "Lamb of God" is a Passover lamb, thought Jonathan, as he thanked the rabbi and returned to his father's flocks. A Passover lamb.
Lambs for the Temple
Jonathan's father had a contract to deliver eight dozen Passover lambs to the Temple in Jerusalem a few days before Passover. Jonathan, now sixteen, and his older brother Benjamin were given the responsibility of bringing these 96 lambs to Jerusalem.
As Jonathan's flock climbed the Jericho Road up to Jerusalem, he pondered these sheep and their wonderful and awful role in redemption. Two weeks from now, each would have been slaughtered, and its blood poured out. Had this been ancient Egypt, each lamb would have been sacrificed for a family so that the Lord might pass over them -- the lamb's life given in exchange for the lives of the family.
Jonathan looked at the white, woolly backs of these yearling lambs as they bobbed up and down on the road to Jerusalem. What a burden for an innocent sheep, to die for a family. His father's lambs would suffice for ninety-six families, but what about the rest? Jonathan's dark eyes were fixed on the road ahead, but his mind was a thousand miles away. Only ninety-six families. Surely there are enough lambs for the others.
As Jonathan's flock climbed the Jericho Road up to Jerusalem, he pondered these sheep and their wonderful and awful role in redemption. Two weeks from now, each would have been slaughtered, and its blood poured out. Had this been ancient Egypt, each lamb would have been sacrificed for a family so that the Lord might pass over them -- the lamb's life given in exchange for the lives of the family.
Jonathan looked at the white, woolly backs of these yearling lambs as they bobbed up and down on the road to Jerusalem. What a burden for an innocent sheep, to die for a family. His father's lambs would suffice for ninety-six families, but what about the rest? Jonathan's dark eyes were fixed on the road ahead, but his mind was a thousand miles away. Only ninety-six families. Surely there are enough lambs for the others.
Jerusalem
But there was no time for the lazy musings of the upward path now. They had reached the summit of the hill, and beyond them was the glorious panorama of the Holy City, the gold of the Temple gleaming in the noonday sun. What a thrill!
Now down to the Kidron brook that runs along the east side of the Temple. Then the flock struggled up the steep grade to the Sheep Gate where they were inspected by a priest. And as each was found to be without blemish, each was certified as an approved sacrifice. And each of those unblemished sheep would bring Jonathan's father a handsome price.
For the next few days Jonathan and his brother guarded the certified yearling lambs until the day of Passover. Then their task would be over and they would return to Jericho.
Francisco de Zurbar�n (1598-1664), "The Crucifixion" (1627), oil on canvas, 290 x 168 cm, Art Institute Museum, Chicago. Larger image.
Jesus, too, was in Jerusalem, Jonathan had heard. Jonathan hoped to get to see him before going home. But the sheep kept him busy and soon his few days in the Holy City were nearly over.
Then in rapid succession, Jonathan heard bits of the shocking news that flashed throughout the city. Jesus had been arrested! Now he was being tried. Now condemned to death. How could this be? How could it?
Jonathan's duties were over now and he was free to roam the pilgrim-packed city. But there was little joy in the city this year. Tension, yes, and hatred. There was fear and anger, too, as the Romans carried out their grizzly task of crucifying the popular hero Jesus.
Now down to the Kidron brook that runs along the east side of the Temple. Then the flock struggled up the steep grade to the Sheep Gate where they were inspected by a priest. And as each was found to be without blemish, each was certified as an approved sacrifice. And each of those unblemished sheep would bring Jonathan's father a handsome price.
For the next few days Jonathan and his brother guarded the certified yearling lambs until the day of Passover. Then their task would be over and they would return to Jericho.
Francisco de Zurbar�n (1598-1664), "The Crucifixion" (1627), oil on canvas, 290 x 168 cm, Art Institute Museum, Chicago. Larger image.
Jesus, too, was in Jerusalem, Jonathan had heard. Jonathan hoped to get to see him before going home. But the sheep kept him busy and soon his few days in the Holy City were nearly over.
Then in rapid succession, Jonathan heard bits of the shocking news that flashed throughout the city. Jesus had been arrested! Now he was being tried. Now condemned to death. How could this be? How could it?
Jonathan's duties were over now and he was free to roam the pilgrim-packed city. But there was little joy in the city this year. Tension, yes, and hatred. There was fear and anger, too, as the Romans carried out their grizzly task of crucifying the popular hero Jesus.
At the Cross
Many others had heard the news by now, and Jonathan joined the crowd that surged along the road that led to the killing ground outside the city to see if it were really true. There Jonathan finally saw him on the center cross, dying. Jesus! He looked like Jonathan remembered him, yet drained, crushed, as it were, by the weight of the world. A crown of thorns had been pressed into his scalp, and his hands and feet had been spiked to the huge cross that stood naked against the foreboding darkness.
Jonathan pushed closer. Part of him wanted to run and hide. But part of him had to see, had to see for himself. Jonathan edged his way through the press of mourners until he came to the perimeter set up by the soldiers.
Jonathan stood transfixed, tears running down his cheeks. And then he heard Jesus declare in a weak voice, yet clearly, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
"What are they doing?" Jonathan wanted to shout. "What are they doing to this holy and righteous man?"
Jonathan's eyes followed another droplet of blood as it lingered for a moment on the wooden crossbeam, and then fell onto the rocks below the cross.
Perhaps of all the onlookers that day, Jonathan alone remembered and began to understand.
"Behold," Jonathan said out loud, but quietly so that no one could hear unless listening intently. "Behold," said Jonathan, weeping silently, now dropping to his knees.
"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."
For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for them:
You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I don't have enough faith"
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I don't have enough faith"
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
Ministry Prayer
O my Lord,
Let not my ministry be approved only by men,
or merely win the esteem and affections of people;
But do the work of grace in their hearts,
call in thy elect,
seal and edify the regenerate ones,
and command eternal blessings on their souls.
Save me from self-opinion and self-seeking;
Water the hearts of those who hear thy Word.
that seed sown in weakness may be raised in power;
Cause me and those that hear me
to behold thee here in the light of special faith,
and hereafter in the blaze of endless glory;
Make every sermon a means of grace to myself,
and help me to experience the power of thy dying love,
for thy blood is balm,
thy presence bliss,
thy smile heaven,
thy cross the place where truth and mercy meet.
Look upon the doubts and discouragement of my ministry
and keep me from self-importance;
I beg pardon for my man sins, omissions, infirmities,
as a man, as a minister;
Command thy blessing on my weak, unworthy labors,
and on the message of salvation given;
Stay with thy people,
and may thy presence be their portion and mine.
When I preach to others, let not my words be merely elegant and
masterly,
my reasoning polished and refined,
my performance powerless and tasteless,
but may I exalt thee and humble sinners.
O Lord of power and grace,
all hearts are in thy hands, all events at thy disposal,
set the seal of thy almighty will upon my ministry.
Lord Jesus Please Bless UniTed ChrIstian Fm..
Amen
Let not my ministry be approved only by men,
or merely win the esteem and affections of people;
But do the work of grace in their hearts,
call in thy elect,
seal and edify the regenerate ones,
and command eternal blessings on their souls.
Save me from self-opinion and self-seeking;
Water the hearts of those who hear thy Word.
that seed sown in weakness may be raised in power;
Cause me and those that hear me
to behold thee here in the light of special faith,
and hereafter in the blaze of endless glory;
Make every sermon a means of grace to myself,
and help me to experience the power of thy dying love,
for thy blood is balm,
thy presence bliss,
thy smile heaven,
thy cross the place where truth and mercy meet.
Look upon the doubts and discouragement of my ministry
and keep me from self-importance;
I beg pardon for my man sins, omissions, infirmities,
as a man, as a minister;
Command thy blessing on my weak, unworthy labors,
and on the message of salvation given;
Stay with thy people,
and may thy presence be their portion and mine.
When I preach to others, let not my words be merely elegant and
masterly,
my reasoning polished and refined,
my performance powerless and tasteless,
but may I exalt thee and humble sinners.
O Lord of power and grace,
all hearts are in thy hands, all events at thy disposal,
set the seal of thy almighty will upon my ministry.
Lord Jesus Please Bless UniTed ChrIstian Fm..
Amen
United Christian FM
SICKNESS | SALVATION | NEEDS | MARRIAGE | ||
| Visuvasam | Alagappan, Alameloo, Ramakrishnan | Santhana Raymond Grace | ANNIE | ||
DEBT-LOANS | |||||
MISSING | BUSINESS | NOR. DELIVERY | JOB | ||
Bhanu | Rubamargreat | ||||
| Education | Jobs | ||||
Daniel,Samantha Samuel | Anthony Veronica |
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