Moments With God

Eternal Gratitude

General — Posted by sharaug @ January 31, 2007 05:11
Print View

Isaiah 6:1-8

"‘Woe to me!' I cried, ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’ Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’" Isaiah 6:5-8

Isaiah was a prophet in the Old Testament times of the Bible. In this chapter of the Bible Isaiah was in the temple. Suddenly Isaiah had a vision from God. Isaiah was suddenly able to see beyond the limits of his ordinary understanding and eyesight. God allowed Isaiah to see the Lord God in all His holiness. Isaiah saw God in all His greatness, power, sovereignty, glory, and holiness.

Isaiah also saw angels in his vision in the temple. These angels had six wings. With two of their wings these angels covered their faces. This showed the glory and supremacy of God. With two of their wings these angels covered their feet. This showed their humility before the Lord God. Finally, with two wings these angels were flying. This showed their obedience to the Lord in all things. We also need to stand in awe and bow in humility before God’s glory and holiness. We also need a willing and obedient spirit in all things.

The angels were singing "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory." (Isaiah 6:3b) The Lord is infinitely holy. He is majestic and sovereign, and the whole earth is filled with His glory! The Lord’s power is seen all around us in our world. It is seen in how the Lord controls creation and in how He controls the nations.

When Isaiah saw all these things in his vision he realized the depths of his unworthiness and sin. He said in response, "Woe to me!" (Isaiah 6:5a) You and I are also naked in our sins before a holy God. We like to compare ourselves with others sometimes, and we like to imagine ourselves as good and decent people. The more we realize God’s holiness, however, the more we realize our sinfulness and unworthiness.

Isaiah was overcome with an awareness of God’s holiness and an awareness of his own sin and unworthiness. But God then said to him, "your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." (Isaiah 6:7b) You and I also deserve hell and God’s condemnation. Praise God, however, that He chose us to be His children! Praise God that He cleansed us from our sins through the blood of Jesus on the cross! The Lord says to you and me as He said to Isaiah long ago, "your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."

Then the drama of Isaiah's vision unfolded one more step. God said to Isaiah, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" Isaiah’s response was "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8) In light of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for our sins on the cross for us we need to live our lives in eternal gratitude to Him. We need to be passionate about our desire for an ever growing personal relationship with the Lord. We need to be passionate about our desire to serve Him. We need to submissively obey the Lord in all things. We need to be willing to go where He wants us to go and do what He wants us to do. We must be a willing servant for Him wherever He has placed us in our small corner of this world. We must seek to bring Him glory in all areas of our lives! We must pursue practical holiness in our lives. How can we do anything else in light of what He has done for us?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


His Power in Weakness

General — Posted by sharaug @ January 26, 2007 05:12
Print View

II Corinthians 12

Recently I read an article by a person who believes it is always God's will to heal every believer's sicknesses, if he or she has enough faith and prays. Is this a Biblical view, however? Is it always God's will to heal us from all our diseases? The answer to that question is yes and no. Ultimately, all of us who love the Lord Jesus and are His children will experience complete healing from all pain and sickness when we reach our eternal home. Revelation 21:4 says of that time, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." What a blessed promise! On this earth, however, we will often continue to experience pain, suffering, and even sickness.

In II Corinthians 12 the apostle Paul speaks of a "thorn" in his flesh. Paul calls this "thorn" in his flesh "a messenger from Satan to torment me." (II Corinthians 12:7b) Apparently this "thorn" in the flesh that Paul experienced was a severe physical affliction of some kind. The precise nature of Paul's severe affliction is unknown. In II Corinthians 12 the apostle Paul pleads with God in prayer three times to have his "thorn" in his flesh removed. God, however, said, "No" to Paul's request for healing. Instead God said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness" (II Corinthians 12:9) Sometimes in the mystery of God's perfect plan and will God is glorified by Christians NOT being healed from all our sicknesses on this earth. This is because it is in difficult times that we depend and lean on the Lord more heavily. It is at times like these that we can also sometimes be used in a more effective way as instruments for God. If we persevere in our faith even when an illness goes on for years, we are showing that we truly belong to the Lord. Also in this way God's power is more clearly seen in us. Paul says in II Corinthians 12:9b-10, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses----For when I am weak, then I am strong." Paul understood that when he felt the weakest he was the strongest, because he was then not relying on his own strength but on the Lord's strength.

This devotional writer knows a married couple from her church who truly exemplify what Paul is talking about in II Corinthians 12. Even though the husband has been ill for years and is unable to work, this couple clings tightly to their faith. They also show a joy and contentment in their faith that is a beautiful reflection of Jesus. They are a spiritual encouragement to my husband and I who are also going through a deep trial.

This does not mean that we should not pray when we are sick or experience other difficult trials. In fact, the Lord commands us to pray for our needs and the needs of others. Also the Lord still heals people today. Sometimes He uses doctors and medical means, and sometimes He heals when all natural hope is gone. Either way it is the Lord who heals. We need to bombard heaven with our prayers even when we think all hope is gone. When the Lord says, "No" to our requests for healing on this earth, however, we must also accept His will in that situation. There are those who say that if you have enough faith you will be healed of all diseases on this earth. The truth of the matter is, however, that sometimes we demonstrate more faith by persevering in the faith even when our prayers are not answered the way we would like them to be answered. We must "run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1b) We must do this even when "the race marked out for us" involves many trials and difficulties. Faith is keeping our eyes fixed "on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." (Hebrews 12:2a) We can do this in His power, because He has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Whiter Than Snow

General, Apologetics: The Secret — Posted by sharaug @ January 22, 2007 05:40
Print View

Psalm 51

"Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." Psalm 51:2

"Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." (Psalm 51:7b)

 

Sin is not a popular topic. We do not like to think about the sins that reside in our lives. We can not appreciate the wonder of our salvation in Jesus, however, if we do not realize the gravity of our sins. Also we as redeemed believers can not fight against sin and grow in holiness, if we do not come to an ever greater awareness of the gravity of our sins. In Psalm 51 David expressed a deep sense of the depth and depravity of his sins. David also expressed a profound desire for the Lord's forgiveness from his sins. David said in Psalm 51:1-2, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." David called his grievous sins "transgressions" and "iniquity." David knew he was in desperate need of the Lord's "unfailing love" and "great compassion." David knew his only chance of being restored to a love relationship with the Lord was by having his sins blotted out and washed away. We too need to have a deep sense of our sins. We too must run to the Lord in repentance and for forgiveness from our sins. We too must be washed from our sins by the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God. Jesus Christ needs to wash away our sins and restore us to right relationship with the Lord.

David went on to say in Psalm 51:3-4b, "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight." We often like to excuse and justify our sins, but there is no justification for sin. We must be constantly aware of our sins and realize that every one of our sins is a sin against our Lord God. We must confess those sins like the tax collector in Luke 18:13b. Our prayer must be "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." There must be sorrow for sin, confession of sin to our Lord God, and a turning away from sin. Like David our penitent prayer from our heart must be "Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." (Psalm 51:7b) Jesus Christ can and does wash away our sins and turns the filthy rags of our sinful lives into white robes of righteousness!

Verse eight of Psalm fifty-one even suggests that unconfessed sin can have physical consequences on our bodies. Our desire and prayer to the Lord should be, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10) Jesus Christ can restore us to a right relationship with Him, if we confess our sins and seek His cleansing with a sincere heart. The Lord will then restore to us the joy of our salvation. Joy in our relationship with the Lord only comes after we confess our sins. After confessing our sins we must also pray for "a willing spirit to sustain" us in our struggle against sin and in our desire to live holy lives. (Psalm 51:12)

The Lord does not desire our empty rituals and sacrifices. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart." (Psalm 51:17) The sacrifice that the Lord desires from us is our grief over our sins. He wants us to run to Him for forgiveness and restoration. Psalm 51:15 suggests that the Lord also desires the sacrifice of our mouths declaring His praises and our thanks for His forgiveness in our lives. The Lord desires the sacrifices of lives totally devoted to Him in thanks for what He has done and continues to do for us! Sin is a grievous thing in our lives. Praise God for His salvation in our lives! Let us live our lives in a sacrifice and service of praise to Him!

 

 

 

 

 


His Perfect Plan

General — Posted by sharaug @ January 12, 2007 06:18
Print View

John 11:1-44

"Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" John 11:40

In the midst of the deep trials of life it is very tempting to get caught up in questions like "Why, Lord?" It is also tempting to become bogged down in self-pity and think, "If only my circumstances were different, life would be so much better." Our Lord, however, commands us to trust that He has the perfect plan for our lives. We see but a fragment of the whole. We see but one page in the story of our lives which He has planned for us. Also we are placed on this earth to bring Him glory, and His working in our lives even in times of trial are meant to show forth His glory and honor. In the measure we are submissive to His will we will experience His peace and His contentment.

Mary and Martha in our Scripture passage today were in the midst of one of those deep trials of life. Their brother, Lazarus, had just died. What was even more perplexing to Mary and Martha was that they had sent word to Jesus when Lazarus had become sick, and Jesus had delayed His coming to them. They were struggling with the fact that if only Jesus had come more quickly Jesus could have healed Lazarus. When Jesus did arrive on the scene both Martha and Mary said to Jesus, "Lord, If You had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:21 and 32b) In effect, they were saying, "Lord, You had the power to prevent Lazarus from dying. Why did You not come more quickly? Why did You let Lazarus die?" The Lord controls and allows all the situations and circumstances of our lives even the difficult ones. God in His complete power could have chosen to not send some of the trials He has allowed in our lives. We do not always understand the reason for the heartbreaking circumstances of our lives, but we must trust the Lord. We must rest our lives in His hands. We must not focus on the problems, but we must focus on the Lord and on His loving sovereignty. The trials we undergo in this life are allowed only in the framework of God's carefully controlled environment. They are placed in our lives for our ultimate spiritual good. In the mystery of God's will trials are also placed in our lives so that God's name will be glorified.

When we struggle to understand the circumstances of our lives we need to remember the words of Jesus to Mary and Martha, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40) After saying these words to Mary and Martha Jesus did something amazing! Jesus said, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43b) Suddenly Lazarus who had been dead for four days was alive again! The glory of God was demonstrated in an awesome way that day. The glory of the Lord would not have been demonstrated in this wonderful way, if Lazarus had not died. The Lord also wishes to demonstrate His glory in our lives often through the difficult times in our lives. Can we trust Jesus Christ with all the "if onlys" and "whys" of our lives? Can we trust that He has the better plan? Can we trust that we will some day see the glory of God?


Rely on God Alone

General — Posted by sharaug @ January 07, 2007 19:12
Print View

II Chronicles 14-16

"Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, 'Lord, there is no one like You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on You."

II Chronicles

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him

In the beginning of King Asa's reign, Asa displayed a deep desire to serve God in obedience and trust. Asa sought with all his heart to do "what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God." (II Chronicles 14:2) Asa sought to bring God's people back to God, and he removed many of the idols that were prevalent in the land. Because of this God's people experienced God's blessings. Asa said at one point during this time, "The land is still ours, because we have sought the Lord our God; we sought Him and He has given us rest on every side." (II Chronicles 14:7b) But then one day God's people were attacked by an enemy army from another country. This enemy's army greatly outnumbered King Asa's army. King Asa knew he was helpless against such an army without God's help, so he prayed to the Lord for help. Asa prayed, "Lord, there is no one like You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this vast army. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You." (II Chronicles 14:11) Asa knew that he was powerless in himself, but he also knew that with the Lord on his side a great victory could be won. Asa depended on the Lord and proceeded in the Lord's strength. Because of his trust and reliance on the Lord, Asa won a great victory that day. When seemingly insurmountable difficulties arise in our lives we also must turn to the Lord. God is the all powerful God who can bring all His resources to our aid. The Lord is the only one who can and will bring victory to us in our deepest and darkest times. Like Asa we must say to the Lord, "we rely on You." We must trust and rest in the Lord alone.

For many years Asa continued to be filled with a zeal for serving the Lord and doing the Lord's will. Then a time came, however, when King Asa and God's people were threatened by another country. This time King Asa did not go to the Lord in prayer for help. King Asa relied on another county for help. King Asa made a treaty with a pagan king from a pagan land that did not even acknowledge the Lord. King Asa put his trust in a worldly king rather than in the Lord. King Asa forgot to go to the Lord for his only source of help. This should be a warning to us also. We must always rely on the Lord alone in a time of need and crisis. We must not panic and run ahead of the Lord. We must not rely on our own devices or on human resources. We must rest in trust in the Lord our God. He will bring His sure victory in His perfect timing, if we rely on Him. "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him." (II Chronicles 16:9a)

Because King Asa relied on human resources that day the army who fought against him escaped, and King Asa did not win a victory that day. Sadly, King Asa became bitter and angry until his death and did not continue to rely on the Lord. We must rely and rest in the Lord alone for all our needs. There is no other source of help, strength, protection, and love than from the Lord. The Lord has to be the one we run to with all our needs. He alone will "strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him." If we are truly committed to the Lord, He will prove Himself strong on our behalf in every need. We will then go from victory to victory in the Lord!

." II Chronicles 16:9a 14:11a

Praise the Lord

General — Posted by sharaug @ January 02, 2007 06:16
Print View

I Chronicles 16

"Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done."

"Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise."

What a joyful day it was for God's Old Testament people! They were bringing the ark of God, the symbol of the Lord's presence among them, to the Royal City. The Levites carried the ark with poles on their shoulders. There was rejoicing among the people. There was singing and the playing of musical instruments. There was much giving of praise and thanks to the Lord on that joyous day. King David then gave to his musicians a Psalm of praise and thanks to the Lord. This Psalm of King David is recorded in I Chronicles 16:8-36. It is a Psalm of praise that we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ today can also commit to the Lord. In the following paragraphs the writer of this devotional will take great liberty in seeking to paraphrase this Psalm of David in order to apply it to your and my lives.

Never stop giving thanks to our awesome Lord. His arms are always open to us, so never fail to call upon our faithful God. Make known to those around you His salvation and what He done in your lives. Continually sing praises to the Lord. Delight yourselves in the name of the Lord. Seek the Lord and His will continually. Find your joy and strength for living in the Lord alone. Do not search for your happiness in the things of the world. You will not find it there.

Remember and never forget the wonders and great things the Lord has done in Your lives. Don't forget the times the Lord has answered prayers and rescued you out of seemingly impossible situations. He is the Lord, our faithful God. His faithfulness never ceases. The Lord's faithfulness was present in the generations of our ancestors who loved the Lord. The Lord's faithfulness is present in our lives today. His faithfulness will also continue in our children's and grandchildren's lives who serve Him. The Lord is a faithful God!

In light of the Lord's great faithfulness let us continually sing praises to Him. Let us tell others of His salvation and blessings in our lives. For the Lord is great and abundantly worthy of our praise! He is an awesome and majestic God! He alone is God. He alone is the source of our strength and joy. Give to the Lord the glory and praise which He deserves. Bring your offerings to the Lord. Bring your tithes and money, but more importantly offer yourselves in sacrifice to Him. Worship the Lord for His splendor and His holiness.

The Lord created the world and maintains the world. May even the heavens, the earth, the seas, and the forests bring praise to the Lord's name! The Lord above reigns! He is Lord of Lords! Give thanks to your Lord, for He is so abundant in His goodness! His love is eternal.

When in trouble cry out to the Lord to save you. Then when He answers your prayers give thanks to your holy and faithful God. Delight yourselves in praising the Lord! Praise be to our Lord, the God of His chosen people from generation to generation. The Lord is our everlasting God. May all God's people say, "Amen! Praise the Lord!" ( I Chronicles 16:36b)

(I Chronicles 16:24-25a)(I Chronicles 16:11-12a)

Powered by LifeType, hosted by New Technologies.