abandoned to Christ.

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God crushed His Son; Christ relinquished His majesty; then gave Himself up for us so that we might be His people—holy and righteous (1 Thess 2:10), full of mercy and grace (James 3:17), and to proclaim His excellencies to the world (Ps 9:1-2, 40:5, 116:12-14; 1 Peter 2:9).

God didn't save us so we could be free to do whatever we want, knowing we're forgiven of all sins: past, present and future. Neither did the Father do this so that we could haphazardly wander around this earth, mooning over all we want and don't have (like the rest of this world).

Just as the honor of being assigned as an ambassador of an earthly country should not be taken lightly, so we also, who are in Christ, should not take our high calling as children of the Most High God lightly.

An earthly ambassador is chosen to live in a foreign land to represent their country, while maintaining every attribute and character of their homeland. An ambassador does not lose or forget who he/she is merely because they live in another country for a time, rather, they honorably and proudly represent their country and their people.

A good and wise ambassador never conforms him/herself to their visiting country or their customs, because they know this is not their home, but a temporary assignment. Instead, they proudly adhere to and keep the customs of their country; which they love.

"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace [with God], who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility...to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

~Ephesians 2:13-14, 22-24

As God's holy and dearly loved children, we have been recreated, the old has gone and the new has come (2 Cor 5:17). We are no longer of this world, but by God's grace have become citizen's of a new country; Heaven, our true and eternal Home (Philippians 3:20-21).

By washing us with the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, God the Father made us something we could never make ourselves—children of the Most High (1 John 3:1). This high calling has also made us ambassadors of Christ Jesus; representatives and heralds in this world for the King of kings and Lord of lords. Therefore, let us walk in the new life we now possess (Romans 6:4) rather than revel in our old debased thinking and wallow in our old, self-absorbed ways.

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy...He [Christ] is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the Word of His power...Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

~1 Peter 2:9-10, Hebrews 13a, Ephesians 5:1-2

I love this exhortation from John MacArthur (Drawing Near), "Biblical holiness (sanctification) is often misunderstood, but it needn't be. When the Holy Spirit delivered you from the domain of darkness and transferred you into the Kingdom of Christ, you became His special possession. That doesn't mean you're sinlessly perfect, but it does mean you're no longer a slave to sin, the Devil and death. That's positional sanctification. Practical sanctification is the decreasing frequency of sin and the increasing frequency of righteousness as you progress in your Christian walk...Sanctification should not be confused with false standards of holiness...attempt[s] to be holy through external means...True holiness begins with a love for Christ Himself. That's what compels you toward greater sanctification...In Him [Christ] you were saved, which is the beginning of sanctification, and in Him you have every resource necessary for progressing in holiness."

Thank God today for His extreme kindness, mercy and love demonstrated to you through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Then resolve to diligently pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the name of the Lord from a pure heart (2 Tim 2:22). And rejoice in your holy calling knowing that without holiness, no one will see God (Heb 12:14).

"His [God's] divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that though them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in this world because of sinful desire."

~2 Peter 1:3-4

Be mindful, that as a Christian, you're granted the glorious and magnificent gift of living coram Deo (latin for "in the presence of God").

Do words really matter? Does the true meaning of words really matter? Does it matter how we use words, when we say them, and to whom we attribute them?

The Holy Spirit of God inspired King David to write:

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

~ Psalm 19:14

Our Savior Jesus Christ, when He was here, said:

"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

~ Matthew 12:36-37

It is apparent that according to God, words are very important; how we use them, what we mean by them, when we say them and to whom we attribute them. After all, it is also written in Scripture through the Apostle John that:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1

Jesus Himself is the Word of God. God chose to reveal Himself to us through His Word; through His spoken and written word. Through God's word (the holy Scriptures), the Holy Spirit leads us into understanding the deep mysteries of God that the world cannot understand or fathom.

"But, as it is written,

'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him' --

these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned."

~ 1 Corinthians 2:9-14

So why then as Christians are we not more careful about our words? Why are we not more considerate about how we use them, when we say them, what we actually mean by them and to whom we attribute them? I believe it is for various reasons we are all familiar with - yours truly included. Most of which, is that we're just not really paying close attention to our words or the attitude of our hearts when we speak.

We'll only take a look at two (2) most commonly misused words in the English language amongst Christians and unbelievers alike:

AWESOME

Personally, I know I have misused words often because I'm excited, or want to express that excitement to others. For example, prior to about 6 years ago, I used to use the word "AWESOME" all the time. I would use this word to describe my elation or simple enjoyment from something or someone. If I liked a person and really enjoyed my time with them, I would say, "Oh, you're so AWESOME!". If I liked something they did or said, or wanted to share a particular experience I had that I truly enjoyed, I'd say, "Wow, that was AWESOME!".

I stopped using this word, except to attribute it to God, or the things of God, the day a precious sister kindly rebuked me when I told her I thought her teaching was "AWESOME!". She gently said to me, "Sunny, I thank you for your encouragement. But I assure you that neither my teaching nor anything about me is AWESOME." I argued with her and tried to share with her why I was right. She patiently listened, then said, "Sunny, do you really understand what "awesome" means?" I told her, "Not really. I hadn't ever really thought about it." But I took a stab at it anyway and said, "Does it mean exceptional or really wonderful?" She lovingly said, "No. The word awesome means, 'to inspire awe'. So then we have to look at the definition of the word "awe". Awe means, 'an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, fear, etc., produced by that which is grand, sublime, extremely powerful, or the like'. So, Sunny, let me ask you another question. Do you agree with me that by the true definition of this word, only God and His magnificent works is truly worthy of being called awesome? I mean, is there anything or anyone in this world that you have every truly felt was so grand, so wonderful, so magnificent that you were in awe of them or what they had done? Because if that's the case, then we have another problem to discuss." I had to concede, she was right and I was wrong.

God alone is awesome. God alone causes me to stand in awe, breathless, and totally overwhelmed by His grandeur.

I shared this wonderful truth with my family, and since that day, none of us ever apply or attribute the word "AWESOME" to anything or anyone except God and His wondrous works.

All throughout Scripture, the only time God applies the word "awesome", He uses it only as an attribute of Himself or to describe His magnificent works. Therefore, as His children, why should we carelessly use this word to describe anyone or anything else except God?

GOOD

I've often used this word to mean "nice". But the LORD our God has been so gracious to reveal to me that the words "nice" and "GOOD" do not mean the same thing.

nice adj. - pleasing; agreeable; delightful

good adj. - morally excellent or perfect; virtuous; righteous; pious

With understanding the true definitions of the words "good" and "nice" I realized I could no longer use them interchangeably and, I perceived better why my Lord Jesus said,

"Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone."

~ Luke 18:19

It always perplexed me that Jesus said that; being that He IS God, why did He question the man who called Him "good"? I never understood fully, until I accurately understood what "good" meant.

When I finally grasped the true meaning of this overly misused word, I finally understood why Jesus thought it very important to first clarify this man's definition of the word "good" before He continued to speak with him. Jesus wanted to make sure that the man who called Him "good" was attributing this word to Him only because this man recognized Jesus to be God, and not merely a "nice" man or for the sake of flattery.

Anytime God stops the flow of a conversation (or even a listing of genealogy to clarify something, i.e., Genesis 5:22) it is always "good" to pray, ask and listen to the Holy Spirit as He leads you into all truth (John 14:26); so that we might understand and know Him more, in order to love Him better.

From this wonderful teaching of the Holy Spirit, I began to only use the word "good' when speaking of God or the things of God. Therefore, I've taught my sons:

"Anything absent of God, is absent of good; since God alone is good.

Till this day, I still ask my sons, "Did you have a 'good' day or 'nice' day?" And they know exactly what I mean. :-)

Things to consider:

Have you ever used the words "awesome" and "good" inaccurately? If so, will you every do it again?
Are there any other words you've regularly use that you're convicted should only be attributed to God or the things of God? If so, please share.
How has God's Holy Spirit convicted you today from this article and what will you do about it today?

"Thus says the LORD:

Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understand and knows me, that I AM the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD."

~ Jeremiah 9:23-24

...independent

...lazy

...hateful

and judgmental

I am also one who has been saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and not of myself, so that I may never boast. My salvation is a gift from God that was never imparted to me based on who I am or what I have ever done or will ever do [Ephesians 2:-9]. God saved my wretched and utterly sinful soul based on His righteousness alone, by His grace, His abounding compassion and unending mercy. God saved me, not because it made Him feel better or would bring any benefit to Him. For what has man ever given to God that God should owe him anything [Job 41:11]? God is God. He is fulfilled in Himself. We are not God and cannot satisfy ourselves with anything; although all of us have tried and at times; and still do [Isaiah 55:2-3].

But because I am saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, because God has granted me the gift of repentance that leads to salvation [2 Corinthians 7:10]; I am now someone I could've never made myself by my own efforts - I am, a child of the Most High God. I am, a child of the LORD God Almighty. I have been redeemed. I am set free from the captivity of my sinful flesh and its desires. I have the freedom to choose where, when and how I apply my rebelliousness, independence, laziness, hatefulness and judgmentalness. And so I choose.

I choose to:

rebel against every thought, every imagination, every supposition, every argument and every idea that opposes God according to His Word. [2 Corinthians 10:5-6]
be independent from needing others to pay attention to me, feel sorry for me and serve me because of my trials; for the LORD God is the one who allowed these trials in my life for my sanctification and I choose to find my joy in Christ alone so that I might serve others instead of seeking to be served. [1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Psalm 40:16, Romans 8:28-30, Mark 10:45]
apply my laziness to bitterness, gossip and slander. I choose to be so lazy in these areas that I will not even entertain wicked thoughts in my mind or bitterness in my heart so that no corrupt talk flows out of my mouth - especially towards my brothers and sisters in Christ [Ephesians 4:29-32, Matthew 15:18, Galatians 6:10]. I choose instead to love the unlovable, give grace to the unkind and impart mercy to those who have wronged me; for this is how the Lord has treated me [Luke 6:35-36].
hate all that is evil and cling to all that is good; therefore I will hate every sin within my members and love others as Christ has loved me [Romans 12:9, Romans 7:23-25, John 15:12].
impart judgment only to discern between good and evil, not to condemn or curse another person who has been made in the image of God, but instead to speak out against evil and injustice poured out upon others; without looking for it to be returned to me. I will judge and examine myself daily, to see whether or not my thoughts and actions are in accordance with God's Word [Hebrews 5:14, James 3:9-10, Proverbs 31:8-9, 1 Corinthians 5:13, Lamentations 3:40, 2 Corinthians 13:5] .

His [God's] divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control, with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you for being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and elections sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.
~ 2 Peter 1:3-12

Gracious and most merciful Father in heaven, hallowed by Your holy name! I thank You for allowing me to speak with You without being utterly destroyed. Thank You Father for allowing me to be in Your holy presence by the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You LORD for calling me to Yourself and making me a part of Your royal priesthood.

Thank You Father for taking my strong-willed rebellious, independent, lazy, hateful and judgmental nature and using it for Your glory and not mine. For when You are glorified LORD, all creation benefits, but when I am glorified Father no one, including me, benefits; instead when I am glorified, evil befalls myself and all those around me. In Your hands, controlled by Your Spirit, my rebelliousness, independence, laziness, hatefulness and judgmental attitude is used to fight against my wicked flesh and turn me to Your holiness; but in my hands, all these things are used to destroy my very being as well as those around me. Thank You Lord for taking them in Your hands and controlling them by Your Holy Spirit.

Thank You Lord from saving me from my wicked flesh, Your wrath and from Hell. Thank You Jesus for setting me free. Keep me from using my freedom in You to do as I please. Keep me O Lord from all that grieves Your heart and make me a daughter who brings only joy and gladness to Your Spirit.

May Your name alone be exalted and forever be praised! Hallelujah!

What does it mean for us to "walk in love"? Does it mean that we should all walk around as if we were floating on cloud 9, filled with romantic and idealistic thoughts about our lives and relationships?

What does it mean for us to be a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."? Does it mean that we are to abstain from anything and everything that brings us pleasure; wear drab clothes and a permanent expression on our faces that tell the world how miserable we are being children of the Most High God, living in a sin infested world?

Short answer to both these questions are assuredly in Christ - NO!

When I read Ephesians 5:1-2, one of the first things that come to mind is the tabernacle and the altar of incense that was placed on the west side of the Holy Place, and stood in front of the curtain/veil of the Most Holy Place (or the Holy of Holies).

The LORD said to Moses, "Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal part), and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy...And the incense that you shall make according to its composition, you shall not make for yourselves. It shall be for you holy to the LORD. Whoever makes any like it to use as perfume shall be cut off from his people."
~ Exodus 30:34-35, 37-38

Notice that the LORD our God gives us a sharp warning that the combination of theses spices are "holy" they are set apart for God and should never be used for our own personal pleasures.

stacte n. ~ [Hebrew: שחלת (nataph)] one of the components of the perfume which was offered on the golden altar (Ex. 30:34; R.V. marg., "opobalsamum"). The Hebrew word is from a root meaning "to distil," and it has been by some interpreted as distilled myrrh

onycha n. ~ [Hebrew: שחלת (shĕcheleth)] according to Hebrew interpreters, unguis odaratus, prop. the covering or shell of a kind of muscle found in the lakes of India, where the nard grows; which, when burning, emits an odor resembling musk

galbanum n. ~ [Hebrew: חלבנה (chelbĕnah)] A bitter, aromatic gum resin extracted from an Asiatic plant (Ferula galbaniflua) or any of several related plants and used in incense and medicinally as a counterirritant

frankincense n. ~ [Hebrew: לבונה (lĕbownah)] a white resin burned as fragrant incense

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.
~ 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

May we all present ourselves as "living sacrifices" to God as we seek to die to self every day; consecrating our lives only for God's purpose and His pleasure, for this is where we will find our greatest joy.

In my next post I will share a diagram of the tabernacle and how Jesus fulfilled every element that was placed in it.

...who humble themselves.

All my life, I've heard differently. I've heard, "God helps those who help themselves." As with many things, I believed it because, well, for the most part, it sounded right. It sounded like something that could be and should be true. Fortunately for all of us, it's not true and is not found anywhere in Scripture.

Here are some Scriptures that remind us God does not help those who can help themselves, instead the Lord our God helps those who humble themselves; crying out to Him out of their helplessness, and not out of their ability to "help" themselves.

"The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears....For You save a humble people, but the haughty eyes your bring down."
~ Psalm 18:4-6, 27

"I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me."
~ Psalm 118:13

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
~ Luke 14:11

"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such a such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit' -- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."
~ James 4:13-17

"But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was brought down from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him."
~ Daniel 5:20

We read over and over again in Scripture that God leaves the proud and arrogant people who think they can do anything good for themselves - to themselves. The Lord God in His wisdom and righteousness allows our arrogance to build as high as we can get it, so that when we fall, we will clearly see the truth; God is awesome, and we are only dust [Psalm 103:13-14].

Many a men (Elvis Presley, Donald Trump, Ghandi, Stalin, Hitler) and women (Elizabeth Taylor, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Billie Jean King, Martha Stewart, Madyln Murray O'Hair) have gone before us with seemingly larger-than-life plans, goals and agendas. And they all wanted to do what they thought would be best for themselves and others in the world. But ultimately, they have, and will, wind up in the same place - as dust. And all of them, regardless of their worldly status, have come to their own demise because of their insatiable lust of pride. I'm sure in the eyes of the world, some of these people are still very highly esteemed. But people who esteem these men and women, are also the same people who esteem Jesus not.

We labor, toil and spend our energies, resources and everything we have, on what? To build what? Our reputations? Our earthly rewards, or awards and accolades? Our self-esteem? What? What do we labor and toil for? What is on this earth and of this world that is worth so much of our effort that we should give everything we have for it? When in the end, it will all be as we will be...dust.

Several years ago when I traveled to Louisiana on a missions trip to help those who had been devastated by hurricane Katrina, a very wise 12 year old who sat next to me on the bus said, "You know Mrs. Sunny, unless someone had told me which neighborhood we were in, you know, the rich ones or poor ones, I would've never known. It all just looks like trash. And when it comes down to it, trash is trash. There's no rich people trash or poor people trash. It all looks the same."

How right he is! To God, it all looks the same. The futile efforts of man to make something of himself, to "help" himself be something, or do something that's of value, is of no value in God's sight. It all just looks the same to God - like trash ["We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away." ~ Isaiah 64:6] For God alone can do anything that's worthy of value, or praise, of honor, or glory. And out of His awesome mercy and grace, He allows us, who are only dust, to participate in His good work - and He alone can give value to what we do.

So what are you building today to help your self-esteem and feel as if your life matters or is important? Are you building your marriage with your ideas? Are you building your children to bear the image of what you've always dreamed? Are you building a "ministry" not because God called you to it, but because you've decided since you enjoy speaking, writing or whatever - that you should do it?

I don't ask these questions presuming that I am better and more holy than any of you. I ask these questions of you and beg you to ask them of yourself, because I have done the same. And because of my gratitude to God for His awesome love towards me and also towards you, I beseech you; do not travel where I have gone, but go with me now to the Cross! Let us follow the only Savior given to man - Jesus Christ; carrying our cross to mortify the flesh with all its wicked passions so that the life of Christ may truly be manifested in us [2 Corinthians 4:10]!

Too often in my life, I have done many things, not for God (although at the time, I thought it was), but for myself - so that I could justify my existence. But in the end, I found that I could not justify (that is, make right) my existence. Only God can. And He did, through His Son, Jesus Christ. Nothing I have done or will ever do, will make my existence right with God - only Jesus can make me right with God; and while I was yet sinning, when I couldn't help myself, God helped me, and continues to help me, as I desperately and humbly cry out, "LORD save me!"

"So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
~ Romans 7:21-25(a)

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it" -- when you have it with you."
~ Proverbs 3:27-28

And who are the ones who are "due" good done to them? Everyone in whom the LORD our God says; for truly no human being is worthy or owed (due) any good from God, but we are lavished by His love, mercy and grace in spite of ourselves (Luke 6:35).

Key Passages:

Exodus 35:4-9
"Moses said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, "This is the thing that the LORD has commanded. Take from among you a contribution to the LORD. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the LORD's contribution; gold, silver, and bronze; blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; goats' hair, tanned rams' skins, and goatskins; acacia wood, oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, and onyx stones and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece."

Exodus 36:3-7
"And they received from Moses all the contribution that the people of Israel had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, so that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, and each from the task that he was doing, and said to Moses, 'The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the LORD has commanded us to do." So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp. 'Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.' So the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more."

There is nothing "good" we give that hasn't been given to us from God. Therefore anything good we offer to another is from the LORD's contribution, not ours. We make these offerings to God, with His blessings; in the hopes that the benefactor of our gifts will be blessed by God and His generosity so that He alone may receive the praise due Him.

Freely we have been given, so freely we ought to give.

"And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the LORD's contribution to be used for the tent of the meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments."
~ Exodus 35:4-9 & 21

"And the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work that the LORD had commanded by Moses to be done brought it as a freewill offering to the LORD."
~Exodus 35:29

Yesterday, my heart was moved to make a phone call today and extend a very simple, not so extraordinary invitation to a sister - an invitation to take her to dinner in order to give her some rest from her troubles: the recent death of a child. And I prayed earnestly about this. I asked God for a sign. I did what I often do, "Oh Lord, I don't want to do this if this isn't from You. I don't want to do this if it's just my own desire and faulty thinking. If this is truly from You, please give me a sign. Remind me in the morning to call. Then let her answer right when I call and let her accept the invitation. Then I will know it is You who have spoken." I continued to pray that same prayer this morning as I became anxious because I had not heard from the Lord yet.

Then the Lord rebuked me, "Child, why do you ask for a sign? Have I not already commanded you, if your heart is moved, if your spirit is stirred to extend any kindness, any good, which all comes from Me, to another poor soul, you shall do it? For what good thought, what good deed or intention ever originated from you? I alone AM good. And every good and perfect gift comes from Me alone. So why do you ask Me for such a thing?"

And why was I behaving in such an evil and adulterous way? Because I wanted to "feel" secure in all that I was doing. If I was going to do something "in the name of the Lord" I wanted it all to work out. I wanted the assurance that what I was doing was not in vain. I wanted it to all work out the way that I considered would make the call worth my time.

Instead of knowing the good I ought to do and just do it (James 4:17), I labored over something that made me nervous (due to fear of rejection because I hardly know this sister), rather than keeping my eyes, heart and mind fixed on Jesus, who saved us not because we were going to accept His sacrifice and look upon His suffering with humble gratitude, but He did what He did because He loves us, much greater and better than we deserve.

So what shall I do with the Lord's rebuke today? I choose to be thankful that the LORD of hosts would hear my prayer and even speak to me. I choose to be humbled that I can approach the throne of grace without being destroyed because I come, washed by the blood of the Son of the Lord God Almighty. I choose not to let Satan use the Lord's rebuke as an occasion to spiral into self-deprecation, but will use my merciful Abba Father's rebuke as an occasion for thanksgiving for His holy discipline in which He is using to train me so that I might yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Most Holy Abba Father, thank You for the right to call upon Your holy name. Thank You that you hear me! Oh what is man that You Lord God are mindful of us?! What kindness, mercy and love! Humiliate me Lord with every opportunity you see fit, so that the beast of my pride may be utterly destroyed. Please help me to remember that Jesus left His place of comfort for me, while He found His full assurance and acceptance in You alone and not from men.

I am very disappointed to find out about this sin of mine; that I would even think twice about sharing Your goodness, Your kindness with others, particularly with those in the faith with whom You have commanded me to show particular favor. But I refuse to sit in this pit and allow my flesh and Satan to use this to deem me ineffective while I wallow in self-pity. Instead Father, I am grateful for Your kind rebuke, for Your directing me in Your love and into Christ's steadfastness.

I am grateful that You have revealed this sin to me Lord. Thank You for testing my heart, finding that which grieves You and leading me in the way everlasting. Make my heart like those Israelites, who loved you so much and was so grateful for You that You had to restrain them from giving. I pray that one day Lord, I will be so in love with You, that You will have to restrain me too. May all glory, honor and praise be given Your name alone! You are my Rock and my Salvation! Amen.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are in the household of faith."
~ Galatians 6:9-10 ~

Good day precious sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ!

Below is one of the sources God has provided me to use for my personal praise and quiet time. We use these as our family breakfast devotionals as well. I encourage you to sign up for these so that you may also be blessed and strengthened in the word of our awesome Father God as you daily strive to meditate on His Law and His holy precepts.

This particular message is so timely as our brother Mark Roberts reminds us that although our world seems to spiral into the abyss of ungodliness, as God's children our hope is not in this world or society's view, but on the LORD God Most High and His view of things here on earth.

God is still on the throne - so all is well. ♥

May the Lord our God bless you this day sisters as He directs you into His love and Christ's perseverance!

Daily Reflection

by Mark D. Roberts
Laity Lodge Senior Director and Scholar-in-Residence
What Can We Do If the Foundations of Society Collapse?

READ Psalm 11:1-7
“The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?” [Psalm 11:3]

Nobody has prayed in more presidential inaugurations than Billy Graham. (Note: If you’re interested in these prayers, you might visit a series I did on my website: The Inaugural Prayers of Billy Graham.) In his inaugural prayer for Richard Nixon in 1969, and then again in his prayer for George H. W. Bush in 1989, Graham quoted Psalm 11:3 in the King James version: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” As we see so much of what our society was built upon crumbling around us, we might wonder if there is any hope left?

David faced a similar challenge thousands of years ago, as the wicked around him were gaining strength. It was tempting for godly people to flee from the problems, to find a safe place to hide from social chaos. Yet David refused this option. “What can the righteous do?” he asked and then pointed to the Lord. The foundations may be collapsing, “But the LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD still rules from heaven” (v. 4). In time, the one who examines every person will punish the wicked and reward those who seek justice (vv. 5-7). So the godly should not flee when society is falling apart. Rather, they should remain, trusting God in all things, standing up for his justice.

We too can be tempted to flee from our society as it becomes less and less shaped by God’s designs. How much easier it would be to become hermits, hiding among our fellow Christians until Jesus returns! But our calling is to be salt and light in this world, to live justly even when the foundations seem to be crumbling. In this way, we honor the Lord even as we extend his kingdom into our part of this world.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Do you ever feel like the foundations of our society are collapsing? When? Why? Are you tempted to flee from the fallen world? What gives you strength to stand for God and God’s way in an increasingly hostile world?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, it does seem like the foundations of our society are collapsing under us. Increasingly, you are mocked in the public square, while your ways are rejected in society and law. We might wonder, with David, “What can the righteous do?”

Most of all, we can trust you, acknowledging you as Lord of heaven and earth. We will not find the strength to stand for justice apart from your help. So give us perseverance to seek your justice and truth, no matter what happens around us. Help us to live for you each day. Though the foundations may be crumbling around us, still we are free to serve you. For this we need your help, each and every day. Amen.

"And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' And I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' and the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.' "
~ Acts 26:14 - 15

The first thing that comes to most of our minds when we think about the phrase "persecuting Jesus", we think about those abroad who are brutally beating and/or killing Christians. It seems our minds often carry us to the extreme when we consider most things. At least, that's the way my mind works. But the Lord our God's mind doesn't work that way. He cares intimately about every minute detail, i.e., God has numbered every hair on our heads (Matthew 10:30), God stores every tear in a bottle (Psalm 56:8), the Lord considers any who angrily slanders or hates another to be a murderer (Matthew 5:21-22 & 1 John 3:15), and our holy God considers lust to be adultery (Matthew 5:27-28).

In the eyes of our holy God, who lives in pure light, every little detail is seen and matters to Him. The Lord told us that He does not look at things like we do. We make sketchy judgments based on our limited vision and finite knowledge. God makes righteous judgments based on His infinite vision and infinite wisdom. For God, it is all a matter of the heart - for this is where sin is conceived and if we allow it, will grow and bear fruit.

"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
~ 1 Samuel 16:7

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
~ Hebrews 4:12

"But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person."
~ Matthew 15:18)

By human standards, I haven't persecuted Jesus and don't on a regular basis. I'm not out slandering Christians, mocking them, beating them or even trying to kill them. Why would I, I'm a Christian myself! By human logic, this makes no sense to even consider that I, a follower of Jesus Christ would be persecuting the One I claim to love! The very thought is not only a bit insulting, but almost an impossibility! But it is not. For I have recently discovered that in my Christian life, I have persecuted my Lord and Savior and have (multiple times) grieved my the Holy Spirit with whom I am sealed until the redemption of my body (Ephesians 4:30-32).

By God's standard, persecution isn't the extreme things we think of. It is the subtle things we don't even consider at times. I'll give you an example. How often have you chosen to do something, whether it be something "good" for your family, ministry work, volunteering, feeding the poor, etc., but instead of praying and asking God if this is how He would like it done? Well, the answer for me, is - countless. So many times in my life I've done things for Christ, but in a way I thought seemed best at the time.

I'll let Oswald Chambers speak, since he makes this point very clear:

"Every time we stand on our rights and insist that this is what we intend to do, we are persecuting Jesus. Whenever we stand on our dignity we systematically vex and grieve His Spirit; and when the knowledge comes home that it is Jesus Whom we have been persecuting all the time, it is the most crushing revelation there could be.

Is the Word of God tremendously keen to me as I hand it on to you, or does my life give the lie to the things I profess to teach?"

King David did this very same thing with his first attempt to bring the Ark of God back to Jerusalem. The idea David had was great! It was very honorable, very noble and everyone around him agreed! But the only problem is, in his haste, David didn't bring the Ark of God back the way God said it must be done; thereby causing the death of Uzzah who irreverently touched the holy Ark of God.

David had a great idea to do something for God, but he did it in his way.

How often have you done this? How often have you decided that you were going to do something for Jesus, and had all sorts of ideas about how you were going to go about it, yet never once consulted the Lord first?

I will close with this profound thought from Oswald Chambers:

"The Spirit of Jesus is conscious of one thing only -- a perfect oneness with the Father...All I do ought to be founded on a perfect oneness with Him, not on a self-willed determination to be godly."

Merciful and most holy Father God, forgive me. Forgive me for being so immature in thinking that somehow I can do something for you - as if you needed me. But oh, Lord how I am so in awe of the fact that You don't need me, but allow me the honor and privilege to participate in Your glorious work! Lord, help me with my pride! Help me to remember that I must do things for You, Your way, or it truly is no longer for You, but for me. Help me to always see this truth. Thank You most gracious LORD for loving me in spite of myself. Thank You for compassionately calling out to me, "Sunny, Sunny, why are you persecuting Me?" so that I might be stopped in my haste to do something "good", yet am trampling on Your will instead - as I insist on mine. Forgive me Father God. I love you truly, with everything I have and all that I am. May oneness with You be my only hearts desire and motivation for all things. Amen.

servant n. ~ a person employed by another, esp. to perform domestic duties.

bondservant n. ~ a person bound to service without wages.

Every time I read in Scripture "servant of Christ Jesus" or something of the like, I used to only have the concept that it meant I was "in His service". But without really considering it, I had been "in His service" most often than not, in order to receive a reward; whether here on earth (like accolades and praise) or in Heaven - our eternal treasures.

But as time passed, I began to cringe at the thought of doing anything in the name of Jesus, for any kind of "reward", even heavenly rewards. To encourage me through difficult trials, people have often said, "Press on Sunny, press on! You know this is for your eternal reward! You'll have treasure in Heaven, far better than any of this and a crown of glory!" Now, I know that they all meant well, but still, inside - I would cringe. I began asking the Lord why I felt this way. I began to ask God why I couldn't receive this encouragement from my brothers and sisters. Was I being prideful? Was I caught in some sin I wasn't aware of? What was it that caused me to cringe every time I heard this?

What was a servant of the Lord to do? What exactly does a servant of the Lord look like and what is a servant of the Lord's mindset?

Then I noticed something in the Bible. Regardless of translations, there is always a footnote whenever the word "servant" is used and the footnote always says, "Or slave; Greek bondservant". I thought, "What's the difference? Aren't they the same thing? And if so, why make a note of it?" As I asked all these questions, my Lord answered by inspiring me to do something very simple, "look it up." I did, although I wasn't sure why; especially because I thought I already knew what both of these words meant. It turns out, I didn't.

As you can see from the definitions above, there is a huge difference between the two words. Most of us will simply explain that both words describe a person who is in service to another. While this definition is close, it is not accurate and misses a very significant difference. A servant is "paid", or "rewarded" for their service. While a bondservant expects no payment or reward for his service.

It was then the Lord taught me that while He does give us treasure in Heaven, this should not be the motivator for me to serve my Him. Instead, I must take cues from Moses and the Apostle Paul who both stated that if they could, they would give up their own eternal life in Christ Jesus to see others come to salvation.

I know we will all agree that there is no greater reward than our eternal salvation. Yet, these two faithful brothers in the Lord, due to their great love for God, desired to give up their own salvation; their greatest reward, if by any possible means this would bring God more glory, and fill our Father God's heart with joy and gladness. WOW! Now, that's agape love returned to God!

Of course, the Lord clearly answered "No" for only Jesus Christ is qualified to be the propitiation for anyone's eternal life.

"So Moses returned to the LORD and said, 'Alas, this people have sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will forgive their sin -- but if not, please blot me out of your book that You have written.' "
~ Exodus 32:31-32

"I am speaking the truth in Christ -- I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit -- that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to flesh."
~ Romans 9:1-3

This brings me to Romans 1, where the Apostle Paul opens his letter with this salutation:

"Paul, a servant [bondservant] of Christ Jesus..." I'll stop here. I've read this probably hundreds of times, but I recently noticed that when I read Scripture, I have a tendency to just run over the salutations. But this time, as I prayed for God to make known to me, His ways, to teach me His paths and to lead me in His truth (Psalm 25:4-5), the Holy Spirit quickened me to stop at this salutation and meditate on it. I did, and here's He showed me:

"Could you open a letter with this salutation? For that matter, could you open a conversation, or any dealings with another human being with this thought: 'Hello, my name is Sunny, I am a bondservant of the Lord Jesus Christ.' "

Honestly speaking, I know that I could've never (in good conscience) introduced myself this way before, as I haven't always behaved as a bondservant to Christ, but as a bondservant to my dead and disgusting flesh; insisting to have my own way. While I may have not been able to do this before, I should've been able to - and plan to from now on.

For the past few weeks, before I write anything to anyone, or say anything to anyone, I will (maybe not out loud, lest I cause others to stumble) in my heart and mind say, "Hello, my name is Sunny, a bondservant of Jesus Christ." Do you know what I've noticed since I began doing this? It has drastically changed what I do, how I do things, and the attitude in which I do them; whether they be in writing, in daily chores, in speaking--in everything.

I've noticed that in the past few weeks, I speak less. I fight and argue less. I less often insist on my opinion and better that all this, I've found that keeping this in the forethought of my mind has caused me to hear God's Holy Spirt much clearer and better!

Won't you join me? Begin to introduce yourself everywhere you go, in your heart and mind, "Hello my name is [insert your name here], a bondservant of Jesus Christ." Then wait and listen intently to what your Master is speaking to you and you'll know exaclty why I have this huge grin on my face right now! ♥

I've always told my boys one of my most favorite things is to be found in error by anyone I've ever taught (whether my own children or those God has graciously given me to disciple or counsel). I know that sounds a bit strange, but after I explain why, I'm sure you'll desire this as well.

Any teacher is blessed to see their student(s) not only has actually paid close attention to their lessons, but have also trained themselves to apply what they've learned - through research, much study, meditation and personal reflection. Now, when it comes to being a mother training up her children in "the Way they should go" (Proverbs 22:6), her greatest desire is that her children learn to walk in the truth as they themselves begin to study Scripture on their own; testing everything (Acts 17:10-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22, 1 John 4:1), from having been taught that only God is perfectly omniscient and all human beings (including mom) are fallible.

With this understanding, you can see why I am so very delighted when anyone I have ever taught corrects me. Their correction proves to me that they have searched God's word for themselves, have been in much prayer, have tasted and seen (perceived for themselves) that the Lord is good; and now have come to me out of love, in humility and kindness to share with me my misunderstanding of God's word or the things of the Lord. Oh, there truly is no greater joy for a spiritual parent, than to know that their children walk in the truth - that is, abides in Jesus Christ! (3 John 1:4)

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not always (at the time) very overjoyed when corrected. No, instead, I have often been caught up in pride and have become very indignant that this "pupil" of mine dares to question my teaching. But I assure you, although this may be my initial reaction, thanks be to our gracious Lord God Almighty, that it is certainly not my final. ☺

To illustrate this truth to you today, I'd like to share with you the very first time I'd been corrected by one of my "pupils" in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I'd been teaching our children about God since the day I knew they were conceived. I read them God's word, sang songs and spoke God's truth to them about why God had created them and that while I had no idea what was going on in my own body, God knew - because only He knows each person intimately. By the time our oldest son was one, I began to have daily breakfast devotionals with him. I wanted him to be fed not only physically, but knew it was more important that he was fed spiritually. So by the time our first son was between two and two 1/2 years old (don't remember exactly, but it was before our second son was born), he was ready to correct me. And it began with the word, "amen", what it meant and when/why we used it.

Amen:

This Hebrew word means firm, and hence also faithful (Rev 3:14). In Isa 65:16, the Authorized Version has "the God of truth," which in Hebrew is "the God of Amen." It is frequently used by our Saviour to give emphasis to his words, where it is translated "verily." Sometimes, only, however, in John's Gospel, it is repeated, "Verily, verily." It is used as an epithet of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev 3:14).

It is found singly and sometimes doubly at the end of prayers (Psa 41:13; 72:19; 89:52), to confirm the words and invoke the fulfilment of them. It is used in token of being bound by an oath (Num 5:22; Deu 27:15-26; Neh 5:13; 8:6; 1Ch 16:36). In the primitive churches it was common for the general audience to say "Amen" at the close of the prayer (1Cr 14:16).

The promises of God are Amen; i.e., they are all true and sure (2Cr 1:20).

_______________________________________

Cite This Article:
Easton, M. G. "Amen," Easton's Bible Dictionary. Blue Letter Bible. 1897. 1 Apr 2007. 26 Jan 2009.

As we can see from the definition above, for the word "Amen", when spoken from God means: "it is so, it is truth" and our response to God's proclamation of His truth is also "amen", which when spoken from our mouths, means, "as God has said, let it be so". Therefore when we pray, assuming we are praying in the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth, then we say "amen" because we are proclaiming our faith and trust in what God Himself has already spoken - we are in agreement with Him.

One of the times we would apply "amen" would be when we are giving thanks to the Lord for all His glorious and awesome provisions for us whether it be food, clothing, shelter, spouse, children, etc. For in applying "amen" after we give thanks, we are proclaiming that we agree (we believe Him) when He said that He alone is our Provider of all good things and we ought to only give Him honor and praise, for He alone is due such glory (James 1:17)

Let me share with you the beautiful day in which the Lord our God taught my husband and I when it was appropriate to say "Amen".

Oh, I still remember this day so clearly! It was a Saturday, we slept in a bit and didn't have breakfast, therefore I decided to make us all a hugely fabulous brunch! We had eggs, hashbrowns, bacon and sausage, toast, fruit, pancakes....well, you get the picture. And we were all starving, especially me!

I was just about to dig my fork into all this scrumptious food, when my hand was halted by our sweet little two year old son, who quickly said, "Wait Daddy and Mama! Don't we need to say 'amen'?" I quickly smiled and answered, "Awww, no sweet baby, this is breakfast. We only say 'amen' at dinner." I then again began to put my fork into a piece of delicious food, when my hand once again came to a screeching halt by my son, "Wait! Mama, why do we only say 'amen' at dinner?" I impatiently, with a forced smile answered, "Well darling, I don't know. I wasn't raised in a Christian home, so we never said it. Your Daddy was the only one raised in a Christian home and that's just the way he was taught, so it must be right. Now, leave Mama alone and let me eat my food. I'm hungry and it's getting cold." Our son smiled and said, "Oh, yes ma'am Mama." I joylessly began to pick up my now cold food that had been sitting lifelessly on my fork for what seemed like an eternity, when....you guessed it, my son spoke, "WAIT!" He exclaimed, "I have one more question." By this time, I was a bit miffed with him to say the least and unkindly answered, "Okay Michael, last one."

And here's how it all went down:

Son: "Daddy, Mama. Did God give us this food?"
Parents: "Yes baby, He did."
Son: "Did God give us the food for lunch?
Parents: "Yes son, He did."
Son: "Did God give us the food for our snacks?"
Parents: "Yes Michael, He did!"
Son: "Did God give us our food for dinner?"
Parents: "Yes son. Very good, you've been paying attention. We're so proud of you. God gave us everything. Great! You've got it. Now, are you finished? Can we please eat?"
Son: "Can I ask just one more?"
Parents: "Yes baby, but really, this has got to be the last question."
Son: "Yes ma'am. I was just wondering. If God gave us all the food we eat, then how come we only thank Him one time?"

My Favorite and I looked at our precious baby sitting in his booster seat, we looked at each other, we took one another's hands, and no other words were spoken but this, "Let's say 'amen'."

So when should we, how should we, why should we and for what situations is it proper for us to apply "amen"? Whenever we are in agreement with God and His truth. Which prayerfully, is all the time. Amen? ☺

Awesome, holy and glorious Father God in Heaven, You alone are truth! Thank You for revealing Your absolute truth to us through your written word. In this world, we face so many uncertainties where opinions change, times change, people change - oh Lord, where everything changes, and no one can ever be certain of what might happen next. Merciful Father God, I am even more grateful to know for certain that You LORD, alone are God, You are truth, You love me and You have cleansed me from all my unrighteousness with the blood of Jesus Christ.

Thank You mighty Father for always giving us Your unchanging word, love, salvation and truth. Thank You holy Father for YOU!

AMEN and AMEN!

I've always heard, “Live every day as if it were your last.” On the surface, this statement sounds thoughtful, but looking deeper, its foundation is self-centered. Therefore, I'd like to propose another statement that I feel is more in line with God's word:

Live each day as if it were everyone else's last day.

If today was your husband's, you wife's, your children's, your mother's, father's, aunt's, uncle's, or best friend's last day, what would you do differently? What things would be important to you...enough to fight and argue about? What would you say to them and what would you do for them?

I guess before any of us can answer that question, we'd first have to consider, is this person saved? If they are, then I'm sure most of us would quickly humble ourselves and lavish them with the awesome love of Christ as He commanded us to do as His Church. We would quickly throw away any differences, any malice any discourse that might have separated us, and we would sow peace – as much as it is up to us.

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
~ 2 Corinthians 13:11-12

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
~ Romans 12:17-18

And if they are not saved, I hope that all of us would spend what time we had left with them, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Not the watered-down version, but the true Gospel - the way Jesus showed us:

"No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."
~ Luke 13:3

Does everyone who claims to know God, to know Jesus, His Son, enter into Heaven? Will everyone who claims they believe there is a God be accepted by God? Let’s see what Jesus said here in the gospel of Matthew.

" 'Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and cast out demons in Your name, and do many mighty works in Your name?' And then will I declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.' "
~ Matthew 7:21-23
(emphasis added)

In this passage, the word our Lord Jesus uses for “knew” is the Greek word, ginosko which means: to grasp, to test, to recognize intimately; Jewish idiom for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman. As you can see for yourselves, the word our Master and Savior Jesus Christ used for "knew" was not a casual word saying that He was never aware of your existence - He made you, He is God, He is omniscient and has knowledge of all things. Instead, Jesus uses a word, also used to describe sexual intimacy, which we know is often used in the Old Testament in the same manner: Adam knew Eve and she conceived.

Jesus says that if He is not intimately acquainted with; more specifically, made one with a person (He has never known them), then it doesn't matter what they might claim, whether it be "good" works or prayers in "Jesus' name". If we pray or do anything and simply tack on "in Jesus' name" thinking somehow this will magically make us known to Christ, we have deceived ourselves. To pray or do anything in the Name of Jesus means to do it in His character, in His nature: holy, pure, humbly and with agape love. And no mere human can do anything in Jesus Name, without the indwelling power of His Holy Spirit.

The Bible is clear, the only people who can be saved are the ones who confess that they are sinners (because they have broken God’s holy Law [1 John 3:4]); believe they deserve eternal damnation in Hell because of their sins; understand that their sins are an abomination to a holy God and that Christ Jesus is the Son of God: who was born of a virgin, and alone was without sin - perfectly fulfilling the Law; took our shame, our guilt, our condemnation upon Himself when He bore our sins on the Cross; was raised on the Third Day by the power of the Holy Spirit to prove that He alone is God and has the power to defeat sin and it's penalty which is eternal death in the lake of fire.

Is there someone you need to share this with today? Is there someone(s) God is bringing to your mind to prayerfully, humbly and compassionately, with the power from Christ, share the Gospel, so that they might be saved?

Jesus said:

"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but however does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been carried out in God.”
~ John 3:17-21

I am in tears and broken-hearted for those I know who either think they are “good” enough to go to Heaven, or they are religious enough to go to Heaven. Both groups of people, have not yet repented and feel no need to repent because they think, “It’ll be okay. It’ll all work out in the end. When I die, God will understand.” Yes, He will. He will understand that they have rejected Him as their God and His Son, Jesus as their only Savior. And He will judge them by what they have judged themselves – on their own merit; and they will terrified to find out, their “good deeds” in the sight of God were only filthy rags, and have disqualified them for the inheritance with all the saints in light.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith.”
~ Romans 3:23-25a

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
~ Ephesians 2:8-9
(emphasis added)

How about you? Will you choose to live this day and every day, from now on, as if it were your loved ones’ last day?

Lord God in Heaven, hallowed by Your holy Name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Purify us Lord, with Your word. Cleanse us of whatever we are holding on to that makes us comfortable, yet grieves Your Spirit that lives within us. Let us cast all our differences with one another aside as we strive to love You first, with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Oh gracious Father God, forgive us for looking too long in our mirrors that only reflect our flesh and not Your glory. May our love for You be demonstrated not with mere words and tongue, but in actions and in truth. May Christ Jesus our Lord be glorified because of our love for one another.

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