Thursday Dec 29

What a year!  So much change, so many dramatic turns in our world.  In my life a drastic evil turn, that after nearly 32 years, I would be abandon, thrown away and deserted.  Not just me but my three children.  
Yet, I have nothing without the Grace and Love of my God through His Son Jesus.  The Holy Spirit is giving me Hope and strengthening my Faith.  I must believe or I must give up.  My Hope is in my God.


Today's meditation from Charles Spurgeon:

December 29


Morning
“Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”   1Sa_7:12
The word “hitherto” seems like a hand pointing in the direction of the past. Twenty years or seventy, and yet, “hitherto the Lord hath helped!” Through poverty, through wealth, through sickness, through health, at home, abroad, on the land, on the sea, in honour, in dishonour, in perplexity, in joy, in trial, in triumph, in prayer, in temptation, “hitherto hath the Lord helped us!” We delight to look down a long avenue of trees. It is delightful to gaze from end to end of the long vista, a sort of verdant temple, with its branching pillars and its arches of leaves; even so look down the long aisles of your years, at the green boughs of mercy overhead, and the strong pillars of lovingkindness and faithfulness which bear up your joys. Are there no birds in yonder branches singing? Surely there must be many, and they all sing of mercy received “hitherto.”
But the word also points forward. For when a man gets up to a certain mark and writes “hitherto,” he is not yet at the end, there is still a distance to be traversed. More trials, more joys; more temptations, more triumphs; more prayers, more answers; more toils, more strength; more fights, more victories; and then come sickness, old age, disease, death. Is it over now? No! there is more yet-awakening in Jesus’ likeness, thrones, harps, songs, psalms, white raiment, the face of Jesus, the society of saints, the glory of God, the fulness of eternity, the infinity of bliss.
O be of good courage, believer, and with grateful confidence raise thy “Ebenezer,” for-
He who hath helped thee hitherto
Will help thee all thy journey through.
When read in heaven’s light how glorious and marvellous a prospect will thy “hitherto” unfold to thy grateful eye!


Evening
“What think ye of Christ?”   Mat_22:42
The great test of your soul’s health is, What think you of Christ? Is he to you “fairer than the children of men”-”the chief among ten thousand”-the “altogether lovely”? Wherever Christ is thus esteemed, all the faculties of the spiritual man exercise themselves with energy. I will judge of your piety by this barometer: does Christ stand high or low with you? If you have thought little of Christ, if you have been content to live without his presence, if you have cared little for his honour, if you have been neglectful of his laws, then I know that your soul is sick-God grant that it may not be sick unto death! But if the first thought of your spirit has been, how can I honour Jesus? If the daily desire of your soul has been, “O that I knew where I might find him!” I tell you that you may have a thousand infirmities, and even scarcely know whether you are a child of God at all, and yet I am persuaded, beyond a doubt, that you are safe, since Jesus is great in your esteem. I care not for thy rags, what thinkest thou of his royal apparel? I care not for thy wounds, though they bleed in torrents, what thinkest thou of his wounds? are they like glittering rubies in thine esteem? I think none the less of thee, though thou liest like Lazarus on the dunghill, and the dogs do lick thee-I judge thee not by thy poverty: what thinkest thou of the King in his beauty? Has he a glorious high throne in thy heart? Wouldest thou set him higher if thou couldest? Wouldest thou be willing to die if thou couldest but add another trumpet to the strain which proclaims his praise? Ah! then it is well with thee. Whatever thou mayest think of thyself, if Christ be great to thee, thou shalt be with him ere long.
“Though all the world my choice deride,
Yet Jesus shall my portion be;
For I am pleased with none beside,
The fairest of the fair is he”

Wednesday Dec 28

I am in troubles so deep and intense it seems that there is no solution or answer.  Money is short, bills too many, children are all struggling and facing demands, and my marriage is broken and in pieces.  


But, I praise God Almighty who knows all this and yet still blesses me with His grace and love.  My God will not abandon me nor desert me. He loves me enough to have sent His Son to die for me and all mankind to redeem us and save us from ourselves.


Today's lessons, from James Ryle:



December 28


The God Who Makes Things Happen
"You're the God who makes things happen; you showed everyone what you can do — You pulled your people out of the worst kind of trouble, rescued the children of Jacob and Joseph." (Psalm 77:14,15, The Message).
The great epic event of the Old Testament was the Exodus — the day God delivered His people out of bondage in Egypt. They were in the worst kind of trouble, and God brought them out of it.
They were up against the impassable Red Sea, and God brought them through it on dry ground. He made a way where there was no way. The armies of Pharaoh were pressing down upon them, but they escaped — while the horse and the rider were drowned in the sea.
God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The things that were written in ancient times are alive and relevant for us today. We are filled with hope in our times of difficulty as we gaze back upon what God has done in the past for His people.
And we know that even unto this very day, He is the God who makes things happen. He will make a way where there seems to be no way possible.
As turmoil increases in our world, a noticeable shift will occur in the global mindset — a shift against the Christian Faith. This shift will be the signal that the spirit of Antichrist is making its move. The world will increasingly turn against the God of Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, and against all those who profess Him in any manner.
And as this shift happens, we ourselves will be set up for yet another remarkable, earth-shaking act of God. He will again show the world what He can do; He will pull His people out of the worst kind of trouble, even though it means we will have to be in it first.
So when the trouble comes, then know that Deliverance is also on the way. Rejoice my brothers and sisters — we serve the God who makes things happen!

Tuesday Dec 27

December 27


Morning
“Can the rush grow up without mire?”
- Job_8:11
The rush is spongy and hollow, and even so is a hypocrite; there is no substance or stability in him. It is shaken to and fro in every wind just as formalists yield to every influence; for this reason the rush is not broken by the tempest, neither are hypocrites troubled with persecution. I would not willingly be a deceiver or be deceived; perhaps the text for this day may help me to try myself whether I be a hypocrite or no. The rush by nature lives in water, and owes its very existence to the mire and moisture wherein it has taken root; let the mire become dry, and the rush withers very quickly. Its greenness is absolutely dependent upon circumstances, a present abundance of water makes it flourish, and a drought destroys it at once. Is this my case? Do I only serve God when I am in good company, or when religion is profitable and respectable? Do I love the Lord only when temporal comforts are received from his hands? If so I am a base hypocrite, and like the withering rush, I shall perish when death deprives me of outward joys. But can I honestly assert that when bodily comforts have been few, and my surroundings have been rather adverse to grace than at all helpful to it, I have still held fast my integrity? then have I hope that there is genuine vital godliness in me. The rush cannot grow without mire, but plants of the Lord’s right hand planting can and do flourish even in the year of drought. A godly man often grows best when his worldly circumstances decay. He who follows Christ for his bag is a Judas; they who follow for loaves and fishes are children of the devil; but they who attend him out of love to himself are his own beloved ones. Lord, let me find my life in thee, and not in the mire of this world’s favour or gain.


Evening
“And the LORD shall guide thee continually.”
- Isa_58:11
“The Lord shall guide thee.” Not an angel, but JEHOVAH shall guide thee. He said he would not go through the wilderness before his people, an angel should go before them to lead them in the way; but Moses said, “If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.” Christian, God has not left you in your earthly pilgrimage to an angel’s guidance: he himself leads the van. You may not see the cloudy, fiery pillar, but Jehovah will never forsake you. Notice the word shall-”The Lord shall guide thee.” How certain this makes it! How sure it is that God will not forsake us! His precious “shalls” and “wills” are better than men’s oaths. “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Then observe the adverb continually. We are not merely to be guided sometimes, but we are to have a perpetual monitor; not occasionally to be left to our own understanding, and so to wander, but we are continually to hear the guiding voice of the Great Shepherd; and if we follow close at his heels, we shall not err, but be led by a right way to a city to dwell in. If you have to change your position in life; if you have to emigrate to distant shores; if it should happen that you are cast into poverty, or uplifted suddenly into a more responsible position than the one you now occupy; if you are thrown among strangers, or cast among foes, yet tremble not, for “the Lord shall guide thee continually.” There are no dilemmas out of which you shall not be delivered if you live near to God, and your heart be kept warm with holy love. He goes not amiss who goes in the company of God. Like Enoch, walk with God, and you cannot mistake your road. You have infallible wisdom to direct you, immutable love to comfort you, and eternal power to defend you. “Jehovah”-mark the word-”Jehovah shall guide thee continually.”

December 27

An Invitation to Pray at the Throne of Grace

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  (Heb_4:16)

If we are going to live by grace, we must relate rightly to the God of all grace: namely, by walking in humble dependence. Continual, Spirit-led prayerfulness is the basic way to express humility and faith to the Lord. How fitting it is, then, to consider God's invitation to pray at the throne of grace.   

The throne to which we are invited is the throne of God, revealed to the Apostle John. "Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne" (Rev_4:2). This honored King of the universe is the Creator of everything, exercising His sovereign will by His infinite power. "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created" (Rev_4:11). This is a throne of everlasting holiness, as declared constantly by angelic creatures. "And they do not rest day or night, saying: 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!' " (Rev_4:8). For the godless, this will become a throne of judgment. "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it . . . And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God . . . And they were judged, each one according to his works . . .  And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire" (Rev_20:11-13, Rev_20:15).   

If this throne were only characterized by sovereign power, holiness, and judgment, we could never approach it with any expectation of blessing. Yet, for those who will humbly receive eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, this is a throne of grace. "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace." We can approach this throne with spiritual confidence, because Jesus is seated there with the Father. "And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne . . . stood a Lamb as though it had been slain . . . Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" (Rev_5:6, Rev_5:12). The worthy one, who died for our sins, has opened the door to an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father' " (Rom_8:15). Dread of God is replaced with boldness, by the grace of Jesus Christ: "in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him" (Eph_3:12). Now, this throne is to us an altar of prayer for mercy and grace!

Abba, Father, I bow before Your throne, acknowledging You as the sovereign Creator and the holy Judge. Yet, I boldly approach You as my dear, intimate Papa! Although I deserved judgment, now through Jesus, I humbly expect mercy and grace!

Thursday Dec 22

How is it that we can survive disasters, recover, revive, rebuild and live on?  Only by the Grace of God!  Praise be His Holy Name, the God of all creation, Jesus the Son of God, the Comforting and Convicting Holy Spirit. 
My life is so miserable now, so unbelievable.  I am hurt, damaged, and nearly destroyed.  Yet, I trust in the Love and Grace of God.  By His Holy Word do I live and go on.  Lord, Your Will, not mine.  I pray for your loving forgiveness, regeneration, and blessings.  


Today's meditation by Charles Spurgeon:

December 22


Morning
“I will strengthen thee.”
- Isa_41:10
God has a strong reserve with which to discharge this engagement; for he is able to do all things. Believer, till thou canst drain dry the ocean of omnipotence, till thou canst break into pieces the towering mountains of almighty strength, thou never needest to fear. Think not that the strength of man shall ever be able to overcome the power of God. Whilst the earth’s huge pillars stand, thou hast enough reason to abide firm in thy faith. The same God who directs the earth in its orbit, who feeds the burning furnace of the sun, and trims the lamps of heaven, has promised to supply thee with daily strength. While he is able to uphold the universe, dream not that he will prove unable to fulfil his own promises. Remember what he did in the days of old, in the former generations. Remember how he spake and it was done; how he commanded, and it stood fast. Shall he that created the world grow weary? He hangeth the world upon nothing; shall he who doth this be unable to support his children? Shall he be unfaithful to his word for want of power? Who is it that restrains the tempest? Doth not he ride upon the wings of the wind, and make the clouds his chariots, and hold the ocean in the hollow of his hand? How can he fail thee? When he has put such a faithful promise as this on record, wilt thou for a moment indulge the thought that he has outpromised himself, and gone beyond his power to fulfil? Ah, no! Thou canst doubt no longer.
O thou who art my God and my strength, I can believe that this promise shall be fulfilled, for the boundless reservoir of thy grace can never be exhausted, and the overflowing storehouse of thy strength can never be emptied by thy friends or rifled by thine enemies.
“Now let the feeble all be strong,
And make Jehovah’s arm their song.”


Evening
“The spot of his children.”
- Deu_32:5
What is the secret spot which infallibly betokens the child of God? It were vain presumption to decide this upon our own judgment; but God’s word reveals it to us, and we may tread surely where we have revelation to be our guide. Now, we are told concerning our Lord, “to as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to as many as believed on his name.” Then, if I have received Christ Jesus into my heart, I am a child of God. That reception is described in the same verse as believing on the name of Jesus Christ. If, then, I believe on Jesus Christ’s name-that is, simply from my heart trust myself with the crucified, but now exalted, Redeemer, I am a member of the family of the Most High. Whatever else I may not have, if I have this, I have the privilege to become a child of God. Our Lord Jesus puts it in another shape. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Here is the matter in a nutshell. Christ appears as a shepherd to his own sheep, not to others. As soon as he appears, his own sheep perceive him-they trust him, they are prepared to follow him; he knows them, and they know him-there is a mutual knowledge-there is a constant connection between them. Thus the one mark, the sure mark, the infallible mark of regeneration and adoption is a hearty faith in the appointed Redeemer. Reader, are you in doubt, are you uncertain whether you bear the secret mark of God’s children? Then let not an hour pass over your head till you have said, “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” Trifle not here, I adjure you! If you must trifle anywhere, let it be about some secondary matter: your health, if you will, or the title deeds of your estate; but about your soul, your never-dying soul and its eternal destinies, I beseech you to be in earnest. Make sure work for eternity.

Thursday Dec 15

My oh my how life can become so complicated and disarrayed so quickly.  It just takes one thing by one person to negatively affect so many people.  
God is good.  God is merciful.  God is LOVE!


Today's meditation call for deep submission to God's will and to accept His love and calling: (from James Ryle)



December 15


Never Hesitate to Say Yes to God's Plan for Your Life
"Be it unto me according to Thy Word." (Luke 1:38).


Os Guinness writes, " Our passion is to know we are fulfilling the purpose for which we are on earth. All standards of success — wealth, power, knowledge, position, fame — grow tiny and hollow if we do not satisfy this deeper longing."
Nothing short of God's will obeyed can both ground and fulfill the truest human desire for significance. And we are never happier than when we are expressing the deepest gifts and callings that are truly us.
Abraham was called by God out of a dead religion practiced by pagans, and became the Father of Faith. He was without children until God spoke a promise. Abraham believed God and became the Father of Nations. He said yes to God.
Moses was a stuttering stammering sheep herding Bedouin in the high deserts of Midian, when a burning bush caught his eye. Approaching the Bush, he heard a voice. That Voice spoke of great and mighty things to come. Moses answered, "Who am I?" The Voice called him out of his own sense of inability and limitations, and ushered him forth into the great drama of human history as one of the greatest and most influential men who has ever lived. He said yes to God.
David was the runt of the litter; the eighth born son in a family where seven was enough. Last on the food chain, there was usually nothing left when his turn came along. God spoke a promise to his young heart in the isolated fields of unseen worship. He believed God and rose to become the greatest King Israel has ever known. He said yes to God.
Mary said yes to God and rose from humble surroundings to be the mother of our Lord.
Now it's your turn. Whatever the situation of your life, or the circumstances in which you presently find yourself — it is never too late to say yes to God's will for your life. He can still do the impossible with the improbable.
He CAN do what He says He can do. And He WILL do what He says He will do!
Never overlook the extraordinary potential of the ordinary! Never under-estimate the power of a personal word from God! And, never hesitate to say yes to God's plan for your life! These are the three great lessons we learn from a peasant girl named Mary.

Wednesday Dec 14

So we are now 11 days from Christmas, a hectic and demanding time of the year.  
My friends, this is the year, now is the time for you to Accept Jesus as your Savior, repent of your sins, and give your heart to God.  God then will give you His Love through the redemptive blood of His Son Jesus.  The Holy Spirit will endow you with all of His Grace and Blessings.  There's nothing you have to pay or do, just ask and let His love save you and transform you.
Do it today!  Do it NOW!


Here's today's meditation about God's love:

December 14


Jesus Given for Us to be Given to Us
For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.  (Rom_5:10)
As the ultimate free gift of God's grace, Jesus was given for us (dying for our sins): "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all" (Rom_8:32). 
Moreover, He was given for us to be given to us (that He might express His life in and through us).  
We began as enemies of God. Certainly, we were lost and condemned. Yet, our situation was even worse than that. Our lives worked against the purposes and plans of God: "And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works" (Col_1:21). 
Our evil thoughts and activities set us against the Lord in both mind and deed. The only way that we could become the friends of God was for Jesus to be given as a sacrifice for us. "When we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son." The Lord had to deal with our dual problem of sin and unrighteousness. "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2Co_5:21). 
The Father graciously placed our sins on His Son that He might give His righteousness to us. For all who would believe in Christ, this brought the precious gift of reconciliation (the turning of enemies into friends).  
Even after this rich grace of reconciliation, the Lord had "much more" yet to give us. "For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." What remained after Jesus being given for us (for our reconciliation) was for Him to be given to us. This is related to Jesus coming to dwell within us that we could be "saved by His life." 
Why do the friends of Jesus still need to be saved? Well, His followers would be persistently threatened by the world, the flesh, and the devil. They would still be vulnerable to such matters as, temptation, doubt, fear, fruitlessness, distraction, inadequacy, and more. How then would they be saved? This ongoing rescuing work of the Lord would be "by His life" — by Jesus living in and through His people. "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal_2:20). 
Jesus was not, and is not, susceptible to any of these threatening issues. When He is allowed to express His life in and through us, each of us finds all that we need all of the time.This astounding statement is true, because "Christ is all and in all" (Col_3:11).


Dear Father, my reconciler, I thank You for giving Your Son for me, that I might be changed from Your enemy to Your friend by His death. Yet, much more, I praise You for giving Your Son to me, that I might be saved from spiritual futility day by day by His life. Lord Jesus, live in and through me, I humbly pray, Amen.

Tuesday Dec 13

My God, my Creator, my Savior, help me.
I am so lost and so numb with sorrow and confusion.  I can hardly find my way.  My mind is all jumbled and spinning from one thing to another.  I hardly can focus on one thought, one action without another hydra of pain, anxiety, shame, confusion, fear, desire, confusion, lethargy and other evils crowding into my thoughts.
My God, my Lord, God of the Universe, please be graceful unto me.  Give me Your Grace and Love, Forgive me of my sins through the Sacred Blood sacrifice of Your Beloved Son Jesus.  Forgive me, cleanse me, and make me acceptable unto Your sight.  
My God bless me, unworthy I am and give me Your Grace and Love.  Give me my heart's desires and wants and needs.  Father Please help our Family.  
Be with Ona and protect her and guide her and give her strength to overcome this evil.
Be with Kimberly and strengthen her with Your Love and Grace and strength and belief.  Give her a clear mind and sight to see Your will and love in her life.
Be with Hoya and open his eyes to your love and grace.  Send your Holy Spirit to him to convict and convert Hoya to your kingdom.
Be with Yoona, open his eyes and heart too.  Give him Your Grace and strength to stand against the forces of evil and become thy great servant.  
Love us today, be with us today, bless us with your grace.
In Jesus's Holy Name, the only begotten Son of You the Almighty God, amen.

Monday Dec 12

I have been out of loop for a few days for some terrible reasons.  Events have happened that have shredded my heart and soul.  I am numb and beyond tears.  Only God in His mercy and grace can provide and succor me.


I turn today to the psalmist:



(Psa 25:1)  A Psalm of David. To You, O Jehovah, I lift up my soul.


(Psa 25:2)  O my God, I trust in You; do not let me be ashamed, let not my enemies triumph over me.


(Psa 25:3)  Yea, let none who wait on You be ashamed; let them be ashamed who sin without cause.


(Psa 25:4)  Make me know Your ways, O Jehovah; teach me Your paths.


(Psa 25:5)  Lead me in Your truth, and teach me; for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day long.


(Psa 25:6)  Remember, O Jehovah, Your tender mercies and Your loving-kindnesses; for they are from eternity.


(Psa 25:7)  Do not remember the sins of my youth, or my rebellings; according to Your mercy remember me for Your goodness' sake, O Jehovah.


(Psa 25:8)  Good and upright is Jehovah; therefore He will teach sinners in the way.


(Psa 25:9)  The meek He will guide in judgment; and the meek He will teach His way.


(Psa 25:10)  All the paths of Jehovah are mercy and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.


(Psa 25:11)  For Your name's sake, O Jehovah, pardon my iniquity; for it is great.


(Psa 25:12)  What man is he who fears Jehovah? He shall teach him in the way that he shall choose.


(Psa 25:13)  His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.


(Psa 25:14)  The secret of Jehovah is with those who fear Him; and He will show them His covenant.


(Psa 25:15)  My eyes are ever toward Jehovah; for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.


(Psa 25:16)  Turn to me, and have mercy on me, for I am wasted and afflicted.


(Psa 25:17)  The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.


(Psa 25:18)  Look on my affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins.


(Psa 25:19)  Look on my enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.


(Psa 25:20)  Keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.


(Psa 25:21)  Let purity and uprightness keep me; for I wait on You.


(Psa 25:22)  Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

Monday Dec 5 2011

God bless us all, everyone!



December 5


Morning
“Ask, and it shall be given you.”
- Mat_7:7
We know of a place in England still existing, where a dole of bread is served to every passerby who chooses to ask for it. Whoever the traveller may be, he has but to knock at the door of St. Cross Hospital, and there is the dole of bread for him. Jesus Christ so loveth sinners that he has built a St. Cross Hospital, so that whenever a sinner is hungry, he has but to knock and have his wants supplied. Nay, he has done better; he has attached to this Hospital of the Cross a bath; and whenever a soul is black and filthy, it has but to go there and be washed. The fountain is always full, always efficacious. No sinner ever went into it and found that it could not wash away his stains. Sins which were scarlet and crimson have all disappeared, and the sinner has been whiter than snow. As if this were not enough, there is attached to this Hospital of the Cross a wardrobe, and a sinner making application simply as a sinner, may be clothed from head to foot; and if he wishes to be a soldier, he may not merely have a garment for ordinary wear, but armour which shall cover him from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. If he asks for a sword, he shall have that given to him, and a shield too. Nothing that is good for him shall be denied him. He shall have spending-money so long as he lives, and he shall have an eternal heritage of glorious treasure when he enters into the joy of his Lord.
If all these things are to be had by merely knocking at mercy’s door, O my soul, knock hard this morning, and ask large things of thy generous Lord. Leave not the throne of grace till all thy wants have been spread before the Lord, and until by faith thou hast a comfortable prospect that they shall be all supplied. No bashfulness need retard when Jesus invites. No unbelief should hinder when Jesus promises. No cold-heartedness should restrain when such blessings are to be obtained.


Evening
“And the Lord shewed me four carpenters.”
- Zec_1:20
In the vision described in this chapter, the prophet saw four terrible horns. They were pushing this way and that way, dashing down the strongest and the mightiest; and the prophet asked, “What are these?” The answer was, “These are the horns which have scattered Israel.” He saw before him a representation of those powers which had oppressed the church of God. There were four horns; for the church is attacked from all quarters. Well might the prophet have felt dismayed; but on a sudden there appeared before him four carpenters. He asked, “What shall these do?” These are the men whom God hath found to break those horns in pieces. God will always find men for his work, and he will find them at the right time. The prophet did not see the carpenters first, when there was nothing to do, but first the “horns,” and then the “carpenters.” Moreover, the Lord finds enough men. He did not find three carpenters, but four; there were four horns, and there must be four workmen. God finds the right men; not four men with pens to write; not four architects to draw plans; but four carpenters to do rough work. Rest assured, you who tremble for the ark of God, that when the “horns” grow troublesome, the “carpenters” will be found. You need not fret concerning the weakness of the church of God at any moment; there may be growing up in obscurity the valiant reformer who will shake the nations: Chrysostoms may come forth from our Ragged Schools, and Augustines from the thickest darkness of London’s poverty. The Lord knows where to find his servants. He hath in ambush a multitude of mighty men, and at his word they shall start up to the battle; “for the battle is the Lord’s,” and he shall get to himself the victory. Let us abide faithful to Christ, and he, in the right time, will raise up for us a defence, whether it be in the day of our personal need, or in the season of peril to his Church.

Sunday Dec 4 2011

First Sunday of December 2011... and life is still in turmoil, stress and confusion for me.  Yet I stand confident that God has a plan, that I must be patient and live each day as His servant.  I must open my mind to His Holy Spirit and let His will direct my life.  
Heavenly Father I am truly not worthy of all Your Grace, but I am thankful and worshipful that You would love me and keep me in Your Love and Grace through the Blood sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ my Savior, Redeemer, and Lord.  


Today's meditation is from Charles Spurgeon:

December 4


Morning
“I have much people in this city.”  - Act_18:10
This should be a great encouragement to try to do good, since God has among the vilest of the vile, the most reprobate, the most debauched and drunken, an elect people who must be saved. 
When you take the Word to them, you do so because God has ordained you to be the messenger of life to their souls, and they must receive it, for so the decree of predestination runs. 
They are as much redeemed by blood as the saints before the eternal throne. They are Christ’s property, and yet perhaps they are lovers of the ale-house, and haters of holiness; but if Jesus Christ purchased them he will have them.
 God is not unfaithful to forget the price which his Son has paid. He will not suffer his substitution to be in any case an ineffectual, dead thing. Tens of thousands of redeemed ones are not regenerated yet, but regenerated they must be; and this is our comfort when we go forth to them with the quickening Word of God.
Nay, more, these ungodly ones are prayed for by Christ before the throne. “Neither pray I for these alone,” saith the great Intercessor, “but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” Poor, ignorant souls, they know nothing about prayer for themselves, but Jesus prays for them. Their names are on his breastplate, and ere long they must bow their stubborn knee, breathing the penitential sigh before the throne of grace.
 “The time of figs is not yet.” The predestinated moment has not struck; but, when it comes, they shall obey, for God will have his own; they must, for the Spirit is not to be withstood when he cometh forth with fulness of power-they must become the willing servants of the living God. “My people shall be willing in the day of my power.” “He shall justify many.” “He shall see of the travail of his soul.” “I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong.”


Evening
“Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” - Rom_8:23


This groaning is universal among the saints: to a greater or less extent we all feel it. It is not the groan of murmuring or complaint: it is rather the note of desire than of distress. 
Having received an earnest, we desire the whole of our portion; we are sighing that our entire manhood, in its trinity of spirit, soul, and body, may be set free from the last vestige of the fall; we long to put off corruption, weakness, and dishonour, and to wrap ourselves in incorruption, in immortality, in glory, in the spiritual body which the Lord Jesus will bestow upon his people. We long for the manifestation of our adoption as the children of God. “We groan,” but it is “within ourselves.” 
It is not the hypocrite’s groan, by which he would make men believe that he is a saint because he is wretched. Our sighs are sacred things, too hallowed for us to tell abroad. We keep our longings to our Lord alone. Then the apostle says we are “waiting,” by which we learn that we are not to be petulant, like Jonah or Elijah, when they said, “Let me die”; nor are we to whimper and sigh for the end of life because we are tired of work, nor wish to escape from our present sufferings till the will of the Lord is done. 
We are to groan for glorification, but we are to wait patiently for it, knowing that what the Lord appoints is best. 
Waiting implies being ready. We are to stand at the door expecting the Beloved to open it and take us away to himself. This “groaning” is a test. You may judge of a man by what he groans after. Some men groan after wealth-they worship Mammon; some groan continually under the troubles of life-they are merely impatient; but the man who sighs after God, who is uneasy till he is made like Christ, that is the blessed man. 
May God help us to groan for the coming of the Lord, and the resurrection which he will bring to us.

Friday Dec 2

How do we live?  By what rules, standards, guidelines and guideposts?  What determines how we act and what we do?  How do we think and react to the world around us?
Philosophy argues and comes up with principles.  Psychology delves and sees how people work and then comes up with generalities and should and should nots.  
God gives us all the instructions and principles and laws and guides and more.  God gives us His love and His Grace.  Where?  In the Bible.  
Seek His Grace and Love, turn to Him and believe.  
Believe and accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord, your guide and shepherd.  How?  In faith, in hope, in love, in worship.
Then God loves you and you become one of His children.  Then you become all that you hoped and wanted.  You get to Joy, Peace, and Love.  
Do it today!  Let the Holy Spirit guide you and confess your sins, accept Jesus as your Savior and Redeemer.  He'll do the rest!


Today's meditation from James Ryle:

December 2


The Purpose of Prayer (Part 1)
"One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple." (Psalm 27:4, KJV).
Three things happen as we pray. First, we have fellowship with God.
I'm talking about real friendship; not some imaginary exercise of reciting religious phrases toward some divine place in the sky. No. David said we would behold the beauty of the Lord, and inquire in His temple. This is not some abstract thought about a make-believe world, nor merely a poetic license for things that are not literally real. I'm talking about actually talking with God....and having Him talk back.
"Call unto Me, and I will answer you," He says, "and show you great and marvelous things to wonderful to know; things of which you are unaware; things that you don't know and can't find out without asking Me; things you can never figure out on your own." (Jeremiah 33:3).
The New Living Bible says, "Ask Me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come."
Jesus invited us to pray to "Our Father, who is in heaven." This is a bond greater than any other relational connection we know. He has even placed His Spirit deep within our heart, whereby we call out, "Abba, Father."
From infancy to our elder years, God's Fatherhood is the undergirding and over-riding truth of our lives. And it is the single, most compelling factor in how we are to pray —
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:7-11).


The purpose of prayer is to strengthen, deepen, broaden, and lengthen our fellowship with God, our Father.
Have to talked to Dad lately?

Thursday Dec 1 2011

Happy December!
May this be the month when the Grace of God flows over you and fills you with all of His Love you can handle!


Today's meditation from James Ryle:



December 1


The Privilege of Prayer
"One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple." Psalm 27:4 (KJV)
An invitation has been extended from the High Court of Heaven. It was not sent out to a select few, but was posted for all who hunger for something higher, something better, something more real than the hoopla and hullabaloo of the world's surface traffic.
We have been granted access to the Throne of Grace, and the invitation does not require any dress code. "Come as you are," it says. No need to rehearse what you will say, no need to primp on appearance — no cause to try and impress. And, what's more, you don't have to have it "all together" either.
"Come as you are IN YOUR TIME OF NEED," it says. What this means is that when you feel the least acceptable, THAT"S when you are the most welcomed!
Come broken, come dirty, come troubled, come fearful, come confused, come undone — the Lord waits for you! He will meet you — and change you! You will not leave the same way you entered. What a privilege!
The Bible says,
"Let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in our time of need!" (Hebrews 4:16).
The old Gospel song puts it this way,
 "What a friend we have in Jesus, 
all our sins and griefs to bear. 
What a privilege to carry 
everything to God in prayer. 
Oh what peace we often forfeit, 
oh what needless pain we bear; 
all because we do not carry 
everything to God in prayer!
"Have you trials and temptations? 
Is there trouble anywhere? 
We should never be discouraged; 
take it to the Lord in prayer. 
Can we find a friend so faithful, 
who will all our sorrows share? 
Jesus knows our every weakness; 
take it to the Lord in prayer.
"Are we weak and heavy laden, 
cumbered with a load of care? 
Precious Savior, still our refuge; 
take it to the Lord in prayer. 
Do your friends despise, forsake you? 
Take it to the Lord in prayer; 
in His arms He'll take and shield you — 
you will find a solace there!"


The invitation has been sent to YOU — 
accept it even now and come before the Throne of Grace, and discover anew the privilege of prayer.