Archive for April 2016

Reckon & Renew

April 30, 2016

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I reckon there will…

There will be a day of reckoning.

“But now He has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment— so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him (Hebrews 9:26b-28 HCS).”

Praise the Lord; I need not fear judgment day! He bore my sin.

I reckon He loves me that much.

“No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13 HCS).”

How can I repay Him?

“Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2 HCS).”

Posted in Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals, Salvation  |  Tags: , , , , , ,  |  6 Comments »

Sacred Script

April 21, 2016

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Though not raised in a Christian home, my first Bible was a gift from my parents at Christmastime. It remained boxed and unread for years. Little did I know the great treasure I had left unclaimed? God warns and woos through sacred script.

“Go, inquire of the LORD for me, for the people and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is aroused against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us (2 Kings 22:13 NKJ).”

I discovered truth & treasure.

“For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:1-3 NKJ).”

Sadly, we often don’t know the value of what we have until we lose it.

“Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord GOD,
‘That I will send a famine on the land,
Not a famine of bread,
Nor a thirst for water,
But of hearing the words of the LORD.”
(Amos 8:11 NKJ)

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Gossip

April 15, 2016

girls-914823_640Gossip.

The mere word grabs the average listener’s attention.

If you think it is only a female fault, think again. Some men not only have the gift of gab; they have the vice of gossip. Children spread gossip too. Before I let myself off the hook, I know that at times I’ve been guilty as charged.

God calls for concealment.

“He who conceals a transgression seeks love,
But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends (Proverbs 17:9 NAS).”

We have all made mistakes and we sure don’t want them broadcast. When confessed, the LORD forgives. The matter is closed.

Posted in Christian Growth, Devotionals, Relationships  |  Tags: , , , , ,  |  6 Comments »

Know the Motives

April 8, 2016

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‘Why did you do that?’

Good question.

Why do I do the things that I do?

Why do you?

Knowing the motives of pride and greed, some have offered gifts for favors.

“They came to Balaam and said to him, ‘This is what Balak son of Zippor says: ‘Let nothing keep you from coming to me, for I will greatly honor you and do whatever you ask me. So please come and put a curse on these people for me!’ But Balaam responded to the servants of Balak, ‘If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go against the command of the LORD my God to do anything small or great (Numbers 22:16-18 HCS).” 

Jesus died for us; He was motivated by love for His Father and for mankind. 

The Lord is to be glorified in all we do. When obedient, we are most like the Master. 

“Though He was God’s Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered (Hebrews 5:8 HCS).’

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