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For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
[Romans 1:16-17 NKJV]
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
[Romans 1:16-17 NKJV]
“as it is written.”
Here Paul is quoting from Habakkuk 2:4; Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith. To be clear, ‘his faith’ refers to ‘the just’ and not to ‘the proud’ in this sentence.
“revealed from faith to faith,”
The Amplified Bible shows this in a clearer way, translating Paul’s Greek as For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. Thus we see that God is in the process of faith-building, injecting new life into His faithful ones.
God knows His own people and seeks to draw each one away from the paths of wickedness, such as those described in Romans 1:18-32, and in Habakkuk 2:5-20. For both Paul and Habakkuk, the major part of their writing is focussing on what the Lord is saving us from; details of the sin nature that He can and will lift us out of.
I well remember that before coming to faith, asking myself “Do I need to do this? After all, you need to have faith to have faith, don’t you? Life seems OK without this.” And then ...
I can only assume that The Lord whispered in my ear the thought, “How do you know?” That question dogged me for months, until I accepted that the only way to know if God is good or not, is to follow Him in faith ... and having seen, I can testify that He is good and just and worthy of all and more than I can ever give.
If you follow Christ — having faith in Him — you find the way of the just, which brings life. You are living by faith. Hallelujah!
Here Paul is quoting from Habakkuk 2:4; Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith. To be clear, ‘his faith’ refers to ‘the just’ and not to ‘the proud’ in this sentence.
“revealed from faith to faith,”
The Amplified Bible shows this in a clearer way, translating Paul’s Greek as For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. Thus we see that God is in the process of faith-building, injecting new life into His faithful ones.
God knows His own people and seeks to draw each one away from the paths of wickedness, such as those described in Romans 1:18-32, and in Habakkuk 2:5-20. For both Paul and Habakkuk, the major part of their writing is focussing on what the Lord is saving us from; details of the sin nature that He can and will lift us out of.
I well remember that before coming to faith, asking myself “Do I need to do this? After all, you need to have faith to have faith, don’t you? Life seems OK without this.” And then ...
I can only assume that The Lord whispered in my ear the thought, “How do you know?” That question dogged me for months, until I accepted that the only way to know if God is good or not, is to follow Him in faith ... and having seen, I can testify that He is good and just and worthy of all and more than I can ever give.
If you follow Christ — having faith in Him — you find the way of the just, which brings life. You are living by faith. Hallelujah!
The Just Shall Live By Faith — Majesty Music
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Oswald Chambers
Monday 28th September 2020
“Abide in Me,” says Jesus, in spiritual matters, in money matters, in every one of the matters that make life what it is.
Oswald Chambers
Monday 28th September 2020
“Abide in Me,” says Jesus, in spiritual matters, in money matters, in every one of the matters that make life what it is.
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Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
[Romans 16:7 NKJV]
[Romans 16:7 NKJV]
In Romans 16, Paul sends greetings to a long list of believers, nearly thirty of whom he mentions by name, among all the saints who are with them. It may seem odd that he reserves his greetings until the end of the letter, but Romans 16 is really Paul’s personal statement to those he knows in Rome and of lesser significance than the great pronouncement on Christian faith, which is chapters 1 to 15.
Among those named are Andronicus and Junia who were in Christ before me. These he names as my fellow prisoners and of note among the apostles. Verse 7 has engendered much debate as to Paul’s meaning; principally regarding his fellow prisoner, Junia and her status. Is she a ‘he’ (as the name could refer to either male or female); and are they both apostles, or merely considered highly by the apostles? We cannot know, and really this is only of academic interest. The point, surely, is that Paul considers Andronicus and Junia worthy of special mention among the saints.
Placing them together in one verse tends to suggest that they were a husband and wife team and that Paul knew them well enough to recognise their faithful walk with The Lord; and as such they were fellow prisoners, or ‘co-captives’ with him in Christ. They may genuinely have a shared experience of imprisonment for their faith, but we have no record of that for Andronicus and Junia.
Such a great testimony and a wonderful encouragement for them; but also for us. When we, as fellow captives, encourage one another in faith; lifting one another in prayer, and opening our hearts to one another in phileo love, we are keeping our eyes on Jesus Christ. We find ourselves casting off selfish concerns, worries and anxieties. We feel the Father’s love envelope us as part of the body of Christ. Paul adds these words to his greetings:
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all.
Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.
And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
[Romans 16:17-20 NKJV]
We can all rejoice at having been prisoners, set free by Jesus to make our calling and election sure.
Among those named are Andronicus and Junia who were in Christ before me. These he names as my fellow prisoners and of note among the apostles. Verse 7 has engendered much debate as to Paul’s meaning; principally regarding his fellow prisoner, Junia and her status. Is she a ‘he’ (as the name could refer to either male or female); and are they both apostles, or merely considered highly by the apostles? We cannot know, and really this is only of academic interest. The point, surely, is that Paul considers Andronicus and Junia worthy of special mention among the saints.
Placing them together in one verse tends to suggest that they were a husband and wife team and that Paul knew them well enough to recognise their faithful walk with The Lord; and as such they were fellow prisoners, or ‘co-captives’ with him in Christ. They may genuinely have a shared experience of imprisonment for their faith, but we have no record of that for Andronicus and Junia.
Such a great testimony and a wonderful encouragement for them; but also for us. When we, as fellow captives, encourage one another in faith; lifting one another in prayer, and opening our hearts to one another in phileo love, we are keeping our eyes on Jesus Christ. We find ourselves casting off selfish concerns, worries and anxieties. We feel the Father’s love envelope us as part of the body of Christ. Paul adds these words to his greetings:
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all.
Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.
And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
[Romans 16:17-20 NKJV]
We can all rejoice at having been prisoners, set free by Jesus to make our calling and election sure.
So fellow prisoners, remember
That we may know captivity
There's a purpose in the calling
For it is the Lord who sets the prisoners free
That we may know captivity
There's a purpose in the calling
For it is the Lord who sets the prisoners free
from the song 'Fellow Prisoners' by Michael Card
Fellow Prisoners — Michael Card
Sunday 27th September 2020
Every time you venture out in the life of faith you will find something in your common sense cares that flatly contradicts your faith. Can you trust Jesus Christ where your common sense cannot trust Him?
Every time you venture out in the life of faith you will find something in your common sense cares that flatly contradicts your faith. Can you trust Jesus Christ where your common sense cannot trust Him?
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When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”
Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.
[Psalm 27:8-9 NKJV]
Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.
[Psalm 27:8-9 NKJV]
“Seek My face,” says The Lord, and my heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”
In the next line comes Do not hide Your face from me! There seems an element of uncertainty here. A firm decision to seek His face, followed by the doubt or worry that He might conceal Himself.
Psalm 27 is a personal favourite. It begins with confidence, but then dissolves into asking Him to live up to that confidence — which is not confidence at all — and resolves in the statement, “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”
I do not know what is been revealed here, but I sense - or maybe The Holy Spirit is revealing — that in the course of the Psalm there is a shift in attitude; a move from confidence to humility. “I would have lost heart ...“, instead of, “... “my heart shall not fear” So what changed?
The centre of the Psalm (literally) revolves around verses 7 and 8:
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”
That change from exuberant confidence to humble trust came about pivotally on that commitment to seeking — not just Him — but His face. This is a move from emotion to spirit reality, an understanding of Him at the deepest level; a move from self-centred to Jesus-centred. We all need to come to that place.
It comes by meeting Jesus face-to-face. That is the intimacy He desires for each one of us; knowing the close detail of one another; looking into His eyes and experiencing the inseparable connection of incredible love — the love that will not let you go — for it is through the eyes that we see the heart of one another.
Turn your eyes towards Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will go strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.
In the next line comes Do not hide Your face from me! There seems an element of uncertainty here. A firm decision to seek His face, followed by the doubt or worry that He might conceal Himself.
Psalm 27 is a personal favourite. It begins with confidence, but then dissolves into asking Him to live up to that confidence — which is not confidence at all — and resolves in the statement, “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”
I do not know what is been revealed here, but I sense - or maybe The Holy Spirit is revealing — that in the course of the Psalm there is a shift in attitude; a move from confidence to humility. “I would have lost heart ...“, instead of, “... “my heart shall not fear” So what changed?
The centre of the Psalm (literally) revolves around verses 7 and 8:
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”
That change from exuberant confidence to humble trust came about pivotally on that commitment to seeking — not just Him — but His face. This is a move from emotion to spirit reality, an understanding of Him at the deepest level; a move from self-centred to Jesus-centred. We all need to come to that place.
It comes by meeting Jesus face-to-face. That is the intimacy He desires for each one of us; knowing the close detail of one another; looking into His eyes and experiencing the inseparable connection of incredible love — the love that will not let you go — for it is through the eyes that we see the heart of one another.
Turn your eyes towards Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will go strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus — Hillsong
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Saturday 26th September 2020
A great point is reached spiritually when we stop worrying God over personal matters or over any matter. God expects of us the one thing that glorifies Him—and that is to remain absolutely confident in Him, remembering what He has said beforehand, and sure that His purpose will be fulfilled.
Saturday 26th September 2020
A great point is reached spiritually when we stop worrying God over personal matters or over any matter. God expects of us the one thing that glorifies Him—and that is to remain absolutely confident in Him, remembering what He has said beforehand, and sure that His purpose will be fulfilled.
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What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
[Romans 8:31-35 NKJV]
Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
[Romans 8:31-35 NKJV]
What then shall we say to these things? 'These things' are all that was stated in the earlier part of Paul's discourse, including the oft-quoted and often misunderstood line "And we know that all things work together for good", which needs qualification with the completing words "to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
In the verses quoted in our header; Paul asks seven questions, and makes only two statements, which are:
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" is a question, and Paul is putting a case together to convince us of something which is a matter of belief. It is only true for you if you believe. There is that word 'if' again. Yet, even in the questions there is the implicit Bible fact, that this is true regardless of whether your rational mind believes it or not. Paul says that he "is persuaded", but this is not a question of "on balance I shall think this way"; more, that it is an incontrovertible fact, just as two plus two equals four, or in the spirit, seven questions plus three Bible imperatives reveals the ten of God's perfect order*.
The reality behind Paul's words is the certainty of God's truth being unveiled; being released in the most powerful God-inspired way, leading to the conclusion; the third Bible fact in this sequence ...
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
[Romans 8:37-39 NKJV]
In the verses quoted in our header; Paul asks seven questions, and makes only two statements, which are:
- It is God who justifies.
- It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" is a question, and Paul is putting a case together to convince us of something which is a matter of belief. It is only true for you if you believe. There is that word 'if' again. Yet, even in the questions there is the implicit Bible fact, that this is true regardless of whether your rational mind believes it or not. Paul says that he "is persuaded", but this is not a question of "on balance I shall think this way"; more, that it is an incontrovertible fact, just as two plus two equals four, or in the spirit, seven questions plus three Bible imperatives reveals the ten of God's perfect order*.
The reality behind Paul's words is the certainty of God's truth being unveiled; being released in the most powerful God-inspired way, leading to the conclusion; the third Bible fact in this sequence ...
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
[Romans 8:37-39 NKJV]
* "It has been already pointed out that ten is one of the perfect numbers, and signifies the perfection of Divine order, commencing, as it does, an altogether new series of numbers. The first decade is the representative of the whole numeral system, and originates the system of calculation called "decimals," because the whole system of numeration consists of so many tens, of which the first is a type of the whole.
"Completeness of order, marking the entire round of anything, is, therefore, the ever-present signification of the number ten. It implies that nothing is wanting; that the number and order are perfect; that the whole cycle is complete." [E W Bullinger: 'Number In Scripture']
"Completeness of order, marking the entire round of anything, is, therefore, the ever-present signification of the number ten. It implies that nothing is wanting; that the number and order are perfect; that the whole cycle is complete." [E W Bullinger: 'Number In Scripture']
Nothing Can Separate — Labyrinth by David Baloche
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Wednesday 23rd September 2020
The secret of sacramental discipleship is to be so abandoned to the disposition of God in us that He can use us as broken bread and poured-out wine for His purpose in the world, even as He broke the life of His own Son to redeem us.
Wednesday 23rd September 2020
The secret of sacramental discipleship is to be so abandoned to the disposition of God in us that He can use us as broken bread and poured-out wine for His purpose in the world, even as He broke the life of His own Son to redeem us.
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At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time.
And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book.
And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.
[Daniel 12:1-3 NKJV]
And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book.
And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.
[Daniel 12:1-3 NKJV]
This 'End Time' prophecy from the Book of Daniel, has, like so many prophetic voices attracted a huge variety of interpretations. What is meant by this or that utterance? The only answer that can be relied upon is in the Bible itself. Daniel has difficulty with the Archangel Michael's prophecy to him, so he relates the answer that is given to him:
Then I said, “My lord, what shall be the end of these things?” And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.
“And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.
“But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.”
[Daniel 12:8b-13 NKJV]
It seems that whatever the trouble may be, The Lord's people need patience and must wait, knowing that in the end will be an inheritance and rest. Blessed is he who waits.
Intriguingly, a time frame is given between the setting up of the abomination of desolation and the end of the days - between one thousand two hundred and ninety days and one thousand three hundred and thirty five days. This would appear to be forty-five days, which on the basis of Scripture numerology speaks of 'preservation', 'the temple' and 'pillars'.
From what I have read on this subject, Daniel 12 is the resolution of a number of prophetic visions building a revelation which shows the statement in Daniel 8:14b; "then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.” In other words, The Lord is working - He will have His Holy church; His temple made without hands, but that the work requires our patience, for God is doing this in His time. Blessed is he who waits. As the song says, There may be trouble ahead, but while there's music and moonlight and love and romance, let's face the music and dance. Wait on the Lord.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
[Matthew 5:11-12 NKJV]
Then I said, “My lord, what shall be the end of these things?” And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.
“And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.
“But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.”
[Daniel 12:8b-13 NKJV]
It seems that whatever the trouble may be, The Lord's people need patience and must wait, knowing that in the end will be an inheritance and rest. Blessed is he who waits.
Intriguingly, a time frame is given between the setting up of the abomination of desolation and the end of the days - between one thousand two hundred and ninety days and one thousand three hundred and thirty five days. This would appear to be forty-five days, which on the basis of Scripture numerology speaks of 'preservation', 'the temple' and 'pillars'.
From what I have read on this subject, Daniel 12 is the resolution of a number of prophetic visions building a revelation which shows the statement in Daniel 8:14b; "then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.” In other words, The Lord is working - He will have His Holy church; His temple made without hands, but that the work requires our patience, for God is doing this in His time. Blessed is he who waits. As the song says, There may be trouble ahead, but while there's music and moonlight and love and romance, let's face the music and dance. Wait on the Lord.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
[Matthew 5:11-12 NKJV]
A Shelter In The Time of Storm
Lyrics by: Vernon John Charlesworth Music by: Ira David Sankey
Performed by: Ray Walker & the Dallas Adult Christian Choir
Lyrics by: Vernon John Charlesworth Music by: Ira David Sankey
Performed by: Ray Walker & the Dallas Adult Christian Choir
RUN TODAY'S RACE
Monday 21st September 2020
"The Lord is my rock," my encircling guard. Where did the Psalmist learn this truth? In the school of silent waiting upon God. The Rock of Ages is the great sheltering encirclement; we are watched over by the mother-guardianship of God.
Monday 21st September 2020
"The Lord is my rock," my encircling guard. Where did the Psalmist learn this truth? In the school of silent waiting upon God. The Rock of Ages is the great sheltering encirclement; we are watched over by the mother-guardianship of God.
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Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle," which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men?
These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.
[Colossians 2:20-23 NKJV]
These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.
[Colossians 2:20-23 NKJV]
Some see The Bible as a list of rules and regulations that we must follow; but really it is God's revelation of Himself to mankind, through His Word, and it should therefore come as no surprise that Jesus is described as The Word.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. [John 1:1-2 NKJV]
Two very important words in scripture are 'Therefore' and 'If'. 'Therefore' says "accepting what has been written before, it follows that ..."; and 'if' adds the terms and conditions which will apply, should we wish to take action. This is beginning to sound like an elementary English class back in our schooldays, but I feel it is important, that we should remind ourselves from time to time of our Lord's guidance through scripture. He does not say to us "Do this ...", or "You must ...", for God has given us free will to choose our path.
Instead, with amazing love and grace, He argues the case for coming to Him. In our image above, we can see the quote from John 15; If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love. Follow this way; follow me, for I am the way. It is always about relationship - He shows us how to get the best from it by revealing Himself, so we are freed from any condemnation.
In Colossians 2:20 (above), Jesus Christ shows us that we are not brought into relationship by rules and regulations; instead, He transforms us and all we are to reconcile us to the Father, making the relationship complete. Our possessions, our bodies, our beliefs are all changed in an ongoing process that produces His life in us.
Amazing love, how can it be, that Thou my God should die for me! Lines from one of the most popular hymns, written by Charles Wesley, shortly after He gave himself to Christ through Romans 8:
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. [Romans 8:9-11 NKJV]
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. [John 1:1-2 NKJV]
Two very important words in scripture are 'Therefore' and 'If'. 'Therefore' says "accepting what has been written before, it follows that ..."; and 'if' adds the terms and conditions which will apply, should we wish to take action. This is beginning to sound like an elementary English class back in our schooldays, but I feel it is important, that we should remind ourselves from time to time of our Lord's guidance through scripture. He does not say to us "Do this ...", or "You must ...", for God has given us free will to choose our path.
Instead, with amazing love and grace, He argues the case for coming to Him. In our image above, we can see the quote from John 15; If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love. Follow this way; follow me, for I am the way. It is always about relationship - He shows us how to get the best from it by revealing Himself, so we are freed from any condemnation.
In Colossians 2:20 (above), Jesus Christ shows us that we are not brought into relationship by rules and regulations; instead, He transforms us and all we are to reconcile us to the Father, making the relationship complete. Our possessions, our bodies, our beliefs are all changed in an ongoing process that produces His life in us.
Amazing love, how can it be, that Thou my God should die for me! Lines from one of the most popular hymns, written by Charles Wesley, shortly after He gave himself to Christ through Romans 8:
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. [Romans 8:9-11 NKJV]
And Can It Be That I Should Gain - Charles Wesley - BBC Songs of Praise
RUN TODAY'S RACE
Sunday 20th September 2020
Mental wool-gathering can be stopped immediately the will is roused.
Prayer is an effort of will, and the great battle in prayer is the overcoming of mental wool-gathering. We put things down to our own inability to concentrate. “My soul, wait thou only upon God,” i.e. pull yourself together and be silent unto God.
Sunday 20th September 2020
Mental wool-gathering can be stopped immediately the will is roused.
Prayer is an effort of will, and the great battle in prayer is the overcoming of mental wool-gathering. We put things down to our own inability to concentrate. “My soul, wait thou only upon God,” i.e. pull yourself together and be silent unto God.
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Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!
[Psalm 150:1-6 NKJV]
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!
[Psalm 150:1-6 NKJV]
Nowadays, the song Praise Is The Power of Heaven is rarely sung outside of a few groups, so I have been told. If true, it is a shame because it is a beautiful song, although that is not the reason we sing it, or many others like it. We sing to give thanks and to worship God, because praise has a unique place in our spiritual life; the very act of giving voice through song, however performed, brings a strengthened connection to the Almighty.
Many times I have heard Christians say that they love praising; that it is the centre of their worship and lifts the spirits delighting the heart ...
While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. [Psalm 146:2 NKJV]
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; [1 Peter 2:9 NKJV]
... and it brings joy to the heart of God also. Psalm 22:3 tells us that He inhabits or is enthroned in the praises of His people, meaning that focussing our voices in song to Him is where His Holy Spirit finds a dwelling place. Beginning a meeting with praise raises us out of the everyday into the heavenlies and sharpens our senses to hear the word of an anointed preacher with true understanding.
Sadly, in these dark pandemic days when praise is prohibited lest we spread the virus, fear and anxiety has been given free rein. No wonder mental health problems are on the rise, even among the faithful; but we can be assured that our Lord will carry us through these testing times. I believe that, though we cannot gather in the usual way, though we cannot sing praises to Him in the usual way, yet we remain joined with Him in the Holy Spirit and that He hears the praise soaring within us, seeking release, for He is our praise.
You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen.
[Deuteronomy 10:20-21 NKJV]
We can sing out by ourselves, with those in our homes until we can gather again, but we can also praise inwardly, as Paul says in Romans 2:29, but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. 'Jew' comes from 'Judean', or 'belonging to praise'. Hallelujah!
Many times I have heard Christians say that they love praising; that it is the centre of their worship and lifts the spirits delighting the heart ...
While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. [Psalm 146:2 NKJV]
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; [1 Peter 2:9 NKJV]
... and it brings joy to the heart of God also. Psalm 22:3 tells us that He inhabits or is enthroned in the praises of His people, meaning that focussing our voices in song to Him is where His Holy Spirit finds a dwelling place. Beginning a meeting with praise raises us out of the everyday into the heavenlies and sharpens our senses to hear the word of an anointed preacher with true understanding.
Sadly, in these dark pandemic days when praise is prohibited lest we spread the virus, fear and anxiety has been given free rein. No wonder mental health problems are on the rise, even among the faithful; but we can be assured that our Lord will carry us through these testing times. I believe that, though we cannot gather in the usual way, though we cannot sing praises to Him in the usual way, yet we remain joined with Him in the Holy Spirit and that He hears the praise soaring within us, seeking release, for He is our praise.
You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen.
[Deuteronomy 10:20-21 NKJV]
We can sing out by ourselves, with those in our homes until we can gather again, but we can also praise inwardly, as Paul says in Romans 2:29, but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. 'Jew' comes from 'Judean', or 'belonging to praise'. Hallelujah!
Praise Is The Power of Heaven -- The Zeal of God
(One of only two versions of this song found; the other is an instrumental version)
(One of only two versions of this song found; the other is an instrumental version)
OSWALD CHAMBERS - RUN TODAY'S RACE
Saturday 19th September 2020
It is a tremendous thing to know that God reigns and rules and rejoices, and that His joy is our strength.
The confidence of a Christian is that God is never in the sulks. "... Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning." (RV)
Saturday 19th September 2020
It is a tremendous thing to know that God reigns and rules and rejoices, and that His joy is our strength.
The confidence of a Christian is that God is never in the sulks. "... Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning." (RV)
- Published on
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
[2 Corinthians 1:3-6 NKJV]
Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
[2 Corinthians 1:3-6 NKJV]
Suffering - tribulation as it says in 2 Corinthians - is an inevitable part of life, whether you are a Christian or not. It is in the essence of the human condition. Man has tried many ways to alleviate suffering, but has never succeeded. But suffering is not something you can 'fix'.
This is not to decry the many amazing life-saving advances in medical science, which have brought healing to so many of us. They can perform wonderfully as far as body and soul are concerned; but do little or nothing to the spiritual damage in the wake of sickness, accident or trauma.
Only the Father of Mercies and God of all comfort can bring effective and lasting healing to the spirit; to the whole - body soul and spirit. A healed spirit infuses through the soul and body to bring comfort and restoration.
A neighbour of ours has just lost his partner in a road accident, as she was travelling home from England. She was tired because of the long journey, made even longer by yet another landslip on The Rest and Be Thankful. An inexpressible tragedy, and one that could afflict any one of us. Maybe something similar already has. Tragedy does not play favourites.
This is not to decry the many amazing life-saving advances in medical science, which have brought healing to so many of us. They can perform wonderfully as far as body and soul are concerned; but do little or nothing to the spiritual damage in the wake of sickness, accident or trauma.
Only the Father of Mercies and God of all comfort can bring effective and lasting healing to the spirit; to the whole - body soul and spirit. A healed spirit infuses through the soul and body to bring comfort and restoration.
A neighbour of ours has just lost his partner in a road accident, as she was travelling home from England. She was tired because of the long journey, made even longer by yet another landslip on The Rest and Be Thankful. An inexpressible tragedy, and one that could afflict any one of us. Maybe something similar already has. Tragedy does not play favourites.
Our neighbour may be a believer or not, but He needs the Lord's consolation and comfort to get through the profoundly dark days ahead. God does not play favourites either - He desires that all may come to Him and receive comfort (but not necessarily in that order).
PRAYER: Lord, we ask that you touch that gentle man in his spirit mind and body and bring him comfort; console Him and lead him through this time of suffering, hurt and anguish. Lay Your healing hand upon all who suffer; let them turn to see your face and recognise Your love. In Jesus, name, Amen
PRAYER: Lord, we ask that you touch that gentle man in his spirit mind and body and bring him comfort; console Him and lead him through this time of suffering, hurt and anguish. Lay Your healing hand upon all who suffer; let them turn to see your face and recognise Your love. In Jesus, name, Amen
Heal My Broken Heart -- Patty Felker
OSWALD CHAMBERS -- RUN TODAY'S RACE
Friday 18th September 2020
When we are standing face to face with Jesus and He says "Believest thou this?" our faith is as natural as breathing, and we say "Yes, Lord," and are staggered and amazed that we were so stupid as not to trust Him before.
Friday 18th September 2020
When we are standing face to face with Jesus and He says "Believest thou this?" our faith is as natural as breathing, and we say "Yes, Lord," and are staggered and amazed that we were so stupid as not to trust Him before.
- Published on
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
[1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV]
[1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV]
This is today’s ‘Seeds of The Kingdom’ word from Peter Horrobin of Ellel Ministries ...
We are living in a very uncertain age. Coronavirus has swept the world and everything that was foundational, even to life itself, is being shaken. Children are back at school, but for how long? Jobs are being lost and unemployment is rising. People are no longer going to church services. No-one can go and watch live sport and, in the UK, people are banned from meeting in larger groups than six. It sounds like an episode from a futuristic horror series on TV! But this is the world we are now living in, in circumstances that are likely to prevail for some time to come.
So, how are we, as believers, to react in the face of such extreme and often traumatic events? Our Scripture for today says, “stand firm” and “let nothing move you”. These words are a reminder of where our security really lies. Not in our temporary earthly resources, but in the cast-iron security of eternity, where we know that whatever we do in serving the Lord here will not be in vain - for our reward is not an earthly one, but one that is anchored in heaven’s glory.
It is absolutely vital that those who know and love the Lord should continue to demonstrate His love into this fallen and broken world, so that those who are looking for an answer beyond what they hear on the television news, or read in the papers, will have the opportunity of seeing love in action and hearing the good news of the Gospel.
The enemy’s strategy is to so traumatise people, even believers, that they give up. Paul is challenging us never to give up, but persist in the faith and always be ready for the time that is coming soon, when the Saviour returns. The days may be dark, but into the darkness the Light has come! Let us keep our eyes fixed on Him and press on with all the works of the Kingdom that He has given each one of us to do.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that Your Word is totally trustworthy. Thank You that whatever the circumstances they are never a surprise to You. Help us to always be alert to the move of Your Spirit showing us what to do and to always be ready to speak out the reason in our hearts for the faith and hope that we have. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today's Writer : Peter Horrobin Peter Horrobin is the Founding and International Director of Ellel Ministries. The work was originally established in 1986 as a ministry of healing in the north-west of England, but today the work has spread round the world, with Ellel Centres in over thirty nations. Peter has been doing lots of writing recently, including the "Journey to Life" series which can be purchased online at sovereignworld.com.
So, how are we, as believers, to react in the face of such extreme and often traumatic events? Our Scripture for today says, “stand firm” and “let nothing move you”. These words are a reminder of where our security really lies. Not in our temporary earthly resources, but in the cast-iron security of eternity, where we know that whatever we do in serving the Lord here will not be in vain - for our reward is not an earthly one, but one that is anchored in heaven’s glory.
It is absolutely vital that those who know and love the Lord should continue to demonstrate His love into this fallen and broken world, so that those who are looking for an answer beyond what they hear on the television news, or read in the papers, will have the opportunity of seeing love in action and hearing the good news of the Gospel.
The enemy’s strategy is to so traumatise people, even believers, that they give up. Paul is challenging us never to give up, but persist in the faith and always be ready for the time that is coming soon, when the Saviour returns. The days may be dark, but into the darkness the Light has come! Let us keep our eyes fixed on Him and press on with all the works of the Kingdom that He has given each one of us to do.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that Your Word is totally trustworthy. Thank You that whatever the circumstances they are never a surprise to You. Help us to always be alert to the move of Your Spirit showing us what to do and to always be ready to speak out the reason in our hearts for the faith and hope that we have. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today's Writer : Peter Horrobin Peter Horrobin is the Founding and International Director of Ellel Ministries. The work was originally established in 1986 as a ministry of healing in the north-west of England, but today the work has spread round the world, with Ellel Centres in over thirty nations. Peter has been doing lots of writing recently, including the "Journey to Life" series which can be purchased online at sovereignworld.com.
Stand Firm — Lifetree Kids
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Wednesday 16th September 2020
No power on earth or in hell can conquer the Spirit of God in a human spirit, it is an inner unconquerableness. If you have the whine in you kick it out ruthlessly. It is a positive crime to be weak in God’s strength.
Wednesday 16th September 2020
No power on earth or in hell can conquer the Spirit of God in a human spirit, it is an inner unconquerableness. If you have the whine in you kick it out ruthlessly. It is a positive crime to be weak in God’s strength.
- Published on
Not My Will But Yours, Lord
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
[Ephesians 6:10-13 NKJV]
Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
[Ephesians 6:10-13 NKJV]
Paul makes it clear that these spiritual hosts of wickedness are in the heavenly places; their area of operation is in the realm of the spirit; it is the outworking of this is seen in the natural world.
Perhaps as a result of lurid press reports and sensationalist movies, we can have the idea that the demonic spirits are only seen in people being “possessed” by them; but the spiritual hosts of wickedness are very much part of everyday living; throwing stumbling blocks in our paths to upset and divert our way. Even trying to write this meditation I have been assailed by distractions and problems, seemingly trying to frustrate my thoughts and intentions. But for all their wickedness, these rulers of darkness understand the power in Jesus’ name absolutely. His name makes demons flee.
But for this meditation — and I want to come back to this another time — I would like to leave you with “The Six Areas of Demon Work”. These things are at work in human experience, and it is part of the work of the saint to be aware of such things and to be able to protect ourselves with the full armour of God.
The six areas are in deceiving; tempting and vexing, leading on to the depressing, oppressing and finally possessing work of demons. There is a lot in this study — too much for a meditation like this, so my purpose here is merely to open the subject for consideration. As part of our walk, we are all involved, realise it or not; for Jesus said:
And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
[Matthew 10:7-8 NKJV]
The Lord has given us, as disciples, tremendous Holy Spirit power, to use in His name. Focus on Jesus, not on the difficulty.
Perhaps as a result of lurid press reports and sensationalist movies, we can have the idea that the demonic spirits are only seen in people being “possessed” by them; but the spiritual hosts of wickedness are very much part of everyday living; throwing stumbling blocks in our paths to upset and divert our way. Even trying to write this meditation I have been assailed by distractions and problems, seemingly trying to frustrate my thoughts and intentions. But for all their wickedness, these rulers of darkness understand the power in Jesus’ name absolutely. His name makes demons flee.
But for this meditation — and I want to come back to this another time — I would like to leave you with “The Six Areas of Demon Work”. These things are at work in human experience, and it is part of the work of the saint to be aware of such things and to be able to protect ourselves with the full armour of God.
The six areas are in deceiving; tempting and vexing, leading on to the depressing, oppressing and finally possessing work of demons. There is a lot in this study — too much for a meditation like this, so my purpose here is merely to open the subject for consideration. As part of our walk, we are all involved, realise it or not; for Jesus said:
And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
[Matthew 10:7-8 NKJV]
The Lord has given us, as disciples, tremendous Holy Spirit power, to use in His name. Focus on Jesus, not on the difficulty.
The Armour of God (children’s anthem) — Sound Booth
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Tuesday 15th September 2020
The devil would like us to believe that we are in a losing battle; nothing of the sort! We are “more than conquerors,” hilariously more than victors, “through Him that loved us.”
Tuesday 15th September 2020
The devil would like us to believe that we are in a losing battle; nothing of the sort! We are “more than conquerors,” hilariously more than victors, “through Him that loved us.”