Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
James 3:17 "The wisdom that is from above 'is first pure."
MB24 "Into the city of God, there will enter nothing that defiles. All who are to be dwellers there will here have become pure in heart. In one who is learning of Jesus, there will be a manifest distaste for careless manners, unseemly language, and coarse thought. When Christ abides in the heart there will be purity and refinement of thought and manner.
But the words of Jesus, 'Blessed are the pure in heart,' have a deeper meaning--not merely pure in the sense in which the world understands purity, free from that which is sensual, pure from lust, but true in the hidden purposes and motives of the soul, free from pride and self-seeking, humble, unselfish, childlike."
This is a wonderful way to live, don't you think. I want to be free from pride, self-seeking, humble, unselfish, and childlike. I am sure that you want to be ready to spend eternity with Jesus. It is a wonderful goal to have, so let's strive to be there, then I can meet you face to face. I dream of that day. Grandma Joan
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
For The Good of Others
Proverbs 11:25 "The soul of blessing shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered himself also."
MB23 "The merciful, 'shall obtain mercy', there is sweet peace for the compassionate spirit, a blessed satisfaction in the life of self-forgetful service for the good others. The Holy spirit that abides in the soul and is manifest in the life will soften our hearts and awaken sympathy and tenderness. You will reap that which you sow. "Blessed is he that considereth the poor....The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him on the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness." Psalms 41:1-3.
He who has given his life in ministry to His children is linked with Him who has all the resources of the universe at His command. His life is bound up by the golden chain of the immutable promises with the life of God. The Lord will not fail him in the hour of suffering and need. "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19. And in the hour of final need, the merciful shall find refuge in the mercy of the compassionate Savior and shall be received into everlasting habitations."
We use to do street work on skid row in Portland, Or. It was so rewarding and we made many friends on the street. It was an experience I will never forget. I would love to do it again. Matthew 26:11 says we will have the poor with us always. So there will always be work to do for the poor. I want to serve the poor again as soon as I can. It is such a blessing to them and more so to me. Grandma Joan.
MB23 "The merciful, 'shall obtain mercy', there is sweet peace for the compassionate spirit, a blessed satisfaction in the life of self-forgetful service for the good others. The Holy spirit that abides in the soul and is manifest in the life will soften our hearts and awaken sympathy and tenderness. You will reap that which you sow. "Blessed is he that considereth the poor....The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him on the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness." Psalms 41:1-3.
He who has given his life in ministry to His children is linked with Him who has all the resources of the universe at His command. His life is bound up by the golden chain of the immutable promises with the life of God. The Lord will not fail him in the hour of suffering and need. "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19. And in the hour of final need, the merciful shall find refuge in the mercy of the compassionate Savior and shall be received into everlasting habitations."
We use to do street work on skid row in Portland, Or. It was so rewarding and we made many friends on the street. It was an experience I will never forget. I would love to do it again. Matthew 26:11 says we will have the poor with us always. So there will always be work to do for the poor. I want to serve the poor again as soon as I can. It is such a blessing to them and more so to me. Grandma Joan.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Exchange Weakness For Power
Who wouldn't want to make this exchange, I do, without Jesus I am so very weak.
Isaiah 40:28,29 "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength."
2 Corinthians 12:9 "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
Commentary "Only those whose weakness and insecurity have been completely submerged in the blessed will of God know what it is to possess true power."
When we are weak, then it is that we are made strong by the everlasting God. He does not fail us.
Grandma Joan
Isaiah 40:28,29 "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength."
2 Corinthians 12:9 "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
Commentary "Only those whose weakness and insecurity have been completely submerged in the blessed will of God know what it is to possess true power."
When we are weak, then it is that we are made strong by the everlasting God. He does not fail us.
Grandma Joan
Monday, May 26, 2014
God Sooooo Loved
Have you ever loved someone sooooo much? I grew up without a lot of love and attention and so when I met my husband and fell in love with him, I loved him soooo much, there were times when I hated what he did or said, but I still loved him soooo much I could over look the faults. That's the way God is except He cannot overlook our faults so He did something that no one else could do. He sent His Son to save us from them.
John 3:16 "For God soooo loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
SC 14 "None but the Son of God could accomplish our redemption; for only He who was in the bosom of the Father could declare Him. Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it manifest. Nothing less than the infinite sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen men could express the Father's love to lost humanity.
God soooo loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." He gave Him not only to live among men, to bear their sins, and die their sacrifice. He gave Him to the fallen race. Christ was to identify Himself with the interests and needs of humanity. He who was one with God has linked Himself with the children of men by ties that are never to be broken. Jesus is 'not ashamed to call them brethren'. Hebrews 2:11.
He is our Sacrifice, our Advocate, our Brother, bearing our human form before the Father's throne, and through eternal ages one with the race He has redeemed--the Son of man. And all this that man might be uplifted from the ruin and degradation of sin that he might reflect the love of God and share the joy of holiness."
What love, we don't understand that kind of love, but if we let it sink into our hearts, it WILL change our lives. Yes it will. Grandma Joan
John 3:16 "For God soooo loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
SC 14 "None but the Son of God could accomplish our redemption; for only He who was in the bosom of the Father could declare Him. Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it manifest. Nothing less than the infinite sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen men could express the Father's love to lost humanity.
God soooo loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." He gave Him not only to live among men, to bear their sins, and die their sacrifice. He gave Him to the fallen race. Christ was to identify Himself with the interests and needs of humanity. He who was one with God has linked Himself with the children of men by ties that are never to be broken. Jesus is 'not ashamed to call them brethren'. Hebrews 2:11.
He is our Sacrifice, our Advocate, our Brother, bearing our human form before the Father's throne, and through eternal ages one with the race He has redeemed--the Son of man. And all this that man might be uplifted from the ruin and degradation of sin that he might reflect the love of God and share the joy of holiness."
What love, we don't understand that kind of love, but if we let it sink into our hearts, it WILL change our lives. Yes it will. Grandma Joan
Sunday, May 25, 2014
An Impossible Task
There are some things that are impossible for us to accomplish and there is one that is more impossible than any other. This subject is so important for us to realize, I hope it blesses your heart, it was such a relief when I learned this.
Job 14:4 "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? No one."
Romans 8:7 "The carnal mind is enmity against God; for is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be."
SC 16 "It is impossible for us, of ourselves, to escape from the pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. (the previous verses tell us that) Education, culture, the exercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but here they are powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of behavior, but they cannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs of life. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness.
When I found this out, I was overwhelmed with the intents of my own heart of trying to be good, of trying to overcome in my own power. What a relief to find out that staying in the presence of God and inviting Him in to change my heart was the way of eternal life. I have been so blessed by this knowledge! Grandma Joan
Job 14:4 "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? No one."
Romans 8:7 "The carnal mind is enmity against God; for is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be."
SC 16 "It is impossible for us, of ourselves, to escape from the pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. (the previous verses tell us that) Education, culture, the exercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but here they are powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of behavior, but they cannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs of life. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness.
When I found this out, I was overwhelmed with the intents of my own heart of trying to be good, of trying to overcome in my own power. What a relief to find out that staying in the presence of God and inviting Him in to change my heart was the way of eternal life. I have been so blessed by this knowledge! Grandma Joan
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Are there Benefits in Trusting God?
Most people are looking for benefits. Health benefits, salary raises, vacation time, sick leave and probably others too. But through my ordeal lately on trusting God I was impressed to look up the benefits that are there in trusting God. I found lots of them and I want to share them with you, if you don't mind and while I am doing this I will be blessed as well. We can always count on God!!! He never let's us down, sometimes it seems that He is but it always turns out for the best if we put ALL our trust in Him. Not in relatives or friends, but in God. Benefits? Let's see what they are.
Psalms 5:11 "But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You." The first benefit I found was joy and I never found one that says it brings peace of mind but I know there is one, just didn't find it but I know how much peace I have had since I prayed for more trust in Him. It actually is a miracle to me how much peace I have and joy. He also defends us. Now that is a great benefit too, isn't it?
Psalms 22:4,5 "Our Fathers trusted in You; they trusted and You delivered them. They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed." Are we ashamed to put all our trust in God. Are we ashamed to let others know how much we trust Him and how much He loves us and praise Him for His deliverance. We should always be so thankful for His deliverance that we shout it from the roof tops, so to speak. Don't be ashamed of your faith in Him.
This should be our prayer: Psalms 25:2,3 "O my God, I trust in You, let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause." Being ashamed of God or our trust in Him must be something that is not rare because otherwise why would it be brought up like that. I think it is more prevalent than we imagine.
Who is our biggest enemy? Satan, of course, but he does use people to discourage us so don't let Satan or his helpers discourage you or me in our praising God for His help in our time of troubles.
Psalms 31:19 "Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You." He has laid up His goodness and it is already prepared for us if we trust in Him and reverence Him. He is prepared for our trials and struggles. How wonderful that is.
Psalms 40:4 "Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies." We will be blessed when we make the Lord our trust and not man. I have been guilty of trusting another person when God is whom I should put my trust. Are you guilty too. Many are, I know.
Psalms 56:3,4 "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I will praise His word, In God I have put my trust; I will not fear, what can flesh do to me?" What can people do to me? Nothing. if I put my trust in God and I will praise Him for the benefits He has given me for trusting in Him.
Psalms 73:28 "But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works." My trials have been good for me because they have drawn me closer to God and I am not ashamed to tell of His wondrous help to me. It has been a miracle of peace and confidence.
Guidance is a benefit He gives us too, in Proverbs 3:5,6 I will let you look that one up but it is good in these stressful times we are living in.
Isaiah 57:13 last part, "But he who puts his trust in Me shall possess the land, and shall inherit My holy mountain." The Bible teaches us that our land of Canaan and His holy mountain is the New Earth that He will make new for those who love Him and trust Him. That's not only a benefit, it is an inheritance.
See what our trusting in God does for us. It's not a dream or a worthless thought, it is forever sure and we can count on His promises and we can trust Him implicitly. This has been so good for me just now as I am facing some tests and I now know that He is for sure watching over me and guiding my life according to His will and not mine. There are a lot of lessons for me to learn in the short time I have left and I am for sure trying to learn them, one after another, but do you know? I am not discouraged over them, I trust in God all the more today because of this little study. I hope it has helped you as well. Thank you for joining me this morning. Grandma Joan
Psalms 5:11 "But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You." The first benefit I found was joy and I never found one that says it brings peace of mind but I know there is one, just didn't find it but I know how much peace I have had since I prayed for more trust in Him. It actually is a miracle to me how much peace I have and joy. He also defends us. Now that is a great benefit too, isn't it?
Psalms 22:4,5 "Our Fathers trusted in You; they trusted and You delivered them. They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed." Are we ashamed to put all our trust in God. Are we ashamed to let others know how much we trust Him and how much He loves us and praise Him for His deliverance. We should always be so thankful for His deliverance that we shout it from the roof tops, so to speak. Don't be ashamed of your faith in Him.
This should be our prayer: Psalms 25:2,3 "O my God, I trust in You, let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause." Being ashamed of God or our trust in Him must be something that is not rare because otherwise why would it be brought up like that. I think it is more prevalent than we imagine.
Who is our biggest enemy? Satan, of course, but he does use people to discourage us so don't let Satan or his helpers discourage you or me in our praising God for His help in our time of troubles.
Psalms 31:19 "Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You." He has laid up His goodness and it is already prepared for us if we trust in Him and reverence Him. He is prepared for our trials and struggles. How wonderful that is.
Psalms 40:4 "Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies." We will be blessed when we make the Lord our trust and not man. I have been guilty of trusting another person when God is whom I should put my trust. Are you guilty too. Many are, I know.
Psalms 56:3,4 "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I will praise His word, In God I have put my trust; I will not fear, what can flesh do to me?" What can people do to me? Nothing. if I put my trust in God and I will praise Him for the benefits He has given me for trusting in Him.
Psalms 73:28 "But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works." My trials have been good for me because they have drawn me closer to God and I am not ashamed to tell of His wondrous help to me. It has been a miracle of peace and confidence.
Guidance is a benefit He gives us too, in Proverbs 3:5,6 I will let you look that one up but it is good in these stressful times we are living in.
Isaiah 57:13 last part, "But he who puts his trust in Me shall possess the land, and shall inherit My holy mountain." The Bible teaches us that our land of Canaan and His holy mountain is the New Earth that He will make new for those who love Him and trust Him. That's not only a benefit, it is an inheritance.
See what our trusting in God does for us. It's not a dream or a worthless thought, it is forever sure and we can count on His promises and we can trust Him implicitly. This has been so good for me just now as I am facing some tests and I now know that He is for sure watching over me and guiding my life according to His will and not mine. There are a lot of lessons for me to learn in the short time I have left and I am for sure trying to learn them, one after another, but do you know? I am not discouraged over them, I trust in God all the more today because of this little study. I hope it has helped you as well. Thank you for joining me this morning. Grandma Joan
Friday, May 23, 2014
A Successful Life
Everyone wants to be successful but not everyone is. Do you know that the Bible has some instruction for a successful life. It's very interesting. I wish I had read these things many years ago, and I probably did but we get a little wiser with age and our understanding gets a little better too.
Matthew 6:32,33 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." That's pretty self explanatory.
Joshua 1:7 "Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go." That's very self explanatory too.
Philippians 3:13,14 "Brethren, I do not count myself as apprehended, (arrested) but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." It looks like from this verse that we need a goal. I think a goal is a good thing to have and it's good to have challenges to reach those goals and challenges make us better people and makes character.
Galatians 6:9 "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." So don't give up, keep on keeping on as one pastor says.
I challenge you today to have a goal and reach for it with all your heart and put God first and you will succeed. Grandma Joan
Matthew 6:32,33 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." That's pretty self explanatory.
Joshua 1:7 "Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go." That's very self explanatory too.
Philippians 3:13,14 "Brethren, I do not count myself as apprehended, (arrested) but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." It looks like from this verse that we need a goal. I think a goal is a good thing to have and it's good to have challenges to reach those goals and challenges make us better people and makes character.
Galatians 6:9 "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." So don't give up, keep on keeping on as one pastor says.
I challenge you today to have a goal and reach for it with all your heart and put God first and you will succeed. Grandma Joan
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Sharing Things
It's good to share of our abundance. I like to share meals with others, I like to cook vegan style and most people like my cooking or at least they say they do. I like to share the beauty of my yard with my neighbors and those passing by, but lately it has been hard for me to have pretty yards like I use to.
Paul is saying in 2 Corinthians 8 that the Macedonians were giving according to their ability and even beyond their ability and that even in their affliction they still gave liberally of what they had with great joy. Don't you find joy in giving of your abundance, even when there isn't an abundance, it still brings joy to give.
Galatians 2:9, Paul speaking, "And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcision." Paul says, that they were accepted into the Gospel Ministry with them. It was a wonderful thing for him to be accepted into the other disciples ministry as one of them.
Philippians 1:3,4,5 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now."
Paul is sharing that he prays for them every time he remembers them making request for them with all joy. What a privilege we have to pray for others and to remember them with joy in our hearts, as Paul did.
We can share material things, we can share fellowship with those who are lonely, we can share our prayers with others to encourage them and we can do it all with joy in our hearts that we can be partakers with Christ in His love for others. Let's keep on sharing our feelings and our material things and our love and prayers. Grandma Joan
Paul is saying in 2 Corinthians 8 that the Macedonians were giving according to their ability and even beyond their ability and that even in their affliction they still gave liberally of what they had with great joy. Don't you find joy in giving of your abundance, even when there isn't an abundance, it still brings joy to give.
Galatians 2:9, Paul speaking, "And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcision." Paul says, that they were accepted into the Gospel Ministry with them. It was a wonderful thing for him to be accepted into the other disciples ministry as one of them.
Philippians 1:3,4,5 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now."
Paul is sharing that he prays for them every time he remembers them making request for them with all joy. What a privilege we have to pray for others and to remember them with joy in our hearts, as Paul did.
We can share material things, we can share fellowship with those who are lonely, we can share our prayers with others to encourage them and we can do it all with joy in our hearts that we can be partakers with Christ in His love for others. Let's keep on sharing our feelings and our material things and our love and prayers. Grandma Joan
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Togetherness
Do you like the feeling of togetherness? I do, I love it when I can get together with my family that are here in this area, it is so much fun just listening to their chatter and sometimes joining in. I get hugs from just about all of them and that makes me feel all the more a part of the togetherness. It seems to me that togetherness is an important part of life, isn't it? When I hear people talk about their get togethers, it is usually with joy and excitement. I long for those moments when I am a part of a family get together. It fills me up emotionally.
1 John 1:3 "That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ." Now that is real togetherness.
If you are lonely as I am so much of the time, you can have togetherness with the Father and with His Son Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:9 "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." If you are lonely, you are being called into togetherness with Jesus. A wonderful thought and the best possible place to be. Isn't that right?
Philippians 2:1,2 Paul is inviting us to fellowship or togetherness with the Holy Spirit, he wants us to be filled with the Holy Spirit in such a way that we are together all the time.
Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." The found communion with the apostles and their doctrine and fellowship and they ate together and prayed together. That sounds like a lot of good togetherness, doesn't it? I wish things were like that today, it would be so much more easier to be a Christian with that kind of togetherness.
1 John 1:7 "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." Christians fellowship with one another and the togetherness is great because we are together with Christ and He cleanses us from our sin. That is great togetherness. We must walk in the light as He is in the light. Can we do that? I think we can. Grandma Joan
1 John 1:3 "That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ." Now that is real togetherness.
If you are lonely as I am so much of the time, you can have togetherness with the Father and with His Son Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:9 "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." If you are lonely, you are being called into togetherness with Jesus. A wonderful thought and the best possible place to be. Isn't that right?
Philippians 2:1,2 Paul is inviting us to fellowship or togetherness with the Holy Spirit, he wants us to be filled with the Holy Spirit in such a way that we are together all the time.
Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." The found communion with the apostles and their doctrine and fellowship and they ate together and prayed together. That sounds like a lot of good togetherness, doesn't it? I wish things were like that today, it would be so much more easier to be a Christian with that kind of togetherness.
1 John 1:7 "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." Christians fellowship with one another and the togetherness is great because we are together with Christ and He cleanses us from our sin. That is great togetherness. We must walk in the light as He is in the light. Can we do that? I think we can. Grandma Joan
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
The Nature of a True Friend
We have all had friends and some of them have been life long friends even when you don't hear from them but occasionally, you are still friends. I have friends like that and I think any one of them would come to my rescue if I needed them. To tell you the truth, I don't have very many like that, but a few. Let's see what a true friend is like.
1 Samuel 18:1 "Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul." This was not a weird love like we see in this world today but a Godly love for each other.
1 Samuel 20:17 "Now Jonathan again caused David to vow, because he loved him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul." This is a true Godly friendship, when a true friend loves and will do anything for his friend.
Job 2:11 "Now when Job's three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place--Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Sophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him." This is what true friends do, they mourn your loss with you, they help where help is needed. We need to be friends like that, don't we?
John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." I heard a story of a man that was waiting execution and he had a wife and children and someone in the crowd knew that and he volunteered to take his punishment for him because he had no children or wife waiting for him. I don't know if he was a friend or brother, I have forgotten but the moral is the same regardless. He was willing to lay down his life for this man, and he did lay down his life, they allowed him to take that man's place.
Psalms 41:9 "Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." Have you ever had someone whom you thought was a true friend turn against you? I have and it hurts, it hurts to the point that you lose sleep over it and cry over it and never understand why and they won't tell you why. This friend of mine would never tell me why or talk to me. She died a very untimely death not too long after and I felt so bad that nothing was ever taken care of. I tried. I am sure a lot of you have had the same experience.
3 John 5 "Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers." So to be a true friend, we need to be a faithful friend and if we are a faithful friend, maybe our friends will be faithful to us.
It's so important for us to be a faithful friend, not just a surface friend as long as things go well but in hardship and loss, whatever the occasion is, be there for our friends. I want to be that kind of friend, don't you.
Grandma Joan I would also like to have that kind of friends too as I am sure you would.
1 Samuel 18:1 "Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul." This was not a weird love like we see in this world today but a Godly love for each other.
1 Samuel 20:17 "Now Jonathan again caused David to vow, because he loved him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul." This is a true Godly friendship, when a true friend loves and will do anything for his friend.
Job 2:11 "Now when Job's three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place--Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Sophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him." This is what true friends do, they mourn your loss with you, they help where help is needed. We need to be friends like that, don't we?
John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." I heard a story of a man that was waiting execution and he had a wife and children and someone in the crowd knew that and he volunteered to take his punishment for him because he had no children or wife waiting for him. I don't know if he was a friend or brother, I have forgotten but the moral is the same regardless. He was willing to lay down his life for this man, and he did lay down his life, they allowed him to take that man's place.
Psalms 41:9 "Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." Have you ever had someone whom you thought was a true friend turn against you? I have and it hurts, it hurts to the point that you lose sleep over it and cry over it and never understand why and they won't tell you why. This friend of mine would never tell me why or talk to me. She died a very untimely death not too long after and I felt so bad that nothing was ever taken care of. I tried. I am sure a lot of you have had the same experience.
3 John 5 "Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers." So to be a true friend, we need to be a faithful friend and if we are a faithful friend, maybe our friends will be faithful to us.
It's so important for us to be a faithful friend, not just a surface friend as long as things go well but in hardship and loss, whatever the occasion is, be there for our friends. I want to be that kind of friend, don't you.
Grandma Joan I would also like to have that kind of friends too as I am sure you would.
Monday, May 19, 2014
The Value of a True Friend
Do we know how much value a true friend is? I have been so isolated in the last few years I think I have lost the idea of the value of a true friend. I have a true friend that reads my blog occasionally and we have been friends for many, many years even when we lose track of each other we seem to connect again somehow. I think God knows how valuable a true friend is and saw to it that we were reunited again. She comes to see me from Oregon about twice a year and I love her visits. Do you have a friend like that, I hope so. I have another friend that lives far away but we don't talk very often and haven't seen each other for years but we still stay connected and talk on the phone once in a while and it's as if we had never been separated.
Proverbs 27:6 first part, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend." It's OK when a friend wounds us with constructive criticism. They always do it in love and it may hurt but we know it's good for us.
Proverbs 27:10 first part, "Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend." They may need us in times of need. We must be willing to give when giving of ourselves is necessary to save a friend.
Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times." We need to have God's love built into our beings so that we can see the needs of others and come to their aid when they need us. A true friend is invaluable. Do you know the value of a friend? Do I? Are you a valuable friend? Am I? I hope we are, I want to be.
Grandma Joan
Proverbs 27:6 first part, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend." It's OK when a friend wounds us with constructive criticism. They always do it in love and it may hurt but we know it's good for us.
Proverbs 27:10 first part, "Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend." They may need us in times of need. We must be willing to give when giving of ourselves is necessary to save a friend.
Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times." We need to have God's love built into our beings so that we can see the needs of others and come to their aid when they need us. A true friend is invaluable. Do you know the value of a friend? Do I? Are you a valuable friend? Am I? I hope we are, I want to be.
Grandma Joan
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Lord Jesus, I need to trust You more
Have you ever felt like your world was falling apart, Iv'e been there a few times lately. I thought about it a lot and I tried to understand things as they were and because I am a Christian I knew my plight had something to do with my relationship with God, but what was it? Then it dawned on me that I needed to trust Him more. So my prayer became, 'Lord Jesus, I need to trust you more, please give me unfailing trust in You, I need it desperately', and I had peace. But I still want to study about trusting God, because I do need to trust Him more and there are probably some of you who need the same thing, so let's see what we can find in His word. First, I need to pray for guidance as I study His word, so I just did that and I know that we will be blessed this morning.
Psalms 33:21 "For our hearts shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His Holy Name." God is holy and we should never use His name lightly, I am so ashamed when I hear His name used as a swear word, I cringe at the thought of what He must think. So instead of doing that, let's trust in His Holy Name and try to understand with His help how Majestic and Holy He is.
Psalms 119:42 "So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Your word." Trust in His promises like never before. That's what I need to do and there are so many promises that will carry us through our trials and struggles. So I need to trust in His word.
Psalms 37:3 "Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness." Iv'e been doing that without reading this verse, I have been dwelling on His faithfulness to pull me through my struggles.
Psalms 32:10 "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked, but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him." I want His mercy to surround me don't you? I need His mercy and need to trust in His faithfulness and in His word, or promises. I need to trust in His Holy Name and reverence His Holy name too as I walk this Christian pathway.
A few days ago I was overwhelmed with some trials that confronted me but I instantly went to the Lord in prayer and had peace but I wanted to know why He gave me that peace so quickly and I am sure it was out of His great love for me and answering my prayer for more trust in Him. I was totally sincere and my need was really great and I am so thankful for the encouragement of this study on trusting Him. May I always be faithful in trusting Him. How about you? I hope this is your desire too and He is faithful who has promised.
Grandma Joan
Psalms 33:21 "For our hearts shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His Holy Name." God is holy and we should never use His name lightly, I am so ashamed when I hear His name used as a swear word, I cringe at the thought of what He must think. So instead of doing that, let's trust in His Holy Name and try to understand with His help how Majestic and Holy He is.
Psalms 119:42 "So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Your word." Trust in His promises like never before. That's what I need to do and there are so many promises that will carry us through our trials and struggles. So I need to trust in His word.
Psalms 37:3 "Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness." Iv'e been doing that without reading this verse, I have been dwelling on His faithfulness to pull me through my struggles.
Psalms 32:10 "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked, but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him." I want His mercy to surround me don't you? I need His mercy and need to trust in His faithfulness and in His word, or promises. I need to trust in His Holy Name and reverence His Holy name too as I walk this Christian pathway.
A few days ago I was overwhelmed with some trials that confronted me but I instantly went to the Lord in prayer and had peace but I wanted to know why He gave me that peace so quickly and I am sure it was out of His great love for me and answering my prayer for more trust in Him. I was totally sincere and my need was really great and I am so thankful for the encouragement of this study on trusting Him. May I always be faithful in trusting Him. How about you? I hope this is your desire too and He is faithful who has promised.
Grandma Joan
Saturday, May 17, 2014
The Lord's Prayer - part 9 cont.
Matthew 6:13 "Bring us not into temptation."
MB 118 "The prayer, 'Bring us not into temptation,' is itself a promise. If we commit ourselves to God we have the assurance, He 'will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.' 1 Corinthians 10:13.
The only safeguard against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. It is because selfishness exists in our hearts that temptation has power over us. But when we behold the great love of God, selfishness appears in its hideous and repulsive character, and we desire to have it expelled from the soul. As the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ, our hearts are softened and subdued, the temptation loses its power, and the grace of Christ transforms the character.
Christ will never abandon the soul for whom He has died. The soul may leave Him and be overwhelmed with temptation, but Christ can never turn from one for whom He has paid the ransom of His own life.
Live in contact with the living Christ, and He will hold you firmly by the hand that will never let go. Know and believe the love that God has to us, and you are secure; that love is a fortress impregnable to all the delusions and assaults of Satan. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it and is safe."
What promises we have for the abiding presence of Christ in our life. Run to Jesus and be safe from the assaults of Satan. Grandma Joan
MB 118 "The prayer, 'Bring us not into temptation,' is itself a promise. If we commit ourselves to God we have the assurance, He 'will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.' 1 Corinthians 10:13.
The only safeguard against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. It is because selfishness exists in our hearts that temptation has power over us. But when we behold the great love of God, selfishness appears in its hideous and repulsive character, and we desire to have it expelled from the soul. As the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ, our hearts are softened and subdued, the temptation loses its power, and the grace of Christ transforms the character.
Christ will never abandon the soul for whom He has died. The soul may leave Him and be overwhelmed with temptation, but Christ can never turn from one for whom He has paid the ransom of His own life.
Live in contact with the living Christ, and He will hold you firmly by the hand that will never let go. Know and believe the love that God has to us, and you are secure; that love is a fortress impregnable to all the delusions and assaults of Satan. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it and is safe."
What promises we have for the abiding presence of Christ in our life. Run to Jesus and be safe from the assaults of Satan. Grandma Joan
Friday, May 16, 2014
The Lord's prayer - part 9
Matthew 6:13 "Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."
MB 116 "Temptation is enticement to sin, and this does not proceed from God. but from Satan and from the evil of our own hearts. 'God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempteth no man.' James 1:13.
God in His great love is seeking to develop in us the precious graces of His Spirit. He permits us to encounter obstacles, persecution, and hardships, not as a curse, but as the greatest blessing of our lives. Every temptation resisted, every trial borne, gives us a new experience and advances us in the work of character building. The soul that through divine power resists temptation reveals to the world and to the heavenly universe the efficiency of the grace of Christ.
While we are not to be dismayed by trial, bitter though it may be, we should pray that God will not permit us to be brought where we shall be drawn away by the desires of our own evil hearts. In offering the prayer that Christ has given, we surrender ourselves to the guidance of God, asking Him to lead us in safe paths. We cannot offer this prayer in sincerity, and yet decide in any way of our own choosing. We shall wait for His hand to lead us; we shall listen to His voice, saying, 'this is the way, walk ye in it.' Isaiah 30:21."
This is the way, are you willing to walk in it? Please consider the love of God that is pleading with you just now to choose to walk in His way and be free. Grandma Joan
MB 116 "Temptation is enticement to sin, and this does not proceed from God. but from Satan and from the evil of our own hearts. 'God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempteth no man.' James 1:13.
God in His great love is seeking to develop in us the precious graces of His Spirit. He permits us to encounter obstacles, persecution, and hardships, not as a curse, but as the greatest blessing of our lives. Every temptation resisted, every trial borne, gives us a new experience and advances us in the work of character building. The soul that through divine power resists temptation reveals to the world and to the heavenly universe the efficiency of the grace of Christ.
While we are not to be dismayed by trial, bitter though it may be, we should pray that God will not permit us to be brought where we shall be drawn away by the desires of our own evil hearts. In offering the prayer that Christ has given, we surrender ourselves to the guidance of God, asking Him to lead us in safe paths. We cannot offer this prayer in sincerity, and yet decide in any way of our own choosing. We shall wait for His hand to lead us; we shall listen to His voice, saying, 'this is the way, walk ye in it.' Isaiah 30:21."
This is the way, are you willing to walk in it? Please consider the love of God that is pleading with you just now to choose to walk in His way and be free. Grandma Joan
Thursday, May 15, 2014
The Lord's Prayer - part 8 cont.
This is so good, just have to share one more part to part 8. I couldn't pass it up. I hope it is helping you like it is helping me.
Micah 7:18 "Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy."
MB 116 "We should not try to lesson our guilt by excusing sin. We must accept God's estimate of sin, and that is heavy indeed. Calvary alone can reveal the enormity of sin. If we had to bear our guilt, it would crush us. But the sinless One has taken our place; though undeserving, He has borne our iniquity. If we confess our sins' God 'is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' 1 John 1:9.
Glorious Truth! just to His own law, yet the Justifier of all that believe in Jesus.
God in Christ gave Himself for our sins. He suffered the cruel death of the cross, bore for us the burden of guilt, 'the just for the unjust,' that He might reveal to us His love and draw us to Himself. And He says,
'Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.' Ephesians 4:32."
It is hard for us poor sinners to accept the fact that there is no excuse for sin, we make all kinds of excuses for the wrongs that we do. And yet, when we confess our sins, there is such a relief in the burden that has been lifted that it is not describable. Are you living under a load of guilt. Take it to Jesus right now and let Him lift it from you, He will if you truly want it lifted. Grandma Joan
Micah 7:18 "Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy."
MB 116 "We should not try to lesson our guilt by excusing sin. We must accept God's estimate of sin, and that is heavy indeed. Calvary alone can reveal the enormity of sin. If we had to bear our guilt, it would crush us. But the sinless One has taken our place; though undeserving, He has borne our iniquity. If we confess our sins' God 'is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' 1 John 1:9.
Glorious Truth! just to His own law, yet the Justifier of all that believe in Jesus.
God in Christ gave Himself for our sins. He suffered the cruel death of the cross, bore for us the burden of guilt, 'the just for the unjust,' that He might reveal to us His love and draw us to Himself. And He says,
'Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.' Ephesians 4:32."
It is hard for us poor sinners to accept the fact that there is no excuse for sin, we make all kinds of excuses for the wrongs that we do. And yet, when we confess our sins, there is such a relief in the burden that has been lifted that it is not describable. Are you living under a load of guilt. Take it to Jesus right now and let Him lift it from you, He will if you truly want it lifted. Grandma Joan
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
The Lord's Prayer - part 8 cont.
Ephesians 4:32 "Be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you."
MB 114,15 "Let Christ, the divine Life, dwell in you and through you reveal the heaven-born love that will inspire hope in the hopeless and bring heaven's peace to the sin-stricken heart. As we come to God, this is the condition which meets us at the threshold, that, receiving mercy from Him, we yield ourselves to reveal His grace to others.
The one thing essential for us in order that we may receive and impart the forgiving love of God is to know and believe the love that He has to us. 1 John 4:16. Satan is working by every deception he can command, in order that we may not discern that love. He will lead us to think that our mistakes and transgressions have been so grievous that the Lord will not have respect unto our prayers and will not bless and save us. But we may tell the enemy that 'the blood of Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.' 1 John 1:7. When we feel that we have sinned and cannot pray, it is then time to pray. Ashamed we may be and deeply humbled, but we must pray and believe. 'This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.' 1 Timothy 1:15. Forgiveness, reconciliation with God, comes to us, not as a reward for our works, it is not bestowed because of the merit of sinful men, but it is a gift unto us, having in the spotless righteousness of Christ as its foundation for bestowal."
Aren't you glad Christ Jesus came into this world to save you, I am. We don't earn His forgiveness, it is a gift from God and I am so thankful for that gift, aren't you. Grandma Joan
MB 114,15 "Let Christ, the divine Life, dwell in you and through you reveal the heaven-born love that will inspire hope in the hopeless and bring heaven's peace to the sin-stricken heart. As we come to God, this is the condition which meets us at the threshold, that, receiving mercy from Him, we yield ourselves to reveal His grace to others.
The one thing essential for us in order that we may receive and impart the forgiving love of God is to know and believe the love that He has to us. 1 John 4:16. Satan is working by every deception he can command, in order that we may not discern that love. He will lead us to think that our mistakes and transgressions have been so grievous that the Lord will not have respect unto our prayers and will not bless and save us. But we may tell the enemy that 'the blood of Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.' 1 John 1:7. When we feel that we have sinned and cannot pray, it is then time to pray. Ashamed we may be and deeply humbled, but we must pray and believe. 'This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.' 1 Timothy 1:15. Forgiveness, reconciliation with God, comes to us, not as a reward for our works, it is not bestowed because of the merit of sinful men, but it is a gift unto us, having in the spotless righteousness of Christ as its foundation for bestowal."
Aren't you glad Christ Jesus came into this world to save you, I am. We don't earn His forgiveness, it is a gift from God and I am so thankful for that gift, aren't you. Grandma Joan
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
The Lord's Prayer- part 8
Luke 11:4 "Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us."
MB 113 "Jesus teaches that we can receive forgiveness from God only as we forgive others. It is the love of God that draws us unto Him, and that love cannot touch our hearts without creating love for our brethren.
After completing the Lord's prayer, Jesus added: 'If ye forgive men their trespasses, you heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive men not their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.' He who is unforgiving cuts off the very channel through which alone he can receive mercy from God. We should not think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong we are justified in with-holding from them our forgiveness. It is their part, no doubt, to humble their heart by repentance and confession; but we are to have a spirit of compassion to those who have trespassed against us, whether or not they confess their faults. However sorely they have wounded us, we are not to cherish our grievances and sympathize with ourselves over our injuries; but as we hope to be pardoned for our offenses against God we are to pardon all who have done evil to us.
God's forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which he sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for sin, but reclaiming from sin. It is the outflow of redeeming love that transforms the heart. David had the true conception of forgiveness when he prayed, 'create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.' Psalms 51:10. And again he says, 'as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.' Psalms 100:12."
How do you feel about forgiving those who have injured you? We must pray David's prayer to have God
create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us and then we can forgive those who injure us. What a burden would be lifted from our lives if we just learned to forgive. I want to be more forgiving, don't you?
Grandma Joan
MB 113 "Jesus teaches that we can receive forgiveness from God only as we forgive others. It is the love of God that draws us unto Him, and that love cannot touch our hearts without creating love for our brethren.
After completing the Lord's prayer, Jesus added: 'If ye forgive men their trespasses, you heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive men not their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.' He who is unforgiving cuts off the very channel through which alone he can receive mercy from God. We should not think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong we are justified in with-holding from them our forgiveness. It is their part, no doubt, to humble their heart by repentance and confession; but we are to have a spirit of compassion to those who have trespassed against us, whether or not they confess their faults. However sorely they have wounded us, we are not to cherish our grievances and sympathize with ourselves over our injuries; but as we hope to be pardoned for our offenses against God we are to pardon all who have done evil to us.
God's forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which he sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for sin, but reclaiming from sin. It is the outflow of redeeming love that transforms the heart. David had the true conception of forgiveness when he prayed, 'create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.' Psalms 51:10. And again he says, 'as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.' Psalms 100:12."
How do you feel about forgiving those who have injured you? We must pray David's prayer to have God
create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us and then we can forgive those who injure us. What a burden would be lifted from our lives if we just learned to forgive. I want to be more forgiving, don't you?
Grandma Joan
Monday, May 12, 2014
The Lord's Prayer - part 7
Matthew 6:11 "Give us this day our daily bread."
MB 110 "The first half of the prayer that Jesus has taught us is in regard to the name and kingdom and will of God--that His name may be honored, His kingdom be established, His will performed. When you have thus made God's will your first interest, you may ask with confidence that your own needs may be supplied. If you have renounced self and given yourself to Christ you are a member of the family of God, and everything in the Father's house is for you. All the treasures of God are open to you, both the world that now is and that which is to come. The ministry of angels, the gift of His Spirit, the labors of His servants--all are for you. The world, with everything in it, is yours so far as it can do you good. Even the enmity of the wicked will prove a blessing by disciplining you for heaven. If 'ye are Christ's,' 'all things are yours.' 1 Corinthians 23,21.
In teaching us to ask every day for what we need--both temporal and spiritual blessings--God has a purpose to accomplish for our good. He would have us realize our dependence upon His constant care, for He is seeking to draw us in to communion with Himself. In this communion with Christ, through prayer and the study of the great and precious truths of His word, we shall as hungry souls be fed; as those that thirst, we shall be refreshed at the fountain of life."
Do you need refreshing? I certainly do. Let's prayer that our spiritual needs will be supplied as well as our physical needs. I certainly need all that He is willing to give, don't you? Grandma Joan
MB 110 "The first half of the prayer that Jesus has taught us is in regard to the name and kingdom and will of God--that His name may be honored, His kingdom be established, His will performed. When you have thus made God's will your first interest, you may ask with confidence that your own needs may be supplied. If you have renounced self and given yourself to Christ you are a member of the family of God, and everything in the Father's house is for you. All the treasures of God are open to you, both the world that now is and that which is to come. The ministry of angels, the gift of His Spirit, the labors of His servants--all are for you. The world, with everything in it, is yours so far as it can do you good. Even the enmity of the wicked will prove a blessing by disciplining you for heaven. If 'ye are Christ's,' 'all things are yours.' 1 Corinthians 23,21.
In teaching us to ask every day for what we need--both temporal and spiritual blessings--God has a purpose to accomplish for our good. He would have us realize our dependence upon His constant care, for He is seeking to draw us in to communion with Himself. In this communion with Christ, through prayer and the study of the great and precious truths of His word, we shall as hungry souls be fed; as those that thirst, we shall be refreshed at the fountain of life."
Do you need refreshing? I certainly do. Let's prayer that our spiritual needs will be supplied as well as our physical needs. I certainly need all that He is willing to give, don't you? Grandma Joan
Sunday, May 11, 2014
The Lord's Prayer - part 6
Matthew 6:10 "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."
MB 109 "The will of God is expressed in the precepts of His holy law, and the principles of this law are the principles of heaven. The angels of heaven attain unto no higher knowledge than to know the will of God, and to do His will is their highest service that can engage their powers. In their ministry the angels are not as servants but as sons. Their is perfect unity between them and their Creator. Obedience is to them no drudgery. Love for God makes their service a joy. So in every soul wherein Christ the hope of glory, dwells, His words are re-echoed, 'I delight to do Thy will, O my God, Thy law is within my heart.' Psalms 40:8.
The petition, 'Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,' is a prayer that the reign of evil on this earth may be ended, that sin may be forever destroyed, and the kingdom of righteousness be established. Then in earth as in heaven will be fulfilled 'all the good pleasure of His goodness.' 2 Thessalonians 1:11."
Will love to God make your service a joy, I hope and pray that it does for me, don't you wish for the same for yourself? I want His will done in my heart so that I may be among those who delight to do His will. Grandma Joan
MB 109 "The will of God is expressed in the precepts of His holy law, and the principles of this law are the principles of heaven. The angels of heaven attain unto no higher knowledge than to know the will of God, and to do His will is their highest service that can engage their powers. In their ministry the angels are not as servants but as sons. Their is perfect unity between them and their Creator. Obedience is to them no drudgery. Love for God makes their service a joy. So in every soul wherein Christ the hope of glory, dwells, His words are re-echoed, 'I delight to do Thy will, O my God, Thy law is within my heart.' Psalms 40:8.
The petition, 'Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,' is a prayer that the reign of evil on this earth may be ended, that sin may be forever destroyed, and the kingdom of righteousness be established. Then in earth as in heaven will be fulfilled 'all the good pleasure of His goodness.' 2 Thessalonians 1:11."
Will love to God make your service a joy, I hope and pray that it does for me, don't you wish for the same for yourself? I want His will done in my heart so that I may be among those who delight to do His will. Grandma Joan
Saturday, May 10, 2014
The Lord's Prayer - part 5
Matthew 6:10 "Thy kingdom come."
MB 108 "God is our Father, who loves and cares for us as His children; He is also the great King of the universe. The interests of His kingdom are our interests, and we are to work for its upbuilding.
The disciples of Christ were looking for the immediately coming of His kingdom of His glory, but in giving them this prayer Jesus taught that the kingdom was not then to be established. They were to pray for it's coming as an event yet future. But this petition was also an assurance to them. While they were not to behold the coming of the kingdom in their day, the fact that Jesus bade them pray for it is evidence that in God's own time it will surely come.
The kingdom of God's grace is now being established, as day by day hearts that have been full of sin and rebellion yield to the sovereignty of His love. But the full establishment of the kingdom of His glory will not take place until the second coming of Christ to this world. 'The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom of the whole heaven,' is to be given to 'the people of the saints of the Most High.' Daniel 7:27.
They shall inherit the kingdom prepared for them 'from the foundation of the world.' Matthew 25:34. And Christ will take to Himself His great power and will reign."
In this world of sin and sorrow, let's pray that His kingdom comes soon and puts an end to all the pain and heartache in this world and we who have given our hearts completely to Him will reign with Him forever and ever. Grandma Joan
MB 108 "God is our Father, who loves and cares for us as His children; He is also the great King of the universe. The interests of His kingdom are our interests, and we are to work for its upbuilding.
The disciples of Christ were looking for the immediately coming of His kingdom of His glory, but in giving them this prayer Jesus taught that the kingdom was not then to be established. They were to pray for it's coming as an event yet future. But this petition was also an assurance to them. While they were not to behold the coming of the kingdom in their day, the fact that Jesus bade them pray for it is evidence that in God's own time it will surely come.
The kingdom of God's grace is now being established, as day by day hearts that have been full of sin and rebellion yield to the sovereignty of His love. But the full establishment of the kingdom of His glory will not take place until the second coming of Christ to this world. 'The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom of the whole heaven,' is to be given to 'the people of the saints of the Most High.' Daniel 7:27.
They shall inherit the kingdom prepared for them 'from the foundation of the world.' Matthew 25:34. And Christ will take to Himself His great power and will reign."
In this world of sin and sorrow, let's pray that His kingdom comes soon and puts an end to all the pain and heartache in this world and we who have given our hearts completely to Him will reign with Him forever and ever. Grandma Joan
Friday, May 9, 2014
The Lord's Prayer - part 4
Matthew 6:9 "Hallowed be Thy name."
MB 106 "To hallow the name of the Lord requires that the words we speak of the Supreme Being be uttered with reverence. 'Holy and reverend is his name.' Psalms 111:9. We are never in any manner to treat lightly the titles or appellations of the Deity. In prayer we enter the audience chamber of the Most High; and we should come before Him with holy awe. The angels veil their faces in His presence. The cherubim and the bright and holy seraphim approach His throne with solemn reverence. How much more should we, finite, sinful beings, come in a reverent manner before the Lord our Maker!
This name is hallowed by the angels of heaven, by the inhabitants of unfallen worlds. When you pray,
'Hallowed by Thy name,' you ask that it may be hallowed in this world, hallowed in you. God has acknowledged you before men and angels as His child; pray that you may do no dishonor to the 'worthy name by which ye are called.' James2:7.
Have you every thought of how many times you have heard God's name taken in vain? I have heard it over and over again and again. I shudder to think of what my Father in heaven feels when He hears it. Let's be careful how we speak of our Father and hallow and reverence His name all the time. Grandma Joan
MB 106 "To hallow the name of the Lord requires that the words we speak of the Supreme Being be uttered with reverence. 'Holy and reverend is his name.' Psalms 111:9. We are never in any manner to treat lightly the titles or appellations of the Deity. In prayer we enter the audience chamber of the Most High; and we should come before Him with holy awe. The angels veil their faces in His presence. The cherubim and the bright and holy seraphim approach His throne with solemn reverence. How much more should we, finite, sinful beings, come in a reverent manner before the Lord our Maker!
This name is hallowed by the angels of heaven, by the inhabitants of unfallen worlds. When you pray,
'Hallowed by Thy name,' you ask that it may be hallowed in this world, hallowed in you. God has acknowledged you before men and angels as His child; pray that you may do no dishonor to the 'worthy name by which ye are called.' James2:7.
Have you every thought of how many times you have heard God's name taken in vain? I have heard it over and over again and again. I shudder to think of what my Father in heaven feels when He hears it. Let's be careful how we speak of our Father and hallow and reverence His name all the time. Grandma Joan
Thursday, May 8, 2014
The Lord's Prayer - part 3
1 John 3:2 & Romans 8:17 "Beloved, now are we the sons of God." "And if children , then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together." It doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is."
MB 104 "The very first step in approaching God is to know and believe the love that He has to us, 1 John 4:16; for it is through the drawing of His love that we are led to come to Him.
The infinite God, said Jesus, makes it your privilege to approach Him by the name of Father. Understand all that this implies. No earthly parent ever pleaded so earnestly with an erring child as He who made you pleads with the transgressor. No human, loving interest ever followed the impenitent with such tender invitations. God dwells in every abode; He hears every word that is spoken; listens to every prayer that is offered, tastes the sorrows and disappointments of every soul regards the treatment that is given to father, mother, sister, friend and neighbor. He cares for our necessities, and His love and mercy and grace are continually flowing to satisfy our need."
I have never known a father like that, have you. As much as you might love your earthly father, your heavenly Father loves you so very much more than an earthly father could and we must love our heavenly Father more too. He is continually blessing us, so let's thank Him for His blessings. Grandma Joan
MB 104 "The very first step in approaching God is to know and believe the love that He has to us, 1 John 4:16; for it is through the drawing of His love that we are led to come to Him.
The infinite God, said Jesus, makes it your privilege to approach Him by the name of Father. Understand all that this implies. No earthly parent ever pleaded so earnestly with an erring child as He who made you pleads with the transgressor. No human, loving interest ever followed the impenitent with such tender invitations. God dwells in every abode; He hears every word that is spoken; listens to every prayer that is offered, tastes the sorrows and disappointments of every soul regards the treatment that is given to father, mother, sister, friend and neighbor. He cares for our necessities, and His love and mercy and grace are continually flowing to satisfy our need."
I have never known a father like that, have you. As much as you might love your earthly father, your heavenly Father loves you so very much more than an earthly father could and we must love our heavenly Father more too. He is continually blessing us, so let's thank Him for His blessings. Grandma Joan
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
The Lord's Prayer - part 2
"When ye pray, say Our Father." Luke 11.2.
MB 103 "Jesus teaches us to call His Father our Father. He is not ashamed to call us brethren. Hebrews 2:11. So ready, so eager, is the Savior's heart to welcome us as members of the family of God, that in the very first words we are to use in approaching God He places the assurance of our divine relationship, 'Our Father.' Here is the announcement of that wonderful truth, so full of encouragement and comfort, that God loves us as He loves His Son. This is what Jesus said in His last prayer for His disciples, 'Thou has loved them as Thou as loved Me." John 17:23.
The world that Satan has claimed and has ruled over with cruel tyranny, the Son of God has, by one vast achievement, encircled in His love and connected again with the throne of Jehovah. Cherubim and Seraphim, and the unnumbered host of all the unfallen worlds, sang anthems of praise to God and the Lamb when this triumph was assured. They rejoiced that the way of salvation had been opened to the fallen race and that the earth would be redeemed from the curse of sin. How much more should those rejoice who are the objects of such amazing love!
Are we rejoicing today for the privilege of being redeemed from the curse of sin in this world and are objects of such amazing love? We should be shouldn't we? Grandma Joan
MB 103 "Jesus teaches us to call His Father our Father. He is not ashamed to call us brethren. Hebrews 2:11. So ready, so eager, is the Savior's heart to welcome us as members of the family of God, that in the very first words we are to use in approaching God He places the assurance of our divine relationship, 'Our Father.' Here is the announcement of that wonderful truth, so full of encouragement and comfort, that God loves us as He loves His Son. This is what Jesus said in His last prayer for His disciples, 'Thou has loved them as Thou as loved Me." John 17:23.
The world that Satan has claimed and has ruled over with cruel tyranny, the Son of God has, by one vast achievement, encircled in His love and connected again with the throne of Jehovah. Cherubim and Seraphim, and the unnumbered host of all the unfallen worlds, sang anthems of praise to God and the Lamb when this triumph was assured. They rejoiced that the way of salvation had been opened to the fallen race and that the earth would be redeemed from the curse of sin. How much more should those rejoice who are the objects of such amazing love!
Are we rejoicing today for the privilege of being redeemed from the curse of sin in this world and are objects of such amazing love? We should be shouldn't we? Grandma Joan
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
The Lord's Prayer - part 1
Matthew 6;9 "After this manner therefore pray ye."
MB 102 "The disciples had been for a short time absent from their Lord, when on their return, they found Him absorbed in communion with God. Seeming unconscious of their presence, He continued praying aloud. The Savior's face was irradiated with a celestial brightness. He seemed to be in the very presence of the Unseen, and there was a living power in His words as of one who spoke with God.
The hearts of the listening disciples was deeply moved. They had marked how often he spent long hours in solitude in communion with His Father...It was from hours spend with God that He came forth, morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. The disciples had come to connect His hours of prayer with the power of His words and works. Now as they listened to His supplication, their hearts were awed and humbled. As He ceased praying, it was with a conviction of their own deep need that they exclaimed, 'Lord teach us to pray." Luke 11:1.
My prayer today is, 'Lord teach me how to pray' I need to spend more time in prayer so that I can be more like Him in my words and my deeds. How about you, I hope you have the same desire. Grandma Joan
MB 102 "The disciples had been for a short time absent from their Lord, when on their return, they found Him absorbed in communion with God. Seeming unconscious of their presence, He continued praying aloud. The Savior's face was irradiated with a celestial brightness. He seemed to be in the very presence of the Unseen, and there was a living power in His words as of one who spoke with God.
The hearts of the listening disciples was deeply moved. They had marked how often he spent long hours in solitude in communion with His Father...It was from hours spend with God that He came forth, morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. The disciples had come to connect His hours of prayer with the power of His words and works. Now as they listened to His supplication, their hearts were awed and humbled. As He ceased praying, it was with a conviction of their own deep need that they exclaimed, 'Lord teach us to pray." Luke 11:1.
My prayer today is, 'Lord teach me how to pray' I need to spend more time in prayer so that I can be more like Him in my words and my deeds. How about you, I hope you have the same desire. Grandma Joan
Monday, May 5, 2014
Noble And Holy Aims
SC 17 "Man was originally endowed with noble powers and a well-balanced mind. He was perfect in his being, and in harmony with God. His thoughts were pure, his aims holy. But through disobedience, his powers were perverted, and selfishness took the place of love. His nature became so weakened through transgression that it was impossible for him, in his own strength, to resist the power of evil. He was made captive by Satan, and would have remained so forever had not God specially interposed. It was the tempter's purpose to thwart the divine plan in man's creation, and fill the earth with woe and desolation. And he would point to all this evil as the result of God's work in creating man.
In his sinless state, man held joyful communion with Him "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:3. But after his sin, he could no longer find joy in holiness, and he sought to hide from the presence of God. Such is still the condition of the unrenewed heart. It is not in harmony with God, and finds no joy in communion with Him."
As you continue to read my blogs, you will find out how we can have that joyful communion with Him again.
I pray each day that God will bless my readers with His Holy Spirit and give you joy in your hearts as you continue on in your Christian life. Grandma Joan
In his sinless state, man held joyful communion with Him "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:3. But after his sin, he could no longer find joy in holiness, and he sought to hide from the presence of God. Such is still the condition of the unrenewed heart. It is not in harmony with God, and finds no joy in communion with Him."
As you continue to read my blogs, you will find out how we can have that joyful communion with Him again.
I pray each day that God will bless my readers with His Holy Spirit and give you joy in your hearts as you continue on in your Christian life. Grandma Joan
Sunday, May 4, 2014
"By His Stripes We Are Healed." Isaiah 53:5
Steps to Christ p. 13 "It was to redeem us that Jesus lived and suffered and died. He became a "Man of Sorrows" that we might be made partakers of everlasting joy. God permitted His beloved Son, full of grace and truth, to come from a world of indescribabale glory, to a world marred and blighted with sin, darkened with the shadow of death and the curse. He permitted Him to leave the bosom of His love, the adoration of the angels, to suffer shame, insult, humiliation, hatred and death. "The chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5. Behold Him in the wilderness, in Gethsemane, upon the cross! The spotless Son of God took it upon Himself the burden of sin. He who had been One with God felt the awful separation that sin makes between God and man. This wrung from His lips the anguished cry, 'My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?' Matthew 27:46. It was the burden of sin, the sense of it's terrible enormity, of it's separation of the soul from God--it was this that broke the heart of the Son of God.
But this great sacrifice was not made in order to create in the Father's heart a love for men, not to make Him willing to save. No, no! "God so love the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." John 3:16 The Father loves us, not because of the great propitiation, but He provided the propitiation because He loves us."
Just behold Him in all that He has done to save you! It makes an enormous difference in our lives if we serve Him out of love too. He needs our love and appreciation, don't you think? Grandma Joan
But this great sacrifice was not made in order to create in the Father's heart a love for men, not to make Him willing to save. No, no! "God so love the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." John 3:16 The Father loves us, not because of the great propitiation, but He provided the propitiation because He loves us."
Just behold Him in all that He has done to save you! It makes an enormous difference in our lives if we serve Him out of love too. He needs our love and appreciation, don't you think? Grandma Joan
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Peace I Leave With You
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace, I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
MB 27 "Christ is the 'Prince of peace' Isaiah 9:6, and it is His mission to restore to earth and heaven the peace that sin has broken. 'Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' Romans 5:1. Whoever consents to renounce sin and open his heart to the love of Christ, becomes a partaker of this heavenly peace.
There is no other ground of peace than this. The grace of Christ received into the heart, subdues enmity; it allays strife and fills the soul with love. He who is at peace with God and his fellowmen, cannot be made miserable. Envy will not be in his heart; evil surmisings will find no room there; hatred cannot exist. The heart that is in harmony with God is a partaker of the peace of heaven and will diffuse its blessed influence on all around. The spirit of peace will rest like dew upon hearts weary and troubled with worldly strife.
Christ's followers are sent to the world with a message of peace. Whoever, by the quiet, unconscious influence of a holy life, shall reveal the love of Christ; whoever, by word or deed, shall lead another to renounce sin yield his heart to God , is a peacemaker."
I don't know of anyone who likes a restless spirit and finds no peace in his heart. Everyone is searching for something to fill that void in the heart when all we need is the grace of Christ in the heart. It subdues all the other stuff that is taking away our peace. Pray for peace in your heart today and see what God will do for you. Grandma Joan
MB 27 "Christ is the 'Prince of peace' Isaiah 9:6, and it is His mission to restore to earth and heaven the peace that sin has broken. 'Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' Romans 5:1. Whoever consents to renounce sin and open his heart to the love of Christ, becomes a partaker of this heavenly peace.
There is no other ground of peace than this. The grace of Christ received into the heart, subdues enmity; it allays strife and fills the soul with love. He who is at peace with God and his fellowmen, cannot be made miserable. Envy will not be in his heart; evil surmisings will find no room there; hatred cannot exist. The heart that is in harmony with God is a partaker of the peace of heaven and will diffuse its blessed influence on all around. The spirit of peace will rest like dew upon hearts weary and troubled with worldly strife.
Christ's followers are sent to the world with a message of peace. Whoever, by the quiet, unconscious influence of a holy life, shall reveal the love of Christ; whoever, by word or deed, shall lead another to renounce sin yield his heart to God , is a peacemaker."
I don't know of anyone who likes a restless spirit and finds no peace in his heart. Everyone is searching for something to fill that void in the heart when all we need is the grace of Christ in the heart. It subdues all the other stuff that is taking away our peace. Pray for peace in your heart today and see what God will do for you. Grandma Joan
Friday, May 2, 2014
Salt
Matthew 5:13 "Ye are the salt of the earth."
MB 36 "The savor of the salt represents the vital power of the Christian--the love of Jesus in the heart and the righteousness of Christ pervading the life. The love of Christ is diffusive and aggressive. If it is dwelling in us it will flow out to others. We shall come close to them till their hearts are warmed by our unselfish interest and love. When love fills the heart, it will flow out to others, not because of favors received from them, but because love is the principle of action. Love modifies the character, governs the impulses, subdues enmity, and ennobles the affections. This love is as broad as the universe, and is in harmony with that of the angel workers. Cherished in the heart, it sweetens the entire life and sheds its blessing upon all around. It is this and this alone that can make us the salt of the earth."
I want to be the salt of the earth that can sweeten the world, don't you? A Christian that isn't salt would be a bland Christian without any flavor or sweet character. We don't want to be like that do we? Grandma Joan
MB 36 "The savor of the salt represents the vital power of the Christian--the love of Jesus in the heart and the righteousness of Christ pervading the life. The love of Christ is diffusive and aggressive. If it is dwelling in us it will flow out to others. We shall come close to them till their hearts are warmed by our unselfish interest and love. When love fills the heart, it will flow out to others, not because of favors received from them, but because love is the principle of action. Love modifies the character, governs the impulses, subdues enmity, and ennobles the affections. This love is as broad as the universe, and is in harmony with that of the angel workers. Cherished in the heart, it sweetens the entire life and sheds its blessing upon all around. It is this and this alone that can make us the salt of the earth."
I want to be the salt of the earth that can sweeten the world, don't you? A Christian that isn't salt would be a bland Christian without any flavor or sweet character. We don't want to be like that do we? Grandma Joan
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Light
Matthew 5:14 "Ye are the light of the world."
MB 41 "Jesus did not bid the disciples, 'Strive to make your light shine;' He said, 'Let it shine.' If Christ is dwelling in the heart, it is impossible to conceal the light of His presence. If those who profess to be followers of Christ are not the light of the world, it is because the vital power has left them; if they have no light to give, it is because they have no connection with the Source of light.. The divine love glowing in the heart, the Christlike harmony manifested in the life, are as a glimpse of heaven to men of the world, that they may appreciate its excellence."
MB 44 "The cross of Calvary is to be lifted high above the people, absorbing their minds and concentrating their thoughts. Then all the spiritual faculties will be charged with divine power, direct from God. Then there will be a concentration of the energies in genuine work for the Master. The workers will send forth beams of light, as living agencies to enlighten the earth.
Christ accepts, oh so gladly, every human agency that is surrendered to Him."
Let's surrender our hearts to Him today and be a light to the world. Grandma Joan
MB 41 "Jesus did not bid the disciples, 'Strive to make your light shine;' He said, 'Let it shine.' If Christ is dwelling in the heart, it is impossible to conceal the light of His presence. If those who profess to be followers of Christ are not the light of the world, it is because the vital power has left them; if they have no light to give, it is because they have no connection with the Source of light.. The divine love glowing in the heart, the Christlike harmony manifested in the life, are as a glimpse of heaven to men of the world, that they may appreciate its excellence."
MB 44 "The cross of Calvary is to be lifted high above the people, absorbing their minds and concentrating their thoughts. Then all the spiritual faculties will be charged with divine power, direct from God. Then there will be a concentration of the energies in genuine work for the Master. The workers will send forth beams of light, as living agencies to enlighten the earth.
Christ accepts, oh so gladly, every human agency that is surrendered to Him."
Let's surrender our hearts to Him today and be a light to the world. Grandma Joan
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