Would you like a new life. I was given a little book about a year ago or so and I have read it ten times and each time I find something new and exciting. The title of the book is, "In the Light of God's Love". It is so powerful I got permission to share it with you at no cost at all. Of course if you want to buy one, I can tell you where you can get it but otherwise I am going to share it on my blog, if that is OK with you? I am sure you will say the same thing when you start reading. I won't make it long and hard to put up with but will share some each day with you and hope it changes your life like it has mine. The author's name is Ty Gibson and he has given me permission to share it with you and I am so thankful. Please pray for understanding and wisdom as you read, it takes prayer to get our salvation in the right order, so please pray over each reading.
So here goes: "Secret's are for sharing. Especially divine secrets--the kind that will increase the strength and joy of fellow travelers in their spiritual journey.
I would like to whisper into your heart a precious heavenly secret that has touched every aspect of my life with its healing, empowering influence. I call it a secret, not because God has hidden it from us or made it difficult to understand but because some people won't hear it even if it's shouted, while others will hear it as the faintest whisper.
Why?
Simply because some people want to hear it and some don't.
Maybe you've already heard it and are abiding under its uplifting influence. Or perhaps you've only given it passing notice rather than the priority status it deserves. And there's the possibility that you have never heard it al all. Whatever may be the case, I am eager to share this life-changing secret with you. Are you ready? It's profoundly simple, but here it is:
LOVE IS POWER.
I told you it was simple. And so it is, but pregnant with transforming potential. So before you pass it by too lightly, allow me a few paragraphs to enlarge the thought.
I realize that much of what passes for love in our world doesn't deserve more than a passing glance. If even that. For many, love is only an occasional flight or strong sentimental feeling. In many people's vocabulary love is merely a synonym for sex. But I'm talking about something entirely different. Not sentimental love. Not sensual love. But divine love--that love which is the sum and substance of who God is in character.
(If you let this little book sink in to your heart, you won't be the same person when you finish reading it.
You will be a new person in Christ. You may have to buy it and reread it over and over as I have done but it will change your life.) To be continued tomorrow. Grandma Joan
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
His Thoughts Toward Us Are Thoughts Of Mercy
SC53 "God does not deal with us as finite deal with one another. His thoughts are thoughts of mercy, love and tenderest compassion. He says, 'Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.' 'I have blotted out, as a thick cloud thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins.' Isaiah 55:7; 44:22.
'I have no pleasure in him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves and live ye.' Ezekiel 18:32. Satan is ready to steal away the blessed assurances of God. He desires to take away every glimmer of hope and every ray of light from the soul; but you must not permit him to do this. Do not give ear to the tempter, but say, 'Jesus has died that I might live. He loves me and wills not that I should perish. I have a compassionate heavenly Father; and although I have abused His love, though the blessings He has given me I have squandered, I will arise and go to my Father and say, 'I have sinned against heaven, and before Thee, and am no more worthy to be called Thy son: make me as one of Thy hired servants.' The parable tells you how the wanderer will be received: 'When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. Luke 15: 18
But even this parable, tender and touching as it is, comes short of expressing the infinite compassion of the heavenly Father. The Lord declares by His prophet, 'I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.' Jeremiah 33:3. While the sinner is yet far from the Father's house, wasting his substance in a strange country, the Father's heart is yearning over him; and every longing awakened in the soul to return to God is but the tender pleading of His Spirit, wooing, entreating, drawing the wanderer to His Father's heart of love.
With the rich promises of the Bible before you, can you give place to doubt? Can you believe that when the poor sinner longs to return, longs to forsake his sins, the Lord sternly withholds him from coming to His feet in repentance? Away with such thoughts! Nothing can hurt your own soul more than to entertain such a conception of our heavenly Father.
Look up, you who are doubting and trembling; for Jesus lives to make intercession for us. Thank God for the gift of His dear Son and pray that He may not have died for you in vain. The Spirit invites you today. Come with your whole heart to Jesus, and you may claim His blessing."
Will you come. I will, cast all your burdens at His feet and He will accept you. I promise. Grandma Joan
'I have no pleasure in him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves and live ye.' Ezekiel 18:32. Satan is ready to steal away the blessed assurances of God. He desires to take away every glimmer of hope and every ray of light from the soul; but you must not permit him to do this. Do not give ear to the tempter, but say, 'Jesus has died that I might live. He loves me and wills not that I should perish. I have a compassionate heavenly Father; and although I have abused His love, though the blessings He has given me I have squandered, I will arise and go to my Father and say, 'I have sinned against heaven, and before Thee, and am no more worthy to be called Thy son: make me as one of Thy hired servants.' The parable tells you how the wanderer will be received: 'When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. Luke 15: 18
But even this parable, tender and touching as it is, comes short of expressing the infinite compassion of the heavenly Father. The Lord declares by His prophet, 'I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.' Jeremiah 33:3. While the sinner is yet far from the Father's house, wasting his substance in a strange country, the Father's heart is yearning over him; and every longing awakened in the soul to return to God is but the tender pleading of His Spirit, wooing, entreating, drawing the wanderer to His Father's heart of love.
With the rich promises of the Bible before you, can you give place to doubt? Can you believe that when the poor sinner longs to return, longs to forsake his sins, the Lord sternly withholds him from coming to His feet in repentance? Away with such thoughts! Nothing can hurt your own soul more than to entertain such a conception of our heavenly Father.
Look up, you who are doubting and trembling; for Jesus lives to make intercession for us. Thank God for the gift of His dear Son and pray that He may not have died for you in vain. The Spirit invites you today. Come with your whole heart to Jesus, and you may claim His blessing."
Will you come. I will, cast all your burdens at His feet and He will accept you. I promise. Grandma Joan
Monday, July 28, 2014
God Loves You As He Loves His Son!!
SC 51 "Henceforth you are not your own; you are bought with a price. 'You were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold;...but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot.' 1 Peter 1:18,19. Through this simple act of believing God, the Holy Spirit has begotten a new life in your heart. You are as a child born into the family of God, and He loves you as He loves His Son.
Now that you have given yourself to Jesus, do not draw back, do not take yourself away from Him, but day by day say, 'I am Christ's; I have given myself to Him;' and ask Him to give you His Spirit and keep you by His grace. As it is by giving yourself to God, and believing Him, that you become His child, so you are to live in Him. The Apostle says, 'As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.' Colossians 2:6.
Some seem to feel that they must be on probation, and must prove to the Lord that they are reformed, before they can receive His blessing. But they may claim the blessing of God even now. They must have His grace, the Spirit of Christ, to help their infirmities, or they cannot resist evil. Jesus loves to have us come to Him just as we are, sinful, helpless, dependent. We may come with all our weakness, our folly, our sinfulness, and fall at His feet in penitence. It is His glory to encircle us in the arms of His love and to bind up our wounds, to cleanse us from all impurity.
Here is where thousands fail; they do not believe that Jesus pardons them personally. individually. They do not take God at His word. It is the privilege of all comply with the conditions to know for themselves that pardon is freely extended for every sin. Put away the suspicion that God's promises are not meant for you. They are for every repentant transgressor. Strength and grace have been provided through Christ to be brought by ministering angels to every believing soul. None are so sinful that they cannot find strength, purity, righteousness in Jesus who died for them. He is waiting to strip them of their garments stained and polluted with sin, and to put upon them the white robes of His righteousness; He bids them live and not die."
Are you willing to just let Jesus take care of you and your life stained with sin? He is waiting to put His white robe of righteousness upon you and cover you and save you for His kingdom. I can't think of a better thing for me to do than this. You are in my prayers daily. Grandma Joan
Now that you have given yourself to Jesus, do not draw back, do not take yourself away from Him, but day by day say, 'I am Christ's; I have given myself to Him;' and ask Him to give you His Spirit and keep you by His grace. As it is by giving yourself to God, and believing Him, that you become His child, so you are to live in Him. The Apostle says, 'As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.' Colossians 2:6.
Some seem to feel that they must be on probation, and must prove to the Lord that they are reformed, before they can receive His blessing. But they may claim the blessing of God even now. They must have His grace, the Spirit of Christ, to help their infirmities, or they cannot resist evil. Jesus loves to have us come to Him just as we are, sinful, helpless, dependent. We may come with all our weakness, our folly, our sinfulness, and fall at His feet in penitence. It is His glory to encircle us in the arms of His love and to bind up our wounds, to cleanse us from all impurity.
Here is where thousands fail; they do not believe that Jesus pardons them personally. individually. They do not take God at His word. It is the privilege of all comply with the conditions to know for themselves that pardon is freely extended for every sin. Put away the suspicion that God's promises are not meant for you. They are for every repentant transgressor. Strength and grace have been provided through Christ to be brought by ministering angels to every believing soul. None are so sinful that they cannot find strength, purity, righteousness in Jesus who died for them. He is waiting to strip them of their garments stained and polluted with sin, and to put upon them the white robes of His righteousness; He bids them live and not die."
Are you willing to just let Jesus take care of you and your life stained with sin? He is waiting to put His white robe of righteousness upon you and cover you and save you for His kingdom. I can't think of a better thing for me to do than this. You are in my prayers daily. Grandma Joan
Sunday, July 27, 2014
God SuppliesThe Fact, You Are Made Whole.
Mark 11:24 "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
SC 50 "From the simple Bible account of how Jesus healed the sick, we may learn something about how to believe in Him for the forgiveness of sins. Let us turn to the story of the paralytic at Bethesda. The poor sufferer was helpless; he had not used his limbs for thirty-eight years. Yet Jesus bade him, 'Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.' The sick man might have said, 'Lord, if Thou wilt make me whole, I will obey Thy word.' But, no, he believed Chris's word, believed that he was made whole, and he made the effort at once; he willed to walk, and he did walk. He acted on the word of Christ, and God gave the power. He was made whole.
In like manner you are a sinner. You cannot atone for your past sins; you cannot change your heart and make yourself holy. But God promises to do all this for you through Christ. You believe that promise. You confess your sins and give yourself to God. You will to serve Him. Just as surely as you do this God will fulfill His word to you. If you believe the promise,--believe that you are forgiven and cleansed--God supplies the fact; you are made whole, just as Christ gave the paralytic power to walk when the man believed that he was healed. It is so if you believe it.
Do not wait to feel that you are made whole, but say, 'I believe it; it is so, not because I feel it, but because God has promised.
Jesus says, 'What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.' Mark 11:24. There is a condition to this promise--that we pray according to the will of God. But it is the will of God to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. So we may ask for these blessings, and believe that we receive them, and thank God that we have received them. It is our privilege to go to Jesus and be cleansed, and to stand before the law without shame or remorse. 'There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.' Romans 8:1.
What are you waiting for? Ask and it shall be given you. Take the words of this quotation to heart and let God lead in your life and let Him forgive and cleanse you and make you His child. Grandma Joan
SC 50 "From the simple Bible account of how Jesus healed the sick, we may learn something about how to believe in Him for the forgiveness of sins. Let us turn to the story of the paralytic at Bethesda. The poor sufferer was helpless; he had not used his limbs for thirty-eight years. Yet Jesus bade him, 'Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.' The sick man might have said, 'Lord, if Thou wilt make me whole, I will obey Thy word.' But, no, he believed Chris's word, believed that he was made whole, and he made the effort at once; he willed to walk, and he did walk. He acted on the word of Christ, and God gave the power. He was made whole.
In like manner you are a sinner. You cannot atone for your past sins; you cannot change your heart and make yourself holy. But God promises to do all this for you through Christ. You believe that promise. You confess your sins and give yourself to God. You will to serve Him. Just as surely as you do this God will fulfill His word to you. If you believe the promise,--believe that you are forgiven and cleansed--God supplies the fact; you are made whole, just as Christ gave the paralytic power to walk when the man believed that he was healed. It is so if you believe it.
Do not wait to feel that you are made whole, but say, 'I believe it; it is so, not because I feel it, but because God has promised.
Jesus says, 'What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.' Mark 11:24. There is a condition to this promise--that we pray according to the will of God. But it is the will of God to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. So we may ask for these blessings, and believe that we receive them, and thank God that we have received them. It is our privilege to go to Jesus and be cleansed, and to stand before the law without shame or remorse. 'There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.' Romans 8:1.
What are you waiting for? Ask and it shall be given you. Take the words of this quotation to heart and let God lead in your life and let Him forgive and cleanse you and make you His child. Grandma Joan
Saturday, July 26, 2014
It Is Peace That We Need.
Ezekiel 36:26 "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them......and you shall be my people and I will be your God."
SC 49 "You feel that sin has separated you from God, that you are in bondage to the power of evil. The more you struggle to escape, the more you realize your helplessness. Your motives are impure; your heart is unclean. You see that your life has been filled with selfishness and sin. You long to be forgiven, to be cleansed, to be set free. Harmony with God, likeness to Him--what can you do to obtain it?
It is peace that you need--Heaven's forgiveness and peace and love in the soul. Money cannot buy it intellect cannot procure it, wisdom cannot attain to it; you can never hope, by your own efforts, to secure it. But God offers it to you as a gift, 'without money and without price.' Isaiah 55:1. It is yours if you will but reach out your hand and grasp it. The Lord says, 'Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.' Isaiah 1:18. 'A new heart also will I give you, and new spirit will I put within you.' Ezekiel 36:26.
You have confessed your sins, and in heart put them away. You have resolved to give yourself to God. Now go to Him, and ask that He will wash away your sins and give you a new heart. Then believe that He does this because He has promised. This is the lesson which Jesus taught while He was on earth, that the gift which God promises us, we must believe we do receive, and it is ours. Jesus healed the people of their diseases when they had faith in His power; He helped them in the things which they could see, thus inspiring them with confidence in Him concerning things which they could not see--leading them to believe in His power to forgive sins. This He plainly stated in the healing of the man sick with palsy: 'That ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.' Matthew 9:6. So also John the evangelist says, speaking of the miracles of Christ, 'These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.' John 20'31.
Do you believe God will forgive you? Believe in His word, He will forgive, He has forgiven me of many things in my life and is faithful to this day to forgive when I repent of a wrong that I have done. He loves you and wants you to be part of His family, why not come to Him and He will receive you.
Grandma Joan
SC 49 "You feel that sin has separated you from God, that you are in bondage to the power of evil. The more you struggle to escape, the more you realize your helplessness. Your motives are impure; your heart is unclean. You see that your life has been filled with selfishness and sin. You long to be forgiven, to be cleansed, to be set free. Harmony with God, likeness to Him--what can you do to obtain it?
It is peace that you need--Heaven's forgiveness and peace and love in the soul. Money cannot buy it intellect cannot procure it, wisdom cannot attain to it; you can never hope, by your own efforts, to secure it. But God offers it to you as a gift, 'without money and without price.' Isaiah 55:1. It is yours if you will but reach out your hand and grasp it. The Lord says, 'Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.' Isaiah 1:18. 'A new heart also will I give you, and new spirit will I put within you.' Ezekiel 36:26.
You have confessed your sins, and in heart put them away. You have resolved to give yourself to God. Now go to Him, and ask that He will wash away your sins and give you a new heart. Then believe that He does this because He has promised. This is the lesson which Jesus taught while He was on earth, that the gift which God promises us, we must believe we do receive, and it is ours. Jesus healed the people of their diseases when they had faith in His power; He helped them in the things which they could see, thus inspiring them with confidence in Him concerning things which they could not see--leading them to believe in His power to forgive sins. This He plainly stated in the healing of the man sick with palsy: 'That ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.' Matthew 9:6. So also John the evangelist says, speaking of the miracles of Christ, 'These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.' John 20'31.
Do you believe God will forgive you? Believe in His word, He will forgive, He has forgiven me of many things in my life and is faithful to this day to forgive when I repent of a wrong that I have done. He loves you and wants you to be part of His family, why not come to Him and He will receive you.
Grandma Joan
Friday, July 25, 2014
How Am I To Make The Surrender to God?
Hebrews 12:11 " Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
SC 47 "Many are inquiring, 'How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?' You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of your broken promise and forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in your own sincerity, and causes you to feel that God cannot accept you; but your need not despair. What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will' He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.
Desires for goodness and holiness are right as far as they go, but if you stop here, they will avail nothing. Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God. They do not now choose to be Christians.
Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from above to hold you steadfast, and thus through constant surrender to God you will be enabled to live the new life,, even the life of faith."
Pray for the understanding of these thoughts and God will help you on your journey. I read this, years ago, but didn't pray for understanding and I just could not get it, I couldn't tell you how many times I have read this, many, many times but now as I pray for understanding and am sincere in my prayer, God has shown me the way to salvation is not hard, it is just a matter of choosing which path you want to take and be sincere about your decision. God bless you when you read this blog, read it over and over until you get it. You will rejoice in your journey, I know. Grandma Joan
SC 47 "Many are inquiring, 'How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?' You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of your broken promise and forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in your own sincerity, and causes you to feel that God cannot accept you; but your need not despair. What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will' He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.
Desires for goodness and holiness are right as far as they go, but if you stop here, they will avail nothing. Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God. They do not now choose to be Christians.
Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from above to hold you steadfast, and thus through constant surrender to God you will be enabled to live the new life,, even the life of faith."
Pray for the understanding of these thoughts and God will help you on your journey. I read this, years ago, but didn't pray for understanding and I just could not get it, I couldn't tell you how many times I have read this, many, many times but now as I pray for understanding and am sincere in my prayer, God has shown me the way to salvation is not hard, it is just a matter of choosing which path you want to take and be sincere about your decision. God bless you when you read this blog, read it over and over until you get it. You will rejoice in your journey, I know. Grandma Joan
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Something Far Better For Us
Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
SC 46 "God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our best interest to retain. In all that He does, He has the well-being of His children in view. Would that all who have not chosen Christ might realize that He has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves. Man is doing the greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God. No real joy can be found in the path forbidden by Him who knows what is best and who plans for the good of His creatures. The path of transgression is the path of misery and destruction.
It is a mistake to entertain the thought that God is pleased to see His children suffer. All heaven is interested in the happiness of man. Our heavenly Father does not close the avenues of joy to any of His creatures. The divine requirements call upon us to shun those indulgences that would bring suffering and disappointment, that would close to us the door of happiness and heaven. The world's Redeemer accepts men as they are, with all their wants, imperfections, and weaknesses; and He will not only cleanse from sin and grant redemption through His blood, but will satisfy the heart-longing of all who consent to wear His yoke, to bear His burden. It is His purpose to impart peace and rest to all who come to him for the bread of life. He requires us to perform only those duties that will lead our steps to heights of bliss to which the disobedient can never attain. The true, joyous life of the soul is to have Christ formed within, the hope of glory."
We can be confident that the work Christ has started, He is well able to finish in our lives if we will just surrender our will to Him. See tomorrows blog for directions and answers to this great question of 'How am I to make the surrender of myself to God? God makes it easy for us to do just that, but to some it doesn't seem easy. Check it our tomorrow and God bless you on your quest for truth and the way to eternal life. Grandma Joan
SC 46 "God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our best interest to retain. In all that He does, He has the well-being of His children in view. Would that all who have not chosen Christ might realize that He has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves. Man is doing the greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God. No real joy can be found in the path forbidden by Him who knows what is best and who plans for the good of His creatures. The path of transgression is the path of misery and destruction.
It is a mistake to entertain the thought that God is pleased to see His children suffer. All heaven is interested in the happiness of man. Our heavenly Father does not close the avenues of joy to any of His creatures. The divine requirements call upon us to shun those indulgences that would bring suffering and disappointment, that would close to us the door of happiness and heaven. The world's Redeemer accepts men as they are, with all their wants, imperfections, and weaknesses; and He will not only cleanse from sin and grant redemption through His blood, but will satisfy the heart-longing of all who consent to wear His yoke, to bear His burden. It is His purpose to impart peace and rest to all who come to him for the bread of life. He requires us to perform only those duties that will lead our steps to heights of bliss to which the disobedient can never attain. The true, joyous life of the soul is to have Christ formed within, the hope of glory."
We can be confident that the work Christ has started, He is well able to finish in our lives if we will just surrender our will to Him. See tomorrows blog for directions and answers to this great question of 'How am I to make the surrender of myself to God? God makes it easy for us to do just that, but to some it doesn't seem easy. Check it our tomorrow and God bless you on your quest for truth and the way to eternal life. Grandma Joan
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
What Separates Us From God.
Luke 14:33 "Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple."
SC 44 "In giving ourselves to God, we must necessarily give up all that would separate us from Him. Hence the Savior says, 'Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.' Luke 14:33. Whatever shall draw away the heart from God must be given up. Mammon is the idol of many. The love of money, the desire for wealth, is the golden chain that binds them to Satan. Reputation and worldly honor are worshiped by another class. The life of selfish ease and freedom from responsibility is the idol of others. But these slavish bands must be broken. We cannot be half the Lord's and have the world's. We are not God's children unless we are such entirely.
There are those who profess to serve God, while they rely upon their own efforts to obey His law, to form a right character and secure salvation. There hearts are not moved by any deep sense of the love of Christ, but they seek to perform the duties of the Christian life as that which God requires of them in order to gain heaven. Such religion is worth nothing. When Christ dwells in the heart, the soul will be so filled with His love, with the joy of communion with Him; and in the contemplation of Him, self will be forgotten. Love to Christ will be the spring of action. Those who feel the constraining love of God, do not ask how little may be given to meet the requirements of God; they do not ask for the lowest standard, but aim at perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer. With earnest desire they yield all and manifest an interest proportionate to the value of the object which they seek. A profession of Christ without this deep love is mere talk, dry formality and mere drudgery. "
Is it mere talk, dry formality and mere drudgery for you or me? Let's get serious about our relationship with our Savior and give Him all our heart and soul for whatever he desires to do with us, which is always for our good and not to harm us in any way.. Grandma Joan
SC 44 "In giving ourselves to God, we must necessarily give up all that would separate us from Him. Hence the Savior says, 'Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.' Luke 14:33. Whatever shall draw away the heart from God must be given up. Mammon is the idol of many. The love of money, the desire for wealth, is the golden chain that binds them to Satan. Reputation and worldly honor are worshiped by another class. The life of selfish ease and freedom from responsibility is the idol of others. But these slavish bands must be broken. We cannot be half the Lord's and have the world's. We are not God's children unless we are such entirely.
There are those who profess to serve God, while they rely upon their own efforts to obey His law, to form a right character and secure salvation. There hearts are not moved by any deep sense of the love of Christ, but they seek to perform the duties of the Christian life as that which God requires of them in order to gain heaven. Such religion is worth nothing. When Christ dwells in the heart, the soul will be so filled with His love, with the joy of communion with Him; and in the contemplation of Him, self will be forgotten. Love to Christ will be the spring of action. Those who feel the constraining love of God, do not ask how little may be given to meet the requirements of God; they do not ask for the lowest standard, but aim at perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer. With earnest desire they yield all and manifest an interest proportionate to the value of the object which they seek. A profession of Christ without this deep love is mere talk, dry formality and mere drudgery. "
Is it mere talk, dry formality and mere drudgery for you or me? Let's get serious about our relationship with our Savior and give Him all our heart and soul for whatever he desires to do with us, which is always for our good and not to harm us in any way.. Grandma Joan
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Is It A Sacrifice?
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
SC 45 "Do you feel that it is too great a sacrifice to yield all to Christ? Ask yourself the question, 'What has Christ given for me?' The Son of God gave all--life and love and suffering--for our redemption. And can it be that we, the unworthy objects of so great love, will withhold our hearts from Him? Every moment of our life we have been partakers of the blessings of His grace, and for this very reason we cannot fully realize the depths of ignorance and misery from which we have been saved. Can we look upon Him Whom our sins have pierced, and yet be willing to do despite to all His love and sacrifice? In view of the infinite humiliation of the Lord of glory, shall we murmur because we can enter into life only through conflict and self-abasement?
The inquiry of many a proud heart is, 'why need I go in penitence and humiliation before I can have the assurance of my acceptance with God? I point you to Christ. He was sinless, and more than that, He was the Prince of heaven; but in man's behalf He became sin for the race. 'He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.' Isaiah 53:12.
But what do we give up when we give all? A sin-polluted heart for Jesus to purify, to cleanse by His own blood, and to save by His matchless love. And yet men think it hard to give up all! I am ashamed to hear it spoken of, ashamed to write it."
Will you give Him your sin-polluted heart today? I am ashamed to read it, ashamed to think that there have been times I have not given Him my all, a sin-polluted heart for Him to purify with His own blood and to save me by His matchless love. Is it hard? We think it is, but the joy and relief of knowing we have been washed clean by His own blood and saved by His matchless love is overwhelming to say the least. Try it, you just might receive the blessing of a lifetime. Grandma Joan.
SC 45 "Do you feel that it is too great a sacrifice to yield all to Christ? Ask yourself the question, 'What has Christ given for me?' The Son of God gave all--life and love and suffering--for our redemption. And can it be that we, the unworthy objects of so great love, will withhold our hearts from Him? Every moment of our life we have been partakers of the blessings of His grace, and for this very reason we cannot fully realize the depths of ignorance and misery from which we have been saved. Can we look upon Him Whom our sins have pierced, and yet be willing to do despite to all His love and sacrifice? In view of the infinite humiliation of the Lord of glory, shall we murmur because we can enter into life only through conflict and self-abasement?
The inquiry of many a proud heart is, 'why need I go in penitence and humiliation before I can have the assurance of my acceptance with God? I point you to Christ. He was sinless, and more than that, He was the Prince of heaven; but in man's behalf He became sin for the race. 'He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.' Isaiah 53:12.
But what do we give up when we give all? A sin-polluted heart for Jesus to purify, to cleanse by His own blood, and to save by His matchless love. And yet men think it hard to give up all! I am ashamed to hear it spoken of, ashamed to write it."
Will you give Him your sin-polluted heart today? I am ashamed to read it, ashamed to think that there have been times I have not given Him my all, a sin-polluted heart for Him to purify with His own blood and to save me by His matchless love. Is it hard? We think it is, but the joy and relief of knowing we have been washed clean by His own blood and saved by His matchless love is overwhelming to say the least. Try it, you just might receive the blessing of a lifetime. Grandma Joan.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Consecration
The word consecration means to declare sacred or devoted to a solemn purpose.
Jeremiah 29:13 "Ye shall seek Me and find Me when ye shall search for Me with all your heart."
SC 43 "The whole heart must be yielded to God, or the change can never be wrought in us by which we are to be restored to His likeness. By nature we are alienated from God. The Holy Spirit describes our condition in such words as these: 'Dead in trespasses and sins;' 'the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint;' 'no soundness in it.' We are held fast in the snare of Satan, 'taken captive by him at his will.' Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 1:5,6; 2 Timothy 2:26. God desires to heal us and to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him.
The warfare against self was the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all the the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed to holiness.
The government of God is not as Satan would make it appear, founded upon a blind submission, an unreasoning control. It appeals to the intellect and the conscience. 'Come now and let us reason together' is the Creator's invitation to the beings He has made. Isaiah 1:18. God does not force the will of His creatures. He cannot accept a homage that is not willingly and intelligently given. A mere forced submission would prevent all real development of mind or character; it would make man a mere automaton. Such is not the purpose of the Creator. He desires that man, the crowning work of His creative power, shall reach the highest possible development. He sets before us the height of blessing to which He desires to bring us through His grace. He invites us to give ourselves to Him, that He may work His will in us. It remains for us to choose whether we will be set free from the bondage of sin, to share the glorious liberty of the sons of God."
Let's accept His invitation and give ourselves to Him to be set free from the bondage of sin and to share the glorious liberty of being His sons and daughters. Grandma Joan
Jeremiah 29:13 "Ye shall seek Me and find Me when ye shall search for Me with all your heart."
SC 43 "The whole heart must be yielded to God, or the change can never be wrought in us by which we are to be restored to His likeness. By nature we are alienated from God. The Holy Spirit describes our condition in such words as these: 'Dead in trespasses and sins;' 'the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint;' 'no soundness in it.' We are held fast in the snare of Satan, 'taken captive by him at his will.' Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 1:5,6; 2 Timothy 2:26. God desires to heal us and to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him.
The warfare against self was the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all the the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed to holiness.
The government of God is not as Satan would make it appear, founded upon a blind submission, an unreasoning control. It appeals to the intellect and the conscience. 'Come now and let us reason together' is the Creator's invitation to the beings He has made. Isaiah 1:18. God does not force the will of His creatures. He cannot accept a homage that is not willingly and intelligently given. A mere forced submission would prevent all real development of mind or character; it would make man a mere automaton. Such is not the purpose of the Creator. He desires that man, the crowning work of His creative power, shall reach the highest possible development. He sets before us the height of blessing to which He desires to bring us through His grace. He invites us to give ourselves to Him, that He may work His will in us. It remains for us to choose whether we will be set free from the bondage of sin, to share the glorious liberty of the sons of God."
Let's accept His invitation and give ourselves to Him to be set free from the bondage of sin and to share the glorious liberty of being His sons and daughters. Grandma Joan
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Confession Is Good For The Soul.
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
SC 41 "The examples in God's word of genuine repentance and humiliation reveal a spirit of confession of which there is no excuse for sin or attempt at self-justification. Paul did not seek to shield himself; he paints his sin in it's darkest hue, not attempting to lessen his guilt. He says, 'Many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.' Acts 26:10,11. He does not hesitate to declare that, 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.' 1 Timothy 1:15.
The humble and broken heart, subdued by genuine repentance, will appreciate something of the love of God and the cost of Calvary; and as a son confesses to a loving father, so will the truly penitent bring all his sins before God. And it is written, 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us out sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' 1 John 1:9."
How many times I have confessed the same sin because of stumbling over my inherited tendencies and also the ones I have made as a habit. But it says that 'God is faithful and just to forgive' and I believe that with all my heart and it brings peace to my soul and it will do the same for you and as we repentant and confess we grow stronger and stronger in right doing and sin becomes hateful to us. Try it, Oh, I know you will love the peace that it brings. Grandma Joan
SC 41 "The examples in God's word of genuine repentance and humiliation reveal a spirit of confession of which there is no excuse for sin or attempt at self-justification. Paul did not seek to shield himself; he paints his sin in it's darkest hue, not attempting to lessen his guilt. He says, 'Many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.' Acts 26:10,11. He does not hesitate to declare that, 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.' 1 Timothy 1:15.
The humble and broken heart, subdued by genuine repentance, will appreciate something of the love of God and the cost of Calvary; and as a son confesses to a loving father, so will the truly penitent bring all his sins before God. And it is written, 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us out sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' 1 John 1:9."
How many times I have confessed the same sin because of stumbling over my inherited tendencies and also the ones I have made as a habit. But it says that 'God is faithful and just to forgive' and I believe that with all my heart and it brings peace to my soul and it will do the same for you and as we repentant and confess we grow stronger and stronger in right doing and sin becomes hateful to us. Try it, Oh, I know you will love the peace that it brings. Grandma Joan
Friday, July 18, 2014
Reformation
There are several verses in this commentary so I have refrained from posting one.
SC39 "Confession will not be acceptable to God without sincere repentance and reformation. There must be decided changes in the life; everything offensive to God must be put away. This will be the result of genuine sorrow for sin. The work that we have to do on our part is plainly set before us: 'Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.' Isaiah 1:16,17. 'If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statute of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.' Ezekiel 33:15. Paul says, speaking of the work of repentance: 'Ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things you have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.' 2 Corinthians 7:11."
What a wonderful thought to be clear from iniquity. I pray for each of us that we will make our confession real before God and live for Him each day. Grandma Joan
SC39 "Confession will not be acceptable to God without sincere repentance and reformation. There must be decided changes in the life; everything offensive to God must be put away. This will be the result of genuine sorrow for sin. The work that we have to do on our part is plainly set before us: 'Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.' Isaiah 1:16,17. 'If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statute of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.' Ezekiel 33:15. Paul says, speaking of the work of repentance: 'Ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things you have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.' 2 Corinthians 7:11."
What a wonderful thought to be clear from iniquity. I pray for each of us that we will make our confession real before God and live for Him each day. Grandma Joan
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Humble Yourselves
James 4:10 "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."
SC 37,38 "Those who have not humbled their souls before God in acknowledging their guilt, have not yet fulfilled the first condition of acceptance. If we have not experienced that repentance which is not to be repented of, and have not with true humiliation of soul and brokenness of spirit confessed our sins, abhorring our iniquity, we have never truly sought for the forgivness of sin; and if we have never sought, we have never found the peace of God. The only reason why we do not have the remission (forgiveness) of sins is that we are not willing to humble our hearts and comply with the conditions of the word of truth. Explicit instruction is given concerning the matter. Confession of sin, whether private or public, should be heartfelt and freely experessed. It is not to be urged from the sinner. It is not to be made in a flippant and careless way, or forced from those who have no realizing sense of the abhorrent character of sin. The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul finds its way to the God of infinite pity. The Psalmist says, 'The Lord is nigh unto them of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite (humble) spirit." Psalm 34:18.
All I can add to that is that it really works. I truly have found that I can have the peace of God when I follow His explicit instructions. Grandma Joan
SC 37,38 "Those who have not humbled their souls before God in acknowledging their guilt, have not yet fulfilled the first condition of acceptance. If we have not experienced that repentance which is not to be repented of, and have not with true humiliation of soul and brokenness of spirit confessed our sins, abhorring our iniquity, we have never truly sought for the forgivness of sin; and if we have never sought, we have never found the peace of God. The only reason why we do not have the remission (forgiveness) of sins is that we are not willing to humble our hearts and comply with the conditions of the word of truth. Explicit instruction is given concerning the matter. Confession of sin, whether private or public, should be heartfelt and freely experessed. It is not to be urged from the sinner. It is not to be made in a flippant and careless way, or forced from those who have no realizing sense of the abhorrent character of sin. The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul finds its way to the God of infinite pity. The Psalmist says, 'The Lord is nigh unto them of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite (humble) spirit." Psalm 34:18.
All I can add to that is that it really works. I truly have found that I can have the peace of God when I follow His explicit instructions. Grandma Joan
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Confess and Forsake
Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
SC 37 "The conditions of obtaining mercy of God are simple and just and reasonable. The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order that we may have the forgiveness of sin. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penances, to commend our souls to the God of heaven or to expiate our transgressions; but he that confesseth and forsaketh his sin shall have mercy.
The apostle says, 'confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that ye may be healed.' James 5:16. Confess your sins to God, who only can forgive them, and your faults to one another. If you have given offense to your friend or neighbor, your are to acknowledge your wrong, and it his duty to freely forgive you. Then you are to seek the forgiveness of God, because the brother you have wounded is the property of God, and in injuring him you have sinned against his Creator and Redeemer. The case is brought before the only true Mediator, our great High Priest, who 'was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,' and who is 'touched with the feeling of our infirmities,' and is able to cleanse from every stain of iniquity. Hebrews 4:15.
I feel so clean after confessing a wrong done to someone else. I long for the forgiveness of God and I know when I have done my part, He will do His. What a wonderful way to live. I love it. Grandma Joan
SC 37 "The conditions of obtaining mercy of God are simple and just and reasonable. The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order that we may have the forgiveness of sin. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penances, to commend our souls to the God of heaven or to expiate our transgressions; but he that confesseth and forsaketh his sin shall have mercy.
The apostle says, 'confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that ye may be healed.' James 5:16. Confess your sins to God, who only can forgive them, and your faults to one another. If you have given offense to your friend or neighbor, your are to acknowledge your wrong, and it his duty to freely forgive you. Then you are to seek the forgiveness of God, because the brother you have wounded is the property of God, and in injuring him you have sinned against his Creator and Redeemer. The case is brought before the only true Mediator, our great High Priest, who 'was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,' and who is 'touched with the feeling of our infirmities,' and is able to cleanse from every stain of iniquity. Hebrews 4:15.
I feel so clean after confessing a wrong done to someone else. I long for the forgiveness of God and I know when I have done my part, He will do His. What a wonderful way to live. I love it. Grandma Joan
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Christ Came To Save
Finally!!!! I'm back on. It's been too long and I am anxious to share with you some fresh spiritual blogs. I hope that you will benefit from them. Thank you for sticking by me these past weeks. I hope I don't let you down. You have been faithful readers. God bless each of you in your spiritual walk with God.
1 Timothy 1:15 "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief."
SC 35 "As you see the enormity of sin, as you see yourself as you really are, do not give up to despair. It was sinners that Christ came to save. We have not to reconcile God to us, but--O wondrous love!--God in Christ is 'reconciling the world unto Himself.' 2 Corinthians 5:19. He is wooing by His tender love the hearts of His erring children. No earthly parent could be as patient with the faults and mistakes of His children, as is God with those whom He seeks to save. No one could plead more tenderly with the transgressor. No human lips poured out more tender entreaties to the wanderer than does He. All His promises, His warnings, are but the breathing of unutterable love.
When Satan comes to tell you that you are a great sinner, look up to your Redeemer and talk of His merits. That which will help you is to look to His light. Acknowledge your sin, but tell the enemy that 'Christ came to save sinners' and that you may be saved by His matchless love. Jesus asked Simon a question in regard to two debtors. One owed His lord a small sum and the other owed him a very large sum; but he forgave them both, and Christ asked Simon which debtor would love his lord most. Simon answered, 'He to whom he forgave most.' Luke 7:43. We have been great sinners, but Christ died that we might be forgiven. The merits of His sacrifice are sufficient to present to the Father in our behalf. Those to whom He has forgiven most, will love Him most, and will stand nearest to His throne to praise Him for His great love and infinite sacrifice. It is when we most fully comprehend the love of God that we best realize the sinfulness of sin. When we see the length of the chain that was let down for us, when we understand something of the infinite sacrifice that Christ has made in our behalf, the heart is melted with tenderness and contrition."
Will you join me in seeking to understand the great sacrifice that Christ has made for us that we might be saved unto eternal life with Him. I want to be there, don't you? Grandma Joan
1 Timothy 1:15 "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief."
SC 35 "As you see the enormity of sin, as you see yourself as you really are, do not give up to despair. It was sinners that Christ came to save. We have not to reconcile God to us, but--O wondrous love!--God in Christ is 'reconciling the world unto Himself.' 2 Corinthians 5:19. He is wooing by His tender love the hearts of His erring children. No earthly parent could be as patient with the faults and mistakes of His children, as is God with those whom He seeks to save. No one could plead more tenderly with the transgressor. No human lips poured out more tender entreaties to the wanderer than does He. All His promises, His warnings, are but the breathing of unutterable love.
When Satan comes to tell you that you are a great sinner, look up to your Redeemer and talk of His merits. That which will help you is to look to His light. Acknowledge your sin, but tell the enemy that 'Christ came to save sinners' and that you may be saved by His matchless love. Jesus asked Simon a question in regard to two debtors. One owed His lord a small sum and the other owed him a very large sum; but he forgave them both, and Christ asked Simon which debtor would love his lord most. Simon answered, 'He to whom he forgave most.' Luke 7:43. We have been great sinners, but Christ died that we might be forgiven. The merits of His sacrifice are sufficient to present to the Father in our behalf. Those to whom He has forgiven most, will love Him most, and will stand nearest to His throne to praise Him for His great love and infinite sacrifice. It is when we most fully comprehend the love of God that we best realize the sinfulness of sin. When we see the length of the chain that was let down for us, when we understand something of the infinite sacrifice that Christ has made in our behalf, the heart is melted with tenderness and contrition."
Will you join me in seeking to understand the great sacrifice that Christ has made for us that we might be saved unto eternal life with Him. I want to be there, don't you? Grandma Joan
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