Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none, but, such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. —Acts 3:6
In the New Testament, signs and wonders were done before the people. Wherever Jesus went, the people followed Him. God was with Him, putting fear upon the people through miracles, signs, and wonders that God wrought through Him.
He said, "I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works" (John 14:10). When the rulers, elders, and scribes demanded to know from Peter: "By what power, or by what name, have ye done this [healed the impotent man]?", Peter responded: "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead even by him doth this man stand here before you whole" (Acts 4:7, 10). Not I, but Christ. It is the same today.
In the signs and wonders today, it is "Not I, but Christ." He dwells in these bodies, and the work is done by the mighty power of the Holy Ghost. "Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?" Jesus Christ dwells in us. We are God's powerhouse.
Jesus, I desire to be Your
powerhouse. Amen.
Read more: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/newsletters/daily-devotionals/maria-woodworth-etter-devotional/26354-not-i-but-christ#ixzz0gqwwHWLQ
Sunday, February 28, 2010
From Smith Wiggesworth
We know not what we should pray‑.‑.‑. but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us. —Romans 8:26
How do you come to God? Where is God? Is He in the air? In the wind? He that cometh to God, where is He? God is in you. Oh, hallelujah! And you will find the Spirit of the Living God in you, which is the prayer circle; which is the lifting power; which is the revelation element; which is the divine power that lifts you.
He that cometh to God is already in the place where the Holy Ghost takes the prayers and swings them out according to the mind of the Spirit. For who hath known the mind of Christ, or who is able to make intercession but the mind of the Spirit of the Living God. Where is He? He is in us!
God answers prayers because the Holy Ghost prays; your advocate is Jesus; and the Father is the judge of all. There He is. Is it possible for any prayer to miss on those lines?
Spirit of God, pray in me, through me,
and in spite of me. Amen.
Read more: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/newsletters/daily-devotionals/smith-wigglesworth-devotional-/26367-the-spirit-prays-in-us#ixzz0gqv03ZYf
How do you come to God? Where is God? Is He in the air? In the wind? He that cometh to God, where is He? God is in you. Oh, hallelujah! And you will find the Spirit of the Living God in you, which is the prayer circle; which is the lifting power; which is the revelation element; which is the divine power that lifts you.
He that cometh to God is already in the place where the Holy Ghost takes the prayers and swings them out according to the mind of the Spirit. For who hath known the mind of Christ, or who is able to make intercession but the mind of the Spirit of the Living God. Where is He? He is in us!
God answers prayers because the Holy Ghost prays; your advocate is Jesus; and the Father is the judge of all. There He is. Is it possible for any prayer to miss on those lines?
Spirit of God, pray in me, through me,
and in spite of me. Amen.
Read more: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/newsletters/daily-devotionals/smith-wigglesworth-devotional-/26367-the-spirit-prays-in-us#ixzz0gqv03ZYf
Fro the www.churchforall.org
People Are Precious
JOHN 3:16 BBE
16 For God had such love for the world that he gave his only
Son, so that whoever has faith in him may not come to
destruction but have eternal life.
We may be too familiar with John 3:16 for its message to impact
us as it should. When it says that God loves the world, it
means the people of the world.
God loves people -- even the sinners. ALL the people of the
world are loved by God. (That does not mean He approves of
their behavior. But God loves them.)
People are created in the image of God. We are like God, His
children. (You must receive Jesus to be a true child of God,
but originally mankind was created in God's image, as His
children.)
Children are precious to their parents. No matter how many
children a parent has, every child is precious to them. They
are all loved.
So it is with God, who obviously has a huge capacity for love.
A parent may have a child who is a criminal, but that parent,
if they are a good parent, will still care for their son or
daughter and desire good for them. God is no less loving and
caring. He desires good for us -- every one.
When we deal with people who are acting terrible, it can be
difficult to remember they are precious to God.
LUKE 6:35-36 NLT
35 "Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without
expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be
very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the
Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and
wicked.
36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is
compassionate.
People will last for eternity. People will live with God and
give Him pleasure in the ages to come.
Let's stay focused on what is really precious and worthwhile.
Material possessions are nice and have their place, but are
nothing compared to the worth of a human being -- even if that
human being is not perfected yet.
Even with rough edges, people are valuable. You are precious to
God! So is everyone else.
SAY THIS: Every person is precious to God.
JOHN 3:16 BBE
16 For God had such love for the world that he gave his only
Son, so that whoever has faith in him may not come to
destruction but have eternal life.
We may be too familiar with John 3:16 for its message to impact
us as it should. When it says that God loves the world, it
means the people of the world.
God loves people -- even the sinners. ALL the people of the
world are loved by God. (That does not mean He approves of
their behavior. But God loves them.)
People are created in the image of God. We are like God, His
children. (You must receive Jesus to be a true child of God,
but originally mankind was created in God's image, as His
children.)
Children are precious to their parents. No matter how many
children a parent has, every child is precious to them. They
are all loved.
So it is with God, who obviously has a huge capacity for love.
A parent may have a child who is a criminal, but that parent,
if they are a good parent, will still care for their son or
daughter and desire good for them. God is no less loving and
caring. He desires good for us -- every one.
When we deal with people who are acting terrible, it can be
difficult to remember they are precious to God.
LUKE 6:35-36 NLT
35 "Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without
expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be
very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the
Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and
wicked.
36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is
compassionate.
People will last for eternity. People will live with God and
give Him pleasure in the ages to come.
Let's stay focused on what is really precious and worthwhile.
Material possessions are nice and have their place, but are
nothing compared to the worth of a human being -- even if that
human being is not perfected yet.
Even with rough edges, people are valuable. You are precious to
God! So is everyone else.
SAY THIS: Every person is precious to God.
Friday, February 26, 2010
From the Church for all www.churchforall.org
The Gospel
ROMANS 5:18 NLT
18 Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but
Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship
with God and new life for everyone.
Gospel means good news. It was not originally a religious word,
but meant good news which makes people happy and excited.
If what you have heard about Jesus Christ does not make you
happy and excited, then you have not yet truly heard and
understood the Gospel as it is meant to be understood.
The basic outline is that Jesus of Nazareth, who was God in a
human body, took your place in judgment, paying the penalty
for all your sins, and gave you the blessing He deserved
because of His perfect sinless life.
God, the Creator, and Sustainer of the universe, loves you
enough to die for you. That's good news!
Jesus took what you deserved, and gave you what He deserved!
That's good news!
And this is not limited to just you. Jesus died for all
mankind. Deliverance from sin, its effects and penalty is
available to anyone and everyone who will believe and receive
Jesus Christ as Lord.
ROMANS 1:16 NLT
16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is
the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes -- the
Jew first and also the Gentile.
God is on your side -- not against you. That's good news!
If you do not get so excited you can hardly contain your
excitement, you have not fully understood the Gospel.
2 CORINTHIANS 4:4 NLT
4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of
those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious
light of the Good News. They don't understand this message
about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
If you can keep yourself from telling others about Jesus, you
have not yet understood the Gospel.
SAY THIS: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is GREAT news!
----------------------------------------------------------------
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To instantly stop receiving these messages, click or go here...
http://churchforall.org/cgi-bin/email/mlm.cgi?d=finnurg@gmail.com
ROMANS 5:18 NLT
18 Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but
Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship
with God and new life for everyone.
Gospel means good news. It was not originally a religious word,
but meant good news which makes people happy and excited.
If what you have heard about Jesus Christ does not make you
happy and excited, then you have not yet truly heard and
understood the Gospel as it is meant to be understood.
The basic outline is that Jesus of Nazareth, who was God in a
human body, took your place in judgment, paying the penalty
for all your sins, and gave you the blessing He deserved
because of His perfect sinless life.
God, the Creator, and Sustainer of the universe, loves you
enough to die for you. That's good news!
Jesus took what you deserved, and gave you what He deserved!
That's good news!
And this is not limited to just you. Jesus died for all
mankind. Deliverance from sin, its effects and penalty is
available to anyone and everyone who will believe and receive
Jesus Christ as Lord.
ROMANS 1:16 NLT
16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is
the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes -- the
Jew first and also the Gentile.
God is on your side -- not against you. That's good news!
If you do not get so excited you can hardly contain your
excitement, you have not fully understood the Gospel.
2 CORINTHIANS 4:4 NLT
4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of
those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious
light of the Good News. They don't understand this message
about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
If you can keep yourself from telling others about Jesus, you
have not yet understood the Gospel.
SAY THIS: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is GREAT news!
----------------------------------------------------------------
To give an offering: http://ChurchForAll.org/give
Devotions in book form: http://CFApublications.com/
Change or unsubscribe information: http://ChurchForAll.org/faq
To instantly stop receiving these messages, click or go here...
http://churchforall.org/cgi-bin/email/mlm.cgi?d=finnurg@gmail.com
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Incorruptible seed! - Incorrutible NEW LIFE!
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. —1 Peter 1:23
You are born of an incorruptible power—the power of God's Word—by His personality and His nature. Ye are begotten of God and are not your own. You are now incarnated. You can believe that you have passed from death unto life and become an heir of God, a joint heir with Christ, in the measure that you believe His Word.
The natural flesh has been changed for a new order. The first order was the natural Adamic order. The last order is Christ—the heavenly order. And now you become changed by a heavenly power existing in an earthly body; a power that can never die. It can never see corruption, and it cannot be lost.
I want you to see that you are born of a power which exists in you, a power of which God took and made the world that you are in.
Thank You, Lord, that I have the privilege
to be born of Thy incorruptible
seed, Thy Word. Amen.
Read more: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/newsletters/daily-devotionals/smith-wigglesworth-devotional-/26341-incorruptible-seed#ixzz0gRqaSWEc
You are born of an incorruptible power—the power of God's Word—by His personality and His nature. Ye are begotten of God and are not your own. You are now incarnated. You can believe that you have passed from death unto life and become an heir of God, a joint heir with Christ, in the measure that you believe His Word.
The natural flesh has been changed for a new order. The first order was the natural Adamic order. The last order is Christ—the heavenly order. And now you become changed by a heavenly power existing in an earthly body; a power that can never die. It can never see corruption, and it cannot be lost.
I want you to see that you are born of a power which exists in you, a power of which God took and made the world that you are in.
Thank You, Lord, that I have the privilege
to be born of Thy incorruptible
seed, Thy Word. Amen.
Read more: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/newsletters/daily-devotionals/smith-wigglesworth-devotional-/26341-incorruptible-seed#ixzz0gRqaSWEc
Petitions
Get Answers To Prayer
MARK 11:24 NKJ
24 "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you
pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Jesus says we must believe we receive our answer WHEN we pray,
not wait until we see it.
But no one can believe they receive without evidence. God's
written Word is our evidence.
MARK 11:24 AMPLIFIED
24 For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in
prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to
you, and you will [get it].
Whenever we ask the Father for anything we really desire, we
must believe that we receive our request granted to us when we
pray. Then we act like we already have it, and the thing we
prayed for will eventually show up.
But we must pray in line with God's Word. We cannot just
"believe" anything out of thin air -- if it does not agree with
God's Word -- and expect to receive it.
1 JOHN 5:14-15 NKJ
14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we
ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know
that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
Bible-based prayer that works is not getting God to do
something, but receiving by faith from God based on what He has
already said and done.
In other words, we do not need to change God's mind or get Him
to do something. We just need to enter in by faith to receive
what God has already decided and provided.
So, find Scripture that promises what you need or want, then
take that to God in prayer and believe you receive it when you
pray.
SAY THIS: I will base my prayers on God's promises, and believe
I receive my answer when I pray.
MARK 11:24 NKJ
24 "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you
pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Jesus says we must believe we receive our answer WHEN we pray,
not wait until we see it.
But no one can believe they receive without evidence. God's
written Word is our evidence.
MARK 11:24 AMPLIFIED
24 For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in
prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to
you, and you will [get it].
Whenever we ask the Father for anything we really desire, we
must believe that we receive our request granted to us when we
pray. Then we act like we already have it, and the thing we
prayed for will eventually show up.
But we must pray in line with God's Word. We cannot just
"believe" anything out of thin air -- if it does not agree with
God's Word -- and expect to receive it.
1 JOHN 5:14-15 NKJ
14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we
ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know
that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
Bible-based prayer that works is not getting God to do
something, but receiving by faith from God based on what He has
already said and done.
In other words, we do not need to change God's mind or get Him
to do something. We just need to enter in by faith to receive
what God has already decided and provided.
So, find Scripture that promises what you need or want, then
take that to God in prayer and believe you receive it when you
pray.
SAY THIS: I will base my prayers on God's promises, and believe
I receive my answer when I pray.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Redemption!
There is nothing between us and God! The truth of redemption is that Jesus came and tore down the wall of separation. Belive it, walk in it. Trust Jesus Christ. He is alife. He is life. Almighty God reveiled Himself to us in and through Jesus Christ who is almighty God in the flesh. Trust Him ask Him to control your all that you may colabour with Him ask Him to be your boss in everything. Give Him your all for He gives you His all and that indeed is alot. Then He lives in you and you in Him.....and you know it!
http://www.osborn.org/site/postings/119?section_id=1345
http://www.osborn.org/site/postings/119?section_id=1345
Friday, February 19, 2010
From a Smith Wiglesworth Devotional
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. —John 1:1–2
All was made by the Word. I am begotten by His Word. Within me there is a substance that has almighty power in it if I dare believe. Faith going on to be an act, a reality, a deposit of God, an almighty flame moving you to act, so that signs and wonders are manifest. A living faith within an earthen casket.
Are you begotten? Is it an act within you. Some need a touch, a liberty to captives. As many as He touched were made perfectly whole. Faith takes you to the place where God reigns, imbibing God's bountiful store. Unbelief is sin, for Jesus went to death to bring us the light of life.
God in you is a living substance, a spiritual nature, the living Word. You live by another life, the faith of the Son of God.
As the Holy Ghost reveals Jesus, He is real, the living Word, effective, acting, speaking, thinking, praying, singing in you.
Word of God, birth in me the life of
Jesus Christ that He might
live fully in me. Amen.
Read more: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/newsletters/daily-devotionals/smith-wigglesworth-devotional-/26315-the-living-word-in-you#ixzz0fya0P7HK
All was made by the Word. I am begotten by His Word. Within me there is a substance that has almighty power in it if I dare believe. Faith going on to be an act, a reality, a deposit of God, an almighty flame moving you to act, so that signs and wonders are manifest. A living faith within an earthen casket.
Are you begotten? Is it an act within you. Some need a touch, a liberty to captives. As many as He touched were made perfectly whole. Faith takes you to the place where God reigns, imbibing God's bountiful store. Unbelief is sin, for Jesus went to death to bring us the light of life.
God in you is a living substance, a spiritual nature, the living Word. You live by another life, the faith of the Son of God.
As the Holy Ghost reveals Jesus, He is real, the living Word, effective, acting, speaking, thinking, praying, singing in you.
Word of God, birth in me the life of
Jesus Christ that He might
live fully in me. Amen.
Read more: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/newsletters/daily-devotionals/smith-wigglesworth-devotional-/26315-the-living-word-in-you#ixzz0fya0P7HK
Thursday, February 18, 2010
http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/realtime/80/01?rt80
A NOTE FROM DAVID BRICKNER: How To Party God's Way by David Brickner
February 16, 2010
There is a lot of partying going on this month in some Jewish and Christian circles and most of it will not honor the God of Abraham, Moses and Jesus. I am referring to the celebrations of Mardi Gras and Purim which occur on February 16 and 28 respectively. These two festivals have a lot in common and many who celebrate them with reckless abandon1 are proof that a "party life" without God at the center is no real fun at all.
Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" and takes place exactly 46 days before Easter. It is supposed to be a festive meal signaling the beginning of Lent, a time when many Christians commemorate the passion and suffering of Jesus.
Purim is Hebrew for "Lots" and takes place one month prior to Passover. It is supposed to be a festive meal celebrating the deliverance of the Jewish people from destruction at the hand of Haman as recorded in the book of Esther.
Along with the festive meals, both celebrations have been used as an excuse for a great deal of frivolity, costuming, parties and, sadly, drunkenness and debauchery.
Anyone who has seen the news coverage of Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will know that drunkenness and public nudity are commonplace. This year sixteen members of the "Lady Godiva Riding Club" will reportedly be parading naked through the streets of New Orleans in salute of the pop music star, Lady Gaga. And that is just one of the more tame elements on display this year.
Not quite so obvious or extreme are many Purim celebrations, particularly among the Orthodox Jewish community. The Talmud (Megillah 7b)2 states that one should drink on Purim until he can no longer tell the difference between cursing the villain, Haman, and cheering the hero, Mordechai. And that is exactly what will be happening later this month, even in many synagogues.
I'm not saying that God doesn't enjoy a good party, or that He is some kind of celestial killjoy. He created the world and everything in it. And when He was finished with His creation, He called everything He had made good. Even nudity was a good thing... in the beginning. What is more, God intended for human beings to enjoy His creation, to celebrate and worship His greatness and power, and even to have some fun and maybe a measure of frivolity as we do so.
In fact, the Lord instructed the people of Israel regarding a portion of their tithe to God: "You may spend the money for whatever your heart desires; for oxen, or sheep, or wine, or strong drink, or whatever your heart desires; and there you shall eat in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice, you and your household" (Deuteronomy 14:26). That sure sounds like a party to me. Buy whatever your heart desires. Rejoice with your whole household. Have wine or strong drink. In other words, God tells us to throw the best party we can afford or imagine.
Likewise, in Proverbs 5:19 Solomon instructs a young man concerning marital love. God created the human body and He was very happy for humans to enjoy—even to be enraptured by—the bodies of our mates. But there is one important guiding factor in all of this, and that is the matter of showing godly restraint. When what God has created is misused or abused, what is good can become very ugly and unhealthy. That is how two festivals that were originally supposed to direct our attention to God become occasions for such bad behavior.
Sin entered the world and with it alienation and separation from God. Through the absence of godly restraint, sin really does take the joy out of all the good things God created. Sin is the true killjoy in a life that God intends for us to take pleasure in. Sex is to be enjoyed, but within the confines of marriage. We see biblical examples of how wine and strong drink can be enjoyed, but there is to be no drunkenness.
Proverbs 29:18 tells us that "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint," and it is the lack of this godly restraint that is painfully obvious on the streets of New Orleans and in many Purim celebrations.
People who choose to ignore the Word of God may try to enjoy the gifts of God—but they miss out on the real joy of celebrating the presence of God in their lives. Everything becomes distorted when people want to enjoy the things that God created without inviting Him to the party. True joy is found when God is at the center of the party and we celebrate His truth with the gifts He has given us.
Unfortunately, many believers overreact to the unrighteous abuses of God's gifts. They make parties that most people would never want to attend. Their restraint isn't godly; it is downright stultifying. If they are having any fun at all, they haven't notified their faces or the aesthetics of their celebrations. When believers are dour and dull they don't give anyone the impression that inviting God to a party is a good idea.
It seems to me that those of us who really know God ought to throw the best kinds of parties. When He truly is the Guest of honor at our celebrations, we will go the extra mile to welcome Him and celebrate His presence. We ought to excel in fun-loving, joy–filled celebrations and the kind of exuberance that makes God smile.
No doubt, as Ecclesiastes tells us, there are times for sadness and refraining from embracing and celebration. But there are also times for laughing and embracing and dancing (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). We who know and love the Lord ought to be the best at celebrating His goodness. The Bible tells us that the heaven that awaits us is full of festive meals and celebration—a party that God himself will throw for those who have responded to His invitation.
I believe that we who have already responded should get the party started sooner rather than later. Perhaps those who have been trying to "party hard" outside of God's presence will get a taste of His goodness as they see us celebrate Him... and maybe they will want to come along to the real party in the now and in the forever.
Endnotes
1. There are also numerous wonderful ways to honor God in Purim, and my family and friends have enjoyed many of them.
2. Talmud is a compilation of rabbinic commentary and tradition.
February 16, 2010
There is a lot of partying going on this month in some Jewish and Christian circles and most of it will not honor the God of Abraham, Moses and Jesus. I am referring to the celebrations of Mardi Gras and Purim which occur on February 16 and 28 respectively. These two festivals have a lot in common and many who celebrate them with reckless abandon1 are proof that a "party life" without God at the center is no real fun at all.
Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" and takes place exactly 46 days before Easter. It is supposed to be a festive meal signaling the beginning of Lent, a time when many Christians commemorate the passion and suffering of Jesus.
Purim is Hebrew for "Lots" and takes place one month prior to Passover. It is supposed to be a festive meal celebrating the deliverance of the Jewish people from destruction at the hand of Haman as recorded in the book of Esther.
Along with the festive meals, both celebrations have been used as an excuse for a great deal of frivolity, costuming, parties and, sadly, drunkenness and debauchery.
Anyone who has seen the news coverage of Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will know that drunkenness and public nudity are commonplace. This year sixteen members of the "Lady Godiva Riding Club" will reportedly be parading naked through the streets of New Orleans in salute of the pop music star, Lady Gaga. And that is just one of the more tame elements on display this year.
Not quite so obvious or extreme are many Purim celebrations, particularly among the Orthodox Jewish community. The Talmud (Megillah 7b)2 states that one should drink on Purim until he can no longer tell the difference between cursing the villain, Haman, and cheering the hero, Mordechai. And that is exactly what will be happening later this month, even in many synagogues.
I'm not saying that God doesn't enjoy a good party, or that He is some kind of celestial killjoy. He created the world and everything in it. And when He was finished with His creation, He called everything He had made good. Even nudity was a good thing... in the beginning. What is more, God intended for human beings to enjoy His creation, to celebrate and worship His greatness and power, and even to have some fun and maybe a measure of frivolity as we do so.
In fact, the Lord instructed the people of Israel regarding a portion of their tithe to God: "You may spend the money for whatever your heart desires; for oxen, or sheep, or wine, or strong drink, or whatever your heart desires; and there you shall eat in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice, you and your household" (Deuteronomy 14:26). That sure sounds like a party to me. Buy whatever your heart desires. Rejoice with your whole household. Have wine or strong drink. In other words, God tells us to throw the best party we can afford or imagine.
Likewise, in Proverbs 5:19 Solomon instructs a young man concerning marital love. God created the human body and He was very happy for humans to enjoy—even to be enraptured by—the bodies of our mates. But there is one important guiding factor in all of this, and that is the matter of showing godly restraint. When what God has created is misused or abused, what is good can become very ugly and unhealthy. That is how two festivals that were originally supposed to direct our attention to God become occasions for such bad behavior.
Sin entered the world and with it alienation and separation from God. Through the absence of godly restraint, sin really does take the joy out of all the good things God created. Sin is the true killjoy in a life that God intends for us to take pleasure in. Sex is to be enjoyed, but within the confines of marriage. We see biblical examples of how wine and strong drink can be enjoyed, but there is to be no drunkenness.
Proverbs 29:18 tells us that "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint," and it is the lack of this godly restraint that is painfully obvious on the streets of New Orleans and in many Purim celebrations.
People who choose to ignore the Word of God may try to enjoy the gifts of God—but they miss out on the real joy of celebrating the presence of God in their lives. Everything becomes distorted when people want to enjoy the things that God created without inviting Him to the party. True joy is found when God is at the center of the party and we celebrate His truth with the gifts He has given us.
Unfortunately, many believers overreact to the unrighteous abuses of God's gifts. They make parties that most people would never want to attend. Their restraint isn't godly; it is downright stultifying. If they are having any fun at all, they haven't notified their faces or the aesthetics of their celebrations. When believers are dour and dull they don't give anyone the impression that inviting God to a party is a good idea.
It seems to me that those of us who really know God ought to throw the best kinds of parties. When He truly is the Guest of honor at our celebrations, we will go the extra mile to welcome Him and celebrate His presence. We ought to excel in fun-loving, joy–filled celebrations and the kind of exuberance that makes God smile.
No doubt, as Ecclesiastes tells us, there are times for sadness and refraining from embracing and celebration. But there are also times for laughing and embracing and dancing (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). We who know and love the Lord ought to be the best at celebrating His goodness. The Bible tells us that the heaven that awaits us is full of festive meals and celebration—a party that God himself will throw for those who have responded to His invitation.
I believe that we who have already responded should get the party started sooner rather than later. Perhaps those who have been trying to "party hard" outside of God's presence will get a taste of His goodness as they see us celebrate Him... and maybe they will want to come along to the real party in the now and in the forever.
Endnotes
1. There are also numerous wonderful ways to honor God in Purim, and my family and friends have enjoyed many of them.
2. Talmud is a compilation of rabbinic commentary and tradition.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
From a Smith Wigglesworth devotional
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth-.-.-.-for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success —Joshua 1:8
God wants strong people. Remember the charge God gave Joshua when he said, "Be strong and of a good courage-.-.-.-neither be thou dismayed" (Josh. 1:9). And then He gave him the charge. If God forecasts anything for you, He will give you the power to carry it through.
So, after He had given Joshua the Word, He said, "Now it will depend upon your living, day and night, meditating on the Word of God."
"Then thou shalt have good success." He told Joshua that, in this state of grace, whenever he put his foot down, not to let it slide back, but to put the other foot ready for going forward.
There are some things for certain. First, you will never forget your sins. Second, God has forgotten them. Third, the devil will try to make you remember your sins. The question is, are we going to believe God, the devil, or ourselves? God says our sins are passed, cleansed, gone! You cannot go on with God till you stand on His Word as "cleansed," with the heart made pure.
Jesus, I believe Thy Word, not mine or the devil's.
I am cleansed from all my sin by
Thy blood. Hallelujah! Amen.
Read more: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/newsletters/daily-devotionals/smith-wigglesworth-devotional-/26292-prospering-in-the-word#ixzz0fndA5LzA
God wants strong people. Remember the charge God gave Joshua when he said, "Be strong and of a good courage-.-.-.-neither be thou dismayed" (Josh. 1:9). And then He gave him the charge. If God forecasts anything for you, He will give you the power to carry it through.
So, after He had given Joshua the Word, He said, "Now it will depend upon your living, day and night, meditating on the Word of God."
"Then thou shalt have good success." He told Joshua that, in this state of grace, whenever he put his foot down, not to let it slide back, but to put the other foot ready for going forward.
There are some things for certain. First, you will never forget your sins. Second, God has forgotten them. Third, the devil will try to make you remember your sins. The question is, are we going to believe God, the devil, or ourselves? God says our sins are passed, cleansed, gone! You cannot go on with God till you stand on His Word as "cleansed," with the heart made pure.
Jesus, I believe Thy Word, not mine or the devil's.
I am cleansed from all my sin by
Thy blood. Hallelujah! Amen.
Read more: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/newsletters/daily-devotionals/smith-wigglesworth-devotional-/26292-prospering-in-the-word#ixzz0fndA5LzA
From the book "The Gospel according to T.L. & Daisy"
"We proclaim that Jesus Christ himself too our infirmities, and bore our siknesses, (Mt. 8:17) and that with His stripes we are healed (Is. 53:5); and that He, Himself bore our sins in His own body on the cross so that we, being dead to sins, should live to righteousness.(1Pe. 2:24)."
For the book see www.osborn.org
For the book see www.osborn.org
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Take the Word of God -- www.carismamag.com
Take the Word of God
Tuesday, 16 February 2010 12:00 AM EST Daily Devotionals - Smith Wigglesworth Devotional
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in Him. —Psalm 18:30
So I pray that you will think seriously in your heart about this: You have to be in the world, but not of it. Be a personal manifestation of the living Christ. Just as Christ was walking about the earth, you have to walk about as a son of God, with power and manifestation, because the people have not time to read the Bible, so you have to be the walking epistle, "read and known of all men."
You have to see rightly that Jesus is the Word. You have to believe the Word of God, not change it because people have other opinions.
In taking God's Word, you will discover that you want nothing better because there is nothing better. It is in His Word that you will find all you want—food when you hunger; light in your darkness; largeness of heart; and thoughts inspired by God.
Lord, Thy Word will stand no matter what man says.
Thy Word satisfies my every need. It is sustenance
for my spirit; it guides my feet aright and
inspires my mind to godliness. Amen.
Read more: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/newsletters/daily-devotionals/smith-wigglesworth-devotional
Tuesday, 16 February 2010 12:00 AM EST Daily Devotionals - Smith Wigglesworth Devotional
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in Him. —Psalm 18:30
So I pray that you will think seriously in your heart about this: You have to be in the world, but not of it. Be a personal manifestation of the living Christ. Just as Christ was walking about the earth, you have to walk about as a son of God, with power and manifestation, because the people have not time to read the Bible, so you have to be the walking epistle, "read and known of all men."
You have to see rightly that Jesus is the Word. You have to believe the Word of God, not change it because people have other opinions.
In taking God's Word, you will discover that you want nothing better because there is nothing better. It is in His Word that you will find all you want—food when you hunger; light in your darkness; largeness of heart; and thoughts inspired by God.
Lord, Thy Word will stand no matter what man says.
Thy Word satisfies my every need. It is sustenance
for my spirit; it guides my feet aright and
inspires my mind to godliness. Amen.
Read more: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/newsletters/daily-devotionals/smith-wigglesworth-devotional
From the Church for all . org
None Of These Things Move Me
ACTS 20:24 NKJ
24 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life
dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the
ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to
the gospel of the grace of God.
Some believers are tempted to give up on their faith in God
whenever the least thing seems to go wrong in their lives.
The apostle Paul suffered many things: beatings, stoning, and
shipwreck -- yet he called them "light afflictions."
2 CORINTHIANS 4:17 NKJ
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is
working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory,
2 CORINTHIANS 4:8-9 NKJ
8 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are
perplexed, but not in despair;
9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed --
We are in a battle for the hearts and souls of men. The devil
is against us. While we know our victory is sure, we should not
expect to never face obstacles or difficulties.
2 TIMOTHY 2:3 NKJ
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus
Christ.
If this life was all there was, this would not be a wise way to
live. But there is a life in heaven and a future world. We
would be foolish to live as if this life is all there is.
So we should not forget eternity and focus only on the present.
We must hold on to our faith in God, no matter how things seem
to be going at the present. Because of our limited
understanding, our ability to evaluate things accurately is
limited. Our wonderful Lord Jesus can be trusted. He loved us
enough to die in our stead, so we could go free. Why would He
lie to us?
We must be determined not to be moved by things our enemy does
to get us off our faith in God's Word.
SAY THIS: I'm not moved by what I see. I'm not moved by what I
feel. I'm moved only by what I believe, and I believe the Word
of God.
ACTS 20:24 NKJ
24 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life
dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the
ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to
the gospel of the grace of God.
Some believers are tempted to give up on their faith in God
whenever the least thing seems to go wrong in their lives.
The apostle Paul suffered many things: beatings, stoning, and
shipwreck -- yet he called them "light afflictions."
2 CORINTHIANS 4:17 NKJ
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is
working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory,
2 CORINTHIANS 4:8-9 NKJ
8 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are
perplexed, but not in despair;
9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed --
We are in a battle for the hearts and souls of men. The devil
is against us. While we know our victory is sure, we should not
expect to never face obstacles or difficulties.
2 TIMOTHY 2:3 NKJ
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus
Christ.
If this life was all there was, this would not be a wise way to
live. But there is a life in heaven and a future world. We
would be foolish to live as if this life is all there is.
So we should not forget eternity and focus only on the present.
We must hold on to our faith in God, no matter how things seem
to be going at the present. Because of our limited
understanding, our ability to evaluate things accurately is
limited. Our wonderful Lord Jesus can be trusted. He loved us
enough to die in our stead, so we could go free. Why would He
lie to us?
We must be determined not to be moved by things our enemy does
to get us off our faith in God's Word.
SAY THIS: I'm not moved by what I see. I'm not moved by what I
feel. I'm moved only by what I believe, and I believe the Word
of God.
Monday, February 15, 2010
From the www.churchforall.org
Does Jesus Care?
MARK 4:37-40 NKJ
37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the
boat, so that it was already filling.
38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke
Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are
perishing?"
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea,
"Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great
calm.
40 But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that
you have no faith?"
All of us have questioned whether God cares for us when we have
faced difficulties. It is easy to wonder why things are so
tough, if God truly loves us, as the Bible says.
What is the answer? Why don't things go better for us,
especially when we are trusting in God?
Mark 4 gives us a glimpse into how God looks at this.
When the disciples thought they were going to sink in the storm
-- even though Jesus was on their boat -- they cried out to
Him. And Jesus did deliver them from danger.
But then, Jesus rebuked His disciples because they were fearful,
and didn't handle the situation themselves.
Why didn't the Lord take care of the dire situation sooner? Why
did Jesus let them nearly sink before He intervened? The answer
is simple. Jesus was expecting His disciples to exercise
authority over the storm.
God has confidence in His children. He desires for us to grow
up, to learn to take responsibility, and to exercise the
authority He has given us.
LUKE 10:19 NKJ
19 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing
shall by any means hurt you.
God told us to resist the devil, and all his works -- which is
everything that would steal, kill, or destroy. Why should God
interrupt and do things for us that He has already told us to
do, using His authority?
JAMES 4:7 NKJ
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee
from you.
Yes, Jesus cares for you -- enough to die for you! Don't judge
His love by your circumstances.
If it seems Jesus is not stilling the storms in your life, He
has not abandoned you. He is just expecting you to overcome, by
using your faith and the authority He has given you.
SAY THIS: Jesus cares for me, and I will be delivered out of
all the storms of life!
MARK 4:37-40 NKJ
37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the
boat, so that it was already filling.
38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke
Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are
perishing?"
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea,
"Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great
calm.
40 But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that
you have no faith?"
All of us have questioned whether God cares for us when we have
faced difficulties. It is easy to wonder why things are so
tough, if God truly loves us, as the Bible says.
What is the answer? Why don't things go better for us,
especially when we are trusting in God?
Mark 4 gives us a glimpse into how God looks at this.
When the disciples thought they were going to sink in the storm
-- even though Jesus was on their boat -- they cried out to
Him. And Jesus did deliver them from danger.
But then, Jesus rebuked His disciples because they were fearful,
and didn't handle the situation themselves.
Why didn't the Lord take care of the dire situation sooner? Why
did Jesus let them nearly sink before He intervened? The answer
is simple. Jesus was expecting His disciples to exercise
authority over the storm.
God has confidence in His children. He desires for us to grow
up, to learn to take responsibility, and to exercise the
authority He has given us.
LUKE 10:19 NKJ
19 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing
shall by any means hurt you.
God told us to resist the devil, and all his works -- which is
everything that would steal, kill, or destroy. Why should God
interrupt and do things for us that He has already told us to
do, using His authority?
JAMES 4:7 NKJ
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee
from you.
Yes, Jesus cares for you -- enough to die for you! Don't judge
His love by your circumstances.
If it seems Jesus is not stilling the storms in your life, He
has not abandoned you. He is just expecting you to overcome, by
using your faith and the authority He has given you.
SAY THIS: Jesus cares for me, and I will be delivered out of
all the storms of life!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
From the churchforall.org
Jesus Died For Sinners
ROMANS 5:6 NKJ
6 . . . Christ died for the ungodly.
Jesus Christ did not come to earth to help perfect people, but
to help ungodly sinners.
ROMANS 5:8 NKJ
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we
were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Jesus already paid the price for the forgiveness of all sins
through His death.
EPHESIANS 1:7 NKJ
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness
of sins, according to the riches of His grace
The devil tries to make people think God does not love them
because of their sins. But nothing could be further from the
truth. God loves sinners! Jesus died to save sinners.
1 TIMOTHY 1:15 NKJ
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.
God is against sin because it is harmful to people, but He is
not against sinners.
If God could not or would not help a sinner, then He would
never help any human. The Bible tells the opposite story. We
have all missed the mark of perfection so we all need a Savior.
And we all have a Savior if we will but receive Him.
HEBREWS 9:26 NLT
26 If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die
again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for
all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin
by his own death as a sacrifice.
The sacrifice of Jesus was sufficient to deal with all sin. You
have been forgiven. Accept that forgiveness. Turn away from
going your own way and walk with God.
SAY THIS: Jesus died because He loved sinners, including me.
ROMANS 5:6 NKJ
6 . . . Christ died for the ungodly.
Jesus Christ did not come to earth to help perfect people, but
to help ungodly sinners.
ROMANS 5:8 NKJ
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we
were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Jesus already paid the price for the forgiveness of all sins
through His death.
EPHESIANS 1:7 NKJ
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness
of sins, according to the riches of His grace
The devil tries to make people think God does not love them
because of their sins. But nothing could be further from the
truth. God loves sinners! Jesus died to save sinners.
1 TIMOTHY 1:15 NKJ
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.
God is against sin because it is harmful to people, but He is
not against sinners.
If God could not or would not help a sinner, then He would
never help any human. The Bible tells the opposite story. We
have all missed the mark of perfection so we all need a Savior.
And we all have a Savior if we will but receive Him.
HEBREWS 9:26 NLT
26 If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die
again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for
all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin
by his own death as a sacrifice.
The sacrifice of Jesus was sufficient to deal with all sin. You
have been forgiven. Accept that forgiveness. Turn away from
going your own way and walk with God.
SAY THIS: Jesus died because He loved sinners, including me.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
From the Church for all www.churchforall.org
How Do I Get God To Do What I Want?
Sorry, you have it backward. God is trying to get you to do
what He wants, because His way is perfect, and yours is
obviously not.
PSALM 18:30 NKJ
30 As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is
proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
You don't need to get God to do anything. God knows what to do.
You are the one who does not know what to do.
Imagine a two year old child telling his parents what they
should be doing. It is even more crazy to think we know more
than God about what is best for us, and that we need to tell
Him what to do.
This attitude indicates immaturity.
If we were so good at figuring out things, we should be running
the universe instead of God. But look at what our decisions
have produced -- a mess. What we need is new management, not
just to get God to do something for us.
Even if we were to get God to do what we think He should do for
us, would it really fix our life?
For example, many people think getting a lot of money would
solve every problem, but the facts show differently. Just look
at the record of people who won the lottery. Some people think
getting a spouse would fix everything, but don't think about
how half the people who do get married then seek a divorce.
What you need is to let Jesus be Lord of your life. You need to
learn of Him and follow His directions. You need to learn His
ways. Your ways have gotten you in a mess. You need to change
your ways so you can have a change in your life.
God has already done what He needs to do. Now we must learn how
to receive His provision and walk in victory.
If you are on the road to destruction, why should God give you
a new car and gas money to go down that road? Your decisions
have produced wrecks in your life. What you need is a new
driver. Let Jesus take the wheel.
You don't need to argue with Jesus or tell Him what to do. You
just need to trust Him.
God knows more than you do, and loves you more than you love
yourself. He desires the best for you. You can trust someone
like that!
SAY THIS: Lord Jesus I trust You. Please take over management
of my life.
Sorry, you have it backward. God is trying to get you to do
what He wants, because His way is perfect, and yours is
obviously not.
PSALM 18:30 NKJ
30 As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is
proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
You don't need to get God to do anything. God knows what to do.
You are the one who does not know what to do.
Imagine a two year old child telling his parents what they
should be doing. It is even more crazy to think we know more
than God about what is best for us, and that we need to tell
Him what to do.
This attitude indicates immaturity.
If we were so good at figuring out things, we should be running
the universe instead of God. But look at what our decisions
have produced -- a mess. What we need is new management, not
just to get God to do something for us.
Even if we were to get God to do what we think He should do for
us, would it really fix our life?
For example, many people think getting a lot of money would
solve every problem, but the facts show differently. Just look
at the record of people who won the lottery. Some people think
getting a spouse would fix everything, but don't think about
how half the people who do get married then seek a divorce.
What you need is to let Jesus be Lord of your life. You need to
learn of Him and follow His directions. You need to learn His
ways. Your ways have gotten you in a mess. You need to change
your ways so you can have a change in your life.
God has already done what He needs to do. Now we must learn how
to receive His provision and walk in victory.
If you are on the road to destruction, why should God give you
a new car and gas money to go down that road? Your decisions
have produced wrecks in your life. What you need is a new
driver. Let Jesus take the wheel.
You don't need to argue with Jesus or tell Him what to do. You
just need to trust Him.
God knows more than you do, and loves you more than you love
yourself. He desires the best for you. You can trust someone
like that!
SAY THIS: Lord Jesus I trust You. Please take over management
of my life.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
From the Church for all www.churchforall.org
Forgive Yourself
1 JOHN 2:12 NLT
12 I am writing to you who are God's children because your sins
have been forgiven through Jesus.
COLOSSIANS 3:13 NIV
13 . . . Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
GALATIANS 5:14 NIV
14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your
neighbor as yourself."
For many people, the hardest person to forgive is themselves.
If God can forgive us, then we can, and must, forgive
ourselves. Not to forgive ourselves is to exalt ourselves above
God.
If God can decree that we are forgive-able, but we say we are
too bad to be forgiven, we are saying we know more than God.
Should your standards be higher than God's standards? He
forgives. Why won't you forgive yourself?
The devil wants you to stay focused on your past and your
failures, so you will not receive God's blessing.
God wants you to believe His Word and focus on His victory so
you will have a better future.
Which one will you choose to follow?
SAY THIS: Because God has forgiven me, I forgive myself.
1 JOHN 2:12 NLT
12 I am writing to you who are God's children because your sins
have been forgiven through Jesus.
COLOSSIANS 3:13 NIV
13 . . . Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
GALATIANS 5:14 NIV
14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your
neighbor as yourself."
For many people, the hardest person to forgive is themselves.
If God can forgive us, then we can, and must, forgive
ourselves. Not to forgive ourselves is to exalt ourselves above
God.
If God can decree that we are forgive-able, but we say we are
too bad to be forgiven, we are saying we know more than God.
Should your standards be higher than God's standards? He
forgives. Why won't you forgive yourself?
The devil wants you to stay focused on your past and your
failures, so you will not receive God's blessing.
God wants you to believe His Word and focus on His victory so
you will have a better future.
Which one will you choose to follow?
SAY THIS: Because God has forgiven me, I forgive myself.
Friday, February 5, 2010
From the Church for all www.churchforall.org
Saved By Grace
EPHESIANS 2:8-9 NLT
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't
take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done,
so none of us can boast about it.
Being saved, and in right standing with God, is a gift! It is
something we don't deserve, but is freely given to us anyway.
We cannot earn it no matter what we do. Deliverance from the
curse, and right standing with God, is available only as a free
gift.
ROMANS 11:6 NRSV
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works,
otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
It is not what we have done that matters, but what Jesus did
for us. He was our Substitute, suffering what we deserved, so
we could receive what He deserved as a gift.
God Himself has done what is necessary for us to be saved and
be in right standing with Him. Now we must believe in what God
has done, and thank Him for it.
ROMANS 4:5 NLT
5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their
work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.
People all over the world try to be right with God by what they
do: rituals, sacrifices, and devotion. But the Bible reveals we
cannot be right with God by our own actions -- it is a gift we
must receive.
ROMANS 3:20 NLT
20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the
law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.
By keeping the law it is impossible to be right with God,
because no human being can keep it by their own effort. We have
all sinned, according to the Bible.
ROMANS 3:23 NLT
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious
standard.
God does not grade on a curve. All have sinned and come short.
So we all need a Savior.
ROMANS 10:9-10 NLT
9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe
in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be
saved.
10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right
with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are
saved.
So salvation is a free gift. Anyone can receive it. It comes
wrapped up in a person -- the Lord Jesus Christ. Receive Jesus
-- no matter who you are or what you have done -- and instantly
you are saved (which means delivered) and put in perfect right
standing with God, as if you had never sinned. What a gift!
SAY THIS: I am saved by God's wonderful grace.
EPHESIANS 2:8-9 NLT
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't
take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done,
so none of us can boast about it.
Being saved, and in right standing with God, is a gift! It is
something we don't deserve, but is freely given to us anyway.
We cannot earn it no matter what we do. Deliverance from the
curse, and right standing with God, is available only as a free
gift.
ROMANS 11:6 NRSV
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works,
otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
It is not what we have done that matters, but what Jesus did
for us. He was our Substitute, suffering what we deserved, so
we could receive what He deserved as a gift.
God Himself has done what is necessary for us to be saved and
be in right standing with Him. Now we must believe in what God
has done, and thank Him for it.
ROMANS 4:5 NLT
5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their
work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.
People all over the world try to be right with God by what they
do: rituals, sacrifices, and devotion. But the Bible reveals we
cannot be right with God by our own actions -- it is a gift we
must receive.
ROMANS 3:20 NLT
20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the
law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.
By keeping the law it is impossible to be right with God,
because no human being can keep it by their own effort. We have
all sinned, according to the Bible.
ROMANS 3:23 NLT
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious
standard.
God does not grade on a curve. All have sinned and come short.
So we all need a Savior.
ROMANS 10:9-10 NLT
9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe
in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be
saved.
10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right
with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are
saved.
So salvation is a free gift. Anyone can receive it. It comes
wrapped up in a person -- the Lord Jesus Christ. Receive Jesus
-- no matter who you are or what you have done -- and instantly
you are saved (which means delivered) and put in perfect right
standing with God, as if you had never sinned. What a gift!
SAY THIS: I am saved by God's wonderful grace.
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