GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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~Daily Inspirational~ SOVEREIGN POWER April 18, 2006


SOVEREIGN POWER

ROMANS 9:21

Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?



Most believers will profess that God is omnipotent (all powerful - Revelation 1:8 ), omniscient (all knowing - Psalms 33:13-15), omnipresent (everywhere present - Psalms 139:7,8 ), and immutable (unchanging - James 1:17.) However, our walk, our worship, and our prayers often actually reveal our lack of understanding or disbelief of these sovereign attributes of God. Sometimes we behave as if God is not watching, or we worship God in a manner that glorifies us instead of Him, or we pray as if we can sway God's thinking one way or the other or even change His mind.

When God's sovereignty is examined, many believers go to great lengths to prove that God's sovereign power and will are limited, especially in the case of salvation. They conclude that our will controls our destiny because a loving God could not save some and not others by His own choosing. This attitude is rebuked in Romans 9:18-21 "Therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth He yet find fault" For who hath resisted His will? Nay but, 0 man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why has thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?

God is sovereign in every respect. For a proper attitude of worship, we should accept by faith the full measure of His Sovereignty, and believe without doubt that God is using His almighty power to work out His plan that He established in eternity past.
Dick Johnson, Bible Teacher

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~ PROMISES UNDER GRACE APRIL 19, 2006


PROMISES UNDER GRACE

1 THESS. 4:16-17

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead In Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them In the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."


In no other age have believers received promises to equal those we have been given as members of the Body of Christ.  Having been saved by His grace, we are assured that "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6.) This promise assures us of complete preservation of our secure position as the purchased possession of God. The Day of Jesus Christ is when "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (worthless)" (2 Corinthians 5:10). This means that nothing can prevent our save arrival for that occasion.

We are adjured "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men: KNOWING THAT OF THE LORD YE SHALL RECEIVE THE REWARD OF THE INHERITANCE; FOR YE SERVE THE LORD CHRIST" (Colossians 3:23-25). We are thus left in no doubt whatever as to the fact of our appearance before the judgment seat of Christ "He shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body"...When Christ, Who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory'' (Philippians 3:21) (Colossians 3:4.)

What a promise! We are "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ"... "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds!"

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~ A STEADFAST HEART APRIL 20, 2006


A STEADFAST HEART

Speaking of the "upright" in Psalm 112:7-8 say: "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is FIXED, trusting in the LORD. His heart is ESTABLISHED, he shall not be afraid..." In other words, his spirit, soul, and body are in one accord, "in singleness of heart." His decision and conviction to trust and serve the Lord are firmly fixed. As to his position and practice in righteousness, he is immovable.

This upright person is controlled from the inside out by God. The heart or spirit (Ps. 78:8 ) is to be exerting authority and power over the mind and the behavior. "He who stands steadfast in his heart ....has power over his will. (1 Cor. 7:37). "The heart or spirit is to tell the soul or mind what to think, then the mind gives the orders to the body. The outcome is a disciplined character and self-control. Therefore, "...Purify your hearts you double minded (James 4:8 ), "and" may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23)."

When it comes to "trusting in the Lord," the Bible also says concerning those who are of unstable and unfixed hearts; "..He who DOUBTS is like a wave of the sea DRIVEN AND tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a DOUBLE-MINDED man, UNSTABLE in all his ways (James 4:6-8 )." Notice his heart and mind are being moved from the outside. Satan delights in overthrowing the Christian in this way!

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, BE STEADFAST, IMMOVABLE, always abounding in the work of the Lord, KNOWING that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58 )!"
Pastor Dick Ware
Berean Grace Church

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~ ~POWER AT HIS COMING~ April 22, 2006


~POWER AT HIS COMING~

Read Mark 13:24-26

"And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory" (Mark 13:26)


In this passage Christ is speaking of His return in glory to set up His kingdom on the earth. This is the coming that the Hebrew prophets spoke of (Isaiah 11; Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 37). From our standpoint it is the "second coming" for the prophets in their prophecies included the Lord's coming as a babe (Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:22-23; 2:5-6). He will be coning as the "Son of Man." That is His title of heavenly glory(Daniel 7:13; John 3:13). This coming must  not be confused with the coming of Christ for His Church which is His Body. That coming was not spoken of by the Hebrew prophets and is part of the "mystery" revealed to and through Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles (1 Cor. 15:51; Eph.3:1-9).

Christ's coming to earth to set up His kingdom will be with a demonstration of "great power."  here is the Greek dunamis, which indicates God's inherent power. It will be that power that will regather Israel (Deu. 30:3; Jer 23:3) and judge the nations (Psalms 96:13; Matthew 4:29-25:46). And it is His power that will subdue His enemies (Psalms 110:1; 1 Cor. 15:25). In addition there will be events in nature that will herald His appearing, such as the darkening of the sun and moon, the falling of stars and the shaking of the powers of heaven (Mark 13:24-25).

Meanwhile the Body of Christ His Church, awaits "our gathering together unto Him," i.e. the Rapture ( 2 Thess. 2:1; 1 Thess 4:13-18 ).
Don  Weffald, Bible Teacher

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~ A PRAYER FROM PRISON Part One April 24, 2006


A PRAYER FROM PRISON - Part 1 of 5
Part one
by James R. Gray


Philippians 1:3-11


I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,  Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,  For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:  Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.  For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of  Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Adversity does not control one's destiny; it is the door to fulfilling one's destiny. The Apostle Paul believed strongly in the providence of God. He knew whatever happened to him did not hinder the plans of God. The winds of personal adversity only fan the flames of God's grace. That is exactly what happened. Paul's two year imprisonment produced a fire, fueled by the pen, prayers, and passion. From this internment came the four epistles that are the heart of God's message for the Church, the Body of Christ: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.

As he prayed, he knew that others might not see or understand his attitude. Others would be apprehensive about his welfare, condition, and future. He wanted them to know that He was not discouraged, or apprehensive over his imprisonment. His concern was with the readers. Notice how many times Paul refers to his readers in verses 3-11: ye (3 times), you (6 times), and your (twice). The emphasis of Paul's prayer is not self, nor even his circumstance, it is his gratitude for his readers. The prayer from prison had two very important elements: Thanksgiving (1:3-6) and Intercession (1:7-11). It is not a simple "God bless the Philippians" prayer.

WHY PAUL PRAYS (1:3-6)

Paul opens his prayer with gratitude to God. Notice this gratitude is personal.  The greeting included Timothy, but in this prayer Paul prays "I give thanks to my God." Paul is expressing his own personal gratitude to God. This is not simply a one-time expression, but Paul continually or repeatedly gives thanks to God (indicated by the present active indicative tense) for the Philippians. Note the characteristics of prayer: it is personal, constant, and directed to God the Father.

continued  4/25

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~ A PRAYER FROM PRISON Part Two April 25, 2006


A PRAYER FROM PRISON - Part 2 of 5
Part Two
By James Gray

Three factors ignited this out-pouring of thanksgiving:

*Great personal memories of the people (1:3).

Paul here uses the singular, not the plural. He says "I," not "we." Paul's personal memories lead Him to give thanks for the saints at Philippi. It reveals his personal attitude toward the church. It is one of gratitude. He expresses thanksgiving to God for them in his prayers. Remember, it was no picnic in Philippi. Paul and Silas had experienced hardship and pain there. They were jailed, and had their backs laid open by the beating they received. Yet, it was a place of joy and victory for Paul. The first conversion in Europe took place in the city. He won a moral victory over the officials of the city, when he forced the magistrates to come and publicly release them from prison, admitting they had wrongfully beaten and imprisoned them. Paul remembers the people's love and concern, and thanks God for them. Do our former pastors think the same of us? Do we entertain good memories of others, and thank God for them? One aspect of our prayers should center on thanking God for other members of the Body of Christ which come across our paths.

* Fellowship in the Gospel (1:5)

Paul was thankful because of their "fellowship in the gospel" The word fellowship is the Greek word koinonia, with the basic meaning of sharing together, to have in common. This word certainly indicates the sharing together of a common faith, but it is much more. This sharing together is more than just a common relationship in the faith; it is much more; it results in tangible results. He uses the word to describe the "collection" (Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:13). It indicates active participation in every way possible with Paul. They shared not only in the gospel (1:5), grace (1:7), and in the Holy Spirit (2:1); but also in the sufferings of Christ (3:10), as well as a gift of support (4:14 - 15 ) . They had participated in the proclamation of the gospel (1:27, 28 ), of actually suffering along with Paul (1:30; 4:14-15), and in prayer on his behalf (1:19). They shared in common on every level of fellowship.

Their fellowship centered on the gospel. They followed and participated with Paul in the gospel. This participation advanced the gospel of Grace. This participation was constant, "from the first day until now."

*God's faithfulness (1:6).

Paul was thankful for God's faithfulness unto them. He was confident that God's work cannot be derailed. God is faithful.

God began the work. The Greek word oti (that) introduces the object of Paul's confidence - it is God. He is the author of the work. The work was not started by Paul, nor the Philippians, it was God. God began the good work by giving them birth from above at the moment they believed (Titus 3:5; John 3:16). Notice it is a good work, not because he is doing good works for God (Eph. 2:8-10). This occurred in them, not simply among them. It was the internal work of God in and upon them which was begun at the moment of their salvation. It is still in progress as Paul writes to them, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil 2:13).

This work will be perfected or completed in them because God is faithful (I Thess. 5:24). The verse denotes certainty of completion. God will bring His good work to completion that we can be assured. He will perfect this "new creation" through His Word, his servants, and Spirit. Our assurance is built upon nothing less than the character and faithfulness of God Himself. God never starts a work without finishing it.

Continued 4/26

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~ A PRAYER FROM PRISON Part Three April 26, 2006


A PRAYER FROM PRISON - Part 3 of 5
Part Three
By James Gray

CONTENT OF PAUL'S PRAYER (1:9)

Paul's special prayer and request for the saints at Philippi is short and sweet. However, the request should not be taken lightly. As D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones observes; "Anyone who is at all familiar with his epistles will realize that Paul's prayers are always worthy of very careful consideration. They are not something added in a perfunctory manner; he does not merely mention them as a matter of course, or as a kind of aside... these prayers are some of the most significant statements in Paul's writings" This is certainly true of this prayer.

The heart of Paul's request is precise, yet profound: "that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment." He does not simply pray for an increase of their love, and stop at that. No, he wants their love to be balanced with knowledge and discernment.

Paul portrays love like a river. The word abound is a favorite word of Paul. It is the Greek word perisseuo, meaning to exceed a number or measure; to be over; an overabundance of something; to be in excess; to superabound; to excel. Paul uses the word to express an abundant overflow of Christian living: he used the verb in reference to thanksgiving (2 Cor. 4:15), excelling in spiritual gifts that build up the church (1 Cor.14:12), and abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58 ) to name a few. He wants the believers to "abound" in love. Not only to abound, but to increase that abundance "yet more and more." He wants the river of love to grow deeper as more and more love flows into its system.

Paul does not want an uncontrolled flood of love. An uncontrolled river does more harm than good. Swindoll observes that "when love floods indiscriminately, we love everything, even the wrong things." Paul wants the raging river to move in the designated bounds. The two banks of love are now named. The first is "knowledge" (epignosei). The word refers to a thorough, mental grasp of spiritual truth in its fullest sense. To keep the river within bounds we must "be filled with the knowledge of His will and all wisdom and spiritual understanding" (CoI.1:9.) This knowledge comes through the work of the Holy Spirit in cooperation with the Word of God. For "we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God" (I Cor. 2:12). To keep the river of love from overflowing and undirected, we must increase in knowledge of God and His will.

Continued 4/27

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~ A PRAYER FROM PRISON Part Four April 27, 2006


A PRAYER FROM PRISON - Part 4 of 5
Part Four
By James Gray

The second is judgment. The Greek word, aisthesei, has the idea of being judicious in discernment, denoting moral discernment and understanding. It is a recognition from the Word and the Spirit of what God can and does love, and what a holy God cannot love. True love must discriminate between good and evil (Heb. 5:14). There is a difference between knowledge and being able to apply that knowledge. Paul is anxious that love, although constantly expanding, be controlled by growing in knowledge and discernment.

These guard us against two dangers in the Christian life. First, the danger of living merely on feelings or emotion. Too many today are feeding the emotions, not the soul. This is shallow Christian living. Second is the danger of being academic, abstract, and theoretical in Christian living. This leads to unpractical Christian living. The banks of knowledge and discernment allow the full force of the river of love to flow in our lives; abundantly, purposefully, and forcefully. They keep us out of the fields of mere emotionalism and mere intellectualism.

PURPOSE OF THE PRAYER
(1:10-11)

Paul makes clear the purpose of this prayer. Paul wants their love channeled by knowledge and discernment for a purpose. The word "that" denotes purpose or desired outcome. Love bounded by knowledge and discernment will lead us:
*To test the things that differ.

Paul wants us to "approve things that are excellent." The word for approve is the Greek word dokimazo, meaning test, to try, approve. It was a word used in assaying metals to prove that the metal was genuine. It is a recognition as genuine after examination. The word excellent is the Greek word diaphero, meaning to differ. Thus, the phrase literally can be translated "test the things that differ."

Interestingly, this almost exact same phrase is found in Romans 2:18. The context is that of the advantage that the Jews had under the Law. They knew the Law, and therefore "able to test the things that differ." This ability is clearly connected with the Word of God. They were to be able to test the things that differ because they were instructed out of the law. While they were able to do so, does not mean that they did. The context indicates they failed to use the advantages that they were given. Paul does not want us to fail this test. He wants us to know the Word and discern its truth, so we will be able to test the things that differ. This ability is important to guard the believer from heresy, as well as the differing philosophies of the world.

Conclusion 4/28

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~ A PRAYER FROM PRISON Conclusion April 28, 2006


A PRAYER FROM PRISON - Part 5 of 5
Conclusion
By James Gray


*To be sincere and without offense.

Paul wants these believers to be fit and prepared for the day of Christ. This entails two qualities: First, to be sincere. It is the Greek word eilikrineis, meaning literally to be judged by the sun. In the ancient world, jars and vases were examined for cracks and blemishes by holding them up to sunlight. The sunlight would reveal faults that could not be seen otherwise In the New Testament the word always denotes moral purity. Second, Paul wants believers to be without offense. The Greek word is aproskopos meaning "not causing someone to stumble." It pictures a person who carefully avoids putting anything in the way of another that would cause them to fall or trip. Thus, love bounded by knowledge and discernment is for the purpose of being pure and blameless in the day of Christ. The day of Christ clearly refers to the day when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

*To be filled with practical righteousness.

Paul knew that they were righteous, for they had the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21). Now Paul prays for love, knowledge and discernment in order that they may be filled with the fruits of righteousness. The phrase "fruits of righteousness" is found in the Old Testament for conduct pleasing to God (Prov. 11:30; Amos 6:12). It is a phrase indicating practical righteousness that is seen in the life of a believer. It is used of righteousness in the ethical sense, thus, it refers to our sanctification flowing out of our justification. These fruits doubtless are the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23), soul-winning (Rom. 1:13), holiness (Rom. 6:22), good works (Col. 1:10), and thanksgiving (Heb. 13:15). Paul realizes that this type off fruit cannot be produce by and in one's self. The source is "by Jesus Christ." Such a crop can only be produced through Christ. It is Christ's life lived through us that produces such fruit. This results in glory to God, magnifying Him, and not self.

Paul's desire and prayer for the Philippians is not outdated. Paul's recipe for them is good for us. If our love abounds in knowledge and discernment, we will be able to know what is correct, be sincere and blameless, and bear the glorious fruits of righteousness to the glory of God.

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~ The Offense of Grace MAY 1, 2006

The Offense of Grace
by Steve McVey


The thing about grace that many have a problem with is its appearance of being carelessly and indiscriminately thrown around by our Heavenly Father as if there is no limit to it. It just isn't right by human standards. After all, fair is fair. Give people an inch and they'll take a mile. Go soft on those who have sinned and the next thing you know everybody is doing it. People make their beds and they should lie in it. They need to learn their lesson. You've got to think about the message you're sending!

Jesus didn't seem to worry about all that in His ministry. He just loved people and poured out grace, grace, and more grace on the most unlikely candidates. It galls the self righteous when their own sense of justice is violated, but Jesus never seemed to worry about what they thought. He seemed to show such little discernment in how and to whom He gave so much. Even His stories seem to communicate a message that sounds down-right wrong to religious ears.

In the parable of the laborers found in Matthew 20, those who came in to work at the last hour received the same salary as those who had worked all day. Those with the admirable ethic of hard work and dependability had been out in the hot sun all day long. Then the slackers show up at the last hour and get the same pay? Come on now! What's fair about that?

Then there is the prodigal son - a religious zealots worst nightmare. Here, this young boy in the youth group decides he wants to leave it all and move to Los Angeles. He asks His father to give him his inheritance (a subliminal insinuation that he has been thinking he'd be better off if his Dad was dead) and off he goes to the big city. His life soon becomes a blur of Jack Daniels, marijuana and strip clubs.

When all his money is gone and he wakes up in bed one morning and rolls over to see a skanky-looking crack whore (a King James Bible word) who he doesn't even remember meeting, he is jolted back to reality. "I'm outta here," he thinks to himself. "Even Dad's minimum wage guys at home don't have to live like this."

So off he goes, hitchhiking home and all the way thinking of how he will grovel when he gets there, how he will promise to do better if Dad will only give him back his old room. "I'll even sleep in the barn if you want me to," he figures he'll say.

You know how the story ends. The moment comes when this scraggly looking, nasty smelling son comes stumbling up the long driveway. His Dad sees him and immediately tears out running at full throttle. He falls on his boy and, oblivious to the stench, starts laughing and crying, hugging and kissing him, all at the same time. The son is forgiven before he even asks.

The boy chokes up and tries to talk. This isn't what he had expected. He gets out half a sentence when Dad interrupts and yells orders to fire up the grill, call our family and friends, see if JJT is available (Jerusalem Jazz Trio) and let's get this party started!

Hmm...that's a strange story, Jesus. Don't you think it might give the wrong message? "No," our loving Savior would answer. "It gives the right message. The message is this: It doesn't matter how pathetic you are, how low you have gone and how long you have been there, I love you and accept you."

It isn't about you and me. It never has been and never will be. It's about Him and His ridiculous, irrational, excessive, loving grace. The self righteous crowd might as well shut up. Jesus is Jesus and He's not going to change to fit their expectations. Thank God.

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational~ ~PAUL'S THANKFULNESS~ MAY 3, 2006


~PAUL'S THANKFULNESS~

Scripture Reading:  2 Thessalonians 1:1-3.

The same three men named in I Thessalonians are named here as sending greetings. Paul's use of "we" (1:3-4, 11-12) is worth noting. More than one man was responsible for establishing this, and other churches. God's laborers work together, by His design to accomplish His work. Silas was Paul's primary associate on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40). Timothy was a young man Paul had led to Christ (1 Tim. 1:2) during his first missionary Journey (Acts 13-14). It was Timothy who brought Paul news of the Thessalonian situation the first " time (I Thess 3: 12,6). These three men were those who brought the faith to and nurtured the Thessalonian Church.

Again Paul greets the Thessalonians with his characteristic "grace and peace" (vs.2). Paul wants his readers to experience these blessings in their fullest measure. Grace is God's unmerited favor bestowed upon all who receive Him (John I:12). "Peace" is the ending of the alienation that previously separated the unbeloved from God (Ro. 5:1).

Paul thanks God for this Church because of the continual growth in their faith (gk. huperauxanei). He has seen their faith grow super-abundantly or vigorously in spite of hardship and persecution. Paul often uses superlatives in his Greek expressions. The Thessalonians' faith in God continues to increase as well as their love for others (James 2:14-17). Is this a reality in Our lives?

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~ ~ONE BODY IN CHRIST~ MAY 2, 2006


~ONE BODY IN CHRIST~
By Pastor Ivan Burgener

So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:5)

One Body - the first and only time this is mentioned in all of Romans. The setting is a practical one where Paul, having finished the doctrinal portion of the letter, now turns to telling just how all the great truths of justification and redemption affect the life of the believer. Not only is he in Christ, but so also is every other believer. This makes us all one in Christ - one Body in Christ, to be exact - and this has many practical consequences.

Service to the whole Body is service to Christ since the Body is one and made up of the many members. Since this Body has Christ as it's Head, Christ is served when the members are served and the whole Body benefits! The illustration of the human body is too good to miss - or did God perhaps have that in mind a long time before? In any case, just as the many members of any body do not all do the same thing, neither do we as members of Christ's Body. Sometimes we lose sight of this great practical fact and spiritual truth. Any time we are wishing we were fitted differently so we could perform a different function in the Body, we are at that same time implying that God made a mistake. He really should have fitted us for other service. We don't really mean to say so, but might not that actually be the case? We should think soberly about this whole matter, for God is the one who has dealt to each of us our own special capability to serve as He has seen fit.

On the other hand, God may have fitted us to serve and we are too slow to realize it. With His help and prayerful exercise, we should venture out to see how the Lord might use us. And as with natural talents, exercise brings development beyond expectations!

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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[nChrist]

~Daily Inspirational~ ~THE BODY - A POSITION IN HEAVEN~ MAY 4, 200


~THE BODY - A POSITION IN HEAVEN~

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:3; 2:5, 6;
Colossians 3:1-3

"Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved); And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." What a blessed truth we see in these two verses concerning the grace of God. We who were "dead in sins," now seated with Christ in the heavenlies. No wonder Paul was inspired to write in 1:3, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." From a dispensational view we see this in contrast to Israel's earthly blessings, but we also need to see the practical side.

It is important that we realize our standing and position in Christ, and then we must "walk worthy," on the same plane or level of our calling. We are citizens of Heaven and should live that way down here. Our verses in Colossians 3:1-3, give to us the key on how this is done. We are to "seek those things which are above," and this will enable us to "set our affections on things above, not on things on the earth." The child of God who realizes, his, or her, position in Christ, is enabled to live each day without the burdens of the past and present. Our walk can indeed match our heavenly calling and position. This is indeed God's will for each one of us, to glorify Him here, and to enjoy His glory in the ages to come.

FLOYD BAKER, Pastor
Grace Bible Church,  Wisconsin

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~ SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH ALONE MAY 5, 2006


SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH ALONE

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:8, 9

People are determined to have to do something to win God's favor. In Romans chapter four where God shows us what Abraham's faith was not in, He shows us what people do put their faith in. Study it carefully. They put their faith in: their own merit or good works; religious ceremony (circumcision) or affiliation; and in their keeping the Law or some other rule. It's a faith in a human work of some kind. The problem is not faith. It's what the faith is in! God says man's faith will be put into his account for righteousness if he puts it in the right place or person (Rom. 4:5).

On the one hand, you have a salvation attempted on a works basis. It's received by works through faith. On the other hand, we see God offering today salvation on a grace basis. Grace can't be earned nor bought! It's not only more than what we deserve, it's just the opposite! In the early chapters of Romans, you have every man deserving the wrath of God, being offered the righteousness of God - BY GOD'S GRACE! God's grace is the BASIS for His offer. How is this offer received? By faith, and faith alone!


In the book of Romans we see "the righteousness of God," "justification," and "eternal life" are synonymous terms and are God's gift to those deserving His eternal wrath (Rom. 3:21, 24; 5:1, 17; 6:23). The same is true as we come to Ephesians chapter 2. The same ones who are dead in trespasses and sins and who are headed for the wrath of God (vrs. 1-3) can be saved by God's marvelous grace. God says: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (2:8,9). He is saying: the gift of God is eternal life; God's grace is the basis for His offer; and man's faith alone is means of receiving God's gift. God holds man accountable to believe and receive His gift (II Thess. 2:10;12)!
DICK WARE, Pastor

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~ ~CHRIST - ITS LIVING HEAD~ MAY 6, 2006


~CHRIST - ITS LIVING HEAD~

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1: 19-23;
Colossians 1: 18

Paul often used the analogy of the physical body to illustrate the truth of our relationship to Christ spiritually (Romans 12:4-5; I Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 5:29-30). Just as the physical body must be linked to its head, so we must be linked to our Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. We realize how silly it would be to expect a physical body to function with-out its head, yet we often forget that the same truth applies spiritually as well. In Colossians 2:19 Paul warns of the results of becoming disconnected from our Head. In similar terms, John 15:5 records Jesus' words about the necessity of being linked to Him. "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." It is still true that without Him, we can do nothing! (No growth without being connected to Him, Ephesians 4:16.)

The titles King (over all the earth during the millennial kingdom) and Head of all things, Colossians 1:18 ) are similar in that both speak of His authority and position. However, there is an added dimension when Christ is spoken of as the Head of His Body, the Church. A king conveys a certain formality; the king and his subjects are separated by both space and standing. But Jesus Christ as my Head is another matter altogether! Rather than speaking of distance and formality, headship speaks of intimacy and nearness! I am inseparably linked to my Living Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is mystery truth, revealed to us by God through the Apostle Paul. Because it is a mystery, I do not fully understand or comprehend all that the Headship of Christ implies - but I certainly do rejoice in it!

DAVlD HAVARD, Pastor
Friendship Bible Church,  Wisconsin

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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