Oklahoma Howdy to Claudius,

I think that the point has already been made about where you live, what the system of government is, and what constitutes the ruler. If you live in America, the President of the United States is a servant of the people. Everyone else who holds a public office is also a servant of the people. Our system of government guarantees the right of free speech to the boss, and the boss is the people. The laws are our laws, and they were written by our hired hands and servants. They perform the way we want them to, or we fire them.

There are laws to protect our servants while they fill the office we put them in, but those laws do not prohibit criticism. Our laws to protect our servants address the more obvious things like violence against our servants, threats against our servants, etc. The original concept of America was quite unique and still is in many respects. America was to be a nation where the people were ruled by Almighty God. If you wanted to make a military or political analogy of a chain of command, Almighty God is the King of Kings who can never be impeached, voted out of office, criticized, cursed, or disobeyed. The next in the military or political chain of command is the people, and the last are the servants and/or hirelings of the people.

This WAS America, but as a nation we are turning our backs on Almighty God, disobeying HIM, disrespecting HIS rule, and rebelling against HIS ways. America is deservedly more and more in decline and face the loss of HIS blessing if it continues. In fact, America may face HIS wrath if we don't turn from evil and yield to HIS will and purpose.

Some who wish to hasten our departure from Almighty God might wish to debate some of this. If so, they can look in the mirror and argue all they want.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[Here's a big one: all kinds of underwear and socks that protect the body and wick moisture away from the body (Gortex I think?). These are expensive and usually found only in stores or catalogs for hunters and police officers. You want the keep cool and dry variety, not the keep warm and dry. These are like gold for the troops serving in the heat and sand.]

Oklahoma Howdy to Sincereheart & JudgeNot,

Thanks very much for adding my son to your prayers. I've gotten to meet and talk with many of his mates. I quickly got the impression that many of them are Christians, sharp young men and women who believe in what they are doing. I was not surprised at all to learn that many of them really appreciate our prayers. You can count on me to pray for all of our men and women in the Armed Services and their families every day.

I also learned that they really enjoy getting some of the simple treasures from home (i.e. school children writing notes and drawing pictures for them). There's also a large number of common, ordinary items that they have a real hard time finding or buying, especially for the troops on the ground (i.e. baby wipes to get all of that blowing sand out of their eyes, ears, etc., all kinds of skin creme, sun block, batteries for personal radios, etc.). Here's a little grin for you: women's pantyhose are a premium item they make all kinds of usefull things out of. Folded and rolled in various ways makes pantyhose great for covering the nose, mouth, head, and ears in sand storms. We have collection centers at Lawton/Ft. Sill, and the entire community tries to make sure they get what they want and need. Count on 4 to 6 weeks for them to get packages of non-critical items that are not military supplies. They love homemade cookies and things like that, but you really must pack them correctly for any hope of being fresh (i.e. vacuum sealed plastic bags, wrapped in tin-foil, and double-boxed). You can also count on a certain percentage of perishables being ruined by inspections. I forgot to tell you the troops on the ground also like: (1) super thin, flexible, and tight woven gloves with velcro closures on the wrist, something like (nylon?) Aris driving gloves with very thin strips of leather on the fingers and palms. (2) Here's a big one: all kinds of underwear and socks that protect the body and wick moisture away from the body (Gortex I think?). These are expensive and usually found only in stores or catalogs for hunters and police officers. You want the keep cool and dry variety, not the keep warm and dry. These are like gold for the troops serving in the heat and sand.

Wherever you are, your community, civic organization, church, etc. can adopt a unit of just about any size, a ship, an air group, etc. Your local Post Office can give you lots of good information about packaging and avoiding a lot of the problems. They can also tell you about collection points to ship it with like packages that might get faster delivery.

Brother JudgeNot, I think it is time for you to give up your pantyhose and send them to the men and women in the desert. Brother, I'm sorry to tell you this, you look horrible in them anyway.      

Love in Christ,
Tom  

Hoekstra Devotion - February 13

Once More on Grace and Spiritual Fruit:

He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit . . . the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering . . . .  (Gal_5:22-23 and Phi_1:11)

As the Holy Spirit works the grace of God in our hearts, the various aspects of spiritual fruit are manifested through us. "The fruit of the Spirit is  . . . kindness." Kindness is moral goodness and integrity conveyed toward others. It includes showing concern and consideration to people, desiring not to offend them. "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another" (Eph_4:31-32).

"The fruit of the Spirit is  . . .  goodness." Goodness is quite similar to the preceding term, kindness. The additional perspectives contained in goodness would be acts of generosity and beneficence. This somewhat repetitious concept indicates the high priority that God places upon our treatment of others.

"The fruit of the Spirit is  . . . faithfulness." Faithfulness embodies responsibility and loyalty. It also comprises reliability and consistency. "Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful" (1Co_4:2).

"The fruit of the Spirit is  . . . gentleness." Gentleness is explained by such terms as meekness and lowliness. Such quality of character takes on special significance when we recall these words of Jesus. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Mat_11:29).

"The fruit of the Spirit is  . . . self-control." Self-control is a fascinating subject, because it is not what it seems to be at first. Natural human thinking would assume it refers to self keeping self under control. Such a description would have to be listed under the previous verses pertaining to "the works of the flesh" (Gal_5:19). Here, it describes the Spirit of God maintaining control over our lives.

When we reflect upon the fruit of the Spirit, the character of Christ typically comes to mind. This is appropriate, since godly fruit comes to us through the presence of Jesus in our lives. "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." When we depend upon the Holy Spirit, He imparts the life of Jesus, our true vine, into and through our experience. The character of Christ is then seen in us. Consequently, all glory and praise goes to God!

Dear Lord Jesus, how I long to be more like You. I can easily be selfish, inconsistent, or out of control. I see that  only Your Holy Spirit working in me can bring the necessary fruit. Lord, I pray, work deeply in me by Your irreplaceable grace, for Your glory and praise, Amen.

Hoekstra Devotion - February 12

Even More on Grace and Spiritual Fruit:

He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit . . . the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering . . . .  (Joh_15:5 and Gal_5:22)

As we abide in Christ, spiritual fruit develops in our lives. This occurs through the work of the Holy Spirit, applying the grace resources of God to our inner man. This spiritual produce then appears as godly character in us.

Love is the primary indication that we are trusting the Lord to bring forth fruit in us. "The fruit of the Spirit is love." In fact, some see love as the singular fruit, with joy, peace, etc. as aspects of that love. This is divine love ("agape" love), a love that flows from the heart of God. "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God" (1Jo_4:7). Such love is not stirred by the "loveability" of the object. It is a unique, heavenly love available only from the Lord.

"The fruit of the Spirit is  . . . joy." Joy is gladness of heart, an inner spiritual happiness that does not depend upon circumstances. It is a spiritual delight in the Lord that is always available, no matter what is happening around us. "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Phi_4:4).

"The fruit of the Spirit is  . . . peace." This peace is related to a cessation of hostility between parties. It affects our relationship with the Lord. "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom_5:1). It also impacts our relationship with others. "For He Himself is our peace, who has made both   [i. e., Jew and Gentile] one, and has broken down the middle wall of division between us" (Eph_2:14). This peace also involves a spiritual calm and tranquility within our hearts. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phi_4:6-7).

"The fruit of the Spirit is  . . . longsuffering." Longsuffering would include patience and forbearance. It would embrace a willingness to forgive and to not seek vengeance. "Put on . . . longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another" (Col_3:12-13).

Note carefully; we do not produce these qualities by our capabilities. This fruit is a work of God in us: "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering."

O Lord, my hope and my sufficiency, I readily confess that at times I am unloving, joyless, strife-torn, or impatient. Lord Jesus, I want to abide in You. Please work in me by Your Holy Spirit. Bring forth increasingly in my life this beautiful spiritual crop of Christlikeness. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Amen Brothers!

I've been thinking about this often. One can talk about the basic principles of Bible Study and even try to spoon-feed someone for a time. However, there comes a time where nothing can replace a person's individual effort and study on their own.

I like the Biblical description of the babe in Christ drinking the spiritual milk of HIS WORD and the maturing Christian growing up in HIS WORD, finally progressing to the meat of HIS WORD. I give thanks for the patience of many to feed HIS flock.

The student must eventually do large amounts of individual study on their own and not depend upon every sip or bite being raised to their lips by the teacher. Here is where the joy becomes more full and the Holy Spirit becomes a guide and teacher. There is a secret here to be discovered by the student. There are always willing teachers when there is an eager and willing student to put forth some effort of his or her own.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Biblical Fact #2 - God is the Creator of all things. (Part Three)

Our FATHER, THE CREATOR - WHO ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME:

1 Kings 8:30  And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.

1 Kings 8:39  Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)

1 Kings 8:43  Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.

1 Chronicles 16:31  Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.

2 Chronicles 2:6  But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?

2 Chronicles 6:30  Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)

Job 22:12  Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!

Psalms 33:13  The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.

Psalms 123:1  Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.

Ecclesiastes 5:2  Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

Isaiah 57:15  For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Jeremiah 23:24  Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

Daniel 4:35  And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Daniel 5:23  But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

Matthew 5:45  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Matthew 10:32  Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 10:33  But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 11:25  At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Matthew 12:50  For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Matthew 18:10  Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 18:14  Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Mark 11:25  And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Romans 1:18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Revelation 21:22  And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
Revelation 21:23  And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
Revelation 21:24  And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
Revelation 21:25  And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
Revelation 21:26  And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
Revelation 21:27  And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Revelation 22:1  And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Revelation 22:2  In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Revelation 22:3  And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
Revelation 22:4  And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
Revelation 22:5  And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
__________

Love In Christ,
Tom

[Continued - See Part Three]

Biblical Fact #2 - God is the Creator of all things. (Part Two)

THE WORD ("Logos" from the Greek) is JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD - THE CREATOR.

John 1:1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:2  The same was in the beginning with God.
John 1:3  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
John 1:4  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:5  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 1:6  There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
John 1:7  The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
John 1:8  He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
John 1:9  That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
John 1:10  He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
John 1:11  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:13  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

1 John 1:1  That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

Revelation 19:13  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Psalms 33:6  By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

Psalms 147:18  He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.
__________

Here are a few beautiful portions of Scripture to enjoy:

Job 26:7  He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.

Psalms 104:5  Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.
Psalms 104:6  Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.
Psalms 104:7  At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.
Psalms 104:8  They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them.
Psalms 104:9  Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.

Isaiah 45:18  For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

1 Samuel 2:8  He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

Revelation 7:1  And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

Isaiah 40:22  It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

Isaiah 66:1  Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?

Deuteronomy 32:8  When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.

Nehemiah 9:6  Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

Psalms 102:25  Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.

Proverbs 8:22  The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
Proverbs 8:23  I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
Proverbs 8:24  When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
Proverbs 8:25  Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
Proverbs 8:26  While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

Jeremiah 10:12  He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

Jeremiah 32:17  Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

Jeremiah 27:5  I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.

John 17:24  Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

2 Peter 3:5  For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

Revelation 10:6  And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

Revelation 14:7  Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Continued - See Part Three

[Continued - See Part Two]

Biblical Fact #2 - God is the Creator of all things. (Part One)

(Both the seen and unseen of Heaven and earth)

Creator is a Heavenly and Majestic Title of GOD. HE spoke, called, and formed all things into being from nothing.

The ONE AND TRUE GOD is HE who is the CREATOR. All other gods are false and are to be denied. The ONE CREATOR is a GODHEAD of three HOLY DEITIES - YET ONE - IS ONE - AND IN ONE:  (1) God, The Father, (2) God, The Son, and (3) God, The Holy Spirit. These are ONE and this HOLY ONE is THE CREATOR.

Genesis 1:1-31  This is a beautiful portion of Scripture that deserves reading over and over again.

Creation is attributed to the GODHEAD.

Genesis 1:1  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis 1:26  And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
__________

Creation is attributed to the FATHER.

1 Corinthians 8:6  But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
__________

Creation is attributed to the SON.

John 1:3  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Colossians 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Colossians 1:17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
__________

Creation is attributed to the Holy Spirit.

Genesis 1:2  And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Job 26:13  By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.

Psalms 104:30  Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.
__________

Only THE CREATOR is GOD, and there is no other GOD. The glory of all creation is in HIM, by HIM, and for HIM. The GLORY seen in all CREATION is HIS.

Isaiah 37:16  O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.

Isaiah 40:12  Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
Isaiah 40:13  Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?

Isaiah 54:5  For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Psalms 96:5  For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.

Jeremiah 10:11  Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.
Jeremiah 10:12  He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

Colossians 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Revelation 4:11  Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Romans 11:36  For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Continued - See Part Two

Oklahoma Howdy to Tigerlily,

Thanks Sister, that was beautiful.

Love In Christ,
Tom

     Texas - ROFL & can't get up.

Tom

Oklahoma Howdy to Allinall,

Brother, I've thought about that very thing many times. There is an obvious connection and comparison between the Mercy Seat and The Throne of Grace. Another obvious connection and comparison regards temporary and imperfect sacrifices for forgiveness of sin in comparison to the PERFECT AND ETERNAL SACRIFICE OF JESUS ON THE CROSS. Other obvious comparisons involve temporary cleansing and purification under the Old Covenant with the Eternal CLEANSING BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST AND PURIFICATION BY THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE NEW COVENANT. There are a host of other comparisons, and each one makes JESUS more and more PRECIOUS. I like the analogy of shadows of things to come in the Old Covenant and the PRECIOUS REALITY OF JESUS CHRIST IN THE NEW COVENANT. Some folks don't have a clue why many Christians understand the Biblical definition of the bondage of sin and death under the Law. The REALITY is further magnified in a huge way with the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT.

When I think about approaching the Throne of Grace in prayer, I think of it more in a precious and loving way as in talking to THE FATHER THAT I LOVE. I do think about the Mercy Seat in the Old Covenant, especially in my studies, but I think of it more as a harsh and unapproachable place associated with death sentences for violations of a single commandment in the approach or in the procedures that had to be performed to the letter. In this, I see an obvious contrast between Law and Grace. Under Law, a High Priest had to approach in perfection, and an ordinary person wouldn't dream of getting near that Holy Place under fear of immediate death. Under Grace, a plain and simple person, especially a child, can come to the throne of Grace and be welcomed by their Heavenly Father. The contrast is massive.

Some people may even have a picture imagined in their mind from various portions of the Holy Bible. For the Old Covenant, one might imagine a massive, all-consuming light that would put your eyes out and a voice that would boom to the point of being deafening. For the New Covenant, one might imagine a gentle, quiet, and loving Shepherd tending HIS flock. Again, involving a massive and stark contrast. The contrasts and comparisons go on and on, but the beautiful end result is the matchless Grace and Love of God.

As a final analogy, HIS children all know there is a side of righteous destruction, but our hope is in the promises of eternal joy and peace with our Saviour in Glory. The Scriptures speak of these promises as being so sure that the tense of the promises are already DONE. So, the quality and quantity of our hope is in direct relation to the quality and quantity of our faith.

Thanks be unto God for HIS unspeakable GIFT!

Love In Christ,
Tom  

Oklahoma Howdy to All,

I'll keep this fairly vague since all is not confirmed. Someone is no longer with us. I had no idea there was any cult believing the Apostle Paul was the anti-Christ.

Love In Christ,
Tom

If any of you get a chance, would you say a prayer for our oldest? He's on his way to Iraq as I type this and he'll be there a year.

Thank you!  

Oklahoma Howdy to Sincereheart,

I will definitely pray for your son at the same time I pray for mine. It sure is hard when they leave home for the first time. I thought it might get easier after a year or two, but I guess I will always worry about him. He is our youngest. I think that  prayer for our children and grandchildren is part of a Christian parent's job for life, regardless of where our children are or what they do for a living. God will be with them.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Ya know Tom, by faith, we have a continual presence of the Lord of Lords. We can always come boldly to the throne of grace with full assurance of fdaith as long it is by His blood and in His name.

aw

AMEN AW!

That's one of the most beautiful and precious truths of the Gospel of God's Grace. I don't need burnt offerings, animal sacrifices, or an appointment with a high priest. I can talk to our Lord and Saviour anytime I want to, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I also have HIS Holy Spirit dwelling within me as a guide and comforter. This is only a small sample of the Glory and Majesty of God's Grace and love for HIS children.

He wants us to lay our burdens at HIS feet, and HE wishes to hear our prayers.

Anyone who ever experiences this joy and peace will never turn back.

Thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable GIFT, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

Love In Christ,
Tom

Saph,
Your modesty alone will make you permanent holder of the honor!

Oklahoma Howdy to JudgeNot,

I'm off to get some smilies. Everyone has them but me.

I agree with you about Sapphire. He's young now and will enjoy the honor. It won't be long before he will be raising kids of his own and changing diapers. He'll have bags under his eyes then, and we will start looking younger and younger.  

Tom