GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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THE APOSTASY 
PART 3 OF 3
by Dr. Harry Bultema


 
In my own mind,  I am fully convinced that this is part of the predicted Apostasy, which shall sweep everything before it, except those who are rooted and grounded in Christ. The apostle thought of this when he warned in Ephesians 6:13 to take on the panoply of God, that the saints may be able to "withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand." So strong will be the pressure from hell that even with the all-armor of God the believer can only withstand and stand in that evil day of apostasy. Certainly this age has always been evil, but that is not the question; at the end of this age there will be special evils, so we have been clearly taught.
 
The same apostasy is in view in I Timothy 4:1; "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron. " He has the same thing in mind in 6:20,21, where we read: "0 Timothy keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: which some professing have erred concerning the faith" - "This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof; from such turn away" (2 Tim. 3:1-5). As Jannes and Jambres of old withstood Moses, so do these apostates withstand the truth. They are corrupt and reprobate concerning the faith. These apostates wax worse and worse. They will not endure sound doctrine. They turn their ears away from the truth and turn unto fables of Higher Criticism and Evolutionism, and all sorts of old wives fables. Thus, this apostasy has been clearly delineated in its rise, character, and result. As to its rise, it will be a movement away from the historic faith in the last days of this age, which synchronize with the last days of the Times of the Gentiles. As to its character, it will be antichristian; against the truth and against the ancient standards of morality, just as we see it in our day. The very foundations of our so called Christian society and civilization are shaking and subsiding. Many leaders have forsaken the Word, and as Jeremiah said of old, what wisdom is there left? As to its result, this apostasy will bring forth the Antichrist, and this dark some personality demands our attention next, and we shall see that the devil himself is the source, substance, sum and summation of it all. The Apostasy and the Antichrist shall come to their frightful climax.

My dear friend, if I would ask you where you expect to spend your winter or summer vacation you would give me a candid reply, but if I ask you, in the name of the crucified, coming Christ, where you will spend your eternity, what will then your answer be? You are offered at this very moment the gift of salvation in Christ; will you receive it? If you refuse this gift you cannot escape the damnation of hell (Matt. 23:33). The door of God's grace and glory is wide open with an invitation to enter in. Oh, do not refuse the Savior, but receive Him now as the gift of God's love and then you shall rejoice, even when soon this world will be wrapped in the flames of judgment. Come as you are and come just now!

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RECONCILED UNTO GOD IN ONE BODY
By FLOYD BAKER, Pastor

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2: 16

"And that he might reconcile both unto God in one Body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby." Our word reconcile comes from the Greek word APOKATALLASSO and has the meaning, "to reconcile completely; to change from one condition to another, so as to remove all enmity and leave no impediment to unity and peace" (W.E.Vine). In your study of the Scriptures it is important to remember that the WORLD has been conciliated to God (2 Corinthians 5:19) but the believer is reconciled to God. In both instances it is God who has taken the initiative and in 2 Corinthians the appeal is to the unsaved to be conciliated to God while in Ephesians the action is completed. Believing Jews and Gentiles are not reconciled to each other but both to God with the end result being ONE BODY.
 
We see in our context starting with verse 11 that the Gentiles were "afar off, while the Jews were nigh." The Body of Christ is God's special purpose for the present administration and is called a "new man," and is not to be confused with His kingdom people and program. These are not Jews of the kingdom program becoming members of the Body of Christ but those who have been saved into the Body of Christ. We see that it is all made possible by the cross. To the Jew the cross was a stumbling block and to the Greek foolishness, but to us who believe, the power and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:23,24). With Paul we declare, "Unto him glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

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RECONCILIATION
by John Baker



To understand reconciliation it helps to understand its antonym, alienation. Alienation means to be outside - isolated - separated - estranged. We must accept the fact of alienation in order to receive the great truth of reconciliation.

The unbeliever is in a threefold state of alienation:

* From the commonwealth of Israel. Ephesians 2:11-12
* From the life of God. Ephesians 4:17-18
* From God Himself. Colossians 1:21

In Christ we have been reconciled to God, to Israel, and have eternal life. Reconcile means reunite; reconnect; restore; or change completely the relationship.

Following are two non-doctrinal examples of reconciliation:

I Corinthians 7:10,11 - "And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife." In this case to be reconciled means to be reunited.

Mathew 5:23,24 - "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." Here the exhortation to change enmity for friendship or a strained relationship for reconciliation. The idea is to change the relationship completely. To be reconciled is to be reconnected; to be brought into a friendly relationship and back on speaking terms.

How does this apply to the alienation of Jew and Gentile? (Ephesians 2:11,12) The barrier between Jew and Gentile has been broken down and both have been reconciled unto God in one body. This was accomplished at the cross where Christ slew the enmity (see Ephesians 2:13-16). There is a new relationship in the body of Christ between Jew and Gentile. There is a new relationship between both Jew and Gentile and God. Both Jew and Gentile have been reconciled by the cross and brought into a new relationship with God described as the one new man; the body of Christ. The previous priorities by the Jew have been put aside. The Gentiles were alienated and separated, but now, they have been brought nigh through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. "And came and preached peace to you which were afar off (Gentiles), and to them that are nigh (Jews), For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father" (Ephesians 2:17,18 ).

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation" (II Corinthians 5:19). Through the death of Christ God changed completely the position of mankind (the world) in its relationship to Himself. The Bible never states that God is reconciled. God's righteousness never changes. God is immutable - never changing. Through the finished work of Christ on the cross, God sees the world reconciled. He is not changed or reconciled Himself.

Some Scriptures that talk about reconciliation are:

Romans 11:15 - The casting aside of Israel is the reconciling of the world.

Colossians 1:20 - all things are reconciled.

II Corinthians 5:19 - whole world reconciled.

From these references we conclude that reconciliation does not necessarily mean salvation. Reconciliation does mean that the world has been brought into a position or relationship to God whereby He can deal with the world in grace instead of wrath. In simple terms, reconciliation means man has been made saveable. This was all made possible by the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The whole world was not saved, nor is the whole world going to be saved. At the cross of Calvary God made reconciliation; this is an accomplished fact. Now, because of this accomplished fact, God can deal with the world in His grace. In II Corinthians 5:19 it says that God is not imputing our sins, but instead He is offering peace. Because of the cross, and what was accomplished there, God is able to deal with the world in His grace. The world has been reconciled through the blood of His cross. Man has been made saveable. The world is so altered, so changed in its position in respect to the holy judgments of God that it is rendered saveable.

II Corinthians 5:20 exhorts believers "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." As Christ's messengers we have been committed the word (or message) of reconciliation. We are to go forth in His behalf, beseeching others to appropriate this reconciliation as their own. Having been reconciled - be ye reconciled is not double talk. Man still has to accept God's grace and reconciliation. This is where faith comes into the picture. We are to put our trust in His finished work and appropriate the truth of reconciliation as our very own. God is beseeching the world to receive the reconciliation which has been made. God is offering peace and reconciliation and we are to be His messengers.

One of the obstacles between man and God is the law. This is God's standard and it condemns all, for none can meet God's standard. The Lord Jesus Christ took away this obstacle at the cross and the world has been reconciled. The demands and condemnation of the law have been satisfied, the guilt has been paid for, and the heart can be changed through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is all possible because God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself.

Glory be to God for fulfilling His promises in raising Jesus Christ from the dead. Nevertheless, does His resurrection have any meaning to you? Has it had any impact in your life? Have you experienced the work of salvation that Jesus Christ perfected in His resurrection?

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INDWELT TO BE FILLED
By Miles Stanford

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you" (Rom. 8:9).

 
 
The believer knows that he is indwelt by the Holy Spirit on the testimony of the written Word; others know when the believer is filled with the Holy Spirit by the growing manifestation of the Living Word.
 
"There are believers who need the reminder that deeper than mind and feeling and will, deeper than the soul, where these have their seat, in the depths of the renewed spirit, there comes, at re-birth, the Holy Spirit to dwell forever. His indwelling is there, first of all, and all through, to be recognized by faith. Even when I cannot see the least evidence of His working, I am quietly and reverently to believe that He dwells in me. In that faith I am restfully and trustfully to count upon His working, and to wait for it. In that faith I must very distinctly deny my own wisdom and strength, and in childlike self-abnegation depend upon Him to work.

"His first workings may be so feeble and hidden that I can hardly recognize them as coming from Him; they may appear to be nothing more than the voice of conscience, or the familiar sound of some Bible truth. Here is the time for faith to hold fast the Master's promise and the Father's gift, and to trust that the Holy Spirit is within and will guide. Out of the hidden depths His power will move and take possession of mind and will, and the indwelling in the hidden recesses of the spirit will grow into a being filled with His fullness." - A.M.
 
"Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His" (Rom. 8:9).

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“REST”
by C. R. Stam


In Hebrews 1:3 we read how the Lord Jesus Christ, “when He had by Himself purged our sins, SAT DOWN on the right hand of the Mystery on High”. The tenth chapter of the same book tells us why He sat down:

“Every priest standeth, daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man [Christ] after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, SAT DOWN on the right hand of God …FOR BY ONE OFFERING HE HATH PERFECTED FOREVER THEM THAT ARE SANCTIFIED” (Heb.10:11-14).

There were several articles of furniture in the Old Testament tabernacle, but no chair. The priest could not sit down, for the work of redemption was not yet finished. His daily sacrifices only emphasized the fact that “it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins” (Heb.10:4).

“But this Man [Christ Jesus] sat down”, because by His death on Calvary — by that one offering — He paid for all our sins and “obtained eternal redemption for us” (Heb.10:12; 9:12).

This is why Paul, by divine inspiration, now insists that salvation is “by grace”, that “it is the gift of God”, received “by faith” and “not of works, lest any man should boast”.

God has much for His people to do, but before we can do anything for Him we must learn to trust Him for our salvation, to rest in the finished work of Christ. God is satisfied with Christ’s payment for sin and together the Father and the Son are depicted as seated in heaven because the work is done. And now God would have us simply trust Him, entering into His rest:

“There remaineth therefore a REST unto the people of God, FOR HE THAT HAS ENTERED INTO HIS [God’s] REST, HE ALSO HATH CEASED FROM HIS OWN WORKS, AS GOD DID FROM HIS” (Heb.4:9,10).

“Unto him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Rom.4:5).

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"The Power of His Might"
Part 1 of 4
BY RICHARD JORDAN
 

 
 The book of Ephesians begins with a three chapter exposition of the wealth of our calling in Christ as members of His body. This is followed by almost three more full chapters detailing our walk in our conduct as members of that body on planet earth. Paul then concludes the epistle with an exhortation concerning the warfare we face due to our conflict with the adversary the devil.

These final instructions are introduced with the statement:
 
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" (Eph. 6:10).

This is a twofold declaration. First comes a message of grace: "Be strong in the Lord." As we previously saw in our study of this phrase, this is an exhortation to be strong in God's grace to us in Christ -- to take our stand in the "all spiritual blessings in heavenly places" which God's grace has so freely bestowed upon us "in Christ. "
 
To this Paul adds a message of glory: "Be strong in ... the power of His might." Although this part of the verse is often mistakenly assumed to be simply a repetition of the first part, we will find great profit in considering it more fully on its own.

A MESSAGE OF GLORY
In speaking of being strong in "the power of His might" Paul is referring back to Eph. 1 and the risen, ascended Lord Jesus as the source of the power which enables us to stand the shock of the battle with the adversary. He does this for a very important reason -- one which explains why Satan hates the Body of Christ and the message of grace with such ire.
 
Eph. 1:15-23 contains the first of two great prayers recorded in this book. It is a prayer for enlightenment: that believers might know what is (1) "the hope of His calling" -- the glorious expectation inspired by what God has purposed to do with and through the Body of Christ; (2) "the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints " -- what God will gain for Himself in all He plans to accomplish; and (3) "the exceeding greatness of His power" in accomplishing it all.

The standard for measuring "the greatness of His power"is then set forth:

" ... according to the working of His mighty power,
 "Which HE WROUGHT IN CHRIST, WHEN HE RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, AND SET HIM AT HIS OWN RIGHT HAND IN HEAVENLY PLACES,
"FAR ABOVE ALL PRINCIPALITY, AND POWER, AND MIGHT, AND DOMINION, AND EVERY NAME THAT IS NAMED, NOT ONLY IN THIS WORLD, BUT ALSO IN THAT WHICH IS TO COME:
"AND HATH PUT ALL THINGS UNDER HIS FEET, AND GAVE HIM TO BE THE HEAD OVERALL THINGS TO THE CHURCH,
"WHICH IS HIS BODY, THE FULNESS OF HIM THAT FILLETH ALL IN ALL" (Eph. 1:19-23).

God's power has been measured in different ways throughout Scripture. It was manifest in creation. With Israel, when the Lord wanted to cite who He is and what He does, He often pointed to their deliverance through the Red Sea as illustrating His power to deliver them. In the dispensation of grace, however, His power is set forth "when He raised [Christ] from the dead and set Him at His own right hand in heavenly places."

It is important to read these verses fully and appreciate that much more than simply the resurrection of Christ from the dead is in view here--as glorious as that wonderful truth is!

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"The Power of His Might"
Part 2 of 4
BY RICHARD JORDAN
 

What is being referred to here is the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ over the government of the universe. The Father "raised Him from the dead"·· and not just to "sit on David's throne" (Acts 2:30), as prophecy had predicted. We now know He has "set Him at His own right hand in heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion."

For God to have "set Him at His own right hand in heavenly places" and to have 'put all things under His feet and [given] Him to be head over all things" signifies that Christ has been placed into a position of governmental headship. Just what government the principality - power - might - dominion" is referring to is expanded in Col. 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."

There is a government not only "in the earth" but also "in heaven," Just as Satan usurped the position of "prince of this world" he has also taken the position of  "prince of the power of the air" - the unseen, heavenly realm, But God has a plan and purpose to restore His authority in all these governmental positions - in heaven as well as in the earth.

His prophesied intent, is to reclaim the authority in the earth through the instrumentality of a kingdom vested in the nation Israel. This is the subject of prophecy and has been "spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:21).

God also has a purpose and plan to restore His authority in the government in the heavenly places as well. This is the subject of the mystery revealed to Paul and was "kept secret since the world began but now has been made manifest" (Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3: 1-9).

Eph. 1: 19·22 is setting forth the greatness of God's power as demonstrated by making the Lord Jesus Christ the head over a heavenly kingdom. The governmental positions of rank and authority which have been usurped from God's authority by Satan and his host have been reclaimed by the Lord Jesus. Thus Christ now sits as the rightful head of "all things." Note that the context clearly defines "all things" in verse 19 - "all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named. "

And this is done to the specific advantage of the members of the Body of Christ:

"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, "Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (vs. 22,23).

Notice Paul does not here say that Christ is the "head of the church." That is a glorious truth but it isn't the point here. Rather Eph. 1:22 declares Him to be "head over all things to the church." Again, the "all things" over which He is made head is the heavenly government - and it is to the advantage of the church that He is so positioned.

Christ has a two-fold headship that should not be confused. Col. 1:18 declares, "He is head of the body, the church. " But he is also the "head of all principality and power, " as Col. 2:10 clearly states:
 
"And ye are complete in him, WHICH IS THE HEAD OF ALL PRINCIPALITY AND POWER."

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"The Power of His Might"
Part 3 of 4
BY RICHARD JORDAN
 



It is Col. 2: 10 that matches Eph. 1:21,22 -- not Col. 1:18. At this point perhaps we should examine Col. 1:16-18, for these verses hold the key to how Christ's headship over the heavenly government is for our advantage.

"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:
"And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."

It is God's intention that Jesus Christ have the preeminence in "all things." Once again, the context of Col. 1: 16-18 clearly defines the "all things" being spoken of as those things identified in verse 16 -- the positions of government created by Jesus Christ in heaven and earth. These are the "all things" that are to be "reconciled" in Col. 1: 20. 2 The reference is to the future restoration of the system of government originally established over heaven and earth.

It is clear from the prophetic program that Jesus Christ was to be head of" all things" in the earth. When He sits on "the throne of His glory" and reigns from Jerusalem, He will be "King of Kings" and "all nations shall serve Him." What was unknown until the revelation of the mystery was that He also had a plan to reclaim His position in the heavenlies.

From Genesis 1:2 until the raising up of the Apostle Paul, the issue in the program of God was the earth. Now with the revelation of the mystery, the heavenly places have become the focus. God will restore the earth to Himself through the nation Israel; the heavenly places through the Body of Christ. Then Christ will be head of "all things." This is what Eph. 1:9-10 looks to:

"Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
"That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are in earth; even in him."

In order for Christ to be preeminent in "all things," He needed the Body of Christ. Israel would be His agency to reclaim the government of the earth. But He would need a "new creature" a "new man " -- to extend His reign into the heavenly places. Thus Christ has been made "head over the body" -- "that in all things he might have the preeminence. "

Without the Body of Christ He could never reclaim "all" things. Thus Christ has been made "head over all things to the church" that is, to the advantage of the church, for the church is "His body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all"

In other words, it will be members of the Body of Christ whom He will use to fill up the positions of governmental authority in the heavenly places and through whom He will carry out the rule and business of His "heavenly kingdom" (II Tim. 4: 18 ).

What a position is ours! What power and authority has been exercised in our behalf! And it is in this power that we are to stand fast.

[nChrist]

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"The Power of His Might"
Part 4 of 4
BY RICHARD JORDAN
 



WHY IT IS NEEDED

Our need for being strong in this power of His might goes much deeper than simply the momentary difficulties and vicissitudes of life. Consider Eph. 3:9,10.

"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:

"TO THE INTENT THAT NOW UNTO THE PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS IN HEAVENLY PLACES MIGHT BE KNOWN BY THE CHURCH THE MANIFOLD WISDOM OF GOD,"

You see, as we make known "the fellowship of the mystery"--as Body truth works in our lives--we manifest unto the angelic beings currently filling the positions of principalities and powers in the heavenly places the manifold wisdom of God in reconciling even those positions back under His authority through Christ. And what is that "manifold wisdom "? I Cor. 2:6·8 tells us:

"Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

"WHICH NONE OF THE PRINCES OF THIS WORLD KNEW: FOR HAD THEY KNOWN IT, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE CRUCIFIED THE LORD OF GLORY."

Simply by keeping a secret about what He would accomplish through the cross-work of Jesus Christ, God "spoiled principality and power" and "made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it" (Col. 2: 15).

At Calvary God took the wise in his own craftiness! In the face of Satan's boasted "wisdom" all God had to do was keep a secret and Satan fooled himself into doing the very thing that resulted in assuring his doom.

Is there any wonder why Satan hates the truth of the mystery so? Is there any question that he would oppose those who proclaim it to others? Thus Paul says,

     "----BE STRONG IN THE LORD, AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT."

Our strength is in what God had done in Christ. It is this message of grace and glory Satan so bitterly hates. Yet this is the very truth that makes us strong as we rest by faith in who God has made us in Christ. It is this message we are privileged to cherish, to guard, to proclaim and with which to fill our lives.

[nChrist]

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THE PEACE OF GOD
By JON D. BEKEMEYER, Pastor
 

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:6,7; Colossians 3: 15

It is important to distinguish between peace with God and the peace of God. Peace with God is a positional truth resulting from our justification (being declared righteous) by faith. Our righteous standing means that the enmity between ourselves and the Lord has been removed and there is now peace (Romans 5:1). On the other hand, the peace of God is a practical truth relating to one's personal experience with the Lord.
 
A believer may know of his position in Christ and still lack inner peace. The pressures of society today are very extreme and many believers are tormented by anxiety and turmoil within. As long as this continues one can never be all that he should be for the Lord.
 
The Biblical cure for anxiety is found in Philippians 4:6,7: take everything to the Lord in prayer and supplication. This verse indicates that such prayer does not involve meaningless generalities, but specific requests. The promised result is not the same as that which was promised to the Twelve in connection with their special enduement with power ("Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do"), but the promise of peace. The circumstances may not change. The difficulties may not go away. What we are promised is the peace of God, a peace that is beyond comprehension.

Lest any reader feel short-changed, we should all reflect on what a great blessing this is. Though the Lord does not promise to change the circumstances, He does promise the ability to victoriously endure them. Truly, "Godliness with contentment is great gain."

[david749]

Amen to that Tom.  There is nothing so wonderful as when the peace of God comes upon you.  Let us always remember to turn our challenges and problems over to him.........rather than attempting things on our own strength.  Let God fight the battle for us.  He is there for all of your cares.  Do not think that they are too trivial for Him.


Monitor for anxiety on a daily basis   (or fear).   Try to catch it quickly. 


Then review the passage that Tom showed from Philippians and also:     "Fear Not for I am with you."


The Command:    "Be anxious for nothing"     "Fear not"

(We want to please God........so we should catch ourselves when we have these negative emotions.  It is in fact actually a sin to disobey these commands.......but we stumble all the time.   The flesh is constantly at war with the Spirit.)


The Solution:   "in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God."


The Result:   "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.


THE PEACE OF GOD WILL COME UPON YOU WHEN YOU FULLY TURN IT ALL OVER TO HIM. 



Thanks Tom for this important message and have a great week.  Hope that your back is feeling better.   

[nChrist]

Hello Brother David,

You're welcome, and thank you for the additional comments. Another amen!

Thanks also for asking about me. My disability is permanent, but I have many pretty good days, so I try pretty hard not to complain. I have several portions of Scripture that have helped me countless times and I'll share them with you:

2 Corinthians 1:1-11 KJV  1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:  2  Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  3  Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  4  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  5  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.  6  And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.  7  And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.  8  For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:  9  But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:  10  Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;  11  Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

Romans 8:16-28 KJV  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  17  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  18  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  19  For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.  20  For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,  21  Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  22  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.  23  And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.  24  For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?  25  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.  26  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  27  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.


2 Corinthians 5:1-21 KJV  1  For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.  2  For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:  3  If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.  4  For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.  5  Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.  6  Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:  7  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)  8  We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.  9  Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.  10  For 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.  11  Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.  12  For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.  13  For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.  14  For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:  15  And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.  16  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.  17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  18  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  19  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  20  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.  21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[david749]

Thanks Tom


But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, AFTER YOU HAVE SUFFERED A WHILE, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.        (1Peter 5:10)


We as His children are part of the body of Christ.  Just as Christ suffered, we as his children will also have periods of suffering........as we are part of his body.


I wish that I had time to present more verses on this.......but I have to leave for work.  It makes for a good study however..........."the fellowship of suffering."


My wife went through this for six months and died in my arms.  God was there in a big way... and she did not suffer too much.  She is in paradise now.  She loved Christ very much. 


Have a nice week. 

[david749]

We both suffered.   But God enlarged His presence........so that the suffering was not more than we could handle.  She went through six months of breast cancer......but did not need any pain medication other than some occasional Tylenol or a glass of wine which we prayed over.  God spared her and did not allow her to enter the final awful stages of cancer where a person loses much weight etc.........but just said one day that it is over.  Something came up and blocked her airway.......and she died quickly in my arms.  She went to be with Him at the age of 40.......and is in a wonderful place now.  I will see her again.   

[nChrist]

We both suffered.   But God enlarged His presence........so that the suffering was not more than we could handle.  She went through six months of breast cancer......but did not need any pain medication other than some occasional Tylenol or a glass of wine which we prayed over.  God spared her and did not allow her to enter the final awful stages of cancer where a person loses much weight etc.........but just said one day that it is over.  Something came up and blocked her airway.......and she died quickly in my arms.  She went to be with Him at the age of 40.......and is in a wonderful place now.  I will see her again.   

Hello Brother David,

I'm very sad to hear this. You will remain in my prayers.

Love In Christ,
Tom