GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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~Daily Inspirational ~ LEGITIMATE PRAYER AUGUST 19, 2006


LEGITIMATE PRAYER

by C. R. Stam

Prayer, in Old Testament times, was based upon a covenant relationship with God, or it was an appeal to His revealed nature as merciful, gracious, etc. Today it is based upon the redemptive work of Christ, whose death opened the way for us into the Father's presence. This is why acceptable prayer today is offered “in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ”. With our Lord's departure from this world in view, He said to His disciples:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me” (John 14:6).

“Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name…At that day ye shall ask in My name: and I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you, for the Father Himself loveth you, because ye have loved Me…” (John 16:24-27).

Thus today we pray directly to the Father in the name of the Son.

Our prayers, however, are often faltering and sometimes the way is so dark before us that we do not even know what to ask for. Thus Paul declared: “We know not what we should pray for as we ought” (Rom.8:26). But he was quick to follow this with the declaration:

“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” (Rom.8:28 ).

This is why the Apostle Paul encourages God's people:

“Be careful [anxious] for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God:

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil.4:6,7).

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb.4:16).

___________________________________
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 FAITH THAT SAVES AUGUST 20, 2006



THE FAITH THAT SAVES
By Paul Hume

Scripture Reading: Mark 11:22; Gal. 2:20;  Heb.12:1-2

It has been truly said that Satan has a counterfeit for almost everything that God does (except to give Life). The Apostle Paul speaks of "another gospel" (2 Cor.11:4a; GaL 1:6,9), "another Jesus" (2 Cor. 11:4b: much of Christendom today worships this "Jesus!"), "another spirit" (2 Cor. 11:4c: how prevaleat is this "spirit" now); "false apostles of Christ"( 2 Cor. 11:13: witness the Mormons and their chief apostle, Joseph Smith!), and "ministers of righteousness" (2 Cor. 11: 15: how many priests and ministers fall into this category today!).

Obviously, therefore, there must be a counterfeit faith. We know there are many false "faiths" today ..the apostate Protestant "faith," the Roman Catholic "faith," and the Jehovah's Witnesses "faith" (and the like). Yes, many of the people involved in these false systems have "faith." I heard a liberal preacher on the radio only yesterday broadcasting from a popular church which is only four blocks from our church and exhorting his hearers that the way to keep one's life from being empty is to "have faith in God." This sounds real good. It even sounds Biblical!'

Did not our Lord exhort his wondering disciples in Mark 11:22, "Have faith in God?" But a more accurate rendering of this command makes the meaning clearer: "Hold to the faith of God!" True; saving faith is not naturally generated. All of us have a "natural faith:" e..g., we believe that the cooks in the restaurant where we are eating haven't put poison in our food; we trust the car in which we ride; we believe what history tells us about out great country, and etc. But the kind of faith which our Lord speaks of is identical to that which Paul speaks of: "...justified by the faith of Christ" (Gal. 2:16); "...I live by (or in) the faith of the Son of God" (Gal. 2:20); "...boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him"(Eph. 3:12).

We have a blessed truth in Hebrews 12:2: "Look away (from all else) unto Jesus, the Author (that is, the Originator) and Finisher (that is, the Completer) of faith." True, saving faith comes from God in Christ Jesus. This faith saves. This faith sanctifies. This faith sustains. This faith pleases God. Does this faith operate in you?

___________________________________
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 SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD AND SECURITY AUGUST 21, 2006



THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD AND SECURITY
By  Paul Hume

Scripture Reading: Psa. 37:23-28; Col. 3:1-4

Closely related to the sovereignty of God in salvation is the blessed truth of the security of the saints. This security is the portion of all who have truly been born again, for they have be  given the "gift of God, which is eternal life."  This life is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Since everyone who has this Life is in vital spiritual union with Christ, it follows that he "shall never perish."

A lady who had been recently saved was sharing her salvation with another lady who also said she was saved.  Said this other lady, "You say that you are in the hollow of His hand. But isn't it possible for you to slip through His fingers?" The newly-saved lady calmly replied, "No, for I am one of His fingers!" How true! By grace and by means of the Holy Spirit's baptizing each one of us into union with Christ, we become actual members of Christ. Thus we find the poet's words true:

"And this I shall find,
We two are so joined,
He'll not be in glory
And leave me behind."

To be sure, certain passages such as Hebrews 6:4-8 and 2 Peter 2:20-22 and some others can be 'brought forth by those who do not (or will not) understand this precious truth. Once the contextual setting of each passage is honestly studied, and the dispensational interpretation is honestly employed, it will be found that the true believer in Christ is indeed everlastingly secure. Such security when rightly understood leads to a godly life rather than to an antinomian "Let's sin and live as we please since we are forever saved!" attitude.

What are some of the reasons for our security in Christ? 1) We have been chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world; 2) We are kept by the power of God; 3) We are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise unto the day of redemption;  4) We are complete in Christ; 5) We are members of Christ's body; 6) We have ever-lasting life; and 7) We can never be separated from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord! (Study Eph. 1:4; I Pet. 1:5; Eph. 4:30; Col. 2:9-10; Eph. 5:30; John 3:16; and Rom. 8:38-39).

___________________________________
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 GIFTS OF THE S0VEREIGN GOD AUGUST 22, 2006


THE GIFTS OF THE S0VEREIGN GOD
By Paul Hume

Scripture Reading: Eph. 4:7-16; 1 Cor. 12:4-11

Undoubtedly you have stopped to ask yourself, "Why is it that one person is so mechanically inclined and another person--even in the same family--isn't? Why can one person be so musical and able to create music while another person can't carry a tune in a bucket? Why are some naturally diligent and prosperous while others are so lazy and could care less about getting ahead in life? The only answer is that God, the giver of life and being to all men (Acts 17:29) has been pleased to thus distribute His talents in the natural realm--even though sin has ruined and perverted these natural gifts.

Likewise in the realm of those who are saved. All have the same salvation. All are indwelt equally with the same Holy Spirit. All have a new nature. All are loved by the Father. But His gifts have not been bestowed equally. These two passages ought to make this clear. Now, lest someone reasons, "I don't have any gift from God other than eternal life," let us note what Ephesians 4:7 states: "But in accordance with the measure of Christ's gift, His favor has been bestowed upon each of us." (Williams Trans.) The grace mentioned in this verse does not refer to saving grace. Nor does it even refer to sanctifying grace. It clearly refers to serving grace! Not all the members of the body of Christ have the same office or function, but all members of Christ have a function! I do not believe there is such a thing as a true believer who does not have some spiritual gift by which he can serve the Lord! True, only a few are called to be "evangelists, and pastor-teachers," but all have been gifted sufficiently to engage in "the work of ministering"  (Eph. 4:12, lit.)!

Has God given you a spiritual gift? Yes indeed He has! Do you know what it is? See also Romans 12:1-8 and 1 Peter 4:7-11 on this theme. True, the sign gifts such as healings, tongues, the working of miracles, and prophesying have passed away (1 Cor. 13:1-13). But other gifts remain, and it is your privilege and responsibility to find out what your gift' is. Then ask the Lord for the grace to so use that gift that He might be glorified and believers might be edified and sinners saved.

___________________________________
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 ~ READY MY PLACE TO FILL AUGUST 23, 2006



READY MY PLACE TO FILL
By Paul Hume

Scripture Reading: John 4:1-42; Acts 16:6-12

There is a hymn which we seldom sing, yet its words fit the spirit of the suggested Scriptures for our meditation today:

     "Ready to suffer grief or pain,
     Ready to stand the test;
     Ready to stay at home and send
     Others, if He sees best.
     Ready to go, ready to stay,
     Ready my place to fill;
     Ready for service, lowly or great,
     Ready to do His will."

We observed yesterday that God the Holy Spirit under the Headship of the Lord Jesus Christ sovereignly bestows His gifts. If you have read Acts 16:6-12 you will also notice that God sovereignly assigns the place of service. It was not in the sovereign will of God for Paul and Silas to enter into Bithynia and certain parts of Asia (Minor) to preach the gospel. That was for "another man" (see Rom. 15:20). But it was the will of God for them to "go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them." What a ministry they had in that part of Greece! Later on it became the will of God (I am sure) for Paul to go to Rome by way of being a political prisoner! Some argue that Paul was out of God's will in his journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21:10-23; 30) I don't believe he was, else the words of the Lord---" Be of good cheer, Paul for as thou hast testified of Me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also in Rome" ---actually commend him for getting out of His will. No, Paul was in the will of God, for he had "a place to fill" in Rome!

What about you? What about me? You may not be a preacher or a missionary, but are you in God's place for you? You may be a "humble housewife," yet God has that "place" for you to represent Christ in. You may be a student at such and such a school, yet you are there not by chance but by Divine choice to represent Christ there! You maybe a businessman or even an executive, yet God has you in this place so you can represent Christ there! Are You in your "place?"

___________________________________
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 ~ GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY AND MY CIRCUMSTANCES AUGUST 24, 2006


GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY AND MY CIRCUMSTANCES
By Paul Hume

Scripture Reading: Psa. 91; Phil. 4:11-13

"Milk from contented cows" has been the famous slogan of the Carnation Milk Co. But what about contentment in your life? Notice how Paul confessed that he had to "learn" this "secret" of how to be content in all situations of life!

The word he uses for "content" and "contentment" is a Greek word meaning "to be possessed of sufficient strength" and thus to be "sufficient in one's self." This is not the self-sufficiency and complacency of the flesh and the world. It is one of the virtues which God alone can infuse into the personality of His redeemed ones. It comes from above: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Better translated, this verse reads: "I am equal to all things in the One who infuseth me with strength." Bless the Lord! So whether I am in trying and tough circumstances, or whether I am in easy and pleasant circumstances, I can do all that God expects of me, How? "Through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Madam Guyon, after ten years spent in a dungeon far below the   the ground, lit only by a candle at meal-time, wrote these words which bear out this blessed truth:

    "A little bird I am,
    Shut from the fields of air;
    Yet in my cage I sit and sing
    To Him who placed me there;
    Well pleased a prisoner to be,
    Because, my God, it pleases Thee,
    Ah! it is good to soar
    These bolts and bars above
    To Him whose purpose I adore,
    Whose Providence I love;
    And in Thy mighty will to find
    The joy, the freedom of the mind."

This is not an easy lesson for any of us to learn! Yet we can learn it when we take the sovereign God, our Savior, into view. And remember today: "He giveth MORE grace" (James 4:6). Praise the Lord!

___________________________________
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 ~ GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY AND OUR SUFFERING AUGUST 25, 2006


GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY AND OUR SUFFERING
By Paul Hume

Scripture Reading: Job 42:1-10; Psa. 4:1; 2 Cor. 4:16-18

J.N. Darby has rendered Psalm 4:1 in and excellent manner: "When I call, answer me, 0 God of my righteousness: in pressure thou has enlarged me; be gracious unto me and hear my prayer." Did you note those words, "in pressure thou has enlarged me?" Pressure! Who of us enjoys pressure the "pressure" of disappointments? the "pressure" of sorrows? the pressure of a cruel or unkind loved one, relative, friend, or employer? Yes, life is full of such pressures, but the unsaved in  many cases seem to "get by all right." But not you! You're saved, yet you have to "sweat it out" sometimes. The words of the Psalmist you say a loud Amen to: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous" (Psa. 34:19).

A lady was visiting beautiful Switzerland one summer. One day she came upon a mountain sheepfold. She stood and watched very interestingly, for there was one poor sheep, lying there moaning and looking very sick. She saw his leg was broken, and full of pity, asked how it had happened. "I broke it myself," said the shepherd sadly. She thought that it must have been an accident, but the shepherd went on to explain, "No, it was done. on purpose; it was the only way. That sheep will follow me, afterwards, when I've nursed it and got it better, and it will always come at my call then. But before it wouldn't; it was always wandering off into dangerous places, and it wouldn't let me take care of it along with the rest, and wouldn't even come when I called. It would have got killed certainly if I hadn't done that."

Why must we sometimes be afflicted? Why must we occasionally have to "walk through the valley of the shadow of death?" So that, like Job, through suffering, we might find our "captivity turned" (that is, our natural selfishness broken), and then experience enlargement. Study those words of Paul to the saints in Corinth (2 Cor. 6:11-13)! In their carnality they were "straitened." Only the crucible of suffering could remedy that narrowness of soul and release the Spirit of Christ within unto the blessing of others.

___________________________________
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 ~ GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY AND TEMPTATION AUGUST 26, 2006


GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY AND TEMPTATION
By Paul Hume

Scripture Reading: Jas. 1:12-17; I Cor. 10:12-13

Why are we tempted? Why doesn't God so arrange things so that there will be no temptations, or few, at least, to do wrong.

James tells us clearly all through the first chapter of his brief Epistle. We learn from James 1:2-4 that God orders certain trials to come into our lives to the end that we may be "fully developed and perfectly equipped, without any defects" (William Trans.). But then in verses 13-15 James speaks of that inward enticement to do evil. This "temptation" comes not from God--though it operates under His sovereign good pleasure even as does Satan and all evil. This "temptation" comes from within. It is the Evil One--the tempter--drawing us, through our evil nature, to do those things which are contrary to the revealed will of God.

Dr. Charles Ryrie "in his excellent book, Balancing the Christian Life (by all means obtain a copy: published by Moody Press) states several things about why God allows us to be harassed by various temptations during Iife. He states: "But as with all temptations, a test which God designed to teach us something may be failed and the lesson lost. In that case, the only solution is to confess the sin, pick oneself up again, learn the lesson of the weakness of the flesh, and lean harder on the power of God. But, you. say, are not the risks so great that God would do better to eliminate temptations from our lives? The answer is no, for testing is the route to approval and growth in our Christian lives. Proving requires testing; growth is faster in the face of opposition; great results involve great risks. Testings are God's way of offering us opportunities for approval and growth; they are the way of Satan's defeat. Which way we go depends largely on us." (P. 138.)

So when you are tested by the Lord through various persons who cross your path or various circumstances you pass through, or whether you're tempted by Satan through your fallen nature to think or do some evil, remember this.  It is a test God has meant for you to pass. He has given us His Word that He will not "allow you to be tempted above that you are able." He has also given His Son as our Helper (Heb. 2:18 ).

___________________________________
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 ~ GOD - SOVEREIGNTY AND PRAYER AUGUST 27, 2006


GOD - SOVEREIGNTY AND PRAYER
By Paul Hume

Scripture Reading: Rom. 8:26-27; Phil. 4:6-7; I Jn. 5:14-15

"Prayer changes things." You have heard this motto all your life perhaps. Does it? You reply, "Why, of course, I've seen prayer change things." Indeed, prayer does change things, but it doesn't always--even when asked according to the Word of God and in much earnest sincerity. Why? Because God is sovereign, and He answers prayer "according to His will."

"The possibilities and necessity of prayer, its power and results, are manifested in arresting and changing the purposes of God and in relieving the stroke of His power." This statement was made years ago in a periodical called "The Christian Worker." Do you think that your prayers and mine, or even all the prayers of all the true saints the world over together can change the purposes of God? Nay! Nay! What God has purposed, that He will perform! Yet God has purposed that His saints pray not to change His purposes but to bring His purposes about! In other words, God moves on His people to pray to the end that certain things may take place: e.g., the outbreak of genuine. spiritual revival. History records several such. Saints prayed and prayed. Finally God sent the long-awaited "showers of blessing." Saints were refreshed and sinners were added to Christ by the hundreds. How did it come about? Through prayer. Yes, but behind that was the sovereign pleasure of God to send such reviving at that time.

Why pray? We should do so regularly and constantly ("Pray without ceasing"--I Thes. 5:17) in order to be totally dependent upon the Lord instead of upon ourselves and our maneuverings. We should pray so that we might be brought to the position of worship (an almost unheard of thing except for our so-called Sunday morning "Worship Services" which are really preaching services) and honoring Him who is "God over all, blessed forever." Again, we should pray because it has been ordained as one of the means of our growth in God's grace. Prayer is also a means for the exercising of the faith. Furthermore, prayer has been given so that we may share with our Father in Heaven those things we have need of as well as the needs of others. Therefore, pray, pray and pray!

___________________________________
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 ~ GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY & SOUL WINNING AUGUST 28, 2006


GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY & SOUL WINNING
By Paul Hume

Scripture Reading: 1 Cor. 9:16-23; 2 Cor. 5:14-6:2

Much of the time, sad to say, when a person treats the subject of the sovereignty of God, the truth concerning genuine soul winning is either left out or ruled out. On the other hand, often-times those who major on soul winning almost totally circumvent or rule out the sovereignty of God. Again, as in any Divine truth, there needs to be balance and proportion. The Old Testament declares--long before this present Dispensation of the preaching of the Grace of God-- "He that winneth souls is wise" (Prov. 11:30). The word "winneth" is actually a military word denoting taking captive the enemy. In the Gospels we hear our Lord telling His disciples: "Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men" (Mark 1:17). His intent was that as these disciples had been used to catching fish, now they were to learn how to "catch men alive" for Christ. Paul brings out the same truth when he states: "that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life." (Phil. 2:15-16). The idea here is that just as the blackness of the night is punctuated by the shining forth of the heavenly luminaries, so the darkness of this present evil age under the power of darkness is to be punctuated by believers holding out to the members of their generation the Life-giving light of the Gospel of the glory of the blessed God (see 2 Cor. 4:4-6 and I Tim. 1:11).

Where does soul winning, then, fit in the plan of God? If God sovereignly has elected a certain number unto Life in Christ, and if God is the One who must woo them, draw them, convict them, and then regenerate them, where does witnessing and leading people to Christ fit in? God has ordained that through "the foolishness of preaching (lit. the thing preached--that is, the preaching of the word of the cross) to save them that believe." This "preaching" is not only that which the God-called Pastor or Evangelist or Missionary does It is the giving forth by word of mouth the truth of the Gospel so that those who hunger after salvation might be saved.

___________________________________
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 ~ GOD'S PLAN AND SOUL WINNING AUGUST 29, 2006


GOD'S PLAN AND SOUL WINNING
By Paul Hume

Scripture Reading: Eph. 2:1-3;12

The truth which God desires for "all" to see today is "what is the dispensation (or, economy) of the mystery (secret)" (Eph. 3:9). The heart of this mystery is stated in Ephesians 3:6. ''That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs and of the same body (joint-body), and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel."  Did you notice that last phrase? It is by means of the gospel (Paul's Gospel: "my gospel") that sinners are to share in the promise of God in Christ! What is this "promise?" It is "the promise of Life which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 1:1). The earnest of this promise is the impartation of the New Man and the indwelling Holy Spirit (see Eph. 1:13-14). We see then, that the present purpose of God in forming the "one new man," and building "an holy temple (sanctuary) in the Lord," and bringing about the completion of "the church, which is His body" all hinges upon "the gospel."

Our "great commission"-- binding upon preachers and people alike--is to proclaim "Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery." This is to be done on a public preaching basis, but especially is it to be done on a person-to-person basis. In other words, you as well as I are responsible to deliberately, under the leadership of the blessed "Lord of the harvest"--the Holy Spirit ---seek to win precious children, young people, and adults to the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Not called!" did you say? 'Not heard the call,' I think you should say. God has been calling loudly ever since He spoke your sins forgiven--if you are forgiven at all--entreating and beseeching you to be His ambassador. Put your ear down to the Bible and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go and stand by the gates of Hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brothers and sisters and servants and masters not to come there. And then look Christ in the face, Whose mercy you have professed to have received... and tell Him whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstance in this march to publish His mercy to the world." (Gen. William Booth)

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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 ~ A TEMPLATE AUGUST 30, 2006


A TEMPLATE
by C. R. Stam

With the knowledge of good and evil man came into the possession of conscience. A sense of blameworthiness smote him when he committed, or even contemplated committing, evil. This has been so ever since. The Bible tells us that even the most ungodly and benighted heathen “show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another” (Rom.2:15).

It is true that man’s conscience can be violated so often that it becomes calloused or, as St. Paul puts it: “seared with a hot iron” (ITim.4:2), but events or incidents can take place which suddenly awaken the conscience and make it sensitive again. Many a person has indulged in “the pleasures of sin” more and more freely until, suddenly, his sin has found him out and his conscience has caught up with him to condemn him day and night and make life itself unbearable.

The Bible teaches that all men outside of Christ are, to some degree, troubled by guilty consciences and certainly most are “through fear of death... all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Heb. 2:15). But it also teaches that “Christ died for our sins” so that our penalty having been paid, we might be delivered from a guilty conscience.

The works and ceremonies of the Mosaic Law could never accomplish this, but sincere and intelligent believers in Christ, having been “once purged”, have “no more conscience of sins” (Heb. 9:14; 10:1,2). They are, to be sure, conscious of their sins, but they are no longer tortured by a forever-condemning conscience, for they know that the penalty for all their sins, from the cradle to the coffin, was fully met by Christ at Calvary.

This is not to imply that even a sincere believer may not be troubled about offending the One who paid for his sins, but he knows that the judgment for these sins is past. Thus he earnestly seeks, like Paul, “to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward man” (Acts 24:16).

___________________________________
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 ~ GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY & THE COMING DAYS SEPTEMBER 1, 2006


GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY & THE COMING DAYS
By Paul Hume

Scripture Reading: 2 Thes. 2:1-12; Rev. 1:1-8; 9:20-21

Since I love to dabble with the weather, I remember several things in the past connected thereunto. I remember when I still lived in Minneapolis, Minn. how I was caught out in the open in the worst windstorm ever to strike that city. I knew that something radical was approaching that evening. My barometer was falling rapidly; hot, heavy, humid air was upon us; dark thunderheads were piling up in the southwest; and the air was still as death. After several sharp thundershowers, a "burst" came from the northwest Winds of above 100 miles per hour hit, blowing from between 80 and 11O miles per hour for almost a half an hour. Rains lashed the city, and great bolts of lightning struck here and there. Wires were down all over; storefronts were sucked out (an evidence of tornadic conditions); huge trees were uprooted in every block; and streets were washed out in places. What a mess the city was in! Yet, there had been ample warnings!

The "barometer" of time is telling us that terrible, unprecedented days lie ahead. The Word of God amply warns us, and even the secular leaders of our society are warning that civilization is on the brink of a world-wide catastrophe. The "barometer" is dropping. The huge storm-clouds are gathering; and thunder is rumbling; and the air is deathly still (with not only its "air pollution;" but its antichrist poisons and lawlessness of every shade and hue). The "things which must speedily come to pass" (Rev. 1:1), (lit. are about to take place). The "consummation of the age" is upon us! Great and terrible days are at hand! What days are these in which to be living--days of great opportunities for the Gospel of the Grace of God!

What should we do? Be terrified? That would be human! But no, for us, we should "take courage" and "redeem the time, for the days are evil." We should "be looking (with expectancy) for that blessed hope," and bless the One Who is still on the throne, and Who is very much in control of things--even the Devil and evil men!

Great days are these, we say again; but greater is our Savior-God who is able "to guard you from stumbling" until that day!"

___________________________________
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 SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD AND DEATH SEPTEMBER 2, 2006


THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD AND DEATH
By Paul Hume

Scripture Reading: James 4:13-17; Psa.31:15; Job 14:5

"The clock of life is wound but once,

And no one has the power

To tell just when the hands will stop

At late or early hour."

When will I die? When will you die? No one has answer to these questions because our blessed, all-wise, sovereign Lord, who is "the God of the spirits of all flesh" (Num. 16:.22; Heb. 12:9), holds the number of our very months and days, as well as years, in His power. We are not born of mere natural accident--even though many are born out of wedlock and the like. We are born to fit into the purposes of God. Our time of birth as well as I time of our death is in His counsels. Little wonder the devout Psalmist could state, "My times are in thy hand" (Psa. 31:15).

Therefore, how pointed is the inspired advice James: "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we  are going to such and such a city and stay a year, go into, business and make money,' although you do not have the slightest knowledge of tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? It is really nothing but a mist which appears for a little while and then disappears. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we shall live and do this or that.'  But, as it is, you boast of your proud pretensions. All such boasting is wicked" (William Trans.).

"Unto God the Lord," declared the Psalmist, "belong the issues from death" (68:20). Since HE "giveth and taketh away" (Job 1:21), what can we do but live in holy, submission to His will, and live a day at a time, seeking to be wise, "redeeming the time" for "the time is short" (Eph. 5:15,16, 1 Cor. 7:29)? Are YOU ready should the Lord be pleased to remove YOU by way of death TODAY?

___________________________________
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 ~ Set Free by God's Truth SEPTEMBER 3, 2006


Set Free by God’s Truth
by Anabel Gillham


How could I have been so stupid?
Why, oh why did I do that?
What a loser I am!
When am I going to learn?
How long is God going to put up with me?
I’m still stumbling around and causing all sorts of problems.
Time and time again I fail.
I’m sick of myself and the things that I do.
I’ll never change.
I’m just kidding myself to think that I could ever . . .

Stop! Where are all of those destructive thoughts coming from? Who’s talking to me? Something’s going on here that doesn’t ring true. Sure. I was wrong. I failed and I confess that readily. But this is carrying things too far.

* * *

Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise [again]; Though I dwell in darkness, the Lord is a light for me.
Micah 7:8

Okay, I blew it! I was wrong!

But don’t you try to convince me that God is through with me. He’s not going to give up on Anabel. He’s the One who saved me in the first place. Don’t you suppose He knew what He was getting into with me? He knows everything about me — past, future, and present, and He still loves me — unconditionally!

And I am NOT a loser! I’m a new creation in Christ Jesus. I just haven’t learned how to walk like who I really am yet. But I will. One of these days I’ll be running instead of stumbling and falling — and I’ll win! You’ll see.

So you just go back to your lair and shut up, Satan! Even though I’ve fallen (and will undoubtedly fall again) you don’t need to think I’m down to stay. Don’t gloat over me, my enemy. It may look pretty bleak right now, but I’ll make it . . . because of the Lord. He lives within me and He loves me and nothing I can do will ever damage that love. Furthermore, He has told me, "Anabel, you will stand. I Myself will cause you to stand" (from Romans 14:4).

* * *

Sound theology is my only key to real hope.

Satan, the Deceiver, is a liar, and a very persuasive and convincing liar (John 8:44). How many times I have listened to his insidious accusations and allowed them to separate me from the One who loves me, who can help me. . . .

Lord, I don’t want anything to come between us. The knowledge of You and the awareness of Your presence is my most precious possession. How wise of the Evil One to try to drive a wedge that would separate me from You.

Truth is my most powerful weapon. You have said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. . . . If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:32, 36).

I’m free to be lovely
to be hateful and ugly
I’m free to stand or to fall.
I’m free to be sinful
to be headstrong and willful
I’m free to not sin at all.
So who makes me free
who gives me strength
how do I accomplish this feat?
I give Christ my life
Regardless of cost
Then rest in His love—complete.
He takes me and loves me
molds me and shapes me
To His image—beauty divine.
And all that He did
And all that He promised
Through His life and His death becomes mine.

© Lifetime Guarantee Ministries. Content on Lifetime.org is written for your encouragement and spiritual growth. Copying, printing, and distributing to others are encouraged. Thank you for crediting Lifetime Guarantee Ministries and our website (www.lifetime.org) as the source.

___________________________________
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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http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
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