GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

[nChrist]

FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE
by C.R. Stam


"And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love" (I Cor. 13:13).

St. Paul had been discussing, in I Cor. 13, some of the miraculous signs that were to vanish away as God’s revelation became complete. But faith, hope and love, he declared, would abide as a triune evidence of true Christianity.

These three are all we need in the present "dispensation of the grace of God." Any church where faith, hope and love are found in abundant measure is a "full" church. It may have but a few members, but what greater blessing could it wish for than faith, hope and love in its fellowship?

Faith, hope and love are a trinity often referred to in St. Paul’s epistles. Each is of basic importance in its way, and none can exist without the other two.

Faith is of primary importance. "Without faith it is impossible to please [God]" (Heb 11:6), and how can there be hope and love without faith?

Hope holds the central place among the three. Hope in the Bible is more than a wish; it is the opposite of despair, an eager anticipation of blessings to come. Hope is the Christian’s experience, his living with eternity’s glory in view.

Love is the crowning virtue of the three; it is the fruit of faith and hope, and is greatest in the sense that it is "the bond of perfectness." Moreover, love is eternal. Some day, for every true believer, "faith will vanish into sight; hope be emptied in delight" and love will reign supreme.

May God help us, in our fellowship with each other, to evidence a full measure of faith, hope and love.

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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]

THE TRUE CHRISTMAS STORY
By  the late Pastor Vernon A. Schutz



   The Christmas story is indeed true, but do you really know the true Christmas story?

   What do you see in the manger? For many the manger is filled with brightly colored ribbon girding a box wrapped neatly with beautiful Christmas paper. Others see tinsel, ornaments, spruce, cookies, candy and an assortment of other seasonal things. But empty the Crib of all of these, for they do not belong there, and see what the Crib really contains.

   Now that all has been taken away, what do you see? Do you see only a babe? It is sad how many know about this babe, but do not know who He is? Zacharias knew, for he praised God that He had visited His people (Lk. 1:68 ). Yes, this babe was God in flesh. This Jesus is Jehovah (Lk. 1:76); and His descent to earth was to deal with sins and their remission (vs. 77). Paul says, "Great is the mystery of Godliness: God was manifested in flesh." And of this Jesus he said, "Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever."

   Why should God take upon Himself human flesh? Ah, this is the Christmas story: the Crib and the Cross. His taking flesh at Bethlehem was only a means to an end, which end was Golgotha. This babe, God's eternal Son, Himself God, was born in order to die. The wooden Crib in Bethlehem in which He lay was to become the wooden Cross of Calvary on which He was to hang. We have heard and read often about His being born, but this is only the Christmas birth. God's Word always puts the Crib and the Cross together, and this makes the true Christmas story.

"He hath appeared (the Crib) to put away sin by sacrifice
of Himself" (the Cross), Heb. 9:26.
"The Son of man came ... (the Crib) to give His life a ransom
for many" (the Cross), (Mk. 10:45).
"And ye know that He was manifested (the Crib) to take
away our sins" (the Cross), 1 Jn. 3:5.

On the night of His birth, the Shepherds praised God for a Saviour. A Saviour must be one who is capable of dying (God took flesh), yet at the same time one upon whom death has no claim (Christ was sinless). Christ died for us because we were incapable of paying the debt we owed to God's holiness. His holiness demands that sin be punished. Sin's penalty is death: physical, spiritual, and eternal. We could not pay it without being eternally ruined, so Christ redeemed us, i.e., He paid our debt (damnation) on the Cross. Only God Himself could satisfy the demands of His holiness without being eternally ruined, but only man owed the debt. None could pay it but God; none owed it but man. Therefore, if the debt were to be paid, it must be God that pays it; but it must be God as man, since it is man alone who owed it. Would God Himself, because of His love for us, bear the penalty of our sin? Yes! God became man at Bethlehem's Crib, in order to become our Saviour at Calvary's Cross. God took flesh (the Crib) and died for us (the Cross) so that whosoever puts his trust in this for the remission of his sins should never perish but have eternal life.

   Remember, the Bible is God's Word to us. He cannot and will not lie. Take Him at His Word. Read these Scriptures and believe what He says:

"To Him (Christ) give all the prophets witness, that
through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall
receive remission of sins" (Acts 10:43).

"Through this man (Jesus) is preached unto you, the forgiveness
of sins: And by Him all that believe are justified
from all things" (Acts 13:38,39).

   Do not just believe about Christ as a historical figure, but believe on Christ as a personal Saviour. Believe on Him as the only way you can be saved.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved"
(Acts 16:31).

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none
other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we
must be saved." (Acts 4:12).

   The Crib was the preparation necessary to accomplish the wondrous plan of redemption. His holy, sinless life was the prelude to becoming the spotless lamb to be slain for our sins.

   The Cross and its suffering was the purpose for which He came into this world. There He bore our sins "in His own body on the tree." The condemnation we deserve He suffered, "the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God."

   The Crib and the Cross give us the true Christmas story. May it bring true joy to your heart at this important season of the year. 

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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]

Christmas "What Does It Mean?"
By Nancy Faries
Evansville, Indiana


Our pastor is very fond of acrostics. So, I'm going to use one of his teaching techniques to talk about the special time of year called Christmas. Of course, the word "Christmas" means different things to different people. For example, it would mean something entirely different to the secular world than it would to spiritual believers.

C Let's consider the letter "C" to begin our illustration. This could stand for "commercial," which is the aspect the secular world emphasizes. For those in retail sales, this season is the biggest money maker of the year. Many merchants receive over 50% of their annual income during these days. At this time, too, gift giving usually becomes such an obsession for many that they end up displaying some very un-Christian attitudes at the stores. But for those of us who have believed on Him, the "C," of course, refers to "Christ," Whose birth we are commemorating. The ancient prophets amazingly predicted His unique arrival hundreds of years before it happened. Isaiah says, "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Emmanuel (meaning, "God with us" - cf. Matt. 1:22-23) " .. .For unto us a child is given ... and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace" (Isa. 7:14; 9:6). We now look back on this event in wonder and awe.

H is for the "Hurry, Hurry, Hurry of the Season." People go here, go there, do this, do that. It can become madness for those who miss the true point of it all. However, the "H" should be a reminder of "Heaven" that awaits those who are saved in this dispensation (Eph. 2:4-10; Phil. 3:20-21). It is a place of such utter peace and tranquility, that the earthly ills and frustrations caused by the frantic pace of this life will all be forgotten. This is why the Apostle Paul referred to it as "paradise" (II Cor. 12:2-4).

R stands for the "right" gift -- sometimes given for a wrong reason. In other words, some give gifts to win favor or to impress someone. Others simply give gifts mechanically, because it is the "thing" to do. Maybe that "R" should depict the only lasting "right" gift, which is the one that God gave in the Person of His Son. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. "

I The "I" could be the "icicles" of the winter season. This time of year marks the beginning of cold weather, which I personally dread. But to the spiritual person, the "I" might portray the fact that God the Son became an "infant" in order to qualify as man's Savior. Luke 2:11-12 declares: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. " But in truth, it's not the "babe" we should remember so much as the life of the man He became - the One Who suffered and died for us (Rom. 5:6-8,15-19). That's why Paul calls Him, " ... the man Christ Jesus" (I Tim. 2:5).

S The "s" is one I have to admit that I, myself, enjoy. It is "Shop, Shop, Shop 'till you drop!" But actually, I enjoy that in March, May, August, September. But seriously, The "s" should symbolize "Salvation." That is why the Apostle Paul could proclaim without reservation, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Rom. 1:16). He had experienced God's saving power first-hand, and knew that it would work for all who desired to be saved.

T For the secular world, the "T" might depict the "tree" to trim. ~Though representing no small effort, it seems that just about everyone perpetuates the age-old tradition of placing lights and ornaments on this annual fixture. But the word, "tree" can also bring to mind the tree that grew hundreds of years ago that made the Cross on which our Savior was crucified. I Peter 2:24 reveals that "[Christ] His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree. " He made this tree despite knowing the agony it would bring Him as He was judged on our behalf (Jn. 1: 1-3, 14).

M The "M" could picture, "Man." Too often the world sees man's desires as paramount, giving itself over to the fleshly indulgences of the occasion. But our "M" should be for the "Message" of God's Word announced for all to hear (Lk. 2:10, 13-14). That is, if we would only proclaim it, and if they would only listen. Romans 10:15-17 declares, "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things ... So then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Christmas is really about having people place their absolute trust in Jesus Christ to save their souls forever.

A The "A" has to stand for "abundance." Yes, at this time, everyone seems to want more and more. Here, people never seem to be satisfied or content. Children are usually disappointed with what they've received and appear to be unthankful despite a multitude of presents. Often, dissatisfaction is registered with parents because others received more than they did. Nevertheless, the believer's "A" should denote "appreciation." II Corinthians 9:15 reflects heartfelt gratitude by Paul for what God gave us in Christ. He says, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. " How different is the attitude of some, who "When they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful ... " (Rom. 1:21). Gratitude should truly be the order of the day for everyone at this time of the year.

S The "s" identifies the "Sin" of greed that is rampant in the world during Christmas because everyone wants the many "gifts" that God bestows, but very few want the "Giver." It is a constant battle even for believers to fight against the temptation to covet what others have (Rom. 7:7; Eph. 5:3). Be that as it may, our "s" recognizes Christ's foremost title - "Savior." The angel made reference to this regarding the name of Christ prior to His conception. He said, " ... thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21).

We've gone through every letter which makes up the word "Christmas." By so doing, we've come to one outstanding conclusion: that is, Christmas is really about receiving the gift of salvation that is offered by God to all who will simply receive it by faith (Eph. 2:8-9). If you haven't already, won't you do so right now? If you will, I guarantee that then you will have a truly Merry Christmas. Again, the Bible tells us the real meaning of Christmas. It says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" Jn. 3:16). Won't you open this beautifully wrapped package of salvation and receive all the blessings it contains? Go ahead! It has your name on it!

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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]

A CHRISTMAS POEM
By Pastor  J. C. O'Hair

Redemption's story, God's own plan,
The Lord Himself in form of man;
Yes, lower than the angels made,
In Bethlehem's manger Christ was laid;
The virgin's Son, the King Divine,
In David's house the royal line;
Conceived as was no other child;
The Seed of Woman, undefiled.

On Calvary's Cross the Saviour died,
By wicked men was crucified;
But God foreknew this awful crime,
It was His own appointed time.
The death of Christ was by God's grace
That He might save the human race;
Save lost sinners, everyone
Who will believe on Christ the Son.

When you know what God has done
Why do you reject His Son,
Despise His grace and spurn His love,
And miss a home in Heaven above?
Believe God's Word, accept God's way;
'Tis worse than folly to delay.
Christ will save you from your sin
And give you joy and peace within.

And then from condemnation free
A Merry Christmas yours will be.
When you yourself have thus been freed,
You will believe man's greatest need,
In this world so filled with strife,
Is God's free gift - eternal life.
And all who take what God will give
Shall with Christ forever live.

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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]

The Ministry of the Four Absolutes
By Joe B. Mason



I was told that the Four Absolutes were taken from Christ's "Sermon on the Mount." They supposedly are to give something of a summary of that wonderful message. Further, this summary was expected to provide a short foot rule or standard for Christian conduct.

I gave attention as the speaker continued listing those four as follows:

Absolute Honesty
Absolute Purity
Absolute Love
Absolute Unselfishness

It was expected that this "foot rule" was to prove a constant challenge to every person. It was stated that God expects perfection, and in these absolutes, one could easily determine his own standing with God.

My reaction to this teaching was to accept it for serious consideration. I began to compare my own lifestyle with this so-called "foot-rule standard."

At first I found honesty easy to meet. I had been taught to be honest by my parents who gave a fine example of this basic honesty. Purity, however, was a different matter. The speaker suggested that each one consider having his mind or thoughts made into a film to be presented to the public. Now I made haste to get to the next test.

With Absolute Love it was apparent that no one could measure to that high point. A person might love two or three persons, a blonde perhaps, and so on. To love everyone was impossible. I recalled that the famous American, Will Rogers, once said, "I never met a man I didn't like." Oh, liking a person was one thing, but loving by Christ's standard was something else.

At last I came to the Absolute where I was confident of a high mark. I knew that my life was one of unselfishness. Soon, however, I remembered some not-so-unselfish acts, and then came the sad truth that my life was one wholly self-centered life. The underlying motive in all my action was for self. No one could measure up to this standard, I concluded.

The speaker seemed to have anticipated this thought, for he suggested, "The good is soon lost when the best is not aimed at." That was a true statement, I knew, but still I knew that 1 was far from measuring up to the demand.

As a believer, long after this message, I see now that it was a challenge that caused me to make an inventory of my life and my motives. For the first time in my life, it began to dawn on me that I was self-centered with little or no concern for God or for others. This conviction came to me slowly but surely. One night, following this message, I came to a decision. I was all alone and under deep conviction of sin. I realized that my entire problem was due to sin in my life. I invited Jesus Christ to be my Savior and my Lord and Sin Bearer.

In seeking much later to determine Scriptures to support these several Absolutes, I was able to find many. I saw that the Bible reveals that these are a practical challenge for every individual. After all, the Bible teaches, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23).

Every believer is in need of the transforming experience, that is, the new life which is given by Christ when we trust Him. It is in this way that a believer is made PERFECT by our loving God. Anything else than this perfection is insufficient before God. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, we read of this miracle of transformation in these words, "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." At conversion the individual is made a new creature in Christ. What a blessing, and what a transformation! Yes, and WHAT A SAVIOR!

For several Scriptures that support these Absolutes, I suggest the following:

Absolute Honesty - Romans 12: 17
Absolute Purity -I Timothy 5:2
Absolute Love -I Corinthians 13:1-2
Absolute Unselfishness - Philippians 2:3-4

There are many other Scriptures that may be found to point us to this high standard. It is, after all, the Word of God that is "quick and powerful." Still, I am everlastingly grateful for the challenge that came to me as a young man of age 23. I was a baptized church member. I supposed that I was a Christian. My religion, it turned out, was but a head knowledge. I needed a HEART TRANSFORMATION. Christ is well able to change any life. It is our part to yield to His call. The call is to be found on many pages of the Bible. One that has meant so much to me is found in Acts 16:31: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved" What a true and blessed promise!

And so I pray this Christmas Day
That this may be your gift!

May have a Very Merry Christmas Beloved, and a Wonderful
New Year!

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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]

THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF CALVARY
by C. R. Stam





Three times in Romans 5 we read that Christ died for us. Verse 6 tells us that He died for us in our weakness, Verse 8 that He died for us in our sin, and Verse 10 that He died for us in our rebellion.

First, Verse 6 says: "For when we were yet WITHOUT STRENGTH, in due time Christ died for the ungodly".

Men sometimes try to make themselves acceptable to God by human effort, but they never succeed. We can't walk or run to heaven, we can't even fly there, and we certainly can't climb there —- not even by doing good works, for good works is what we ought to do, and we should not expect them to counter-balance our sinful thoughts and deeds. Anyway, heaven is God's and He says we cannot gain it by works:

"For by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph.2:8,9).

Next, Romans 5:8 says: "God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet SINNERS, Christ died for us".

Many people feel shut out of heaven, not merely because of a sense of helplessness, but because of a sense of sinfulness and condemnation. To such God proclaims the glad news that "Christ died for sinners", and "came into the world to save sinners" (ITim.1:15). At Calvary He paid the just penalty for sin -— for the sins of all mankind -— so that we, by faith, might be "justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Rom.3:24).

But Romans 5:10 goes even further, offering hope and grace to those who have resisted God's grace and rejected His Son, for here the greatest Christ-rejecter of all time, now gloriously saved and changed, declares:

"When we were ENEMIES, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son" (Rom.5:10).

And so the helpless, the sinful, yes, and the rebellious, can find acceptance with God if only they will turn from their sin and failure to Him. “BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED…” (Acts 16:31).

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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]

BLESSED ASSURANCE
By  Judy


"…Yet I am not ashamed, because I KNOW Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He IS ABLE to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day" (2 Timothy 1: 12).

The song, "Blessed Assurance" has words that ring like bells through my spirit and soul; how awesome is our God, that He is able to bring this heart such joy and such peace amid the tumultuous world about me! I praise His holy name!

I am bursting with love for my Jesus. He has given me assurance of eternal life and oh how glorious that will be. I am a joint heir with Jesus, God’s Son because of the cross of Calvary. Jesus purchased my salvation; I am filled with His Spirit and I am washed clean in His blood. His blood; what wonderful POWER there is in His blood, power to break chains of slavery, to forgive ALL my sin, to heal every cell in my body, and to protect me. Hallelujah!

Awake, you who sleep; arise from the dead and Christ will give you light. It is high time to awaken out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed (Ephesians 5: 13-20). Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation (Romans 13: 11-14; 1 Thessalonians 5: 4-9). Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. Watch and pray; stand fast in the faith, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.

"Arise and shine for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you and His glory will be seen upon you (Isaiah 60: 1-3).

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This shall be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests" (Luke 2: 9-14; John 17).

As the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself. As the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life (1 John 5: 11, 12). Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9: 15)!

"Make a JOYFUL SHOUT to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name" (Psalm 100: 1- 4). "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be on His shoulder. And HIS NAME will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9: 6; Luke 1: 46, 47). Hallelujah!!

"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be GLORY and MAJESTY, DOMINION and POWER, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before ALL ages, NOW and FOREVERMORE! Amen" (Jude 24, 25).

My question this week: "Do you have the assurance of eternal life?"
In Jesus' Name,
Judy

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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]

GUARDED AND GUIDED
By Miles Stanford




"My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).

How difficult it is for the hungry heart to adjust to the Father's pace. He is so deliberate and thorough, while our need is so pressing and paramount. Apart from never being behind time, our Father is an eternity ahead of time! We have but to see in the Word what He has accomplished on our behalf in the Lord Jesus, and then quietly rely upon Him, "according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1:3).

"God will perfect that which concerneth His own; and even where there are mistakes and failures, as alas! there are in abundance with all of us, the Lord's rich grace abounds over all, and actually takes occasion from our very mistakes to shine out all the more brightly---- though, assuredly, the mistakes and failures must produce their own painful and humiliating results.

"It is the remembrance of this which alone can give calm repose in the midst of the most discouraging circumstances. If we take the eye of faith off God, our souls must soon be overwhelmed. It is our privilege to be able, in our little measure, to thank God in view of everything, and take refuge in His eternal counsels, which must be made good despite all the unbelief of man, and all the malice of Satan." -C.H.M.

"May God give us to increasingly know Him! If we had only to learn what we are, we should surely be cast down, and sink into despondency; but His object in giving us a knowledge of ourselves and of His grace, is to give us an expected end."

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" (Ps. 23:6).

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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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[nChrist]

THE PEACE OF GOD
by C. R. Stam



"Peace with God" is one thing; "the peace of God" is another. To enjoy the latter, we must first experience the former, for the peace of God, ruling in our hearts, is the result of "peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ."

St. Paul declared by divine inspiration that "[Christ] was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification" and that "therefore, being justified by faith," we, who once were at enmity with God, may enjoy "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 4:25; 5:1). The result of "peace with God" is "the peace of God," the peace that He gives to His own amid all the troubles of life. This is why the Apostle wrote to the Roman Christians:

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing" (Rom. 15:13).

While only those who are at peace with God can -- and should know "the peace of God," it does not follow, however, that all those who are at peace with God necessarily enjoy "the peace of God." Believers can enjoy "the peace of God" only as they practice Phil. 4:6:

"BE CAREFUL [ANXIOUS] FOR NOTHING; BUT IN EVERYTHING, BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION, WITH THANKSGIVING, LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN UNTO GOD."

As we follow these instructions the promise which follows will certainly be fulfilled.

"THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH PASSETH ALL UNDERSTANDING, SHALL KEEP YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS" (Ver. 7).

As believers in Christ "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 ). Therefore we should not be constantly overwhelmed and defeated by the adversities of life, but should heed the exhortation; "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts" (Col. 3:15).

"NOW THE LORD OF PEACE HIMSELF GIVE YOU PEACE ALWAYS BY ALL MEANS" (II Thes. 3:16).

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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]

"Be Strong In the Lord"
Part  1 of 6
BY RICHARD JORDAN


   Paul introduces his charge to "put on the whole armour of God" with the exhortation:

   "Finally, my brethren, BE STRONG IN THE LORD, and IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT" (Eph. 6:10).

   The warfare we face cannot be waged in anything less than His strength. We certainly need to understand this issue fully.

   In Ephesians we are told in detail what it means to be "in Christ." In fact, Ephesians 1 divides into two sections which answer to the twofold source of strength set forth in Eph. 6:10. "Be strong in the Lord" aptly summarizes the truths set forth in Ephesians 1:3-14, while "the power of His might" looks back in similar fashion to Ephesians 1:15-23.


STRONG IN THE LORD

   "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord." This is a great statement, although often only partially understood. To be "strong in the Lord" does not simply mean to be strong "by His help" .. by the Lord coming along side to aid us. Rather, it is being strong in Him. We have been given a standing in Christ and we are to find our strength in the position and blessing God has given us there. Our strength is in who God has made us in Christ; we are to "stand fast in the Lord."

   "Be strong in the Lord. " God always sees us in the spiritual accomplishments of His Son. This is His view of us. We are standing in the glorious victory won at Calvary and which the finished work of Christ accomplished. Be strong in His work for us. Consider Paul's declaration in Ephesians 1:3,

   "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath BLESSED US WITH ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS in heavenly places IN CHRIST."

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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]

"Be Strong In the Lord"
Part  2 of 6
BY RICHARD JORDAN




   Paul goes on in Ephesians 1 to list a sampling of these spiritual blessings, demonstrating that the answer to all our real needs are found in Christ.

   Chosen: Because of sin, mankind struggles with a devastating sense of alienation. All of us have a basic need to be loved and to be important to someone .. to belong, as it were. Thus it is of great encouragement to learn that God has chosen us for Himself and set His love upon us in a special way:

   "According as HE HATH CHOSEN US IN HIM BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love" (Eph. 1 :4).

   Notice when this choice was made: "before the foundation of the world." II Tim. 1:9,10 puts it this way:

   "[God] hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

"But is now made manifest.. .. "

   Before the foundation of the world the triune Godhead established a purpose ---an "eternal purpose" in Christ Jesus ---to form the Body of Christ. Although this purpose was "kept secret since the world began" (Rom. 16:25), it has now been revealed through the ministry committed to the Apostle Paul (Eph. 3: I-11). Thus Paul tells how we became a part of God's great plan: "He hath chosen us in Him. "It is because we are in Christ that we are part of this "eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 3:11).

   Eph.1:4 should not be misread. It does not say that we were chosen to be in Christ. Rather, we were "chosen in Him. "It is because we are in Christ that we are a part of the purpose and plan God established before the foundation of the world.

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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]

"Be Strong In the Lord"
Part  3 of 6
BY RICHARD JORDAN




   What this all means to us is set forth in the words, "that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. " This is our new identity in Christ. The next verse goes on to declare what we have been chosen to:

   "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will" (Eph. 1 :5).

   Adoption is a wonderful thing. God knows everything about us and still He has adopted us -- giving us a place in His family so that we sit at His table as full grown adults. We are somebody -- in Christ! In ourselves we are not much. In Christ we have everything! We are to be strong in our identity in Him. That is where our blessings and privileges are -- that is where our strength is. Worthlessness is no longer an issue -- we are in Christ Jesus.

   Acceptance: Because of sin we all struggle with the trauma of rejection. We feel angry and estranged; we need peace and approval. To this end, Paul proclaims:

   "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein HE HATH MADE US ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED" (Eph.1:6).

   Yes, we deserve to be rejected; no doubt about it. But the Lord Jesus Christ has taken away the barriers. God made Him to be sin for us that we might me made the righteousness of God in Him (II Cor. 5:21). It's wonderful to know that we are "accepted in the Beloved!"

   It is a fact of life that no one -- not our spouse, nor parents, children, friends, nor even fellow believers -- will ever accept us completely and unconditionally. But thanks be to God! He accepts us unconditionally and completely in Christ. We have peace. We do not have to be angry anymore; we do not have to be at war with God, with the world, with our family, with our neighbors, with ourself -- the struggle is over. We are accepted. Where? In Christ. We are to be strong there -- in who God has made us in Him. We can rest confidently in our acceptance in Him.

Redemption: Because of the fall, mankind is enslaved to sin. This is why the struggle for independence is so deeply seated in the human heart. We want to be free because we sense that we are trapped. We feel boxed in, imprisoned, enslaved--we want to be liberated. Hence everyone wants to "come out of the closet" and do their own thing; hang it all out on the line, as it were.

   It is to this need that the Bible speaks when it says, "In whom we have redemption through His blood" (Eph. 1:7). Redemption means liberty -- to be set free.

   Oh, we thought we were free before we trusted Christ; but we weren't. We were the servants of sin and we couldn't help ourselves. John 8:34 records,
"Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, WHOSOEVER COMMITTETH SIN IS THE SERVANT OF SIN" (John 8:34).

   Although we thought we had it made, doing what we wanted to do, we were blind to reality. But Christ has paid the ransom and redeemed us, set us free. Now we don't have to live under the bondage of sin, enslaved to it. We don't have to sin anymore! We are free to serve Him by His grace; motivated out of a heart of love and gratitude for Him; not on the basis of a performance system but "according to the riches of His grace."

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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]

"Be Strong In the Lord"
Part  4of 6
BY RICHARD JORDAN


Forgiveness: Without question we are guilty. Spend time talking with people regarding their soul you will discover that unresolved guilt is one of the greatest heartaches of our time. It hangs like an albatross around the neck of humanity. But there is good news. Where? In Christ!

   "Christ died for our sins," the gospel declares, and thus we have the forgiveness of sins because Jesus Christ has fully paid the sin debt at Calvary. Eph. 1:7 declares,

   "In [Christ] we have ... the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace."

   Forgiveness is not something we might have or that we have on some days and not on others, or when we do certain things and don't do other things. Forgiveness is something "we have" in the present tense. It is something every believer lives in continually; it is a present reality in our lives.

   And how forgiven are we? Col. 2:13 answers

   "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having FORGIVEN YOU ALL TRESPASSES."

   Total forgiveness is the present reality for every believer -- in Christ. God has no more accusations against us. He has finished dealing with our sin. For us to live under the pangs of guilt for past sins or in fear of future failures is to live in bondage to error. It is to occupy ourselves with the things that God is finished dealing with -- our sins -- and results in our neglecting what God is trying to do with us today -- teach us about Christ living in and through us.

   We have been forgiven. We don't have to be guilty anymore. We don't have to have the hounds of guilt dog our heels day after day. Dear friend, if you are plagued by a sense of guilt, take you stand in Christ -- "Be strong in the Lord."

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
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[nChrist]

"Be Strong In the Lord"
Part  5 of 6
BY RICHARD JORDAN


Instruction: Sin has robbed life of its true meaning and purpose. "Man at his best state is altogether vanity" (Psa. 39:5). Consequently humanity drifts aimlessly from event to event seeking some lasting, permanent meaning.

   "Give me exposure to enough people and things, and I will find a meaning and purpose for my life," man's heart cries. A frantic search for meaning and happiness abounds.

   But for the believer, God has again supplied the answer in Christ. Eph. 1:8,9 is one of those passages we should read thoughtfully:

   "Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
"Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself."

   In the riches of His grace God has furnished us with an understanding of "the mystery of His will." In other words, we are privileged to have an under· standing of God's purpose in Christ which He planned before the world began. Such insight allows us to understand our part in what God is doing for Himself through the ages.

   God the Father intends to center everything in the universe in His Son (Eph. 1:10). As members of the Body of Christ we will have an integral part in making this a reality. He wants us to understand that our lives are therefore far from insignificant and meaningless. Even the simplest believer is part of what God is doing -- because we are all in Christ.

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
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[nChrist]

"Be Strong In the Lord"
Part  6 of 6
BY RICHARD JORDAN



Security: Worry, doubts and fear cause our hearts to be filled with turmoil. The insecurities of life haunt us all. Eph. 1:13, 14 informs us:

   "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, YE WERE SEALED WITH THAT HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE,
   "WHICH IS THE EARNEST OF OUR INHERITANCE until the redemption of the purchase possession, unto the praise of his glory."

   This sealing with the Holy Spirit provides complete and total security for every believer. We are placed into the spiritually protected environment of the Holy Spirit's presence securely sealing us in Christ and providing the "earnest" of our salvation "until the day of redemption" (Eph. 4:30) -- that is, until we receive our glorified bodies at the resurrection (cf. Rom. 8:23,29, Phil. 3:20,21). We are secure because we are in Christ.

CONCLUSION

   When Paul says, "Be strong in the Lord, "he is exhorting us to be strong in who God has made us in Christ. We are to find our strength there. It is because we are in Christ that there is any opportunity and privilege for us to be strong.

   You see, no matter how long we have been saved; no matter how advanced we are in understanding the truths of the Bible -- even the book of Ephesians; no matter how faithfully we have served the Lord -- we still have no strength in ourselves upon which we can rely. We must live in the strength of the Lord. II Tim. 2:1 puts it this way:

   "Thou therefore, my son, BE STRONG IN THE GRACE THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS."

   It is an understanding of God's grace to us in Christ that builds us up and makes us strong. Paul says,

   "But BY THE GRACE OF GOD I AM WHAT I AM: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: YET NOT I, BUT THE GRACE OF GOD WHICH WAS WITH ME" (I Cor. 15: 10).

   It was the grace of God that was Paul's strength -- and so it is with us. When we are allured or opposed by the world, the flesh and/or the devil, like Paul, let's be strong in the Lord, by faith taking our stand in what Scripture declares to be the present reality of our identity in Christ. This is where our strength lies. May we live commensurate with the way God sees us in Christ. That is why Paul says, "Be strong in the Lord." Be strong in the identity God has given us in Christ Jesus!

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
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