Tag Archives: hope

The Next “New”

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The whole world strains after a brand of peace and joy.  It’s as though they peer over the edge of a railing.  Wide eyed and full of anticipation, they look forward to the next “new”.  Yet when it comes is their heart satisfied?  Let’s say the next new gadget comes out on the market, or the next sequel of their favorite movie.  Is there a deep satisfaction when they get to spend time with their next “new”? 

Let’s be clear here, I was once part of that straining.  I too sought for that peace and joy in the things I could experience.  I too complained about the laws of God.  It seemed to me that the only thing God wanted was to destroy my straining for peace and joy.  And that “seeming” proved to be right.  God did, and still does, want to destroy that temporary peace and joy I so longed for.  And in it’s place He gave me a peace and joy that lasts.  This peace He gives is the very essence of joy.

How I long to share that joyful peace with those who still strain over the railing.  I know they won’t understand what I’m talking about.  Just as I hated even the mention of God and Jesus, they hate Them too.  How do I plead that they will respond?  What words or actions can I say or do that they will consider the lasting peace of God?

Billy Graham has spoken millions of words about that peace.  The whole world has heard of his name.  But where is the great throng which turned from sin to embrace God’s ways?  Sadly, there are few who truly embraced his message.  So words won’t change the world.  Those beautiful words did change thousands of lives.  But there remains millions who still strain.

Mother Teresa did many things in the name of her God, my God.  And her name is known by the world in a powerful way.  But I’ve heard my fellow drunks speak of her name with reverence and contempt.  She worked tirelessly to provide for the poor.  She did what she could to show the message of peace and joy which comes from God.   But where it the great throng which turned from sin to embrace God’s ways?  Sadly, there are few who truly embrace her message.  So actions won’t change the world.  Those beautiful deeds did change thousands of lives.  But there remains millions who still strain.

All God’s children hunger for you.  They have something precious to share.  Please give the message of the Cross a serious consideration.  I testify as one who has been transformed from worldly to godly by the power of that Cross.  You can too.  And I tell you a truth; the peace I found in Jesus is absolutely marvelous!

 By His Grace.

Fake It Till You Make It.

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Years ago I was told that we should pray.  As a duty, I prayed.  And in my innocence that was good enough.  But as the years have passed and the Lord has shown me a better way, I’ve learned to turn to prayer often, deeply, and with joy. 

What this shows me is something interesting.  You might have heard the phrase, “Fake it till you make it”.  There is some truth in that saying that can not be denied.  We struggle as babes in Christ to do what the mature tell us is best for us to do.  Then, one wonderful day, we find that we are doing with joy what seemed like a chore.  Isn’t this so with all the maturing in life?

So if you’re having troubles learning to turn to God, relax.  God knows your heart.  And there are times when He moves in to help you stand regardless your weakness or lack of understanding.  Just summon all the strength you have to obey what you know is right.  God will do the rest.  In fact it must be said that even the “faking” is supported by your God.  You never stand alone if you call on the name of Jesus.  Though it is possible to stand better, He has you in His Holy Hand.

By His Grace.

Holy Fire.

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Fire, meant to purify

All that my works just cannot buy.

If it’s gold I seek, I testify,

Through heat of trials my faith He’ll try.

He is the fire; that consuming Flame.

And Glory to His Holy Name!

Before His Throne we all will stand.

Shall He accept from a filthy hand?

I need His burning hand anew.

I pray you let Him burn you too.

By His Grace.

Come! Let us reason together.

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Tossed to and frow, we wander this world as blind men.  Each day brings another buffet from without and within, yet we do not walk alone.  Though you are most wicked, there is a promise from He who is Most Pure.  “Come.  Let us reason together.  Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall become white as wool.”

I tell you as one who knows His beautiful power to transform.  He is Able and does not lie.  For now you fear Him and His lovely law which kills.  But if you will allow, He will turn your fear into a raging torrent of love and power. 

Come!  Let us reason together.

By His Grace.

The Cycle of Life in Christ Jesus

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One gets wrinkly and prepares to go home.  Even while another is born with a skin of rubber preparing to run the race.

By His Grace.

Repent and Believe. How?

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When I walked through this world, and was full of sin and rebellion, I came upon some people who did not walk in sin and rebellion.  They did what was right by the Lord’s commands.  And they encouraged others to do the same.  I joined myself to their cause.  But I was not transformed to be like them.

What they did came from the strength and promise of He who can not lie.  What I did in mimic of them was from my own understanding, strength, and struggle with my sins.  I wanted what they had.  But I didn’t know how to get it.

In short, I was practising their faith through my own religion (Religion being man’s ways of pleasing his version of God).  As was inevitable, it all fell apart when I was removed from their presence.  Many practise the religion of a “good life”, while they remain locked in their sins.  What they do won’t last.  For they pursue their righteousness on their own strength.

What has turned the corner for me?  Two things have transformed me.  Which came first I can’t say.  1. I began to distance myself from the sins I loved so dearly.  In Bible talk that would be “I repented of my sins”.  2. I received the gift of forgiveness from Jesus, and learned from Him.

I, then, repented and believed.  The punishment pending for the wicked caused me to repent of my sin.  The love of Christ Jesus caused me to believe.  But it was not a one time event.  Repent and believe is a pattern of life as a Christian.  If you’re sincerely on the path of Jesus’ people you will find something interesting and identifiable.   Repenting and believing are a moment by moment thing.  Every action comes under an awareness of His presence.  Every thought is put under the microscope of Holiness.  Repent and believe at 3 am.  Repent and believe at noon.  Repent and believe at 4 pm.  And so it goes.   It is  the power of Jesus in my very soul that gives the energy and direction we lack without Him.

By His Grace.