Tag Archives: Salvation

Something Rather Odd.

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I had heard and believed that it was the man who chose to be saved by professing a faith in Jesus.  And I cannot dismiss the power of that confession.  The modern church teaches that this profession is all that is necessary for salvation.  And even the Lord said that “All those who call on the Name of the Lord will be saved”.  But I find something a bit odd about that.

As I’ve walked a few years and encountered many different facets of salvation, I’ve come (rather continually) face to face with the source of that confession.  It is the Lord who raises a man’s soul to reach out to Him.   As it was the Lord who gave life to the soul who now calls His name.  In all things, it is the Lord who IS.

Why does this prompt an entry in this blog?  Because I think I hear a different story coming from the mainstream churches:  Some how, they profess, there is a way a man can save himself by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus.  Though there might be some merit to this “calling out” in regard to the Lord’s ears, I have some issue with using man’s will as a basis of salvation. 

I find that regardless where I stand before the Lord, it is the Lord who is the end all game decider in my salvation.  And it is to Him that every appeal and item of “The Faith” belongs.  In all things, it is Jesus Alone who saves (and this to the Glory of the Father in Heaven).

Consider what I’ve entered here with trembling thoughts.  If you think differently on this issue, the Lord will make it plain enough in time.

By His Grace.

In Death there is No Vibration of Life.

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I sit in the shade.  My arm is receiving the sun light.  I notice that my watch is leaving a reflection of the sun on a surface in shade.  Noticing how, regardless how still I try to make my arm, the reflection vibrates with movement.  And I am reminded that there is a place where that arm will never move again on its own.  There is a place where nothing of this body will move on its own.  Thus I am reminded that death is given to man as an obligation.  I will yet see the face of He who redeems and He who is able to provide life to those who trust and obey.

PS:  Please forgive the use of so many references to myself.  I couldn’t figure out how to tell the story without me in it.

By His Grace.

Any Beating is better Than Death.

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After sleep comes the bowed head.  No tears threaten to well up.  The sorrow is felt in the soul.  Yet the heart hears a different tone.  The Lord of Perfect Beauty is calling.  And He calls to one who has sinned before Him.  I knew better.  Was it stubbornness?  Was it simple weakness?  Was it a lust for things past?  What do any of those questions matter now?  I sit here afraid yet not afraid.  It is the eyes of He who sees which gaze at me and softly scan my heart.  I have transgressed His demands of me.  And I am not misguided in my assessment of the situation.  There will be punishment to endure for the acts done.

After reflection and thanks for the simple things He whispers something odd.  “Yes, there will be punishment to endure.  But you will gladly accept My judgment when you see the alternative.” 

   47 “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12)

Jesus sits enthroned in Heaven.  The oil of joy is poured upon Him by the Father in Heaven.  He rules all eternity and is willing to share His joy.  For those of us who are being humbled by a collision with Holy and foolish sinful tendencies:  Consider yourself for a moment.  If you had a million dollars and were standing in a great place of poverty, would you help those around you?  Of course you would.  And would you judge those around you while you gave them food and clothing?  Of course you wouldn’t.  If that is how you who are full of sin would handle riches, how much more will the Lord of Glory share all good things with those who call out to Him for help?

Let your back be bent and your head be bowed for a time.  It is good to ponder the seriousness of your offences before the Most High God.  Allow yourself to really listen to Jesus’ calling, however.  Listen to what He is saying.  He knows your plight.  But He also knows where He is now enthroned.  He calls to all men to humble themselves before Him that in due time He might lift them up.  Only submit to the Lord of Love and consider yourself dead before the foot stool of the consuming fire that is God.

By His Grace.

Comfort

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I awoke during a storm.  And wrote the previous post.  As I pondered the situation developing and sensed the urgency, the Lord revealed the following to me.   I post this for my own memory.  But it is useful to all who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus.

“You have spoken [in buttermilk80.wordpress.com].  Whether they listen or not is up to them.  Your name is written in My presence.  You do not work for salvation, rather you work for your place.  Consider what you have from Me.  And hone what is within you.”

May God be a shelter and warrior for all who trust in His Holy Name.

By His Grace.

I’m sorry Lord.

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I’m sorry Lord, for the place we have created by the works of our own hands.  We have said, “We don’t need You now.  We have technology”.  We set our feet against the pull of Your Love.  We resist to the point of our own death to jerk loose from Your mercy.  The world has chased lies in lew of truth.  And we are proud that we have become independent of God.

Lies are the rule of the day.  Men create laws so abundant that even the most lawful of men can be caught as a law breaker.  America has become filthy with lies and pride.  You pulled your hand back from protection, and we ran head long after a president who would promise the fulfillment of our desire to break free from You.  And now look.   Lies are all that spew forth from the mouth of the leader of this, once great, county.  Where truth was the foundation of this place, now we pronounce a liar as the greatest among us. 

I am sorry Lord, for the horrible filth we have desired to become.  You remain pure and lifted up above the sins of these people.  And all your judgments will be pure. 

Please have mercy on those who desire to be ruled by Your ways.  Protect and guide those who desire to live. 

By Your Grace.

Plenty vs Want

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Prepare!  Prepare America!  You have lived in plenty by the mercy of God the Father.  And you have enjoyed a luxurious bath in the things of this world.  You have washed yourself in the pleasures of life.  But now you will wash yourself in the plenty of want.  The time is quickly coming when want will out weigh pleasure. 

Your plates have been filled to over flowing with the bounty of the work of your hands.  And now your bounty is being taken from you.  The Lord has spoken from ancient days of the coming want.  Desire will turn from pleasure to food and peace.  When you wake your minds will turn to hunger for the things of the past.  When you live your short days, your hearts will long for yesterday.  When you lay to sleep, your desire will be for the peace you once had and squandered in materialism. 

You have forgotten the way of the Lord, as seen in the men of old.  You have abandoned the will of the Father in Heaven to pursue the works of man.  Though you give your ways the mark of a “god”, you have not chased hard after the Father of Life’s will for man.  And now the collector is at your door.

You cannot pay.  You cannot produce a receipt.  You are to be accountable for your desires.  The enemy has been allowed to eat with you at your table.  He plays with your children.  And you gladly entertain him with all your possessions.  And you purchase clothing for him and all his company.  But you are naked and ashamed before the Most High God. 

Dress yourself with humility before the Most High God.  Approach Him with a contrite heart and a desire to be clothed with the blood of Jesus.  There is no other hope given to man.  Turn from the works of your hands.  And seek the face of the One who made you.

By His Grace.