“Saving Grace”
Acts 4:12
“And there is salvation in no one else;
for there is no other name under heaven
that as been given among men by which
we must be saved.” (NASB)
The apostle Peter, who has been filled with the Holy Spirit, is boldly proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ruling body and supreme court of the Jews, the Sanhedrin, who had helped condemned Jesus to death. Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin for healing a lame man in the name of Jesus and for teaching about the resurrection from the dead.
Because our God is by nature a gracious and merciful God (Exodus 34:6), He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, as the final sacrifice for the sins of mankind. God became a man of human flesh, who lived a sinless life, becoming the perfect sacrificial Lamb that would fulfill God’s promise of redemption for His people. Although many Jewish people did turn to Christ for their salvation, the religious leaders condemned their conversion to Christianity and along with the Roman Empire, relentlessly persecuted them because of their faith. But because the power of the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the believers the message of salvation spread throughout the world (Acts 1:8).
There are only two religious paths to salvation, by friends; a wide path that is dependent upon the good works we cannot accomplish on our own that ultimately leads to eternal death, and the narrow path of faith in Christ as our Savior, the only path that leads to eternal life.
It was the Son of God who created the heavens and the earth and everything upon the earth (John 1:3) and so who would know better than the Creator what those whom He created needs? God knew that man would never be able to accomplish his salvation by his own power. So because of His unconditional love, mercy and grace our saving God took it upon Himself to make it possible for us to, once again, walk in His presence and enjoy His fellowship. The work has been done, my friends. Believe it! And walk your life-journey in peace knowing that what you could not achieve on your own has been graciously achieved for you!
A Whisper of Hope
Follow Me, My child…for I will lead you down a path of everlasting life. There are many paths which lay before you, but know this; there is only one Way to heaven and the Way is through Me. You cannot buy your way, nor can you depend on your good works. Only faith in Me is your ticket Home. I paid the price; I did the work. I AM who I AM. Believe in Me and trust My Word.
Exodus 34:6
And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed,
“The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious,
longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth. (NKJV)
Acts 1:8
“But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell
people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and
to the ends of the earth.” (NLT)
John 1:3
All things came into being through Him,
and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. (NASB)
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Undeserved Gift
January 12, 2011
Acts 2:38
Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;
and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (NASB)
The beauty of being borne anew is that no one is excluded who is wholeheartedly remorseful for their sin and rebellion against the Holy God of creation. When we come humbly before the Lord our God, laying down all our sin before Him with sorrow-filled hearts, He not only forgives us, but most importantly, He will remember them no more (Hebrews 10:17). And by clearly understanding this we can then start our lives anew, for our old self has passed away making room for the new life to begin (2 Corinthians 5:17). From the moment of our admission of wrongs and our submission to the Lord, He fills our hearts with His Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the truth that we had been blinded from for so long. It is only when you have the Spirit of God dwelling within you that you will gain the power and wisdom that will totally transform your life for the glory of God (Galatians 5:22-23).
Before the Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit walked beside the believer, but it was not until Jesus ascended into heaven that He sent His Spirit to dwell within us, giving us the power to live a godly life and spread His message of salvation and hope. The gift of the Holy Spirit of God, my friends, is very real and hard at work in our world today. Don’t miss out, this special gift that was so freely given, because without it, there can be no life for your soul. The only way to the Father is through His Son and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit working in ways that will astound you.
A Whisper of Hope
You have, My child…the mightiest power in the universe dwelling within you. This is My gift to you so that you can battle all forces of evil that want to drag you down and devour you. It is only by My power that you will prevail. But along with My power, you will gain the knowledge and wisdom to live in peace with the world around you. All this is yours, if only you would ask!
Hebrews 10:17
“And their sins and their lawless deeds
I will remember no more.” (NASB)
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature;
the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (NASB)
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;
against such things there is no law.
Acts 2:38
Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;
and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (NASB)
The beauty of being borne anew is that no one is excluded who is wholeheartedly remorseful for their sin and rebellion against the Holy God of creation. When we come humbly before the Lord our God, laying down all our sin before Him with sorrow-filled hearts, He not only forgives us, but most importantly, He will remember them no more (Hebrews 10:17). And by clearly understanding this we can then start our lives anew, for our old self has passed away making room for the new life to begin (2 Corinthians 5:17). From the moment of our admission of wrongs and our submission to the Lord, He fills our hearts with His Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the truth that we had been blinded from for so long. It is only when you have the Spirit of God dwelling within you that you will gain the power and wisdom that will totally transform your life for the glory of God (Galatians 5:22-23).
Before the Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit walked beside the believer, but it was not until Jesus ascended into heaven that He sent His Spirit to dwell within us, giving us the power to live a godly life and spread His message of salvation and hope. The gift of the Holy Spirit of God, my friends, is very real and hard at work in our world today. Don’t miss out, this special gift that was so freely given, because without it, there can be no life for your soul. The only way to the Father is through His Son and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit working in ways that will astound you.
A Whisper of Hope
You have, My child…the mightiest power in the universe dwelling within you. This is My gift to you so that you can battle all forces of evil that want to drag you down and devour you. It is only by My power that you will prevail. But along with My power, you will gain the knowledge and wisdom to live in peace with the world around you. All this is yours, if only you would ask!
Hebrews 10:17
“And their sins and their lawless deeds
I will remember no more.” (NASB)
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature;
the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (NASB)
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;
against such things there is no law.
The Will of God
January 9
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
so that you may prove what the will of God is,
that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
The apostle Paul is explaining how, as believers in Christ, we should live our lives according to God’s good and perfect will. The world’s contemporary thinking and system of values always has and always will be dominated by Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4). It is a self-absorbing system of pleasure which focuses on the here and now. And the only way we will ever escape its grip and renew our minds is through the power of the Holy Spirit, who softens our hearts and changes our thinking process through consistent study and meditation on the truth found only in God’s Word (Psalm 119:11, 12).
Most of us, through no fault of our own, are taught the world’s view of living. And if the world view is all we learn and see, then it is the world view that we base our knowledge on and live accordingly. And in most cases it doesn’t take long to discover that the only way to survive in this harsh and unfair life is by hardening our hearts and surrounding our selves with those things that can numb our pain and give us pleasure. Even though God has created within us the moral differences between right and wrong, it is impossible for anyone to overcome their sinful nature without God’s help. We want to do the right thing, but self gratification trumps the will of God and leads us down a path of self-destruction and eternal judgment.
The truth, my friends, is that your life of sin and rebellion has been fully justified by Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior (Acts 13:39). You now have a new and better way to live your life, one that is not only pleasing to God and to those with whom you surround yourself with, but your life will gain a glorious new purpose that will fill your heart with the peace and joy of the Lord; the kind of peace and joy that gives us the strength and security to face another day with hope.
A Whisper of Hope
My plan for you…dear child, is a plan that gives you a future and a hope unlike anything the world has to offer. The world will leave you empty and disappointed, hungering for more of the same. Don’t be fooled by the lies, for this life is short, but eternity has no end. Rise above the temporal and focus on the lasting, for it is here you will find the peace and joy in knowing Me, your Savior, your provider, and your protector. In Me you will live. In the world you will surely die.
2 Corinthians 4:4
Satan, the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don’t understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. (NLT)
Psalm 119:11-12
Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against you.
Blessed are You, O LORD; Teach me Your statutes. (NASB)
Acts 13:39
And by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. (NKJV)
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
so that you may prove what the will of God is,
that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
The apostle Paul is explaining how, as believers in Christ, we should live our lives according to God’s good and perfect will. The world’s contemporary thinking and system of values always has and always will be dominated by Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4). It is a self-absorbing system of pleasure which focuses on the here and now. And the only way we will ever escape its grip and renew our minds is through the power of the Holy Spirit, who softens our hearts and changes our thinking process through consistent study and meditation on the truth found only in God’s Word (Psalm 119:11, 12).
Most of us, through no fault of our own, are taught the world’s view of living. And if the world view is all we learn and see, then it is the world view that we base our knowledge on and live accordingly. And in most cases it doesn’t take long to discover that the only way to survive in this harsh and unfair life is by hardening our hearts and surrounding our selves with those things that can numb our pain and give us pleasure. Even though God has created within us the moral differences between right and wrong, it is impossible for anyone to overcome their sinful nature without God’s help. We want to do the right thing, but self gratification trumps the will of God and leads us down a path of self-destruction and eternal judgment.
The truth, my friends, is that your life of sin and rebellion has been fully justified by Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior (Acts 13:39). You now have a new and better way to live your life, one that is not only pleasing to God and to those with whom you surround yourself with, but your life will gain a glorious new purpose that will fill your heart with the peace and joy of the Lord; the kind of peace and joy that gives us the strength and security to face another day with hope.
A Whisper of Hope
My plan for you…dear child, is a plan that gives you a future and a hope unlike anything the world has to offer. The world will leave you empty and disappointed, hungering for more of the same. Don’t be fooled by the lies, for this life is short, but eternity has no end. Rise above the temporal and focus on the lasting, for it is here you will find the peace and joy in knowing Me, your Savior, your provider, and your protector. In Me you will live. In the world you will surely die.
2 Corinthians 4:4
Satan, the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don’t understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. (NLT)
Psalm 119:11-12
Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against you.
Blessed are You, O LORD; Teach me Your statutes. (NASB)
Acts 13:39
And by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. (NKJV)
Beginning Anew
January 3, 2011
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creature;
The old things passed away;
behold, new things have come. (NASB)
What the apostle Paul is pointing out to the new believer’s in Corinth is the inexhaustible and profound truth’s about man’s redemption through Christ Jesus our Lord. As believers of the Good News we all share in the security of forgiveness of sin and spared the final judgment of God; that we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ; that we will be resurrected into eternal life with Christ and receive our promised inheritance; and that we will also share in Christ’s divine nature.
What the human birth of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, brought to the entire world was a message of divine hope (John 10:27-28). The Lord knew that man could not redeem himself enough to walk in His presence, for we cannot control our sinful nature without God’s amazing grace and intervention. Once you humbly admit your rebellion against God’s will and ask Him to forgive you your sins and you promise to repent, your regeneration begins immediately. The Lord begins to open your eyes to those eternal truths that you have never seen, nor heard of; truths that will change the way you think about life and its purpose (Acts 26:18).
And as your life is being transformed, your priorities, your value system and beliefs, the things that you love, and the plans that you have will gain an all new perspective—temporal things of this world will no longer control the way you live, instead, your new eternal perspective causes you to focus on the Creator, the God of Glory; the One who gave you life and the One you were fashioned after (Ephesians 2:10).
God gives us has a new beginning each and every day. We should, then, begin each day in thanksgiving, asking the Lord to continue His good works in us so that we will shine in His everlasting glory for all the world to see.
A Whisper of Hope
I Am the Good Shepherd…My child. When you follow Me, I will lead you to greener pastures; the likes you have never seen. My Father sent Me to gather you up in My arms and carry you Home. The world seeks to take all that you are and destroy you, but I have come to save you and give you life. Trust Me to do just that, dear one, for when you do—all is safe and secure.
John 10:27-28
My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me;
and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish;
and no one will snatch them out of My hand. (NASB)
Acts 26:18
…to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light
and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been
sanctified by faith in Me. (NASB)
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,
so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. (NLT)
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creature;
The old things passed away;
behold, new things have come. (NASB)
What the apostle Paul is pointing out to the new believer’s in Corinth is the inexhaustible and profound truth’s about man’s redemption through Christ Jesus our Lord. As believers of the Good News we all share in the security of forgiveness of sin and spared the final judgment of God; that we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ; that we will be resurrected into eternal life with Christ and receive our promised inheritance; and that we will also share in Christ’s divine nature.
What the human birth of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, brought to the entire world was a message of divine hope (John 10:27-28). The Lord knew that man could not redeem himself enough to walk in His presence, for we cannot control our sinful nature without God’s amazing grace and intervention. Once you humbly admit your rebellion against God’s will and ask Him to forgive you your sins and you promise to repent, your regeneration begins immediately. The Lord begins to open your eyes to those eternal truths that you have never seen, nor heard of; truths that will change the way you think about life and its purpose (Acts 26:18).
And as your life is being transformed, your priorities, your value system and beliefs, the things that you love, and the plans that you have will gain an all new perspective—temporal things of this world will no longer control the way you live, instead, your new eternal perspective causes you to focus on the Creator, the God of Glory; the One who gave you life and the One you were fashioned after (Ephesians 2:10).
God gives us has a new beginning each and every day. We should, then, begin each day in thanksgiving, asking the Lord to continue His good works in us so that we will shine in His everlasting glory for all the world to see.
A Whisper of Hope
I Am the Good Shepherd…My child. When you follow Me, I will lead you to greener pastures; the likes you have never seen. My Father sent Me to gather you up in My arms and carry you Home. The world seeks to take all that you are and destroy you, but I have come to save you and give you life. Trust Me to do just that, dear one, for when you do—all is safe and secure.
John 10:27-28
My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me;
and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish;
and no one will snatch them out of My hand. (NASB)
Acts 26:18
…to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light
and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been
sanctified by faith in Me. (NASB)
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,
so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. (NLT)
Knowledge and Wisdom
January 1, 2011
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is
beginning of knowledge. (NASB)
The Proverbs of Solomon is a collection of short and to the point truths that King Solomon, the son of David, put together to help his people develop the skills needed for godly living (2 Chronicles 1:11). Because the word proverb means “to be like,” this is a book of comparisons between common, yet solid images and life’s most profound truths. Here, the overall meaning of the word fear (used throughout the Book of Proverbs, especially in the first nine chapters) is reverence for God; being submissively in awe of our Creator and the truth about His sovereignty over the life of His creation (Job 28:28).
Most people, especially those who have lived enough years upon the earth, know that having knowledge certainly helps one, not only extend their life, but also helps them live it in more comfort. All of us can make statements about life and truth in the context of our experiences and the world’s view of survival, but only those who live in the truth of God’s Word have the ultimate knowledge that comes from the Creator; knowledge that will not only fill your heart with the peace and joy that only comes from knowing the Truth, but will also save you from a life of sinful living that will lead to its final consequences; unimaginable pain and suffering and eternal separation from God.
Most of us know how terrible and hopeless this world would be without Jesus’ first coming. And all Christians everywhere know how their lives were before they learned and believed in the Truth (found only in the pages of the Bible) and what incredible, never before realized insight and joy it brought them. And in my prayers for this new year, which unfortunately promises us another year of more uncertainty and doubt, is that the Son of God, the true Light of the world (John 9:5), will shine brightly in this unmanageable and out of control world to touch and give hope to the millions of people who are afraid and without hope; just as He has done for thousands of years. It is my hope that there will be many who do not know the Lord; those who are lost and hopeless and in need of a Savior, will find the peace and certainty that knowing Him brings to our lives. But it is my deepest and most profound hope that all peoples who are suffering at the hands of the worst this life can bring, will find the peace, comfort, and the abounding joy of the Lord which will ease their pain until He comes to take them Home.
A Whisper of Hope
Live to know Me...my dear child, for only by knowing Me will you find truth and life. Not knowing Me will only lead to death, never again having the chance to find fellowship with Me; the One who loves you enough to die for you. Never doubt that I Am—the Prince of Peace.
2 Chronicles 1:11, 12
God said to Solomon, “…you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge…
wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you.” (NASB)
Job 28:28
And to man He said, “Behold, the fear of the Lord,
that is wisdom.” (NASB)
John 9:5
“While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” (NASB)
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is
beginning of knowledge. (NASB)
The Proverbs of Solomon is a collection of short and to the point truths that King Solomon, the son of David, put together to help his people develop the skills needed for godly living (2 Chronicles 1:11). Because the word proverb means “to be like,” this is a book of comparisons between common, yet solid images and life’s most profound truths. Here, the overall meaning of the word fear (used throughout the Book of Proverbs, especially in the first nine chapters) is reverence for God; being submissively in awe of our Creator and the truth about His sovereignty over the life of His creation (Job 28:28).
Most people, especially those who have lived enough years upon the earth, know that having knowledge certainly helps one, not only extend their life, but also helps them live it in more comfort. All of us can make statements about life and truth in the context of our experiences and the world’s view of survival, but only those who live in the truth of God’s Word have the ultimate knowledge that comes from the Creator; knowledge that will not only fill your heart with the peace and joy that only comes from knowing the Truth, but will also save you from a life of sinful living that will lead to its final consequences; unimaginable pain and suffering and eternal separation from God.
Most of us know how terrible and hopeless this world would be without Jesus’ first coming. And all Christians everywhere know how their lives were before they learned and believed in the Truth (found only in the pages of the Bible) and what incredible, never before realized insight and joy it brought them. And in my prayers for this new year, which unfortunately promises us another year of more uncertainty and doubt, is that the Son of God, the true Light of the world (John 9:5), will shine brightly in this unmanageable and out of control world to touch and give hope to the millions of people who are afraid and without hope; just as He has done for thousands of years. It is my hope that there will be many who do not know the Lord; those who are lost and hopeless and in need of a Savior, will find the peace and certainty that knowing Him brings to our lives. But it is my deepest and most profound hope that all peoples who are suffering at the hands of the worst this life can bring, will find the peace, comfort, and the abounding joy of the Lord which will ease their pain until He comes to take them Home.
A Whisper of Hope
Live to know Me...my dear child, for only by knowing Me will you find truth and life. Not knowing Me will only lead to death, never again having the chance to find fellowship with Me; the One who loves you enough to die for you. Never doubt that I Am—the Prince of Peace.
2 Chronicles 1:11, 12
God said to Solomon, “…you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge…
wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you.” (NASB)
Job 28:28
And to man He said, “Behold, the fear of the Lord,
that is wisdom.” (NASB)
John 9:5
“While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” (NASB)
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