Tag Archive | grace

Live in Grace

Aug17

And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain — for He says, “At the acceptable time I listened to you, And on the day of salvation I helped you.

God’s timing is always perfect and aren’t we glad that at the acceptable time He listened and helped us on the day of our salvation? Let us not receive this grace in vain. ”Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”—

Let our talk reflect our walk and our walk give no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited, especially the ministry of Jesus in us.

How do we do this? In everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the word of truth, in the power of God.
In much endurance by the power of God!

By the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, The armor of God (Ephesians 6:14-17) and prayer. (Ephesians 6:18)

By glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things. In every second, minute, hour, day and night of our lives. Serving and encouraging others to live enduring lives, surrendered to Jesus.

we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-11

God’s blessing and strength as you put on the armor of God, pray and receive God’s grace and live it with no regrets. Let us not receive God’s grace in vain.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Keep Seeking

Aug11

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. — Colossians 3:1-4

“IF you have been raised up with Christ”, keep seeking, keep seeking . . .
Being in Christ is more than just having the security of heaven eternal. It is a responsibility. We must keep seeking and setting our minds on the things above, “not on the things that are on earth”. What profit is there of the things on earth when they all will be nothing when Christ returns? And compared to the light of His glory they are nothing now.

“And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

Seek Him daily in Bible Study and prayer.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

What A Day That Will Be

Jul28

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. — 1 John 3:2

I’m out visiting a friend and her Pastor husband in Illinois this weekend and had the privilege to worship with them yesterday morning and evening. In the morning service Pastor Alan asked the congregation, “Who wants to go to heaven?” Surprisingly, at least to me, was how abnormally quiet it was. Finally someone yelled out “I do, but not yet”. Alan spoke my sentiments when he said that he was ready even if it was today.

I can only imagine what a glorious day that will be when we see Jesus just as He is. I’m anticipating it to be spectacular, wonderful, surpassing all I could possibly imagine. We sang the following hymn also:

What A Day That Will Be

There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye
All is peace forevermore on that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus:
What a day that will be
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There’ll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there;
And forever I will be with the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus:
What a day that will be
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Are you secure in your everlasting destination? Are you anticipating seeing Jesus face to face? Seek Him while He may be found so you may know what a day that will be!

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

The lyrics and music to the Gospel song, “What A Day That Will Be” is by Jim Hill.

Hope For The Future

Jul24

“There is hope for your future,” declares the Lord, “And your children will return to their own territory. — Jeremiah 31:17

I believe there is no greater joy than when you see the years of prayer you put in for your children begin to be answered.

My husband and I have often discussed how we were not the best parents but did the best we could — most of the time. We both believe it is by grace that our children managed to survive our rearing of them. I thank God that He is perfect and loves my children more than I could ever love them.

All our children have reached adulthood, despite their parents, and have not always followed our advice and counsel nor that of the Lord. They have wandered out into the world and made mistakes — but haven’t we all. In my 21 months away from my family I focused a lot on praying for my husband and kids, many times on my knees crying out on their behalf. My children were introduced to Jesus, all making a profession of faith, and then wandered into the world without Christ. It has just been recently that I see the miracle transformation taking place in all of them and I am ecstatic.

Rebellion from attending church has been turned into faithful consistent attendance. Never seeing them open the Word of God to asking where their Bible is, and seeing them reading it. Finding one in prayer and meditation with an open Bible. Alienation from church and Christians to a desire to fellowship.

The point of this is that my ever faithful God, in His perfect timing is answering my prayers and my tears are now tears of joy. Thank You Lord God for listening and for answering. Thank You for what You are doing in the lives of my children. May You continue to be glorified in their transformation. There is hope for my future and theirs.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Hope

Jul17

O Israel, hope in the Lord; For with the Lord there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption. Psalm 130:7

Praise God for His gracious lovingkindness. In that lovingkindess toward His creation He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name. (Psalm 111:9) He has sent His redemption through Jesus Christ. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7)

Oh how thankful I am that my God is rich in grace forgiving me of all unrighteousness for the sake of Jesus His Son. I am grateful each day for the price Christ paid on my behalf and the joy of walking with Him and the hope that is found in the Lord. Have you received redemption? Are you experiencing a close, intimate relationship with the great Son of God? Do you have hope in the Lord? Jesus is the way, truth and life. Faith in Him will give you hope.

But as for me, I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more. Psalm 71:14

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Prophesy

Jul12

But if everyone is proclaiming God’s message when some unbelievers or ordinary people come in, they will be convinced of their sin by what they hear. They will be judged by all they hear,  their secret thoughts will be brought into the open, and they will bow down and worship God, confessing, “Truly God is here among you!”— 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (GNT)

Proclaiming God’s message is a gift that one should earnestly desire. (14:1). The message is the Word of God. It is the gospel. It is Jesus Christ promised and fulfilled.

The power of the Word of God is miraculous. It brings unbelievers and ordinary people to their knees in repentance and worship of God. The Word of God has the power to convict, to bring to mind the deep secrets of the soul that darken a life. It has the power to bring knowledge of the One True God causing us to worship the King of kings and the Lord of lords. It has the power to draw us to the throne of God for mercy, grace and redemption.

When the Word of God is proclaimed in the church by everyone, not just the Pastor, then unbelievers will confess that “Truly God is among you!” Proclaim the Word of God in your everyday life. If you are walking closely with Him and studying His awesome Word then you will want to speak of His glory. You will see His glory in everyday happenings in your life. In those you have opportunities to share testimonies of God’s Word. As you do you will see unfold before you the power of God’s Word as it touches the lives of those who need Jesus Christ.

So. Will you earnestly desire the gift of proclaiming God’s Word? Pray asking for God’s gift to prophesy His truth and then seek Him in His Word so you may be equipped to proclaim the Good News!

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Will They Know?

Jul10

How effective would we be for the Kingdom of God if we did what God’s Word said? To fervently love one another, to serve one another, to encourage and build up one another to be more like Christ? Would our neighbors want to be a part of what we do? Would they long to be a part of our family — the family of God?

Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:8-10 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. — Ephesians 4:12-13

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. — 1 John 4:11 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. — Ephesians 5:1-2

I can’t help but wonder what would happen if we used the gifts that God gave us to serve one another in love. Would we be viewed as a peculiar people, set apart for God’s purpose? Would we make a difference in the world? Would they know we are Christians by our love?

Navigation: C \ Carolyn Arends \ They’ll Know We Are Christians

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

By our love, by our love

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

By our love, by our love

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

Love is patient, love is kind
Never boasts, not full of pride
Always hopes, always trusts
The evidence of Christ in us

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Determination

Jul5

He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” — John 14:21

Do you want to see Jesus? Really see Him and experience His love and grace? Really know Him intimately? Are you seeking that sold out to Jesus relationship? Are you desiring His guidance and leadership in your life? Are you needing His comfort and peace?

Well if you do, it will take obedience. Obedience to God’s commands. That means searching the Word of God with prayer and determination. Determination that nothing will get in the way of your daily seeking of God through His Word and prayer. Determination to practice His Word on a daily basis. Determination to share your victories (testimonies to God) and your failures in prayer with the Lord. Keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus the author and perfecter of your faith.*

Our practicing obedience demonstrate our love for Jesus. In our love for Jesus comes the blessing of the love of the Father toward us. And still more love is directed toward us from Jesus Christ Himself. And the crescendo? Jesus will disclose Himself to us! What a promise to work toward. He will make Himself known, reveal Himself, allowing Himself to be seen. That is a most wonderful promise.

So? Do you want to see Jesus? Seek Him.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

*Hebrews 12:2

How Do You Handle That?

Jun26

When you “do good” — are obedient to God’s Word, will, direction, instruction and walking closely with Jesus — don’t you expect good results?

Going through a particular journey you know that God is present. He is guiding your every step. You see God at work and you feel extremely blessed. A lot of good is coming out of your obedience and God’s will is being accomplished. You are encouraged, blessed and praised by others around you. You are floating on cloud nine.

Then . . . the season of that journey comes to an end. You move on and it seems that all has been forgotten — all those “good things” that you did. The praise ends. It seems that no one cares. And to add to the feeling of abandonment comes persecution. Accusations of misconduct and inadequacy. “But I was in the midst of God’s will, doing what I believe the Bible instructs me to do. How can this happen?” How do you handle that?

Jesus was well respected by many people, especially those who benefited from His grace and power. He had quite a following. For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; (Hebrews 7:26) who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; (1 Peter 2:22) You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. (1 John 3:5) Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” (Luke 7:9) Jesus was right in the midst of fulfilling the Father’s will and purpose. People were coming to Jesus and having their sin forgiven.

Then . . . accusations started to fly. And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer. Then Pilate *said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so the governor was quite amazed. (Matthew 27:12-14) In humiliation His judgment was taken away”  (Acts 8:33) He was good, loving, caring and obedient to the Father. He did not seek the praise of man but the will and praise of the Father. How could this happen to Jesus?

The Word of God says:
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. — Matthew 5:10-11
Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. — John 15:20
Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. — 2 Timothy 3:12
If Jesus was persecuted we can expect to be persecuted also.

So, back to the question, “How do you handle that”? Remember! Remember to focus on Jesus and His example, how He reacted to persecution. Remember that He is with you always. (Deuteronomy 31:6) Remember where to stash your treasures. (Matthew 6:19-21) Remember His faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:23; Psalm 33:4; Psalm 100:5) Remember that all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) And remember to Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:12)

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

The Promise of His Promises

Jun24

For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. — 2 Peter 1:4

God’s promises come with a promise. God is so awesome! By His precious and magnificent promises we may become partakers of the divine nature. The likeness of God created in righteousness and holiness of the truth is in the new self we put on with the trusting acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior in our lives. We share His holiness. Isn’t that reason enough to trust in His promises? We are blessed beyond comprehension by the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s time to trust in those promises of God. His promises.

Let our trusting faith in His promises help us to grow in our faith until the day He calls us home. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. — 1 John 3:2

What a glorious day that will be. In the meantime seek the Lord and His strength while He can be found.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. — Ephesians 4:24

For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. — Hebrews 12:10