What an amazing "here" and what an awesome "hereafter" is ours in Christ Jesus!
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
--Philippians 1:21 (NLT)
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Twin Ministers: Presence & Absence
I've come to know that there are twins that minister in my life more than anything else. The twins are named Presence and Absence.
In John 16:7, the Lord told His disciples (and I paraphrase): I know you think having me visibly present in a good thing, but when I leave you visibly, things will go from good to great for you. Yes, in My absence, the ministry of My presence will go from "with you" to "within you". Yes, My Spirit will be "with you" and "within you" to constantly remind you of everything I told you when I was visibly present.
I don't pretend to be able to communicate in written form this awe-inspiring reality in my life as I am always being ministered to by the twin ministers -- Presence and Absence. However, let me just illustrate it like this:
When my godly Granny Margery was visibly present in my life, she allowed the Holy Spirit to minister the Life of Jesus through her, to me. It was an indescribable influence for her grandson. And since she has been noticeably absent from the body (*and without doubt is now present with her Lord) The Holy Spirit continues to undeniably minister the Life of Jesus to me in the unforgettable afterglow of Granny's life.
I'm pretty sure the best way to dumb down the delight in my soul is just to say: The longevity of holy lives lived for the glory of the Lord is the greatest of convincers on children and grandchildren, yes, when they are visibly present, but even more so when they are noticeably absent.
Future generations should, and must, be taught about the Lord, but let us never forget that being taught about the Lord is, at best, a weak substitute when compared with the impact of future generations being caught by the Lord in the afterglow of a loved one who has lived over the long haul for the glory of God!
* 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV) -- We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
In John 16:7, the Lord told His disciples (and I paraphrase): I know you think having me visibly present in a good thing, but when I leave you visibly, things will go from good to great for you. Yes, in My absence, the ministry of My presence will go from "with you" to "within you". Yes, My Spirit will be "with you" and "within you" to constantly remind you of everything I told you when I was visibly present.
I don't pretend to be able to communicate in written form this awe-inspiring reality in my life as I am always being ministered to by the twin ministers -- Presence and Absence. However, let me just illustrate it like this:
When my godly Granny Margery was visibly present in my life, she allowed the Holy Spirit to minister the Life of Jesus through her, to me. It was an indescribable influence for her grandson. And since she has been noticeably absent from the body (*and without doubt is now present with her Lord) The Holy Spirit continues to undeniably minister the Life of Jesus to me in the unforgettable afterglow of Granny's life.
I'm pretty sure the best way to dumb down the delight in my soul is just to say: The longevity of holy lives lived for the glory of the Lord is the greatest of convincers on children and grandchildren, yes, when they are visibly present, but even more so when they are noticeably absent.
Future generations should, and must, be taught about the Lord, but let us never forget that being taught about the Lord is, at best, a weak substitute when compared with the impact of future generations being caught by the Lord in the afterglow of a loved one who has lived over the long haul for the glory of God!
* 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV) -- We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Keeper of the Planets & Promises!
Blessed Yahweh! His Love is the Wonder of the World.
-- Psalm 31:21 (The Message)
My God, Your Love is the Wonder of Your World and Your Universe, too. Help me to trust You totally, knowing that surely "The Keeper of the Planets" is also, "The Keeper of His Promises!" In the name of Jesus, the One You gave because You so loved the world! Amen.
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Him. That is why we say "Amen" when we give glory to God through Christ. -- 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT)
Third Day sings a favorite worship tune of mine -- God of Wonders :
Lord of all creation, of water, earth, and sky.
The heavens are Your Tabernacle. Glory to the Lord on high.
God of wonders beyond our galaxy. You are Holy, Holy.
The universe declares your Majesty. And You are Holy, Holy.
Lord of Heaven and Earth. Lord of Heaven and Earth.
Early in the morning, I will celebrate the light.
When I stumble in the darkness, I will call Your name by night.
Lord of heaven and earth. Lord of heaven and earth.
Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth.
Holy, Holy, Holy God.
Precious Lord reveal Your love to me.
Father Holy, Lord God Almighty.
The universe declares your majesty.
You are Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy.
Halleujah to the Lord of heaven and earth.
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
-- Psalm 31:21 (The Message)
My God, Your Love is the Wonder of Your World and Your Universe, too. Help me to trust You totally, knowing that surely "The Keeper of the Planets" is also, "The Keeper of His Promises!" In the name of Jesus, the One You gave because You so loved the world! Amen.
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Him. That is why we say "Amen" when we give glory to God through Christ. -- 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT)
Third Day sings a favorite worship tune of mine -- God of Wonders :
Lord of all creation, of water, earth, and sky.
The heavens are Your Tabernacle. Glory to the Lord on high.
God of wonders beyond our galaxy. You are Holy, Holy.
The universe declares your Majesty. And You are Holy, Holy.
Lord of Heaven and Earth. Lord of Heaven and Earth.
Early in the morning, I will celebrate the light.
When I stumble in the darkness, I will call Your name by night.
Lord of heaven and earth. Lord of heaven and earth.
Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth.
Holy, Holy, Holy God.
Precious Lord reveal Your love to me.
Father Holy, Lord God Almighty.
The universe declares your majesty.
You are Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy.
Halleujah to the Lord of heaven and earth.
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Intensify My Hunger
Lord, intensify my hunger for You. Amen.
-- Dennis Kinlaw's prayer recorded in his book, The Mind of Christ
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 (NIV)
-- Words of Chrst recorded in His Sermon on the Mount
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
-- Dennis Kinlaw's prayer recorded in his book, The Mind of Christ
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 (NIV)
-- Words of Chrst recorded in His Sermon on the Mount
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
Saturday, March 27, 2010
His Hallowed Presence, Our Human Pursuits
Holiness is a life caught in awe of His Hallowed Presence, not a lesson taught by all of our human pursuits.
Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
-- Psalm 96:9 (NKJV)
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
-- Psalm 96:9 (NKJV)
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
Friday, March 26, 2010
obeDiEnce
Do you see the two, simple-but-profound, one-syllable words at the very heart of obeDiEnce? "i DiE!"
If I am to become the perfect will of God, that is, wholly obedient to His Holy Desires, my will must become one in crucifixion with the will of Jesus. I must personally echo His Gethsemane prayer of total surrender to the Father: Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) -- I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
1 Samuel 15:22 (NKJV) -- ...Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice...
Lord, I want to be wholly obedient to Your Holy Desires! Help me to know that obeying You is an overflowing joy, not an overwhelming job. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
If I am to become the perfect will of God, that is, wholly obedient to His Holy Desires, my will must become one in crucifixion with the will of Jesus. I must personally echo His Gethsemane prayer of total surrender to the Father: Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) -- I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
1 Samuel 15:22 (NKJV) -- ...Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice...
Lord, I want to be wholly obedient to Your Holy Desires! Help me to know that obeying You is an overflowing joy, not an overwhelming job. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Precious Death?
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.
-- Psalm 116:15 (NIV)
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
-- The Apostle Paul's Words in Philippians 1:21 (NIV)
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
-- Psalm 116:15 (NIV)
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
-- The Apostle Paul's Words in Philippians 1:21 (NIV)
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
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