March | 2011 | Moore to Ponder

Fullness of Joy: (Part 1…Fat and Happy)

March 25, 2011 at 4:56 am (Assurance, Contentment, Devotional Thoughts., Forgiveness, Guidance, Holy Spirit, Joy, Life, Lighter Burdens., Love, Our Unchanging God, Patience, Peace, Prayer, Thanksgiving, When you are afraid, Wisdom)

Originally posted on April 25, 2010 at 12:42 am

Scripture references;

Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Isaiah 55:2 KJV

Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” John 4:31-34 NIV

John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. John 1:15:16

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14 NIV

On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out,“If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink! The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” He said this about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were going to receive, for the Spirit had not yet been received, because Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:37-39 HCSB

⁹And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.¹⁰For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.¹¹If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?¹²Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?¹³If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:9-13 KJV

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8 KJV

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11 KJV

You know, it is funny how we come up with interesting phrases, and figures of speech. Some get worn out pretty quickly, while others stay with us for a long time. I have two on my mind today. The first phrase on my mind is this one: “Is your glass half empty or half full?”. The idea was that it was up to you whether you were going to focus on the positive thing or the negative thing; on what you have or what you lack. It is true that we have our share of challenges and troubles, but there is always much to be thankful for, too. This is something that all people have in common. However, Christians have it even better. Our glass is completely full… So a better question would be not a question at all, but the statement, “My glass is completely full and flowing over!”…

…We are complete in Christ. In Christ we have access to so many things, and I can think of four things right off the bat. We have access to all things pertaining to godliness, happiness/joy, hope, and comfort. With that being the case, why do we lose sight of that? Well, it is because even though the Holy Spirit dwells in us, He dwells within earthen vessels that are flawed…to put it in the simplest terms, we are human. That “human” part of us (The Bible refers to it as “the flesh”.) gives us access to ungodliness, discontent, doubt, and despair. The Bible teaches us to follow the Spirit, but we do give in to the flesh and sin daily, and we always will as long as we are living this life here on the earth, but as we mature in Christ we will be more apt to follow the Spirit.

The second phrase I have on my mind today is the phrase “Fat and Happy”. I like this phrase. It is not about your liking your figure. LOL…you know this, too, …hopefully. It is about having your “needs” met and being content and glad. This, too is a state that all people can experience on a certain level…and once again, Christians are enabled to experience this on a much higher level. We have the privilege of an intimate relationship with our Savior that those who haven’t put their faith in Christ do not possess. In Jesus we can have “fullness of joy”. This is something that is so wonderful that there are no words or phrases that can fully describe it. It is something that just has to be experienced to be understood. Have you ever had mint chip ice cream? Imagine trying to explain that to someone who has never tasted mint, chocolate chips, or ice cream. In order to know that the Lord is good you must taste Him… taste and see.

Some people might ask these questions: “But how do I ‘taste and see’?” “How can I have ‘fullness of joy’?” “If I really ‘do’ have access to all things pertaining to godliness, happiness, hope, and comfort, how do I acquire them or make use of them?” Well, it really isn’t difficult. These things are very valuable and costly (expensive) things that we desperately need but could never afford. However, if you have believed the simple message of the gospel, and received Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, your name has been added to a bank account that will NEVER have “insufficient funds” Look at these beautiful Bible verses:

⁸Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; Ephesians 3:8 KJV

^“14For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,¹⁵Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,¹⁶That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;¹⁷That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,¹⁸May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;¹⁹And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.²⁰Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,²¹Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 KJV

I know, I still haven’t answered the question of “How” we get them. In order to get those things we must believe that what those verses say is true, and we must also ask the Lord for them. Just like we would with earthy riches… if we do not believe there is money in our account we will not go to the bank. We could have a whole lot of money in our account, but if we do not know that a deposit was made we will not go and make a withdrawal. We can even believe we have money in the bank, but if we don’t go to the bank and ask the teller to withdraw it we will not be able to spend it. Look at these verses below.

¹³I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. ¹⁴This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ¹⁵And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:13-15 NIV

Do the above verses teach us that we can ask for anything like a fancy house or car? No. We must ask “according to His will”, and that means we can ask for the things that “are promised” in scripture. Those who know Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord can ask for the other things that aren’t promised, and sometimes they get them and sometimes they do not get them, but the things that have been promised are always “according to the Lord’s will”, and the Lord will grant their requests. Godliness, happiness (joy), hope, and comfort are all promised to we who believe; all we have to do is ask!

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? Please click here:https://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

Do you have a Bible? If you don’t have one, you need not worry. Just click here:www.biblegateway.com They have many versions and translations of the Bible that you can read. Some of the best things in life are free!

12 Comments

A Great Word and its Definition

March 20, 2011 at 2:04 pm (Assurance, Devotional Thoughts., Guidance, Holy Spirit, Joy, Life, Lighter Burdens., Patience, Peace, Praise, Prayer, Sovereignty of God, Thanksgiving, Transformation., Trusting, When you are afraid, When You Feel Like Crying., Wisdom)

Originally posted on September 17, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Scripture reference;

¹⁸For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

¹⁹For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

²⁰For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

²¹Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

²²For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

²³And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

²⁴For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

²⁵But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

²⁶Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

²⁷And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

²⁸And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

²⁹For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

³⁰Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

³¹What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?Romans 8:18-31 KJV

I am thinking about a word today. The word is “reckon”. It is a great word with a number of meanings. I am pondering only one of those meanings today:

reckon– to know or feel sure of in advance; believe certain or likely to happen. I expected that you would say something like that, so I came prepared. I expected to find him at home at that hour.

synonyms: anticipate, foresee, predict

I looked up the word in my Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible to see the meaning of this word as it is used in the above passage of scripture. The word “reckon” is used only 3 times in the New Testament. Although other forms of that word (reckoned, reckoneth and reckoning) can be found, the word “reckon” is used once in Matthew 18:24, and then again in Romans 6:11 and 8:18. There are two Greek meanings for this word. There is one meaning for the way it is used in Matthew 18:24 , and another meaning for the way it is used in both of the Romans verses. Here is what it said in regard to the Romans verses below:

“to take an inventory, i.e. estimate, (lit. or fig.):–conclude, (ac-) count (of), +despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on).”

Now “fancy” that!

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? Please click here:https://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

21 Comments

I Got An Award

March 17, 2011 at 4:00 pm (Sharing, Thanksgiving)

I am so thankful for the friends I have made through blogging. They are a source of encouragement and inspiration every day. Today I received the Versatile Blogger Award from my blogger friend Rea. You can read her blog (bendedspoon) by clicking here: http://bendedspoon.wordpress.com/. I am honored, because she is very special lady. Thank you, Rea!

This is the type of award that keeps on awarding as we pass the award on to others. Here are the rules of the award:

1. Thank the person who awarded you and link back to them in your post.

2. Tell 7 random facts about yourself.
One: I watch old episodes of Star Trek Next Generation almost every night with my husband.
Two: I love candles and stuff that make my car and house smell good. My favorite scents are the ones that smell like desserts.
Three: I love my flowerbeds. I have coral colored roses, an old fashioned red climbing rose, nikko blue hydrangeas, rhododendrons, azaleas, gardenias, tiger lilies, and assorted evergreen shrubs.
Four: I love to read my Bible
Five: My favorite theologian is a man named Charles Henry Mackintosh. His writings can be read here: http://www.stempublishing.com/authors/mackintosh/
Six: I love my family.
Seven: I love Jesus!

Eight: I had to add one more thing. My favorite fiction author is L.M. Montgomery.

3. Pass the award on to 15 new-found bloggers. This part is going to be hard, because I don’t read very many blogs, so just look in my blogroll, and you will find some great blogs!

4. Contact each blogger you want to pass the award on to and let them know you’ve done so, and let the giver of your award know you accept it.

This has been so much fun! I hope all of my fellow bloggers find themselves smiling as much as I did when I was awarded.

Love, Theresa

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? Please click here:https://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

10 Comments

Very Important Words About Salvation

March 15, 2011 at 11:05 pm (About Salvation: Very Important Words, About Sin, Assurance, Devotional Thoughts., Evangelism, Forgiveness, Healing, Lighter Burdens., Love, Peace, Prayer, Repentance, Restoration, Salvation, salvation plan, Sins, Sovereignty of God, Transformation., Trusting, When you are afraid, When You Feel Like Crying., Wisdom, Witnessing)

Originally posted on January 24, 2010 at 9:04 pm

It is my hope that all who read my blog will understand and appreciate that we all come into the world with the following in common:

God Loves Us.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

We All Are Sinners.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.Romans 3:23

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. Romans 3:10

God’s Remedy For Our Sin

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

All May Be Saved Now.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him. Revelation 3:20(a)

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13

My Decision to Receive Christ As My Saviour; A Decision Each of Us Must Make for Ourselves

( something to pray )

“Lord Jesus, I believe that You are God, that You died for my sin, and that You rose again from the dead. I know that I am a sinner, and I ask You now to be my personal Saviour. I’m placing my full trust in You alone, and I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank you for keeping Your promise! Amen.”

If you have made this decision for Christ record the date somewhere; it is a date so precious that you will want to remember it.

We All Should Follow Jesus.

After making your decision to receive Christ, I would urge you to do two things. First begin to seek the Lord in prayer and study of the Bible. If you do not have a Bible click on this link: www.biblegateway.com, and you can begin reading there. Then seek a local church, congregation, or assembly (even a small group)…it might be in your town or even online (see my blogroll) that will assist you in growing as a new Christian by the clear teaching of the Bible. If this second step seems a little scary, then pray some more and tell Him about it. He loves you so, and will be so glad to guide you. He will not leave you…Would a good mother ignore the cries of her baby? No, she would do all that was in her power to care for that child. Well, the Lord loves his children even more, and His power has no bounds! So do not be afraid. The Lord is patient and understanding. Trust him.

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2Peter 3:18

Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the child of her womb? Even if these forget, yet I will not forget you. Isaiah 49:15

Our Assurance As a Believer

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. John 20:31

12 Comments

Psalm 40… The Lord Inclines: (Part 4: The Judgement Seat of Christ)

March 15, 2011 at 10:52 pm (About Salvation: Very Important Words, About Sin, Assurance, Devotional Thoughts., Forgiveness, Guidance, Judging, Lighter Burdens., Our Unchanging God, Parenting, Patience, Peace, Praise, Repentance, Salvation, salvation plan, Sins, Sovereignty of God, Trusting, When you are afraid, When You Feel Like Crying., Wisdom)

Originally posted on June 22, 2010 at 11:09 pm (

Scripture Reference;

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God. Psalm 40 KJV

Today I am proceeding to verse 7 of Psalm 40. Here it is below:

^“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,”

…What can I say about this? We all have a story, and the versions can vary depending on who is telling it. We read about people and events in history books, but we are often left wondering how accurate these accounts really are. But the book referred to by David was 100 percent accurate. The Lord makes no mistakes. This is not the only Psalm that mentions that our life is recorded in a book. It is funny how something that I think can be simple can become complicated. There are many books in the Bible that mention David including one called “The Lamb’s Book of Life”. I had wondered if that was the book to which he was referring. I have heard preachers over the years mention this book. It contains the names of all the people throughout all the ages that have known the Lord as their personal Savior. I had always thought that it was just a list of names, and like the chorus to that popular old hymn says, “When The Roll is Called Up Yonder I’ll be there.”, but when David speaks he makes it sound like there is more to it than that.

Last Sunday I was in church and the pastor was preaching about the role a parent has in a child’s life, and that it is very important that one should strive to bring their child up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. He explained how parents should teach and model for their children what it means to live a Christian life. While he was preaching he quoted a couple Bible verses that convicted me and made me worry a little, because I was not sure how to interpret them. I have been to many different types of churches in my life, and some of them interpreted scripture in a way that caused me to have a “type” of fear that I now believe the Lord does not desire His children to have. The verse has to do with what many Christians refer to as “The Judgment Seat of Christ”. Here are the verses below.

“³⁶But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ³⁷For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37 NIV

I became concerned about the whole subject of “The Judgment Seat of Christ”and wrote to him about it. He wrote me back and I was so comforted by his reply that I decided to share this correspondence with you. Here it is below:

Howard,

I believe the Lord has laid a few things on my heart today (with your help) that have been of great comfort and encouragement to me. One of the things that was on my mind was “The Judgment Seat of Christ”, the “day” of judgment. This came to my mind when you mentioned the verses in Matthew below. I am sure that when it comes to this subject you probably know a lot more than I do, and there is probably a whole lot of scripture that speaks about it. However, I wanted to look at that passage from Matthew as well as another passage. Here they are :

⁶Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷We live by faith, not by sight. ⁸We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. ¹⁰For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.¹¹Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. ” 2 Corinthians 5:6-11 NIV

You might find it interesting that prior to 1999 I had been under the teachings of various churches that all taught that a person’s salvation was not always permanent. These people seldom spoke about “the judgment seat of Christ”. They didn’t seem to believe in the idea of receiving rewards. They usually spoke of “the great white judgment” that was for the unsaved, and that was the only type of judgment they really seemed to think about. Then I came to believe that salvation is always permanent, and not long after that we joined a type of Baptist church simply because we did not know that there were other denominations beside Baptists that believed that saved people always stay saved. I know I have already told you about our history of church experiences, and I will now try to get to my point. The pastor of that particular church believed that it was of utmost importance that we never forget that believers would definitely appear before “The Judgment Seat of Christ” and he would warn us continually that we should be very concerned about that. I am sure you know me well enough by now to know that as a result I went from being very afraid of losing my salvation to being afraid of getting a rebuke instead of a reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ”, as well as bouts of fear that my sins proved that I might have failed to put my faith in Christ in the first place ( I still battle that one some.) We all had two verses memorized. Here they are :

^“11Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.” 2 Corinthians 5:11 KJV, and “⁷Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7 KJV

Well, I had an experience one night that affected some of my thinking on this subject. I hope you will not consider what I am about to say as heresy. The first thing I want to say is that the verses I have mentioned so far in this letter clearly teach that there will be a day when our life here on the earth is over when we will certainly appear before that judgment seat, so please don’t think that I am rejecting that truth. One night while I prayed silently before going to sleep I was feeling afraid of facing the Lord on that day of judgment, and I said something to the Lord that might be a little humorous, but I really was sincere. I said “Lord, I’m scared…I’m scared to face you that day.” I was talking to Him as if he were two different people (one to whom I could run to for comfort whenever the need arose and one to run away from, one who I was so afraid of finally facing on that day ). Then something happened that does not happen to me very often. Right after I made that statement to the Lord a thought surfaced in my mind. It said “You just were.” Then I remembered the verses below.

¹ O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. ² You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. ³ You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. ⁴ Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. ⁵ You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. ⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. ⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, ^[a] you are there. ⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, ¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. ¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” ¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:1-12 NIV

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17NIV

It occurred to me that all of the attributes that I find in my Savior that are so comforting will still be there when I face Him on the day of judgment after I die. The next thing that occurred to me was that Jesus is on the throne: “²¹To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Revelation 3:21NIV. Therefore when the Holy Spirit convicts me of my sin, and I feel that anguish and go to Him in prayer I have in a sense been to the Judgment Seat of Christ, and perhaps in a moment in time have been both condemned and acquitted, but I still really am not sure how to interpret this verse:

^“37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:37 NIV.

But I do know that the Bible teaches that if we confess our sins He is just and able to forgive us, and all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. The reason I have a hard time understanding the meaning of Matthew 12:36-37, and all of the other passages I mentioned about the Judgment Seat of Christ is because there are also verses in the Bible that say this:

“¹⁷ Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.” Isaiah 38:17 NIV

“¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. ¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; ¹² as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us . ¹³ As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;” Psalm 103:10-13 NIV

³If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?⁴But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. Psalm 130:3-4KJV

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. Hebrews 8:12 NIV

I know the passages at the top of this letter about the Judgment Seat of Christ are true, but I don’t understand how sins that have been taken away, that are behind God’s back, if the Lord doesn’t mark our iniquities,…then how will these sins suddenly be there again for the Lord to view? I find that thought so disturbing. If you can help me with this I would appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Theresa

Theresa;

There is much to be said about the judgement seat of Christ and the “publication” of our sin. Indeed it seems counterintuitive that sins would be separated from us as far as east is from west and that as Micah says, our transgressions would be cast into the depths of the sea, beyond remembrance and yet appear to testify against us on what will be one of the most glorious days of our existence.

Yet it must be noted that when God separates us from our sin and places them beyond remembrance, this primarily indicates that we experience release from the judicial consquences of our sin — in other words, our sins are not “counted against” us because they were reckoned upon Christ on the cross. I like John Bunyan’s perspective best on the publication of our sin at the judgement seat of Christ — that it is not so much a publication of our sins which causes personal sorrow for us, but a publication of the glories of our Savior who bore every one and thus causes us to praise Christ.

At the judgement seat of Christ our focus will not be on our failings, but on Christ’s successes! I sorrow over my sin every day. It grieves me and there is a sense which I long to be with Christ so that I will sin no more. Yet on the day when I stand before Christ, I stand there by grace alone. Not by my ability to do what is right or to restrain what was wrong. For I am a sinful creature without hope except by God’s grace. When I stand before Christ, I stand in His grace. I will not feebly try to explain my sin, but I will praise my savior for the depth of his love which, only then will be fully revealed to me. There is a sense in which I experience this every week in worship — when I realize that I stand before Him, my sin is always before me, but then He reminds me that in grace I am invited to come boldly into his presence because I do not come alone without a mediator, intercessor, and surety.

Beloved, Theresa, do not fear that judgment if you trust in Christ’s mercy and flee to Him. For on that day, your account will be read and after every transgression will be shouted, “paid in full.” The Lord Jesus Christ will not look upon you with disdain and sorrow, but with the tender love of a husband for his beloved bride.

Those who stand before Christ without the covering of his grace will have nothing to say and no recourse to their works, for those works will only condemn them. Those who simply trust in Christ in acknowledgment of their complete inability to rid themselves of their sin or the guilt of it and who rest upon Him will receive the reward for the gracious deeds that He has worked in us through the Holy Spirit ( Phil 2:13 )

We must constantly remember that the judgment seat of Christ is about Christ and not primarily about us.

Those who trust in their works and on their religious works are admonished time and time again in the OT prophets, “woe to you who long for the Day of the Lord.” But for those who place no confidence in the flesh but flee to Christ’s mercy in grace we long for the “blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our Savior.” Titus 2:11-13 The gospel is good news because it is utterly gracious. Hebrews 7:25 is one of my favorite verses of Scripture because it reminds me that even in the midst of my continued war between the flesh and the Spirit, that Jesus is interceding for me for every transgression and will save me to the uttermost.

Let us long for the glorious appearing of our King especially since His glory is revealed in the publication of His grace through the publication of my sins. And let me say this, on that day you will not hear my sins and say, “oh my, how could he have thought, said, done such a thing — after all he is a pastor.” What you will say, is “glory to the Lamb who sits in the midst of the throne, for he has purchased, by his own blood, men from every tribe and nation and language and people. Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of His Father!” Praise Jesus who, “while we are yet sinning, died for us.”

Theresa, what good news is such a gospel! When I think of it, Paul’s words in Romans 7:25-8:1 come to my mind! What a glorious savior to shed his own blood for such sinners as I! How glorious it will be when the depth of our savior’s love is revealed on that day because it will be made clear how great was our sin and how great is our Savior! How can we not love such a Savior with all that we are! Let your thoughts of that day of that judgment seat of Christ fan into flame your love for Christ and not your fear of Him. It will not be a day of your shame but of His glory for those who trust in Him.

Now may the Lord of peace, Himself, give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you.

In Christ,

Howard

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? Please click here:https://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

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The Old Account Was Settled

March 15, 2011 at 10:41 pm (About Sin, Assurance, Devotional Thoughts., Forgiveness, Guidance, Judging, Lighter Burdens., Our Unchanging God, Peace, Praise, Restoration, Salvation, salvation plan, Sins, Sovereignty of God, Transformation., Trusting, When you are afraid, When You Feel Like Crying., Wisdom)

Scripture References;

“¹⁷ Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.” Isaiah 38:17 NIV

³If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?⁴But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. Psalm 130:3-4KJV

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. Hebrews 8:12 NIV

²⁴For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

²⁵But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

²⁶Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

²⁷And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

²⁸And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

²⁹For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

³⁰Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

³¹What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

³²He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

³³Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

³⁴Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

³⁶As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

³⁷Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

³⁸For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

³⁹Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:24-39 KJV

¹⁶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV

^“8But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

⁹That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

¹⁰For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

¹¹For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

¹²For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

¹³For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13 KJV

This is an old gospel song that expresses how wonderful it is that we can be saved, and that we can know that we are saved. Are you unsure? Please click on the red and orange link at the bottom of this page and make sure.

The Old Account Was Settled by Frank M. Graham

There was a time on earth, when in the book of Heav’n
An old account was standing for sins yet unforgiv’n;
My name was at the top, and many things below,
I went unto the Keeper, and settled long ago.

Refrain

Long ago (down on my knees), long ago (I settled it all),
Yes, the old account was settled long ago (Hallelujah!);
And the record’s clear today, for He washed my sins away,
When the old account was settled long ago.

The old account was large, and growing every day,
For I was always sinning, and never tried to pay;
But when I looked ahead, and saw such pain and woe,
I said that I would settle, I settled long ago.

Refrain

When in that happy home, my Savior’s home above,
I’ll sing redemption’s story, and praise Him for His love;
I’ll not forget that book, with pages white as snow,
Because I came and settled, and settled long ago.

Refrain

O sinner, trust the Lord, be cleansed of all your sin,
For thus He hath provided for you to enter in;
And then if you should live a hundred years below,
Up there you’ll not regret it, you settled long ago.

Refrain

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? Please click here:https://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

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A Man Named Ananias…What Can We Learn From Him?

March 13, 2011 at 6:31 pm (About Sin, Assurance, Devotional Thoughts., Evangelism, Forgiveness, Guidance, Holy Spirit, Judging, Lighter Burdens., Love, Obedience, Parenting, Patience, Prayer, Salvation, Serving, Sharing, Sins, Sovereignty of God, Transformation., Trusting, When you are afraid, Wisdom, Witnessing)

Originally posted on July 29, 2010 at 12:12 am

Scripture Reference;

¹And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

²And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

³And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

⁴And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

⁵And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

⁶And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

⁷And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

⁸And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

⁹And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

¹⁰And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

¹¹And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

¹²And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

¹³Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

¹⁴And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

¹⁵But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

¹⁶For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

¹⁷And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

¹⁸And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

¹⁹And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

²⁰And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. Acts 9:1-20 KJV

²But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.³To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. John 10:2-3 KJV

²⁷My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:²⁸And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.²⁹My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.³⁰I and my Father are one. John 10:27-30 KJV

If anyone is asked who they might read about in the ninth chapter of the book of Acts they probably would say Saul (also known as Paul), but I want to look at another man. His name was Ananias. There is a lot that I learn from “his story”.

First of all, the Lord spoke to Ananias: And the Lord said to him in a vision,“Ananias!”…When I read that the Lord spoke to Ananias I found myself focusing on the fact that it was the Lord that initiated that conversation, and also that He called Ananias by name. I also liked Ananias’s reply, “Behold, I am here Lord”. I was reminded that although we may initiate conversations with the Lord when we go to Him in prayer, the Lord also has something to say, something to lay on our hearts. When the Lord calls out to us (draws us) we, too should reply “Behold, I am here Lord.”. Then we should pause to listen.

When I looked at verses 13-14 I noticed that Ananias let the Lord know that he was afraid to go and he explained why. So often the Lord desires us to do things that make us uncomfortable, and that sometimes are down right scary. Obedience isn’t always easy. It is okay to tell the Lord about our fears. He wants to hear about them, and he knows about them anyway. He tells us in the Bible to cast our fears on Him. Telling is part of casting. In the Psalms David sometimes called it “pouring out my complaint”. There is something so healing about confessing …confessing our sins, our hurts and our fears. When we do this the Lord gives us the courage to obey Him. We may fear and tremble, but the Lord “WILL” work in us both ” to be willing” and “to be able” to do His good pleasure (to obey Him). See Philippians 2:12-13.

I also noticed that when Ananias was speaking he mentioned his knowledge of the evil that Saul had done to the saints, but the Lord assured him that He had chosen Paul (Saul). This both comforted and convicted me. It comforted me because I, myself have done evil to the saints. I haven’t had anyone thrown into prison, but I have many times criticized people (especially other Christians) to my family and closest friends. It’s bad enough to think bad thoughts, to be quick to judge, to carry that chip on my shoulder, but when I “share those thoughts” I am only piling sin upon sin. When I realize what I have done (usually as soon as the words are spoken) I feel very ashamed, because it is not fair and they are precious in the Lord’s sight. Then I confess what I have done, and pray for help not to do that anymore. It is humbling for me to admit that I am capable of doing that, but it is also comforting to remember that Paul himself wrote in Romans 7 and 8, as well as in other passages that Christians still sin, but that doesn’t make us any less saved or chosen. He didn’t continue to persecute the saints but he did have criticisms from time to time….and many of his criticisms were expressed in his instructions to the churches (These criticisms were not sins), but I suspect that one of his sins that he committed once in awhile might very well have been to criticize too harshly. There is another good thing that comes when I acknowledge my own sin. It helps me to be more accepting of others and more eager to build up instead of tearing down. We should, like Ananias, acknowledge that they are our “brothers” and “sisters”; that should mean something to us.

Now I want to look again at Acts 9:17-18:

¹⁷ So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ^(P)

¹⁸ At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. ¹⁹ And after taking some food, he regained his strength. ^(Q)

²⁰ Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: “He is the Son of God.”

After the Lord spoke with him, Ananias did as he was told, and a wonderful thing happened. Saul’s sight was restored, he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and Baptized…and that’s not all! Saul (Paul) started many churches and preached the gospel in many places. He is the author of many of the books in the New Testament. There is a lot more written in the Bible about Paul than Ananias, and it is the same with us today. Some Christians are known by multitudes while others are remembered by only a few, but we have no idea what God has planned for the person to whom we show grace and mercy, or how far reaching a kindness can be. Let us not grow weary in well doing!

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? Please click here:https://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

23 Comments

They Didn’t Know…

March 12, 2011 at 7:36 pm (About Sin, Assurance, Devotional Thoughts., Forgiveness, Guidance, Judging, Lighter Burdens., Patience, Peace, Sins, Sovereignty of God, When you are afraid, When You Feel Like Crying., Wisdom)

Scripture References;

⁴⁸Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,⁴⁹Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?⁵⁰Hath not my hand made all these things?⁵¹Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.⁵²Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:⁵³Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.⁵⁴When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.⁵⁵But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,⁵⁶And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.⁵⁷Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,⁵⁸And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.⁵⁹And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.⁶⁰And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:48-60 KJV

¹And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.²And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.³As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.⁴Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Acts 8:1-4 KJV

The Damascus Road

¹ Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples ^(A) of the Lord, went to the high priest ^(B) ²and requested letters ^(C) from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, ^(D) either men or women, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. ³ As ^(E) he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. ⁴ Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him,“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

⁵ “Who are You, Lord?” he said.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. ⁶ “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

⁷ The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one. ^(F) ⁸ Then Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. ⁹ He was unable to see for three days, and did not eat or drink.

Saul’s Baptism

¹⁰ Now in Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

“Here I am, Lord!” he said. ^(G)

¹¹ “Get up and go to the street called Straight,” the Lord said to him, “to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus ^(H) named Saul, since he is praying there. ¹² In a vision ^[a] he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so he may regain his sight.” ^(I)

¹³ “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. ^(J) ¹⁴ And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.”^(K)

¹⁵ But the Lord said to him, “Go! For this man is My chosen instrument ^(L) to carry My name before Gentiles, ^(M)kings, and the sons of Israel. ^(N) ¹⁶ I will certainly show him how much he must suffer for My name!” ^(O)

¹⁷ So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ^(P)

¹⁸ At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.¹⁹ And after taking some food, he regained his strength. ^(Q)

Saul Proclaiming the Messiah

Saul ^[b] was with the disciples in Damascus for some days. ²⁰ Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: “He is the Son of God.” ^(R)

²¹ But all who heard him were astounded and said, “Isn’t this the man who, in Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this name, and then came here for the purpose of taking them as prisoners to the chief priests?” ^(S)

²² But Saul grew more capable, and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this One is the Messiah.

²³ After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, ²⁴ but their plot became known to Saul. So they were watching the gates day and night intending to kill him, ^(T) ²⁵ but his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a large basket through [an opening in] the wall. ^(U)

Saul in Jerusalem

²⁶ When he arrived in Jerusalem, ^(V) he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. ²⁷ Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how, on the road, Saul ^[c] had seen the Lord, and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly ^(W) in the name of Jesus. ^(X) ²⁸Saul ^[d] was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. ²⁹ He conversed and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, ^[e] but they attempted to kill him. ^(Y) ³⁰ When the brothers found out, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. ^(Z)

³¹ So the church ^(AA) throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace, being built up and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, and it increased in numbers. Acts 9:1-31 HCSB

^“9 Then Saul—also called Paul—filled with the Holy Spirit,..” Acts 13:9

³³And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.³⁴Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. Luke 23:33-34 KJV

¹I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.²I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.³My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,⁴LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am.⁵Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.⁶Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.⁷And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. Psalm 39:1-7 KJV

⁷Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.⁸For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.⁹The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?¹⁰I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:7-10 KJV

²³Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:²⁴And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 KJV

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” Luke 23:34

…“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

When people hurt others it is sometimes intentional and sometimes unintentional, but even when it is intentional they really are not able to fully comprehend what they are doing. Think about it. If they “fully comprehended it” they would also know that they were hurting themselves.

If we take the time to consider just how frail each and everyone of us is we are enabled to forgive much and love much and be set free from much, enabled to know a measure of peace and joy that we have never known before.

What a wonderful thing to know that the Lord made it possible to forgive and to be forgiven…to be loved that much!

Have Thine Own Way, Lord by Aidlaide A. Pollard

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? Please click here:https://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

17 Comments

Telling: (Part 3…Living To Tell About It)

March 4, 2011 at 5:26 pm (Assurance, Devotional Thoughts., Evangelism, Guidance, Life, Our Unchanging God, Salvation, Sharing, Sovereignty of God, When you are afraid, Wisdom, Witnessing)

Scripture References;

¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

²The same was in the beginning with God.

³All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

⁴In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

⁵And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

⁶There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

⁷The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

⁸He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

⁹That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

¹⁰He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

¹¹He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

¹²But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

¹³Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

¹⁴And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1-14 KJV

Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Lord

¹¹ But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. ¹²She saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus’ body had been lying. ¹³ They said to her, ” Woman, why are you crying?”

“Because they’ve taken away my Lord,” she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put Him.” ¹⁴ Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus.

¹⁵ “Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve removed Him, tell me where you’ve put Him, and I will take Him away.”

¹⁶ Jesus said, “Mary.”

Turning around, she said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” —which means “Teacher.”

¹⁷ “Don’t cling to Me,” Jesus told her, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them that I am ascending to My Father and your Father—to My God and your God.”

¹⁸ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what He had said to her. John 20:11-18 HCSB

¹⁶ For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. ¹⁷ He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” ¹⁸ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

¹⁹ We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. ²⁰ Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. ²¹ For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:16-21 HCSB

⁴For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

⁵For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

⁶But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

⁷Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

⁸But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

⁹That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

¹⁰For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

¹¹For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

¹²For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

¹³For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:4-13 KJV

Isn’t it something? The Lord knew what He came to do, and He did it…Jesus lived and He told about it! He is still living today seated at the right hand of the Father…yet He is very near each and every one of us all at the same time! He told the disciples what He must do, and they were witnesses….they lived to tell about it. I was told about it, I believed and I am alive and telling about it. If you have received the Lord as your Savior you can tell about it, too! What a privilege it is…to live and tell about it!

Below are the words to a beautiful song and a video of a lovely cover performance that you can hear:

Redeemer by Nicole C. Mullen

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?

and Who told the ocean you can only come this far?

and Who showed the moon where to hide ’til evening?

Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Well I know my Redeemer lives

I know my Redeemer lives

All of creation testifys

This life within me cries

I know my Redeemer lives yeah

The very same God that spins things in orbit

runs to the weary, the worn and the weak

And the same gentle hands that hold me when I’m broken

They conquered death to bring me victory

Now I know my Redeemer lives

I know my Redeemer lives

Let all creation testify

Let this life within me cry

I know my Redeemer, He lives

To take away my shame

And He lives forever, I’ll proclaim

That the payment for my sin

Was the precious life He gave

But now He’s alive and

There’s an empty grave

Now I know my Redeemer lives

I know my Redeemer lives

Let all creation testify

Let this life within me cry

I know my Redeemer,

I know my Redeemer
I know my Redeemer lives
I know my redeemer lives
I know that I know that I know that I know that I know my redeemer lives
Because He lives I can face tomorrow
I Know I know
He lives he lives yeah i spoke with him this morning
he lives he lives, the tomb is empty,
he lives I gotta tell everybody

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? Please click here:https://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

16 Comments

Telling: (Part Two…In Strictest Confidence)

March 3, 2011 at 10:53 pm (About Sin, Assurance, Devotional Thoughts., Forgiveness, Guidance, Healing, Lighter Burdens., Our Unchanging God, Parenting, Peace, Prayer, Sins, Sovereignty of God, When you are afraid, When You Feel Like Crying., Wisdom)

Scripture References;

^“5My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.⁶He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.⁷In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.⁸Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” Psalm 62:5-8 KJV

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6 HCSB

^“6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: ⁷Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 KJV

We surely can have an awful lot on our minds. Our concerns can sometimes be so burdensome that we just can’t put it off any longer…we must share them. But with whom will we share them? Sometimes we can share them both with our friends and with the Lord. Then there are other times when it is just better to share them with the Lord alone.

When I was a teen in church the person leading the service would say “Do we have any prayer requests at this time?”. Then people would take turns sharing their requests, and after they all were shared everyone would bow their heads and pray. There were many times when some one would say “I have an ‘unspoken’ prayer request.” Those requests were included when we all prayed.

Do you have a problem or concern and you just can’t talk about it…one of those “unspoken” burdens ? Go to the Lord. Tell Him all about it. He loves you. Your cares really matter to Him.

I Must Tell Jesus by Elisha A. Hoffman

I must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.

Refrain

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;
He is a kind, compassionate friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver,
Make of my troubles quickly an end.

Refrain

Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior;
One Who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;
He all my cares and sorrows will share.

Refrain

O how the world to evil allures me!
O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus, and He will help me
Over the world the victory to win.

Refrain

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? Please click here:https://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

14 Comments

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Moore to Ponder

Fullness of Joy: (Part 1…Fat and Happy)

Scripture references;

A Great Word and its Definition

Scripture reference;

Very Important Words About Salvation

Originally posted on January 24, 2010 at 9:04 pm

God Loves Us.

We All Are Sinners.

God’s Remedy For Our Sin

All May Be Saved Now.

My Decision to Receive Christ As My Saviour; A Decision Each of Us Must Make for Ourselves

( something to pray )

We All Should Follow Jesus.

Our Assurance As a Believer

Psalm 40… The Lord Inclines: (Part 4: The Judgement Seat of Christ)

Scripture Reference;

The Old Account Was Settled

Scripture References;

The Old Account Was Settled by Frank M. Graham

They Didn’t Know…

Scripture References;

The Damascus Road

Saul’s Baptism

Saul Proclaiming the Messiah

Saul in Jerusalem

Have Thine Own Way, Lord by Aidlaide A. Pollard

Telling: (Part Two…In Strictest Confidence)

Scripture References;

I Must Tell Jesus by Elisha A. Hoffman

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