The Joy of Salvation

Cling Closely to Jesus

2009-12-02T13:47:00.004-04:00

If we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as themorning. Hosea 6:3.

When Satan tells you that your sins are such that you need not expect anygreat victories in God, tell him the Bible teaches that those who love most are those who have been forgiven most. Do not try to lessen your guilt by excusing sin. You cannot come near to God by faith unless you realize your sinfulness. Then you can place yourselves right on the promises, and with unwavering faith can claim a share in the infinite sacrifice that has been made for the human race. Cling closely to Jesus, and His great heart of love will draw you unto Himself.

I cannot bear the thought that any should go away . . . without having their faith greatly strengthened. . . . Every advance step they take must be astep of faith. If they have a religious experience that is rich in faith,one can chase a thousand, and two can put ten thousand to flight. But all the talents that they may possess, all the skill and eloquence that they may acquire, will effect nothing unless they are consecrated to God. . . .

The apostle Paul desired that his brethren should be comforted with "the consolation wherewith he was comforted." The Christian finds constant comfort and strength in Jesus. . . .

Let us have an eye single to the glory of God. Let us not allow anything to interpose between us and Him. "If we follow on to know the Lord," we shall know that "his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." If we are partakers of the divine nature, we shall reflect in life and character the image of our divine Lord. We cannot be indolent in seeking this perfection of character. We cannot yield passively to our surroundings, and think that others will do the work for us. "Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." We must be workers together with God. Life must become to us a humble, earnest working out of salvation with fear and trembling; and then faith, hope, and love will abide in our hearts, giving us an earnest of the reward that awaits the overcomer.

A relentless and determined foe has prepared his wiles for every soul that is not braced for trial, and guarded by constant prayer and living faith. We cannot individually, or as a body, secure ourselves from his constant assaults; but in the strength of Jesus every temptation, every opposing influence, whether open or secret, may be successfully resisted. Remember that "your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." Therefore "be sober, be vigilant"

(Historical Sketches,pp. 135, 136).

From Lift Him Up - Page 334

The Free Slave

2009-05-23T21:29:00.008-04:00

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

For ye are bought with a price
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Paris Reidhead's convicting sermon 'Come'* struck me as he began to tell a story of an English goldminer in California, nearly in 1850's, who after success in mining, desired to return home to be with his people. After making many stops, he finally, arrived in New Orleans, where he would then take a ship to New York, and then to England.

As most tourists in New Orleans, he made his way to the slave market, for even then slaves were still being sold. And, there he saw many men crowded around the stage, talking about the new slave, who was for sale. He saw two evil-looking men bidding for her, as Reidhead puts it, very easily, so he went closer. There he heard what they had planned on doing with her and he could not stand to allow for them to commit such heinous, swinish things against her.

As the price was getting higher and higher, many bidders withdrew, but these evil men remained bidding for her. In disgust, he could no longer watch, so he bid a figure that was exactly twice the last bid, the most ever paid for a slave in that particular market.

He ascended the stairs and the auctioneer said, "Have you got the money?"

He replied, "Yea, I got the money." He, then, walked over to the block and collected the woman he had bought.

She came down one step and stood in level with his eyes, she had made a mouth full of spittle, and she spat full in his face. Through clenched teeth she said, "I hate you."

Saying nothing, he took the back of his hand and wiped the spit from his face.

He took her by the hand walked her across the street and down an alley to a small office building.
He went to the desk and began to speak to the man who sat behind it. The man began to protest, yet the Englishman argued, "I insist it's the law, I insist it's the law." Until the man granted him his request.

He paid the money and in his hands he held some papers, he walked over to the infuriated woman, who stood like a beast ready to spring.

He handed her the papers, "Here, here are your manumission papers; you're free."

She still said, "I hate you."

He replied, "Didn't you understand? I said, 'here are your manumission papers; you are free.'"

In disbelief, she stuttered, "I-I, no, you paid twice as much for me as was ever paid for anybody on that block. I don't believe it."

He said, "Yes, these are your manumission papers," and he put them in here hand.

Confused, she said, "Mister, do you mean to say, that you bought me to set me free?"

"Yes; that's why I bought you, to set you free."

Tears welled in her eyes, her face softened.
She slipped down on her hands and knees, placing her hands around those rough miners boots, she laid her cheeks down on the toe of one of them. Through her tears, she sobbed, "Oh, you bought me to set me free. You bought me to set me free. You bought me to set me free. You paid more than has ever been paid before, just to set me free." Through her tears, she looked and said, "Oh, sir, all I want in life is to be your slave. You bought me to set free."

* * * * *

In this story, I learned two things:

I realised that woman, was me, He had bought me to set me free. The chains of sin which once bound me to the devil, were now broken. He bought me to set me free. Though, I lived a selfish, unworthy life, Christ paid the price so that I would be free from the wages of my past actions.

Her response to the man brought her on her knees not only to proclaim that, he had saved her. Yet, because of his apparent care, and his redemptive concern for her, she was further moved to say, "All I want in life is to be your slave."

The latter of these concepts seems extreme, yet in deep consideration, we realise that our allegiance to Christ means just that, being in submission to His command. Not in misery or contempt, but love, for He came and saved us from the wily one, that we might be free!

How can one understand such a love that endures beatings, whips and mockery from those who He came to save?

How humbling, the thought!

Yet inspiring, I see the example that Christ has set for me, as His follower, who cowers behind His cross.

I see His pattern that as His servant and daughter is mine with which to conform, as I cling to the hem of his garment.

An example and a pattern, that He has promised to help me follow, not in my strength but in HIS.

How can I but smile and acknowledge again, "His grace is sufficient."

Learning more about my Saviour,

Alex.

*http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmxiI22GjTc&feature=channel_page

God's Little Classroom of Life

2009-05-19T14:36:00.006-04:00

My grace is sufficient for thee
2 Corinthians 12:9

The above was just a text I thought would be really helpful and has been something that has got me through quite a bit this month.
I have to say, I have never grown bored of His love, nor His mercy and grace. It is so fathomless, that I hardly understand the God that I find myself falling in love with.

To His eternal love, I ask WHY LORD?
To His omnipotence, I ask WHAT NEXT FATHER?
To His able grace, I ask HOW IN THE UNIVERSE WELL-BELOVED?

He has whispered to me, like Solomon to the Shumalite woman,

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Arise, my love, my fair one, Come away.
Songs of Solomon 2:13

~.~.~.~.~.~.

This Sabbath after a week of composing music, writing and forcing myself to study for ruthless CXC Geography, He has called me and said come away and rest in Me, abide in Me, My maidservant, My child.

This week, He has shown me a peace, that I honestly have not come to understand, yet where I went, songs of praise were always ready on my tongue to be raised to the throne of Grace which exists through ceaseless ages.

He's teaching me to be content, though I am quite the professional complainer, and He is, most of all, teaching me patience, something that I cannot attain on my own - no matter how hard I try.

The point of this post?

Grace.

Only a few months ago, was I awakened by something He showed me: I was like the Ephesian church, hard-necked, critical, I had lost my first Love.

Christ was not my Focus, my Example, my Portion, my Song, my All in All, rather He was just a God, I worshipped. I didn't know Him, deeply, I had experienced His power in my life, so many times, but it became so unfamiliar that rather than ceaseless praise, I complained and was always ready to insult.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

That was me.

I forsook Him, the fountain of abundant life and joy- the One, whose presence brings the fullness of joy. And made myself, imitations that could not bring me the peace and love that He bestowed so lavishingly upon me, they held no water, they are not the sustaining power, that He is.

Until one night, quite late, I couldn't take it any longer, I wondered why do some Christians have that joy and radiate Christ's love so easily and I just can't?!

And in my importunity, I feel on my knees and prayed

and prayed.

And wrote.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise...but is longsuffering to us-ward
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

I prayed that prayer, according to my prayer journal on the 9th April and it's nearing the end of May.

Where was God?

Melting my heart of cold wax, and guiding me along each path, even though I turned around and went the completely opposite direction multiple times!

Being longsuffering to me[:D]-ward.

I think of that song, 'were it not for grace?'

The thought in a way makes me shiver, where would I be without His saving grace? Where would I be headed? What snare would I fall into, spear-headed by the father of lies.

Though only now, am I awakening to that melodious cadence of His speech, I cannot resist as my Prince, beckons me, 'Come away, my love, my fair one'.

Yes, the thought has crossed my mind- maybe I'm just rambling, but I delight in rambling about the God who has ransomed me!

That's all I have to say for today about what God has taught me as I TRY to live day to day, and not jump ahead.

Loving Christ,

Alex

The whole way.

2009-02-13T16:35:00.004-04:00

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." Romans12:1

You hear of it all the time- Present your body a living sacrifice. What does that even mean, anyway?

Well , the biggest sacrifice that you can make, the biggest thing you have, the most valuable possession you have is your body, your self. There's nothing greater you can give. And what this passages is telling us is that there's nothing less that God requires. It doesn't mean you kill yourself, or wait until you're old or about to die to give your life to God. The emphasis here is living. Meaning you give your self, your body, your mind to God.

Um. Excuse me. Just a second there. Give your everything to God? Isn't that completely impossible? Well if it was it wouldn't be in the Bible, queridos. I'll tell you one thing: its impossible if you do it by yourself. If you get up fro your computer chair, feel pratty guilty for neglecting God and say in your heart (or even outloud ): "I'm coming back to You Lord. I'm going to stop sinning. I'm going to give my life to God" and go about trying to do it it on our own, you will NOT get it done. But I can tell you a 100% guaranteed way of success.

1) Get up. After you finish reading this is the best time, before you get distracted again (because you will).

2) Get down on your knees and PRAY.

a) Tell the Lord everything, and the truth, come openly before Him, because He already knows. And He's overjoyed you're coming to Him, because there is "rejoicing in Heaven when one sinner repents" [Luke 15:7] (a.k.a. Serious Angelic Celebration)

b) REPENT- Confess your sins to Him ,and turn away from them. He will give you the strength to do that. He *will* forgive you if you're sincere, because He promised :"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

-1 John 9:14

c) Tell Him that you want to make a change, and you can't do it without Him and that you need Him to make this change for you. Ask Him Offer Him your body, a living sacrifice, your life. Commit it all in His hands, and He will answer your prayer, if you believe "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."- Mark 11:24 . "If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." -1 John 5:14.

d) KEEP ON PRAYING. A one-time prayer however, doesn't keep us going. This is an ongoing journey, a life-long path (excuse the cliches, but they are true). So your prayer must be ongoing too. You won't be perfect in a day, but if you keep on praying to the Lord, set specific times that you have ''appointment'' with Him, and He will come through.

So give your life to the Lord, because I can promise you that it will be the best decision you will ever make.

One last promise: " You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."- Jeremiah 29: 13

No one every repented of being a Christian on his/her deathbed.

At The Foot of God's Throne

2008-12-18T18:54:00.004-04:00

We always hear about the importance of prayer in our Christian experience- the breath of the soul, the unleashing power, the great Audience that is ours when we simply close our eyes, with heads bowed in reverence.

However, no matter how many times we hear it or are urged by Paul to 'pray earnestly' in our daily reading, it seems to go in one ear and out the other. Failing, continually, to realise that great men in the Bible spent hours in the divine presence of our Maker.

Daniel, for example, when face with the possible sentence of being fed to the lions, was not afraid but would rather die than miss his 'appointments' with the LORD.

Is praying so important to you that you would rather DIE than miss it?

Would you be so bold not to miss your special time with God? Do you even have that special time with God?
Cadey asked me, 'Why couldn't Daniel just whisper silent prayers to the Lord throughout the day instead of kneeling down THREE TIMES A DAY in front of a window!?' while I was writing this as a draft, and I was taken aback by it.
As I think about it, it must have taken a boldness and divine strength, that cannot be attained through human means but is given by request from 'the Rock that is higher than'* ourselves.

David had time he spent with God, he told the Lord:

*'Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.'

I especially like the way the New Living Translation put it, although I don't quote from that version regularly, it creates an air as though David regularly sought the Lord *'with all [his] heart and with all [his] soul.'

In addition, if this is not enough we are most definitely and fervently to follow our Lord and Saviour as Christians [[Christlike]] should imitate Christ as He, *'in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.'

With This as our example we have no excuse to be lacking in prayer, the opening of one's heart to God as a friend; and if we find ourselves lacking in that aspect, we should humble ourselves on our knees and ask for a willing spirit to Petition, Repent, Appreciate, Yield, Experience and Rejoice, so that we are in constant communication with our Lord.

Leila.S.&Cadey.H.

Psalm 5:3 (NLT)*
Deuteronomy 4:29 (NKJV)*
Mark 1:35 (NKJV)*

2008-12-13T18:38:00.001-04:00

On perusal through my email inbox I found an email from my weekly subscription to Christian Teens on about.com
Making A Difference Every Single Day
The title really caught my attention it's something I feel as Christians we should implore others to do and I have to quote Kelli on this one:
'Not every act of change is going to come along the lines of Jesus feeding the five thousand in Matthew 14 or Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt in Exodus. Margaret Mead had a great saying about making a difference, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."'

Kelli goes further to indicate that changing the world comes in small packages like 'offering a kind word to a hurt friend, picking up a piece of garbage on the sidewalk, saying a prayer to bless people...these are all examples of what we usually think are everyday things that actually go a long way in making that difference.'

Although, we often have times where we feel as though no one is as kind to me, so why should I be kind to others? Remember, that we are not worthy of the greatest Sacrifice and act of love that took place some two thousand years ago.

With this great act of love in history as our example, we should really put on [[Romans 13:11-14]] Christ and be as humble, kind, patient and gentle He was. As I type this, I, myself, feel as though there is much more I can do to help the Lord in comforting others around me.

As we pray let us pray for the fruit of the Spirit 'against such there is no law'

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Leila.S.&&Cadey.H.

2008-12-02T16:56:00.008-04:00

Now that said, have you just had a tough day today? [See below blog]
Failed a test you studied ages for? Hurt a family member or friend? Lost your school folder? Or even worse? Something life changing and you don't know how you'll even get through tomorrow? We all have days like this. Sometimes you get home and you just want to give up. You feel like just throwing in the towel and saying " I give up. I've tried and I can't take it any longer. I'm out."
The most attractive thought is just getting away from it all. You listen to some sad music, cry, curl up and eat sweet stuff.

But wait a second.

What does the Lord have to say about days like this? Let's check it out:

" We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed but not in despair {not altogether without help}; persecuted but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed."- 2Corinthians 4:8,9

Let's dissect that. Did it say " You're never gonna have a bad day!"? Did it say " You might have some rough patches, if you don't do everything right."? No. It said you WILL have difficulty; after all the Lord has said in

Romans 5:3- "And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience , experience; and experience hope; and hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed broad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us"

We will have hardships, there is no question about that. But sometimes we forget the parts in red. Yes we are under attack by the enemy and his agents but we are: NOT DISTRESSED, NOT IN DESPAIR, NOT WITHOUT HELP, NOT DESTROYED AND NOT FORSAKEN.

Also:

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal"- 2Corinthians 4:18

So let's not look at our problems, because they are as the winds; they will soon blow away. But let's look toward the God who will solve our problems and wipe away every tear from our eyes and every sorrow from our hearts. For He is the Great I AM.

And don't forget:

Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance, And the young men and the old, together,
For I will turn their mourning into joy, And will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow. -Jermiah 31:13

May God bless and prosper you. He WILL come through for you if you like Jacob/Israel in Genesis 32:24-30 surrender completely to Him. Trust Him, He'll bring your life to its full potential and let you meet your true calling in life.

-Cadey & Leila

2008-12-02T16:46:00.003-04:00

Has anyone ever asked you how your day was and your answer was something like...
"Awful"
"Just horrible"
"Don't even ask"

Are you breathing? Can you see, read? Have you drank, eaten this week? Most importantly- do you know you have a Saviour who died for YOU? If you're reading this right now, my guess is that you've answered YES to every question! You answer should be "I'M BLESSED, thank you", then.

Now... that's not to say that there are not some days that are tougher than others, or ar just downright a challenge to get through. But we're Christians! We are too blessed to complain!

The Journey To DO HARD THINGS 1

2008-12-01T15:25:00.015-04:00

Well, I was reading Do Hard Things and I really couldn't put it down, besides the compelling urge to do something to change this world, I felt as if God was tugging at my heart to do something, be someone who will change the community and country from it's current state. Ideas kept flooding through my mind and I got really excited but we all know that there's that someone who doesn't want you to succeed in fulfilling God's purpose for you.

Then, I began to doubt. Who in their right mind would want to join?
Do I really think someone would care?
People are too busy fixing their own problems.

The desire to serve started to die down, but Thank God for prayer.
I remember that same morning (yesterday) I read Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 3:5-9
At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” [NKJV].

Which then reminded me of when the Lord called Jeremiah:
Jeremiah 1:4-8 [NKJV]
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: “ Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Then said I: “ Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the LORD said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD. And as if that wasn't enough thinking about it now another text comes to mind:
Isaiah 41:13 [NKJV] For I, the Lord you God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you'.

In our quest to "Do Hard Things" or "Change the World", we sometimes forget that it is not through our power, but through God's. We look not to if we are capable of a work, but know what we are vessels of God's work. Our focus, then, becomes on finding out what God's will is and praying for His power that we may carry it out.

So this week our quest is: Prayer
Praying that God will use us in the way He sees fit and that we will not let our own wills hinder His perfect one.

~*It is not I that lives, but Christ that lives in me.

Welcome!

2008-11-30T17:22:00.008-04:00

Welcome to our blog!
We pray that God will inspire you and use this to bring you into a more meaningful relationship with Him.
It is our humble, privelege to be able to use this to point a post-Christian world to our Saviour.

Have fun reading and may God bless you fully!

Leila and Cadey