Light from the Oil

Mia’s devotion this morning was:

So we discussed the Holy Spirit that comes as an anointing oil once we have realized the value of Christ and fully surrendered our whole lives to Him — not just as a promised Savior, but as a present and abiding Lord. Once He is our prize and portion, once His Kingdom treasure is rightly first in our hearts above all things, once He has revealed Himself to us and we know that nothing in this world compares, it alters us, because He is leading us in a new life as children of God, as active citizens in His Kingdom come, His will being done on earth as it is in Heaven.

Jesus explained the Kingdom of God like this:

Then He left the crowds and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him saying, “Explain [clearly] to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, and the field is the world; and [as for] the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the weeds are the sons of the evil one; and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels. So just as the weeds are gathered up and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend [those things by which people are led into sin], and all who practice evil [leading others into sin], and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger]. Then the righteous [those who seek the will of God] will shine forth [radiating the new life] like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears [to hear], let him hear and heed My words. “The kingdom of heaven is like a [very precious] treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again; then in his joy he goes and sells all he has and buys that field [securing the treasure for himself]. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, and upon finding a single pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet which was lowered into the sea, and gathered fish of every kind, and when it was full, they dragged it up on the beach; and they sat down and sorted out the good fish into baskets, but the worthless ones they threw away. So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw the wicked into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger]. “Have you understood all these things [in the lessons of the parables]?” They said to Jesus, “Yes.” He said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things that are new and fresh and things that are old and familiar.”
MATTHEW 13:36‭-‬52 AMP
http://bible.com/1588/mat.13.36-52.AMP

Jesus does NOT say ” If you go and do these things you will earn my love.” No,

Jesus told us that He is the light of the world:

Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “ I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
JOHN 8:12 AMP
http://bible.com/1588/jhn.8.12.AMP

Jesus told us about coming into the light:

This is the judgment [that is, the cause for indictment, the test by which people are judged, the basis for the sentence]: the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For every wrongdoer hates the Light, and does not come to the Light [but shrinks from it] for fear that his [sinful, worthless] activities will be exposed and condemned. But whoever practices truth [and does what is right–morally, ethically, spiritually] comes to the Light, so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are–accomplished in God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence on Him].”
JOHN 3:19‭-‬21 AMP
http://bible.com/1588/jhn.3.19-21.AMP

The Word teaches if you know and believe His great love, His life that was laid down for you — if you treasure the Word and truly love God, it is because you have believed that God truly is THE treasure above all other treasures. You have realized and come out from the darkness into light, you are risen from and the old of sin and death to the newness of life in Christ.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him], that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation [that is, restoration to favor with God]. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God. He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness].
2 CORINTHIANS 5:17‭-‬21 AMP
http://bible.com/1588/2co.5.17-21.AMP

And that makes us willing to lay down all other things to follow after Him, to share Him with others, to obey and serve Him. Because what else is there of worth in comparison if you have TRULY come to know the Lord Jesus Christ who is the ONE WAY, ONE TRUTH, AND ONE LIFE?

Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another–practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. But sexual immorality and all [moral] impurity [indecent, offensive behavior] or greed must not even be hinted at among you, as is proper among saints [for as believers our way of life, whether in public or in private, reflects the validity of our faith]. Let there be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because such things are not appropriate [for believers]; but instead speak of your thankfulness [to God]. For be sure of this: no immoral, impure, or greedy person–for that one is [in effect] an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God [for such a person places a higher value on something other than God]. Let no one deceive you with empty arguments [that encourage you to sin], for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience [those who habitually sin]. So do not participate or even associate with them [in the rebelliousness of sin]. For once you were darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light] (for the fruit [the effect, the result] of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him–your behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation]. Do not participate in the worthless and unproductive deeds of darkness, but instead expose them [by exemplifying personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character]; for it is disgraceful even to mention the things that such people practice in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light [of God’s precepts], for it is light that makes everything visible. For this reason He says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine [as dawn] upon you and give you light.” Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil. Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him. Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, [offering praise by] singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks to God the Father for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; being subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.
EPHESIANS 5:1‭-‬21 AMP
http://bible.com/1588/eph.5.1-21.AMP

Rebels turned Ambassadors

He bore the sin of rebels.

He bore our sin.

He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. But it was the Lord ’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord ’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.
Isaiah 53:3‭-‬12 NLT

We were those rebels, now we are His ambassadors, pleading with the world, “Come back to God!”

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17‭-‬21 NLT

Spurgeon has some revealing thoughts on rebellion that I found here this morning: https://books.google.com/books?id=gIe_swAX4QIC&pg=PA63&lpg=PA63&dq=spurgeon+rebel&source=bl&ots=DMvST_07VA&sig=gwPyDheMZRlvrACk6dOkIpn982M&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjG_ejvzLPWAhXHKyYKHTFDD1AQ6AEIRzAK#v=onepage&q=spurgeon%20rebel&f=false

And I found what I thought was a great perspective this morning in this link:

https://www.cmalliance.org/devotions/tozer?id=224

Some of you will object to my saying this, but it is my opinion that in Christianity we have over-emphasized the psychology of the lost sinner’s condition. We spend time describing the sinner’s woes and the great burden he carries until we almost forget the principal fact that the sinner is actually a rebel against properly constituted authority! That is what makes sin SIN! We are rebels; we are sons of disobedience. Sin is the breaking of the Law, and we are fugitives from the just laws of God while we are sinners. We are fugitives from divine judgment. But thankfully, the plan of salvation reverses that and restores the original relationship so that the first thing the returning sinner does is confess, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in Thy sight, and I am no more worthy to be called Thy son. Make me as one of Thy hired servants!” Thus, in repentance, we reverse that relationship and we fully submit to the Word of God and the will of God as obedient children!

It is in our recognizing our prodigal state and in our returning to God, hoping to be servants, that we find that He calls us believed sons. It is when we find that there is no good in us at all outside of Christ that we have spiritual eyes to see the truth about ourselves — not so that we can set our eyes upon the sin of the world and wonder at their destruction, but that we can tremble at the weight of our own sin but be comforted and reassured that He is faithful to forgive even us, chief among sinners, as Paul considered himself.

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
1 Timothy 1:15‭-‬16 NLT

Do you consider yourself chief amongst sinners? Or do you consider yourself worthy by your own works?

Beware the leaven:

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer : ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 18:9‭-‬14 NLT

Lord God Almighty, our glorious Father in Heaven, who had looked down upon His people with grace and mercy in order to bring us into righteousness and holiness through the reconciling Blood of the Lamb, hear our cries. You alone are worthy, Lamb of God, Son of God and Son of man, you who have paid the price so that we might know the truth, so that we might receive and Love the very spirit of God that comes and teaches and guides us in a restored relationship with the One True, living God. We accept not only your forgiveness, loving Savior. But we long for your Lordship, your disciplining and correcting guidance over our whole lives to lead us along the narrow path of bearing our cross daily, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, loving others even our enemies, testifying to our faith in you with our lives not just our words, and loving not pour own lives even unto death. Lead us, oh Lord our God, into all things righteous and holy and true and merciful and mighty in your spirit. Amen.

Have you heard?

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. – Isaiah 40:28 NLT

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.
1 John 1:5‭-‬10 NLT

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
Romans 8:1‭-‬2 NLT

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.
James 5:16‭-‬18 NLT

Fruitful

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! – Galatians 5:22‭-‬23 NLT

What is truly offensive?

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
John 1:6‭-‬13 NLT

Jesus gives light.

I saw a meme recently that was based on a quote from Roger Biden, who was apparently a professor at Oxford (from what I read about him in this article that Google provided about some pretty sad charges of oppression and racism): https://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/apr/08/highereducation.raceineducation I can’t be 100 percent sure that this is the accurate source of the quote, but that is who the Internet appears to attribute it to. So here it is:

Jesus. Mocked and rejected then, mocked and rejected now.

But what is worse than the lost and the unbelieving mocking something they cannot understand because it has not yet been revealed to them? Someone who knows the truth of the gospel and still denies Christ as the way to righteousness — by rejecting the command they were given to live a holy life.

And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.”
2 Peter 2:20‭-‬22 NLT

So there are those who will be shocked and offended by this meme and quote put out by an atheist — who should instead be shocked and humbled before God because they have been rejecting God’s command to live a holy life.

And don’t think that I’m standing high claiming innocence myself. No, I’m convicted by this and I’m compelled to examine closely and honestly in this area as the Word says “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the Faith, test yourselves…”

And to this, I say thank you God for the good news of the gospel so that we might repent while there is time — from any foolish, prideful stance as if we know it all and could mock the justice and commands of God.

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. – 1 John 1:8‭-‬10 NLT

Let’s be aware of how we can recognize these false teachings and avoid them. If teaching allows for shameful immorality, we see in 2 Peter chapter 2 that these teachers are false and are slandering the truth. If they are making up clever lies to get a hold of your money, they are liars like their father the devil. If they follow their own twisted sexual desires, if they resist authority, if they are proud and arrogant, and indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight, the Lord opposes them, in fact His curse is upon them. Read 2 Peter chapter 2 for yourself. These are not my words, but are the Word of God. Be careful little ones, stay close to the truth and do not veer off the path.

‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’
Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 NLT

100%

“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” – Matthew 6:21 NLT

“It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” – Matthew 6:19‭-‬21 MSG

We desire what we truly treasure. We desire what we truly believe is of value.

Is it that hard to understand why so many end up fashioning a personal concept of God in the image of what is comfortable and easy for them too accept without having to change anything in their lives? Doesn’t it speak to the value they place on their own opinions, feelings, thoughts, in comparison to the value they place on God, on His Word, on His commandments, and on His promises?

And we say this as if we are holding up any outstretched pointing finger to point at a far away “them” as if it hasn’t been us who have forgotten what is truly valuable, precious, and eternal. But no, we too have to admit that we have fallen short in this area, because if we truly believed the truth about heaven and hell, about the wicked and the lost facing damnation and eternal separation from God, about Faith coming by hearing the Word of God, and about Faith being the only way that we can please God, and about God coming to live in us and through us to carry this Good News to the end of the earth to see the captives set free — wouldn’t we be a quite peculiar and different type of person than the rest who are content with piling up treasures and pleasures from this world?

What an interesting study that would be, to examine how much focus and effort and attention is spent chasing after things of this world rather than things of an eternal, spiritual, godly nature! Could we gain some insight into what it is we truly treasure? And thereby gain some understanding about what it is that we truly BELIEVE is valuable — in essence, where we have placed our Faith.

What an insightful endeavor that might prove to be, to measure and examine our Faith in God not by our knowledge or understanding, not by our denominational membership, not by our participation in religious ceremonies, but by an examination to seek out the evidence of God where we say out is that He lives – IN US. At least, that is the claim that Christians must make of they say they are saved, right — “raised to new life in Christ” we PROCLAIM. “Born again as a new creation, alive in the Holy Spirit of God” as Jesus Christ told Nicodemus in John 3 that must be true for anyone to ever enter into heaven, into eternal life.

Yes, this has been the claim of many mouths throughout the ages, but lying tongues cannot hide what confessing hearts reveal, right?

Let’s look at where our money is invested – in the things of God or in the things of the world?

Let’s look at where our time is invested – in the things of God or in the things of the world?

Let’s look at the content we consume – books, movies, radio, television – Is it equipping and preparing us for the purpose and calling God has for each of us to glorify His name and reach the lost with the Good News of Jesus Christ?

Let’s look at what comes out of our own mouths — is it blessing, or is it cursing — is it praises, or is it grumbling?

What can we say we have truly treasured today with this day given to us freely to spend as we see fit? Can we say that we have spent wisely or foolishly based on what we PROFESS is truly valuable to us?

If a man says that He sees no value in God and He lives like hell, there is no reason to doubt his convictions — but what about a man who says the Lord is his prize and portion but who loves and chases and lays in His sin time and time again? We might say that a man like this had the hope of one day seeing the value of the Lord, but if his desire is continually for the things the Word of God says are not only worthless and fading, but are a dangerous and deadly distraction from what truly is valuable — what can be said about what such a man really believes is valuable in this very moment.

Oh, I pray that we rrepent while there is still time. And let’s don’t think that trying to change our outward behaviors to give stronger evidence to our verbal claims is the way. No, that might last for a moment as we strive in our weakness and fail time and time again — but we need that wisdom that comes from above, that gift of a measure of faith that overcomes our disbelief, that spirit and nature of God poured out upon His people, that new heart with new desires because the law of Christ is written on it, that life sealed by the healing and redeeming touch of Christ.

Yes, we need something supernaturally so far beyond theological study or debate that it dumbfounds the wise just like it dumbfounded the religious teacher, Nicodemus. Yes, we need a teacher and guide and priest way above the likes of mere men.

Do you know this teacher today?

Do you value Him?

Do you treasure Him?

Do you desire Him so deeply that all else seems as dust and ashes being burned away?

Ask truly, answer truly, examine truly.

Now, Grow

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6‭-‬7 NLT

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and as the master of your life, or does that seem burdensome since it might require “giving up” some things? I’m just asking real questions, because these are the questions that will reveal what kind of “belief” exists. And there has to be true, “saving Faith” for growth to continue. The seed of the Word of God needs to have not only been planted, but it must have burst through the shell in that good soil to grow up, and continue to rise above the weeds, and bear much fruit for the glory of God.

Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?” He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’ “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it. “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
Matthew 13:1‭-‬23 NLT

The good news is that even if you have backslidden, even if you have never yet had Faith in your heart that empowered you to walk in a new way, even if you are just now for the first time realizing that you truly need God in control and leading you in the way of righteousness, salvation is available to you today. I don’t care what religious rituals you have been through in the past — because I don’t want you to set your Faith in some past religious ceremony or ritual. I want you to trust God, be restored to a right relationship with Him, follow Him, and grow in His way. He tells us to call on the name of the Lord and we will be saved. He tells us that today is the day of salvation and that we must die daily to ourselves so that we can walk with Him in spirit and in truth. He tells us that He will come and live in us and guide uggs in all things, convicting us against sin and growing us up in truth and in love. He tells us that He has a purpose and calling for our lives to send us out to a world in need of Hope, Faith, and Love.

Rise up, you who were once dead in your sin and know life abundant in Christ.

Rise up, you who had fallen asleep by the wayside, and receive the breath of life that fills you up and makes you whole.

Rise up, army of the Lord, children of God, to see the battle already won by Jesus Christ, the mighty warrior, the consuming fire, the one true and living God, God come in the flesh to live among His people, the only name by which salvation comes.

Transform Us

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 NLT

Today, let’s drop any concern for how the world might expect us to act, speak, think, or behave. Let’s leave out those old ways of pandering to each other to gain acceptance, or honor, or envy, or jealousy, or attention from our fellow men and women — and let’s fall headlong into a radical love for the one who loved us first. Let’s resist those temptations, and feelings, and opinions that we once held such a high regard for, and let’s walk in this new way by the power of Christ who lives in us!

You say, “But I have no power, how can I walk in victory?” And I say, “Come and drink from the well, the fountain is still overflowing, the river still runs with water that was bitter but is now oh so sweet. Have you taken up your tree to follow Christ and share in the sweet sufferings and persecution of a life walking against the natural flow of this carnal world? Have you seen how it turns what would seem foolish and burdensome into a pleasure and a you? Have you seen sadness, distress, anxiety, bitterness, depression, sickness, rebellion and all kinds of vain pursuits overcome by the Blood of the Lamb? By the touch of the Savior? By the spoken promises of the Word of God received and believed?”

I proclaim this day, “Come, call upon the name of the Lord and be saved! TODAY is the day of salvation! Thus says the Lord God, the one true God, the only way, the only truth, the only life, and the only hope for a lost world in need of Him, the only prize worth winning, the only gift worth receiving, the only one width of receiving all praise and glory and honor, forever and ever. Amen.”

I PROCLAIM THIS DAY, “Come and know your purpose and calling set ahead of you before the foundation of the heavens and the earth — to bring glory and honor to God. Step out of that dying man who needs to go under the cleansing flood and walk in spirit and truth! Rise up, army of Christ, for the Kingdom of God is close at hand, His face is close and His breath is upon you. Will you be consumed or refined by the presence and glory of our God?”

“Lord, help!”

“ Lord , help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor! Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. Let them exalt him publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation.
Psalms 107:28‭-‬32 NLT

Yes, He is faithful to save when we cry out to Him. I know this is true because I have seen evidence of it with my own eyes. But how much more blessed are those who haven’t seen the evidence yet, but who believe and trust in the Lord God Almighty to fulfill His every promise?

Whether we are high on the bright mountain top, or low in the shadowy valley, He is God and He is worthy of praise and honor and glory. Whether a man is a worm destined to dry up and die in the heat of the sun, or is a vessel of the glory of the Lord sent to shine forth into this world, He is God and He is worthy of praise and honor and glory.

But oh, how sweet it is when His mercy falls on us and He regards our sins no more — not so that we might soon more, but that we might know His love and choose willingly, gratefully, to walk in His ways. Oh, how sweet it is when His mercy and love paves the way for His very spirit and nature to come live amongst, and with, and in, and through his people.

Oh, how sweet it is when He pours Himself out on His people, when He not only washes away their sins in forgiveness, but when He renews their minds, prepares and equips them, and sends them our in victory and in life abundant to sing His praises and share this Good News that Christ livesthat Jesus has inaugurated both the tribulation and the Kingdom of God

— that victory ordained since the very beginning

— the very same victory persevering in a battle still evident this very moment between spirit and flesh in the lives of believers

— that very same victory already won for all eternity is close hand because the veil has been torn and we now see what was once hidden from our sight.

Yes, God is both just and merciful — and even the storm, even the trials, even the tribulation, even the temptations, even our own shortcomings have purpose and a testimony to serve.