Jesus loves me this I know
because in the Bible it tells me so,
let your heart be touched by Him,
and agree to let Him enter in.
Yes Jesus loves me,
Yes Jesus loves you,
Yes Jesus loves us,
Because His Word is true.
Do not doubt what Jesus says,
in His arms you will find rest,
you may ask how do I know,
just read what Spurgeon wrote below!
“I remember thee.”
- Jeremiah 2:2 Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, So says Jehovah, I remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothals, when you went after Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.
[A devotional by Charles Spurgeon]
[Let us note that Christ delights to think upon his Church, and to look upon her beauty. As the bird returneth often to its nest, and as the wayfarer hastens to his home, so doth the mind continually pursue the object of its choice. We cannot look too often upon that face which we love; we desire always to have our precious things in our sight. It is even so with our Lord Jesus. From all eternity “His delights were with the sons of men”; his thoughts rolled onward to the time when his elect should be born into the world; he viewed them in the mirror of his foreknowledge. “In thy book,” he says, “all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them” (Psalm 139:16). When the world was set upon its pillars, he was there, and he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. Many a time before his incarnation, he descended to this lower earth in the similitude of a man; on the plains of Mamre (Genesis. 18), by the brook of Jabbok (Genenis 32:24-30), beneath the walls of Jericho (Joshua 5:13), and in the fiery furnace of Babylon (Daniel 3:19, Daniel 3:25), the Son of Man visited his people. Because his soul delighted in them, he could not rest away from them, for his heart longed after them. Never were they absent from his heart, for he had written their names upon his hands, and graven them upon his side. As the breastplate containing the names of the tribes of Israel was the most brilliant ornament worn by the high priest, so the names of Christ’s elect were his most precious jewels, and glittered on his heart. We may often forget to meditate upon the perfections of our Lord, but he never ceases to remember us. Let us chide ourselves for past forgetfulness, and pray for grace ever to bear him in fondest remembrance. Lord, paint upon the eyeballs of my soul the image of thy Son.]
See, Jesus loves me,
See, Jesus loves you,
See, Jesus loves us,
because His Word is true!!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Jesus Is My Hope
Several years ago I was asked to present a layman's sermon for our Pastor who was on vacation. The topic I spoke of was "Is there any hope? I came across a sermon that John Maxwell from California spoke on. He talked about a submarine that was sunk and what the sailors inside were asking was that question. Tonight that same question has been lingering as we are getting to the end of 2009. Problems, problems, problems.
I see it in my family, my church and the Outreach Ministry that God has called me into. I know the answer in my heart, "Christ", but what of all the many, many that don't know Him like I do? What about my neighbor that just lost their 23 year old son on Thanksgiving day? What about many of my friends that are battling some sort of disease? What about my wife's mother and father that are both in the hospital as 3000 miles away as I type this. What about the elderly that are now confined to a nursing home? What about the many people that have lost their only source of income and are finding themselves without health care? What about all those addicted to something that they can't break away from? Is there any hope? Please take time to read this lengthy yet inspiring sermon by Dr. White confirming, yes, there is hope!
----------------------------------------------------------
There Is Hope!
Revelation 1 -- 3
Some years ago a submarine was rammed by a ship off the coast of Massachusetts.
It sank immediately. The crew was trapped and death was almost certain.
Every effort to rescue the crew was futile.
A deep-sea diver, who was desperately trying to find a way to rescue the crew, heard a tapping on the steel wall of the sunken sub. He placed his helmet against the side of the vessel and heard the tapping message, which was in Morse code. The message was: "Is…there…any…hope?"
The book of Revelation is a message of hope to all Christians.
Revelation 1:5-8:
"To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,
and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father
-- to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him.
So shall it be! Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God,
"who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." (NIV)
John refers to Jesus as "firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth." (Rev. 1:5)
The powerful Roman government is persecuting the church. The Book of Revelation is a message of hope to the those churches and to us today that God is still in control.
The Roman government is powerful, but God is all-powerful and He will judge Rome
for her persecution of God's people. The message of Revelations reminds us that God is in control of all history.
John writes, "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen."
Persecuted Christians needed the message that God knew about their troubles and that He had not forgotten them and He will bring their persecutors to judgment. The Book of Revelation brings the hope that they needed. Christ is with them; He is with the churches of Asia. John sees Christ among the seven candlesticks, which represent the seven churches of Asia.
Revelation 1:12-20:
"I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, And among the lampstands was someone, like a son of man,
dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.' "
His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.' "
(NIV)
Christ is present among the churches of Asia. He knows their struggles. He knows their weaknesses and their strengths.
The church of Ephesus had left her first love. (Rev.2:1-7) But Christ still loved them.
John sees Christ holding seven stars in His hand as He walks among the seven golden candlesticks. He knows what is going on. He cares for the church. He holds its destiny in His strong right hand. He has observed its virtues and its flaws.
He said to them:
"I know thy works and thy toil, and thy patience." This was an active and aggressive congregation as signified by its "works." "Toil" refers to the effort that produces work at the cost of pain. They worked with great difficulties. This was an active, working church. "Patience" indicated the persistence in the toil that produces work.
This tells us that they stayed even when the burden was heavy. They held on even under extreme persecution.
"Thou canst not bear evil men" tells us that they stood firm against the gnostic teachers. The church had tested them and found them to be false and rejected them. What could be wrong in this church. They carried on in the face of suffering and false teachings. They hated sin. They did not give up.
But the Lord with His piercing eyes of fire saw a great flaw in this church.
"This I have against thee -- thou hast left thy first love." They had lost their fervor and love that they had in their early experience with Christ. They were active and aggressive, but they no longer had the right motive for worship.
When love for Christ is missing, worship and working for Christ means very little.
Christ tell this church to remember, repent, and return. He tell them to remember their early love and joy in their zeal for His work. Then He calls upon them to repent of serving without love, and to return to their first state of serving Him with love.
Christ warns that if they do not return they are forfeiting their right to exist as a church. If they do not repent and return to that first love, He will remove their candlestick. The candlestick is the church. (Rev. 1:20)
He also promises them: "To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the tree of life,
which is in the garden of God." To overcome is to be victorious over the circumstances in which they live. God never fails His church in its time of need.
He will provide all our needs, and He expects us to live victoriously.
In Revelation 2:8-11 is the church at Smyrna.
This church was a church of suffering saints. Smyrna had been a prosperous city.
History tells of the persecution at Smyrna and of the martyrdom of Polycarp.
It is possible that he was pastor when this letter was written.
Only good is spoken of this church. The Lord tells them that He knows what they are going through for He is "the first and the last, who was dead and lived again."
He commends them and comforts them. He brings no complaint against them.
He knows their tribulation and their poverty. These Christians have lost all their material possessions. Yet, Christ says, "You are rich." They were rich in Christian character, but not in material possessions. God does not promise to take away their difficulties. He does warn them of even more suffering. They will be tempted by outside pressure for ten days. The "ten" was a number symbolizing extreme, complete tribulation. He promises: "Be faithful even if it means death and I will give thee the crown of life... He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.." Christ tells them that eternal life awaits them so there is no reason to fear death.
Those without Christ will die and find another "death" awaiting them; but when the believer dies he will never die -- he has eternal life.
The church at Pergamum is in Rev. 2:12-17.
Pergamum was the headquarters for emperor worship. This was the chief city of the province. The "concilia" was located here. The "concilia" was in charge of enforcing the worship of the emperor and in charge of all the matters of state religion. They were in charge of the incense offering before the image of the emperor. And they were unrelenting in their persecution of this church at Pergamum.
In verse 12 the Lord identifies Himself as the one who has "the sharp two-edged sword." This symbolized His protection in the midst of their persecution. It could also symbolize the power of discerning judgment. He comes with the sword of his mouth, and with keen and accurate judgment to deal with the false teachers.
Christ commends the church for their fidelity under such extreme difficultly. They dwell "where Satan's throne is." In 29 B.C.an altar was erected for the worship of Augustus in Pergamum. Many Christians suffered martyrdom in this city. The Christians were true to the name of Christ. The name Kurios Kaisaros (Lord Caesar) was pitted against the name Kurios Xristos (Lord Christ). This was the test of the Christian.
To acknowledge the Lord Caesar was to escape persecution. To acknowledge the Lord Christ meant persecution because they professed their loyalty to Christ. They were commended for not denying their faith in Christ. They were loyal to Christ at great risk of their lives.
But there were some in the church that were not so loyal. Heresy had entered the church. There were some in the church who were following the "teachings of Balaam."
In Numbers 23-24, we read that Balaam was gaining materially while he was setting aside his spirituality. He led in idol worship and impure living for Israel. There were some in Pergamum doing the same. They were compromising spiritually in order to further their material safety.
They were teaching evil living as a means of being friends to the Romans and as a way to escape persecution. They were following the wrong creed and living the wrong conduct. The Lord would not tolerate this.
The church is warned to repent of their leniency and toleration of these sins. If they do not eliminate this evil, the Lord will "make war against them," with the sword of His mouth.
He promises that He "will give the hidden manna" to them if they will be faithful to Him. He will provide for them. He will give them spiritual sustenance that the world cannot give or understand. He states the He "will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written." This reference was understood by them to increase their loyalty for the Lord will provide the victory.
The church at Thyatira is found in Rev. 2:18-19. They are involved with with Jezebel. We must remember the story of Jezebel from the Old Testament to understand the depth of wickedness by which they were being seduced. Jezebel was seducing Christians to eat meat offered to idols and to participate in sexual immoralities.
The church had many great qualities. Christ recognized her good deeds, her perseverance and her faith; but she was unfaithful. She was involved with Jezebel. He warns them of the consequences of continued their relationship with Jezebel. And He calls them to return to their first love.
Sardis had a reputation for being alive, but she was dead. She put on such a good show that others thought she was on fire. But she was dead.
Christ reminds them of the love of the gospel they received when they first fell in love with him, and he urges them to hear, obey and repent.
As we study these churches we learn that Christ not only speaks to those who have serious problems in their relationship with him, but He also speaks to those who have been faithful in their love and service for Him.
Revelation 3:7-13
"To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David.
What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.
I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews
though they are not, but are liars -- I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.
Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it.
I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (NIV)
The church at Philadelphia had little strength to combat the forces against her, but Christ's love for her was all she needed. Sometimes we think the world is too powerful to overcome. But we must remember Who is in charge.
Jesus is the only one capable of opening and closing doors of opportunity for us. The doors He opens no one can shut, and the doors He closes no one can open.
Then there was the church at Laodicea who had become rich and no longer needed Christ. The church at Laodicea was escaping much of the persecution because of her riches. She turned away from Christ and trusted in her riches.
She was a lukewarm church. Christ threatens to spew them out of his mouth. He warns them to repent or else.
How's your relationship with Christ? Maybe you are having trials and tribulations and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Are playing around with sin? Have you allowed your love for Christ to die? Do you feel as though there is nothing to hold on to?
The message of Revelation tells us there is hope! There is hope in Christ!
Do you want to experience of the nearness of Christ again?
Do you want to live the overcoming life?
Do you want to feel spiritually alive again?
Do you want to enjoy the blessings of God?
Then listen!
I believe that if I could place my ear against the wall of your heart, I would hear the tapping of the words, "Is there any hope?'
There is a knocking at the door of your heart. Jesus is knocking, and He is saying to you, "Open your heart -- come back to your first love, and I will give you an everlasting hope."
He wants to come in and have sweet fellowship with you. He want to flood your life with His bountiful blessings. Today with all you are facing, He wants you to know that there is hope!
"When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand."
-- Edward Mote, 1797-1874
Sermon by Dr. Harold L. White
-----------------------------------------------------
Jesus Is Hope!
Jesus is hope
when all is gone,
He is there,
when life seems wrong.
Jesus will be
what you will need,
He is the light,
when dark you see.
Jesus will take
away the pain,
and give you back
that hope again.
Is there any hope,
is what you ask?
Remember Jesus is the first,
and never the last.
So in this life
there will be pain,
I pray you understand,
In Jesus name.
12/15/09
E. P. Shagott
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
I see it in my family, my church and the Outreach Ministry that God has called me into. I know the answer in my heart, "Christ", but what of all the many, many that don't know Him like I do? What about my neighbor that just lost their 23 year old son on Thanksgiving day? What about many of my friends that are battling some sort of disease? What about my wife's mother and father that are both in the hospital as 3000 miles away as I type this. What about the elderly that are now confined to a nursing home? What about the many people that have lost their only source of income and are finding themselves without health care? What about all those addicted to something that they can't break away from? Is there any hope? Please take time to read this lengthy yet inspiring sermon by Dr. White confirming, yes, there is hope!
----------------------------------------------------------
There Is Hope!
Revelation 1 -- 3
Some years ago a submarine was rammed by a ship off the coast of Massachusetts.
It sank immediately. The crew was trapped and death was almost certain.
Every effort to rescue the crew was futile.
A deep-sea diver, who was desperately trying to find a way to rescue the crew, heard a tapping on the steel wall of the sunken sub. He placed his helmet against the side of the vessel and heard the tapping message, which was in Morse code. The message was: "Is…there…any…hope?"
The book of Revelation is a message of hope to all Christians.
Revelation 1:5-8:
"To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,
and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father
-- to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him.
So shall it be! Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God,
"who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." (NIV)
John refers to Jesus as "firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth." (Rev. 1:5)
The powerful Roman government is persecuting the church. The Book of Revelation is a message of hope to the those churches and to us today that God is still in control.
The Roman government is powerful, but God is all-powerful and He will judge Rome
for her persecution of God's people. The message of Revelations reminds us that God is in control of all history.
John writes, "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen."
Persecuted Christians needed the message that God knew about their troubles and that He had not forgotten them and He will bring their persecutors to judgment. The Book of Revelation brings the hope that they needed. Christ is with them; He is with the churches of Asia. John sees Christ among the seven candlesticks, which represent the seven churches of Asia.
Revelation 1:12-20:
"I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, And among the lampstands was someone, like a son of man,
dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.' "
His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.' "
(NIV)
Christ is present among the churches of Asia. He knows their struggles. He knows their weaknesses and their strengths.
The church of Ephesus had left her first love. (Rev.2:1-7) But Christ still loved them.
John sees Christ holding seven stars in His hand as He walks among the seven golden candlesticks. He knows what is going on. He cares for the church. He holds its destiny in His strong right hand. He has observed its virtues and its flaws.
He said to them:
"I know thy works and thy toil, and thy patience." This was an active and aggressive congregation as signified by its "works." "Toil" refers to the effort that produces work at the cost of pain. They worked with great difficulties. This was an active, working church. "Patience" indicated the persistence in the toil that produces work.
This tells us that they stayed even when the burden was heavy. They held on even under extreme persecution.
"Thou canst not bear evil men" tells us that they stood firm against the gnostic teachers. The church had tested them and found them to be false and rejected them. What could be wrong in this church. They carried on in the face of suffering and false teachings. They hated sin. They did not give up.
But the Lord with His piercing eyes of fire saw a great flaw in this church.
"This I have against thee -- thou hast left thy first love." They had lost their fervor and love that they had in their early experience with Christ. They were active and aggressive, but they no longer had the right motive for worship.
When love for Christ is missing, worship and working for Christ means very little.
Christ tell this church to remember, repent, and return. He tell them to remember their early love and joy in their zeal for His work. Then He calls upon them to repent of serving without love, and to return to their first state of serving Him with love.
Christ warns that if they do not return they are forfeiting their right to exist as a church. If they do not repent and return to that first love, He will remove their candlestick. The candlestick is the church. (Rev. 1:20)
He also promises them: "To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the tree of life,
which is in the garden of God." To overcome is to be victorious over the circumstances in which they live. God never fails His church in its time of need.
He will provide all our needs, and He expects us to live victoriously.
In Revelation 2:8-11 is the church at Smyrna.
This church was a church of suffering saints. Smyrna had been a prosperous city.
History tells of the persecution at Smyrna and of the martyrdom of Polycarp.
It is possible that he was pastor when this letter was written.
Only good is spoken of this church. The Lord tells them that He knows what they are going through for He is "the first and the last, who was dead and lived again."
He commends them and comforts them. He brings no complaint against them.
He knows their tribulation and their poverty. These Christians have lost all their material possessions. Yet, Christ says, "You are rich." They were rich in Christian character, but not in material possessions. God does not promise to take away their difficulties. He does warn them of even more suffering. They will be tempted by outside pressure for ten days. The "ten" was a number symbolizing extreme, complete tribulation. He promises: "Be faithful even if it means death and I will give thee the crown of life... He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.." Christ tells them that eternal life awaits them so there is no reason to fear death.
Those without Christ will die and find another "death" awaiting them; but when the believer dies he will never die -- he has eternal life.
The church at Pergamum is in Rev. 2:12-17.
Pergamum was the headquarters for emperor worship. This was the chief city of the province. The "concilia" was located here. The "concilia" was in charge of enforcing the worship of the emperor and in charge of all the matters of state religion. They were in charge of the incense offering before the image of the emperor. And they were unrelenting in their persecution of this church at Pergamum.
In verse 12 the Lord identifies Himself as the one who has "the sharp two-edged sword." This symbolized His protection in the midst of their persecution. It could also symbolize the power of discerning judgment. He comes with the sword of his mouth, and with keen and accurate judgment to deal with the false teachers.
Christ commends the church for their fidelity under such extreme difficultly. They dwell "where Satan's throne is." In 29 B.C.an altar was erected for the worship of Augustus in Pergamum. Many Christians suffered martyrdom in this city. The Christians were true to the name of Christ. The name Kurios Kaisaros (Lord Caesar) was pitted against the name Kurios Xristos (Lord Christ). This was the test of the Christian.
To acknowledge the Lord Caesar was to escape persecution. To acknowledge the Lord Christ meant persecution because they professed their loyalty to Christ. They were commended for not denying their faith in Christ. They were loyal to Christ at great risk of their lives.
But there were some in the church that were not so loyal. Heresy had entered the church. There were some in the church who were following the "teachings of Balaam."
In Numbers 23-24, we read that Balaam was gaining materially while he was setting aside his spirituality. He led in idol worship and impure living for Israel. There were some in Pergamum doing the same. They were compromising spiritually in order to further their material safety.
They were teaching evil living as a means of being friends to the Romans and as a way to escape persecution. They were following the wrong creed and living the wrong conduct. The Lord would not tolerate this.
The church is warned to repent of their leniency and toleration of these sins. If they do not eliminate this evil, the Lord will "make war against them," with the sword of His mouth.
He promises that He "will give the hidden manna" to them if they will be faithful to Him. He will provide for them. He will give them spiritual sustenance that the world cannot give or understand. He states the He "will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written." This reference was understood by them to increase their loyalty for the Lord will provide the victory.
The church at Thyatira is found in Rev. 2:18-19. They are involved with with Jezebel. We must remember the story of Jezebel from the Old Testament to understand the depth of wickedness by which they were being seduced. Jezebel was seducing Christians to eat meat offered to idols and to participate in sexual immoralities.
The church had many great qualities. Christ recognized her good deeds, her perseverance and her faith; but she was unfaithful. She was involved with Jezebel. He warns them of the consequences of continued their relationship with Jezebel. And He calls them to return to their first love.
Sardis had a reputation for being alive, but she was dead. She put on such a good show that others thought she was on fire. But she was dead.
Christ reminds them of the love of the gospel they received when they first fell in love with him, and he urges them to hear, obey and repent.
As we study these churches we learn that Christ not only speaks to those who have serious problems in their relationship with him, but He also speaks to those who have been faithful in their love and service for Him.
Revelation 3:7-13
"To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David.
What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.
I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews
though they are not, but are liars -- I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.
Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it.
I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (NIV)
The church at Philadelphia had little strength to combat the forces against her, but Christ's love for her was all she needed. Sometimes we think the world is too powerful to overcome. But we must remember Who is in charge.
Jesus is the only one capable of opening and closing doors of opportunity for us. The doors He opens no one can shut, and the doors He closes no one can open.
Then there was the church at Laodicea who had become rich and no longer needed Christ. The church at Laodicea was escaping much of the persecution because of her riches. She turned away from Christ and trusted in her riches.
She was a lukewarm church. Christ threatens to spew them out of his mouth. He warns them to repent or else.
How's your relationship with Christ? Maybe you are having trials and tribulations and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Are playing around with sin? Have you allowed your love for Christ to die? Do you feel as though there is nothing to hold on to?
The message of Revelation tells us there is hope! There is hope in Christ!
Do you want to experience of the nearness of Christ again?
Do you want to live the overcoming life?
Do you want to feel spiritually alive again?
Do you want to enjoy the blessings of God?
Then listen!
I believe that if I could place my ear against the wall of your heart, I would hear the tapping of the words, "Is there any hope?'
There is a knocking at the door of your heart. Jesus is knocking, and He is saying to you, "Open your heart -- come back to your first love, and I will give you an everlasting hope."
He wants to come in and have sweet fellowship with you. He want to flood your life with His bountiful blessings. Today with all you are facing, He wants you to know that there is hope!
"When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand."
-- Edward Mote, 1797-1874
Sermon by Dr. Harold L. White
-----------------------------------------------------
Jesus Is Hope!
Jesus is hope
when all is gone,
He is there,
when life seems wrong.
Jesus will be
what you will need,
He is the light,
when dark you see.
Jesus will take
away the pain,
and give you back
that hope again.
Is there any hope,
is what you ask?
Remember Jesus is the first,
and never the last.
So in this life
there will be pain,
I pray you understand,
In Jesus name.
12/15/09
E. P. Shagott
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Please forgive me!
CONFESSING OUR SINS
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."-- 1John 1:8-9.
As I was reading this mornings devotional I loved how F. B. Meyers compared each of us sinners. Though you may not want to own up to it we have all missed the mark. I am always amazed that even in the house of God we find division between the "holier' and the "thous" (holier than thou). People are always being judged by their looks, education, and how they communicate. But we are all the same in God's eyes. God doesn't look at your appearance, or the number of degree's that adorn your wall, or your ability to speak and influence people. No, but the world does. God looks at each of our sinful hearts and is waiting to hear, "Father forgive me of my sins!" Please read below how Mr. Meyers speaks about this and also the importance of forgiveness.
[devotional by F.B. Meyer]
[TO SIN is to miss the mark! Such is the meaning of the original word.
When the prodigal returned, his first words were; "Father, I have missed the mark." Are we not always missing the mark, coming short? Sin is negative as well as positive. The Confession of the Church of England and the Shorter Catechism both agree in this: "We have done the things that we ought not; we have left undone the things that we ought to have done." Sin consists, not only in the positive transgression of the law of God, but in the want of conformity to His Will. It is needful to use this two-pronged fork. If a number of men are on their way to the recruiting-station and the standard is to be exactly six foot. They are all under that height, but the tallest of them glories in the fact that he is a clear two inches above the rest of his fellows. It may be so, but he will be as certainly rejected as the shortest, because even he comes below the standard. You may be better than scores of people in your circle, but you will need Christ's forgiveness and salvation equally with the worst!
In dealing with sin, therefore, there must be confession. "Do not hide, nor cloak them before the face of your Heavenly Father, but confess them with a patient, meek, and contrite heart." Do not wait for the hour of evening prayer, nor even for the opportunity of being alone, but in the busy street, in the midst of daily toil, lift up your heart to Christ if you have done wrong, and say: "I have gone astray: seek Thy servant."
It is not enough to confess to Christ, if you have sinned against another, you must first go and be reconciled to him, and then come and offer your gift at the altar. Confess, and make good! It is not enough to be extraordinarily pleasant, or suggest a solarium; you must definitely ask forgiveness!
When God forgives He forgets (Isa_43:25). As David puts it, and he had reason to know, "He restoreth my soul." Remember that He delighteth in mercy. He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse. Through the Sacrifice of Calvary God can be absolutely just, and at the same time the Justifier of them who believe in Jesus.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I thank Thee for Thy forgiving, pitying love. I gratefully realise that my sin cannot alter Thy love, though it may dim my enjoyment of it. But I pray Thee to set me free from the love and power of sin, that it may not intercept the light of Thy countenance. AMEN.]
For many years I worked in a factory surrounding. I picked up a new type of language that I wasn't proud of. I decided I would erase this language from my life, but in order to do that I had to immediately ask God to forgive me, verbally out loud, no matter where it happened. I remember one day I was called into my bosses office and he was not pleased with something I did. He started cursing me out and all of a sudden I began to speak back but similar to how he was talking to me. As soon as I started, I stopped, looked up and said, "Lord forgive me". The whole temperament of the meeting changed. My boss looked at me and apologised for how he was talking to me. As of this writing I do not use any type of swear language. I find it offensive to hear and also to speak.
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."-- 1John 1:8-9.
As I was reading this mornings devotional I loved how F. B. Meyers compared each of us sinners. Though you may not want to own up to it we have all missed the mark. I am always amazed that even in the house of God we find division between the "holier' and the "thous" (holier than thou). People are always being judged by their looks, education, and how they communicate. But we are all the same in God's eyes. God doesn't look at your appearance, or the number of degree's that adorn your wall, or your ability to speak and influence people. No, but the world does. God looks at each of our sinful hearts and is waiting to hear, "Father forgive me of my sins!" Please read below how Mr. Meyers speaks about this and also the importance of forgiveness.
[devotional by F.B. Meyer]
[TO SIN is to miss the mark! Such is the meaning of the original word.
When the prodigal returned, his first words were; "Father, I have missed the mark." Are we not always missing the mark, coming short? Sin is negative as well as positive. The Confession of the Church of England and the Shorter Catechism both agree in this: "We have done the things that we ought not; we have left undone the things that we ought to have done." Sin consists, not only in the positive transgression of the law of God, but in the want of conformity to His Will. It is needful to use this two-pronged fork. If a number of men are on their way to the recruiting-station and the standard is to be exactly six foot. They are all under that height, but the tallest of them glories in the fact that he is a clear two inches above the rest of his fellows. It may be so, but he will be as certainly rejected as the shortest, because even he comes below the standard. You may be better than scores of people in your circle, but you will need Christ's forgiveness and salvation equally with the worst!
In dealing with sin, therefore, there must be confession. "Do not hide, nor cloak them before the face of your Heavenly Father, but confess them with a patient, meek, and contrite heart." Do not wait for the hour of evening prayer, nor even for the opportunity of being alone, but in the busy street, in the midst of daily toil, lift up your heart to Christ if you have done wrong, and say: "I have gone astray: seek Thy servant."
It is not enough to confess to Christ, if you have sinned against another, you must first go and be reconciled to him, and then come and offer your gift at the altar. Confess, and make good! It is not enough to be extraordinarily pleasant, or suggest a solarium; you must definitely ask forgiveness!
When God forgives He forgets (Isa_43:25). As David puts it, and he had reason to know, "He restoreth my soul." Remember that He delighteth in mercy. He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse. Through the Sacrifice of Calvary God can be absolutely just, and at the same time the Justifier of them who believe in Jesus.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I thank Thee for Thy forgiving, pitying love. I gratefully realise that my sin cannot alter Thy love, though it may dim my enjoyment of it. But I pray Thee to set me free from the love and power of sin, that it may not intercept the light of Thy countenance. AMEN.]
For many years I worked in a factory surrounding. I picked up a new type of language that I wasn't proud of. I decided I would erase this language from my life, but in order to do that I had to immediately ask God to forgive me, verbally out loud, no matter where it happened. I remember one day I was called into my bosses office and he was not pleased with something I did. He started cursing me out and all of a sudden I began to speak back but similar to how he was talking to me. As soon as I started, I stopped, looked up and said, "Lord forgive me". The whole temperament of the meeting changed. My boss looked at me and apologised for how he was talking to me. As of this writing I do not use any type of swear language. I find it offensive to hear and also to speak.
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Friday, December 11, 2009
Do you believe?
“Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.”
- 1Thessalonians 5:24
Devotional by [Charles Spurgeon]
As I started to read today's devotional I was thinking of titling this blog, "Everything you wanted to know about Heaven but didn't ask!" Then as I continued to read I was so touched at understanding just how blessed we are as believers. Also how important it is to spread the "Good News"!
[Heaven is a place where we shall never sin; where we shall cease our constant watch against an indefatigable enemy, because there will be no tempter to ensnare our feet. There the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest. Heaven is the “undefiled inheritance”; it is the land of perfect holiness, and therefore of complete security. But do not the saints even on earth sometimes taste the joys of blissful security? The doctrine of God’s word is, that all who are in union with the Lamb are safe; that all the righteous shall hold on their way; that those who have committed their souls to the keeping of Christ shall find him a faithful and immutable preserver. Sustained by such a doctrine we can enjoy security even on earth; not that high and glorious security which renders us free from every slip, but that holy security which arises from the sure promise of Jesus that none who believe in him shall ever perish, but shall be with him where he is. Believer, let us often reflect with joy on the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, and honour the faithfulness of our God by a holy confidence in him.
May our God bring home to you a sense of your safety in Christ Jesus! May he assure you that your name is graven on his hand; and whisper in your ear the promise, “Fear not, I am with thee.” Look upon him, the great Surety of the covenant, as faithful and true, and, therefore, bound and engaged to present you, the weakest of the family, with all the chosen race, before the throne of God; and in such a sweet contemplation you will drink the juice of the spiced wine of the Lord’s pomegranate, and taste the dainty fruits of Paradise. You will have an antepast of the enjoyments which ravish the souls of the perfect saints above, if you can believe with unstaggering faith that “faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”]
Do you believe with "unmovable faith"? Are you in union with the Lamb? If your heart is yelling, "Yes, yes!", please look around for those who are not. How they are longing to hear Jesus whisper to them!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
- 1Thessalonians 5:24
Devotional by [Charles Spurgeon]
As I started to read today's devotional I was thinking of titling this blog, "Everything you wanted to know about Heaven but didn't ask!" Then as I continued to read I was so touched at understanding just how blessed we are as believers. Also how important it is to spread the "Good News"!
[Heaven is a place where we shall never sin; where we shall cease our constant watch against an indefatigable enemy, because there will be no tempter to ensnare our feet. There the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest. Heaven is the “undefiled inheritance”; it is the land of perfect holiness, and therefore of complete security. But do not the saints even on earth sometimes taste the joys of blissful security? The doctrine of God’s word is, that all who are in union with the Lamb are safe; that all the righteous shall hold on their way; that those who have committed their souls to the keeping of Christ shall find him a faithful and immutable preserver. Sustained by such a doctrine we can enjoy security even on earth; not that high and glorious security which renders us free from every slip, but that holy security which arises from the sure promise of Jesus that none who believe in him shall ever perish, but shall be with him where he is. Believer, let us often reflect with joy on the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, and honour the faithfulness of our God by a holy confidence in him.
May our God bring home to you a sense of your safety in Christ Jesus! May he assure you that your name is graven on his hand; and whisper in your ear the promise, “Fear not, I am with thee.” Look upon him, the great Surety of the covenant, as faithful and true, and, therefore, bound and engaged to present you, the weakest of the family, with all the chosen race, before the throne of God; and in such a sweet contemplation you will drink the juice of the spiced wine of the Lord’s pomegranate, and taste the dainty fruits of Paradise. You will have an antepast of the enjoyments which ravish the souls of the perfect saints above, if you can believe with unstaggering faith that “faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”]
Do you believe with "unmovable faith"? Are you in union with the Lamb? If your heart is yelling, "Yes, yes!", please look around for those who are not. How they are longing to hear Jesus whisper to them!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Life's Highway
THE BROAD AND THE NARROW WAY
by [F. B. Meyer]
Matthew 7:13 Go in through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who go in through it.
Matthew 7:14 Because narrow is the gate and constricted is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
I am always amazed as I look back on the paths that I chose in my 66+ years that I have been blessed to be on this earth. Yes, paths, for I have switched directions in the latter years. Though like many, some decisions I probably would want to take back but I chose the paths as F. B. Meyers describes in this devotional. I am amazed for the good Lord lets us decide. Also once we do it is up to us if we want to stay on that path.
[AT THE beginning of life, each soul stands before these two paths. In each of us the love of life is strong, and in each is the desire to get as much as possible out of the years which may be given. Amiel expresses this strong passion for life when he says: "A passionate wish to live, to feel, to express, stirred the depth of my heart. I was overpowered by a host of aspirations. In such a mood one would fain devour the whole world, experience everything, see everything, learn everything, tame everything, and conquer everything."
In our early years each of us wakes up to the throb of strong natural impulses, and we are tempted to argue, if God has given me these strong desires, why should they not be gratified? Why should I not throw the reins on the necks of these fiery steeds, and let them bear me whither they may? To do this, is to go through the wide gate, and to take the broad road. It is the way of society, of the majority--the "many" go in there, It is pre-eminently the way of the world, and no one who goes by this way, allowing his course to be dictated by strong natural impulses, need fear that he will be counted strange or eccentric!
It must be admitted that, in its first stages, the broad way is generally easy and rather delightful. The boat launched on the flowing stream sweeps merrily and pleasantly along the gradient of the road slopes so as to make walking easy, the sun shines, and the path is filled with bright flowers. But to a life given up to self-indulgence, there is only one end, destruction.
There is a more excellent way, but it is too narrow to admit the trailing garments of passionate desire, too narrow for pride, self-indulgence, greed, and avarice, it is the Way of the Cross, but it leads to Life! We all want to see life, and the remarkable thing is that those who expect to get most out of it by self-indulgence miss everything; whilst those who seem to curtail their lives by following Christ, win everything. Few find and enter this path, is the lament of our Lord. Let us put our hand in His, that He may lead us into the path of life, "that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
PRAYER
Dear Lord, as Enoch walked with Thee of old, so would we walk each day, choosing the narrow path; order our steps in Thy way, and graciously walk with us. AMEN.]
Praise God, I am now on the narrow path of life, a life with Him. What is most interesting is that many in my life are still walking the wider path. every now and then we kind of meet at the cross walk, but I choose to go in the direction with my Savior. Though my heart cries out for those on "destruction highway" to join me on the path of light, they must choose their life's path. All I can do is show by my example that Jesus is "the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Him!" (John 14:6)
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
by [F. B. Meyer]
Matthew 7:13 Go in through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who go in through it.
Matthew 7:14 Because narrow is the gate and constricted is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
I am always amazed as I look back on the paths that I chose in my 66+ years that I have been blessed to be on this earth. Yes, paths, for I have switched directions in the latter years. Though like many, some decisions I probably would want to take back but I chose the paths as F. B. Meyers describes in this devotional. I am amazed for the good Lord lets us decide. Also once we do it is up to us if we want to stay on that path.
[AT THE beginning of life, each soul stands before these two paths. In each of us the love of life is strong, and in each is the desire to get as much as possible out of the years which may be given. Amiel expresses this strong passion for life when he says: "A passionate wish to live, to feel, to express, stirred the depth of my heart. I was overpowered by a host of aspirations. In such a mood one would fain devour the whole world, experience everything, see everything, learn everything, tame everything, and conquer everything."
In our early years each of us wakes up to the throb of strong natural impulses, and we are tempted to argue, if God has given me these strong desires, why should they not be gratified? Why should I not throw the reins on the necks of these fiery steeds, and let them bear me whither they may? To do this, is to go through the wide gate, and to take the broad road. It is the way of society, of the majority--the "many" go in there, It is pre-eminently the way of the world, and no one who goes by this way, allowing his course to be dictated by strong natural impulses, need fear that he will be counted strange or eccentric!
It must be admitted that, in its first stages, the broad way is generally easy and rather delightful. The boat launched on the flowing stream sweeps merrily and pleasantly along the gradient of the road slopes so as to make walking easy, the sun shines, and the path is filled with bright flowers. But to a life given up to self-indulgence, there is only one end, destruction.
There is a more excellent way, but it is too narrow to admit the trailing garments of passionate desire, too narrow for pride, self-indulgence, greed, and avarice, it is the Way of the Cross, but it leads to Life! We all want to see life, and the remarkable thing is that those who expect to get most out of it by self-indulgence miss everything; whilst those who seem to curtail their lives by following Christ, win everything. Few find and enter this path, is the lament of our Lord. Let us put our hand in His, that He may lead us into the path of life, "that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
PRAYER
Dear Lord, as Enoch walked with Thee of old, so would we walk each day, choosing the narrow path; order our steps in Thy way, and graciously walk with us. AMEN.]
Praise God, I am now on the narrow path of life, a life with Him. What is most interesting is that many in my life are still walking the wider path. every now and then we kind of meet at the cross walk, but I choose to go in the direction with my Savior. Though my heart cries out for those on "destruction highway" to join me on the path of light, they must choose their life's path. All I can do is show by my example that Jesus is "the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Him!" (John 14:6)
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Mirror, mirror on the wall!
The Mirror of Truth
[by F. B. Meyer]
James 1:23-24 For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man studying his natural face in a mirror. For he studied himself and went his way, and immediately he forgot what he was like.
Interesting as James writes about a person who is exposed to the Word of God, then does not act on it. I also love the Message translation of Matthew 5:16 14-16 "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. This my friends explains the God's Love Outreach Ministry. A few months back in a program we presented a song that most adults remember from their childhood, "This Little Light of Mine." One of the lyrics states, "Hide it under a bushel, no, I'm going to let it shine!" I had a gentleman yesterday after a program say, "I love how you tied everything together and point it to God!" Yes, it is His light shining through me. We cannot, nor should not, or want not to tell someone about Christ when the Holy Spirit dwells within us.
I found this devotional by F. B. Meyer yesterday.
[THERE IS an old fable of a palace, in which one room was remarkable above all others because it was lined with glass of a special quality. Whenever a person entered whose life was inconsistent with truth, a mist blurred the surface of the mirrors so that he was unable to see himself clearly. It was when the Apostle Paul compared" his own self-centered goodness with the love and purity of Christ, he lost all hope of justifying himself, and confessed that the things which he had counted gain were only loss.
Truth and Love are indissolubly connected. Love is of God, and so is Truth. If you have the one, the other must follow. If the soul, looking into the mirror of God's Word, perceiving that there is a blur, and sets itself to remove all that has caused it; and if it continues in this attitude, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer that works, he shall be "blessed in his doing."
The blessedness of doing and becoming. It is only as we do, that we become. Even to behold Christ will not make us Christ-like in character, unless we translate into action what we have discovered in Him. The impressions made on the hearer through the ear are very vagrant, like the breeze on the water. We look at ourselves in the mirror held up before us, and straightway go off and forget what manner of persons we were. It is only as we cease to be hearers who forget, and become doers that work, that we can make any progress in the Christian life and walk.
Listen attentively to the Word of Truth, written or spoken. Be quick to notice the smallest symptom of inconsistency between your life and the perfect beauty of Jesus, and set yourself immediately to correct it. Be merciful to the failings of everyone else, but be merciless to your own. Let no fault remain uncorrected, and no call to duty unanswered. For you to live, let it be Christ. Your blessedness and happiness will come in choosing the Christ-life, in doing, and continuing to do what He would have you do.
PRAYER
Help us to cast out all those things which are contrary to Thy peace, or that are not according to Thy will, so that ours may be the quiet life of trust, and faith, and obedience, longing for Thy truth, and walking in the light thereof. AMEN.]
I will always remember about a year ago we had a guest Pastor speaking at our church, because our Pastor was on vacation. The guest Pastor came up to me and said, "I know you are good speaking in front of people, (because of my involvement with the God's Love Outreach Ministry), would lead the service up to my sermon?" Well, even though we were in a house of God, my mind went off of God to myself. Very shortly God let me know it doesn't work that way. I had trouble just getting words to come out of my mouth. Remember what the Message translation stated above, We are to be lights, bringing out Gods-colors. When you look in the mirror I pray that the reflection you see is Jesus!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
[by F. B. Meyer]
James 1:23-24 For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man studying his natural face in a mirror. For he studied himself and went his way, and immediately he forgot what he was like.
Interesting as James writes about a person who is exposed to the Word of God, then does not act on it. I also love the Message translation of Matthew 5:16 14-16 "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. This my friends explains the God's Love Outreach Ministry. A few months back in a program we presented a song that most adults remember from their childhood, "This Little Light of Mine." One of the lyrics states, "Hide it under a bushel, no, I'm going to let it shine!" I had a gentleman yesterday after a program say, "I love how you tied everything together and point it to God!" Yes, it is His light shining through me. We cannot, nor should not, or want not to tell someone about Christ when the Holy Spirit dwells within us.
I found this devotional by F. B. Meyer yesterday.
[THERE IS an old fable of a palace, in which one room was remarkable above all others because it was lined with glass of a special quality. Whenever a person entered whose life was inconsistent with truth, a mist blurred the surface of the mirrors so that he was unable to see himself clearly. It was when the Apostle Paul compared" his own self-centered goodness with the love and purity of Christ, he lost all hope of justifying himself, and confessed that the things which he had counted gain were only loss.
Truth and Love are indissolubly connected. Love is of God, and so is Truth. If you have the one, the other must follow. If the soul, looking into the mirror of God's Word, perceiving that there is a blur, and sets itself to remove all that has caused it; and if it continues in this attitude, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer that works, he shall be "blessed in his doing."
The blessedness of doing and becoming. It is only as we do, that we become. Even to behold Christ will not make us Christ-like in character, unless we translate into action what we have discovered in Him. The impressions made on the hearer through the ear are very vagrant, like the breeze on the water. We look at ourselves in the mirror held up before us, and straightway go off and forget what manner of persons we were. It is only as we cease to be hearers who forget, and become doers that work, that we can make any progress in the Christian life and walk.
Listen attentively to the Word of Truth, written or spoken. Be quick to notice the smallest symptom of inconsistency between your life and the perfect beauty of Jesus, and set yourself immediately to correct it. Be merciful to the failings of everyone else, but be merciless to your own. Let no fault remain uncorrected, and no call to duty unanswered. For you to live, let it be Christ. Your blessedness and happiness will come in choosing the Christ-life, in doing, and continuing to do what He would have you do.
PRAYER
Help us to cast out all those things which are contrary to Thy peace, or that are not according to Thy will, so that ours may be the quiet life of trust, and faith, and obedience, longing for Thy truth, and walking in the light thereof. AMEN.]
I will always remember about a year ago we had a guest Pastor speaking at our church, because our Pastor was on vacation. The guest Pastor came up to me and said, "I know you are good speaking in front of people, (because of my involvement with the God's Love Outreach Ministry), would lead the service up to my sermon?" Well, even though we were in a house of God, my mind went off of God to myself. Very shortly God let me know it doesn't work that way. I had trouble just getting words to come out of my mouth. Remember what the Message translation stated above, We are to be lights, bringing out Gods-colors. When you look in the mirror I pray that the reflection you see is Jesus!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Monday, December 7, 2009
A sinner I was!
1Corinthians 1:28 and God has chosen the base things of the world, and things which are despised, and things which are not, in order to bring to nothing things that are;
What an awesome scripture that Charles Spurgeon chose to speak on. As you begin to read Spurgeon's morning devotional for this morning let his words bring your heart and mind into one accord. For sinners, we all are or were, at one point in our lives.
[Charles Spurgeon]
[Walk the streets by moonlight, if you dare, and you will see sinners then. Watch when the night is dark, and the wind is howling, and the picklock is grating in the door, and you will see sinners then. Go to yon jail, and walk through the wards, and mark the men with heavy over-hanging brows, men whom you would not like to meet at night, and there are sinners there. Go to the Reformatories, and note those who have betrayed a rampant juvenile depravity, and you will see sinners there. Go across the seas to the place where a man will gnaw a bone upon which is reeking human flesh, and there is a sinner there. Go where you will, you need not ransack earth to find sinners, for they are common enough; you may find them in every lane and street of every city, and town, and village, and hamlet.]
My friends before Christ I was just like all that Charles Spurgeon wrote of. Did I do what these individuals did? No. But what we all would have in common is what we start as, "sinners!"
[It is for such that Jesus died. If you will select me the grossest specimen of humanity, if he be but born of woman, I will have hope of him yet, because Jesus Christ is come to seek and to save sinners. Electing love has selected some of the worst to be made the best. Pebbles of the brook grace turns into jewels for the crown-royal. Worthless dross he transforms into pure gold. Redeeming love has set apart many of the worst of mankind to be the reward of the Saviour’s passion. Effectual grace calls forth many of the vilest of the vile to sit at the table of mercy, and therefore let none despair.]
The ending to this powerful devotional I can hear Spurgeon's plea to turn to Christ. Read slowly as he describes Jesus love for us. I also join with Charles Spurgeon and plead, "Do not turn away as though it was nothing!"
Yes, I was a sinner, but now praise God, I am a Saint!
[Reader, by that love looking out of Jesus’ tearful eyes, by that love streaming from those bleeding wounds, by that faithful love, that strong love, that pure, disinterested, and abiding love; by the heart and by the bowels of the Saviour’s compassion, we conjure you turn not away as though it were nothing to you; but believe on him and you shall be saved. Trust your soul with him and he will bring you to his Father’s right hand in glory everlasting.]
I guess this would be a good time to revisit a blog the Lord blessed me with on September 25th of this year. http://godsloveoutreachministry.blogspot.com/2009/09/i-was.html
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
What an awesome scripture that Charles Spurgeon chose to speak on. As you begin to read Spurgeon's morning devotional for this morning let his words bring your heart and mind into one accord. For sinners, we all are or were, at one point in our lives.
[Charles Spurgeon]
[Walk the streets by moonlight, if you dare, and you will see sinners then. Watch when the night is dark, and the wind is howling, and the picklock is grating in the door, and you will see sinners then. Go to yon jail, and walk through the wards, and mark the men with heavy over-hanging brows, men whom you would not like to meet at night, and there are sinners there. Go to the Reformatories, and note those who have betrayed a rampant juvenile depravity, and you will see sinners there. Go across the seas to the place where a man will gnaw a bone upon which is reeking human flesh, and there is a sinner there. Go where you will, you need not ransack earth to find sinners, for they are common enough; you may find them in every lane and street of every city, and town, and village, and hamlet.]
My friends before Christ I was just like all that Charles Spurgeon wrote of. Did I do what these individuals did? No. But what we all would have in common is what we start as, "sinners!"
[It is for such that Jesus died. If you will select me the grossest specimen of humanity, if he be but born of woman, I will have hope of him yet, because Jesus Christ is come to seek and to save sinners. Electing love has selected some of the worst to be made the best. Pebbles of the brook grace turns into jewels for the crown-royal. Worthless dross he transforms into pure gold. Redeeming love has set apart many of the worst of mankind to be the reward of the Saviour’s passion. Effectual grace calls forth many of the vilest of the vile to sit at the table of mercy, and therefore let none despair.]
The ending to this powerful devotional I can hear Spurgeon's plea to turn to Christ. Read slowly as he describes Jesus love for us. I also join with Charles Spurgeon and plead, "Do not turn away as though it was nothing!"
Yes, I was a sinner, but now praise God, I am a Saint!
[Reader, by that love looking out of Jesus’ tearful eyes, by that love streaming from those bleeding wounds, by that faithful love, that strong love, that pure, disinterested, and abiding love; by the heart and by the bowels of the Saviour’s compassion, we conjure you turn not away as though it were nothing to you; but believe on him and you shall be saved. Trust your soul with him and he will bring you to his Father’s right hand in glory everlasting.]
I guess this would be a good time to revisit a blog the Lord blessed me with on September 25th of this year. http://godsloveoutreachministry.blogspot.com/2009/09/i-was.html
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
