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Have you heard?

Have you heard?

Romans 9:15-21    For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. 19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? (ESV)

I timidly tread on this scripture that is steep in theology; I am not qualified to take on the arguments that can be presented here on Election and Sovereignty. I fully accept and rest in the grace of Sovereignty; if it is by Election I rest in that also. What grabs me here is the question found in it; “Why have you made me like this?”. That question is one that we have all most likely gone before God asking. I still in my struggles with sin seemingly go before God with it; I must understand that the sanctification process is a life-long road I must travel. The more time I spend with God in his Word and prayer, the more sin is revealed to me. Even Paul continued to struggle in that realization of sin, of how he wanted to be a better man, but still failed continually. Romans 7:15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.

Let me present a simplified question on the topic of Election found in these scriptures. If you are even realizing, and questioning God on life here and thereafter, is that not evidence that He is already in pursuit of your heart, and you are a chosen child? Those blinded to Him never see or question any evidences of Him. That tug on your heart you feel, should make you feel special; you are a chosen child of God. The evidences of the evil in this world today are proofs of Satan’s power that surrounds us. God’s leash on him is stretching out just before time for Christ’s return to pull him back and put him up forever. These days that lie before us are not days guaranteed, but evidences of the need for you to repent of your sins and draw near to Christ for eternal rewards. The gospel is going out into all the world at an incredible rate with the evolution of the internet; missionaries are presenting the Good News to places that have never heard. All of this must happen before His return, and it is happening NOW! God has made you “like this” for a purpose; that purpose is to draw you to Him, and that his glory can be revealed in you. We are forgiven by the blood of the Lamb, and able to share by the word of our testimonies.

I love how a good friend of mine always closes his letters,

Until all have heard

 
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Posted by on July 7, 2013 in Daily Devotions

 

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Hard Bottom

Hard Bottom

2 Corinthians 12:9-10   But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (ESV)

Yesterday I spent some time in an online course in Hermeneutics, which is how to study the Bible. I also spent some time reading a great book by David Platt, who’s heart lies in discipleship and evangelism. It became evident how these two intertwined; the heart of a disciple and the provision of God in His Word for all they need. All throughout the Bible are the evidences of how God miraculously provided for His people in relation to their faith; especially when that faith is rooted in His Word. We must’t respond or rely on emotion, but on the promises written in His Word for our benefit. Satan lies in our questioning God’s Word; “did God really mean?” Platt made a great point to beware of teachers that use that phrase, for that phrase was when man fell into sin in the garden of Eden at the beginning of time.

Paul was speaking of how He had been given great revelations; of how he could easily rest on them and preach a good word rooted in his pride. Of how God had allowed a thorn in his flesh to keep him humble; Satan meant it for evil and God meant it for good. Paul came to realize that in all his problems, he could glorify God. In everything he faced it could draw him closer to the One who was extended him grace through it. When we are struggling with anything, Satan comes in and attempt to plant doubt. He tries to weaken our faith; he is the ultimate deceiver, and if we let him we will take our eyes of God and the promises in His Word. But if we go to God in his Word and prayer, we gain strength and provision to fight the enemy. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Platt also wrote about one of my favorite chapters in the Bible; John 15. This chapter is where we are taught about abiding; a state of being IN Christ. In this chapter we are told of the relationship we should seek with our Savior, of a life focused on that relationship. Outside of the qualifications of a disciple found in John 15 is a scary place to be. But being found in that abiding relationship is the answer to all you need to accomplish the life and work He has planned for you. John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If you try to rest on the religiosity that comes on Sundays alone, you are not abiding or living your life as a disciple. The troubles you face, you face alone in your power, not the grace of God. Humble your heart and seek Him daily. Seek to grow into what He has given you with the power to be as a disciple of His. In that is found everything you need; for even when you are at your weakest point, your strength lies in Him.

 
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Posted by on April 5, 2013 in Daily Devotions

 

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