The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. (Proverbs 10:20) How can these things be? Can our speech be of such a great value that it will make a profound difference in this life and the hereafter? Is it possible to devalue one's oration? Just what does the heart have to do with our opinions and conclusions to life's many matters? Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart does the mouth speak." (Matthew 12:34) He then goes on to establish this fact, there are two kinds of hearts; good treasured hearts and evil treasured hearts. Once again we can find value in association with our every day existence. Jesus then goes on to talk about judgment day, revealing this gem of advice, "Our words will either justify or condemn." Oh the tongue; a little member yet able to set a great fire! A fire for the Lord is good; when set ablaze by the word and spirit of God. Many will come long distances to watch it burn. This warmth and glow of a believer's life will make all the difference to this life's journey! Praise the Lord!
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As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. (Psalm 17:15) What a mighty presence of God we are experiencing here this morning. It's no wonder that Sunday morning worship is so close to our hearts. It seems that there is an excitement from the very moment I awake; fully knowing what awaits in the house of God. I'm persuaded that you to are experiencing this heavenly phenomena. It even gets better! In the above Scripture, one of my favorite ever since I first read it; I find that this earth is just a stepping stone to a far far better world. What really moved me concerning this Scripture is this, I will behold thy face. All the worship and praise that will be echoed here this morning, in the name of Jesus, will bring us face to face with the master himself. Then, to put the icing on the cake so to speak, when we arise from the dead to be in his presence, I will be in his likeness. Can you imagine that? No more pain, sorrow, loneliness, eternally made and fully redeemed. These are the pillars of our faith. Transforming our weak and tired bodies, along with our rebellious and sinful character, into a glorious and eternal habitation for God. What a most marvelous message. What a most marvelous God! Praise the Lord! Saying, "I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee". (Hebrews 2:12) I could not imagine what life would be if we weren't able to gather, as we do, and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus. Every time we come together, fulfilling the core or heartbeat of the body of Christ, our souls all lifted into the presence of God. The room becomes ignited and filled with the precious Holy Ghost. Angels are all around ministering to our very beings. The above Scriptures certainly upholds all our efforts when it says, "in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee." This is what makes the difference between religion and the life of Christ. Religion with its stand, sit and kneel approach to God or a converted, spirit filled love and life to God. It's no wonder every time we come together we experience an increase of the kingdom of God. As we declare his name in song and in word this morning, God will be glorified and Jesus magnified. Intoxicating to say the least. Praise the Lord! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. (Psalm 103:2) As we prepare to praise the beautiful name of Jesus, my heart is filled with warmth. My soul is running over with adoration for him. The thoughts of eternal habitation in the new heavens and new earth, overwhelms all of this life's burdens. Just think for a moment; no more pain, no more sorrows, all tears will be wiped from our eyes by none other than the hand of God himself! There is still more. We are advised to not forget all his benefits. With this expression of love, Father God reveals that he intends to fully give us the kingdom; not only on that day, but in this world! The words, "only believe," will ignite the path and secure the blessings. Praise the Lord! And he answering said unto him, "Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dug it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shall cut it down. (Luke 13:8-9) Here it is the first day of the new year 2017. Our lives seem to be as hour glasses, emptying themselves day by day without any effort on our behalf. Try as we may, this process enhances all of us and cannot be reversed. Yes, day by day, year by year we are all heading to the same destiny judgment! As the Scriptures say, It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27) In the above parable, Jesus gives us some awe inspiring instruction of preparation. If need be, this is the year to break up areas around and in your life; thus removing any obstacles Father God is not pleased with. Then, sweeten this new hallowed ground with the word of God. A year seems like a long time, but before you know it is gone. So beloved, together let us reach for the high calling in Christ Jesus; making a difference in this present world. Praise the Lord! |
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January 2019
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