but you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day. —Joshua 23:8
May we cleave unto the Lord our God and continue with Him with purpose of heart...delighting, depending and devoting ourselves to His desires. Make us shine as lights, Father, bearing fruit by Jesus Christ as we walk through this dark world. However, this morning it was the second part of this verse that really spoke to my heart.
“but you shall hold fast to the LORD your God AS YOU HAVE DONE UNTO THIS DAY”
Note how gracious the Spirit of God is speaking through Joshua here given the children of Israel’s erratic history! What an example to me of thinking the best about people. His words impart grace to the hearers, they edify.
The words of a wise man's mouth [are] gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up;—Ecclesiastes 10:12
So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, "Is this not Joseph's son?"—Luke 4:22
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.—Philippians 4
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen—Hebrews 13:20-21
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
One Thing I Do...
"And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."—Joshua 24:15
I have been studying the book of Philippians and reading this verse brought my mind to a section of Philippians 3 where I personally have been camped for a week.
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.”
Those verses together stopped me in my tracks...Joshua and Paul have the same mindset...they were pursuing the same thing...Christlikeness. Paul's prize, and ours, is the very purpose God had in saving us:
"Whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29).
Focusing here on one phrase from Phil 3:13...but ONE thing I do.
Paul had reduced the whole of sanctification to the simple and clear goal of doing “one thing”—pursuing Christlikeness. I love that for many reasons but mostly because it makes it easier for me to remember and bring it to mind when I need to apply it. Paul presses toward the goal and does not allow himself to be distracted. Joshua without equivocation serves the Lord. He pursues holiness and like Paul is jealous for those under his care to do the same. Neither want to have labored in vain
Praying that by His gracious Spirit who dwells in me and desires this for me that I can surrender and run as one who wants to win that prize. Direct me in this, Father, by Your Spirit, to run all I think, say and do through the filter of:
Will saying that or doing this or acting this way coincide with my lifelong pursuit of becoming like my Jesus?
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,—Hebrews 12:1-2a
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,—2 Cor 10:5-6
I have been studying the book of Philippians and reading this verse brought my mind to a section of Philippians 3 where I personally have been camped for a week.
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.”
Those verses together stopped me in my tracks...Joshua and Paul have the same mindset...they were pursuing the same thing...Christlikeness. Paul's prize, and ours, is the very purpose God had in saving us:
"Whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29).
Focusing here on one phrase from Phil 3:13...but ONE thing I do.
Paul had reduced the whole of sanctification to the simple and clear goal of doing “one thing”—pursuing Christlikeness. I love that for many reasons but mostly because it makes it easier for me to remember and bring it to mind when I need to apply it. Paul presses toward the goal and does not allow himself to be distracted. Joshua without equivocation serves the Lord. He pursues holiness and like Paul is jealous for those under his care to do the same. Neither want to have labored in vain
Praying that by His gracious Spirit who dwells in me and desires this for me that I can surrender and run as one who wants to win that prize. Direct me in this, Father, by Your Spirit, to run all I think, say and do through the filter of:
Will saying that or doing this or acting this way coincide with my lifelong pursuit of becoming like my Jesus?
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,—Hebrews 12:1-2a
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,—2 Cor 10:5-6
Counted Worthy to Escape...
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.
"For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.
"Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."—Luke 21:33-36
These verses (34-36) appear only in Luke. Jesus seems to be stressing the suddenness of this event and from my reading can only apply to the the Rapture. Verse 36 tells us to watch therefore and pray always that we may be counted worthy to escape all those things that will come to pass and stand before the Son of Man.
Jesus appears to be saying that there is a real possibility that one may profess faith in Christ without possessing true faith.
Paul also reminded the Corinthians (and us) to examine themselves in regard to the genuineness of their salvation
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified.—2 Cor 13:5
We do then need to examine the reality of our professed faith to be sure that we are trusting in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I liked what Henry Morris said about this:
“The sure proof (of genuine salvation) is the realization that Christ is indwelling us by the Holy Spirit resulting in godly lives and glad acceptance of all the revealed Word of God, as inspired by the Holy Spirit.”—Henry Morris
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.
"For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.
"Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."—Luke 21:33-36
These verses (34-36) appear only in Luke. Jesus seems to be stressing the suddenness of this event and from my reading can only apply to the the Rapture. Verse 36 tells us to watch therefore and pray always that we may be counted worthy to escape all those things that will come to pass and stand before the Son of Man.
Jesus appears to be saying that there is a real possibility that one may profess faith in Christ without possessing true faith.
Paul also reminded the Corinthians (and us) to examine themselves in regard to the genuineness of their salvation
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified.—2 Cor 13:5
We do then need to examine the reality of our professed faith to be sure that we are trusting in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I liked what Henry Morris said about this:
“The sure proof (of genuine salvation) is the realization that Christ is indwelling us by the Holy Spirit resulting in godly lives and glad acceptance of all the revealed Word of God, as inspired by the Holy Spirit.”—Henry Morris
Hymn of My Heart
So Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD.
—Judges 6:6
The answer for every problem, every fear and every heartache in this world is always the Lord. I confess I can be so stubborn at times...like a young unteachable child really...how many times has He heard my cry and answered. How many times has He sent His divine protection, His divine deliverance, His divine wisdom, His divine comfort to my heart and yet I still forget. I go and attempt to face the day in my own strength. Even at almost 60, I forget I am weak, insufficient and very flawed! I FORGET I need Him. Oh Father, forgive me! So thankful for your forgiving, unchanging, steadfast, faithful love that never leaves me or forsakes me. Write these verses on my heart, Father, may the words of Psalm 34 become the hymn of my heart!
—Judges 6:6
The answer for every problem, every fear and every heartache in this world is always the Lord. I confess I can be so stubborn at times...like a young unteachable child really...how many times has He heard my cry and answered. How many times has He sent His divine protection, His divine deliverance, His divine wisdom, His divine comfort to my heart and yet I still forget. I go and attempt to face the day in my own strength. Even at almost 60, I forget I am weak, insufficient and very flawed! I FORGET I need Him. Oh Father, forgive me! So thankful for your forgiving, unchanging, steadfast, faithful love that never leaves me or forsakes me. Write these verses on my heart, Father, may the words of Psalm 34 become the hymn of my heart!
I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!—Psalm 34:1-8
More Gideon and Judges 6
So he said to Him, "O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house."—Judges 6:15
Oh Father, keep me small in my own eyes. Let not the foot of pride come against me. Gideon was the least in his poor family and of an undistinguished tribe, but God, who sees the heart, chose Him. Gideon was also a believer in a family of unbelievers, but his courage brought His father back to You...the One true God. Give me this kind of courage as I face my enemies both within and without and may others see the grace You give me and turn their own hearts toward Yours.
For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
that no flesh should glory in His presence.
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--
that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.—1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Give to the LORD glory and strength.
Give to the LORD the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come into His courts.
Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!—Psalm 96:7b-9
The Love of Jesus
Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."—Luke 23:34
Jesus prays for the VERY ones that are putting Him to death. God is kind to the unthankful and the evil. He blesses people who don't
deserve it, (me) and He pours out His kindness on all. His love never fails...it has eternal effects.
(Jesus) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(Jesus) never fails.—1 Corinthians 13:7-8
"But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
"bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.—Luke 6:27-28
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
"Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.—1 Peter 2:21-24
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Reign in My Heart
Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, "Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian." But Gideon said to them, "I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you."—Judges 8:22-23
May this be MY cry today and every day! Come and rule in MY heart! Save me from myself and fill me with You! For it is in You that I am made perfect.
Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!
May this be MY cry today and every day! Come and rule in MY heart! Save me from myself and fill me with You! For it is in You that I am made perfect.
Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!
Wrath of Abandonment
God speaking...
Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.—Judges 10:14
Uh oh...They're going to get exactly what they wanted with no restraint. God is stepping back and leaving them to the consequences of their own sinful choices. They will be filled with their own way and their sin will be their ruin. Genesis 6:3 tells us that God's Spirit will not strive with us forever. The price for the Israelites as well as for us was/is staggering.
This is the wrath of abandonment. Proverbs chapter 1 verses 24 to 31 says this:
Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD, They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.
There are many times as I walk through the trials of this life that I feel that even with His presence it is all too much! But I can endure because He does the enduring. He performs all things for me and perfects all things that concern me. His plan for me here out of His heart of love. He works all together in my life for my good and His glory. I cannot fathom journeying through life here on earth without Him. He is my rock, my hope and my joy unending. It is in Him that I live and it is Him that I live unto. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Nothing can separate me from His love. Not even me.
I do not lose heart because He is always with me! My work is not in vain, and my hope is sure,
Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.--Isaiah 40:28-31
Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.—Judges 10:14
Uh oh...They're going to get exactly what they wanted with no restraint. God is stepping back and leaving them to the consequences of their own sinful choices. They will be filled with their own way and their sin will be their ruin. Genesis 6:3 tells us that God's Spirit will not strive with us forever. The price for the Israelites as well as for us was/is staggering.
This is the wrath of abandonment. Proverbs chapter 1 verses 24 to 31 says this:
Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD, They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.
There are many times as I walk through the trials of this life that I feel that even with His presence it is all too much! But I can endure because He does the enduring. He performs all things for me and perfects all things that concern me. His plan for me here out of His heart of love. He works all together in my life for my good and His glory. I cannot fathom journeying through life here on earth without Him. He is my rock, my hope and my joy unending. It is in Him that I live and it is Him that I live unto. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Nothing can separate me from His love. Not even me.
I do not lose heart because He is always with me! My work is not in vain, and my hope is sure,
Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.--Isaiah 40:28-31
The Road to Emmaus
Luke 24: 13–15 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
They were talking and communing together about the things which had happened in Jerusalem and then BAM there is Jesus in the midst of them. ❤️
Matthew 18:20
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?"
And He said to them, "What things?"
I love what happens next...they pour out to Jesus what they know...Jesus then meets them at their point of need...He encourages and strengthens their hearts toward belief. He shows them that their hope was NOT disappointed. That it was in His death and resurrection that the Scriptures had been fulfilled. (“But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.”)
This passage resonates with me because what Jesus did for these men on the Emmaus Road, He does for me as I pour out to Him in prayer, my doubts, my misconceptions, my fears and my griefs. He meets me at my point of need. He perfects what concerns me...He uses His word to comfort me in my grief, encourage me in fears and lack of faith, to impart wisdom when needed (always)and to clarify and correct my doubt and my misconceptions.
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.—2 Timothy 3:14-17
They were talking and communing together about the things which had happened in Jerusalem and then BAM there is Jesus in the midst of them. ❤️
Matthew 18:20
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?"
And He said to them, "What things?"
I love what happens next...they pour out to Jesus what they know...Jesus then meets them at their point of need...He encourages and strengthens their hearts toward belief. He shows them that their hope was NOT disappointed. That it was in His death and resurrection that the Scriptures had been fulfilled. (“But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.”)
This passage resonates with me because what Jesus did for these men on the Emmaus Road, He does for me as I pour out to Him in prayer, my doubts, my misconceptions, my fears and my griefs. He meets me at my point of need. He perfects what concerns me...He uses His word to comfort me in my grief, encourage me in fears and lack of faith, to impart wisdom when needed (always)and to clarify and correct my doubt and my misconceptions.
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.—2 Timothy 3:14-17
Jephthah...
I was so very grateful for Jephthah today! I woke up cranky, complaining and filled with me. From there I went into a mind spiral that centered on my failures and faults. So by the time I sat down to read my Bible I was not in the greatest of places.
Enter Jephthah to remind me that my God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.
Oh yeah...
Wanting to find out more about Jephthah, I turned in my Thompson Chain Reference Bible to #1876. There, I discovered that his name is recorded as one of the giants of faith in Hebrews 11. I turned there and read the names of the others whose names were recorded there. Guess what...none of them were perfect...they were all sinners like me. All of them needed a Savior.
—So grateful to God that He brought me up out of a horrible pit, set my feet upon a rock and established my steps.
—So grateful to God that I can never fall further than His everlasting arms.
—so grateful for His word that is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, that rights my thinking.
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.—Romans 8:38-39
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.—Hebrews 12:1-2
Enter Jephthah to remind me that my God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.
Oh yeah...
Wanting to find out more about Jephthah, I turned in my Thompson Chain Reference Bible to #1876. There, I discovered that his name is recorded as one of the giants of faith in Hebrews 11. I turned there and read the names of the others whose names were recorded there. Guess what...none of them were perfect...they were all sinners like me. All of them needed a Savior.
—So grateful to God that He brought me up out of a horrible pit, set my feet upon a rock and established my steps.
—So grateful to God that I can never fall further than His everlasting arms.
—so grateful for His word that is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, that rights my thinking.
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.—Romans 8:38-39
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.—Hebrews 12:1-2
Grace and Truth
John 1:14 tells me that Jesus is full of grace and truth. Jesus is full of the exact two things that I desperately need...grace and truth. As if that were not enough, John goes on to tell us that
Of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace—John 1:16
Grace for grace: “Literally it means ‘grace instead of grace’. God’s Grace to us is continuous and inexhaustible...like waves on a seashore. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. There ARE NO interruptions.
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ—Ephesians 4:7
For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,—Colossians 1:19
Closing with some beautiful quotes by Spurgeon...
Blessed be the Lord for ever that he has provided a fullness for us, for in us by nature there is all emptiness and utter vanity.
The accents are sweet as those of the angel-messenger when he sang, "Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy." Are they not stray notes from celestial sonnets? "All fullness." You, sinner, are all emptiness and death, you, saint, would be so if it were not for the "all fullness" of Christ of which you have received; therefore both to saint and sinner the words are full of hope. There is joy in these words to every soul conscious of its sad estate, and humbled before God.
Of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace—John 1:16
Grace for grace: “Literally it means ‘grace instead of grace’. God’s Grace to us is continuous and inexhaustible...like waves on a seashore. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. There ARE NO interruptions.
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ—Ephesians 4:7
For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,—Colossians 1:19
Closing with some beautiful quotes by Spurgeon...
Blessed be the Lord for ever that he has provided a fullness for us, for in us by nature there is all emptiness and utter vanity.
The accents are sweet as those of the angel-messenger when he sang, "Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy." Are they not stray notes from celestial sonnets? "All fullness." You, sinner, are all emptiness and death, you, saint, would be so if it were not for the "all fullness" of Christ of which you have received; therefore both to saint and sinner the words are full of hope. There is joy in these words to every soul conscious of its sad estate, and humbled before God.
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