I Will By No Means Cast Out…

 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.—John 6:37

My focus last night as I read was on the second half of verse 37:

and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out

As I rested there, my eyes filled with tears of utter gratitude.  I am in Christ….accepted in the Beloved.  I stand permanently in His gracious favor.  He loves me and will love me to the end.  No one can snatch me out of His hand…

If you are like me, Jesus is your “go-to” person. He is your Savior, your Lord, your Father and your Friend. You KNOW you need Him. You need His grace.  You need His faithful lovingkindness and mercy.  You need His love and His forgiveness.  You need His wisdom and direction.  You KNOW you couldn’t get by without Him.  You pray and talk to Him all day long. You spend time with Him in the morning and in the evening you can’t wait to do it again.   

Here is what I have never thought about despite being so grateful and so very dependent on His unfailing presence in my life. I have never thought of what it would be like if I had to worry that when I came to Him, He might cast me out.  What if His love and grace toward me had limits?  What if I could, by my actions, cause him to turn me away or cast me aside as not “good” enough?  Even contemplating these questions for a moment brings hopeless and unimaginable terror to my heart. I am thankful that I can continually draw near to my God in full assurance of faith knowing that His word is true.  He will never cast me out. 

I come to Him with my sin, my weakness, my need and my faltering faith.  Jesus gets all my crazy, anxious thoughts.  He holds me when I am sick, refreshes me when I am weary, and comforts me when grief threatens to swallow me up.  In all my loneliness and insufficiency, He is my faithful companion.  He is my Father and I am His precious child. His left hand is under my head and His right hand embraces me. 

Jesus has accepted unworthy me.   He has never refused my company.  He has never shut His door of grace in my face.   And He never will.  Jesus will never break His word. He is faithful even when I am not. Every one of God’s promises are yes in Him.  

Beloved…

A bruised reed He will not break,

And smoking flax He will not quench;—Isaiah 42:3

And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.—Revelation 22:17

Go to Him today. If you are a believer, you are His dearly loved and cherished one.  There is no where you can go from His Spirit.  He lives in you and is always with you.  He does not change.  Once you are His there is nothing that can separate you from Him.  Not even death because death is now merely the doorway into your forever home with Him.  Read all the verses below.  Receive them into your heart and allow the Spirit of God to use them to assure, steady, strengthen and settle you.  

Jesus is speaking…

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. 30 I and My Father are one."—John 10:27-30

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  36 As it is written:

"For Your sake we are killed all day long;

We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 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 8:31-39

He shall regard the prayer of the destitute,

And shall not despise their prayer.—Psalm 102:17

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."—Matthew 11:28-30

But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." 42 Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."

43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."—Luke 23:40-43

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.—Hebrews 4:15

9 You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,

And called from its farthest regions,

And said to you,

'You are My servant,

I have chosen you and have not cast you away:

10 Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'—Isaiah 41:9-10

Let the wicked forsake his way,

And the unrighteous man his thoughts;

Let him return to the LORD,

And He will have mercy on him;

And to our God,

For He will abundantly pardon.—Isaiah 55:7

Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.—Romans 5:20

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.—1 Timothy 1:15-16

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.—Hebrews 7:25

How Unsearchable are His Judgments and His Ways Past Finding Out!

 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.—Acts 28:1-2

You can’t outgive God. He sees all.  Compassion is a universal language. The natives’ acts of unusual kindness to Paul and his shipmates was repaid…pressed down, shaken together and running over!   Paul healed the father of Publius, the island’s leading citizen of dysentery, as well as the rest of those on the island who had any diseases.  

For God [is] not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, [in that] you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.—Hebrews 6:10

Scripture is silent as to whether the gospel was preached at Malta, but my read on it says that it was. In the previous Chapter Paul says this to the crew and his shipmates:

However, we must run aground on a certain island."—Acts 27:26 (emphasis mine)

His words reminded me of Jesus’ words to His disciples about needing to go through Samaria in John 4. There He met the woman at the well and the gospel was preached in Samaria.

1 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4 But He needed to go through Samaria.—John 4:1-4 (emphasis mine)

The natives understood that murder was wrong and that evil people were punished. Paul writes this in Romans 2:

For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?—Romans 2:14,15,27

By making Paul immune from the effects of the viper, God made a way for the Gospel to be received and the One, true God worshipped. One act of “unusual” kindness by the natives on a “certain” island caused an eternal ripple effect that would be “heard” the world over.

Beloved…God had a plan for both Paul’s detour and His own through Samaria, and God has a plan for each and everything that happens in our lives as well. 

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!—Romans 11:33

And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."—Matthew 10:42

[Be] kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;—Romans 12:10

Psalm 23…

 1 The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD

Forever.—Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is not just a psalm to be read when trouble comes.  It is a psalm appropriate for every single minute of every single day of your life here on earth.  The Lord…your Creator…the Maker of both heaven and earth is Your Leader.  The Almighty and All-Sufficient God is the One who preserves you, protects you, provides for you and guides you through this life. He is your Owner. You as a believer, wear His name.  His Spirit dwells in You and is with You. 

Beloved…God Himself is your provision. He is your shield and your exceedingly great reward.  Spend time in this precious Psalm today.  Memorize it and allow the Spirit of God to speak to your heart as you do.  Look up the meaning of each word in Strong’s.  Check out the cross-reference verses…they are illuminating.  Read Spurgeon’s exposition in his Treasury of David. You WILL be blessed. The word of God is lamp to your feet and a light to Your path. Our God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 

O My Strength, Hasten to Help Me!

 Romans 12...

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.  9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.  17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 Therefore

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

If he is thirsty, give him a drink;

For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12 is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of practical Christian living.  Reading through it is ALWAYS convicting.  My inner man truly wants to live out all of it!   Like Paul, I delight in the law of God in my inward man. My desire is to love and serve Him with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength!  Sadly, I find myself, also like Paul, doing those very things that I will not to do!  Those things that are the polar opposite of what I read in Romans 12. Oh wretched man that I am!  So thankful for my Jesus who did deliver and continues to deliver me from this body of death.  Through Him, I am more than a conqueror!  

When I had finished reading Romans 12 this morning, my Bible reading took me to Psalm 22, verse 19:

But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me;

O My Strength, hasten to help Me!

This morning, I am crying out with Jesus,...oh Lord...be not far from me!  Oh, my Strength, hasten to help me!  

Father,  Enable me to walk in Your way, by Your strength and power…teach me to stay myself on You and find my comfort in Your support.   Oh Lord! Do this work in my heart.  I want to walk in Your Spirit doing those things that are good and right. ❤️

The Song of Moses…Who is Like You, O LORD?

 1 Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the LORD, and spoke, saying:

"I will sing to the LORD,

For He has triumphed gloriously!

The horse and its rider

He has thrown into the sea!

2 The LORD is my strength and song,

And He has become my salvation;

He is my God, and I will praise Him;

My father's God, and I will exalt Him.

3 The LORD is a man of war;

The LORD is His name.

4 Pharaoh's chariots and his army He has cast into the sea;

His chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea.

5 The depths have covered them;

They sank to the bottom like a stone.

6 "Your right hand, O LORD, has become glorious in power;

Your right hand, O LORD, has dashed the enemy in pieces.

7 And in the greatness of Your excellence

You have overthrown those who rose against You;

You sent forth Your wrath;

It consumed them like stubble.

8 And with the blast of Your nostrils

The waters were gathered together;

The floods stood upright like a heap;

The depths congealed in the heart of the sea.

9 The enemy said, 'I will pursue,

I will overtake,

I will divide the spoil;

My desire shall be satisfied on them.

I will draw my sword,

My hand shall destroy them.'

10 You blew with Your wind,

The sea covered them;

They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

11 "Who is like You, O LORD, among the gods?

Who is like You, glorious in holiness,

Fearful in praises, doing wonders?

12 You stretched out Your right hand;

The earth swallowed them.

13 You in Your mercy have led forth

The people whom You have redeemed;

You have guided them in Your strength

To Your holy habitation.

14 "The people will hear and be afraid;

Sorrow will take hold of the inhabitants of Philistia.

15 Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed;

The mighty men of Moab,

Trembling will take hold of them;

All the inhabitants of Canaan will melt away.

16 Fear and dread will fall on them;

By the greatness of Your arm

They will be as still as a stone,

Till Your people pass over, O LORD,

Till the people pass over

Whom You have purchased.

17 You will bring them in and plant them

In the mountain of Your inheritance,

In the place, O LORD, which You have made

For Your own dwelling,

The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established.

18 "The LORD shall reign forever and ever."

19 For the horses of Pharaoh went with his chariots and his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought back the waters of the sea upon them. But the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.—Exodus 15:1-19

Each time I have read the song of Moses, I have been struck by its beauty and simplicity.  There are no big words or lofty thoughts. His style is simple and direct. The song in its entirety exalts Jehovah alone. Moses was a meek man and his song fits him.  No hints of any secondary causes…no mention of either himself or any of the other leaders. 

If I had to choose which verses spoke to my heart as I read them last night, it would have to be verses 9 and 10 because they are such a study in contrasts. 

9 The enemy said, 'I will pursue,

I will overtake,

I will divide the spoil;

My desire shall be satisfied on them.

I will draw my sword,

My hand shall destroy them.'

10 You blew with Your wind,

The sea covered them;

They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

In response to the tumult and violence of the Egyptians, Moses describes God’s calm response. 

“You blew with your wind.”

God shut them down with the breath of His mouth!  I loved that!  

Beloved…we are not sufficient for anything we face, but our God is!  He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus has overcome sin, death and hell.  If God is for us, who can be against us. He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? As God’s precious children, we can sing along with Moses…

"I will sing to the LORD,

For He has triumphed gloriously!

The horse and its rider

He has thrown into the sea!

2 The LORD is my strength and song,

And He has become my salvation;

He is my God, and I will praise Him;

My father's God, and I will exalt Him.

18 "The LORD shall reign forever and ever."

Our God is all powerful. With a strong, resolute hand He brought His people out of the slavery and oppression of Egypt.  And if that weren’t enough, He brought them through the Red Sea while walking on dry land!  Surely, they could trust Him to provide for them and bring them safely into the land He had promised them. Surely, we, as His beloved children, can trust Him to bring us through this world to our desired haven in heaven.

28 Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble,

And He brings them out of their distresses.

29 He calms the storm,

So that its waves are still.

30 Then they are glad because they are quiet;

So He guides them to their desired haven.

31 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,

And for His wonderful works to the children of men!—Psalm 107:28-31

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,

Nor shall the flame scorch you.—Isaiah 43:2

10 Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

11 "Behold, all those who were incensed against you

Shall be ashamed and disgraced;

They shall be as nothing,

And those who strive with you shall perish.

12 You shall seek them and not find them—

Those who contended with you.

Those who war against you

Shall be as nothing,

As a nonexistent thing.

13 For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand,

Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'—Isaiah 41:10-13

1 Why do the nations rage,

And the people plot a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves,

And the rulers take counsel together,

Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,

3 "Let us break Their bonds in pieces

And cast away Their cords from us."

4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;

The Lord shall hold them in derision.

5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,

And distress them in His deep displeasure:

6 "Yet I have set My King

On My holy hill of Zion."

7 "I will declare the decree:

The LORD has said to Me,

You are My Son,

Today I have begotten You.

8 Ask of Me, and I will give You

The nations for Your inheritance,

And the ends of the earth for Your possession.

9 You shall break them with a rod of iron;

You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.'"

10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings;

Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

11 Serve the LORD with fear,

And rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,

And you perish in the way,

When His wrath is kindled but a little.

Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.—Psalm 2

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.—2 Corinthians 2:14.