Monday, July 23, 2012

The Perfect Sacrifice

"And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein. Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these unto the LORD,nor make an offering by fire of them upon the altar unto the LORD." Leviticus 22:21-22

Look at the requirements here and relate it to us broken feeble people... We are/were blind, broken, maimed...everything the LORD said an acceptable sacrifice cannot be! Even the animal had to meet these requirements! But One came, perfect & complete to lay His life, a perfect Sacrifice for you and me.
"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." Hebrews 9:13-15

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:5-6
"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" Romans 5:10-12
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:7-8

By His blood we are set free, a life given for you and me, that through Him we can be granted all eternity with our King! An undeserved gift for all who accept and believe.

Thank You Jesus for taking my place, undeserved by You yet Your Love saw You through, the pain and cruelty to bare that I am washed and made new, but the blood that You shed! You laid down Your life so I can be set free, You met the demands and fulfilled the law, an order for me that was way too tall. So I humbly accept Your Love & grace as You so generously took my place! I love You Lord! As You gave Your life for me, so I give mine unto You, help me be a living sacrifice as You will and please, use me to let others know they too can be free!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Pit of Despair

At some point in our lives we dig ourselves into a pit, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually &/or financially. These are all interrelated! Compromise & sin go hand in hand. Soon, this pit becomes our "comfort zone", fear of the unknown keeps us quietly tucked in and the beat down has us so weak many give up! This is the pit of despair. There is hope! Hope in Christ! He is the One who pulls us out. Surrendering to His call & Will, laying down our powerless power trips, selfish ambitions and trading it for His beautiful cross. It's by His strength we can climb out! The Word says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:12 The *KEY* is remaining in Him! See, there are others around you who enjoy your company in this pit! Often they will come against you with fierce discouragement to try to keep you focused on the pit, the depth, the width and not on Christ! However, "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us,who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 He IS for us. He bids us come! "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,..." 2 Corinthians 6:17 We are called, chosen by Him, a peculiar people and not of this world! In Him, we have every need met. This pit you may be in is a choice here and now, you've had enough wallowing, its time to take the hand of Christ who has ever so patiently had His hand outstretched to you, trust Him, rely on Him! This my friend is your turning point! Remember, "And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible." Mark 10:27 What will you choose in this moment of opportunity?

Monday, July 9, 2012

"why so much sorrow, why so much pain?"


Why so much sorrow, why so much pain?
By Michelle James
Given by the Holy Spirit

Some ask..."why so much sorrow, why so much pain?"...
I tell you friend, it comes with being a daughter of the King. 
You see, I have this peace, this hope, and love I want to share, but it seems so little rarely even care.
They can be set free from this world and all it cares, but when I invite them to the cross seldom few meet me there.
The Master has brought me through valleys deep and places I thought were beyond reach.
He's taken me up to mountain highs and valley lows to streams far too beautiful for my eyes.
I want to share this journey too...see, it’s why Jesus died for me & you. 
Some say, the cost is too high and the road is too steep, the journey is long and my flesh is weak.
They fail to see, we are not alone, as He provides every need from His gracious Throne.
There's no burden to great for His tender care, He's near to all who will meet Him there.
This place is not far, it’s right where you are.
It's hard to see people reject perfect peace, when all He does is set you free.
Free from burdens, cares & sin, this man, my friend, wants you to belong to Him.
This pain and sorrow I bear, this pain deep within my eyes, is just because I care.
I hate the thought of your demise when at the end to your surprise; you will not be welcomed in, all because of your sin.
Those precious arms He spread so wide, the day upon the cross He died,
Was His welcoming in to all who want a journey with Him.
Eternal joy, eternal peace, forgiveness and grace, mercy beyond measure are all gifts to treasure.
So I ask this personal to you, will you walk the narrow road?
Will you share this journey untold?
Will you try to hide the pain inside or will you come to Him and confide?
There is no condemnation to bear as you will find forgiveness there.
Will you trade your burdens deep for His Love you thought to be beyond reach?
Will you take the Master's hand and trust Him with His God given plan?

Sin and the simplicity of the Gospel

Remember, it will not be the "act" of sin God will punish come final judgement. Rather, every soul that rejects His only begotten ...