"And be thankful -- let the Word of Messiah, in all its richness, live in you [believers], as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts." ~ Paulus of Tarsus in his Letter to Colossians, CJB trans.

I invite all those who name the name of Jesus as their Lord to use this thread for pertinent, encouraging quotes, lyrics, songs, verse, you-name-it. We all have days when life seems dreary and joyless, and need a friend to come alongside and remind us of eternal, weighty matters. I'll get us started.........

One of the greatest proofs that you are drawing on the grace of God is that you can be humiliated without manifesting the slightest trace of anything but His grace. ~ W.W. I chaplain Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

To choose to suffer means that there is something wrong; to choose God's will even if it means suffering is a very different thing. No healthy saint ever chooses suffering; he chooses God's will, as Jesus did, whether it means suffering or not. ~ Ibid.

God does not take away from us. He might ask us to turn our backs on something, or someone, we should not have. God never takes away, however; God gives. If I reach out and take someone for myself and the Lord steps in between, that does not mean God takes. Rather it means He is protecting us from someone we should not have because He has a far greater purpose for our lives. ~ Corrie ten Boom, survivor of W.W. II concentration camps

In our church we sang "let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me" at the end of the Sunday service. It has been running through my head for two weeks now. If the peace referred to is God's peace, not just worldly peace, then it is a battle cry. There can be no peace until mankind ceases to war with God.

DD

God closes one door and opens another.

Unique and helpful thread, Airedale.

And whenever you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
~ Yeshua to his talmadim, Mark 11:25 (NIV)


My worth to God in public is what I am in private. Is my master ambition to please Him and be acceptable to Him, or is it something less, no matter how noble?
~Oswald Chambers, W.W. I chaplain, My Utmost for His Highest, March 17


What language shall I borrow
To thank Thee, dearest Friend,
For this, Thy dying sorrow,
Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever,
And should I fainting be, Lord,
Let me never, never
Outlive my love to Thee.
~ O Sacred Head", 3rd stanza


I spoke with a Muslim friend recently who read my book. He told me that although he may disagree with me on some issues in my book but that one theme permeated every chapter in my book and that is “LOVE”.
~Jerry Rassamni, author of From Jihad to Jesus: An Ex-Militant’s Journey of Faith
http://jihadtojesus.com/index.html

There are few works greater than the Lutheran hymns, which find their way into many of Bach's works:

Yet still the ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate.
On earth is not his equal.

Ed finally got a promotion. Not that it is a miracle, but this is the one I prayed over. He was out of the office for a couple of days, so he didn't find out about it until several days later. I was in the midst of giving biblical counsel to him, and then he got the call. His new boss thanked him several times for accepting, and his former boss finally admitted his regrets over seeing him leave.

The best part is he'll be working in the same town as me. Maybe I'll get to see him more often! It seems like we are like passing ships in the night lately. Tonight is his farewell party. However, I'm sure we will all get together because he has so many friends in both offices.

quote:

Originally posted by juanruiz:
There are few works greater than the Lutheran hymns, which find their way into many of Bach's works:

Yet still the ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate.
On earth is not his equal.

That's my favorite hymn, lol.

But here's another:
"Crown Him with many crowns,
the Lamb upon His throne..."

Jesus and Resurrection Sunday

Yeshua, *the* Passover Lamb, died on a Roman execution stake ca. 33 CE. Three days later, he appeared in a resurrected body of "flesh and bone" (no blood, per physician Luke's written account, 24:39) to his most faithful --and dejected-- friends: Mary Magdalene, Peter, Cleopas, his talmidim, a gathering of 500. For 40 days he continued to appear, encourage, and instruct them (see Paulus' First Letter to the Corinthians 15:3-6). They would need such empirical evidence (touching him, breaking bread with him, etc.) in the coming days when the term "martyr" (witness) would acquire the new connotation of one who bears witness and pays with his/her life. Most would die violent deaths at the hands of religious or political adversaries, and they would die as "lambs to the slaughter", not raising a sword or fist in retaliation to point the way to Agape-Love.

For Jewish followers of Messiah Yeshua, Resurrection Sunday is the culmination of all the Tenach foreshadowings (Yom Kippur, Pesach, Shavuot, etc.). For Gentile followers of Yeshua, Jesus is the realization of ancient resurrection myths.

I thought a post here devoted to Christians' grandest celebration, Resurrection Day, would be an appropriate tribute.

Ancient greeting on Resurrection Sunday amongst believers: He is risen!
Ancient reply: He is risen, indeed!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If it all be for naught, for nothingness at last,
Why does God make the world so fair?
Why spill this golden splendor out across the western hills,
And light the silver lamp of eve?
Why give me eyes to see, and soul to love so strong and deep?

Then, with a pang this brightness stabs me through,
And wakes within rebellious voice to cry against all death?
Why set this hunger for eternity to gnaw my heartstrings through,
If death ends all?

If death ends all, then evil must be good,
Wrong must be right, and beauty ugliness.
God is Judas who betrays His Son,
And with a kiss, damns all the world to Hell, --
If Christ rose not again.

- Unknown soldier, killed in World War I

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. ~ 1 Cor. 15:55ff (NKJV), Paulus of Tarsus

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

[Post-resurrection] Yeshua said to [Miryam], "Lady, why are you crying? Whom are you looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you're the one who carried him [Yeshua's corpse] away, just tell me where you put him; and I'll go and get him myself." Yeshua said to her, "Miryam!" Turning, she cried out to him in Hebrew, "Rabbani!" (that is, "Teacher!") ~ Gospel of John 20:15-16, CFB

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

[Pre-resurrection] Yeshua: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.... I am the good shepherd; I know my own, and my own know me -- just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father -- and I lay down my life on behalf of the sheep. Also I have other sheep which are not from this pen; I need to bring them, and they will hear my voice; and there will be one flock, one shepherd.

"This is why the Father loves me; because I lay down my life -- in order to take it up again! No one takes it away from me; on the contrary, I lay it down of my own free will, I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it up again." ~ Gospel of John 10:11,14-17 (NIV)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
(stanzas 1-3,8)

I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever-living Head.

He lives triumphant from the grave,
He lives eternally to save,
He lives all-glorious in the sky,
He lives exalted there on high.

He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above,
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.

He lives, all glory to His name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives,
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"

~ written by Samuel Medley, 1775; arrangemt by John Hatton, 1793

You shrink from the suffering. But God sees the tender compassion for other sufferers which is finding birth in your soul.

Your heart winces under the sore bereavement. But God sees the deepening and enriching which that sorrow has brought to you.

It isn't raining afflictions for you. It is raining tenderness, love, compassion, patience, and a thousand other flowers and fruits of the blessed Spirit, which are bringing into your life such a spiritual enrichment as all the fullness of worldly prosperity and ease was never able to beget in your innermost soul. ~ J.M.McC., qtd in Streams in the Desert

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Delayed answers to prayer are not only trials of faith, but they give us opportunities of honoring God by our steadfast confidence in Him under apparent repulses. ~ C.H. Spurgeon, qtd. in Streams

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Trust entirely in God, and when He brings you to the venture, see that you take it. We act like pagans in a crisis; only one out of a crowd is daring enough to bank his faith in the character of God. ~ Oswald Chambers, WW I chaplain

"Come As You Are. No Jacket Required"

I shook my head in disbelief. This couldn't be the right place. After all, I couldn't possibly be welcome here. I had been given an invitation several times, by several different people, and had finally decided to see what this place was all about. But, this just couldn't be the right place.

Quickly, I glanced down at the invitation that I clutched in my hand. I scanned past the words, "Come as you are. No jacket required" and found the location. Yes, I was at the right place. I peered through the window again and saw a room of people whose faces seemed to glow with joy. All were neatly dressed, adorned in fine garments and appeared strangely clean as they dined at this exquisite restaurant.

Ashamed, I looked down at my own tattered and torn clothing, covered in stains. I was dirty, in fact, filthy. A foul smell seemed to consume me and I couldn't shake the grime that clung to my body. As I turned around to leave, the words from the invitation seemed to leap out at me ...
"Come as you are. No jacket required."

I decided to give it a shot. Mustering up every bit of courage I could find, I opened the door to this restaurant and walked up to a man standing behind a podium. "Your name, sir?" he asked me with a smile. "Jimmy D. Brown," I mumbled without looking up. I thrust my hands deep into my pockets, hoping to conceal their stains.

He didn't seem to notice the filth that I was covered in and he continued, "Very good, sir. A table is reserved in your name. Would you like to be seated?"

I couldn't believe what I heard! A grin broke out on my face and I said, "Yes, of course!" He lead me to a table and, sure enough, there was a placard with my name written on it in a deep, dark red. As I browsed over a menu, I saw many delightful items listed. There were things like, "peace," "joy," "blessings," "confidence," "assurance," "hope," "love," "faith," and "mercy." I realized that this was no ordinary restaurant! I flipped the menu back to the front in order to see where I was at ... "God's Grace," was the name of this place!

The man returned and said, "I recommend the 'Special of the Day'. With it, you are entitled to heaping portions of everything on this menu." You've got to be kidding! I thought to myself. You mean, I can have ALL of this! "What is the 'Special of the Day' I asked with excitement ringing in my voice. "Salvation," was his reply. "I'll take it," I practically cried out.

Then, as quickly as I made that statement, the joy left my body. A sick, painful ache jerked through my stomach and tears filled my eyes. Between my sobs I said ... "Mister, look at me. I'm dirty and nasty. I'm unclean and unworthy of such things. I'd love to have all of this, but, but, I just can't afford it."

Undaunted, the man smiled again. "Sir, your check has already been taken care of by that Gentleman over there," he said as he pointed to the front of the room. "His Name is Jesus." Turning, I saw a man whose very presence seemed to light the room. He was almost too much to look at. I found myself walking towards Him and in a shaking voice I whispered, "Sir, I'll wash the dishes or sweep the floors or take out the trash. I'll do anything I can do to repay you for all of this."

He opened His arms and said with a smile, "Son, all of this is yours if you just come unto me. Ask me to clean you up and I will. Ask me to take away the stains and it is done. Ask me to allow you to feast at my table and you will eat. Remember, the table is reserved in your name. All you must do is accept this gift that I offer you."

Astonished, I fell at his feet and said, "Please, Jesus. Please clean up my life. Please change me and sit me at your table and give me this new life."

Immediately, I heard the words, "It is finished."

I looked down and white robes adorned my squeaky clean body. Something strange and wonderful had happened. I felt new, like a weight had been lifted and I found myself seated at His table.

"The 'Special of the Day' has been served," the Lord said to me. "Salvation is yours." We sat and talked for a great while and I so enjoyed the time that I spent with Him. He told me - me of all people - that He would like for me to come back as often as I liked for another helping from God's Grace.

He made it clear that He wanted me to spend as much time with Him as possible. As it drew near time for me to go back outside into the "real world." He whispered to me softly, "And Lo, I am with you always."

And then, He said something to me that I will never forget. He said... "My child, do you see these empty tables throughout this room?"

"Yes, Lord. I see them. What do they mean?" I replied.

"These are reserved tables ... but the individuals whose names are on each placard have not accepted their invitations to dine. Would you be so kind as to hand out these invitations to those who have not joined us yet?" Jesus asked.

"Of course," I said with excitement as I picked up the invitations."

"Go ye therefore into all nations," He said as I turned to leave.

I walked into God's Grace dirty and hungry. Stained in sin. My
righteousness as filthy rags. And Jesus cleaned me up. I walked out a brand new man ... robed in white, His righteousness. And so, I'll keep my promise to my Lord. I'll go. I'll spread the Word. I'll share the Gospel ... I'll hand out the invitations. And I'll start with you.

Have you been to God's Grace? There's a table reserved in your name, and here's your invitation...
"Come as you are. No jacket required."

"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 2:8,9

-- Author Unknown

quote:

"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 2:8,9

Romans 10:17 King James Version: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Phl 4:8-9 KJV
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Revelations 19:13, 1 John 4:8

UNFOLDING THE ROSE

A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day. Feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was asking the older preacher for some advice. The older preacher walked up to a rose bush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing any of the petals.

The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the will of God for his life and ministry. But, because of his great respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to try and unfold the rosebud while keeping every petal intact ...It wasn't long before he realized how impossible this was to do.

Noticing the young preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud without tearing it, the older preacher began to recite the following poem:

It is only a tiny rosebud
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly,
Then, in my hands, they die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
The flower of God's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?

So, I'll trust in Him for leading
Each moment of my day.
I will look to Him for His guidance
Each step of the Pilgrim's way.

The pathway that lies before me
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.

--Source Unknown


They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, and an entire lifetime to forget them.

Just praying for you today...