Saved By Grace

Galatians 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

It was not easy being Paul. He was persecuted from all angles. On the left their were tyrants who sought to silence him and if that wasn't enough, on the right he came under attack from his own Jewish brethren...even Peter.

The rock of offense was namely over the law. In Acts 21 he was accused of being the man that was against all the Jews, the law, and of Moses. Paul surely had to rely on a rock solid confidence when facing false accusations. This statement in Galatians is very clear, "no one is justified in keeping the law in the sight of God". If this were true...then Christ died for nothing.

At one point he even had to challenge Peter himself for bowing to the pressure of the Jews for teaching a salvation gospel, blended with the observance of the law. Paul sternly reminded them that Christ met all the requirements of the law for us and removed us out from under it. By this we are freed from the law, therefore sin and death are defeated. 

In 2 Corinthians he stated that anything other than Grace through faith is not "Gospel". Law, works, effort, good deeds, holiness, and so on are evidence of faith... but they do not equal salvation.

Paul was supernaturally convinced in salvation through grace alone. He declared that keeping the law of God in their Jewish custom or as a gentile did not measure one ounce of righteousness. This comes only by His grace toward us who believe.

It surprises me how still today some are determined to complicate the very simple truth of grace through faith. To them there must be a price...a cost??  

Paul said it this way, "How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort"? Gal 3:3

Remember, the free gift of salvation was bought with a price...CALVARY

Their is sweet victory in the finished work of Christ.

My eternity is set.

My inheritance is in place.

My hope is in the lord.

When Jesus cried "tetelestai", it is done...rest assured...it is done.

Hallelujah...it is done.

Higher Education

1 John 2:16 For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.

Where do we learn kindness, meekness, gentleness, and patience? Is it not from the most Holy Spirit of God?

Where do we learn anger, pride, lust, and greed? Is it not from the most carnal of this world?

The expression of certain disciplines reveal the head master from whose lectures we adhere.

A student of the world is astute in the sensual arts; a major in temporal pleasure; an expert in the science of lust; skilled in the pursuit of self. The instructor in carnality is a grand master.

The Spirit filled mind is trained in praise, artful in love, keen on gratitude, and fine with joy. The Spirit master instills nobility in each pupil. He is a guide, advisor, and counselor.

Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. Rom 8:8-9

Education is inescapable.

A child of royalty is enrolled in the ivy league of the divine

And they shall all be taught by God,' and this means that everybody who has heard the Father's voice and learned from him will come to me. Jn 6:45 (JBP)

The sons of the world are drafted into the league of the inferior.

Here's how you tell the difference between God's children and the Devil's children: The one who won't practice righteous ways isn't from God, nor is the one who won't love brother or sister. A simple test. 
1 John 3:10 (MSG)

Practice your trade; rely on your training; show your skill. Live such good lives among the lost that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. 1 Peter 2:12

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Sin City

Matthew 18:7  Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!

Sin is cunning, baffling, and powerful. 
Not only are we born with it's nature; the temptation which lures the nature to surface in our life waits for us at every corner. The world is sinfully depraved. The crimes of Sodom and Gomorrah are present today in every city, suburb, and community.

Satan is alive and well on planet earth. Some of the things that people think up can have no other origin but him. If you think it's scary now, you should.

Multitudes are drawn away by enticing sin; from children to clergy. The woe that was issued from Christ Jesus is upon those who advertise iniquity and it means; grievous affliction. Even our Lord wants us to take note to the pattern, place, and people from whom sin is promoted. His declaration was that evil...will be met with horror. 

The judgement of God is upon the world. Great affliction will be upon those in particular who advertise and promote wicked behavior.

Sin saturates our culture; from predatory lending, illicit drugs, greed, hate crimes, white collar corruption; the list is endless.

Take for example the world wide web; a technological invention that has linked the continents together. However, in no time pornography appeared on the web. Soon, what used to be in the back corner of bookstores was now available in living rooms across the world.

Jesus said in Matthew 24 that a clear sign of the end times will be an increase of wickedness. The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 that the spirit of the anti-christ (lawless one) is already at work in the world. John warned in Revelation 12 ...woe to the earth and the sea because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short." 

Most of the world is in lock step with the devil and his schemes. Sadly, few even know it. Blind and calloused to the gospel they follow the broad road that leads to destruction. 

2 Corinthians 2:11 Reminds us to be alert to Satan and his perilous traps. He appeals to our weakest virtue enticing us to indulge...just a little.

I believe this is the meaning behind the verse in James 4 that says..."Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. 

Satan is lurking about to devour the young and old; families and marriages; the lost and the redeemed and anyone naive to his deceit.

Now more than ever before we need to be vigilant to live holy before God. Holy living blast the enemy back into his lair. It is the spiritual weapon used to defeat the devil and his schemes.

Be advised: to be Godly is the wear a robe of righteousness clearly identifying you as a soldier of the cross. But...greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.

World Changers

 Judges 2:10-11  After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. ¹¹ Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals.

Talking to a young girl the other day opened my eyes to the generation gap that impacts our culture and the church. She was 13 and listening to music on her MP3. I ask her about the kind of music she liked and after we talked a while it was clear that she had never heard of Coldplay and Bocelli and I had never heard of her groups. We talked a little more about faith and related things and the gap grew even wider.

Music, media, entertainment, technology, and so on has changed dramatically. Just a simple task like filling up at the pump is a challenge for some. Time has changed things because people change. Sports legends and movie stars give way to a new generation of the young and talented. A friend said to me that he believed local libraries will close in the near future. With wikipedia and the Internet...trends have shifted.  If a person was waking up today from a ten year coma they would struggle to find something familiar.

Have you considered what God is up to in this ever changing world to reach this generation with the Gospel?  How does the message of the cross stay relevant today? I don't know the answer but part of the mystery is in the living word of God. The need for love, forgiveness, and reconciliation is relevant in every generation. The only hope of this continues to rest in the Lord Jesus Christ.

God is reaching the youth of this world in methods foreign to many; but the message is still Christ and the cross. God...we have heard of your fame, we stand in awe of your deeds...renew them in our day! (Hab.3:2)

How to know if God is real

Ask Him...

I've challenged many to honestly pray, ask God if He is there, and if so...help guide them to know what they should do.

The bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:11 He (God) has set eternity in their hearts.

I have come to believe that every person comes into this life with a natural desire to know God. Pascal wrote that in every heart their is a God shaped hole that only God can fill.

All people, from all walks of life and cultures, will at one time or another think about eternity and the possibility of standing before the creator. It may be when they were very young and soon forgotten...but not long forgotten. The urge to look heavenward and revisit the question of God and eternity may surface many times in life.

Exodus 34  The LORD!
      The God of compassion and mercy!
   I am slow to anger
      and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
 ⁷ I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.
      I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin.

God doesn't make us seek him, nor does he enslave us to Him. In His love He has prepared a sacred place in our heart which yearns to be filled with His presence. He calls to us throughout the journey of our lives to invite Him in; to sit and dine with us.

No matter who you are or what you have done God still loves you and longs to fill your emptiness with His fullness.

Jeremiah 29:13  And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Any search for God that is guided by the heart will lead us to the cross. It is there that we learn about  love,  redemption and one other very special God fashioned desire: Forgiveness

1 John 4:10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

God doesn't play hide and seek with you. If anything, we act as if we can hide from Him. Truth is...God is so much in love with you that He has set the frequency of all creation to call your name and draw you into His loving embrace; that you may know Him...and know peace and rest.

Ephesians 1:7 (MSG) Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.

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Give Me A Higher Love

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

Kindness that is affectionate is different from any other routine courtesy. Its a special form of loving kindness. Tender, like the love of a parent toward a child.

This verse became clear to me while watching Hailey and Alora.  Seeing them interact is joyous and entertaining. You might see them play pic-a-boo, hide and seek, or maybe a tickle game. There's one thing for sure you will see from the two of them; a thousand hugs and kisses.  Alora is at that stage where she may be walking by you; stop dead in her tracks and plant a nice wet smooch on you; with out warning; right on the lips...! She's not shy in loving on her family.

This sort of familial affection is described in this verse.  A kindness that originates and is rooted in love...like family.  A sentiment that is not hesitant to greet with a holy kiss, warm hug, or tender touch.

Its easy to show brotherly love toward some; and of course there are those who cause us to think of everything BUT love not to mention affection.

1 Peter 1:22  Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

When our hearts are cleansed...we see others the way Christ sees them and our love becomes genuinely sincere.  As we grow in our faith and obedience we discover a higher level of love that we never knew existed. 

Love with all that you have now...but...your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. (2 Thes. 1:3)

Agape love is unconditional...like parental love...and that of our Heavenly Father.  Affection, tenderness, and gentleness are gestures that portray this higher love.

Give love away today; not by saying it but in showing some TLC. The candidate for your affection...may be right in front of you. 

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Designer Fashion

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

People that radiate kindness and gentleness are priceless to any organization, business, or ministry. It's a proven fact that people are more likely to wait in line at the grocery store for the happy, kind, and pleasant cashier instead of the no line where the rude cashier awaits.

For the saint of God these virtues are natural; born of the spirit; designer genes that reflect His presence in your life. The garment of praise identifies us.  His joy has made you glad; His love makes us kind; His grace makes us humble. Each day we are covered in the blanket of His likness.

Our adversary, the devil, has his wardrobe as well. Complaining, gossip, arguing, and rudeness are just a few of his accessories he wants you to wear today. Another snare of his is to always be in a hurry. Have you noticed that more than ever before people are in a massive rush; in a rush to the next thing; racing to the next light; rushing to work; rushing to school. Hurrying...running...rushing...to wait in line.

Kindness, humility, compassion, gentleness, and patience are among the first casualties when we are caught up in the rush.

Be wise to the enemies ways. His fashion is all around...but out of style with you and your designer.

Slow it down. Pick out your wardrobe ahead of time. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are in style. Dress for success by making someone smile today; you will be blessed for it... and you will be a blessing.

LOOKING GOOOOOOOD

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Hold The Applause

2 Corinthians 10:12 &18  We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Living in this lopsided world presents many challenges for the redeemed. For this reason we resign our life to know Gods word, to watch and pray, and keep our eyes on Jesus. We are citizens of heaven yet we are vulnerable to worldly ways...because we live here. A believers mark of maturity is to know that God our father has HIS way and truth inscribed on our heart.

Its surprising how often we succumb to others evaluation of us and our success. We measure our achievements to those of our peers; we then commend ourselves by how much or little we've accomplished compared to others. Doesn't sound like a smart thing to do for someone who is royalty.

You are uniquely His. A birthright makes you exempt from any other degree or appraisal. Your life is measured by your heavenly father. His evaluation is enough. Other commendations help us vocationally, but the Lords affirmation is our guide for living.

Look up today. Thank Him for His redeeming love and undeserved favor.

The Message (MSG)
2 Corinthians 10:18   "If you want to claim credit, claim it for God." What you say about yourself means nothing in God's work. It's what God says about YOU that makes the difference

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The Men Who Never Died

 Genesis 5:24
And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

2 Kings 2:11
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.


Its difficult to understand the mind of the Lord and why He chose Enoch and Elijah to exit the world in this fashion. My hunch is that we haven't heard or seen the last of the two remarkable men.

Their stories are amazing. In regards to Enoch, there are only 3 substantive references to him in scripture but... they are insightful verses.


There is a similarity in that Enoch and Elijah preached righteousness during extremely dark and difficult times. From what we read in scripture, very few heeded their message...irregardless, they were faithful. Enoch in particular lived during a period in which the bible says God was grievous over the wickedness of mankind. Jude 1:14  Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones

It goes without saying that Enoch and Elijah were special to God. Their rapture to heaven, escaping the surly bonds of death, is a testimony alone to His delight in their faithfulness during dark times. God saw their witness and when the time was right...they disappeared, leaving no doubt to Gods favor upon them.

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time 

we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

1 Peter 5:6  Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, 

that he may lift you up in due time.

In tough times it's easy to follow the crowd and the path of least resistance. It takes courage to be a testimony of light when darkness surrounds us.

The shadows may be all around you but God sees your faith and courage.
Don't give up or give in. He will reward your courage and perseverance in His time and in His way; leaving no doubt to His favor upon your life. Hebrews 11:5  By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 

Come to Him...and trust the one who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before His glorious presence...

Haikus From The Good Doctor

Phil  2:3

Regard others as

More important than yourself

True humility        

Isaiah  49:16

I’ll  not  forget  you 

I  have  engraved  your  name  on

The  palms  of  my  hands 

A Happy New Year to you and to your family, Bill