March 2014 Archives
Reflections on 1 Peter 4:3-6
“For the time past of our life may suffice us to have worked the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, parties, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit” (1 Peter 4:3-6).
I like 1 Corinthians 6, where Paul is talking to the church in Corinth, going down the list of people who will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Then he says, “And such were some of you: but you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (vs. 11).
No one was born saved. We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But God …. Thankfully, He is not willing that ANY should perish but that ALL should come to repentance. He continues to show us grace and mercy and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
As God continues to clean you up, to convict you of sin that is keeping you from the ultimate communion with Him, don’t be like pigs who return to the mire. Allow Him to continue to wash you whiter than snow so that you can spend eternity with Him. Although sin may be pleasurable for a season, it is not worth missing the life God has in store for those who serve Him.
Reflections on 1 Peter 4:1-2
“For as much then as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God” (1 Peter 4:1-2).
Many think that Christians don’t or should not suffer but I beg to differ. After all, our dear Savior suffered who knew no sin. How much more should we suffer who are full of sin apart from Him.
We are bought with a price. When we come to Christ, we acknowledge that we are no longer our own but we desire Him to live in us and take over every part of our lives. As we do that, we become more willing to suffer and be tested however He wills because we know that the trying of our faith produces patience (James 1:3).
I am so grateful for a God who loved me so much He sent His only Son to suffer a cruel death so that I can have fellowship with Him. As I go through each day, I am striving to keep the Cross in my mind’s eye. Jesus did not die to give me a life of selfishness and ease. He desires my wholehearted service and obedience. How can I give Him any less?
CD Review: Nothing But Love (Brian Free and Assurance)
I finally have a complaint about Brian Free and Assurance. This CD sounds like the last two (nothing new or out of the ordinary). They continue to be progressive with a “4 Him” feel, but their lyrics are still strong so, for that reason, they will continue to be one of my favorite quartets.
The title track, Nothing But Love, begins the CD and summarizes what this CD is about: God’s love.
The last several recordings feature songs about “valleys.” It’s Quite a Valley reminds us that it may be a valley but it’s nothing He won’t bring you through. Don’t lose hope.
Jeremy Lile sings, If the Lord Says Do It. God won’t call you to do something He won’t help you do.
I Will Be Praying is an uptempo, progressive song about intercession.
Guard Your Heart is a reminder that you are God’s. Your life is not your own.
Next, they sing, There is Power. God has the power to perform that much-needed miracle “just when you need it most.”
Brian Free sings, Calvary’s Cry. “Come and be saved is Calvary’s cry.” God is not willing that any should perish but that ALL should come to repentance.
You Can Be a Bridge is a song of hope for those of us who wonder if God can use us. Yes, He can! The possibilities are endless!
A Christian cannot listen to I Want to Be That Man without saying a hearty AMEN! There are so many who have gone before us. Let’s follow them as they follow(ed) Christ, and let’s be men and women who live a life that leads others to the God that we love.
The CD ends with Revival. “If only we would see the church upon our knees and our fervent prayer would be, ‘Revival! Let it begin with me!'” Let it be so.
Everybody’s Going Through Something
This morning, I listened to Karen Peck and New River sing, “If everybody’s going through something, I’d rather go through something with Him.” That is so true. God never promised a life with no thorns but, if I look at Him while walking through the briers, the pain is lessened. It may still be there but it is minor in light of the love of my Savior.
Today, I am focusing on thanking God for His many blessings. All I have needed, His hand hath provided. Great is His faithfulness unto me. With that ever before me, how can I keep from singing? Thank You, Lord, that, because of You, I’ll never walk alone but You will continually hold my hand and use me for Your glory.
