2011

As we enter into the New Year might we earnestly desire to be His grace dispensers, completely yielding our lives to Him.

prb

'We cannot limit the extent to which God may use us as instruments in communicating blessing if we are willing to yield ourselves to Him and are careful to give Him all the glory.'

George Müller

Breaking news: the promise of His marvelous gift has been fulfilled!

News brief – Bethlehem: In a darkened world confused and held captive, filled with hardened hearts that are without hope and imprisoned by transgression, a wonderful and most amazing event has taken place.

Background: Mankind has lead unfulfilled, wanting lives that have been taken ransom by their own selfish and destructive means ever since the time he separated himself from His creator by his act of willful defiance – that is when their intimate relationship, as a father with his child, was broken. A relationship based upon faith and trust. Yet, it is a relationship that the Lord God Almighty promised to one day restore.

But this is a story of great and wonderful news for this day in the city of Bethlehem a light has come, a child is born to us, a Savior has been given to us. The long awaited promise of the Father has been fulfilled – the marvelous gift has been given to man. As the prophet of old foretold, “Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel” – that is; God with us.

And eyewitness accounts tell of the heavenly host of angels boldly rejoicing over the most marvelous advent of all times for they were saying “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased”.

For this new born babe lying in a manger has come to be the promised restorer of the breach, the promised redeemer who has come to tear down the veil and restore our relationship with our Heavenly Father – just as He promised. And He, the Lord Jesus Christ - God made flesh - shall bring hope to the lost and liberty to the captives – God with us forevermore!

Let us all rejoice in His promise fulfilled and celebrate the gift that is Christmas.

BUT THE RIGHTEOUS…

The wicked borrows and does not pay back,
BUT THE RIGHTEOUS is gracious and gives.
When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more,
BUT THE RIGHTEOUS has an everlasting foundation.
He who trusts in his riches will fall,
BUT THE RIGHTEOUS will flourish like the green leaf.
An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
BUT THE RIGHTEOUS will escape from trouble.
Adversity pursues sinners,
BUT THE RIGHTEOUS will be rewarded with prosperity.
The wicked is thrust down by his wrongdoing,
BUT THE RIGHTEOUS has a refuge when he dies.
The wicked flee when no one is pursuing,
BUT THE RIGHTEOUS are bold as a lion.
By transgression an evil man is ensnared,
BUT THE RIGHTEOUS sings and rejoices.
When the wicked increase, transgression increases;
BUT THE RIGHTEOUS will see their fall.
Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him;
BUT THE RIGHTEOUS will live by his faith.
These will go away into eternal punishment,
BUT THE RIGHTEOUS into eternal life.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,
BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.

And who is righteous?
THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD (Romans 3:10-11)

So, where do we find righteousness?
For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:17-19)

Our righteousness is found ONLY by GRACE through FAITH in the Righteous One – Jesus Christ.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
(Ephesians 2:8-9)

Grace, Mercy and Truth

Grace, Mercy and Truth made flesh for the world to see,

Restoration’s plan unfolded before our eyes that we might believe,

For redemption drew nigh, our salvation came from on high,

Through God’s love personified…

Lord

Lord, more of You and less of me….
For my flesh is unworthy
My strength is useless
Self is in control
Desires lead me astray
Wants overflow
A cloud of sin obstructs my vision
And the swarm of the enemy surrounds

Lord, only in You and not of me…
With all of my heart I desire to abide in You
With all of my soul I long for Your presence
With all of my strength I will worship You
Spirit lead me
Restore my vision
Save me in Your mighty fortress

And the Lord responded;
You are My child, rest in My presence
You are My beloved, holdfast to My lovingkindness
You are My chosen, stand firm in My grace
My love for you is everlasting
My grace is irresistible
My mercy redeems
And I will restore your joy