life of a disciple

By faith, through grace, in truth – this is the life of a disciple 

Disciples we are called, followers of Grace and Truth revealed
Spirit indwelt to be steadfast, we have been sealed
Given a measure of faith to persevere
A hope not bound by fear

Upon a solid foundation that had been concealed
The chief cornerstone was graciously revealed
Truth appeared in the midst of lives that were caught in bondage and despair
The promised way’s fulfillment made clear, the breech restored, mercy declared   
A people redeemed from their sin and their iniquity
The price was paid, the ransom made for all of eternity

By faith, through grace, in truth it was made clear
Joy and new life came to those who would draw near

What’s love got to do with it?

As we look at the world today and see how man has abandoned righteousness, rejected truth and seeks to worship and honor the world of materialism (the creation) - what’s love got to do with it?
Man seems to believe that he always has a better idea, rarely considering the reality that his wisdom (the world’s)  is derived as a result of his fallen condition. As a result, the constant struggle that each person deals with in this life emanates from three areas: lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life. And those three areas, which created the chasm of separation between man and his Creator, constantly clouds and distorts man’s ability to find, understand, implement and adhere to true wisdom.
The separation that occurred between man and his Creator left a void, an emptiness that lingers in and torments man’s soul. It is an emptiness, a longing, a desire to be restored and redeemed fromhopelessness. There is a deep desire and longing for a close relationship with his Creator that man’s soul knowingly or unknowingly searches for to fill. And man, in his wisdom (along with some covert assistance from the enemy) has sought many earthly venues in an attempt to fill that void.
Always searching yet never finding that 'missing link' that will finally fulfill him. And what might that 'missing link' be and what's love got to do with it?
Love - love has everything to do with it! The love of God poured out for a lost people. For God first loved us. And this is love; that God gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him might have eternal life - the chasm of separation overcome.  The emptiness replaced, the longing removed, redemption and hope given, the void filled - man's relationship with his Creator faithfully established, not by man but by God.
That is what love's got to do with it…

I AM

The Great I Am....

Fundamentally, our Lord's message was Himself.

He did not come merely to preach a Gospel; He himself is that Gospel.

He did not come merely to give bread; He said, "I am the bread."

He did not come merely to shed light; He said, "I am the light."

He did not come merely to show the door; He said, "I am the door."

He did not come merely to name a shepherd; He said, "I am the shepherd."

He did not come merely to point the way; He said, "I am the way, the truth, and

the life."

--J. Sidlow Baxter (Australian born English pastor and theologian)

Check out this song -

I AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-HIKxnSZSA&feature=related

may I be...

May I be a humble man, Lord
that my words would encourage and edify

May I be a steadfast man, Lord
that my walk with You would be faithful

May I be a patient man, Lord
that my actions might witness unto You

May I be a man of perseverance, Lord
that all may see the trust that I have in You

May I be a man filled with grace and mercy, Lord
that You would be glorified in my life