Does My “Ex” Want Me Back?

I had one of those “my ex-wants me back dreams” the other night. If you have not experienced one of these, I liken it to the dreams where I make a regrettable choice. I have one such dream where, being an ex smoker, I casually light up a cigarette. I feel at first, caught by the surprise of the feeling of satisfaction as I draw in a breath. But this is quickly disrupted by a sense of foreboding and instant remorse. All of the “ex wants me back dreams” are the same. Things seem casual and light, then my dream mind starts reeling knowing I am about to make bad choice.

That all said, this “ex-wants me back” dream was not like that at all. This dream was different. I did not have the predictable emotions: like the satisfaction “winning” my ex back or the confusion of making choices I was not given in real life. So, I woke up puzzled. I found that in the dream, I was just simply feeling kind. I had this genuine forgiving heart. Unlike the previous “ex” dreams my dream mind did not jump ahead to what my actions all might mean. My dream mind didn’t retreat into digging up the past to find ammunition, or fuel to fend off making a regrettable decision. My dream mind just observed what was happening, and I just was kind. In the dream my “ex” even questioned the change in me. My dream self told my dream “ex” that it was all because I (more…)

Are You Successful?

Have you ever compared your success to that of another and found your own sadly lacking?  As a writer and speaker, it’s part of my job to know and study my “competition”.  But to be honest, the process is often quite discouraging.  Do you know what it’s like to see these authors of best-sellers and know that the words they spout are lies from the pits of hell?  They twist the truth to make it more acceptable so they don’t offend their audience.  They smile and offer words on living simply in your faith in Christ while they fly around in multi-million-dollar jets.  They are liars.  They are hypocrites.  And yet, they are wealthy and popular.  Does that seem unfair to anyone but me?

Please understand that I’m not saying that all best-selling authors or speakers are that way.  But there are several well-known celebrities that are leading people astray and getting paid millions to do it.  Meanwhile, simple authors (like myself) who are striving to get the truth out are struggling to make sales and book meetings.  I guess the truth is harder to swallow and, therefore, not very popular.  Still, as I flip through the latest Christian book magazine, longing to see one of my books on its many pages, I can’t help but turn my face toward Heaven and ask, “Why, God?  Why will you allow this filth to be published?  Why do you allow these lies to spread like wildfire?  I’m teaching the truth.  Why can’t I be more successful?  Not for my own glory, but for Yours.  You know my heart. You know my true desire.  I don’t want fame for myself.  I want Your truth to be known.  I want to see sinners saved and saints encouraged.  Why can’t I succeed?”

God’s answer can be found in Psalm 37:1-11.

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.  For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.  Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.  Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.  And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.  Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.  For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.  For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.  But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Through this passage, God reminds us that success is not about being popular or wealthy.  To be successful, we need only do what God has asked us to do.  He called me to write, so I’ll write and leave the results up to Him.  He called me to speak, so I’ll speak and leave the results up to Him.  If you, too, long to be successful in your life, do whatever it is that God has called you to do.  That’s all He asks of us, and He promises us that it will all work out in the end.

Some may have heard a famous recording by Red Skelton about the Pledge of Allegiance. It’s very powerful to hear each word or phrase covered. I don’t have quite the skill he did with that, but I wanted to briefly touch on a very important prayer, found in Mathew 6:9-13 and again in Luke 12. There is a subtle difference which is logical when you see the context, because they come at different times. For a full Harmony of the Gospels this is an excellent one.

The Lord’s Prayer - also called the “Our Father” by some – in Matthew 6:9-13 comes very early in His ministry. It is part of the Sermon on the Mount. Right before the Lord’s Prayer, He tells the people never to pray in vain repetitions. Why? Just repeating something over and over has no effect because it it leads to making one thing he or she will be heard “for their much speaking.” Instead, Jesus wants us to pray in the way He does His Word has power to help, heal, comfort, etc.

Later in His ministry, Jesus’ disciples ask Him to teach them to pray. He recites part of it, but leaves out the part of about “Thine is the Kingdom…”. Why? The discples have already heard that part. Jesus is just reminding them, “Remember when I taught you this? It has special meaning.” He reminded them of just enough so they would understand and remember, from His other teaching, what was important. And, what they didn’t understand would be revealed in time, just as with His sacrifice.

What was that deeper meaning which they were to understand when praying? Let’s go through the Lord’s Prayer, also called the “Our Father,” and see.

“Our…” Any of us. He hears the prayers of all who call on Him by faith alone in Christ alone. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ (Romans 10:13)

“Father…” The true mark of a leader. Not the selfishness of sinful man. God is perfect, a Father who will always love, cherish, comfort, and guide His children in His perfect plan. And, He always has the best interests of each of His children at heart. “For all things work together for good to them that love God.” (Romans 8:28)

“Which art…” God is real, and no amount of pain, hatred, or ignoring can make Him go away. He is the great I AM, who always was and always will be.

“In heaven…” That perfect place, where there is no pain, no suffering, and no tears. Where a loving God calls out to sinful man to come to Him and be rescued from a world of sin, and let Him guide them. “To as many as received Him, gave He the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” (John 1:12)

“Hallowed be Thy name.” For His is a name above all names, full of majesty and wonder, inspiring awe for His great power and might. Each of us is as helpless as an ant would be next to the strongest human. And yet, He is so loving that we may “go boldly before the throne of grace for help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

“Thy kingdom come.” Jesus – God the Son – and God the Father are one (John 10:30), and He is the Creator and sustainer of all; for by Him were all things made and by Him all things consist. (John 1:1, 14; Col. 1:16-17; etc.) And He will one day rule the earth, and it will be perfect, just as it was meant to be before sin entered into the world. (Gen. 1-2, Revelation 20-22, etc.) And those who truly believe wait for Him to come make this world new.

“Thy will…” And because God is the creator, He may do as He pleases. His will is perfect, for he knows the past, present, and future.

“Be done…” And we ask that His will be done, no matter what our will might be, because He knows what is best for us. People have become sick and avoided deadly accidents. People have been stuck somewhere and been able to help a stranger because of it. It is up to us seek His will in each situation.

“On earth…” This sin-stained world which hosts so much evil. “For by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, so that death passed unto all men, for that all have sinned.” (Rom. 5:12) Yet God can still work in this world, and will, once we let go of our own desires and seek Him as the writer of that great hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” commands. “Did we in our own strength abide, the battle would be losing. Were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He. Lord Sabaoth (Lord of Hosts) His name, from age to age the same!”

“As it is in heaven…” For God rules in Heaven. Yet from that throne of grace, He came down and became flesh (John 1:14, Col. 2:9, etc.), born to die as the Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world. He then rose victoriously from the grave, having defeated death, and going to prepare a place for us in Heaven, that where He is, there we who have received Him as Savior might be also.

“Give us” Provide for we who so need You, for You oh Lord know we are but dust…

“this day” For we are not promised tomorrow, but we know that whatever we need You will provide it in Your perfect time, when You know it is best.

“Our daily bread” Anything we need for that day, be it food, money, shelter, or whatever else we are lacking. He promises us wisdom whenever we need, peace that passes understanding, He is the God of all comfort, and so many more good things, as He helps us through the problems of this wicked world. It is not our wants, but that which we must have and which, if we do not receive, we know God has something better ins tore. For Solomon in all His glory was not clothed like one of the fabulous lilies of the field.

“And forgive us our debts” Oh, for we are but sinful people, so filled burdens. For as hard as we try, we cannot do as You command, we cannot be perfect as the Father in Heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48) So we call on you to rescue us from that debt we cannot pay, washing our sins away with Your perfect blood, which was shed once for all for such a wretch as me.

“Aas we forgive our debtors.” Oh, we have so many who have wronged us, too, but the terrible pain of hell was meant only for the devil and his angels. (Matthew 25:41) So we ask, Lord, that you would soften their hearts, and forgive them, so they may become new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) who can then grow in your love and become more and more like you.

“And lead us not into temptation” Oh, but while we who believe in you want so badly to be freed from the power of sin, we cannot do it on our own. So please, protect us from the terrible temptations of this world, and instead do as you promise in your world and provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13) so we can withstand in that evil day. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

“But deliver us from evil:” Not only the evil that we might do through lying, backbiting, bitterness, malice, and so on, but also the evil that might be done to us. Because, Lord, this is a sinful place, filled with those who fall short of your perfect glory like I. And we long for the day when we are not only saved from the penalty of sin – which we were at the cross. Not only saved from the power of sin – which we must seek each day. But when, in Heaven we stand complete in you, and are saved from the very presence of sin!

“For thine is the kingdom” For there, in Your perfect Kingdom, the redeemed will stand in You complete, as the hymnist writes, and truly “Jesus died, my soul to save, my lips shall still repeat.”

“And the power” For You, oh, Lord, have the power to save, to guide, to protect, to heal, to work modern day miracles if it be your will. Your power is limitless, your works wondrous, your ways perfectly righteous, your death all sufficient, and your resurrection power enough to defeat sin and death and the grave! Halleluah!”

“And the glory.’ Because God is perfect glory. He is the one who created the light, and who then was the Light which came into this dark world. He came to save sinners from this lost and dying world, so we who fell so short of His perfection could rule and reign with Him, but nobody can share His perfect, matchless glory. And here, it’s best just to include this awesome video of message by S.M. Lockridge, “That’s My King!”

“For ever” And He will be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords forever, in a perfect place where we will have no more sin, no more pain, no more bad stuff. Where we can celebrate and where nobody has seen, heard, or even imagined how awesome it will be. Because we as people can’t even imagine a heaven where there is is so much beauty, goodness, and diversity, with so many different personalities all with the testimony that they were saved by the grace of God. “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.” (Eph. 2:8-9)

“Amen.” So be it. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus, and work the work you want in my life, so you may be glorified.

When I see S.M. Lockridge’s powerful message, I know neither I, nor some of the commentaries at www.blueletterbible.org (where I found the Harmony), can do justice to God’s amazing love. However, that is, in essence, what the Lord’s Prayer really is saying.

It closes with a reminder from Jesus. His Word is powerful – and praying it like you believe it can help bring peace because it is the Word of God. And, His Word will never return voice. (Isaiah 55:11) But, His Kingdom will endure forever. And, He wants us to know one thing above all other. Yes, the Lord’s prayer is very good – it is the model that Jesus tells us to pray. However, those verses mentioned above, and many others in Scripture, point to one fact. Jesus came into this world to seek and to save that which was lost. He calls all to repentance.

All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Not only I, but every person alive, have sinned. The waves of sin is death – that’s what we e4arn for our sin. But, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

As you can see, part of that Lord prayer is asking for forgiveness. It involves accepting that we have a debt – a debt we cannot pay. So we are asking God to forgive it. It is the heavy, infinite debt of sin, which causes us to miss the mark of perfection which Jesus notes just before this part of the Sermon on the Mount.

Thankfully, we know that Jesus Christ can and will forgive us of our sins when we call on Him. But we can’t just pray a single prayer over and over. Remember, it is not by vain repetitions. It must come from the heart, as the Lord’s prayer must, which we saw above. It is a call fromt eh heart that is as simple as ABC. Admit you’re a sinner. Believe Jesus Christ, God in flesh, died for your sins and rose from the dead, and Choose to call on Jesus to forgive you and to come into your heart and make you new on the inside. It is a turning from your sin by faith, and letting Jesus work in your heart to make you new.

Then, you will have received the judgment as a sinner. You will have accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross was the only thing need – that He took your punishment.

Then, once you have received Him by faith, God will work with you as a Son. He is Father to the fatherless, and will guide you through everything.

Then, in Heaven, He will judge you as a servant. You will have that place in heaven secured through what Christ did for you on the cross; but the blessings and rewards will be through what you did for Him.

So, I hope now you have more appreciation for the Lord’s Prayer, that it is not just repeating something. But, most importantly, I pray you have Him s your Savior. Because you don’t have to be in a church; you can call on Him anytime. We are not promised tomorrow, though – He says in His Word Today is the day of salvation. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. But, He will provide for you your “daily bread” that which you need most. And, what we all need most is His salvation.

He Loves Me; He Loves Me Not

Isn’t it amazing how Satan can fill our minds with thoughts of both worthlessness and pride? In some instances, he comes to us and whispers how good we are and that we don’t need to depend on anyone but ourselves, especially not God. He fills our minds with powerful thoughts of pride, fame and self-sufficiency, similar to the way he dealt with Eve in the Garden of Eden. He tells us that we’re fine on our own, and sadly, many times we believe him.

On the other hand, he is the same source of worthlessness that we often feel. He is the one who comes to us and tells us that no one cares. He convinces us that we’re all alone and the reason for that loneliness is because we’re simply unlovable. He parades our faults and failures before us as a reminder of how lowly we truly are. He persuades us that God, no matter how loving, could not possibly love us after all that we’ve done. According to him, we’re on our own.

Well, which is it? It can’t be both ways. We can’t be too good and too bad at the same time. We must recognize this ploy for what it is–lies from the father of all lies. Think about it, what could be better for Satan than a proud or discouraged Christian? It’s an attack. Nothing more. Nothing less. The question is are we ready for it. When he comes knocking on our door, are we too distracted to notice the subtle darts he’s firing at us?

No, we’re not perfect, but we don’t need to be. Christ has paid for all our sins, and it is only through His blood that we can be cleansed of those sins. That being said, it is also important to remember that there is nothing we could ever do to make God love us any more or any less. His love is perfect, and we are never separated from it.

Whatever lies Satan throws at you today, throw them back and say, “I am loved.”

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39

Running to the Keep

I’m truly fascinated by castles. In fact, I love everything medieval. I love stories of knights and maidens in distress. I enjoy learning about how things worked between lords of the land and the common people. It’s truly like learning about another world, and at the heart of it all are grand and glorious castles. One of my life’s goals is to one day be able to tour some of the castles scattered around the world, but especially those in Europe.

When I think of castles, I think of security, especially when I think of the keep. The keep was the innermost section of the castle that was heavily protected from all outside forces. In order for an enemy to breach the keep, they had to get past the moat, the outer walls, the inner walls and so on. It was, by far, the safest place within the castle.

Not only was the keep protected, but it was also provisioned. It contained a well and a large supply of food. The idea was that even in times of attack, the people within the keep could not only survive, but also thrive.

God’s promises are like a keep. They provide an area of protection from the attacks of the enemy. Not only that, but they also provide sustenance so that we may thrive during our time of shelter. With God’s promises, we can weather storms and face trials that would otherwise utterly defeat us. By claiming His promises, we can withstand Satan’s fiery attacks.

The key, however, is that we must first know God’s promises before we can claim them. To discover those promises, we must open up the Word of God. We must meditate on what God has said He will do for us. We must commit those promises to memory so that we can pull them out whenever we have need of them. But above all, we must believe that those promises are true. Claiming a promise without truly believing it is ludicrous.

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? – Numbers 23;19

God has proven to us time and again that His Word can be trusted. While others may let us down, God will not. Though commercials may make false claims, God doesn’t. While the promises of a friend may not hold true, we can have faith that God always keeps His promises. It may not be in the way we would like, but He will not go back on His Word. He is faithful. His Word is true. He can be trusted!

Need shelter today? Run to the keep of God’s promises. It is there you will find both protection and provision to carry on with the race you’re attempting to run.

The reconciling work of Jesus Christ is what produces peace with God, gives us access to the Father, and produces unity between Jews and Gentiles, and believers with other believers. The reconciling work of Christ is made possible only through his body as it is written; “But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (Colossians 1:22).

In like manner, the redemptive work of Christ is made possible only through his blood. For God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, (through his blood) the forgiveness of sins.

The reconciling work of Christ is three-fold, and each requires a three way cycle to make it complete, just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit complete the Godhead, and the body, soul, and spirit makes man complete, so it is with God’s plan of salvation for man.

There are three inseparable links in every facet of reconciliation to make it reconciliation complete

1.  God the Father drawing man to Christ

It is stated quite distinctly by Jesus Christ who said; “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.” This was repeated for emphasis when the people did not believe the words which Christ spoke to them, so he said to them again; “This is why I told you that no one can  come to me unless the Father has enabled him” (John 6:44, 65).

Even the process of drawing people to Christ was made possible by three inseparable links which are:-

1. Jesus Christ had to be God

Only as God was Christ able to claim and redeemed the lives of every human being. He was the Word who was in the beginning with God, and who himself was God, through whom all things were created, and without him nothing was made that was made. He is the image of the invisible God, the first born over all creation. For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. But as God it was impossible for him to die, so the next obvious chain of event had to occur.

2.  Jesus Christ the Word of God had to become flesh

Jesus Christ the Word of God by whom all things were created, whether in heaven or on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities – all things were created through him and for him,  became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Since as God he could not die to pay the penalty the retribution for the wages of sin which is death, he had to be  made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, that he by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says; “I will declare you name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praise.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me” (Hebrews 2:12-13).

Now since the children whom God has given him have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. And because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

3.  Redemption through his blood

It is an indisputable fact, that the law requires nearly everything be purified with blood: for without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Therefore in order that our sins could be forgiven, it was imperative that Jesus Christ shed his blood. For the life of every creature is in the blood, and God has given it to make atonement for the soul on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. It is through the process of these three inseparable chains of events that God the Father drew man to Christ, like he said; “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. (John 12:32-33).

Therefore the process of man being drawn to Jesus Christ by the Father, required  that God  became man, and died in the place of man. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. What else do we need to believe? I urge you do not receive the grace of God in vain.

Lucius Joseph

A Model Believer – The Samaritan Woman

I know, I know. Many of you are reading the title, your face scrunched in confusion. The Samaritan woman? You mean the woman at the well? The woman who had five husbands and was living out of wedlock with another man? That Samaritan woman–a model believer?

Sure. Why not? As I’ve already stated none of these model believers were perfect. They each had their own faults and failures. We have no problem accepting Paul, the Christian killer, as a model believer because of all he accomplished after his conversion. For some reason though, we have a hard time accepting an adulterous woman. What could she possibly teach us about being a Christian? I’m glad you asked!

1.) She sought to understand. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? (John 4:10-12) When Jesus told her He could give her water, she asked questions to better understand what He was saying. As Christians, we are often guilty of using the phrase “my pastor says.” We take what we hear and read at face value and fail to study it out for ourselves. We don’t seek to understand; we just mimic what we’ve heard.

2.) She made an earnest request. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. (John 4:15) When she learned what Jesus had to offer, she asked him to grant her request. As Christians, we’ve already requested that living water, but have we gone beyond that. Sure, we ask for blessings or healing, but when was the last time we requested something from God, knowing that He was the only means to obtaining what we requested? The Bible says, “Ask and ye shall receive.” Could it be that we’re not receiving because we’re not asking?

3.) She responded by pointing others to Christ. The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. (John 4:28-30) Once she had tasted of the living water, she couldn’t help but tell others. In just a few moments, she accomplished what the disciples had failed to do. They went into the city and came back with food. She went into the city and came back with souls. Which do you think Jesus appreciated more?

Greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ, whose desire is that all who believe in him may be one: for in his prayer for all believers he prayed; “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in me through their word; that they all may be one, as you, Father, are in me, and I in you; that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And the glory which you gave me I have given them, that they may be one just as we are one; I in them, and you in me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that you have sent me, and have loved them as you have loved me” (John 17:20-23).

This oneness undoubtedly comes from sharing the same spirit with the Lord, for he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him, but in addition to sharing the same spirit, we are urged by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we all speak the same thing, and that there be no division among us, but that we be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

The unity of the church can only be accomplished when we fulfill this requirement, and for this to be feasible it is imperative that we all without exception, adhere to the task given to us by the Lord which says; “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

The word of reconciliation is the task that has been committed to us, and if we are to be effective and productive in our stewardship, it is imperative that we understand the dynamics or the science which governs the process of reconciliation. For we have been reminded saying, “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us; we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

As ambassadors for Christ, one cannot afford to give a false representation, or have a false perception of the dynamics involved in the process of reconciliation. There is a definite process by which reconciliation is attainable; anything short of this process makes it unattainable and unsatisfactory.

The dynamics which govern the process of reconciliation are:-

Retribution

Reconciliation is incomplete without retribution, which is actually the execution of justice, by meting out a deserved punishment in return for evil done, or mete out a reward in return for good done. One should never expect reconciliation if the question of retribution is not addressed and dealt with applicably, because sin does not go unpunished, whether sin leading to death, or sin not leading to death. For this cause God has reconciled the whole world to himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, but instead made Jesus Christ who knew no sin to be sin for us, and demonstrated his own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, thus fulfilling the righteous demands of sin which is death.

Reconciliation is wholly and completely the work of God

It was effected on men while they were helpless, for when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. It was when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward men appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by his grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

It is by grace we have been saved through faith, and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. We were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, while we were alienated and enemies of God in our minds by wicked works.

The irony of truth is, we are reconciled to God not because we loved him, but because he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. We love him because he first loved us. Jesus said to his disciples; “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you” (John 15:16).

It is God the Father who chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love, and for this reason he sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins, so that in him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness, according to the riches of his grace.

Reconciliation is the accomplished work of:-

1. God

It is God who has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, for he was in Christ reconciling the world to him-self and not imputing their trespasses to them.

1. Christ’ death;

For, when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more then, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by his life, and not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

1. Christ’s blood

For because now in Christ Jesus, we who once were far off have been made near by the blood of Christ.

It is important to note that, the blood of Christ is both for reconciliation, and propitiation for sins. We have been reconciled to God through the death of his Son much more having been reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

We are saved by the life of Christ through his blood, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and God has given it to us upon the altar to make atonement for our souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul”. Therefore, in establishing the new covenant in his blood, Jesus took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to his disciples saying; “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28).

We are saved by the life of Christ because he continues forever, and having an unchangeable priesthood, he is therefore able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through him, since he ever lives to make intercession for them. And like every high priest he is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. For being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ, because in Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; whom God set forth to be a propitiation by his blood, through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed.

Reconciliation is the prerequisite in having fellowship with the Father and His Son, and with one another.

It is what produces peace with God, and the means by which we draw near to him. For having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Reconciliation is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ. God’s eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, is giving us boldness and access with confidence through faith in Jesus Christ. Through Jesus Christ’s blood, and himself as our High Priest, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

And so it is written; “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he consecrated for us, through the veil, that is his flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10: 19-22).

And with regards to our fellowship with one another we are told, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the fellowship of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the fellowship of the body of Christ? For we being many, are one bread and one body: for we all partake of that one bread” (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).

Many worldly people give importance for outward appearance but inward they are cunning filled with hypocrisy. Some people Dress properly but their heart is evil and sinful. God is not so interested in what a person looks like outside but he looks what is their inside our heart but that doesn’t apply for justification of inappropriate clothes. Hos 4:6 says My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

Many Such people who defends justification of inappropriate clothing obviously ignore some of the passages such as Matthew 5:16 where our Lord admonishes us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Which is in Heaven.”

Proverbs 7:10 shows us that there is such a thing as the “attire of an harlot.”

I Timothy 2:9 the Apostle Paul admonishes Timothy to exhort women to wear “modest apparel.In like manner also, that woman adorns themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety: not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.

The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.”

We must not only profess our faith and love for Christ but also need to practice such faith and love in our daily lives.

Just Our immodest clothing reveals our immoral attitude, wicked and hypocritical heart (Proverbs 7:10), so our decent, pure, appropriate modest clothing reveals our heart lying in a gentle and quiet spirit for this is precious to the sight of God (1 Peter 3:3-4).God looks for a heart who seeks God, who fears God, who will obey and follow his commandments by respecting him with trustful and submissive heart who truly devotes and serves God with all our heart, soul and mind. Jesus Christ is our role model and we need to follow the simplicity of lifestyle of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ doesn’t love outward glittering ornaments and expensive clothing with huge makeup’s rather he loves to come before him with our decent soberly modest cloth, in purity, holiness, and in godly attire.

A Model Believer – Paul

I think we could all agree that Paul was the greatest preacher who ever lived (besides Jesus, of course). Not only did he preach with his lips, but he also preached with his life. In other words, he wasn’t a hypocrite. He practiced what he preached. And probably one of the best lessons we can learn from Paul is how to be happy and content in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Paul was certainly no stranger to hard times. He was imprisoned countless times, stoned, shipwrecked, beaten, rejected, and ridiculed. Yes, if anyone knew about hard times, it was Paul. Yet look at some of his writings:

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. - Philippians 4:11

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: – Acts 26:1-2

And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. – Acts 16:22-25

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. – Galatians 6:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. – II Corinthians 12:9-10

Content. Happy. Singing. This is not the response we expect from a man who has been through so much. We expect bitterness and complaints, not thanksgiving and praises. But still, I think he tops it all in the following verse.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. – II Corinthians 4:17

Light affliction? I don’t consider shipwrecks or beatings to be light afflictions. What did Paul know that would allow him to stay so positive despite the constant trouble that surrounded him? Actually, it isn’t so much what he knew but what he believed and focused on. He didn’t just know that God would work all things according to His plan; Paul believed it and acted on that belief. Many times we hear Paul speak of pressing toward the mark or striving to reach a goal. That was the secret to Paul’s success. He didn’t focus on the here and now. He looked to the future.

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. – II Corinthians 4:18

Paul had the attitude of “Who cares what happens to me on this earth? This body is temporary. What matters is that I do everything I can to make an eternal difference in as many lives as I can. There is a higher purpose than my comfort and convenience.” And that, my friend, is the attitude we must take is we want to be truly happy and content in this life. We have to stop focusing on what we think would be best for us and allow God to have his way in our lives. We need not be concerned with fame or riches but with reaching a lost and dying world and sharing the news that Jesus saves.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14

1. A false conversion in Christ Jesus Will not seek God or thirst for God and do not have the fruits of the spirit and repentance.

2. A false conversion in Christ Jesus will gratify the desires of the sinful nature and repeatedly engage in sinful behavior.

3. A false conversion in Christ Jesus will fall away when “trouble or persecution comes.

4. A false conversion in Christ Jesus will show little or no evidence of salvation by the way they live their lives and they do not resist sin and temptations.

 5. A false conversion in Christ Jesus lacks conviction of sin and they have a unbroken patterns of sin even after they receive the knowledge of truth.

6. A false conversion in Christ Jesus will Appear Outwardly Godly & Appear Very Spiritual as well as religious but inwardly they are ungodly, unholy.

7. A false conversion in Christ Jesus will Compromise with the World by keeping one foot in the world and another foot in Gods word.

8. A false conversion in Christ Jesus will choose not to obey Gods word and his commandments.

9. A false conversion in Christ Jesus will live by his own feelings and opinions instead of Gods opinions.

10. A false conversion in Christ Jesus do not put God and his Word first in their life rather they are more into worldly materialism, fun and enjoyment.

11. When you rebuke or correct a false conversion in Christ Jesus, he will mock at you or he will find excuses to defend himself.

12. A false conversion in Christ Jesus are often filled with pride and arrogance, they boast and justify about their sinful lifestyle proudly by living Contrary to God’s Word.

13. A false conversion in Christ Jesus do not have self-control, they hate discipline, hate God’s law, commandments and his way.

14. A false conversion in Christ Jesus will lack Godly example in their behavior and life styles and they do not live a holy and righteous life.

15. A false conversion in Christ Jesus has the evidence of works of flesh, darkness and works of Satan.

16. A false conversion in Christ Jesus will not adorn himself with decent modest apparel which is pleasing and glorifying to God.

The power of Gods Spirit dwelling in us WILL change us to be become more godly and to like more godlier things instead of just merely “professing Christ as Lord and Savior.

1.A true conversion in Christ Jesus Will display the fruits of the Spirit and fruit of righteousness in their lives such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

2.A true conversion in Christ Jesus will be blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.

3.A true conversion in Christ Jesus will pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.

4.A true conversion in Christ Jesus will be dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

5.A true conversion in Christ Jesus will say No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and lives a self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while he waits for the blessed hope the glorious appearing of great God and Savior, Jesus Christ

6. A true conversion in Christ Jesus will behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather he clothe himself with the Lord Jesus Christ.

7. A true conversion in Christ Jesus will have a Fruit of Repentance ,Fruit of Thanksgiving,Fruit of Good Works (Colossians 1:10), Fruit of Repentance (Matthew 3:8).

8. A true conversion in Christ Jesus will not show the works of the flesh such as adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissentions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness and revelries.

9. A true conversion in Christ Jesus will Love the Lord with all their soul, mind and heart.

10. A true conversion in Christ Jesus will seek first God’s Kingdom, NOT Worldly Wealth & Possessions

11. A true conversion in Christ Jesus will take every opportunity To Do Good & Preach the Gospel.

12. A true conversion in Christ Jesus will be the doers of the word not just hearers only.

13. A true conversion in Christ Jesus will avoid all perverse talk and corrupted speech.

14. A true conversion in Christ Jesus will put on the Full Armor of God Endures Hardships, Sufferings, and Trials through Christ by resisting sin and temptations.

15. A true conversion in Christ Jesus will Love God’s Commandments & Obey God’s Word And in His law they meditates day and night.

16. A true conversion in Christ Jesus will Pursue Holiness in Everything they Do and Acknowledge & Obey Gods will for Their Lives

May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you and keep you as you seek to walk with Him!

A Model Believer – Mary

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. – Luke 1:26-31

We don’t hear much about Mary except around Christmas time when the story of Christ’s birth is proclaimed. In fact, there’s really not a whole lot said about Mary in the Bible. She’s mentioned a few times, but never in great detail. Yet, from the little we read about Mary, we can find plenty of things to make her worthy of the title “Christian.”

1. She lived a good life. Of all the women of all the ages, God picked Mary to be the mother of His only Son. If that doesn’t speak volumes about Mary’s character, I don’t know what does.

2. She accepted God’s will, no matter the cost. Mary didn’t miss the implications of what Gabriel was saying. She could foresee what life would be like for her carrying a child that did not belong to her espoused. She knew she would be ridiculed and scorned. Her name would be on the gossip list for months. Still, in spite of this, she said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

3. She gave God her all. I think a lot times we think we’re 100% sold out to God, but if we truly examine our lives, we’ll find that we’re holding something back. Mary didn’t hold anything back. She gave her body to be used, her soul to magnify the Lord (vs. 46) and her spirit to rejoice in the Lord (vs. 47).

4. She praised God. Mary didn’t miss the importance of what was happening. The Messiah was finally going to be born, and she was given the opportunity to play a vital role in that event. Mary goes on for ten verses talking about how wonderful God is. Please realize with me, however, that this is surely a bittersweet time for Mary. She’s thrilled to know that she is carrying the Messiah, but I’m sure her thoughts are also filled with fear. Still, Mary praised.

5. She knew what God could do. One of the few other times we see Mary in the Bible is at the wedding in Cana. When the servants discovered there was no more wine for the guests, Mary knew exactly what to do. She took the problem to Jesus and left the results up to him. Oh, that we could learn to do the same!

Jesus Christ IS coming but No one knows the date or time of the Second Coming of Christ. It could be now, today or tomorrow, next month or next year, or any time unexpectedly but He is coming. When Jesus Christ comes the saints who are alive will be caught up to meet Him, those who have died in Christ shall rise first, there will be the complete salvation of saints, he is coming to judge all the people , to destroy sin and death and to punish the wicked and Satan. The Promises of Jesus Christ Second coming: Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Matthew 24:42. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:44. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:13. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.Mark 13:33. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:13. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. Mark 13:35-37 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.Luke 12:40. Behold, the judge standeth before the door. James 5:9. Behold, I come quickly. Revelation 22:7. The time is at hand. Revelation 22:10. And, behold, I come quickly.Revelation 22:12. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20. Men of Galilee,” they said. “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven. Acts 1:11 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage- with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:1-2 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing., 2 Timothy 4:8 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. Thessalonians 3:13 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. I am the Alpha and the Omega, ” says the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:7 May God bless you all with the glorious hope of Jesus Christ’s second Coming!

Many innocent people are suffering in this world because of false accusation. There are many people in this world who unjustly falsely accuse others in order to hurt and ruin their reputation and to destroy that person’s life. Because of one simple false accusation one can destroy and damage someone’s good name and reputation in a matter of a few minutes. It is terrible and hurting when your own family members and friends accuse you falsely for your goodness. Proverbs 14:25 reminds us that A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor. Only the innocent person will be able to tell how it really hurts for someone to be paid back in an evil when that person has tried to be a good or done good things but has been repaid with evil or ingratitude for his kindness. There are so many Scriptures which warns us in this regard You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. Exodus 23:1 Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely. Luke 3:14 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. Deuteronomy 5:20 A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. Proverbs 14:5 We must always remember that a false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will not go free.Proverbs 19:5 May God bless all those who stand for truth and have suffered as result of false accusations!