Uplifting Insights: Purification

Uplifting Insights: Purification: Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18-19 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, ...

Purification

Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18-19

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Purification is the process of making clean or removing corruptible; in today's discussion the focus is on purification of man by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Let's look at what Jesus' blood did in the purification process; first His blood was shed on the cross at Calvary to redeem us from all wickedness as it cleanse us from all the negatives brought on by sin. While in this state of mind we had a desire to deify God's law and His holy standards (1 John 3:4). Once the believer is redeemed, sanctified, and justified those desires changed from disobedience to obedience. Also, there is a heart-felt love and devotion to God as well as a desire to live to please Him by being living sacrifices unto Him.

The second act in the purification process was to make us a holy nation that is separated from the world and its systems. We became a people consecrated to God as His own possession. As a consecrated people we have the seal of the Holy Spirit who keeps us in the family of God. In purification we become a holy people who will stand and tell the world "yes I have been born again."

Thanks God for Jesus and His precious blood that cleanse my soul from sin and iniquities and have washed me wither than snow.
Jesus our purifier; His blood the purifying agent in the purification process.

What a purifier!

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Author's contact: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com, white3285@sbcglobal.net

Is Prophecy Being Fulfilled?

Revelation 1:3; Isaiah 1:3-4

While listening to NBC world news on last evening and the segment concerning the staggering costs from this year's natural disasters alone is in the billions and the cost from hurricane Irene alone is 1 billion and counting. The fear that FEMA would deplete its allocated funds that covers these disasters; Congress has allocated additional funds to cover the costs of these disasters for now. What going to happen when winter come and the storms that is associated with the winter season?

I raise the above question in light of the many natural disasters that have occurred this year in the USA as well as having red books and magazines on prophesy, The Trumpet Magazine, The Prophesied End-Time and some of Nostradamus prophecies. The Trumpet magazine raised the awareness on such times as these and that these natural disasters would occur so rapidly until they would deplete our resources. Who can forget the devastation from hurricane Katrina and ask has this area been fully restored? How long will it take for places like Joplin Missouri or Alabama, Mississippi or Georgia and will these places ever be restored? What is the human cost of these tragedies?

Other issues that were raised in this magazine were that this country was founded on godly principles which overall we have gotten away from. Also, this country was once a proud and powerful nation revered by all, but not any more because we have forgotten our creator and sustainer and become wise in our own deceit.

The overall prophecy is that this country will fall because we have broken our covenant relationship with God and He states very plainly in scripture that He is a jealous God and we are not to have any other god before Him (Exodus 20:3,5). So, what have we done? We have disobeyed His commandments. We have destroyed His institution of marriage. Several states have sanctioned same sex marriages and this is not of God. When God instituted marriage it was between man and woman, not two men or two women. There is a great falling away of the church (2 Thessalonians 2:3), because many are being deceived. We see greed on every hand; a murdering spirit is raging across these United States. The less fortunate is being taken advantage of when God made provision for the poor and needy (Amos 5:12-14; Matthew 6:1-4). We have placed our understanding before God's; we have a rational answer for everything when Proverbs 3:5-6 encourage us to trust God and refrain from depending on our understanding.

Allow me to close today's discussion by saying, there are many who feel that the rapid occurrences of these natural disasters are the evidence of God's anger and there are numerous us who are praying constantly for the healing of this nation (2 Chronicles 7:14). While God is longsuffering, He does get angry. Join with me and others as we continue to pray for the healing of this nation for we know that prayers changes things.

Lastly, prophecy maybe fulfilling, but thanks be to God He is in control. We are never out of His reach and His love surrounds us.

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Author's contact
White3285@sbcglobal.net, http://willie-writing.blogspot.com

Uplifting Insights: Witnessing Power

Uplifting Insights: Witnessing Power: Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in...

Witnessing Power

Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the world.

The writer, Luke explains what happens after receiving the Holy Ghost (Spirit) and the power in which believers will perform the task of witnessing and where. Believers will be baptized in the Holy Spirit to effectively witness Christ to the entire world as they will witness with such boldness as never before.

The Holy Spirit gives believers the power to witness about the righteousness and truth of Christ in both words and deeds. Additionally, the believer has a personal testimony of the saving power of Christ and the convicting work of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Believers can testify of the personal presence of Jesus and the intimate relationship with Him. Through this personal relationship with Christ, believers can also testify of the love for and of God and the desire to live holy unto Him and honor Him as the believer become more Christ-like.

The reason for witnessing is to carry the message of Christ to a lost world so that the unsaved can be saved. Being saved is the result of witnessing the good news of Christ. What is the good news? Christ's death, burial and resurrection. Just look at what God done for us; therefore, stand up and be a witness for the Lord.

Witness! Witness! There is power in witnessing Christ.

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Author's contact
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com, white3285@sbcglobal.net
Today's discussion is taken from my devotional Heavenly Bread which is available through Amazon.com and the author direct.

The Grace Of God

Psalm 84:11

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

In an earlier discussion "Growing In God's Grace" was discussed and it was determined that God's grace is His unmerited favor that we didn't deserve. However, in His grace we share in His holiness, we experience His love and compassion, protection and He provides salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.

Today's lesson text support the findings of God's grace as it can be expressed as love in action. The Lord being a "sun and shield" is saying that God's glory shine brightly in all and through all who have decided to live in obedience to His righteousness. All believers have a right standing with God through the atoning works of Jesus Christ. The Lord protects "shield" His obedient children from all evil and wickedness that we will encounter.

The last phrase of our lesson text is directed to believers who have decided to live godly and righteous lives before Him. This allows His purposes to be fulfilled in our lives. If the question were raised, What is our responsibility in receiving God's grace? Believers' task is to walk upright before the Lord, then trust God to provide for all our needs, physically, spiritually, temporarily and eternally. God is faithful to His promises and His mercy endureth forever (Psalm 23:6).
God's grace is sufficient.

Comments are welcome
Author's contact
White3285@sbcglobal.net. http://willie-writing.blgospot.com

Note: Today's discussion is taken from my monthly devotional "Heavenly Bread" which is available through Amazon.com and the author.

Unity Among The Brethren

Ephesians 4:3

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

The focus of today's discussion is unity among believers as this unity is patterned after the unity of the Spirit-God's Spirit. Unity among the brethrens is made possible through the indwelling Spirit of God. Just as the Godhead operates in perfect togetherness so must the body of Christ-the church. There is unity among the brethrens because of the oneness of God; one faith, and one body. Each member has his or her distinct calling for the edification of the body of Christ (vv 4-5, 12).

It is noteworthy to say that God in His divine wisdom made provisions for any disharmony that may arise by instilling His Spirit in each believer to bring peace. God is a God of peace, love and harmony not confusion. Therefore, each believer is to operate in the Spirit of God thus assuring unity as we witness Christ to a dying world. Allow me to say that neither human efforts nor organizations can bring unity among the brethrens without the Spirit of God. With that being said, all churches operating in harmony has God as its head and His Spirit as its guide.
Church, we have our example for unity-the Godhead.

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White3285@sbcglobal.net
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
www.shepherdministries.info.

Uplifting Insights: Holy Living Brings Growth

Uplifting Insights: Holy Living Brings Growth: Jude 1:20-21 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of Goo...

Holy Living Brings Growth

Jude 1:20-21

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of Good, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

If the question were raised, What is holy living? Let's answer the question by saying holy living is living according to God's standards and His righteousness. This is because it is by God's standards by which all humanity will be judged. Isaiah 64:6 states in part that "all our righteousness is as filthy rags."

However, our righteousness is in Jesus Christ who shed His blood to give all believers the right standing with God the Father. Another point to holy living is that believers can live holy in that we have been sanctified by God as a called out people to live in holiness to Him. Holy living is achieved by daily Bible reading, mediating on His Word and with the aid of the Holy Spirit believers has the ability to refrain from conforming to this world and its standards. The world's standards are contrary to those of God. Therefore, all believers are mandated by God to live in holiness.

Living in holiness the world will see Christ manifested in each believer as we are lights shinning in a sin darkened world. As we submit ourselves to God's ways we grow in our faith walk with Christ.

Holy living requires a willing heart and a humble spirit.

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Author's contact
White3285@sbcglobal.net
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com

Safety In God

Psalm 91:1-8

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord He is my refuge and my fortress; my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust; His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day.

As we approach the tenth anniversary of 9/11 when tragedy struck our shores; this day will always be remembered for the deviant act by those who made a decision to bring hurt and harm to many who didn't know them nor who would have purposely sought to destroy them or their country and countrymen. As I sat and watch in horror as those planes flew into the twin towers I couldn't help but wonder what was happening as many other Americans asked the same question. This cowardly act brought America together in many ways. Prayers were being prayed, heartaches were being felt and acts of kindness were being shared, but through it all we (Americans) have withstood this cowardly act as measures are taken to ensure safety.

Leaders and those who protect our borders and provide many other forms of safety are to be praised for their efforts. We know that evil still exist and many are still trying to wreck havoc on us and this is not of God. We know for certain that overall America is a God-fearing nation and reflecting on our scripture text we know that true safety is in God. As we continue abiding in the secret place of the Almighty we can be assured of safety from His almighty wings. Why, because He is our refuge and fortress. It is noteworthy to say that prayers of the righteous availeth much and I know for certain there are prayer warriors who are praying for peace and safety the world over. Just as God transcends all boundaries so does prayers.

Lets pray, LORD thank You for Your protective angels that You have dispatched to watch over us. For this I say thank You. In Jesus name Amen.

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Author's contact:

http://willie-writing.blogspot.com

white3285@sbcglobal.net.

God's Workmanship

Ephesians 2:10


For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Reflecting on this weekend's holiday, I wondered how we value our work efforts and ethics in both secular and the Christian Community. This reflection took me back to my days of teaching in the public school system where I was a substitute teacher after having spent years in secondary education. The public school system was a culture shock to me. In other words I hated this job not realizing at first I was placed in this position by God to be a blessing to others by imparting life experienced wisdom and knowledge. I was blessed by others as well. After asking God for strength to adapt to my new surrounding the job became easier.

What am I saying? I am saying that God places each of us in positions for His designed purposes. As stated in our scripture text we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works and glorify Him. Before we were created He knew where each of us would be place to give Him glory and honor whether in the secular or Christian Community.

The question that comes to mind is how are we to serve? We are to serve with diligence and a willingness that pleases God as each of us is making a contribution to the strength, prosperity and well-being of others, self, communities and our country in both arenas.
Each position is an honored one selected by God-so serve well.


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Author's contact
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
white3285@sbcglobal.net