" Do We Show Mercy or Mercifulness? - The Difference" (with video) - Inspirational Weekend

 

[Honu -  Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle]

This post concerns itself with God's mercy as well as what it means to be merciful.  In particular, what mercy is and how mercifulness may differ from mercy (or acts of mercy.)

While browsing my photographs to use in this article, it occurred to me that a few years ago a very unmerciful and cruel and senseless act against one of the protected and endangered Honu on Oahu, Hawaii, created an outcry among locals.   These gentle sea turtles often come to shore to rest awhile and to feed on some of the algae found there (as shown in my photograph above).  Someone (or perhaps more than one person)  slaughtered one of these protected turtles.  These gentle creatures have become use to the presence of man at the beaches where they come to rest.  They grew to trust and to not fear people.  

It makes me want to cry at such cruelty and senseless evil.  But what is also evil is how man treats other people at times.  

"Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."   -  Jesus at Luke 6:36

[Turtle Beach (Laniakea Beach) - North Shore, Oahu]

"The world of natural man is by no means predominantly a merciful world. ' The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.'  Not everything which passes for kindness, not everything which is kindness, is mercy. "   So the Biblical Illustrator Bible Commentary explains.  Following will be a partial or, rather, an abbreviated, quote from that commentary on what true mercifulness entails.

"Mercy, as men count it, may be all "outside", no heart in it, or may take its rise from wrong or unworthy motives; while mercifulness must go down to the inner springs of actions, not stop short of guiding principles; have its roots in sound and holy motives. It deals with the quality  of the deed rather than the quantity.  ..... Mercifulness is what we are and what we do.

"True mercifulness is a characteristic of those who hunger and thirst after righteousness and they alone will be merciful in God's way....seeking not to please themselves but to do His will.  ..... True mercifulness is always guided by meekness.     It is exercised towards those who have ill requitted  our kindness, and are undeserving of our mercy.   True mercifulness can only be felt by those who have learned to mourn their sin, and in repentance turned unto God, and so have a fellow feeling with those who sin, and long to rescue them."

What about the mercifulness of God as seen in Christ?  The Biblical Illustrator commentary reminds us that Christ was merciful to all!  Jesus' mercifulness "was provident, thoughtful, wise - seeking the real good of men..... His mercifulness is unchanging.  Time does not wear it out, nor years weaken it.  He was merciful even as He loved, unto the end."

Speaking of Jesus, Hebrews 7:24-25, has this to say: "But this man, because He continueth ever,  hath an unchangeable priesthood, Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them."

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God,  purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament,  that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."  -   Hebrews 9:14-15

Here is a wonderful hymn about the mercy of God!  It is based on Psalm 51.

Back to the Biblical Illustrator Bible Commentary, it compares Jesus' mercifulness to ours: 

"Jesus' mercifulness always kept God's glory in view, and ours so often centering about self.  HIS is a mercifulness shown towards those who were ever seeking His heart, and ours so easily quenched by the first appearance of ingratitude.  His a mercifulness that recognized sin as the source of every man's misery,  and ours so indifferent to the deepest needs of the men and women around us.  His a mercifulness that stooped  to help, that touched as well as pitied, and ours always bestowed with a gloved hand, and at a safe distance...... Believe me, it is time for us to learn that true mercifulness is discriminating, thoughtful, wise.  His a  mercifulness that is always the same; ours so fitful, uncertain, unreliable.  His mercifulness that cost Him self-sacrifice;   ours a doing or giving that will not even cost us a thought. His a mercifulness that permeated the whole man in every thought, and word, and deed;  ours so superficial, so unreal, our thoughts often breathing harsh judgment upon others, our actions marked by so little consideration of those about us or below us to whom we might be merciful."

There is much more wonderful information to be found concerning mercy and mercifulness at the Biblical Illustrator Bible Commentary.   Search for it on the Web !

The bottom line is:  We should endeavor to be as much like Christ as we possibly can.  We will never attain perfection this side of heaven, but the good Lord expects us to have that as an ultimate goal. (1 Peter 1:16).   If we don't aim to be Christ-like now, maybe we are not truly saved; maybe we won't make it to heaven.  You must be born again (a spiritual rebirth) in order to enter heaven.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  -   John 3:3

Following are Salvation Scriptures for those of you who may not have surrendered your life to the Lord.  Some of you may not know the way of salvation.  You must realize that Jesus died to pay your sin debt in full; His shed blood on the cross can wash you clean !  He was the sacrificial Lamb of God Who Redeemed those who will turn to Him in faith, believing that He is the Savior and the only way to heaven.  You must repent of your sins with a sorrow that is real and sincere and pray with all of your being that you wish to be forgiven and thereby give your life in faith to the Savior.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."  -    John 3:36

"Jesus saith unto him,  I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."      -       John 14:6

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."   -   John 3:16

May the good Lord bless you now and always!

Have a Christ-centered weekend -  and life !

"Flee! Flee To A Strong And Safe Refuge!" (With Hymn by Martin Luther) - Inspirational Weekend

• [Mother Peacock and Baby]

My photograph above of the mother peacock with her baby seems to fit the title of this post, as the mother shelters and protects her baby and is a refuge for it to flee to when danger is afloat.  My photo below gives a better idea of the mother's protection.

Most of you (especially Christians) will agree that this old and troubled and chaotic world is not a safe refuge by any means!  So what can we do?  The answer is found in Psalm 46:1 which follows:

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Following are abbreviated quotes from James Nisbet's Church Pulpit Commentary on Psalm 46:1 =

".....  It is a blessed thing to know Jesus Christ, the Friend who sticketh closer than a brother.  God is our refuge from isolation and from human misunderstanding

.....  Again, it is a hard, but it is a Divine, lesson to be calm and restrained under wrongful blame, a difficult, but a splendid victory.  God is our refuge from provocation.

..... Again, everything around us changes. The world itself is but for a time.  We ourselves grow old and change, but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea, and forever, (Hebrews 13:8), and he that doeth the will of God abideth forever (1 John 2:17).   God is our refuge from change.

God is our refuge from sin and sorrow :  [ abbreviated = ]  ..... "the forgiveness of sins is offered to us in Jesus Christ our Savior.  ...  In sorrow,  if we but look up to the face of our Father, without Whom not a sparrow falls to the ground; and say... "Thou, O God, art my refuge in the day of trouble.

God is our refuge from uncertainty.  ...   God reveals Himself to the childlike in heart, and His revelation addresses itself to the whole of our nature and not to one part:  to the warm, loving heart, as well as to the cold, scoffing intellect.    ...  Light is sprung up in the darkness...

To those that thus receive the LORD, the refuge becomes also an Almighty Strength in whose Holy Spirit the very weakest of us can live a life to His glory and to the good of others."  (End of Nisbet's quotes)

On this Psalm 46, Martin Luther, in 1529, wrote his wonderful hymn : "A Mighty Fortress is our God", and here it is for your encouragement below:

Following are abbreviated  comments by Charles Spurgeon on Psalm 46:1 on his "Faith's Checkbook" devotion of 12-22-20:

" ...  Very few earthly helps could be called "very present".   They are usually far in the seeking, far in the using, and farther still when once used.  But as for the Lord our God, He is present when we seek Him, present when we need Him, and present when we have already enjoyed His aid.

"He is more than "present", He is very present  .  More present than the nearest friend can be, for He is in us  in our trouble;   more present than we are to ourselves, for sometimes we lack presence of mind.

"He is always present, effectually present, sympathetically present, altogether present.  He is present now if this is a gloomy season.  Let us rest ourselves upon Him.  He is our refuge ;  let us hide in Him; He is our strength; let us array ourselves with Him; He is our help; He is our very present help.  Let us repose in Him NOW.  We need not have a moment's care or an instant's fear. "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."     -   Psalm 46:7,11

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life."             -      John 8:12

"I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope."  -  Psalm 130:5

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."     -  Jesus the Savior at John 14:1-4

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."   -    Titus 2:13-14

From the Scriptures immediately above, we have a sure hope that Jesus will return to take true believers to heaven to be with Him!

Think about it!  How wonderful and encouraging that is!

And all indications from how Bible prophecy is playing out now and coming true at warp speed in these the last moments of the last days.... Jesus' return must be very soon!  Many scholars and theologians agree!  But most importantly, God's Holy Word the Bible agrees!

If Jesus returns today or tomorrow or soon thereafter, are you "Rapture Ready?"  You are if you are born again (a spiritual birth from above; from God and Jesus - a belief that Jesus is the Savior and that  His shed  blood at the Cross can wash you clean if you but believe with all of your very being that He is the Savior, and the only way to the Father and heaven.)  If you believe like that, then you are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) and are truly a new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

If you are not saved, not born again, do NOT delay!  Time is running out!

Jesus loves you and will welcome you with open arms, and embrace you with His love and His forgiveness!

Following are Scriptures on how to be saved.  Repent of your sins and pray to the good Lord for forgiveness.  He honors a sincere heart; a heart sorrowful for sins and full of repentance.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." -    John 3:36

"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)    2 Corinthians 6:2

"Jesus saith unto him,  I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me."    -  John 14:6

"I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness."   -   Jesus at  John 12:46

"Jesus said unto her,  I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.  Believest thou this?"   -   John 11:25-26

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."   -  John 3:16

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life!

"Are You 'Dressed' For Eternity?" - (With Videos) - Inspirational Weekend

[Baby Makapu'u Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

The title above for this article was inspired by Isaiah 61:10 which follows:

"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God, for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."

To be dressed for heaven and eternity, then, our apparel must be "the garments of salvation."  

Following is a quote from the "Biblical Illustrator Commentary."

"Garments are used as a covering.  Is a garment for the body more needed than one for the soul?  Which of us could stand in the presence of an angel without sinking to the ground in very shame?  I draw your attention to the glory of God's garments for salvation :  they completely cover all your iniquity and blot out all your sin.

"A garment is used to beautify, to adorn.  The garment of salvation is an adornment for it reveals God in you to your neighbors.  What can be more beautiful than a man or woman or child who tries to bless another - that is the life of the angels: the life of God - ministering unto others.

"Garments are used also as a sign of one's condition or occupation.  Monarchs, priests, judges, and officers of state wear robes to indicate their real or implied superiority.  Shakespeare says, "The apparel oft proclaims the man."  You can generally tell something about a man's character and calling from his clothing.   The world judges Christian people by the garments of their conduct.

"He {God/Jesus} hath clothed me'.  Where is salvation?  In Christ, and Christ is in and for us."

What a wonderful analogy!  

Obviously, the garments of salvation are from God through Jesus Christ, the Savior.  But we need to "put on" those "garments" by faith in the good Lord!

We cannot save ourselves!  It is all a gift from the love and grace found in and flowing from our Lord.

"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."  -    Ephesians 2:8-9

This is mindful of "the fruit of the spirit" found at Galatians 5:22-23 - Which fruit a true believer will have and possess because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit from above.  However, Isaiah 61:10 concerns itself with salvation being from the Lord:  The Giver of the garments of salvation; which is the same as saying "He has saved me."

Much more wonderful information on Isaiah 61:10 is found in the above "Biblical Illustrator Commentary".  Check it out online. 

But another note on the above commentary: 

The part where Isaiah 61:10 says: "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God."     

The Biblical Illustrator Commentary has these encouraging words for us on the above :  

"Where there is a will there is generally a way, and sad though you may be, something is gained if you will resolve to rejoice.  It is always "in the Lord"  that we must rejoice.  Friends are dying, helps are failing, hopes are being blasted.  Rejoice in the Lord!"

  [Hong Kong Orchid Tree Blossoms] 

"And ye became followers of us, and of the LORD, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost."                -     1 Thessalonians 1:6

On another commentary, the above verse is expounded a bit....  "They received the Word with joy  - they realized the joy of conscious forgiveness and acceptance with God. The sinless angels, placed beyond the necessity of pardon, are incapable of experiencing this joy.  It belongs exclusively to the believing penitent."

[Hawaiian Moorhen, Oahu]

"The LORD takes pleasure in those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy and loving-kindness."   -  Psalm 145:20

"Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God."   -  1 Peter 1:21

Following is an excellent 11 minute video concerning Jesus' imminent return for the Rapture of true believers .   It is titled "Be Ready For What Is Coming."

  Watch and Pray!

Concerning the fact that the Bible tells us that God's Holy Spirit dwells within us, the following 3 minute devotional is a must for you to listen to.  It is by Charles Stanley's InTouch ministries:

On another source, someone has said:  "Real faith grabs God's attention and will move Him to work in your behalf."

If you are not saved, not born again by believing in Jesus Christ as the Savior.... not believing that His shed blood at the Cross can wash you clean (since He died in our place and paid our sin debt in full)  then please repent before it is too late!  Pray for forgiveness, and believe with all your heart and soul - all of your very being - that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven !

Following are some verses for those who are not yet believers:

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."  -  John 3:36

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.:   -         John 14:6

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.  Believest thou this?"     -   John 11:25-26

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."       -  John 3:16

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend  -  and life!  

Keep The Main Thing The Main Thing! Power to Endure! (Quote by David Livingstone)

 

"If you are hanging on by a thread, make sure it is by the hem of Jesus' garment."  - recent quote on outdoor church sign

To Christians, the above quote says volumes and its message is clear.

In other words, in trials and sorrows and storms of life, when there seems to be no way out or no relief in sight, just simply turn in faith to Jesus and hang on -   He will help you!  Pray and pour over the Bible daily.  God's Word has power!

"If ye love Me, keep My commandments.  And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever.  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him, for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.  "     -  Jesus at John 14:15-18

Truly the words of Jesus above at John 14 are very comforting.  If you are a true believer (born again -  a spiritual birth)  the Holy Spirit will dwell in you and be with you always -  even in the worst of trials!

This post could almost end right here!  Jesus almost says it all in John 14.  With the good Lord and the Holy Spirit, we are given power to endure and keep on keeping on.

Another wonderful help to enable us to hang in there with hope and faith is the fact that true Christians have the blessed hope at Titus 2:13-14 which tells us:

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;  Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

                                               [Waimea Bay, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii]

Following is a quote of David Livingstone, a 19th Century missionary from Scotland, who gave his life making Christ known in Africa :

"Lord, send me anywhere;  only go with me.  Lay any burden on me - only sustain me.   Sever any tie but the tie that binds me to Thyself."

What a wonderful and Christ-like attitude -  which we true believers should endeavor to emulate.

Two important things to remember (although there are many other spiritual things to remember besides these two):

 

(1)Wait on the Lord !  ( Psalm 27:14) :  "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart:  wait, I say on the LORD."

(2)  The Lord will never leave you or forsake you!  (Hebrews 13:5):

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Please watch the following video: a hymn about how "Jesus paid it all":

In the 3 minute hymn above it mentions about being before the throne of Jesus,  which reminded me of the  judgment of believers when they die and face the Bema seat of Jesus.  Following is a quote about what to expect when we face Jesus Christ's judgment - a partial quote from Dr. Charles Stanley:

"He will not shame, humiliate or discipline us for how we lived.  Rather, it is a time to give an account for both the worthy and the worthless things we did in life.  The basis on which Jesus judges us is: 

(1) How much truth do you know.

(2) How much opportunity do you have.

(3) How are you responding to the opportunities God gives you."

The above quote by Dr. Stanley does not exactly have anything to say about enduring any suffering.   However, if you are busy doing the Lord's work and obeying Him - you will find joy in doing His will and you will be thinking on spiritual things more so than your trials and afflictions :   And that is a blessing from the good Lord!

"In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength."    - Isaiah 30:15

More needs to be written here concerning the above verse at Isaiah 30.  Hopefully soon!  Although the verse is pretty self-explanatory.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  -   Psalm 46:1

The main thing should be kept the main thing!

The main thing is God and Jesus!

Put the good Lord first in your life, and see what He will do!

Are You At Wits' End ? (With Sermon Video by Dr. David Jeremiah) - Inspirational Weekend

 

[Yellow African Tulip Tree]

"They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end."  -  Psalm 107:27

When I first read that verse, I wondered if the King James Bible had used modern terminology in a recent translation.  Turns out, that expression - at wits' end - has been around a long time.  This idiom,  so says "Dictionary.com", appeared as far back as around 1377 in a poem written by William Langland titled : "Piers Ploughman".  

Dictionary.com gives the meaning of this idiom as :  "completely puzzled and perplexed, not knowing what to do."

The Free Dictionary tells us:  "at one's wits' end -  In a state of distress because one has no more patience or mental stamina, often after having dealt with some kind of  problem or difficult situation."

In today's chaotic and unstable world, many people feel at wits' end.  Christians as a rule are more stable with the hope and promises which the good Lord gives them, but at times they might feel perplexed and see no way out of a situation.  But they find comfort in taking it all to God in prayer and learning to wait patiently on Him and on His direction and guidance.

Following is an excellent 44 minute sermon by Dr. David Jeremiah which addresses this subject and uses Psalm 107 as the basis for his sermon.  The title of his sermon is "When You Can't Take It Anymore" :

Dr. David Jeremiah discusses how the storms of life send us fleeing to the good Lord in prayer and faith for His help in adversity.  He tells us that "the only way out is UP !"

It is not always our fault that we find ourselves deep in troubled waters in these storms of life.  But sometimes it is.  Following is a short discourse by Charles Spurgeon :

"But, oh!  when souls are caught in a storm of conviction of sin, this is a true description of their spiritual distress, -  they are at their wits' end, and do not know what to do.  Everything about them is shaking, and they themselves are reeling to and fro, sometimes this way and sometimes that;  staggering, scarcely able to believe anything, seeing some things double, and everything out of place."

[Internet Photo]

The photo above has been used previously on this blog.  It rather fits the subject of this post this weekend!

"One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning."   -  James Russell Lowell

"The armor-bearer of sin is self-confidence." - Charles Spurgeon

"Our troubles are but as the slivers and chips of His Cross" -  J. Trapp

"Do not strive in your own strength; cast yourself at the feet of the Lord Jesus, and wait upon Him in the sure confidence that He is with you, and works in you.  Strive in prayer; let faith fill your heart -  so you will be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might."   -    Andrew Murray

[Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii]

"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth."  -       Colossians 3:1-2

"I have set the LORD continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." -     Psalm 16:8

"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, Who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness; and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall every man have praise of God."  -   1 Corinthians 4:5

Here is an old favorite hymn that says it all:  "Trust and Obey"

If you have not been saved, have not believed that Jesus is the Savior and that His shed blood can wash your sins away when you repent and surrender to Him, then please, please take to heart the following Salvation Scriptures. Pray to God for forgiveness and in all sincerity begin with your whole heart and soul -- with all of your very being -- to follow in Jesus' footsteps as best you can and make doing His will your top priority !  If you are truly saved, you will want to obey Him.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."  -   John 3:36

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."  -     1 Peter 1:18-19

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."   -   John 14:6

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."   -  John 3:16

We are living in the last moments of the end times !  

Many Bible Prophecies have come true and there are also precursors occurring now that alerts us to those facts  -  that we are soon to see Jesus return for His true believers to take them to heaven before the 7 year Tribulation begins!  (go to the "search box" at the top right side of this page and enter subjects such as "Rapture; end times; Great Tribulation; signs of last days", etc. and articles will pop up which you can read and ponder... many with videos.)

Jesus loves you!

Don't delay in surrendering to Him in belief that He is the Savior!

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -   and life !!

Better To Be Purged Than Plucked ! (With Sermon Video) - Inspirational Weekend

 

[Hawaiian Black-Crowned Night Heron]

First, let's consider what is meant by purged.  Most Christians already know this, but some who read this blog are not Christians, so here is an explanation.  Often referenced here on this site is Webster's 1828 dictionary found online. It is an excellent reference when it is used for meanings of Bible words.

Purge, according to Webster's, means to clear from guilt or moral defilement; as to purge away sin.  Webster's gave Psalm 79:9 as a reference which reads in the King James Version :  "Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy name: and deliver us and purge away our sins, for Thy name's sake."

 

Another wonderful verse is from John 15:2  . Let's consider both verse 1 and 2:

Jesus speaking:

(1) I am the vine, and My Father is the husbandman;

(2) Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit He purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit."

 

Following are from John Trapp's Commentary on the above verses:

"Every branch in Me " = That thinks himself to be in Me, and is so thought to be by others, but proves not to be so.  These are said to 'deny the Lord that bought them, to trample on the blood of the covenant wherewith they were sanctified, to wallow in the mire from which they had been washed.'  (2 Peter 2:1,22  ;   Hebrews 10:20)  So here, to be branches in Christ and yet unfruitful. Not that they ever were in Christ, but seemed to be so, as a pole fixed in the earth, but not rooted........ " He purgeth it"-   Of all possessions, saith Cato, none requires more pains about it than that of the vineyards.  Grain comes up and grows without the husbandman's care (Mark 4:27), he knows not how.   But vines must be dressed, supported, sheltered, pruned every day almost; lopped they must ever and anon, lest the juice be spent in leaves.  And if it be painful to bleed, it is worse to wither.  Better to be pruned to grow than cut up to burn."

Where vines are concened, pruning can be likened to "purging" sins of  people.

 

 

Consider the main subject verses of this post: John 10:27-30 which follow:

 

(27)  My sheep  hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.    (28) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish; neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.  (29) My Father, which gave them Me is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand.  (30) I and My Father are one."

 

What comforting and hopeful words if you are a true believer in the Savior Jesus Christ !

The above verses spoken by Jesus are explained wonderfully in the following 60 minute audio sermon by Charles Spurgeon.  It is the best explanation of these verses in John 10 that I have ever heard.  Spurgeon lived from1834 to 1892, and is known as "the prince of preachers."  It is estimated that he preached to over 10 million persons in his lifetime.   Please listen to his entire sermon below.   It, too, is comforting and will enrich your life when you consider the way he explains this message of how no one can pluck you out Jesus' or the Father's hands  (although Spurgeon, instead of the KJV "pluck" says "snatch"... which of course means the same thing.)  Of course, the main source to enrich our lives is to read God's Holy Word, the Bible, daily and to be daily in prayer as well!  The good Lord desires to fellowship with us, His children!

In his sermon above, Charles Spurgeon tells us "Know Him and obey Him.  If you do not, you are not His sheep."

Jesus will return soon to take His Bride (true believers, His Church) to be with Him in heaven.

Jesus loves you!

If you are not saved (have not been born again - a spiritual birth from above):

He is waiting to hear from you!

He will welcome you with open arms to embrace you with love and forgiveness!

Following are Scriptures that will help you if you take them to heart and believe with all of your heart and soul -- all of your very being -- that Jesus' shed blood at the Cross can wash you clean- cleanse you from your sins and welcome you into the family of God when you have faith in Him and believe that He is the Savior.  You must first repent of known sins, and pray sincerely for forgiveness!

John 3:36 tells us:  "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

 

"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)  -  2 Corinthians 6:2

"Jesus saith unto him,  I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me."   -  John 14:6

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and Life!!

"How To Light Up Your Life" - With Videos - Inspirational Weekend

 

Recently, while walking in a suburb in Honolulu that is not near where I live, I passed a church that often posts encouraging comments on its sign outside.  That day the comment read: "Danger: satan is dimming our light so slowly the darkness seems normal."

Talk about food for thought!

Christians already know where this article is leading.  But for many others,  it may be a new notion.

Following is a short devotional by In Touch Ministries (Dr. Charles Stanley) concerning "Rejecting The Darkness) with its scriptural basis of Ephesians 5:1-7

And a very enlightening 36 minute sermon below by Pastor David Wilkerson titled : Man's Hour of Darkness Is God's Hour Of Power".  Please watch !

Christians are familiar with John 8:12 which tells us:  "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,  I am the light of the world, he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

There we have, in the Savior's words at John 8, the way in which we may "Light up our lives."

  Belief and Faith in Jesus as the Savior, and also to "follow" Him as best we can, is the key to light and completeness.  We will never be perfect this side of heaven, but we should endeavor to follow Jesus; to walk in His footsteps, so to speak.

"And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let Him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."     -  Jesus at Luke 9:23

 

Keep in mind, that any "righteousness" we have, it is not really "our righteousness"  but the righteousness which comes from the Lord.  

Romans 3:10 informs us:  "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one."

We are only justified by the blood of Christ.

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By  Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."  -   Romans 5 :1-2

"Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom we have now received the atonement."   -  Romans 5:9-11

 

 Being realistic, things are tough right now, and a bit overwhelming,  but only if you take your eyes and mind off of Jesus and God's promises.  We believers have a hope and faith that should give us strength and endurance.

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." -   Titus 2:13-14

Following is an excellent devotional by Charles Spurgeon titled - "The Lord Our Righteousness" which is a quote from Jeremiah 23:6 :

"It will always give a Christian the greatest calm, quiet, ease, and peace to think of the perfect righteousness of Christ.  How often are the saints of God downcast and sad!  I do not think they ought to be.  I do not think they would if they could always see their perfection in Christ.  There are some who are always talking about corruption and the depravity of the heart, and the innate evil of the soul.  This is quite true, but why not go a little further and remember that we are "Perfect in Christ Jesus."  It is no wonder that those who are dwelling upon their own corruption should wear such downcast looks,  but surely we are called to mind that, "Christ is made unto us righteousness"    we should be of good cheer.   What though distresses afflict me, though satan assault me, though there may be things to be experienced before I get to heaven,  those are done for me in the covenant of divine grace. There is nothing wanting in my Lord.  Christ hath done it all.  On the cross He said, "It is finished."  Then am I complete in Him and can rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,  "Not having mine own righteousness, which is the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.    You will not find on this side of heaven a holier people than those who receive into their hearts the doctrine of Christ's righteousness.  When the believer says, "I live on Christ alone; I rest on Him solely for salvation and I believe that,  however unworthy, I am still saved in Jesus; then there rises up as a motive of gratitude this thought: "Shall I not live to Christ, shall I not love Him and serve Him, seeing that I am saved by His merits?"  "The love of Christ constraineth us", that they which live should not live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them. If saved by imparted righteousness, we shall greatly value imparted righteousness."

In Pastor David Wilkerson's sermon video above, he mentions the old hymn "Jesus is the Light of the world." Following is a recent rendition of that hymn for you to enjoy:

 

Now is the time to turn to the good Lord in faith, for we are living in the last moments of the end times as the Bible has prophesied.

Following are Scriptures which explain salvation.  Please take them to heart and repent if you are not a believer in the Savior Jesus;  put your faith in Him and in His shed blood at the cross which can wash you clean and create in you a new heart.  Pray for forgiveness and turn to the good Lord in complete surrender.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. -   John 3:36

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."   - John 14:6

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believeth thou this?"              -  John 11:25-26

 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."    -  John 3:16

 

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life!