Growing in Christ

[Savedsis]

Amen...Great thoughts everyone...
Let us keep a keen focus....
Get this and do not forget it...You will not stand alone when outnumbered or stand tall when tested or stand firm when discouraged if your focus remains on the odds..Your eyes must be trained on the Lord..
It is helpful for us to remember that our eyes are focused on one of four places at all times:
On our circumstances,
On others,
On ourself,
Or on the Lord..
If they focus on one of the first three and not on the Lord, we will drift and ultimately fail...
We must cultivate a keen focus on the Lord, not on the odds......Lord, help us to stay focused on You...Hold us and help us to FOCUS on You....Amen

 

[EarthMomma]

And very nice summary and approach here Sis, your emphasis on KEEP FOCUS is right on target! Thank you for the reminder!

I'm in a hurry to share your insight with my close friends that don't get a chance to come here, for the timeliness of this focused approach is simply a "God thing!"

Amen...Great thoughts everyone...
Let us keep a keen focus....
Get this and do not forget it...You will not stand alone when outnumbered or stand tall when tested or stand firm when discouraged if your focus remains on the odds..Your eyes must be trained on the Lord..
It is helpful for us to remember that our eyes are focused on one of four places at all times:
On our circumstances,
On others,
On ourself,
Or on the Lord..
If they focus on one of the first three and not on the Lord, we will drift and ultimately fail...
We must cultivate a keen focus on the Lord, not on the odds......Lord, help us to stay focused on You...Hold us and help us to FOCUS on You....Amen

Dear Lord,
I pray in agreement with Sis for you to help us keep our focus on you! I praise you for you are everything to me, and I love you so much that I desire that your love shines thru me to Your glory alone!
Joining your brothers and sisters in Christ,
Amen

 

[angelwind]

Amen...Great thoughts everyone...
Let us keep a keen focus....
Get this and do not forget it...You will not stand alone when outnumbered or stand tall when tested or stand firm when discouraged if your focus remains on the odds..Your eyes must be trained on the Lord..
It is helpful for us to remember that our eyes are focused on one of four places at all times:
On our circumstances,
On others,
On ourself,
Or on the Lord..
If they focus on one of the first three and not on the Lord, we will drift and ultimately fail...
We must cultivate a keen focus on the Lord, not on the odds......Lord, help us to stay focused on You...Hold us and help us to FOCUS on You....Amen

this made me think of this verse I read earlier this evening,,,It is Nehemiah encouraging the Jews to rebuild the wall os Jerusalem after the captivity.

Their strength was failing...there was a lot of rubbish lying around and their enemies were hard at work threatening them.

After I looked these things over, I stood up and said to the people,

"Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your kin, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.
Nehemiah 4:14

 

[EarthMomma]

This message of keeping focus came to mind this morning as I read the Word of Lord to Moses, reminding the people of the necessity of obedience, and avoiding following our own hearts and minds in search of knowledge.

Numbers 15:38-40 (KJV) 38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: 39 And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: 40 That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.

Holiness with God requires that we keep our eyes and hearts on Him, and by His grace and mercy, all else falls into place, for it really is His show, and not ours! And remembering first His commands is easy, if we focus on Him: love, love and more love! Loving Him because He first loved us, loving Him because He's so good to us, loving Him because He tells us to (for He knows what's best), and loving others because we love Him so much that we love all those He loves! The Royal Law! It's beautiful, and beyond our comprehension, unless we abide in Him and let Him abide in us.

 

[Savedsis]

This message of keeping focus came to mind this morning as I read the Word of Lord to Moses, reminding the people of the necessity of obedience, and avoiding following our own hearts and minds in search of knowledge.



Holiness with God requires that we keep our eyes and hearts on Him, and by His grace and mercy, all else falls into place, for it really is His show, and not ours! And remembering first His commands is easy, if we focus on Him: love, love and more love! Loving Him because He first loved us, loving Him because He's so good to us, loving Him because He tells us to (for He knows what's best), and loving others because we love Him so much that we love all those He loves! The Royal Law! It's beautiful, and beyond our comprehension, unless we abide in Him and let Him abide in us.

God is so good to us......I appreciate Him so much....
This the day the which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it....Psalm 118:24
Every day you open your eyes is a blessed day, and we praise need to praise the Lord....My head swims when I think about all that He is and this is nothing compared to what He has done...What an awesome God we serve...and He deserves our praise...

 

[Savedsis]

this made me think of this verse I read earlier this evening,,,It is Nehemiah encouraging the Jews to rebuild the wall os Jerusalem after the captivity.

Their strength was failing...there was a lot of rubbish lying around and their enemies were hard at work threatening them.

After I looked these things over, I stood up and said to the people,

"Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your kin, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.
Nehemiah 4:14

He is indeed great and awesome and we should always praise Him..

 

[EarthMomma]

Oh yes, you are so right, let's PRAISE HIM, PRAISE HIM, with every breath we speak.

Let's start rehearsing for Heaven's choir, and never cease! As as we worship Him and sing His praises, I pray that He will tune us up daily to remember that it's not about us, it's about Him! It's not even about the here and now (although we have the blessed assurance of His promises to provide and care for us), it's all about the there and then. Keep our minds off the things of this earth, Dear God, and onto the things of eternity with you! Keep us from confining ourselves by tuning our praises in perfect harmony for You! There is power in God's love, and power in singing His praises!

WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN
Eliza Hewitt, 1898​

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace.
In the mansions bright and blessèd
He’ll prepare for us a place.​

Refrain
When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!​

While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when traveling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.​

Refrain
When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!​

Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.​

Refrain
When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!​

Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.​

Refrain
When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!​

By the way, I might need some help with the tune, but I make a joyful noise!!!

​

[pong] [/pong]

Singing His Praises, all the day long!
EarthMomma​

​

​

 

[EarthMomma]

It breaks my heart every time I hear a believer say they are unworthy, and stirs me up to share the good news that is Christ, that makes us His through Christ. Our precious Lord and Savior bled and died to make us worthy, and rose again to give us everlasting hope, so we must seriously pray when any doubts or fears sneak in about who we are in Christ.

Dear Lord, open the hearts and the minds of those who come here for fellowship with the body, so that as a body we can lift each other up in your Word.

Father, help us to see through Your eyes and Your Word that you have adopted us into worthiness, by Your grace and Your mercy, and help us to bring You glory and honor by walking in holiness, as You are holy.

Ephesians 1:3-23 (KJV) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. . . .

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

I lift my voice to you in supplication Abba-Father, that you strengthen your body, so that we know what great and mighty things you have done for us, having delivered us from the adversaries bondage, and freely adopted us.

Romans 8:15 (KJV) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Let your Holy Spirit teach us the meaning of being adopted by you, and through that knowledge and spiritual wisdom you give, help us to defeat the adversaries lies to us that we are not worthy. For we are worthy by the blood of the Lamb and Your resurrection power!

Galatians 4:5-7 (KJV) 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Cleanse our hearts and minds, O God, and help us to grow in the knowledge of Christ, and to see through your eyes that we are who You've said we are in Your Word.

Your daughter,
EarthMomma

 

[Savedsis]

What kind of grace do you need today? Do you need housecleaning grace, job coping grace, child training grace, spending grace, care giving grace, tithing grace, or saving grace? The list could go on and on.So, let us come bodly today to God's throne of grace, to receice His unmeritied gift, excellence of power, and spiritual strength, so that we can appropriate all we need to serve HIm joyfully and live an abundant life....
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work...2 Corintians 9:8

 

[EarthMomma]

What kind of grace do you need today? Do you need housecleaning grace, job coping grace, child training grace, spending grace, care giving grace, tithing grace, or saving grace? The list could go on and on.So, let us come bodly today to God's throne of grace, to receice His unmeritied gift, excellence of power, and spiritual strength, so that we can appropriate all we need to serve HIm joyfully and live an abundant life....
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work...2 Corintians 9:8

His grace is marvelous indeed!

Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Wonderful grace, all sufficient for me, for even me.
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame,
O magnify the precious Name of Jesus.
Praise His Name!

Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned,
Saved to the uttermost,
Chains have been torn asunder,
Giving me liberty;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Wonderful grace, all sufficient for me, for even me.
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame,
O magnify the precious Name of Jesus.
Praise His Name!

Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power,
Making him God’s dear child,
Purchasing peace and heaven,
For all eternity;
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Wonderful grace, all sufficient for me, for even me.
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame,
O magnify the precious Name of Jesus.
Praise His Name!

Romans 16:20 (KJV) And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

 

[EarthMomma]

WHY I FOLLOW CHRIST
Written by John C. Hutchinson, Jr., in 1981

I’ve not seen clearer statistical evidence that fewer Christians die of cancer than non-believers, or that they are immune in greater degree from the diseases that afflict the human race. Some of the kindest, most selfless persons I have known have had more than their share of bad health. The fact that they belong to Christ did not insulate them from disease. Therefore, I will not follow Christ for promised healing. I will not deny or dispute evidence of restoration of health. I will rejoice at every recovery from what seems to be hopeless threatened death. I will not hesitate to pray for recovered health for my loved ones and acquaintances. I will set no limits on what God may do, but I will not follow Christ for promised healing.

I see no sign that Christians escape disaster and accident more often than others. I’ve helped dear friends empty muddy water out of dresser drawers and new appliances after a disastrous flood. I remember as a child taking clothes to a widow with five children whose house had burned to the ground. A bullet makes no detour around the body of a believer. Therefore, I will not follow Christ for any promised protection from disaster. I will not scoff at amazing survivals nor deny that providence has and continues to work for the good of God’s own. I will continue to pray for protection from wicked men and tragedy, but I will not follow Christ for promised protection from accident or catastrophe.

I do not observe that Christians are especially favored with prosperity like James. We’ve all seen the rich oppressing the poor and justice is rarely perfect in this world. The psalmist has said that he had not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread, and in the deepest needs of this life that is certainly true. But all of us have known people of integrity who have not prospered. Therefore, I will not follow Christ for promised freedom from physical want or hope of affluence.

I’m not sure the Christians have stronger personalities or fewer neuroses than non-believers. I do know that there is no bitterness like religious bitterness and no arrogance more insufferable. I have watched Christians suffer emotional and mental disabilities. And though it may seem heretical, I am not sure that I would really enjoy living in the same house with either the apostle Peter or Paul. God wills that the mind of Christ be formed in us, and there is no doubt in my mind that the Christian’s attitudes and actions will be improved by his Christianity, but I will not follow Christ for any promise of personality enhancement or perfection.

Why then follow Christ? Why become a disciple of Jesus when life may become more complicated as He so often warned? For one reason alone - in Jesus we behold the face of God. He is the truth, the everlasting truth, God in the flesh. I know that in this, that in His life, death, and resurrection I am reconciled to God, the giver of life. I believe that nothing can separate us from the love of God. He has all power and goodness and I trust Him and His promises. To Him I offer my life, damaged or whole, brief or full of years, it matters not. He is the one certain thing in an uncertain world. He is to be worshipped not so something will happen to me or to the world - something already has happened to me and the world - but because He is God who through Christ has reconciled the world to Himself. He saves me. He is my justification. He is the center that holds. To worship the God of our salvation, to offer sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, that alone is our vocation. We offer our lives to God, not so as to be healthy, wealthy, or wise; not even so to gain the strength to do great things for Him. We offer our lives to Him because He alone has claim upon us. God is not a means to an end.

from Love Worth Finding website
http://sites.silaspartners.com/CC_Content_Page/0,,PTID319326|CHID665818,00.html

 

[Savedsis]

I want to thank and praise the Lord for all His kindness and love....I kneel before Him...I thank Him for the lessons I have learned...My mission is to please Him, I have made mistakes, and make them every day..But thanks to Him my spiritual muscles are becoming well developed, becoming defined in the things of God, and maturing thanks to the Holy Spirit...
Nay, I am more than a conquerer, because I've come to know that I need time with Him to express my appreciation...I am a daughter who is cherished and loved...I need You Lord to nurse the wounds that life inflicts on us all...I need the sweet Oil of gladness...It is so soothing...My constant Refuge, my Relief and Reason for existing, Refresh me, Holy Spirit..Strengthen me, Sustain me where I'm weak...I can be strong because of You..I thank Him for washing me in His blood.
I shall continue to praise Him at all times, even when I do make mistakes...

 

[EarthMomma]

Dear SSis,

In agreement with your thanksgiving and praise this morning, Sis! And counting for joy all that He has allowed me to experience.

I want to thank and praise the Lord for all His kindness and love....I kneel before Him...I thank Him for the lessons I have learned...My mission is to please Him, I have made mistakes, and make them every day..But thanks to Him my spiritual muscles are becoming well developed, becoming defined in the things of God, and maturing thanks to the Holy Spirit...
Nay, I am more than a conquerer, because I've come to know that I need time with Him to express my appreciation...I am a daughter who is cherished and loved...I need You Lord to nurse the wounds that life inflicts on us all...I need the sweet Oil of gladness...It is so soothing...My constant Refuge, my Relief and Reason for existing, Refresh me, Holy Spirit..Strengthen me, Sustain me where I'm weak...I can be strong because of You..I thank Him for washing me in His blood.
I shall continue to praise Him at all times, even when I do make mistakes...

I worship Him because He is everything to me!

 

[EarthMomma]

May we meditate on where we came from, as we examine the condition of our hearts, and heed His Words (written in blood) to turn to Him!

Jesus acknowledged where He came from as He showed the disciples how to serve.

John 13:3-5 (KJV) 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Knowing from where we came, enables us to have fellowship with Him, and with others who believe. It enables us to examine the condition of our hearts. To know Him is to walk with Him in the light. He is the light, and He is love and truth.

1 John 1:6-7 (KJV) 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

He assures us that it is possible to know and to walk with Him, in fact it's easy (compared to the alternative)

Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV) 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Oh, dear God, stir up our spirits and increase our faith to know You intimately, and to walk with you, taking up the rest that comes with your easy guidance and your light burdens!

 

[angelwind]

I want to thank and praise the Lord for all His kindness and love....I kneel before Him...I thank Him for the lessons I have learned...My mission is to please Him, I have made mistakes, and make them every day..But thanks to Him my spiritual muscles are becoming well developed, becoming defined in the things of God, and maturing thanks to the Holy Spirit...
Nay, I am more than a conquerer, because I've come to know that I need time with Him to express my appreciation...I am a daughter who is cherished and loved...I need You Lord to nurse the wounds that life inflicts on us all...I need the sweet Oil of gladness...It is so soothing...My constant Refuge, my Relief and Reason for existing, Refresh me, Holy Spirit..Strengthen me, Sustain me where I'm weak...I can be strong because of You..I thank Him for washing me in His blood.
I shall continue to praise Him at all times, even when I do make mistakes...

My heart joins in with Sis Lord...I am praising You for Your goodness to me...for providing for me in a beseiged city...

Thank for the wells of salvation that never run dry...thank You for Your unfailing love...

 

[Pilgrim1951]

WHY I FOLLOW CHRIST
Written by John C. Hutchinson, Jr., in 1981

I’ve not seen clearer statistical evidence that fewer Christians die of cancer than non-believers, or that they are immune in greater degree from the diseases that afflict the human race. Some of the kindest, most selfless persons I have known have had more than their share of bad health. The fact that they belong to Christ did not insulate them from disease. Therefore, I will not follow Christ for promised healing. I will not deny or dispute evidence of restoration of health. I will rejoice at every recovery from what seems to be hopeless threatened death. I will not hesitate to pray for recovered health for my loved ones and acquaintances. I will set no limits on what God may do, but I will not follow Christ for promised healing.

I see no sign that Christians escape disaster and accident more often than others. I’ve helped dear friends empty muddy water out of dresser drawers and new appliances after a disastrous flood. I remember as a child taking clothes to a widow with five children whose house had burned to the ground. A bullet makes no detour around the body of a believer. Therefore, I will not follow Christ for any promised protection from disaster. I will not scoff at amazing survivals nor deny that providence has and continues to work for the good of God’s own. I will continue to pray for protection from wicked men and tragedy, but I will not follow Christ for promised protection from accident or catastrophe.

I do not observe that Christians are especially favored with prosperity like James. We’ve all seen the rich oppressing the poor and justice is rarely perfect in this world. The psalmist has said that he had not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread, and in the deepest needs of this life that is certainly true. But all of us have known people of integrity who have not prospered. Therefore, I will not follow Christ for promised freedom from physical want or hope of affluence.

I’m not sure the Christians have stronger personalities or fewer neuroses than non-believers. I do know that there is no bitterness like religious bitterness and no arrogance more insufferable. I have watched Christians suffer emotional and mental disabilities. And though it may seem heretical, I am not sure that I would really enjoy living in the same house with either the apostle Peter or Paul. God wills that the mind of Christ be formed in us, and there is no doubt in my mind that the Christian’s attitudes and actions will be improved by his Christianity, but I will not follow Christ for any promise of personality enhancement or perfection.

Why then follow Christ? Why become a disciple of Jesus when life may become more complicated as He so often warned? For one reason alone - in Jesus we behold the face of God. He is the truth, the everlasting truth, God in the flesh. I know that in this, that in His life, death, and resurrection I am reconciled to God, the giver of life. I believe that nothing can separate us from the love of God. He has all power and goodness and I trust Him and His promises. To Him I offer my life, damaged or whole, brief or full of years, it matters not. He is the one certain thing in an uncertain world. He is to be worshipped not so something will happen to me or to the world - something already has happened to me and the world - but because He is God who through Christ has reconciled the world to Himself. He saves me. He is my justification. He is the center that holds. To worship the God of our salvation, to offer sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, that alone is our vocation. We offer our lives to God, not so as to be healthy, wealthy, or wise; not even so to gain the strength to do great things for Him. We offer our lives to Him because He alone has claim upon us. God is not a means to an end.

from Love Worth Finding website
http://sites.silaspartners.com/CC_Content_Page/0,,PTID319326|CHID665818,00.html

Earthmomma, thank you for sharing this excerpt, I was so moved by it. And it is timely now as well as 25 years ago. Pilgrim

 

[EarthMomma]

Earthmomma, thank you for sharing this excerpt, I was so moved by it. And it is timely now as well as 25 years ago. Pilgrim

And thank you Pilgrim; I was very moved by it as well.

May God continue to watch over you, and as I thank Him for guiding me to this forum, I thank Him that I got to know you, for your love of God and your wisdom is such a good example.

Your sister in Christ,
EarthMomma

 

[Savedsis]

Planting Hope...
Trust makes you able to endure circumstances that seem humaly unberable..
To hope on to the plough, while wiping our tears...this is Christianity..
Every day either He is God or He is not...How do we make that choice? What gives us the power to pick Jesus? It is knowing Him and knowing who we are in Him...

 

[angelwind]

Planting Hope...
Trust makes you able to endure circumstances that seem humaly unberable..
To hope on to the plough, while wiping our tears...this is Christianity..
Every day either He is God or He is not...How do we make that choice? What gives us the power to pick Jesus? It is knowing Him and knowing who we are in Him...

Boy is this interesting and very true...

 

[EarthMomma]

Amen Sis!