Original Works

[Christsfreeservant]

Psalm 57 is a psalm of lament. The psalmist experienced some type of disaster in his life which engulfed him like a violent storm. He was hotly pursued by his enemies who, to him, were like lions or ravenous beasts just waiting to devour him with their sharp tongues. They tried to trip him up and to cause him to fall, and this distressed him greatly.

So, he called on the Lord for mercy, and he chose to seek God’s protection. He acknowledged God’s divine sovereignty over his life, and he trusted in God’s love and faithfulness to his servants who put their faith and trust in him.

Even though “all hell” was breaking loose all around him, still he chose to be steadfast in heart and mind by trusting in the Lord, and by choosing to not give way to the enemy, but rather to rise before dawn (to awaken the dawn) in order to give praise to God.

Awaken the Dawn / An Original Work / January 15, 2013

Based off Psalm 57 (NIV 1984)

O my God, have mercy on me!
In the Lord, my soul takes refuge.
In the shadow of Your wings, Lord,
I find shelter till the storms pass.
I cry out to my God Most High.
He fulfills His purpose for me.
He sent His Son to die for me,
So I could be saved.

I am in the midst of lions;
Men whose teeth are spears and arrows;
Whose tongues are sharp; words accusing.
They spread a net, my feet to catch.
They dug a pit, in hopes I’d fall.
O God, be exalted o’er all.
Let Your glory shine to all men,
So they may be saved.

Steadfast is my heart, O my God;
I will sing of all Your wonders.
Awake, my soul! Sing praise to God!
Early I will rise and praise Him!
I’ll praise God among the nations;
I will sing among the peoples.
God’s love reaches to the heavens,
So we may be saved.

Song lyrics @ Public Domain

MP3, Song lyrics, Sheet music w/chords, & video (free):
http://originalworks.info/awaken-the-dawn2/
http://youtu.be/_fIVn9mUNO8

 

[Elena House]

I went out to your YT channel and you obviously love what you do. Thank you for your dedication.

 

[Christsfreeservant]

I went out to your YT channel and you obviously love what you do. Thank you for your dedication.

Elena,

Thank you for your response. The Lord Jesus began giving me songs to write about a year and a half ago. I had never written songs before. I studied music in college 44 years ago, so I knew the basics, but I had so much to learn and I am still learning. And, yes, I do love what I do because I am obeying and am serving my Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus gives me the tunes and then he gives me the words, i.e. I have absolutely no words in mind nor am I inspired to write any words of my own accord. Once I have the music written, I just go before him with the tune and ask him if he has words and then I wait until he pours the words into my mind and/or he gives me a passage of scripture and guides me in selecting the right words from scripture to go with the tunes. It is a God-thing from beginning to end.

He then uses the songs with my daily devotions which I post various places on the internet, including here at CF under "Edification", "Deeper Fellowship" - http://www.christianforums.com/f136/. The songs are more devotional in purpose as they are just another means of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and encouraging the body of Christ. The Lord Jesus also added the ministry of audio devotionals, so now he is having me share his word in written word, in song and in spoken word. And, yes I enjoy what I do because I am obeying my Lord and I am serving him. Nothing could be better than this other than heaven.

 

[Christsfreeservant]

Fear, anxiety, and worry must be universally troublesome to most people because God/Jesus Christ warned his people, and/or he encouraged his people all throughout scripture (and history) to not fear, to not be afraid, to not fret, and to not be anxious, but “in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,” (to) “present your requests to God. And, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (see Phil. 4:6-7).

One of the antidotes for fear and worry, thus, is to pray with thanksgiving, believing that God is going to answer, and to put our trust in God, knowing he has all things under his control, for fear is the opposite of trust/faith. Yet another antidote for anxiety is to rejoice in the Lord always and to sing songs of praise unto God. So, when Satan throws his darts of fear or doubt our way, we need to pray. It is essential that we choose to put our trust in God, believing that he has our circumstances under his control. And, we must be thankful, we should rejoice, and it is necessary that we praise our God in life, word and in song.

Sometimes we worry because we have adopted the ways and patterns of this world, and because we daily take into our minds and hearts far too much of this world’s junk, philosophies, character traits, habits, and attitudes. Instead, we need to focus our minds, hearts and attention on what has eternal value. We need to daily die to our old ways of living in sin and for self, and we need to clothe ourselves with our Lord Jesus Christ and take on his character and values. What is important to him should be essential to us. And, we should not only read or hear his word, but we should put it into practice in our lives.

Rejoice in the Lord Always! / An Original Work / January 26, 2013

Based off Phil. 4 & Col. 3

Rejoice in our Lord God always.
I say again: “Rejoice always!”
Let your love and kindness show forth.
Our Lord Christ will soon appear.
Do not let yourself be troubled.
Do not fear your circumstances.
In all of life’s complications,
Pray to God with thankfulness.
God will give you peace and rest.

Set your minds on things of heaven:
What is true and right and lovely.
Do not focus your attention
On the things that pass away.
Therefore put to death your old self.
Clothe yourselves with God’s compassion.
Put the word of Christ in practice.
Let God’s peace rule in your hearts.
Sing songs of praise unto God.

In all of life’s circumstances
I’ll learn to trust; be contented.
Whether I have none or plenty,
I will give thanks unto God.
I can live my life to please Him,
Because Jesus gives me His strength.
My God will meet all of my needs,
From his treasure chest in Christ.
Glory, praise be unto God.

Song lyrics @ Public Domain

MP3, Song lyrics, Sheet music w/chords & video (free):
http://originalworks.info/rejoice-in-the-lord-always1/

http://youtu.be/2ATLKGA9mjE

 

[Christsfreeservant]

Jesus said that if anyone would come after him, i.e. to be one of his followers, he (or she) must first of all deny (disallow; repudiate; forbid) himself, i.e. renounce his life of sin, selfishness and following his own will and ways for his life. He must take up his cross daily, i.e. he must daily die to sin and to living for self. And, he must follow Jesus, i.e. he must go where Jesus says to go, and he must do what Jesus says to do, i.e. he must obey him. If we truly understand this death to self and sin, it should revolutionize our concept of faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ and what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

In Galatians 2:20 we read: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This means that my life is no longer my own, for it was bought with a price, so I am to glorify God with my life by yielding my life to the cross of Christ, dying to not only sin but to my own selfish will, and by allowing the Holy Spirit within me to live the life of Christ out through me. “I” no longer live, i.e. am no longer the boss of my own life, but Christ in me is now boss (Lord) of my life, so I surrender to his will for my life.

Follow Him / An Original Work / February 21, 2013

Based off Luke 9:22-25

Jesus, Son of God,
Died for us on a cross.

Anyone who would come to Him
Must deny himself and follow.
He must take up his cross daily;
Die to sin and self each day.

Father, God above,
Loved us so: gave His Son.

If you want to save your old life;
Keep on sinning, follow your ways,
You will lose your life forever;
Hope of heaven gone away.

Spirit of our God
Gives us life in God’s Son.

Nonetheless, if you die to self;
Forsake your sin; follow Jesus,
You will live with God in heaven,
And forever praise His name!

http://originalworks.info/follow-him1/

http://youtu.be/cJgpbZQJVzA

 

[bendstringz]

Please check out my christian music videos on youtube. Channel name bentstrings, newest song "Let there be light".

 

[Christsfreeservant]

Please check out my christian music videos on youtube. Channel name bentstrings, newest song "Let there be light".

Bendstringz, could you provide a direct link to your channel?

 

[Christsfreeservant]

Our God is a faithful God. He fulfills all his promises and all that he has said that he will do. He is completely truthful and trustworthy. We can depend on him. He loves us with an unconditional love that surpasses our human understanding. His wisdom is fathomless; his mercies unending. His word is absolutely faultless, i.e. that which was God-breathed and that which even now exists as he is a living God and he is still speaking to us.

In faithfulness, truthfulness and righteousness he leads his children (followers of Christ) in his ways and in his truth. He changes our hearts to make them more like him. He protects us spiritually from the forces of evil that would come against us. He provides all that we need for life and love. He created us so he knows us inside and out like no other. So, he is the best one to diagnose the wounds of hearts and to show us the way to healing.

When we accept God’s invitation to faith in his Son by God’s grace, by Christ’s death and resurrection, and by faith in what Jesus did for us in freeing us from our sins, Jesus Christ becomes our husband and we become his bride. It is important that we understand this relationship in this respect, because when we marry Jesus we vow to love, honor, obey, and be faithful to him, forsaking all others (our sins, self and “other gods”).

In Faithfulness He Leads Me / An Original Work / March 20, 2013

Based off Various Scriptures
(Ps. 26:3; 86:11; 91:4-5; 111:7-8; 119:73-76;
Is. 25:1,4&9; 42:6-7; Hos. 2:16-20)

Teach me Your ways, Lord, and I’ll walk in them.
Give me a pure heart. I’ll fear Your name.
Your love is always, ever before me.
Continually I’ll walk in Your truth.
You will cover me with feathers.
Under Your wings I’ll find refuge.
My Lord’s faithfulness will be my
Comfort and my shield.
The works of His hands are faithful and just.
Trustworthy are all of His precepts.

Your hands have made me, and they have formed me.
Give understanding of Your commands.
I have put my hope, O Lord, in Your word.
Your teachings, O Lord, are righteousness.
Lord, in faithfulness You have
Afflicted me so I may learn of
Your unfailing love and comfort
And Your truthfulness.
You are my husband; You have betrothed me
In love, compassion and faithfulness.

O Lord, You are my God, I’ll exalt You.
In faithfulness You’ve done wondrous things.
You’ve been a refuge for those who’re needy;
A shelter in storms; shade from the heat.
This is the Lord, we trusted in Him,
Let us be glad and rejoice
In His salvation which He
Provided through the Lamb.
Open the blind eyes; free all the captives.
Tell them of Jesus: “Be born again!”

Song Lyrics @ Public Domain

http://originalworks.info/in-faithfulness-he-leads-me/

http://youtu.be/8r7ahtueUFk

 

[Christsfreeservant]

Taken from “Those God Foreknew,” based off Romans 8

In all things, not some things, but in all things that come into our lives, God works for the good of those who: 1) love him, and 2) have been called according to his purpose.

So, the first question we must ask is: “To whom is this referring?” To whom does this whole section of scripture apply? Who are these promises for? Are they to be applied across the board to everyone who reads this? - Or, to all those who call themselves Christian? Or, is there a specific targeted group here in mind to which these promises apply? I believe if we read through the entire chapter we can ascertain as to who are the intended recipients:

• Those who are in Christ Jesus (v. 1) – by faith (repentance & obedience)
• Those who do not live according to the sinful nature (v. 4)
• Those who live according to the Spirit (v. 4) – according to the Word of Christ
• Those who have their minds set on what the Spirit desires (v. 5)
• Those whose minds are controlled by the Spirit (v. 6) – not by the flesh
• Those who, by the Spirit, put to death the misdeeds of the body (v. 13)
• Those who are led by the Spirit of God (v. 14) – who follow God’s lead
• Those who love God (v. 28) – see 1 John 2:3; 5:3 (love=obedience)
• Those who have been called by God according to his purpose (v. 28)

We must not read through this list casually. This is very important that we read through each item prayerfully and carefully, and that we really think about what these various requirements mean. We cannot claim the promises and blessings of God in our lives if this list does not apply to us. None of us will do all of it perfectly all the time, but if we fail the test, then we fail to be the intended recipients of these promises of God… http://christsfreeservant.blogspot.com/2012/08/those-god-foreknew.html


Nothing Can Separate Us / An Original Work / March 28, 2013

Based off Romans 8:28-39

Nothing can separate us
From Christ’s love now within us:
Not trouble, hardship, nor famine,
Nor danger, nor sword.
No, in all of these things
We are more than conquerors!

For your sake we face hardship.
We are sheep to be slaughtered.
I am convinced that death,
Nor life, nor anything else
Will separate us from
The love of God now in Christ.

What, then, shall we say to this?
God for us: who against us?
He who did not spare His Son
But gave Him for us all –
How will He not, with Him,
Graciously give us all things?

Who brings a charge against us?
God justifies His chosen.
Who is He that condemns?
Christ Jesus; died, rose again.
He’s at the right hand of God,
Interceding for us.

http://youtu.be/ivLyKCXbtoo

http://originalworks.info/nothing-can-separate-us/

 

[Christsfreeservant]

God loves us so much, he sent his Son Jesus Christ to die on a cross for our sins so we could be free from eternal punishment in hell; free from slavery to sin day-to-day; and free to walk in daily fellowship with him, listening to him, and doing what he teaches us (see John 9:23-25). Yet, many people who profess his name do not give God the honor due his name. They do not show him proper respect.

Even many of the leaders in our churches show contempt for his name. How do they do this? They do this through teaching a false gospel absent of the cross, i.e. absent of death to sin and obedience to Christ’s commands. They also do this through empty praise and worship to God, for truly they are followers of humankind more than they are followers of Christ, and they live to please humankind more than they live to please Jesus Christ with their lives and ministry.

So, God is displeased with these disingenuous forms of worship. He would rather the doors of our churches be shut than for us to offer shallow forms of worship and praise to him, which may stir the emotions, but do not produce changed hearts, minds and lives for Jesus Christ. What the Lord desires of his people is that we turn from our sin, that we walk in obedience to Christ’s commands and to his teachings, and that we practice truthfulness and faithfulness in all we do, but especially in honoring him as our only God and husband. He desires that we worship him through the giving of our lives to him on the altar of sacrifice, living lives holy and pleasing to God. This is true worship, and this is the kind God requires.

The Battle for Truth / An Original Work / May 18, 2013

Based off Malachi 1-4

I love you. Honor me.
Tell the truth. You’ll be free.
Sing My praise all your days.
I will give all you need.

Turn from sin; cleansed within.
Stand in awe of My Name.
Teach what’s true. Walk in peace.
Follow Christ, in His ways.

Show to God faithfulness.
Do not be adult’rous.
Do not shed shallow tears.
Do not be insincere.

I have sent messengers,
Who have giv’n my address.
They call for repentance,
And they warn of judgment.

I, the Lord, do not change,
So return – blessings gain:
Healing comes; joyfulness;
Freedom from your distress.

http://originalworks.info/the-battle-for-truth/

http://youtu.be/vxeCtMQKbpc

 

[Christsfreeservant]

For my quiet time with the Lord Jesus this morning I read John 1:35-51. I read the passage, then took notes on the passage, but I kept feeling drawn toward a tune the Lord Jesus gave me last night, so I prayed, and then I went to the tune and asked the Lord if this passage of scripture somehow fit this tune, that he would reveal that to me, and he did.

What I see at work here is that God revealed Jesus to John, John then revealed Jesus to his disciples, and two of them followed him. One of the two immediately told his brother, who he then brought to Jesus. Jesus found Philip and said, “Follow Me,” and Philip found Nathanael and told him about Jesus. And, Jesus told Nathanael, “I saw you under a fig tree.” So, following Jesus Christ with our lives is not only about dying to sin daily and living to please our Lord in all we do and say, but it means leading others to know him, too.

Come and See / An Original Work / May 20, 2013

Based off John 1:35-51

John, the Baptist, called of God to
Make straight the way for the Lord,
Told his disciples about Jesus,
So two of them followed Him.

One of them who followed Jesus
Told his brother, Simon Peter,
Who then he brought to the Savior,
Who had told them, “Come and see.”

Jesus Christ, our Lord, Messiah,
On his way to Galilee found a man, Philip,
So he told him, “I want you to follow Me.”

Philip then found his friend,
And he told him, “We have found the one
The prophets spoke of – He is Jesus!”
Philip then said, “Come and see.”

Jesus saw the man, Nathanael,
While he sat beneath a fig tree,
Even before Philip called him,
So Nathanael did believe.

Nonetheless the Lord said,
“You believe because of what I told you.
You will see much greater things than these
If you will Come and see.”

Jesus’ calling to each one of us.
He tells us to believe in Him
As our Lord and Messiah,
And to follow where He leads.

He says we must turn from our sins,
Die to sin and self each day,
And put on our new lives in Jesus;
Bow before Him; humbly pray.

http://originalworks.info/come-and-see/

http://youtu.be/Q9fj7LhNHx8

 

[smithwood]

I composed this music. It has no words, but it's about believing.

Noval Smith - Believe @gl360 @NovalSmith #PianoWorship OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO - YouTube

 

[Christsfreeservant]

I composed this music. It has no words, but it's about believing.

Noval Smith - Believe @gl360 @NovalSmith #PianoWorship OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO - YouTube

That is absolutely beautiful! God has given you such a beautiful gift.

 

[smithwood]

That is absolutely beautiful! God has given you such a beautiful gift.

Thankyou

 

[Christsfreeservant]

Some of John’s disciples were envious of Jesus because, according to them, “That Man” was now baptizing people, and people were following him instead of following John. So, John set his disciples straight. He reminded them of what he had told them previously – that he was not the promised one to come, but he was merely sent to prepare the way for the bridegroom, Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. As well, he told them that the bride (Christ’s followers) belonged to Jesus Christ, not to John. John was joyful because the one for whom he had been sent to prepare the way had now come, and so John had completed his mission. Jesus Christ was now to become greater, and John was to become less.

Then John shared with them the crux of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus was from heaven, and he was and is above all, i.e. he was and is God. Yet, he was and is rejected by those to whom he came with his message from God (from heaven). Though he spoke and speaks the very words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit, yet many reject Christ and his gospel of salvation, so all that awaits them is God’s wrath. Yet, for those who do accept Christ’s testimony, they certify that God is truthful. And, for those who believe and who put their faith in Jesus Christ, they are given the hope of eternal life with God.

That Man / An Original Work / May 23, 2013

Based off John 3:22-36

An argument between some men
Erupted out of resentment.
They came to John and said,
“That man is baptizing everyone.
They’re going to Him.”

So, John replied, “A man can
Only receive what is given him.
You yourselves can testify that
I said, ‘I am not the Christ.
I’m sent before Him.’”

The bride belongs to the bridegroom.
His friends await and watch for Him.
They are full of joy when they hear
His voice speaking words to them.
That now is our joy!

Jesus, the One who comes from heav’n –
He testifies of forgiveness.
Yet, so many do not trust in
His words, and do not repent.
They will face judgment.

The one who trusts in Jesus Christ
Has certified that God is truth.
Jesus Christ speaks the words of God.
Those who put their faith in Him,
Eternal life gain!

http://originalworks.info/that-man/

http://youtu.be/uydU2YoLY10

 

[Christsfreeservant]

Jesus told his disciples that he was going to leave them and that they could not go with him now, but they would follow later. He told them not to be afraid, though, because he was going to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house, and that one day he would come back, at which time he would take them (us) to be with him forever. Then he assured them that he would not leave them comfortless. He would send his Holy Spirit to be in them, and the Counselor would teach them all things and remind them of everything Jesus had taught them. Yet, he also let them know that he was the only way to the Father. He said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Then, he explained to them how this new relationship with him, the Father and the Spirit works. If we love Jesus Christ, we will keep his commands, i.e. we will obey him. Whoever has his commands and keeps (obeys; holds to) them is the one who loves Jesus. If we love Jesus, we will be loved by the Father and by the Son, and he will show himself to us. If we love Jesus we will obey his teaching. The Father will love us, and the Father and the Son will make their home with us. If we do not obey Christ’s teachings, then we do not truly love him. If we do not love him, then all bets are off, i.e. none of these promises apply to us. So, love for God means keeping his commands, and his commands are not burdensome.

Do Not Fear / An Original Work / June 2, 2013

Based off John 14

Do not let your hearts fear.
Trust in God. Trust in Christ.
“In My house you will find
Many rooms I have
Prepared for you,
And I will come back
And take you to heav’n.”

“I will take you to be with Me;
You’ll be where I am.”

“I am the way and
The truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father,
Except he comes through Me,
So put your faith in Me,
And do all of what I command.”

“Whoever has My commands
And obeys them loves Me.”

“I did not leave you as orphans.
I sent you the Counselor;
The Holy Spirit to live in you.
He teaches you all things,
And He reminds you of Me.”

“My peace I give to you,
So do not fear, trust in Me.”

http://originalworks.info/do-not-fear/

 

[Christsfreeservant]

Jesus had just finished telling his disciples that he was going to leave the earth, that they could not go with him, but that they would come later. He commands us, his followers, to remain in his love, and he said that if we keep his commands, we will remain in his love. He told us we would be hated and persecuted for the sake of the name of Christ because we do not belong to the world, for he called us out of the world. He informed us that we will weep and mourn, but again we will rejoice, and no one, he stated, will take away our joy. He said that in this world we will have trouble, but we are to take heart, for He has overcome the world! And, then he prayed to the Father on the behalf of his followers, for now it was time for him to depart this world and to return to the Father.

I Pray for Them / An Original Work / June 4, 2013

Based off John 17

“Glorify Your Son, that Your Son
May glorify our God in heav’n.
Father, You granted Him all power
And all authority over men,
That He might give eternal life
To all those whom now
You have given Him.”

“This now then is eternal life:
That they may know You,
Father, and Your Son;
That they may know the only true God,
And Jesus Christ whom the Father sent.
I have brought You the glory by
Finishing the work that You’ve given Me.”

“I have shown You to those whom
You gave to Me out of the world;
They were Yours. You gave them to Me
And they have obeyed Your words
And they accepted them. They knew
That I came from You, and they believed
With certainty, I was sent.”

“Holy Father, I pray for them by the
Power of Your name: Protect them,
So that they may be one as we are,
For they are still living in this world.
I have given them Your word;
Because of Your word, the world
Has hated them.”

“I pray they may have the full measure of
My joy now living within them.
Father, I pray You sanctify them
By Your word; truly Your word is truth.
As You sent Me into the world,
I send them to tell the world to repent.”

http://originalworks.info/i-pray-for-them/

http://youtu.be/zv3UlplqUi4

 

[Christsfreeservant]

The Lord Jesus had given me a tune to write yesterday or the day before, so this morning I prayed and asked the Lord if he had words for the tune. I acknowledged before God that I could not do this. This tune would have words only if he gave them to me. Then, I heard in my mind the song “How Great Thou Art,” singing, “Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou art…”

I knew then that this song was to be about the greatness of God, and then he led me to these passages of scripture and gave me the words. How great is his love, his faithfulness, his many wondrous deeds and miracles, his purposes for mankind, his compassions, his covenant of love with those who love him, his redemptive power in his saving grace toward humankind, the promise of his soon return, and our hope of eternity with him in heaven.

Great is The Lord! / An Original Work / June 12, 2013

Based off Various Scriptures – Ps. 57:10; 89:1; 145:3; Jer. 32:19;
La. 3:22-24; Da. 9:4; Lu. 21:27; Ep. 1:19; Tit. 2:13; 1 Jn. 3:1 (NIV ’84)

Great is the Lord!
He has done wondrous things.
Great is His love
Reaching up to the heav’ns.
His faithfulness reaches
Up to the skies.
Of His great love,
I will sing evermore.

Great is the Lord
And most worthy of praise!
Truly His greatness
No one comprehends.
Great are His purposes;
Mighty His deeds.
His eyes are open
To the ways of man.

Great is the Lord!
His compassions ne’er fail.
Great is His faithfulness.
I’ll wait for Him.
He keeps His covenant
Of His great love
With all who love Him
And do what He says.

Great is the Lord!
He is coming in pow’r.
His saints will wait for Him;
Their hope secure.
How great His love
He has lavished on us,
That we should be called
The children of God.

http://originalworks.info/great-is-the-lord/

http://youtu.be/sJlZisVKg1M

 

[Christsfreeservant]

Paul said that he was compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing what would happen to him there. He said, “I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (See Ac. 20). Awesome!

A prophet named Agabus prophesied that the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem would bind Paul and would hand him over to the Gentiles. So, Paul’s friends and fellow believers in Jesus Christ pleaded with Paul not to go. And, that is when Paul said, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (See Ac. 21). And, Paul was indeed seized, beaten and they tried to kill him. He was bound with chains and was taken to the barracks. On the way there he asked the commander if he could speak to him. And, he was given permission to speak.

So, he took the opportunity to share his testimony of how he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, and of Jesus’ calling upon his life. Acts 26 expands on this more when Paul again shared his testimony, at which time he shared specifically what God had called him to do – to open the eyes of the spiritually blind, turning them from darkness (sin) to the light of Christ, and from the power of Satan to God, so they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ. And, that truly is the calling of every disciple of Christ, as Christ commanded us to go and to make disciples of Christ of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything Jesus’ commanded us.

I find great encouragement in this story, as well as a challenge to my own personal life to be truly ready to suffer and to die for my testimony for Jesus Christ, as well as to share the attitude of Paul that my life is worth nothing to me, but my only aim is to finish the race and to complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Amen! I pray I will always keep this focus in mind.

Fully Ready! / An Original Work / June 19, 2013

Based off Acts 20-22, 26; Mt. 28:18-20; Ac. 1:8

Why are you weeping and breaking my heart?
I’m fully ready to suffer for Christ.
If I must die for the sake of His name,
I am convinced it will not be in vain.
Glory to God and to His Son Jesus,
Who has redeemed us; bought with His blood.

May I speak to you? Jesus came to me;
Asked of me, “Why do you persecute me?”
He said, “Now get up and stand on your feet.
Go, and you’ll be told all I have for you.
I have appointed you as a servant,
And as a witness; you have been sent.”

“Go into the world and preach the gospel.
Open the blind eyes. They will receive sight.
Turn them from darkness to the light of Christ;
From power of the evil one to God,
So they may receive forgiveness of sins,
And a place among those who’re in heav’n.”

Fully Ready! | Original Works

http://youtu.be/5-49hO1P9Q4

 

[Christsfreeservant]

Paul said his heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites (his own people) was that they may be saved. I concur with him, in that is my desire, as well, for my family members, friends, neighbors and the people of this world to come to know Christ Jesus as Lord and as Savior of their lives, and for them to walk with him in faith and obedience to his commands.

There are many who profess Christ as Savior who are zealous to do good works. Yet, there are others who profess Christ who are just busy living to please themselves. Whether living to please self with little to no concern for others, or fully zealous for good works and Christian service, it is possible to believe you are a Christian and yet not be, because you seek to establish your own righteousness instead of submitting to God’s.

Jesus said that if anyone would come after him, he must deny (disallow) himself, take up his cross daily (die daily to sin and self) and follow (obey) him. He said if we hold on to our old lives of living in sin and to please self, we will lose them for eternity, but if we willingly die to sin and self, we will gain eternal life with God in heaven (See Lu. 9:23-26). And, the Apostle Paul, in the Spirit, said that the way we come to know Christ is by forsaking our old lives of sin and self, by being transformed in heart and mind (via the Spirit of God), and by putting on our new lives in Christ Jesus, “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (See Ep. 4:17-24). So, when we declare with our mouths that Jesus is our Lord, this is what we are declaring, and we agree with this in our hearts. Then, we are saved.

My Heart’s Desire / An Original Work / June 29, 2013

Based off Rm. 10; Lu. 9:23-26; Ep. 4:20-24

Loved Ones, Oh, my heart’s desire
Is that you might come to Jesus.
Many appear zealous for God,
But they do not trust in Him.
They have not submitted to the One
Who saved them from their sins;
Not forsaken their sins,
Nor have they obeyed their King.

The word of the Lord is near you:
The word of faith we’re proclaiming:
That you must confess your faith
In Jesus as your Lord and King:
Believe in Him as your Lord,
And follow Him where’er He leads.
Share the gospel; be a witness,
And meet others’ needs.

Beautiful are the feet of those
Who bring the good news of Jesus:
Anyone who would come to Him
Must deny himself today;
Die to sin and self, and
Let the Spirit transform you in heart;
Put on your new self in Jesus,
Yielding to the cross.

http://originalworks.info/my-hearts-desire/

http://youtu.be/598pTudaT5g