Grateful

Heavenly Father,

It is amazing that you would come down from your throne in heaven, and live and experience life as we do. As I think about the price you paid for me, Lord, I am unworthy of the love that you have shown to me. It was me.... it was my sin that nailed you to that cross. I thank you for paying my debt. Lord, I can never do anything or even come close to repaying what you did for me. Lord, I pray that you continue to change my heart, that you would continue to work on me, so that I can live for you and serve you, and get to know you in a more intimate way.

I pray this in your precious name.

Amen.

Quote from J.C. Ryle

"Election is always to sanctification. Those whom Christ chooses out of mankind, He chooses to not only to be saved, but that they may bear fruit, and it can be seen. All other election besides this is a mere vain delusion and a miserable invention of man. Where there is no visible fruit of sanctification, we may be sure there is no election."

Quote by C.H. Spurgeon

If sinners be dammed, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees. Let no one go there unwarned and unprayed for.  ---C.H. Spurgeon

Who's Standard

We are all going to be judged by God's standard someday. We cannot make the mistake of thinking we know what that standard is.  It would be wise to seek in His Word what His standard actually is.  This illustration is a great reminder.

Brian Burrell tells of an armed robber named Dennis Lee Curtis who was arrested in 1992 in Rapid City, South Dakota. Curtis apparently had scruples about his thievery. In his wallet the police found a sheet of paper on which was written the following code:

1.     I will not kill anyone unless I have to.

2.     I will take cash and food stamps—no checks.

3.     I will rob only at night.

4.     I will not wear a mask.

5.     I will not rob mini-marts or 7-Eleven stores.

6.     If I get chased by cops on foot, I will get away. If chased by vehicle, I will not put the lives of innocent civilians on the line.

7.     I will rob only seven months out of the year.

8.     I will enjoy robbing from the rich to give to the poor.

This thief had a sense of morality, but it was flawed. When he stood before the court, he was not judged by the standards he had set for himself but by the higher law of the state.

Likewise when we stand before God, we will not be judged by the code of morality we have written for ourselves but by God's perfect law.

 Brian Burrell, Words We Live By (S&S Trade, 1997)

Die for Christ/Live for Christ

In the Bible and throughout the history, we see many people who were martyred for their faith in Christ. The stoning of Stephen in Acts 7 often comes to mind.    If it came down to it, would you die for your faith in Christ?  Believers overseas are often facing perilous conditions because of their faith. May we be mindful in our prayers of those who are persecuted for their faith in Christ.  At first thought, one might say "Yeah, of course I would die for Christ" And that would be an honorable thing.

However, an important question to ask is  not only will I die for Christ, but will I live for Him.   Are you looking for ways to glorify God in your daily living?