SAVED BY GRACE ALONE!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY MAY 30, 2025.

SUBJECT : SAVED BY GRACE ALONE!

Memory verse: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2 vs 10.)

READ: Ephesians 2 vs 1 - 10:

2:1: And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

2:2: in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in sons of disobedience,

2:3: among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

2:4: But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

2:5: even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

2:6: and raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

2:7: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

2:8: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

2:9: not of works, lest anyone should boast.

INTIMATION:

It is not possible for one to live without sin. All have sinned (Romans 3 vs 9, 10 & 23). The wages of sin is spiritual death (Romans 4 vs 18, 6 vs 23), for sin separates one from God (Isaiah 59 vs 1 - 2). One is not born a sinner (Ezekiel 18 vs 20). He free-morally chooses to sin against God when he reaches the age of accountability, that is, the age at which one can make a rational free-moral decision concerning right or wrong in reference to God’s law. Therefore, one becomes dead in trespasses and sins as a result of choices that conflict with God’s law.

Before the coming of Christ, man had lived in the state of rebellion by following after the desires of this world. Man lived as though the present world was all there was. They had no feeling of accountability before God in reference to their behavior. They allowed the desires of the flesh to be satisfied without feeling consciously guilty of the sin against God. Their conscience was not controlled by belief in God before whom they would have to give account for their behavior. Satan is the ruler of those who have given themselves over to follow after the lusts of the world. Those who make decisions, and live without considering the Will of God, are often living and making decisions according to the will of Satan. 

The problem of being human is the fact that we cannot live in a manner that is sinless before God. Therefore, we cannot live in a manner that would merit the mercy of God. The justice of God stands on the fact that He has extended mercy to those who have sought Him by faith. God’s mercy has been extended toward man because of His great love for all men. Those who sin against God will reap the consequences of their sin if they do not respond to the love of God. Mercy is not given out of debt, but out of love and grace. Man can be saved from condemnation in sin only by the grace of God wherein God reaches forth with mercy to redeem those who cannot legally justify themselves through perfect keeping of law or meritorious deeds. 

The dictionary definition of grace is; beauty, kindness, good-will, mercy, reprieve, and pardon. God's grace will then be His beauty; kindness; good-will; mercy; reprieve; and pardon for sinful humanity. These attributes of God are freely, and undeservedly given to sinful humanity. Grace therefore, is the free, and unmerited power of God available to sinful humanity to meet our needs without any costs to us. it is received by believing rather than through any human efforts. 

The simple and uncomplicated nature of God's grace, and being a free gift, makes many people to miss it. There is nothing more powerful than grace. In fact, everything in the Bible—salvation, the infilling of the Holy Spirit, fellowship with God, and victory in our daily lives and so on—are based upon the grace of God. Without grace, we are nothing, we have nothing, and can do nothing. If it were not for the grace of God, we would all be miserable and hopeless. 

In our memory verse, the apostle Paul tells us that everything we are and do and have is by the grace of God. You and I are one hundred percent helpless without the grace of God. The writer of Hebrews tells us that our works were prepared for us by God and finished from the foundation of the world (Hebrews 4 vs 3).

We should start each day by saying, ‘Here I am, Lord, ready for whatever You have for me to do. I empty myself, as much as I know how, to allow Your grace to flow in my life, to cause me to be able to do whatever it is that You desire of me. I cast myself totally upon You. I can be only what You allow me to be, I can have only what You will for me to have, I can do only what You empower me to do, and each victory is to Your glory, not mine.’

Prayer: Abba Father, I thank You, most precious Redeemer, for Your grace made available to me. There is nothing I can do to pay for what You did, and is doing for me. Give me the grace to lead a life inherent in good works, and total dedication to You, in Jesus' Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

THE BOOK OF THE LAW—THE BIBLE!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

THURSDAY MAY 29, 2025.

SUBJECT : THE BOOK OF THE LAW—THE BIBLE!

Memory verse: "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth; but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1 - 8.)

READ: Psalms 1 vs 1 - 3: 

1:1: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.

1:2: But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law he meditates day and night.

1:3: He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season; whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

INTIMATION:

The Bible is the comprehensive book regarded as the ultimate authority on the subject of the solemn declaration of the Will of God—the Word of God. It contains the engagement entered into between God and man. These declaration is called Testament and the engagement is known as covenant. The Bible is the ultimate authority detailing the engagement entered into between God and man, either that with Moses (as expressed in the Old Testament) or that instituted by Christ (as expressed in the New Testament). 

The Bible has been with us for more than two thousand years, and the early books of the Old Testament have existed almost twice that long. Its enduring life attests not only to its great spiritual treasures but also to its amazing stories, astonishing miracles, and intriguing facts that continue to grip readers today. Even today, the modern scholar or scientist is hard-pressed to provide a logical, natural explanation for the events described in the Bible. We must rely on the Bible authors' interpretations to shed light on otherwise inconceivable happenings. Their confident understanding of these events point us beyond ourselves to consider the One who created all things.

It is thrilling to examine how God has providentially guarded His word in order to provide His word for men of all ages in written form. The very fact that the Bible has survived schemes to destroy it, gives witness to the fact that it has been held in great esteem by men throughout all history. Regardless of all attacks against it, the Bible lives in the hearts of those who have been changed by its precepts and promises. 

No other book has been preserved throughout history as the Bible. The manner by which the Bible has been providentially preserved indicates that there is something different about this book than all ancient books. If the Bible were just another book, we would at least had wondered why men have given so much attention to preserving it. Our conclusion is the great care by which the Bible has been preserved lies in the fact that men have considered the Bible to be more than another book. Those who have sought to preserve the Bible have given their testimony that it is the inspired word of God. 

A man has deprived himself of the best knowledge in the world if he has deprived himself of the knowledge of the Bible. On the foundation of this book, civilizations have been built and sustained. Only through the Bible can we understand who God is and what we must do to please Him. The Word of God is special revelation from God of Himself, and is the solemn declaration of His Will. And the Will of God is the expression of God. 

The Bible is God’s book of instruction for all people. It contains the written word of God. No other written words have affected so many people for so long in history. The reason for this is that men know the Bible is God’s truth that was revealed to direct our beliefs and behavior. No word from God can ever be defaulted. There never can be any denying of His own Word. Every Word of God is pure, and forever God’s Word is settled in heaven. The Word of God shall stand forever. His Word is eternal, constant, and unfailing. And only on God’s eternal Word will we find lasting solutions to our problems and needs. Our confidence is built in that Word that cannot be broken. 

The Bible is a library of sixty-six Holy Spirit inspired books and letters. It is written by over forty inspired men over a period of 1,500 years. Though written by so many different people over a period of many centuries, there are no contradictions in the original writings of the Bible. The theme is the eternal salvation of man through the sacrificial offering of Jesus, the Son of God. God seeks through the Bible to inform all men concerning His desire to bring them into eternal heaven. 

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of constant meditation in Your Word, that the Book of the Law will not depart from me. Give me the grace to put to work all I have learned from the Book, that I may prosper and have good success, in Jesus' Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

When God Goes Against His Will

 When God Goes Against His Will

But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death. (1 Samuel 2:25)

The sons of Eli the priest would not obey their father when he rebuked them for their sin. There are three implications of this text for our lives.

1) It is possible to sin so long and so grievously that the Lord will not grant repentance. 

That is why Paul said that after all our pleading and teaching, “God may perhaps grant them repentance” — not, “will grant them repentance” (2 Timothy 2:25). There is a “too late” in the life of sin. As it says of Esau in Hebrews 12:17, “He found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.” He was forsaken; he could not repent.

This does not mean that those who truly repent even after a whole lifetime of sinning cannot be saved. They certainly can be, and will be! God is staggeringly merciful. Remember the thief on the cross. Jesus said to him, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). 

2) Sometimes God does not permit a sinning person to do what is right. 

“But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death.” Listening to the voice of their father was the right thing to do. But they would not. Why? “For it was the will of the Lord to put them to death.” 

The reason given for why they did not obey their father was that God had other purposes for them, and had given them up to sinning and death. This shows that there are times when the will of God’s decree is different from the revealed will of God’s command.

3) Sometimes our prayers for God’s revealed will to be done will not be done because God has decreed something different for holy and wise purposes.

I suppose that Eli prayed for his sons to be changed. That is how he should have prayed. But God had decreed that Hophni and Phinehas not obey, but rather be slain. 

When something like this happens (which we do not ordinarily know ahead of time) while we are crying out to God for change, the answer of God is not: “I don’t love you.” Rather the answer is: “I have wise and holy purposes in not overcoming this sin and not granting repentance. You do not see these purposes now. Trust me. I know what I am doing. I love you.”

Child of God by Dax

 

The Payout for Patience

 The Payout for Patience

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive.” (Genesis 50:20)

The story of Joseph in Genesis 37–50 is a great lesson in why we should have faith in the sovereign, future grace of God. 

Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, which must have tested his patience tremendously. But he is given a good job in Potiphar’s house in Egypt. Then, when he is acting uprightly in the unplanned place of obedience, Potiphar’s wife lies about his integrity and has him thrown into prison — another great trial to his patience. 

But again things turn for the better, and the prison keeper gives him responsibility and respect. But just when he thinks he is about to get a reprieve from Pharaoh’s cupbearer, whose dream he interpreted, the cupbearer forgets him for two more years. Another painful trial to his patience.

Finally, the meaning of all these detours and delays becomes clear. Joseph is raised up to be the leader of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. He ends up saving from starvation the very brothers who sold him into slavery. Joseph says to his long-estranged brothers, “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. . . . As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” (Genesis 45:7; 50:20).

What would have been the key to patience for Joseph during all those long years of exile and abuse? The answer is: faith in God’s sovereign, future grace — the sovereign grace of God to turn the unplanned place and the unplanned pace into the happiest ending imaginable.

That’s the key to our patience as well. Do we believe that God is working for us in the strangest and most painful turns of our lives?

WHEN GOD SEEMS FAR AWAY FROM YOU!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

WEDNESDAY MAY 28, 2025.

SUBJECT: WHEN GOD SEEMS FAR AWAY FROM YOU! 

Memory verse: "Why do You stand afar off, O LORD? Why do You hide in times of trouble? (Psalm 10 vs 1.)

READ: Psalm 13 vs 1 - 6:

13:1: How long, O Lord? Will You forget me for ever? How long will You hide Your face from me?

13:2: How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long will my enemy be exalted over me?

13:3: Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: Enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death.

13:4: Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him”; lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

13:5: But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

13:6: I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me.

INTIMATION:

It is natural for the believers to feel that God has distanced Himself from us when we are in trouble. The fact is that God has not distanced Himself from us. We have moved away from Him. The fact is that God is transcendent, but He also allows life and nature to continue their natural courses. God knows the end from the beginning, perfect in timing, and works all things together for good, achieving His predetermined purposes even in the midst of troubles. The believer must remember that God does not move away from him in time of trouble. 

For instance, Job wondered why God would allow great calamity to come upon him if He were a God who is transcendent in the affairs of man (Job 13 vs 24). He never knew God’s purpose of allowing Satan to bring the calamities his way, but at the end Job was better off than he was from the beginning of his troubles. 

In our memory verse, the psalm writer said, “Why do you hide in times of trouble?” To him God seemed far away. But even though the writer had honest doubts, he did not stop praying or conclude that God no longer cared. He was not complaining but simply asking God to hurry to his aid. It is during those times when we feel most alone or oppressed that we need to keep praying, telling God about our troubles.

Sometimes all we need to do is talk over a problem with a friend to help put it in perspective. God is such a friend. Just like David expressed his feelings to God and found strength. By the end of his prayer, he was able to confess hope and trust in God. Through prayer we can express our feelings and talk our problems out with God. He helps us regain the right perspective, and this gives us peace. 

In times of distress, some of us frequently claim that God is slow to act on their behalf. Yes we often feel this same impatience. Our duty, however, is to continue to trust God no matter how long we have to wait for God’s help or justice to be realized. When you feel impatient, always remember to put your faith in God’s unfailing love. 

In the passage we read today, David was faithful to God and trusted wholeheartedly in Him, but he felt the pressure of his problems as much as anyone. Instead of giving up or giving in, however, David held on to his faith. In times of despair, it is much harder to hold on than to give up. But if you give up on God, you give in to a life of despair. 

Let your feelings not be controlled by the events around you, but rather by faith in God’s ability to give you strength. When nothing makes sense, and when troubles seem more than you can bear, remember that God gives strength. Take your eyes off your difficulties and look to God who controls all circumstances. 

Prophet Habakkuk says in Habakkuk 3 vs 17 - 19: “Although the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be in the vines; though the labour of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like bear's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.”

God will give His followers strength and confidence in difficult times. They will run surefooted as deer across rough and dangerous terrain. At the proper time, God will bring about His justice and completely rid the world of evil. In the meantime God’s people need to live in the strength of His Spirit, confident in His ultimate victory over evil. God is our refuge even in the midst of total destruction. He is not merely a temporary retreat, He is our eternal refuge and can provide strength in any circumstance. 

Prayer: Abba Father, You are Omniscient, Omnipresent, and Omnipotent. There is nothing difficult nor impossible with You, and You control all circumstances. I will cast all my cares on You because You cares for me. In all circumstances You are my only God. Whatever You can’t do for me let it remain undone, whatever You can’t give me may I never have it. Daily I empty myself before You for whatever You have for me, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Authentic vs. Phony Faith

 Authentic vs. Phony Faith

Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:28)

The question before us all is: Are we included in the “many” whose sins Christ bore? And will we be saved at his second coming? 

The answer of Hebrews 9:28 is, “Yes,” if we are “eagerly waiting for him.” We can know that our sins are taken away and that we will be safe in the judgment, if we trust Christ in such a way that it makes us eager for his coming.

There is a phony faith that claims to believe in Christ, but is only a fire insurance policy. Phony faith “believes” only to escape hell. It has no real desire for Christ. In fact, it would prefer if he did not come, so that we can have as much of this world’s pleasures as possible. This shows that a heart is not with Christ, but with the world.

So, the issue for us is: Do we eagerly long for the coming of Christ? Or do we want him to stay away, while our love affair with the world runs its course? That is the question that tests the authenticity of faith.

Let us be like the Corinthians as we “wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:7), and like the Philippians whose “citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

That’s the issue for us. Do we love his appearing? Or do we love the world and hope that his appearing will not interrupt our plans? Eternity hangs on this question.