We are...
God’s creation
all that we are, all that we have, all of our being, all of our substance...
we all came from God
the God of the Bible
the God of all creation
but all we like sheep have gone astray
a once perfect creation
marred by the terrible guilt and stain of sin
God’s servants
created for the purpose of serving our Creator God
to honor Him with all of our being
to do that which pleases Him
yet we do not obey, we do not serve Him as we ought
we serve our own selves, our own desires, our own thoughts
God’s people
redeemed by God and bought with a price
of great unfathomable cost to the God who made us, the God we have failed to serve
the only begotten Son of God Jesus Christ our Savior, given on behalf of our sins
to wash and cleanse us
to bring us back to God
to make us His people, His children
saved and held by His grace and love and mercies
forever and ever
Amen
Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good and His mercies endureth forever...
posted by ben 8:10 PM[edit]
Thursday, April 20, 2006
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. I Timothy 2:15
Abstain from all appearance of evil. I Thessalonians 5:22
Faithful is He who calleth you, who also will do it. I Thessalonians 5:24
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16
Men ought always to pray and not to faint. Luke 18:1
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much his eyes into heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified... Luke 18:13-14
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and mind and soul and strength... Mark 12:30
posted by ben 11:23 PM[edit]
Sunday, August 28, 2005
The Happiness equation.
I. A formula that seldom works
Happiness = $$ in the bank + popularity+ (1/size of wasteline) + (# of wins by home team) + square footage of home + (number of gadgets owned) + coolnes of car + more and more and more ....
Proverbs 27:20
Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man.
II. The formula that never fails
Happiness = 100% forgiveness of sins through Christ Jesus
Psalm 32:1
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
posted by ben 9:47 PM[edit]
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. Psalm 32:1-2
True happiness can be found in the forgiveness of one's sins. Lasting joy can only come to those who have experienced God's mercies. We live in a world where people so often search for happiness in the wrong places, in money, in worldly pleasures and entertainments, careers, in other individuals, even in themselves. We were created in God's image and designed to have fellowship with Him. Sin has broken that fellowship and brought pain and sadness to this world. God sent His Son Jesus to restore our relationship to Himself that we might have joy once again.
posted by ben 6:42 AM[edit]
Monday, January 12, 2004
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Matthew 12:37
A simple yet important thought to consider next time you "blog" something to the web. The present technology has evolved to a point where the consciesness of people can be publicly displayed for all to behold, both the good and more often the bad. Hard drives and the internet have a way of making things we "say/post" somewhat permament. There is a "Hard Drive" in heaven. God records not just everything we say and do, but every thought will be held accountable to Him. That is one "Hard Drive" we can not erase ourselves. I tremble at the thought of having to give an account to God, who has recorded everything I have ever said, done or thought for I know I would surely be condemned. But thankfully there is One, who stands for me. One who has made it possible for God to "erase" everything in that "Hard Drive". As far as the east is from the west, so have you removed our sins from us. God sent His Son Jesus into this world, so we could pass through God's judgement. He shields us from the wrath of God we deserve, because He Himself endured God's judgement on our behalf. Praise God we can now come boldly to that throne of grace because of the work, the marvelous, fantastic and wonderful work of God's Son Jesus Christ.
posted by ben 9:33 PM[edit]
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
God will save every sinner who comes to Him for forgiveness through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Problem is, there aren't too many sinners in this world. Sure there are lots of people who would admit that they aren't perfect and have made their share of mistakes, but to admit that you are a sinner, a person unworthy of the least of God's kindness, that's a difficult thing to do. We have so much pride, though we try to hide it. We love ourselves so much. We occupy ourselves with the things of this world which do not bring any lasting pleasure. I'm so guilty of it myself. I know God's word and yet I find myself falling short. Only by the grace of God do I stand, only by His mercies do I live and breath and continue to have my being. God is so good to me, though often in my sinful heart I find myself complaining or wanting more, coveting the things of this world. As scripture says, O wretched man that I am, I do not the things that I should, and do the things that I shouldn't. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is often so weak. Thanks be to God for His mercies through His Son Jesus Christ the Saviour of sinners.
I often struggle with thoughts consumed by worthless things. Though they are not sinful in themselves, the enjoyment that comes from following sports, the obsessive preoccupation with them is. Thankfully, the Bible says that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Thank you Lord Jesus, that I can do all things through you who gives me strength, even pull away from an addiction to sports and entertainment. Lord help me to be strong as you promised in your Word, you are the author and finisher of my faith, and you will never leave me nor forsake me. Lord continue to bless our family, help me to be a good and strong example to them. I pray for their salvation, that they may know and love you and trust you and follow you. I also pray for all of our friends.
I John tells us that friendship with the world is enmity with God. We are not to love this world or the things of this world. The creation itself is not bad, in fact when God created this world He pronounced it good. What makes it bad is when we take something no matter how good it may be, ahead of God. God deserves our total love and attention. He deserves all of our praise and adoration.
Delight thyself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
As the deer pants for the waters so my so longeth after thee.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.
I believe through Jesus I can do all these things. For with man it is impossible, but with
God all things are possible.
I confess again that I am so often consumed by worldly things, particularly again by sports and entertainment. Especially with this high tech age we live in, with the internet and instant news and communication, it's easy to feed your addiction if you are a news, sports, and entertainment addict. The Lord made all these things, and we can use them for His glory as we are commanded to do. The Lord has given us skills to use for His praise. The Bible says whether therefore we eat or drink or whatever we do to do all to the glory of God.
We need to serve God in the place He has put us. I thank the Lord that I am a husband and father, that He has blessed me with a job and a place in our church, and that he has blessed us with family and friends. I pray that I can serve the Lord in every area of my life, from my time with family, to my time at church and at work and even in my time by myself, especially, when no one is watching and I am accountable to only myself, though God is watching at all times.
God is faithful and true to all of His promises. My prayer is for His praise, honor and glory and for His mercies towards those whom I so dearly love, and to my self. Thanks to the Lord.
I hope to use this as a vehicle for honoring the Lord and occupying my time in meditating on things which are above. Medititating on God's Word, His goodness and especially His wonderful and glorious Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
posted by ben 9:11 PM[edit]
Friday, November 28, 2003
Thanksgiving Day Holidays. Thank the Lord for His mercies and kindness towards us.
posted by ben 12:51 PM[edit]
Wednesday, December 25, 2002
Christmas Day, 2002. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
For mercies untold, for peace, life and kindness and hope which is sure and eternal in the Savior, Christ Jesus the Lord.
posted by ben 4:43 PM[edit]