Author: billyb
Posted Jan 17 2010 04:52:19am
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And I have seen no better version! Thank you. Without getting real deep in discussion, I believe many will answer for the emphasis that has been put on bigger, better, etc, and poor amongst us are losing homes, medicine can not be bought, and many other things of that nature. How much plainer could it have possibly been given to us? Thanks sis, you said it well. billy |
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Author: leeinnyc
Posted Jan 17 2010 05:07:28pm
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Hello Billy,
Thank you for your comment! :)
Because I was writing late at night, I forgot to end with the cross! :(
And I had an unfortunate encounter with a homeless man today which required repentance on my part. As soon as I sinned, the rain came down (literally).
Many blessings to you in Christ,
Lee |
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Author: leeinnyc
Posted Jan 17 2010 05:29:30pm
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God, Himself, is subjected to humiliation as described in Philippians 2:5-12:
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed
not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence
continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling...
Because Jesus humbled Himself, God exalted Him. The lamb of God is slaughtered on our behalf.
If God desires fear and trembling from us, it is because He desires us to be cleansed and purified and ultimately He wants us to shine as diamonds and become a beautiful bride. Psalm 45:11 says:
The king is enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord.
And James 4:8 says:
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Here are some other relevant verses related to "trembling":
Hosea 3:5
Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days.
Micah 7:16-18
Nations will see and be ashamed,
deprived of all their power.
They will lay their hands on their mouths
and their ears will become deaf.
They will lick dust like a snake,
like creatures that crawl on the ground.
They will come trembling out of their dens;
they will turn in fear to the LORD our God
and will be afraid of you.
Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.
2 Corinthians 7:15
And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling.
Blessings to all! |
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Author: leeinnyc
Posted Jan 18 2010 07:42:14pm
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I sensed that my emphasis on "fear and trembling" alluded to the "fire and brimstone" messages of the past, which was not really my intent. Although the wrath of God is true and forthcoming (for those who have not repented), let's leave that for another blog (or hopefully another blogger). Rather, I tried to get at the beautiful condition of someone who has "fear and trembling" in their heart. Children often have "fear and trembling" on their lips, they are completely vulnerable and at the mercy of adults and totally submitted to the parents' loving authority with full trust in their wide eyes - provided that the parents have truly loved them. (I don't have children, but I see what an enormous and awesome responsibility has been given to parents!) This condition of humility (repentance) is what is so precious in God's eyes. Isaiah 42:3 says:
3 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice
When someone is humbled before the Lord, know that He looks upon the son and daughter with prodigal love - know that God, our Father, is moved to great compassion and desires to lavish upon him all the spiritual blessings of heaven.
If the child is rebellious and proud, God does not forsake him (remember, not one sheep is lost) but there will be suffering and affliction to bring him around. Hebrews 12:6 says:
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
Oftentimes, this is me. Yet, I stand in the confidence that I'm a child of God because the veil that separated me from God has been torn. Because Jesus was crushed for my iniquities and endured the wrath of God on my behalf for my sins, I can now draw near to God without fear of rejection.
And so we return to James and his concern for the vulnerable. The caring of the poor and needy is like the sacrament of the Lord's Supper - an act of worship. The work of mercy points to the cross, to Jesus Christ. It's all about Jesus and His glory. |
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