A Word in season...

(Proverbs 15:23) “…a word in season, how good it is!”

How often have we heard the phrase, “a word in season”? Just when all hope seems to want to breathe its last, our great God and King steps in on His white horse. Our Valiant to the rescue! I believe if we actually realized how often this actually happen on any given day we would be left dumbstruck. It is just the times that we are left to our own devises, when we look to do it our way, which really gets me down. Why? Because I realize I am not the person I was hoping to be. I think this probably has been my greatest disappointment in life. From an early age kicking the soccer ball with my father in the back garden, left me feeling as if I didn’t quite make the grade. What has changed? I am not quite sure anything has changed, physiologically that is. My brain still grasping for something it will never attain too, to be someone I am not. Then with the pressure of those around who feel you also should be acting differently, the way you are doing things is not quite right, etc. Brothers and friends squeezing you for something you are incapable of giving, we all are what we are by the grace of God. Maybe it’s time to stop pretending and to just trust on the Lord’s finished work.

So instead of looking to destroy what Christ has accomplished, as we continually remind ourselves that we are not worthy to enter into His presents on our own merits, which of course is very true, it is a “finished” work, and nothing anyone does or doesn’t do will add or subtract from what Christ accomplished on Calvary. He alone conquered hell, death and the grave. He alone opened the door to eternal life for all those who would acknowledge His accomplishments and those who would believe on the resurrection.

And yes there was yet another slip for me as I ended up doing something I should never have done, so what now? I have one of two choices, I can continue to beat myself up reminding myself how useless I am as a sinner or I can take Charles Spurgeon daily devotion, “a word in season” as direction from my God and seek His forgiveness and believe in Christ finished work and stop pretending to be something I am not. By God’s grace I will seek out the latter.

“The Lord our Righteousness.”

- Jer_23:6

“It will always give a Christian the greatest calm, quiet, ease, and peace, to think of the perfect righteousness of Christ. How often are the saints of God downcast and sad! I do not think they ought to be. I do not think they would if they could always see their perfection in Christ. There are some who are always talking about corruption, and the depravity of the heart, and the innate evil of the soul. This is quite true, but why not go a little further, and remember that we are “perfect in Christ Jesus.” It is no wonder that those who are dwelling upon their own corruption should wear such downcast looks; but surely if we call to mind that “Christ is made unto us righteousness,” we shall be of good cheer. What though distresses afflict me, though Satan assault me, though there may be many things to be experienced before I get to heaven, those are done for me in the covenant of divine grace; there is nothing wanting in my Lord, Christ hath done it all. On the cross he said, “It is finished!” and if it be finished, then am I complete in him, and can rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, “Not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” You will not find on this side heaven a holier people than those who receive into their hearts the doctrine of Christ’s righteousness. When the believer says, “I live on Christ alone; I rest on him solely for salvation; and I believe that, however unworthy, I am still saved in Jesus;” then there rises up as a motive of gratitude this thought-”Shall I not live to Christ? Shall I not love him and serve him, seeing that I am saved by his merits?” “The love of Christ constraineth us,” “that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them.” If saved by imputed righteousness, we shall greatly value imparted righteousness.” (C.H.Spurgeon)

May God patiently and graciously continue to bear with my/our inconsistencies as we see that day approaching. Thank you Lord Jesus for being our Valiant, my Hero and always extending a helping hand when there seems to be no hope. Others may look to blotch it with good intentions but clueless application, but your touch is always perfectly timed. You alone will receive all the glory!

Just maybe it is time to let go of self, please help me Father, Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone   

The bruised reed...

It is probably the worse thing a man can do once he has been saved, to sin against God His Father at yet it seems inevitable. I suppose some sins are easy pickings, while others tend to be excused without too much fuss. Not that I would look to justify any sin as God so hated sin that He was willing to send His only Son to die for all sin to save a remnant of His creation. We know that “God so loved the world”, but we also know that not many in the context of the world will embrace the finished work of Calvary. So in the context of the billions that have lived; the word, the “remnant”, is a good choice.

With that said; what of the parable of the sower? How do so many fit into this parable, how do I fit in? Will the cares of this life eventually choke all the hope I have, God knows! The Apostle Paul had this to say about his example living as a man claiming to be a Christian; “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1Corinthians 9:25-27) – I most certainly cannot claim what he was able to claim. My life has been full of so many bad choices and I never seem to put off this “body of death” which continues to lure me into the same traps and the very same mistakes.

What is a man to do O great Jehovah? One could never denounce the work of Calvary as it is obvious what you have done to save the lost, it is also obvious what Christ had to endure to make away for sinners to find repentance in and through His sacrifice. But the times I have disappointed you is unbearable, the times I have sinned against you is too much to bear. Please forgive me Father God! I have no excuse I am guilty as charged, nothing I do or say will excuse my guilt. You alone know my end!

Both vessels of honour and dishonour will ultimately glorify your name; “Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory--.” (Romans 9:21-23)

As I sit in this dark dreary pit I pray please forgive me and do not cast me to the dogs, I alone kneel and call for your mercy, and I never seem to change. Thank you Father for Jesus Christ the Lord, thank you for His finished work, He never changes, He is truly worthy of all praise, Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone

With much heaviness...

Whether I wish to acknowledge it or not, there has been a particular pattern to my life and it seems to never ultimately change; I may be strong for a time in the Lord finding grace and commitment in part to what I have been called to do, obey! But then the wheels come off with debauchery allowed into the playground. Sin acceptable if only for a time, nevertheless alive and well with its voice dictating and influencing my actions. Why does this constantly happen in my life? The pattern constantly repeating itself; is it there to teach me what I am doing wrong and yet I obviously keep missing the lesson. A wise man said only a fool will continue to do the same thing and expect a different result. I continue to fall in a particular area of my life and I am not sure it will ever change. My mind tells me I must change but history has shown that I cannot change. Hate is a strong word, but I hate this part of my life!

Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will make it to heaven, but he who does the will of my Father. So when I act on my weakness as a man I am contravening God’s law and I am guilty as charged. I am not doing the will of God the Father, but rather succumbing to my own lust and will. A terrible predicament and yet I finds myself again in the same place. A pattern to my life, that never seems to change, why? What am I doing wrong, now a serious consideration and can it be rectified once and for. What seems to confuse me is how can a tree bring forth both good and bad fruit? It can’t! So, maybe this now needs to be considered a little closer? “So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:17-20)

Once again to avoid a slanted view on these verses as I now examine myself in light of them, let someone else teach…

1. The illustration of this comparison, of the fruit's being the discovery of the tree. You cannot always distinguish them by their bark and leaves, nor by the spreading of their boughs, but by their fruits ye shall know them. The fruit is according to the tree. Men may, in their professions, put a force upon their nature, and contradict their inward principles, but the stream and bent of their practices will agree with them. Christ insists upon this, the agreeableness between the fruit and the tree, which is such as that, (1.) If you know what the tree is, you may know what fruit to expect. Never look to gather grapes from thorns, nor figs from thistles; it is not in their nature to produce such fruits. An apple may be stuck, or a bunch of grapes may hang, upon a thorn; so may a good truth, a good word or action, be found in a bad man, but you may be sure it never grew there. Note, [1.] Corrupt, vicious, unsanctified hearts are like thorns and thistles, which came in with sin, are worthless, vexing, and for the fire at last. [2.] Good works are good fruit, like grapes and figs, pleasing to God and profitable to men. [3.] This good fruit is never to be expected from bad men, and more than a clean thing out of an unclean: they want an influencing acceptable principle. Out of an evil treasure will be brought forth evil things. (2.) On the other hand, if you know what the fruit is, you may, by that, perceive what the tree is. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; and a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit, nay, it cannot but bring forth evil fruit. But then that must be reckoned the fruit of the tree which it brings forth naturally and which is its genuine product - which it brings forth plentifully and constantly and which is its usual product. Men are known, not by particular acts, but by the course and tenour of their conversation, and by the more frequent acts, especially those that appear to be free, and most their own, and least under the influence of external motives and inducements.

2. The application of this to the false prophets.

(1.) By way of terror and threatening (Mat_7:19); Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down. This very saying John the Baptist had used, Mat_3:10. Christ could have spoken the same sense in other words; could have altered it, or given it a new turn; but he thought it no disparagement to him to say the same that John had said before him; let not ministers be ambitious of coining new expressions, nor people's ears itch for novelties; to write and speak the same things must not be grievous, for it is safe. Here is, [1.] The description of barren trees; they are trees that do not bring forth good fruit; though there be fruit, if it be not good fruit (though that be done, which for the matter of it is good, if it be not done well, in a right manner, and for a right end), the tree is accounted barren. [2.] The doom of barren trees; they are, that is, certainly they shall be, hewn down, and cast into the fire; God will deal with them as men use to deal with dry trees that cumber the ground: he will mark them by some signal tokens of his displeasure, he will bark them by stripping them of their parts and gifts, and will cut them down by death, and cast them into the fire of hell, a fire blown with the bellows of God's wrath, and fed with the wood of barren trees. Compare this with Eze_31:12, Eze_31:13; Dan_4:14; Joh_15:6.

(2.) By way of trial; By their fruits ye shall know them.

[1.] By the fruits of their persons, their words and actions, and the course of their conversation. If you would know whether they be right or not, observe how they live; their works will testify for them or against them. The scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses's chair, and taught the law, but they were proud, and covetous, and false, and oppressive, and therefore Christ warned him disciples to beware of them and of their leaven, Mar_12:38. If men pretend to be prophets and are immoral, that disproves their pretensions; those are no true friends to the cross of Christ, whatever they profess, whose God is their belly, and whose mind earthly things, Phi_3:18, Phi_3:19. Those are not taught nor sent of the holy God, whose lives evidence that they are led by the unclean spirit. God puts the treasure into earthen vessels, but not into such corrupt vessels: they may declare God's statutes, but what have they to do to declare them?

[2.] By the fruits of their doctrine; their fruits as prophets: not that this is the only way, but it is one way, of trying doctrines, whether they be of God or not. What do they tend to do? What affections and practices will they lead those into, that embrace them? If the doctrine be of God, it will tend to promote serious piety, humility, charity, holiness, and love, with other Christian graces; but if, on the contrary, the doctrines these prophets preach have a manifest tendency to make people proud, worldly, and contentious, to make them loose and careless in their conversations, unjust or uncharitable, factious or disturbers of the public peace; if it indulge carnal liberty, and take people off from governing themselves and their families by the strict rules of the narrow way, we may conclude, that this persuasion comes not of him that calleth us, Gal_5:8. This wisdom is from above, Jam_3:15. Faith and a good conscience are held together, 1Ti_1:19; 1Ti_3:9. Note, Doctrines of doubtful disputation must be tried by graces and duties of confessed certainty: those opinions come not from God that lead to sin: but if we cannot know them by their fruits, we must have recourse to the great touchstone, to the law, and to the testimony; do they speak according to that rule? (Matthew Henry)

I do love the accuracy we find in the Word of God, my flesh hates its shackles and yet at times it breaks those restraints and sins against God. Forgive me Father for I have sinned. And on the basis of the pattern of my life, I am in fear of being cut down and cast into the fire. You alone know my eventual outcome. Please be merciful as you have it in your power to show mercy.

Signing off

Tyrone

Spurgeon

It is time to hear from others…

“Perfect in Christ Jesus.”

- Col_1:28

Do you not feel in your own soul that perfection is not in you? Does not every day teach you that? Every tear which trickles from your eye, weeps “imperfection”; every harsh word which proceeds from your lip, mutters “imperfection.” You have too frequently had a view of your own heart to dream for a moment of any perfection in yourself. But amidst this sad consciousness of imperfection, here is comfort for you-you are “perfect in Christ Jesus.” In God’s sight, you are “complete in him;” even now you are “accepted in the Beloved.” But there is a second perfection, yet to be realized, which is sure to all the seed. Is it not delightful to look forward to the time when every stain of sin shall be removed from the believer, and he shall be presented faultless before the throne, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing? The Church of Christ then will be so pure, that not even the eye of Omniscience will see a spot or blemish in her; so holy and so glorious, that Hart did not go beyond the truth when he said-

“With my Saviour’s garments on,

Holy as the Holy One.”

Then shall we know, and taste, and feel the happiness of this vast but short sentence, “Complete in Christ.” Not till then shall we fully comprehend the heights and depths of the salvation of Jesus. Doth not thy heart leap for joy at the thought of it? Black as thou art, thou shalt be white one day; filthy as thou art, thou shalt be clean. Oh, it is a marvellous salvation this! Christ takes a worm and transforms it into an angel; Christ takes a black and deformed thing and makes it clean and matchless in his glory, peerless in his beauty, and fit to be the companion of seraphs. O my soul, stand and admire this blessed truth of perfection in Christ.

Signing off

Tyrone

The root of bitterness

(Hebrews 12:15) “…that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble…”

There are times in every believer’s life we need to really focus on the Word of God and its teaching in spite of how we are feeling. The Children of Israel never doubted that they had been freed from Egypt but they began to moan about what they had left behind. Bitterness about anything in our lives likes to take us to that dark gloomy place. This very verse now knocks on my door; “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;” (Hebrews 12:15) – What I find interesting is when this root looks for life it is only because my own sin now looks for justification. Therefore in case my judgment may be clouded let me hear from another trusted brother on the topic.

“Where afflictions and sufferings for the sake of Christ are not considered by men as the chastisement of their heavenly Father, and improved as such, they will be a dangerous snare and temptation to apostasy, which every Christian should most carefully watch against (Heb_12:15, Heb_12:16): Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God, etc.

(1.) Here the apostle enters a serious caveat against apostasy, and backs it with an awful example.

[1.] He enters a serious caveat against apostasy, Heb_12:15. Here you may observe, First, The nature of apostasy: it is failing of the grace of God; it is to become bankrupts in religion, for want of a good foundation, and suitable care and diligence; it is failing of the grace of God, coming short of a principle of true grace in the soul, notwithstanding the means of grace and a profession of religion, and so coming short of the love and favour of God here and hereafter. Secondly, The consequences of apostasy: where persons fail of having the true grace of God, a root of bitterness will spring up, corruption will prevail and break forth. A root of bitterness, a bitter root, producing bitter fruits to themselves and others. It produces to themselves corrupt principles, which lead to apostasy and are greatly strengthened and radicated by apostasy - damnable errors (to the corrupting of the doctrine and worship of the Christian church) and corrupt practices. Apostates generally grow worse and worse, and fall into the grossest wickedness, which usually ends either in downright atheism or in despair. It also produces bitter fruits to others, to the churches to which these men belonged; by their corrupt principles and practices many are troubled, the peace of the church is broken, the peace of men's minds is disturbed, and many are defiled, tainted with those bad principles, and drawn into defiling practices; so that the churches suffer both in their purity and peace. But the apostates themselves will be the greatest sufferers at last.

[2.] The apostle backs the caution with an awful example, and that is, that of Esau, who though born within the pale of the church, and having the birthright as the eldest son, and so entitled to the privilege of being prophet, priest, and king, in his family, was so profane as to despise these sacred privileges, and to sell his birthright for a morsel of meat. Where observe, First, Esau's sin. He profanely despised and sold the birthright, and all the advantages attending it. So do apostates, who to avoid persecution, and enjoy sensual ease and pleasure, though they bore the character of the children of God, and had a visible right to the blessing and inheritance, give up all pretensions thereto. Secondly, Esau's punishment, which was suitable to his sin. His conscience was convinced of his sin and folly, when it was too late: He would afterwards have inherited the blessing, etc. His punishment lay in two things: 1. He was condemned by his own conscience; he now saw that the blessing he had made so light of was worth the having, worth the seeking, though with much carefulness and many tears. 2. He was rejected of God: He found no place of repentance in God or in his father; the blessing was given to another, even to him to whom he sold it for a mess of pottage. Esau, in his great wickedness, had made the bargain, and God in his righteous judgment, ratified and confirmed it, and would not suffer Isaac to reverse it.”

(2.) We may hence learn, [1.] That apostasy from Christ is the fruit of preferring the gratification of the flesh to the blessing of God and the heavenly inheritance. [2.] Sinners will not always have such mean thoughts of the divine blessing and inheritance as now they have. The time is coming when they will think no pains too great, no cares no tears too much, to obtain the lost blessing. [3.] When the day of grace is over (as sometimes it may be in this life), they will find no place for repentance: they cannot repent aright of their sin; and God will not repent of the sentence he has passed upon them for their sin. And therefore, as the design of all, Christians should never give up their title, and hope of their Father's blessing and inheritance, and expose themselves to his irrevocable wrath and curse, by deserting their holy religion, to avoid suffering, which, though this may be persecution as far as wicked men are concerned in it, is only a rod of correction and chastisement in the hand of their heavenly Father, to bring them near to himself in conformity and communion. This is the force of the apostle's arguing from the nature of the sufferings of the people of God even when they suffer for righteousness' sake; and the reasoning is very strong. (Matthew Henry)

Signing off

Tyrone

Christianity is not a sprint...

(Hebrews 12:1) “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

It is rather intriguing the way God the Holy Spirit uses various means to speak to God’s children. Sometimes it is the unlikeliest places we find His direct voice as it gives us clear direction. We often like to second guess His voice as we are yet carnal in many ways. This then is what I received this morning, it was the very first think I read in the dubious of places and I quote; “Although it should not happen, occasionally the Born Again believer may find that they have lost their way. If this is you, the critical thing is to accept your weakness, then draw from the strength of Jesus AND TURN AWAY from whatever it was that tripped you. It is not the one who says the sinner's prayer who will be saved, but the one who says it, believes it, and ENDURES TO THE END. This is vastly different from the false feel-good gospel that is so commonly preached today!” (Allen Hemphill - Facebook) – Very wise words on many levels; we shouldn’t lose our way but we may have… if so - do this; accept ones weakness and turn away (repent) looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; it isn’t simply about words but actions will win the day. It will take endurance to finish the race. Not everyone who says Lord, Lord haven’t I done this in your name will make it.

It would be good for us to remember why we are in this race; whilst I was a boy at school on occasion I was asked to run middle distance races, not on any great level but inter-house seemed to need my participation. During the race I often ask myself this question, what on earth am I doing running this middle distance race as it is not my forte. I never even placed and it seemed such a waste of time. I wonder how often we “in type” feel the same way as Christians. It wasn’t until I got my national service call-up papers and I eventually found myself in Oudtshoorn’s Infantry School that I learnt something about myself that I never knew. I actually could run, but never believed it and never push myself to my limit. As an English speaking individual with the surname Arthur and with my black belt instead of a brown one, we marines stood out like sore thumbs! We were easy pickings for the Afrikaans army instructors and the only way to silence them was to beat everyone else in the 2,4km race we were often forced to run.

I suppose once I had decided that I was going to make the most of my National service it got a lot easier, not that the training got any easier but my mind-set allowed me to be the best I could be. That leaves me with this question, why are we Christian? I am a Christian because I believe without the finished work of Calvary I would be lost in a dismal place, the Lake of Fire, without God and in constant torment. A thought too horrific to consider! But God in His goodness and mercy in spite of myself had mercy on me and opened my eyes to His Son’s sacrifice, but more specifically His sacrifice for me. What now should my response be? This race was never intended as an easy ride, but if we all come to this conclusion; wherever He will lead I will follow. That does not mean that life will be easy, it won’t be! Regardless of what He has in store for us, it will certainly be worth it all!

As Christians who then are we? We are children of the living God…

“Your heavenly Father.”

- Mat_6:26

God’s people are doubly his children, they are his offspring by creation, and they are his sons by adoption in Christ. Hence they are privileged to call him, “Our Father which art in heaven.” Father! Oh, what precious word is that. Here is authority: “If I be a Father, where is mine honour?” If ye be sons, where is your obedience? Here is affection mingled with authority; an authority which does not provoke rebellion; an obedience demanded which is most cheerfully rendered-which would not be withheld even if it might. The obedience which God’s children yield to him must be loving obedience. Do not go about the service of God as slaves to their taskmaster’s toil, but run in the way of his commands because it is your Father’s way. Yield your bodies as instruments of righteousness, because righteousness is your Father’s will, and his will should be the will of his child. Father!-Here is a kingly attribute so sweetly veiled in love, that the King’s crown is forgotten in the King’s face, and his sceptre becomes, not a rod of iron, but a silver sceptre of mercy-the sceptre indeed seems to be forgotten in the tender hand of him who wields it. Father!-Here is honour and love. How great is a Father’s love to his children! That which friendship cannot do, and mere benevolence will not attempt, a father’s heart and hand must do for his sons. They are his offspring, he must bless them; they are his children, he must show himself strong in their defence. If an earthly father watches over his children with unceasing love and care, how much more does our heavenly Father? Abba, Father! He who can say this, hath uttered better music than cherubim or seraphim can reach. There is heaven in the depth of that word-Father! There is all I can ask; all my necessities can demand; all my wishes can desire. I have all in all to all eternity when I can say, “Father.” (C.H.Spurgeon)

Signing off

Tyrone

And God said...

(Romans 3:10) "None is righteous, no, not one;”

The on-going dilemma of this battle between right and wrong will haunt me until the day I die, I am persuaded of it. But outside of Christ what does it all amount too? A lot of worthless babble! A man may hold his tongue for many years but then one day it may slip and all his good work will be forgotten as he will be condemned as a slanderer. It happens to criminals throughout; they serve their sentence but still they are classes as convicts. People like to remember the sins of others justifying themselves.

I have concluded that as sinners, we all make up our own minds on how much sin we are willing to live with on a daily basis. This then varies between individuals, with undoubtedly upbringing and culture playing its part… Take Jacob Zuma the South African President for instance, he is a Zulu and although the law of the land states that a man can only marry one woman at a time, a divorce decree must first be issued before they may marry again. His culture teachers and permits multiple marriages and so he has many wives and still as president continues to marry new wives. The public has much to do about this and much is said, mainly condemning him for his actions. Does this bother him? I am not sure it does, it would be hard to speak for another but I would think neither would his own conscience condemn him; amongst his people, the Zulu’s, he was committed no crime.

Then on the other hand take the “big game hunters” throughout any part of the world, those who pay top dollar to hunt the “big five”, does their conscience plague them when they shoot a lion or a majestic leopard? I doubt it; in fact they well up with pride as they achieve their goal mounting the heads of their kill on their walls, while nature lovers despise even the thought of hunting such animals.

What then of abortion and such topics? It is now legal to abort a child in South Africa; The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act was passed in 1997 in South Africa, providing abortion on demand for a variety of cases. The list could go on, everyone a judge in their own right, everyone with an opinion, and yet sin reigns supreme in the lives of all. 

This then is the reckoning of God; this is how God views all those not covered by his Son, the Lord Jesus; all those who refuse to repent and believe in and on the finished work of Calvary; “as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one;” (Romans 3:10) – but some may say, what about all the good I have done in my life surely the good will out way the bad? This then is God’s view on your reasoning; “Though I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, yet if he trusts in his righteousness and does injustice, none of his righteous deeds shall be remembered, but in his injustice that he has done he shall die.” (Ezekiel 33:13) – All it takes is just one sin and we will be remembered for the injustice to our lives with hell our eminent doom. That is harsh some may say! It is what it is, God is not casting any popularity polls to see whether we agree with Him or not, He is who He is and His reckoning is the final authority.

There will come a day where we will all present our case before the only true God, that is not Buddha, some idol or some Greek God of old. It is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God who sent His only begotten Son to die a cruel death so that sinners might find forgiveness through His sacrifice. Outside of Christ there is no hope for the human race. Whether we agree with this or not will never change the facts; God has spoken! “Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me.” (Isaiah 45:21)

He is both righteous and a Saviour, if we will not bend our knee to Him now we will all be forced to on that day of reckoning. Let no one tell you that “love will conquer all” and that there is no hell. For all those who depend on their own works to get them to heaven will end up in hell, but for those who realise that they are indeed sinners and in need of a Saviour and find repentance in and through the only righteous man to ever live, the Lord Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, they then will escape the fiery end.

“To God be the glory now and forever more”, Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone     

 

  

O wretched man that I am!

(Romans 7:24) “Wretched man that I am!

“One Day in the House of the Lord would be more attractive than a thousand elsewhere”, is a song writers lyrics. It is a dazzling privilege to find oneself in the presents of the Lord and no one could ever dispute that. But we forget that it is also a very fearful thing for the flesh to even come near to the glory of God. Moses was bold and asked God to show himself; Moses said, "Please show me your glory." (Exodus 33:18) - This was not conceivable and so it could never be possible for any human to witness God’s Shekinah Glory, no carnal man (sinful man) has seen his face. Sin has made sure of that! John and Paul came face to face with the Lord, but Paul explains his experience like this; “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows-- and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.” (2Corinthians 12:2-4) And yet we so often hear people claiming to have had similar experiences, I think not! This kind of experience is a very big deal and it operates outside of the realm of faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

When all of God’s children get to heaven faith will no longer be needed as a tool for the battle. Moses saw the latter parts of God, he personally witnessed it. This was his experience; “And the LORD said to Moses, "This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name." Moses said, "Please show me your glory." And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'The LORD.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live." And the LORD said, "Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen." (Exodus 33:17-23)

However his experience was outside the realm of faith, he saw God’s back with his physical eyes. The Christians encounters his God through Spiritual eyes and this can only even be done through the realm of faith. Faith then is a key ingredient to get us home. Why then do we have stronger days while other days look to rob us through unbelief? The answer is once again a simple one; it is disobedience that leaves us high and dry doubting our salvation and it always linked to sin. Our own sin robs us of faith.

It is the children of Israel that teach us this lesson; “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. As it is said, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 3:12-19)

Therefore it is the sin in our lives which causes unbelief. Peter has this to say; “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” (1Peter 2:11) – It is when we give in to these passions that our faith dwindles and the possibility of not entering into the presents of the Lord is probable.

There is not one set of rules for one child and another for the other; God may deal with us differently as a result of our sin, but He is holy and so will never accommodate our sin, how could we ever expect that from Him and yet I still trudge along! How I hate this “body of death”. Will I ever find obedience in areas of my life that I seem so desperately to continually struggle?

One thing I know for sure, without God’s mercy my quest would be a useless one. I am reminded that all the children of Israel passed through the Red Sea and journeyed on into the Wilderness, but not all made it into the Promised Land. It was sin that robbed them of their goal.

What then must we cling to? Praise the name of Jesus Christ our Lord as He is our only hope; “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24)

God continue to have mercy on my soul and all those who at times finds that the light of faith begins to dwindle.

Signing off

Tyrone

   

      

     

A little leaven!

(Galatians 5:9)  “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”

All it takes is a little leaven to help bread rise and affect the entire loaf. Just a bantam needed to affect the complete loaf. What about the warnings to the ten virgins; all who claimed to be Christian are instructed to go and buy oil while it is still day? Is there any connection between leaven and lack of oil? Once again it is the mirror I look into and examine my own life and not that of another.

Where do I really stand in the bigger picture? Will I make it on that day or am I amongst the number of so many that think all will be well, but it ends up tragically, they do not make it into heaven, although they thought they might.

Now we are taught that a particular tree cannot produce both good and bad fruit, this verse has often trouble me if I honestly scrutinize my life. Over the past 24 years there has been a certain pattern to my life as a Christian. I would need to call it a “yo-yo experience” with the so many highs and lows to my life. Could it be probable that someone with so many mistakes to one’s life that they could still be named amongst the number? There must be at least a concern in my heart as I now am worried about where I actually fit into the picture of God’s equation. He is the potter and He will determine the outcome for all. And yet we are fully accountable for the decisions we make. It is a very difficult concept for me to grasp in its entirety and yet I know it is just. God is just and He has so ordained it, praise His name!

The instruction then is to come and buy oil; “But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” (Matthew 25:4) - I know that if my fruit tree does not bear any fruit it is pruned and when it does produce, it is again pruned so that more fruit may appear. Yet there is a more serious consideration, what if my tree continues to be pruned for what seems to be the old man’s way or the “body of death” always sprouting another node and then having to be cut down and cast into the fire. Just maybe it is time for a serious pruning, that branch that continue to keep its life needs to be removed entirely so that it no longer has any potential to work it mischief. May God hear my cry and forgive me for the many continuous mistake of my life, I never seem to arrive, forgive me Father God, and please forgive me my great Saviour.

The instruction that the Lord Jesus left for all who call upon His name was this and Paul confirms it; “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” (1Thessolonians 5:2) – The Apostle Paul does not mince his words, this is not merely a possibility but it is a fact; the Lord Jesus will come as a thief in the night. There is much talk about those who have His Spirit, as all of them will make it home, and I am still persuaded that this will happen because God’s Word supersedes opinions or suppositions, it is the final authority!  But who is to say of a certainty who has His Spirit and who doesn’t? The Lord Jesus taught you will know a tree by its fruit. Not all that say Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom! Who then will make it? The answer is obvious, those who do the will of the Father.

Peter teachers us that judgment will begin with the household of God; “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1Peter 4:17)

I will confess I have been found wanting and it worries me deeply. Let me make it very clear, I do not doubt God’s ability, He will achieve what He has set out to do, and that is a no brainer! Yet, both vessels of honour and dishonour are needed to bring glory to our great God’s glorious name. We would never of known his holiness if we have not seen wickedness. How would we understand the benefit of light if we never knew what it meant to grope in the dark?

Will I ever ultimately change? Will I eventually begin to suffer for doing well, God knows! I pray please have mercy on my soul, not that I have done anything to deserve my request, in fact on the contrary, on my own merits I would be the first to be disqualified. But as you O great God have it in you power to show mercy on whom you choose I pray for that mercy. Forgive me for my constant pattern of giving in to my “body of death”. How I hate it so! Please prune what needs pruning in its entirety so that my life would bring glory to you. To think that heaven will be a place without sin is such a comforting thought, a place that we no longer have to strive against falling prey to its traps.

We cannot serve two masters; I do hate the traps of the devil and yet I am still ensnared by them. I choose to serve you Father God but I am weak and in need of your help. A friend and brother reminded me of this truth.

I do not know the outcome, but you do! I place my life into your hands and ask for forgiveness for the many mistakes I currently make. Help me die so that I may live!

I do not pray for myself alone but for the many others that may be in the same predicament, please Father have mercy as you have it in your power, I ask in the mighty name of Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone

      

Son of man...

Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest?”

- Eze_15:2

These words are for the humbling of God’s people; they are called God’s vine, but what are they by nature more than others? They, by God’s goodness, have become fruitful, having been planted in a good soil; the Lord hath trained them upon the walls of the sanctuary, and they bring forth fruit to his glory; but what are they without their God? What are they without the continual influence of the Spirit, begetting fruitfulness in them? O believer, learn to reject pride, seeing that thou hast no ground for it. Whatever thou art, thou hast nothing to make thee proud. The more thou hast, the more thou art in debt to God; and thou shouldst not be proud of that which renders thee a debtor. Consider thine origin; look back to what thou wast. Consider what thou wouldst have been but for divine grace. Look upon thyself as thou art now. Doth not thy conscience reproach thee? Do not thy thousand wanderings stand before thee, and tell thee that thou art unworthy to be called his son? And if he hath made thee anything, art thou not taught thereby that it is grace which hath made thee to differ? Great believer, thou wouldst have been a great sinner if God had not made thee to differ. O thou who art valiant for truth, thou wouldst have been as valiant for error if grace had not laid hold upon thee. Therefore, be not proud, though thou hast a large estate-a wide domain of grace, thou hadst not once a single thing to call thine own except thy sin and misery. Oh! strange infatuation, that thou, who hast borrowed everything, shouldst think of exalting thyself; a poor dependent pensioner upon the bounty of thy Saviour, one who hath a life which dies without fresh streams of life from Jesus, and yet proud! Fie on thee, O silly heart!

 “Doth Job fear God for nought?”

- Job_1:9

This was the wicked question of Satan concerning that upright man of old, but there are many in the present day concerning whom it might be asked with justice, for they love God after a fashion because he prospers them; but if things went ill with them, they would give up all their boasted faith in God. If they can clearly see that since the time of their supposed conversion the world has gone prosperously with them, then they will love God in their poor carnal way; but if they endure adversity, they rebel against the Lord. Their love is the love of the table, not of the host; a love to the cupboard, not to the master of the house. As for the true Christian, he expects to have his reward in the next life, and to endure hardness in this. The promise of the old covenant is adversity. Remember Christ’s words-”Every branch in me that beareth not fruit”-What? “He purgeth it, that it may bring forth fruit.” If you bring forth fruit, you will have to endure affliction. “Alas!” you say, “that is a terrible prospect.” But this affliction works out such precious results, that the Christian who is the subject of it must learn to rejoice in tribulations, because as his tribulations abound, so his consolations abound by Christ Jesus. Rest assured, if you are a child of God, you will be no stranger to the rod. Sooner or later every bar of gold must pass through the fire. Fear not, but rather rejoice that such fruitful times are in store for you, for in them you will be weaned from earth and made meet for heaven; you will be delivered from clinging to the present, and made to long for those eternal things which are so soon to be revealed to you. When you feel that as regards the present you do serve God for nought, you will then rejoice in the infinite reward of the future. 

(Charles Spurgeon)

I AM THAT I AM!

(Exodus 3:14) “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM:”

Entrapment a serious predicament to get caught in and yet we all have had no choice in the matter as “there is none righteous no not one”. Sin has ensnared us into slavery and it’s the slavery of Israel that I look to explore this morn. Their story has a wealth of useful information that we can draw sustenance from for our very own lives.

But first let us look at Joseph’s example and learn from it.

Joseph was the man God used to bring a great revival to those of “the promise”. There was a famine in the land and people were desperate to survive, it got so torrid that people were selling off their livestock and land for food as their money was long gone because of a sizzling drought that lasted for seven years. God was with Joseph and had shown him what He was about to do, God prepared him for battle. However, I would remind you that prior to Joseph’s reign as governor of this foreign land, Egypt, he firstly was required by God to serve a prison sentence for a crime he never committed. This verse comes to mind; “For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” (1Peter 3:17-18)

Let us not be hook-winked into doubting our current predicament even if the screws are being tightened, God has a plan, and it is a glorious masterpiece outplaying His command. This is what Joseph had to say to those who had meant him harm, and I will remind you they were his brothers; “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” (Genesis 50:20) 

Talk about from “rags to riches”, one day he was in a prison and then he found himself second in charge to pharaoh in Egypt, the then ruling nation of the world. We must learn to never second guess our God even if we cannot put the puzzle pieces together; our God shall work it out according to His good pleasure. He will get all His children home!

A day came were a new pharaoh began to rule who knew not Joseph. He put all of the Israelites into slavery as jealousy had its need to supress this greater nation. He was a hard task-master and their cries were heard by God. Moses was then summoned by God to free His people. I want us to consider a particular incident that they all faced from the least to the greatest.

Imagine the scene, the promise by Moses from God to all the Israelites that they would be set free with a Promised Land as their final destination. It was hard going as their number was great, woman and children amongst them and then they hit a very large obstacle, the Red Sea. How were they to cross over? Not only that, looking behind them they saw a large cloud of dust approaching at a rapid pace, the Egyptian army were on their way! Life at times takes on a similar appearance for each of us. Sure there are different measures for all, but all will hit obstacles along the way.

It was when there seemed to be no hope that God stepped in, He parted the Red Sea and they all (and I mean all) crossed over on dry land. The enemy thought they could use the exact same means to cross but were very mistaken, they all drowned (and I mean all). God is for His people and not for those who oppose His plan and purpose. Nevertheless both are needed to accomplish His will, He has so ordained it. Praise to our God, the only true God, the God who is, “I AM THAT I AM”!

“Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.” (Jeremiah 42:11) – Come what may our hope is in His promise and we will believe it by the grace of God with all our hearts, come what may let us remember to look to the author and finisher of our faith, our blessed Redeemer will get us home. All we need do alone the way is obey, even if it costs us our life, as it must. We are new creature in Christ, may we begin to live as such.

God give us the resolve to abhor that which is evil and to cling to that which is good.

Signing off

Tyrone

     

When reviled, we bless...

(1 Corinthians 4:12) “When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;”

Humility before God should be the goal of all creation; it has only ever been about Him and His foreordained plan. The Plan that He instituted prior to creation as we know it and the scripture often makes reference to as “before the foundation of the world” gives me immense joy as it infiltrates my mind. To know that nothing is random, let’s face it if we think it could be then we are candidates for the “soup theory”. The “big bang theory” leaves people chasing creation at a frantic pace, at the exclusion of our God and Creator.

What a dismal position; believing that by recycling our glass bottles and plastic containers we are doing our bit to save our planet. In fact even different colour bins help us with the separation and when we play our part we feel justified. With God not even an afterthought in the minds of so many. The world population is so self-centered that “self” has blinded them; in fact, to be more precise, God has blinded them. “And claiming to be wise they have become fools”. For this very reason God gave them over to the debauchery and the snares of sin. But as the clock ticks and as wickedness abounds the day of His appearing draws nigh.

What then will gives us resolve to be about our God’s business; yesterday, this came to me with some vigour; humility is what is needed because it is the grace of God we need to get through our daily trials. Without humility we will battle to find God’s grace, without it God will resist us. So then, what am I to do? On a practical level, I must learn to eat humble pie even when I am right. It is no longer about winning the round but rather the fight.

May God help all who battle with this facet to their lives, I am amongst the number.  Humility is foreign to our “bodies of death”, without the Spirit taking control we will remain proud and fall every time. Without humility as our banner we will become very frustrated not following our Lord’s and Paul’s example, which was this; “When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;”

Please sit up and take note, without humility as a key ingredient in Christ, we will forever clutch at straws. There must come a time when we begin to put off childish things. By that I mean, meat is meant for those who are capable of digesting it, whilst milk is for babies. We are quick to point out the errors of others when they apply misguided doctrine, which we all must do in some measure; “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2Timothy 4:2) – “And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,” (2Timothy 2:24)

Humility is a partner to patience! But we tend to miss so many areas of our lives; "it's just the way it is”, we use excuses like I am a hot blooded man; it is not my fault I am European, I was born like this. Or God made me with a temper. Not so! All who have the Spirit of Christ have become new creations in Him and Old things have passed away. We are without excuse! Therefore let us see things for what they are.

I love the way God uses the exact man who was school in Judaism with his application to the law impeccable. In as much as it is possible for a sinner to apply himself to God’s law. It is the very same man who would become the expert on grace. How great is our God? Paul ends up teaching us this; “When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;”    

To bless someone who reviles us is so foreign to our natural understanding, which without grace it will be an impossible task, humility is a must in our lives if we are to find grace. I pray this truth sinks deep and we not only eat from its tree but we learn to digest it.

Signing off

Tyrone.

   

Grace and Humility!

(Romans 11:6) “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.”

I am rather excited about today’s blog and with it, I hope, will come a clearer understanding on what is needed to walk victoriously as Christians. It is the Apostle Paul who will teach us these valuable lessons. It has taken me a lifetime to get my head around this truth but just a little. I realize I know only in part, but what I have seen and is now coming into fruition is glorious. My disobedience to this truth has taken its toll on my body and with it I have had to deal with serve consequences, with many of life’s scars still evident in my body.

Grace is the weapon needed; call it the magic ingredient for daily living. We should all understand what I am about to share but do we really? If we did we wouldn’t actually miss the mark so often, which is, to walk more victorious as Christians than the day before. Our daily sanctification would be evident to all, in fact we would share Jobs testimony; “His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did continually.” (Job 1:4-5) – He lived an unselfish life! Do we rise early and pray for our lost ones?   

From the beginning even grace saved Noah, grace is the enabling catalyst through faith. Grace and faith lock hands in order for us to enjoy their strength and walk as faithful stewards with the measure of Christ we have been given. “God is for His children and not against them”, it is the wiles of the devil that looks to deceive and trip us up, and how does he do this? He shows us his very own character, which is “full of pride” and this is what brought him tumbling down from the portals of heaven and it is what will bring us crashing to the dirt if we linger here too long. No! Even if we flirt with it! God most certainly resists the proud, who then will find favour? It is the humble that our glorious Father reaches out too.

What is it that is needed from God to overcome? Grace is needed! Therefore; “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Without humility we will not find grace in time of need!

Grace is needed for us to be more “Christ minded” and to walk as He once walked. This is a daunting proposition if we understand what that means. Yes, we may flippantly rattle of words and cliché’s like "to die is gain" and yet give it no real thought once it has left our lips. To die… is gain! Self-denial is what is needed from all, but it is impossible to do it through our flesh “this body of death”, it is grace we must seek out in order to overcome. It may appear that some may walk more victoriously than others as we glance across the congregation, but the light of Christ cannot be hidden, darkness must flee from it. It is this light we are after and not man-centered patch work.

“O, when will all professors, and especially all professed ministers of Christ, learn the difference between the law and the gospel? Most of them make a mingle-mangle, and serve out deadly potions to the people, often containing but one ounce of gospel to a pound of law, whereas, but even a grain of law is enough to spoil the whole thing.
It must be gospel, and gospel only. "If it be of grace, it is not of works, otherwise grace is no more grace; and if it be of works, then it is not of grace, otherwise work is no more work." (C.H.Spurgeon)

With that said, look at Paul’s emphasis throughout his writing and remember where he came from prior to salvation, roots of arrogance; “Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I.” (2Corinthians 11:22) - But look how he concludes his deliberation to those who were boasting against his doctrine; “Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” (2Corinthians 11:29-30)   

 

May God now show us the importance of this understanding and may we learn from probably one of the greatest teachers that ever lived; grace high on his agenda! But it wasn’t always like that in fact; the exact opposite seemed to be His guise. Pride filled his life as he persecuted the Christian in his unbelief.

And then he came face to face with the Lord Jesus Christ…

In the ESV translation he uses the word grace 86 times if we account the book of Hebrews to Timothy, if not 94 times. And in his concluding sendoffs, he almost always ends with grace and the Lord Jesus as his focal point…

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.” (1Corinthians 16:23)

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (1Corinthians 13:14)

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.” (Galatians 6:18)   

 “Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.” (Ephesians 6:24)

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (Philippians 4:23)

 “I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” (Colossians 4:18)

The list goes on, may we make it of utmost importance to make this truth our very own. God give us the strength to find grace through humility, to be about his service and not our own agendas.

Signing off

Tyrone