More than Appreciation

In the book of Daniel 9:26 it says that, "the Messiah will be cut off, but not for himself."

 

Spurgeon talks today about identifying with the suffering of Christ on the cross rather than simply appreciating the sinless dying for the guilty. Christ died for the guilty which you are apart! When I was first learning about Christianity this really filled me with fear and sadness - that I had caused this and that someone else had expenrienced pain because of me. When I accepted Christ, understanding this suffering no longer did I fear but rejoiced. It has been my experience that the more you learn about the cross, the greater joy you have, the greater you understand your deliverance. You recognised your sin when you are saved and you understand that Christ has redeemed you. As you grow I believe God reveals to us just how low we were, and how far we had fallen. At the same time, we further understand the limitless nature of God: how rich in mercy, grace, forgiveness and glory He is. How he has seated us with Christ in heavenly places! He has raised us up so very high. I am grateful God let me see this this morning :)

 

Spurgeon also says that because Christ had no committed or original sin that death had no claim on Him. In contrast, Adam and Eve sinned which brought death into the world. Only God, who is unable to sin, could of been the answer to death and sin. Couldn't be man because man had sin - original and committed. Couldn't be an angel because angels had the ability to sin - as we see in Job. Couldn't be an animal because they were effected by the fall. It could only be God himself that could defeat dead.

 

Rambling on a bit but this is how my brain works - going to read a bit of John today too.

 

Spurgeon and Jude

I read today's Spurgeon Morning & Evening entry about claiming the promises of God. A small alarm bell went off as I read it but after considering it further there is no 'name it and claim it' flavour about it. It simply is about understanding the blessings God has given us if only we believe. I sing this song to the boys so often and I never actually believe that the promises apply to me:

 

Standing on the Promises

 

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,

Through eternal ages let His praises ring,

Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,

Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,Standing on the promises of God my Savior;

Standing, standing,I’m standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,

When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,

By the living Word of God I shall prevail,

Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I now can see

Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;

Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,

Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,

Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,

Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,

Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I shall not fall,

List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call.

Resting in my Savior as my All in all,

Standing on the promises of God.

Source: hymnal.net

 

So this is a bit about what Spurgeon had to say:

 

"God's promises were never meant to be thrown aside as waste paper... Nothing pleases our Lord better than to see his promises put in circulation; he loves to see his children bring them up to him, and say, "Lord, do as thou hast said." We glorify God when we plead his promises. Do you think that God will be any the poorer for giving you the riches he has promised? Do you dream that he will be any the less holy for giving holiness to you? Do you imagine he will be any the less pure for washing you from your sins? He has said "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." When a Christian grasps a promise, if he does not take it to God, he dishonours him; but when he hastens to the throne of grace, and cries, "Lord, I have nothing to recommend me but this, Thou hast said it;'" then his desire shall be granted. Think not that God will be troubled by your importunately reminding him of his promises. He loves to hear the loud outcries of needy souls. It is his delight to bestow favours. He is more ready to hear than you are to ask. The sun is not weary of shining, nor the fountain of flowing. It is God's nature to keep his promises; therefore go at once to the throne with "Do as thou hast said.""

So, here is today's promise that I am asking God to extend to me:

 

"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude v 24).

 

Help me from falling. Help me to be strong and diligent in the path I have chosen.

 

Grateful to be grafted in.

I was reading an article today titled "Jews, Gentiles & Christians" about the distinctives between these different identities. He spoke about Romans 11:16-21 and 24

Now if the first handful of dough offered as the firstfruits [Abraham and the patriarchs] is consecrated (holy), so is the whole mass [the nation of Israel]; and if the root [Abraham] is consecrated (holy), so are the branches. But if some of the branches were broken off, while you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them to share the richness [of the root and sap] of the olive tree, Do not boast over the branches and pride yourself at their expense. If you do boast and feel superior, remember it is not you that support the root, but the root [that supports] you. You will say then, Branches were broken (pruned) off so that I might be grafted in! That is true. But they were broken (pruned) off because of their unbelief (their lack of real faith), and you are established through faith [because you do believe]. So do not become proud and conceited, but rather stand in awe and be reverently afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches [because of unbelief], neither will He spare you [if you are guilty of the same offense]. ... For if you have been cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and against nature grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much easier will it be to graft these natural [branches] back on [the original parent stock of] their own olive tree.

(Romans 11:16-21 & 24 AMP)

There are two types of branches; natural olive branches and wild olive branches. The distinction is not one of value but of type. The natural branches are the Jews who are the same as the root, being the Abrahamic Covenant. The wild branches grafted in are gentile believers. Not the same as the root but now apart of the tree.

Upon sharing the above with my beautiful husband he challenged me to think upon and pray about the verse: asking God what is important about this verse for me. Such a smart cookie - he knows me better than myself as I naturally approach Bible reading academically rather than personally.

Upon reflection I believe this verse is important as it makes me more grateful for Gods mercy and gracious to me "a wild branch". The very fact that God would make it possible for Gentiles to be brought in, against nature, into the family of God is amazing. Romans 1:16 states that salvation is first for the Jew and then the Greek. I believe the plan of salvation was created for His chosen people the Jew and we believing Gentiles are basically hitching a ride :)

 

Family Driven Faith - Chapter 2

A family without a commitment to the God of the Bible has not hope of stemming the tide of cultural onslaught. If we mix a little biblical truth, a little secular psychology, a little romance novel, and a little eastern mysticism, we will get a deadly mixture of lies.

Family Driven Faith - Chapter 1

Here is the first chapters notes - bit more than I anticipated but thats okay. Its a bit of a rally cry this chapter - a call to attention and a call to arms - that Christian parents would not hand their lives, spouses and children over to the world!

Family Driven Faith - Preface and Intro

When I simply read a book I understand content but it doesn't seem to filter down to my long term memory. I am re-reading Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham and am determined to remember it for future reference so I am just going to write a few note as I go.

My Funny Little Blog

After a few years away I have really missed blogging. I kind of lost sight of what it was the be a Christian wife and mother. I had this ides in my head about how life was going to be and it just didn't turn out that way.