Hebrews Chapter 11 speaks of heroes of the faith
"And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets - who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated - of whom the world was not worthy -wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect." Hebrews 11:32-40 ESV
Then Hebrews chapter 12 speaks of 'The Hero' of the faith
"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, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV
Jesus is the hero we look to. Our heart is renewed when we look to Him and His victory.
I sometimes look at the things that seem to hinder my walk of faith... money... health... time... and then think of this great cloud of witnesses whose lives are 'made perfect' by us. People who gave all before Messiah had come and others who gave all after He was raised.
I don't want to stand before God and give puny excuses while these great men and women stand watching. They gave all... Christ gave all... by grace I will give my all... not in effort but in believing and functioning like one who believes.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Grace Renewal
"Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, 'My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God'? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:27-31 ESV
What a contrast...
'My path is not seen and my right is disregarded.'
- Self Centered. Disconnected. Entitled.
'He gives power. He knows me and sees it all. The spiritual outweighs the natural. It is all grace and I will wait in hope.'
- Faith. Humility. Expectation.
Needs press in. People need renewal. Blame comes easy to the natural man. If we are quickened by God and grace is in view then renewal will come because God will bring it.
The question is often, 'Can we adjust to getting what we don't deserve on God's time table?'
"Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him." Isaiah 30:18 ESV
God isn't just waiting to give to us. He is waiting to be gracious to us. He will 'lift Himself up' in order to do it.
What a contrast...
'My path is not seen and my right is disregarded.'
- Self Centered. Disconnected. Entitled.
'He gives power. He knows me and sees it all. The spiritual outweighs the natural. It is all grace and I will wait in hope.'
- Faith. Humility. Expectation.
Needs press in. People need renewal. Blame comes easy to the natural man. If we are quickened by God and grace is in view then renewal will come because God will bring it.
The question is often, 'Can we adjust to getting what we don't deserve on God's time table?'
"Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him." Isaiah 30:18 ESV
God isn't just waiting to give to us. He is waiting to be gracious to us. He will 'lift Himself up' in order to do it.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Perception at Low Altitudes
"They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all other, and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn." Job 24:24 KJV
"Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow." Psalms 107:39 KJV
"For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low" Isaiah 2:12 KJV
I have been thinking about the old Englishy term 'brought low' this morning and what can be lofty in my perception. It is in part a perception issue after all. High and low are relative to the viewer.
High things see and are seen by others. Low things have impaired vision and are often hidden from sight. If wrong things are lifted up they block your vision so that you can't see what you want to see or others need to see. Those things need to be 'brought low'.
"The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me." Psalms 116:6 KJV
There are times when it is not my eyesight that is the issue but my altitude. The big picture is hidden from the low vantage point. Small things become large. What is near becomes all we have.
"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." Psalms 5:3 KJV
Perhaps lowness will cause the one who looks out to look up instead.
"As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.' ' " Luke 3:4-6 ESV
Jesus evens out the terrain. Grace is visible to the low and high. It removes the barriers. Oh how we need that.
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalms 46:10 KJV
"All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted." Psalms 75:10 KJV
"In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted." Psalms 89:16 KJV
Grace amplifies the power of the righteous. The power of the righteous is grace... that is where it is manifested.
Grace fills, or exalts, the valleys and makes low any mountains that would block our view.
"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:8-11 KJV
Let anything that is blocking our view of Jesus be brought low. Also, Let our valleys be filled so that we see Him and are not so consumed with those things that are close but devoid of truth and hope.
"Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow." Psalms 107:39 KJV
"For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low" Isaiah 2:12 KJV
I have been thinking about the old Englishy term 'brought low' this morning and what can be lofty in my perception. It is in part a perception issue after all. High and low are relative to the viewer.
High things see and are seen by others. Low things have impaired vision and are often hidden from sight. If wrong things are lifted up they block your vision so that you can't see what you want to see or others need to see. Those things need to be 'brought low'.
"The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me." Psalms 116:6 KJV
There are times when it is not my eyesight that is the issue but my altitude. The big picture is hidden from the low vantage point. Small things become large. What is near becomes all we have.
"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." Psalms 5:3 KJV
Perhaps lowness will cause the one who looks out to look up instead.
"As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.' ' " Luke 3:4-6 ESV
Jesus evens out the terrain. Grace is visible to the low and high. It removes the barriers. Oh how we need that.
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalms 46:10 KJV
"All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted." Psalms 75:10 KJV
"In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted." Psalms 89:16 KJV
Grace amplifies the power of the righteous. The power of the righteous is grace... that is where it is manifested.
Grace fills, or exalts, the valleys and makes low any mountains that would block our view.
"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:8-11 KJV
Let anything that is blocking our view of Jesus be brought low. Also, Let our valleys be filled so that we see Him and are not so consumed with those things that are close but devoid of truth and hope.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Power and Influence
Who is really in control? Where is the real influence? The world portrays a bleak picture.
Finding the person with who can make the decision is often a long tiresome process. Is there even some one who has the power to make the decision? Who has leverage... who has influence? Can enough people sign a petition and make things happen? Maybe if it is an election year they can. It seems that the real decision makers can be layers upon layers above our pay grade.
People leverage value against power. Money has value in certain circles but losses value when you get high enough. The amounts you would need to pay may not even exist. Information has power but that only goes so far also.
Often the people in charge are very dependent on other people and authority is more layered, fragile and vulnerable than it could possibly seem to the fellow at the bottom of the pyramid.
In fiction drama is the story line of the powerful struggling over the valuable.
Value is 'created' in the world to pump up the drama and create needs.
Can you guess Rumpelstiltskin's name? Is the Devil even interested in buying your soul or is he just interested in creating an atmosphere conclusive to such crazy concepts. The valuable becomes devalued if frustration is at such a level where everything is for sale.
Spiritism and the occult portray an invisible world much like man's political and economic systems. If you can just connect to the right power with the right influence at the right time maybe, just maybe, you can get things done.
It's sad really... but it is all that most people have or see.
God's kingdom stands in contrast with the world of big gears and little gears. The smallest person has direct access to the top. If you are reading this it may seem that you are the smallest person.
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11 KJV
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7 KJV
Grace says we don't need to barter with Him because He cares for us.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11 KJV
We don't have to get noticed because He thinks about us.
When we find Christ our search for the power behind the power ends because it all culminates in Him.
"Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him." Proverbs 23:23-24 KJV
With Christ in charge each moment has value. Don't sell them. Each conversation has boundless potential to have eternity touch time and space when we live in God's economy.
God's blood has ransomed back the souls of mankind. The highest power has won the thing of highest value. We can add that tree to the bitter waters of life and they will be made sweet.
Finding the person with who can make the decision is often a long tiresome process. Is there even some one who has the power to make the decision? Who has leverage... who has influence? Can enough people sign a petition and make things happen? Maybe if it is an election year they can. It seems that the real decision makers can be layers upon layers above our pay grade.
People leverage value against power. Money has value in certain circles but losses value when you get high enough. The amounts you would need to pay may not even exist. Information has power but that only goes so far also.
Often the people in charge are very dependent on other people and authority is more layered, fragile and vulnerable than it could possibly seem to the fellow at the bottom of the pyramid.
In fiction drama is the story line of the powerful struggling over the valuable.
Value is 'created' in the world to pump up the drama and create needs.
Can you guess Rumpelstiltskin's name? Is the Devil even interested in buying your soul or is he just interested in creating an atmosphere conclusive to such crazy concepts. The valuable becomes devalued if frustration is at such a level where everything is for sale.
Spiritism and the occult portray an invisible world much like man's political and economic systems. If you can just connect to the right power with the right influence at the right time maybe, just maybe, you can get things done.
It's sad really... but it is all that most people have or see.
God's kingdom stands in contrast with the world of big gears and little gears. The smallest person has direct access to the top. If you are reading this it may seem that you are the smallest person.
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11 KJV
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7 KJV
Grace says we don't need to barter with Him because He cares for us.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11 KJV
We don't have to get noticed because He thinks about us.
When we find Christ our search for the power behind the power ends because it all culminates in Him.
"Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him." Proverbs 23:23-24 KJV
With Christ in charge each moment has value. Don't sell them. Each conversation has boundless potential to have eternity touch time and space when we live in God's economy.
God's blood has ransomed back the souls of mankind. The highest power has won the thing of highest value. We can add that tree to the bitter waters of life and they will be made sweet.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Before the Beginning
"Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. For your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant." Psalms 25:8-14 ESV
It's interesting. Some people see God's methods as loving and God's faithfulness in each situation and others don't see it. These verse link that perspective to those that keep His 'covenant' and remember the 'testimonies' of God. Then later it says that God makes that 'covenant' known to those that are in awe of Him and are in a friendship oriented relationship with Him.
What covenant, or contractual agreement, is this? Is it the one given to Abraham, or David, or to Moses? Yes, He gave promises to these men and they were binding ones that God has kept. We may look in awe at these historical events, testimonies, and through them see God's heart of love but will they alone change our minds?
I think we must go back to the root in order to say 'all the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness'.
"Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world." John 17:24 NKJV
"He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you" 1 Peter 1:20 NKJV
"Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love" Ephesians 1:4 NKJV
This promise produces awe in me. This reveals an intimacy between the Father and the Son that includes each individual. The Trinity made a deal with us in mind before the world existed and every action God has made since is in accordance with that promise.
It has to be grace! No other way is possible. When this deal was forged no one had done anything good or bad yet.
Friendship with God lies right here in this knowledge. True perspective begins here... before the beginning.
God is going to seem impersonal to people that don't see the root of all promises. How can two walk together unless they agree?
His way is a loving way. We can walk on a loving path with an expectation of God's faithfulness today.
The glow on Moses' face had to be hidden from those who lived in a covenant that did not comprehend the root of all promises.
Humility is the way today. The humility of person astonished by grace produces a life filled with light that others can see. They must avert their eyes not to see it. It is a pre-creation light that those who are friends with God have.
It's interesting. Some people see God's methods as loving and God's faithfulness in each situation and others don't see it. These verse link that perspective to those that keep His 'covenant' and remember the 'testimonies' of God. Then later it says that God makes that 'covenant' known to those that are in awe of Him and are in a friendship oriented relationship with Him.
What covenant, or contractual agreement, is this? Is it the one given to Abraham, or David, or to Moses? Yes, He gave promises to these men and they were binding ones that God has kept. We may look in awe at these historical events, testimonies, and through them see God's heart of love but will they alone change our minds?
I think we must go back to the root in order to say 'all the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness'.
"Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world." John 17:24 NKJV
"He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you" 1 Peter 1:20 NKJV
"Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love" Ephesians 1:4 NKJV
This promise produces awe in me. This reveals an intimacy between the Father and the Son that includes each individual. The Trinity made a deal with us in mind before the world existed and every action God has made since is in accordance with that promise.
It has to be grace! No other way is possible. When this deal was forged no one had done anything good or bad yet.
Friendship with God lies right here in this knowledge. True perspective begins here... before the beginning.
God is going to seem impersonal to people that don't see the root of all promises. How can two walk together unless they agree?
His way is a loving way. We can walk on a loving path with an expectation of God's faithfulness today.
The glow on Moses' face had to be hidden from those who lived in a covenant that did not comprehend the root of all promises.
Humility is the way today. The humility of person astonished by grace produces a life filled with light that others can see. They must avert their eyes not to see it. It is a pre-creation light that those who are friends with God have.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Run and Find the Door
"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." 1 Corinthians 10:12-14 ESV
Run from idolatry and run to grace.
"I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say." 1 Corinthians 10:15 ESV
Sensible people know they can fall. They look for the door in certain circumstances. The way out isn't always physical but there is a mental way out. Intimacy with grace is a way out and a way in.
We see seduction coming and out we go... not going there. Christ is our way out and our way into a life of purity.
"The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread." 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 ESV
Flee to cleansing and run to fellowship. Go to the place where Christ is exalted and people raise holy hands in worship.
Don't walk... run there. Rebound is quick. Cleansing is real. The past is gone. The anointing breaks the yoke and no cycle can stay aflame with no wood on the fire. Those embers will grow cold.
When the atmosphere is charged I like to sing a song... a melody in my heart or a stanza or two out loud. Nothing cuts the air like worship. I don't just listen... I sing and participate.
"And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray." Isaiah 35:8 ESV
Run and get lost on the highway of holiness. Your pursuers can not chase you there. Christ is waiting to be gracious there. There will fellowship with others who flee to that city of refuge.
Run from idolatry and run to grace.
"I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say." 1 Corinthians 10:15 ESV
Sensible people know they can fall. They look for the door in certain circumstances. The way out isn't always physical but there is a mental way out. Intimacy with grace is a way out and a way in.
We see seduction coming and out we go... not going there. Christ is our way out and our way into a life of purity.
"The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread." 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 ESV
Flee to cleansing and run to fellowship. Go to the place where Christ is exalted and people raise holy hands in worship.
Don't walk... run there. Rebound is quick. Cleansing is real. The past is gone. The anointing breaks the yoke and no cycle can stay aflame with no wood on the fire. Those embers will grow cold.
When the atmosphere is charged I like to sing a song... a melody in my heart or a stanza or two out loud. Nothing cuts the air like worship. I don't just listen... I sing and participate.
"And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray." Isaiah 35:8 ESV
Run and get lost on the highway of holiness. Your pursuers can not chase you there. Christ is waiting to be gracious there. There will fellowship with others who flee to that city of refuge.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
We Have the Keys
The keys of the Kingdom were given to Peter.
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:18-19 KJV
This same concept is given the the church at large here.
"Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18:18-20 KJV
But, If we look at the context the binding and loosing have everything to do with reconciliation to truth, God and each other. Matthew 18 starting in verse 12 talks about leaving the ninety nine sheep to find the lost one... going to those far away in reconciliation. Then in verse 15 it talks about going to your brother and reconciling.
Peter would go to those far away, the gentiles in Cornelius' house, and give the Gospel to them. Those far away would be reconciled. Then He would preach at Pentecost and brothers in disagreement would become one in the faith.
How often do we allow reconciliation to one another to take place? Peter asks in verse 21. What is the limit?
Jesus gave us keys so that there is no limit. How many unclean people can be made clean. There is no limit. How many cities in America can have churches on fire for God? There is no limit.
What can separate us from the love of God. Nothing can. God isn't changing His locks. The Devil is barred access. That angel fell like lightning to the Earth. Our keys look just like Peters keys... just like the keys the early church had.
Let's take the Gospel of Grace near and far.
Our family needs to have the door reopened all the time. It can't stay shut for long of walls go up. Use the keys of grace, mercy and the finished work to resolve conflict.
Ninety nine may be safe in the fold but there is one far away today. It will always be so in this age. As long as our hearts are beating there are sheep bleating and lost in the rainy dark night. It would be easier to stay comfortable but keys are meant to be used. Let's go use them as God leads. May God open our ears to hear the cry in the night.
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:18-19 KJV
This same concept is given the the church at large here.
"Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18:18-20 KJV
But, If we look at the context the binding and loosing have everything to do with reconciliation to truth, God and each other. Matthew 18 starting in verse 12 talks about leaving the ninety nine sheep to find the lost one... going to those far away in reconciliation. Then in verse 15 it talks about going to your brother and reconciling.
Peter would go to those far away, the gentiles in Cornelius' house, and give the Gospel to them. Those far away would be reconciled. Then He would preach at Pentecost and brothers in disagreement would become one in the faith.
How often do we allow reconciliation to one another to take place? Peter asks in verse 21. What is the limit?
Jesus gave us keys so that there is no limit. How many unclean people can be made clean. There is no limit. How many cities in America can have churches on fire for God? There is no limit.
What can separate us from the love of God. Nothing can. God isn't changing His locks. The Devil is barred access. That angel fell like lightning to the Earth. Our keys look just like Peters keys... just like the keys the early church had.
Let's take the Gospel of Grace near and far.
Our family needs to have the door reopened all the time. It can't stay shut for long of walls go up. Use the keys of grace, mercy and the finished work to resolve conflict.
Ninety nine may be safe in the fold but there is one far away today. It will always be so in this age. As long as our hearts are beating there are sheep bleating and lost in the rainy dark night. It would be easier to stay comfortable but keys are meant to be used. Let's go use them as God leads. May God open our ears to hear the cry in the night.
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