My Favourite verse... comfort sandwiched by God's reasurance of His love.

This has been my favourite Bible verse since I was a young teenager .... 

Romans 8: 28

(NKJV)

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

It is a verse for those very toughest times in life and no doubt about it at all - it has carried me through many a time!

But have you ever noticed the context? It is sandwiched between two wonderful truths....the Spirit's groaning on our behalf and the Lord Jesus interceding for us. We do not go through our tough times alone! Oh how wonderful to understand this context when we walk through a dark valley! Oh what beautiful words..our precious Lord's word's are! How many more words of comfort does this passage encourage us with!

Romans 8

Free from Indwelling Sin

 ¹ There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. ⁵ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. ⁶ For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. ⁷ Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. ⁸ So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
⁹ But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. ¹⁰ And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. ¹¹ But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Sonship Through the Spirit

 
¹² Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. ¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. ¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

From Suffering to Glory

 
¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; ²¹ because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. ²³ Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. ²⁴ For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. ²⁷ Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  

²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

God’s Everlasting Love

 
³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? ³³ Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:


      “ For Your sake we are killed all day long;
       We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hebrews 12:1(b) ….let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

Here are some very practical sermons on christian living:


This is the family series you absolutely have got to listen to: Al Martin was highly influential in training me in the scriptures some 22 years ago in the area of child training - before I even had children! This I think is a repeat of this series as far as I can figure out.

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=48091027102 

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=48091031174

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=48091033206

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=48091035508

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=480910384610

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=48091042391


1st in long series on parenting:

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=22310758550 I have not listened to this particular series but to the shorter one above. I have no doubts that this series will be  as good as his earlier sermons, and a real blessing to all who listen to it.


Another on child rearing:
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=914081328140

1st in a series on woman's role...
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=4190394117

1st in a series on woman's role...
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=4190394117


Suffering for Christ's sake:
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=84100362510

What is a Biblical Christian?

Many people think they know what a christian is, especially those who go to church regularly...but do these thoughts line up with what the Bible actually teaches on this matter? 

What Is a Biblical Christian?
 http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62602132823

What Is a Biblical Christian? The Only Issue Where Ignorance Is Tragic and Fatal

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=22811120120

The Demons Also Believe (How Can I, A Sinner, Find Pardon & Acceptance With God?) 
James 2:14-19; 1 Corinthians 1:9
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sid=323111144413



Work Out Your Own Salvation (Phil 2:12-13)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=826101220466

Eternity: Where? What? Why?

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=8910131783

Fervent Intercessory Prayer for the Unconverted (Not Merely the Motions of Our Lips)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=92911115411

Christian Education:

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=93031358
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9603193758

It is well with my Soul by Horatio G. Spafford

The LORD is good to those who wait for Him

"This I recall to my mind, 

Therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness. 'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul,
'Therefore I hope in Him!' The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.

It is good that one should hope and wait quietly 

For the salvation of the LORD." (Lamentations 3:21-26)

Who is the victim?

This is an interesting article written by a South African lady:

http://thandislocsnlife.blogspot.com/2011/10/when-your-child-is-killer.html

God is my helper:

My helper!

(James Smith "The Sure Resource!")

"The Lord is my helper!" Hebrews 13:6

Creatures sometimes would help us--but they cannot;
and sometimes they could help--but they will not.

Yet the Christian need not be discouraged; he has a Friend who can, and is always willing to help him: it is his God--his sure resource. He may be disappointed by others--but this is divinely appointed, in order to lead him to trust only in his God.

Beloved, our God Himself loves to help us. It is His delight to do us good. He is pleased to see us coming to Him for assistance, or for grace, or for His blessing; especially if we come in a filial spirit, as children to a Father. 

Help is sure to be needed--for we have . . .
   many difficulties to overcome,
   many foes to conquer,
   many trials to endure,
   many duties to perform,
   and many privileges to enjoy.
But not one of them can be attended to with success--without divine help.

We have to . . .
  maintain our profession,
  mortify sin,
  cultivate holiness,
  live above the world,
  exercise our graces,
  and labor for God--
but such is our ignorance, and such is our weakness--that unless we are assisted by divine wisdom and strengthened by divine power--we shall utterly fail in every point!

God is a powerful--an omnipotent helper; He has Heaven and earth at His command. It is nothing for Him to help. He can work deliverance by the weakest instruments; and often does, in order to confound the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

He is a wise and judicious helper, and affords His assistance in such a way as to . . .
   hide pride from men;
   exercise the graces of His people;
   try the sincerity of those who profess to rely upon Him;
   and keep His saints humble at His footstool.

He equally displays His grace, wisdom, and power in . . .
   the help He affords,
   the supplies He sends,
   and the deliverances He works.

Believer, see what you have to expect! You will be tried. You will feel your own weakness. You will learn more and more--your need of divine help. Yes, you will be brought to see that only the Lord can afford you the help you need--that you need a helper, who is . . .
   infinite in wisdom,
   omnipotent in power, and
   whose grace is immutable and free.

See to whom you are to look for help in every duty, trial or conflict--to the Lord, to the Lord always, for all that you need--and to Him alone.

"The Lord is my helper!" Hebrews 13:6

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~
You might want to read the whole of James Smith's uplifting two page article, "The Sure Resource!"

  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Feel free to forward this on to your friends.

Grace Gems (choice ELECTRONIC books, sermons & quotes)

Grace Audio Treasures (choice AUDIO sermons)
Sovereign Grace Treasures (choice PRINTED books)

My daughter's testimony:

http://1of8kids.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-testimony-part-2-as-written-november.html

more precious than gold...

1 Peter 1: 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!

Psalm 34: 1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.

8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

11 Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 What man is there who desires life
and loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
20 He keeps all his bones;
not one of them is broken.
21 Affliction will slay the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

Isaiah 61 again, I do so love it, I can't help but put it on my blog again!

¹The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

 ²To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

 ³To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, 

to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Refining Silver - anonymous author

There was a group of woman in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter 3, they came across verse 3 which says:

"He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver..."

This verse puzzled the woman and they wondered what this statement means about the character and nature of God. One of the woman offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study.

That week this woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for the interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot then she thought again about the verse, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver...". She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh that's the easy part, when I see my image reflected in it."

Taken from http://christiandevotionals.blogspot.com/2006/03/refining-silver.html

A Still small voice! Kings 19:12 By Spurgeon

How does God touch our hearts? Our heavenly Father generally uses a soft, tender, gentle, quiet, calm, and peaceful – still, small- voice. Softly and gently, the Holy Spirit works like the breath of spring dissolving icebergs and melting glaciers. After winter has taken every stream by the throat and held it fast, spring sets it free. No hammer or file is heard as the icy bonds fall off; only the soft south wind blows, and all is life and liberty.

So it is with the work of the Holy Spirit when He comes into the soul. He can be a mighty rushing wind (Acts 2:2), for He comes according to His own sovereign pleasure. Yet when He brings the peace of God, He usually descends as the dove (Matt. 3:16) or as the dew from heaven – all peace, all gentle, and all quiet.

Satan can set the soul on fire with agony, doubt, fear, and terror.  Then the Spirit comes in tender love and reveals Christ the Gentle one.  He sets up the Saviour’s cross and speaks peace, pardon, and salvation.  This is what we want and need: the work of the Spirit of God coming in His own manner of living hope.

Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!

        

Psalm  66:5-12, 16-20 - NKJ

 5    Come and see the works of God;

         He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.

 6   He turned the sea into dry land;

         They went through the river on foot.

         There we will rejoice in Him.

 7    He rules by His power forever;

         His eyes observe the nations;

         Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves.  Selah 

        

 8    Oh, bless our God, you peoples!

         And make the voice of His praise to be heard,

 9    Who keeps our soul among the living,

         And does not allow our feet to be moved.

 10    For You, O God, have tested us;

         You have refined us as silver is refined.

 11    You brought us into the net;

         You laid affliction on our backs.

 12    You have caused men to ride over our heads;

         We went through fire and through water;

         But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.

                                       ***

        

 16    Come and hear, all you who fear God,

         And I will declare what He has done for my soul.

 17   I cried to Him with my mouth,

         And He was extolled with my tongue.

 18    If I regard iniquity in my heart,

         The Lord will not hear.

 19    But certainly God has heard me;

         He has attended to the voice of my prayer.

        

 20    Blessed be God,

         Who has not turned away my prayer,

         Nor His mercy from me!

**********