Posts Tagged ‘ simple man of God ’
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Philippians 2:3-4, KJV
Do not cause problems or seek popularity or fame.
Take care of yourself, sure, but even more importantly take care of other people.
But, again, do not help others to seek favor, fame, or … revenge.
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
1 Timothy 2:5-6, ESV
Jesus came at the right time in history to show us our need for God and His forgiveness, and He sacrificed Himself to bring that forgiveness. If we believe, we are saved from God’s judgment.
The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
Proverbs 15:31, ESV
The ultimate life-giving reproof?
You are a sinner in need a Savior, and Jesus of Nazareth is that Savior.
Let us continue looking at the hymns and songs that have made a big impact on my spiritual life.
This week, I bring you two hymns that are simply … wondrous.
- On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.- Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.- In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.- To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.
- When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.- Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.- See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?- Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
The work of the cross is central to Christianity!
Without the perfect, sinless sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, there is no forgiveness of sin. Without the atoning work of Christ on the cross, we are still steeped in and deceived by our sin.
Did Jesus gladly bear our sins? Yes. Did He enjoy the process? Absolutely not.
For the joy set before Him, having the hope of eternity with the Father and joined with the Saints, He endured the pain and shame of the cross to bring about our forgiveness. (Philippians 2, Hebrews 12)
If we claim to believe it, we are no longer our own (and never really were). Instead, we are God’s, and He commands all of our life. We owe Him everything, for He made the ultimate sacrifice to redeem our souls and our life on this Earth.
Turn to the cross and repent. Allow Christ to indwell you and change you by the Holy Spirit to the glory of the Father.
“. . . and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32, ESV
Jesus is the truth. True freedom is knowing, believing in, and trusting Him.
Ultimately, freedom is from sin and fully realized in eternity.
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10, ESV
This may be the hardest part of being a Christian. We can get caught up in helping others more than serving Christ, making people feel better than leading them to Christ.
We should care for physical needs, but we should care more for spiritual needs.
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10, ESV
A 7th Grade student once told me to live a weak life.
If you have a weakness – illness, disability, fear, inability – Christ may use it to glorify Himself through you. Let Christ use you.
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
Proverbs 12:25, ESV
We all struggle sometimes.
And, sometimes, all it takes to make the day better is a friendly encouragement.
Now, turn to your neighbor and say “You’re beautiful.” (In Christ)
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Psalm 145:18, ESV
“All who call on Him in truth.”
He wants to answer, but He responds to those calling out with an unselfish, honest desire for His will.
(But He also responds to turn our hearts toward Him!)
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2, ESV
Our Rock is Christ, our solid foundation that holds steady when life gets shaky and hard. He sustains and lifts us through it all.
a simple man of God 