FarmgirlCyn on Repentance

I wanted to share with you a comment from Cindy at FarmgirlCyn about repentance.

Repentance is the first step towards salvation.  We often say "Half a gospel is no gospel at all."  I think the "half Christians that Pastor Ellis is referring to are the ones to whom Jesus might be saying, "Depart from Me, I NEVER KNEW YOU."  Those folks believe they are Christ followers.  They do all sorts of things in His name...who else do we know that would presume to use His name except for those who think they are believers?

Law and grace...they go hand in hand.  The Law being the tutor that leads men to Christ to begin with. (via conviction by the Holy Spirit).

Be sure to check out Cindy’s blog.  Not only is she a woman who loves God with all her heart, mind, soul and strength, but she is an excellent cook and shares many a recipe and what’s going on in her life.  Thank you Cindy!

Thoughts & Reflections on Fear, Worry and Anxiety

Yesterday I felt worried upon hearing and reflecting about some sad and bad news.  Last night before bed, I read Ana Dagarin’s post at “Ramble On” for Five Minute Friday, and I've been meditating on something she said about fear...here's what I jotted down. 

Fear crowds out faith

Anxiety leaves no room for peace

Worry takes away the option to trust God

Self-focus obscures my ability to see God

Fear is a sin

Anxiety steals peace from my heart and mind  

Worry is a waste of time

Self-focus is boring

Lord, I take comfort in knowing that nothing takes You by surprise.

You are never anxious.

You don’t wring Your hands in worry.

There is not a path worn out before Your throne as You pace back and forth with worry

You alone know the future

You have perfect vision, un-obscured by sin

You will make wrong things right

Justice will be served in Your perfect timing

Evil and sin will be punished

All things are under Your control and firmly held in Your grasp

I can only be fearful, anxious and worried when I take my eyes off of God.

Despite reading God’s word each day and praying, I’ve felt like lately there has been silence from God.  Here are some thoughts and reflections of why I’m silent towards someone.  I’m not saying this is why God seems silent, but perhaps I need to ask the Lord why I feel as though He seems silent to me. 

I’m silent when someone isn’t listening.

I don’t want to waste my time and words on someone who doesn’t seem to care or pay attention to what I have to say.

I’m silent when I feel hurt by someone.

Lord are You quiet because I haven’t obeyed Your last instructions to me?  Please help me to obey, just follow through and not make excuses but make the time, not find the time, to do what You are calling me to do.

Perhaps I have too many other voices and noise competing for my attention.  Help me to listen clearly and incline my ear towards You Lord Jesus.

Five Minute Friday – Beyond Comprehension

I’ve been thinking about salvation, repentance and grace lately. 

When I drive home I’ll often listen to Pastor Brian Brodersen who is currently teaching through the book of Romans.  He said something that really struck me the other day.  The only difference between the person who is saved and unsaved is the grace of God. 

How true!  As a Christian, the only thing I have to boast in is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  I have been saved by God's grace through faith, its God’s work alone that saved me.  Because of Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death on the cross as payment in full for my sin, I have been forgiven by God the Father. 

What an outrageous plan…beyond human comprehension.  The Righteous for the unrighteous, the Just for the unjust, the Holy One for the sinful. 

I received and email from a gentleman I know via my blog, Pastor and Evangelist Jim Allis.  He has blessed me by sending some of his audio posts and we’ve exchanged emails.  He said something in his most recent email captured the importance of preaching the gospel message accurately. 

“Yes repentance is essential for a genuine conversion experience.  I fear there are many half Christians around if there could be such a description given where repentance is forgotten.  It is so clear in scripture. What must I do to be saved?" Repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ."  Some are preaching sometimes a soft gospel which is no gospel again.”

⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: ⁹ If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, ¹⁰ let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. ¹¹ This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ ¹² Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:8-12

 

Good golly…my Five Minute post is on time!  Head on over to Lisa Jo Baker’sTales from a Gypsy Mama and join in the Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  Head on over and read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there. 

Quiet Morn Reflections

Each morning for months now I’ve been praying about a disquieting situation.  My prayers have remained the same and yet it seems as though nothing has changed.  How long will it continue to be this way Lord?

Then suddenly the Lord has answered my prayer.  Unexpectedly and in a manner that I did not anticipate. 

I’m both relieved and saddened.  But now is the time to remain faithful and continue in prayer as the Lord works out His plan.

This is a good reminder to me to be faithful in prayer, not grow discouraged or disheartened when there seems to be no answer.  I need to be mindful that the Lord’s timing is often different than mine and His plans are always better.