Author Archives: lrbartel

Jan 13 2016
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Devos

God’s grace is “greater than our sin!” … I’m grateful!

My Bible reading this morning during “Coffee with the Lord” brought to mind the rich legacy in gospel music that Christians share. I relished the truth expressed in both! Enjoy! (I did!)
 
First the truth from the Bible…
 
“If many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many… For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ… For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous… But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (From Romans 5:12-21 ESV)
 
Then the rich legacy we share in gospel music…
 
“Marvelous grace of our loving Lord!
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
 
Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
 
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross!
(Refrain)
 
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide!
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Whiter than snow you may be today.
(Refrain)
 
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace!
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see his face,
Will you this moment his grace receive?
(Refrain)”
 
Julia H. Johnston, Daniel B. Towner
Jan 12 2016
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Devos

What is God like? (Read your Bible, you might be surprised!)

What is God like

I wrote this the other day in fulfillment of a writing assignment and just felt it might be helpful to share with my “coffee with the Lord” friends…

There are many false concepts and stereotypes of the one Christians refer to as “God.” Many think of Him as an austere, way off in heaven, someone who frowns a lot and is very difficult to please. Not only that, they view him as stingy and someone who only responds to coercion or bribery. If you’re praying, He looks at his big cosmic watch to see if you’ve put in enough time to get an answer. On top of that, if He is displeased, you better appease Him. Those are just some of the popular cultural stereotypes of God.

Problem is, that is not how the Bible describes God. For example, the Bible says, “If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, home much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11) So prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance – it is laying hold, in faith, of His willingness! And how about this well-known verse? – “God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life! For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved!” (John 3:16-17) And another short clear statement of God fundamental character: “God is love!” (1 John 4:16) So you see, the judgement of God, which is also taught in Scripture, is only presented in the Bible as God’s righteous response to His love rejected and spurned.

If you want to know what God is really like, the best solution is to read what the Bible says about Him! You might be surprised what God is really like!

Jan 11 2016
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Devos

From Faith and Faithfulness to Faithlessness so Quickly… How can it happen?

Faithfulness and faithlessness: What is the thing that can move us from the first in spiritual victory to the second in sinful failure so very quickly? The answer? Fear!
Abraham (Abram), the great “father of faith,” illustrates this tragic truth…
First the spiritual victories won by faith…
“Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ So Abram went, as the LORD had told him…” (Genesis 12:1–4 ESV) The result? Spiritual victory and covenant blessings!
But in the very next passage (same chapter) Abraham (Abram) experiences sinful failure…
“Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land. When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai (Sarah) his wife, ‘I know that you are a woman beautiful in appearance, and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me, but they will let you live. Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake.’” (Genesis 12:10–13 ESV) Sinful defeat and embarrassment before a pagan king.
And what was the difference? What lead the “father of faith – father of the faithful” from great spiritual victory and covenant blessing to embarrassment and failure so quickly? FEAR!
So the lesson for me today… Beware of fear – It is the enemy of faith! Is it any wonder then, that Jesus urged his faith-followers, “Fear not!” Great lesson to sustain spiritual victory it seems to me!
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