"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13
In a sermon printed many years ago, an old preacher made nine thoughtful statements regarding what it means to love Christ. I give them to you for your consideration.
1. If we love Christ, we like to think about Him. 2. If we love Christ, we like to hear about Him. 3. If we love Christ, we like to read about Him. 4. If we love Christ, we want to please Him. 5. If we love Christ, we like His friends. 6. If we love Christ, we are jealous of His honor. 7. If we love Christ, we like to talk to Him. 8. If we love Christ, we like to be with Him. 9. If we love Christ, we like to speak of Him.
PARTAKERS OF THE INHERITANCE "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:12-14). Let us be so encouraged by this passage that we would patiently bear any trial, affliction or adversity. In the Lord Jesus Christ we have a fitness, a worthiness to be a partaker of our eternal inheritance. What is this qualification or fitness? Why it is His perfect righteousness which has been imputed to all those who believe on His Name. I was not ordained to this eternal inheritance because of anything good in me, and therefore, it will not be denied me because of the sin that is in me. I shall acquire this inheritance, not by works, but purely on the basis of free and sovereign grace. Even now, I stand accepted before a holy God having been bathed in the blood of His dear Son and clothed in His robe of perfect righteousness. Jesus Christ Himself is my fitness, and because of Him I shall someday enter into heavenly glory. This inheritance, which is incorruptible and undefiled, which will never fade away, is reserved in the heavens for all of the Lord’s children. I have a perfect standing before God in Him. –Pastor Jim Byrd
USE YOUR TIME WISELY The old year has ended and another has begun. Thomas Edison said, "time is not a commodity that can be stored for future use. It must be invested hour by hour, or else it is gone forever." Let us make diligent and wise use of whatever time God gives us. Paul admonished us, "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). What a precious thing time is. Let us not squander it away. Is there a God to be worshiped, reverenced and adored? Let me worship, reverence and adore Him now. Is there a blessed Redeemer to be trusted and rested in? Let me trust and rest in Him now. Is there a glorious gospel of redeeming grace to be listened to and believed? Let me listen to and believe that gospel now. Are their insignificant personal differences with someone that I need to put aside? Let me put them aside now. Are there words of kindness and appreciation I need to speak? Let me speak those words now. Is there someone I have been intending to visit? Let me visit them now. Is there forgiveness I need to show? Let me show that forgiveness now. When life is ended there are no do-overs. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest" (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Time killed cannot be resurrected; time lost will never be found. –Pastor Jim Byrd
THE NEW YEAR Upheld by Thy supporting hand, We pass, O Lord, from year to year; And still we meet at Thy command, To seek Thy gracious presence here.
Oft feed us, Lord, beneath this vine, Through the new year with heavenly bread; Oft clothe Thy Word with power divine, To break the rocks and raise the dead.
Oft by a Savior’s dying love, To many a wounded heart revealed; Temptations, fears, and guilt remove, And be our Sun, and Strength and Shield. –John Newton, Psalm 31:15
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