05/24/12

Romans 9 We Are Called To Be His Children

We Are All Called To Be His Children

 
 

In a time when we all struggle to maintain our faith in a doubting world–we read in Romans 9 of the adoption of Gentiles and Jews alike. This adoption is based on faith, not works, therefore it is for everyone who believes on The Son of GOD as their Savior and Redeemer. Paul speaks of his grief at the plight of the Jews–brought about by their stubbornness and disobedience. Their guaranteed inheritance was forfeited by their unbelief, so only those who believed in the promise of the Savior entered into adoption in Christ. It is not by birth or inheritance only that we become children of the Living GOD-it is through the Cross and the path of redemption that we can enter into the Kingdom. GOD showed His plan of Grace and Mercy through the adoption of the harlot Rahab, and the adoption of the Moabitess Ruth into His Son’s earthly bloodline. When Christ shed blood on the Cross this blood was spilled for the redemption of all and purified through the essence of who Jesus is. I Am made a way for all to eat and partake of the inheritance.Let us all rejoice and be glad that we have a right to become Sons and Daughters of the Most High GOD.

 

Romans 9 NIV

 

Paul’s Anguish Over Israel

 

9 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised![a]Amen.

 

God’s Sovereign Choice

 

It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”[b] In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”[c]

10 Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. 11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad —in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”[d] 13 Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”[e]

14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15 For he says to Moses,

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
    and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”[f]

16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”[g] 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

19 One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” 20 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”[h] 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?

22 What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory — 24 even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 25 As he says in Hosea:

“I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people;
    and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,”[i]

26 and,

“In the very place where it was said to them,
    ‘You are not my people,’
    there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’”[j]

27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:

“Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea,
    only the remnant will be saved.
28 For the Lord will carry out
    his sentence on earth with speed and finality.”[k]

29 It is just as Isaiah said previously:

“Unless the Lord Almighty
    had left us descendants,
we would have become like Sodom,
    we would have been like Gomorrah.”[l]

 

Israel’s Unbelief

 

30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. 33 As it is written:

“See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble
    and a rock that makes them fall,
    and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”[m]

 

Footnotes:

 

  1. Romans 9:5 Or Messiah, who is over all. God be forever praised! Or Messiah. God who is over all be forever praised!

  2. Romans 9:7 Gen. 21:12

  3. Romans 9:9 Gen. 18:10,14

  4. Romans 9:12 Gen. 25:23

  5. Romans 9:13 Mal. 1:2,3

  6. Romans 9:15 Exodus 33:19

  7. Romans 9:17 Exodus 9:16

  8. Romans 9:20 Isaiah 29:16; 45:9

  9. Romans 9:25 Hosea 2:23

  10. Romans 9:26 Hosea 1:10

  11. Romans 9:28 Isaiah 10:22,23 (see Septuagint)

  12. Romans 9:29 Isaiah 1:9

  13. Romans 9:33 Isaiah 8:14; 28:16

 

Cross References:

 

  1. Romans 9:1 : Ps 15:2; 2Co 11:10; Gal 1:20; 1Ti 2:7

  2. Romans 9:1 : S Ro 1:9

  3. Romans 9:3 : Ex 32:32

  4. Romans 9:3 : 1Co 12:3; 16:22

  5. Romans 9:3 : S Ac 22:5

  6. Romans 9:3 : Ro 11:14

  7. Romans 9:4 : ver 6

  8. Romans 9:4 : Ex 4:22; 6:7; Dt 7:6

  9. Romans 9:4 : Heb 9:5

  10. Romans 9:4 : Ge 17:2; Dt 4:13; Ac 3:25; Eph 2:12

  11. Romans 9:4 : Ps 147:19

  12. Romans 9:4 : Heb 9:1

  13. Romans 9:4 : S Ac 13:32; S Gal 3:16

  14. Romans 9:5 : Ro 11:28

  15. Romans 9:5 : Mt 1:1-16; Ro 1:3

  16. Romans 9:5 : Jn 1:1; Col 2:9

  17. Romans 9:5 : Ro 1:25; 2Co 11:31

  18. Romans 9:6 : S Heb 4:12

  19. Romans 9:6 : Ro 2:28, 29; Gal 6:16

  20. Romans 9:7 : Ge 21:12; Heb 11:18

  21. Romans 9:8 : S Ro 8:14

  22. Romans 9:8 : S Gal 3:16

  23. Romans 9:9 : Ge 18:10, 14

  24. Romans 9:10 : Ge 25:21

  25. Romans 9:11 : ver 16

  26. Romans 9:11 : Ro 8:28

  27. Romans 9:12 : Ge 25:23

  28. Romans 9:13 : Mal 1:2, 3

  29. Romans 9:14 : S Ro 8:31

  30. Romans 9:14 : 2Ch 19:7

  31. Romans 9:15 : Ex 33:19

  32. Romans 9:16 : Eph 2:8; Tit 3:5

  33. Romans 9:17 : Ex 9:16; 14:4; Ps 76:10

  34. Romans 9:18 : Ex 4:21; 7:3; 14:4, 17; Dt 2:30; Jos 11:20; Ro 11:25

  35. Romans 9:19 : Ro 11:19; 1Co 15:35; Jas 2:18

  36. Romans 9:19 : Ro 3:7

  37. Romans 9:19 : 2Sa 16:10; 2Ch 20:6; Da 4:35

  38. Romans 9:20 : Job 1:22; 9:12; 40:2

  39. Romans 9:20 : Isa 64:8; Jer 18:6

  40. Romans 9:20 : Isa 29:16; 45:9; 10:15

  41. Romans 9:21 : 2Ti 2:20

  42. Romans 9:22 : S Ro 2:4

  43. Romans 9:22 : Pr 16:4

  44. Romans 9:23 : S Ro 2:4

  45. Romans 9:23 : Ro 8:30

  46. Romans 9:24 : S Ro 8:28

  47. Romans 9:24 : S Ro 3:29

  48. Romans 9:25 : Hos 2:23; 1Pe 2:10

  49. Romans 9:26 : Hos 1:10; S Mt 16:16; S Ro 8:14

  50. Romans 9:27 : Ge 22:17; Hos 1:10

  51. Romans 9:27 : 2Ki 19:4; Jer 44:14; 50:20; Joel 2:32; Ro 11:5

  52. Romans 9:28 : Isa 10:22, 23

  53. Romans 9:29 : Jas 5:4

  54. Romans 9:29 : Isa 1:9; Ge 19:24-29; Dt 29:23; Isa 13:19; Jer 50:40

  55. Romans 9:30 : S Ro 8:31

  56. Romans 9:30 : Ro 1:17; 3:22; 4:5, 13; 10:6; Gal 2:16; Php 3:9; Heb 11:7

  57. Romans 9:31 : Dt 6:25; Isa 51:1; Ro 10:2, 3; 11:7

  58. Romans 9:31 : Gal 5:4

  59. Romans 9:32 : 1Pe 2:8

  60. Romans 9:33 : Isa 8:14; 28:16; Ro 10:11; 1Pe 2:6, 8

 

 

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®

Charlene’s Source: biblegateway.com

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05/3/12

Twilight by Chaelwest

 

 Exactly what is Twilight?

 It is that time of day to night that brings a sudden calm to the sky, a feeling of cessation to the busy day, moments of flame, azure purple, and crimson gold. It is a time of feeling confused as my eyes try to adjust to the fading natural light and headlights seem to pierce my very soul. Half-blind; half-sighted–climbing Nathan’s hill in a mad juggle with everyone else going home from work or errands. Sometimes it seems as if I will not survive this time of evening’s emergence. Tired, older eyes begin to play tricks upon the brain–scattering the rays of traffic lights in many directions, causing straight to appear curved, and curved to appear straight. I avoid driving at this time, especially in winter, preferring to be a passenger while warmth seeps out of the vents and curls itself in tendrils around my ankles.

 Then, eyes closed, I talk to God about many things–the beautiful day and its accomplishments, its many treasures, about love so real that it is tangible. As He speaks to my spirit I feel a gentle peace wash over me as dreams and goals become closer to fruition–as impossibilities seem possible. I am made of a different thread–spun into a garment of wonder and naive joy. No politician’s inclination here–this heart embraces everyone. I often wonder if what I see in me is what others see. Am I viewing a different person than other’s view? It is hard to discern the hearts and minds of others as I journey far and wide, oftentimes without taking a step. As I lie abed thousands of miles away from those I love–while other loved ones are so close they can be touched. Does this make the love less real? The distance?  Spirit knows no distance–love knows no boundaries. Twilight is where I now live. I am no longer in the sunshine of youth, nor am I approaching the dark of midnight. I live in that in-between place that is sacred and sure. I have seen many things as my journey has progressed. I dwell at the mountain’s top, starting to descend on the other side–a full day’s journey still ahead of me.

 

 credit: chaelwest@charlene’sattic.com

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Charlene Kirst
02/28/12

120228 There Is Abundance In Store For Us All–A Vision From The LORD

 As I sit here at my computer, I am racing to get a vision down in writing that The LORD gave to me early this morning.

As I was lying in bed this morning talking to GOD to start my day, I suddenly saw a vision of several keyboards lined up on a vast wall. I was seeing them as if I were hovering in the air above them. They ranged starting from the left as a miniature model with few keys and no special accessories to a giant model that was the fanciest keyboard of them all. It had all the stops and whistles,and was without a doubt the fanciest, most capable keyboard that could be bought.

I have to ask myself, “Why is GOD showing me this vision at this point in my life”? I am watching newer, younger musicians come over the horizon, and I am questioning my own music strengths. It does no harm to examine your abilities in Christ–sometimes they need a poke or a prod to step up to the plate.

As I am growing older I am becoming aware of limitations placed upon my ability to minister. To say that these limitations are more in the physical than the spriritual is a given. I am sure that there are others who face this same crisis, and the zeal is even stronger in the Spirit to perform the work. I can think of many ways to try to slow the aging process: lose weight–that’s a good one, watch my diet; and get more stretches and exercises in than I presently do. The benefit would be to prolong my days, if GOD sees fit, in an effort to make any difference great or small in the work of the Kingdom. The Body does have parts, and I would truly enjoy fufilling what I consider to be my “reasonable service”.

As I sit and pray on the vision of the keyboards, I am led to remember instructions that GOD gave me many years ago to write songs and to play instruments. I have always loved music, and my first instrument was a piano. As a child in school I was introduced to a wind flute that looked like a fat cigar. It was called a Tonette, and I graduated from that to an autoharp, and then to an organ. I come from the Bible Belt and the piano and organ were the most prevalent of instruments played in church. Today, keyboards, electronic adaptations of the basic piano and organ predominate. The instruments may change but the methods remain the same.

Over the years, my abilities on the piano and keyboards have waxed and waned simply due to having two pianists in my household. There has been no pressure to play. Christina and Elizabeth both play well, and their understanding of music is a reflection of my own investment into them as children. Time is going to change their proximity to me, however, and it is crucial for me to reinvest in my own musical abilities. GOD is my judge, and I rely on Him to guide me and strengthen my hands to the task.

The LORD gave my family two scriptures recently–Deuteronomy 30:19 and Jeremiah 29:11. The former scripture expresses choice between cursing and blessing in order to live abundant life; the latter literally states, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD– Plans to prosper you and not to harm, plans to give you hope and a future”.

I am to direct and retrain my paths toward music ministry and teaching ministry. Music is the language of GOD, and The Word is also the language of GOD. The spoken word exhorts upon the strength of GOD’s music.

Is music simply notes? Can music be words or expressions? I believe that it can be, so this is what I believe GOD is speaking to me in this vision: “Train your eyes, ears, tongue, larnyx, heart, and spirit to seek the ways of the LORD”. Whether physical music or spiritual music–it is all applicable to the Kingdom of Heaven.  I am to minister in word and music. Where to minister is GOD’s choice. I am simply to follow His leading.

 

Psalm 114

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 114

 1 When Israel came out of Egypt,
   Jacob from a people of foreign tongue,
2 Judah became God’s sanctuary,
   Israel his dominion. 3 The sea looked and fled,
   the Jordan turned back;
4 the mountains leaped like rams,
   the hills like lambs.

 5 Why was it, sea, that you fled?
   Why, Jordan, did you turn back?
6 Why, mountains, did you leap like rams,
   you hills, like lambs?

 7 Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord,
   at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8 who turned the rock into a pool,
   the hard rock into springs of water.

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

12/19/11

2 Peter 3:9 Promise of the Saviour

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish,  but that all should come to repentance.”— 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
 
Does GOD keep his promises? Does he break covenant with us? You are saying, “Of course not”, GOD does not change. So the question here is– in a relationship between ourselves and our Maker, “Who does change”?  
I believe that we can all agree that mankind is subject to change–that the nature of mankind desires change.
 
As a people, we are a restless bunch. We bore easily, and at a time in history when there are so many diversions hour by hour, humankind has less and less time to be still and listen to God’s still, small voice. If we would take the time, we would discover a world of possibilities that exist far beyond our everyday existence.
 
Service to Christ involves embracing all that He is and has been. He is the second Person of the Holy Trinity; He was God made flesh and still is today.
The teaching of the Cross and the sacrifice of Jesus lives on today in our hearts. The Christchild born of a virgin mother is still ‘God With Us’, ‘Emmanuel’, and ‘Saviour of All Mankind’. We have covenanted again and again with Our LORD when we partake of His Holy Communion; when we break the bread and lift the cup in His Name. Jesus’ name is the only  name under heaven by which we can be saved.
 
This Christmas Season is a new beginning, a time to reevaluate and reassess our Christian walk. It is not about ‘Black Day’ or ‘Macy’s Parade’–it is about ‘Giving’ as Christ has given to us over and over. It is about the “Great Commission”–going out into the world in any way possible to seek the lost sheep and bring them into the fold.
 
What is Christmas? Christmas is Jesus as an Intercessor, coming to earth to experience what we experience and to create a bridge between GOD and Man. The ‘Promise’ is still here, and the recipients of the ‘Promise’ through GOD’s Holy Spirit have much to make them rejoice.
“For unto us a child is born; unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulders, and His name shall be called Wonderful. Counselor, Almighty GOD, The Everlasting Father; The Prince of Peace. 
Isaiah 9:6 KJV
 
All Scripture Quotes are from The Holy Bible, KJV,  World Publishing, 1986.
12/2/11

Psalm 27 A Psalm of Trust and Faith

This Psalm of David eloquently speaks for itself. It is a heart cry to God to watch over, protect, and defend his own. I thank God for His gift of Scripture, as it gives us opportunity to  share in the Psalmist’s adoration and praise to the King of Glory.  Charlene

 

Psalm 27 

  

New International Version (NIV)

Of David.

 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
   whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
   of whom shall I be afraid?

 2 When the wicked advance against me
   to devour[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
   who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
   my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
   even then I will be confident.

 4 One thing I ask from the LORD,
   this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
   all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
   and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
   he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
   and set me high upon a rock.

 6 Then my head will be exalted
   above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
   I will sing and make music to the LORD.

 7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
   be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
   Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
   do not turn your servant away in anger;
   you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
   God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
   the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, LORD;
   lead me in a straight path
   because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
   for false witnesses rise up against me,
   spouting malicious accusations.

 13 I remain confident of this:
   I will see the goodness of the LORD
   in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
   be strong and take heart
   and wait for the LORD.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 27:2 Or slander
 
 
New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

11/28/11

2 Timothy 2 NIV

2 Timothy 2

New International Version (NIV)

The Appeal Renewed

 1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

 8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

 11Here is a trustworthy saying:

   If we died with him,
   we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
   we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
   he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
   he remains faithful,
   for he cannot disown himself.

Dealing With False Teachers

 14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

 20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

 22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

 
 
New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

11/11/11

"Courageous" Fatherhood and Trust

I went with my family and Women United RHC to see this remarkably inspirational movie at Marcus Theater on November 10th. We laughed; we cried; but more importantly–we praised. Although this movie features policemen as its target subject, it is for every parent out there who feels a responsibility to raise and relate to their children in a Godly atmosphere of trust and obedience. This movie never gets dull or preachy. It teaches Biblical truths through practical application. Since its initial release on September 30th, 2011–policemen and men of service all over the country have seen they and their family’s lives changed through the message this movie projects. The message is founded upon the Word of GOD.
Made by the producers of “Fireproof”–this movie excels in all areas. I recommend seeing it over and over. Rev. Charlene

“Courageous” Movie Trailers

credit: yahooMovies

Charlene’s Source: yahoo.com

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09/15/11

Psalm 92 Verses 12 through 15 King James Version

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our GOD.

They shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the Lord is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him”.