Friday, January 27, 2017

We have such a HIGH PRIEST...

" Wherefore in ALL things it behoved HIM to be made like unto His brethren, that HE might be a MERCIFUL and FAITHFUL High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. " Hebrews 2:17

This morning I am ever so grateful for the work of the LORD JESUS on my behalf. The thought that I can go to Him for all things... gives me such peace and rest in my soul. 

" Having therefore brethren, 
boldness to enter into the holiest 
by the blood of Jesus..." 
Hebrews 10:19

How thankful I am for the mercy and faithfulness of the LORD JESUS as He intercedes to the FATHER for me... and for you.

" And HE that searcheth the hearts 
knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit 
because He maketh intercession for the saints 
according to the will of GOD." 
Romans 8:27

And  while I may not know what to pray for oftentimes, I do know the Spirit groans on my behalf... that in the end the Father's will be done and not my own. 

" Let us draw near with a true heart 
in full assurance of faith, 
having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, 
and our bodies washed with pure water..." 
Hebrews 10:22

This morning my heart rejoices in the truth of HIS WORD... and the promises written for us as a reminder of His continual  intercession and faithfulness...  knowing He sympathizes with us.

May we be comforted to know that our Lord Jesus understands the trials, afflictions  and difficulties each of us are undergoing today.

" For we have not an high priest 
which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; 
but was in all points tempted like as we are, 
yet without sin." 
Hebrews 4:15

It makes the cares and worries of this world fade away... when we have our eyes fixed on things above. His mercy on our behalf... undeserved... for which I praise Him today!  

Arise, My Soul, Arise

Arise, my soul, arise!
  Shake off thy guilty fears;
  The bleeding Sacrifice
  In my behalf appears.
Before the throne my Surety stands;
My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above
  For me to intercede,
  His all-redeeming love,
  His precious blood to plead.
His blood was shed for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds He bears,
  Received on Calvary;
  They pour effectual prayers;
  They strongly speak for me.
Forgive him, O forgive, they cry,
Nor let that ransomed sinner die!

The Father hears Him pray,
  His dear anointed One;
  He cannot turn away
  The presence of His Son.
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.

To God I’m reconciled,
  His pardoning voice I hear;
  He owns me for His child,
  I can no longer fear.
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And Father, Abba, Father, cry.
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Our gracious and loving Father, how thankful we are for the Lord Jesus who is the faithful High Priest that intercedes on our behalf. We rejoice today in the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ has broken down the middle wall of partition, giving us access to your throne of grace and mercy. 

May you know the peace of God today and rejoice in the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ that has reconciled us to the Father.
~Ellie

Friday, January 13, 2017

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...

"Behold, Let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord... " 2 Samuel 25:41

Oh, to be a servant! It doesn't come natural to serve.... we can all attest to that.  

While reading last night chapter 25 of 2 Samuel, I found the words of Abigail as a response to David's marriage proposal simply thought provoking! 

 Let thine handmaid be a servant... to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. 

How many times have I struggled to be a servant... and yet Abigail's response made me think how much deeper it entails to be a servant.

What does it mean to display a spirit of servanthood? The character of a servant  in the eyes of Abigail wasn't merely just serving her master (David)... it meant to also serve and wash the feet of the other servants. She didn't take on the entitlement of being David's wife and using it for her own glory. Rather, she sought to give herself sacrificially for the well-being of her family. That was the truest form of humility. 

Before honor is humility...

"Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,
 and 
before honour is humility." 
Proverbs 18:12

How often we desire honor... and yet we are not willing to be humble. We are not willing to serve others. We are not willing to wash each other's feet. 

It defies all human comprehension when we look upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Because the Lord Jesus humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant. 

Not I, But Christ 

Not I, but Christ be honored, loved, exalted,
Not I, but Christ be seen, be known and heard;
Not I, but Christ in every look and action,
Not I, but Christ in every thought and word.
 
Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord,
  Oh, to be lost in Thee,
Oh, that it may be no more I,
    But Christ that lives in me.

Not I, but Christ to gently soothe in sorrow,
Not I, but Christ to wipe the falling tear;
Not I, but Christ to lift the weary burden,
Not I, but Christ to hush away all fear.

Christ, only Christ, no idle word e’er falling,
Christ, only Christ, no needless bustling sound;
Christ, only Christ, no self-important bearing,
Christ, only Christ, no trace of I be found.

Not I, but Christ my every need supplying,
Not I, but Christ my strength and health to be;
Christ, only Christ, for spirit, soul, and body,
Christ, only Christ, live then Thy life in me.

Christ, only Christ, ere long will fill my vision,
Glory excelling soon, full soon I’ll see;
Christ, only Christ, my every wish fulfilling,
Christ, only Christ, my all in all to be.
Mrs. Ada A. Whiddington (1891)

Holy Father, Thank you for offering up the Lord Jesus to be the sacrifice for our redemption. We are grateful for the beautiful example the Lord Jesus displayed in taking upon Himself the form of a servant and washing our feet. Help us to walk in His ways and clothe ourselves with humility as we seek to wash each other's feet.

May you be lifted up today to see the need that is around you and be used as a servant for the glory of God.
~Ellie