Just As I Am

Romans 3:23-24  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

What will it take to get people to come to Jesus for salvation? It took a famous singer by the name of Charlotte Elliot to be confronted by a preacher named Caesar Milan.

In London, long ago, preacher Milan was invited to her concert. After the show  Milan approached her. "I thought as I listened to you tonight how tremendously the cause of Christ would be benefitted if your talents were dedicated to His cause. You know, young lady, you are a sinner in the sight of God, but I am glad to tell you that the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse you from all sin."

The singer became angry. As she stomped away, the preacher raised His voice. "I mean no offense. I will pray that God's Spirit will convict you."

That night the preacher's face and words kept her from sleeping. She was under terrible conviction over her sins. About two o'clock in the morning she got out of bed and got a pencil and paper. With tears running down her cheeks, Charlotte Elliot wrote these words:

Just as I am, without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that thou bids me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

The Peace Of God

Some precious promises are ours when we refuse to allow worry to be our master and learn to bring our needs to Jesus.

Philippians 4:6,7  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Be careful for nothing means don't worry. Worry is like a rat in your heart and mind. If left alone it will gnaw at you and steal your joy, power and energy. But the rodent of worry can’t live in the secret place of the Most High. Worry dies when we trust the Lord through prayer and read His Word.

The peace of God is that calm in the heart and mind despite raging turmoil and strife. It’s a mysterious thing, but it’s God’s gift to those who  trust Him in every thing.

That’s a peace that can’t be disrupted by the  problems of life. That’s a peace that can’t waiver, be shaken or destroyed. Job, Daniel, the three Hebrew boys, and David had that kind of peace. I’ve had that kind of peace and it‘s amazing. You can have that that kind of peace.

God Is Glorified

Every true believer wants a closer relationship with the Lord. Jesus will help us to serve Him more faithfully. His ability exceeds the lengths to which our minds can think or ask.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

We who are in the flesh can’t make the Christian life happen unless we yield to The Holy Spirit of the Lord within us. His power transcends our weakness and enables us to accomplish great things for His glory.

Romans 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

As we live for God and honor His Word, He receives glory from the church. As we love Him and love one another, He is glorified. As we  gather for worship, He is glorified. As we sing, pray, work, and serve in the church, He is glorified. Never forget why you go to church.

The Hem Of His Garment

For various reasons multitudes followed Jesus during His earthly ministry. Many needed healing. Others wanted to witness miracles or get a free meal. Some actually believed on Him.

One lady pressed the crowd to get closer, hoping to be healed of a twelve-year affliction. She knew Jesus had healed others, but why should He heal her? After all, she came as a last resort. Nothing had worked in the past. If she could only touch Him.

Pushing and shoving, she edged closer, enough to touch the hem of His garment. Jesus stopped, knowing somebody with faith had touched Him and been healed. It was immediate and complete.

Luke 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

This woman’s testimony revealed the power of faith. It’s one thing to “press Him” in a crowd or with prayers but another thing to “touch Him” by faith.

We may not have strong faith, but we do have a strong Saviour, and He responds to faith the size of a mustard seed.