A Loving and Compassionate God!

Do we ever thought that we are nearing the end of times? Are there still issues in our lives that we haven’t reconciled with God yet? Or have we heard the banging cymbals calling us everywhere? God is summoning us to be reconciled to Him before it’s too late. Surely, We don’t allow ourselves to be caught unaware! Our time is at hand . . . we don’t know what happens ahead. We need to be prepared! But how? What assurance can we ever hold on to have a secured eternity? Is it possible?

My faith says it is very possible! But first thing first is that we have to understand what salvation is? By understanding salvation, we may be able to put ourselves within the frame of God’s plan. After having known salvation, we then have to grow in the knowledge of God. The book of Romans 10:17 affirms that  Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, the Bible. Unless the words spoken conform to it, they are merely doctrines of men and do not reflect the true God, for those that worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. This requires searching the Scripture as the Bereans did to verify if the preacher's words are true (Acts 17:11). One cannot know the true God unless one knows the truth of God.

 Often times, we tend to go our own way and to do what we think is right but most times it lead to destruction and failure. God is opening a door for us, yet we enter through another door. We leave God behind and only calls Him when we are pressed in between.  But of truth, from the day we left, the door has not been locked! Dark days and much tragedy have encompassed this world, and the future may become darker before the dawning. The Bible strongly urges that all of us who have the light are to “shine forth as a light in the world, holding forth the word of life.” We can be the light to light the way for someone who walks in the darkness…(Matthew 5:16).

 All over the world we can hear commotions . . . killings, bombings, typhoons, earthquakes, car accidents, plane crash, wars, calamity after calamity are striking the land! People are in grief, gnashing of teeth because of pain and anger, groaning for justice and sympathy, gasping for breath because they can no longer contain the burden and dilemma they are carrying . . . it’s too heavy  to carry!

The world is earnestly in need of a savior! An Almighty Savior that will carry the weight of the world for them. The book of Matthew 11:29-30 encourages us, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” What a great assurance the Lord has given us . . .  that there is hope beyond doubt! This hope is only in Christ Jesus! The Author and the Finisher of our Faith.

           

Come to Him while there is still time. John 9:4 tells us, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” God has given us three score plus ten. That is seventy years . . . Psalm 90:9-10 emphasizes, “For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” 

           What are you waiting for? There is no other Way, there is no other Truth, and there is no other Life except the Way, the Truth, and the Life who is Christ Jesus alone! It is consummated in the book of John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” There is always hope in Christ Jesus! There is always an assurance of forgiveness! Favor is always expressed in every way possible! And grace is ever abounding beyond comprehension! His loving kindness is enduring! All glory be to God . . . Forever and ever! Amen!

Matthew 7:21  "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Indeed, we are serving a Loving
and compassionate God!

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 60 . . .

The book of Isaiah chapter 60 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible.  For so many times, I’ve read these passage . . . but it has never changes its enigma to  me. It continues to bloom from time to time. It adds more meaning in my life and in the lives of many people. I happen to read this online when I was searching about the Kingdom of God. And I wish for everyone to also be able to read this. So, I am posting this from Matthew Henry.

The glories of the church of God, when the fullness of the Gentiles shall come in. (1-8) and the Jews shall be converted and gathered from their dispersions. (9-14) and the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ. (15-22)

Below are commentary from Matthew Henry which is divided into 3 parts:  (A) Commentary on Isaiah 60:1-8;    (B)  Commentary on Isaiah 60:9-14;   (C)  Commentary on Isaiah 60:15-22.

A.) Commentary on Isaiah 60:1-8

(Read Isaiah 60:1-8)

As far as we have the knowledge of God in us, and the favour of God towards us, our light is come. And if God's glory is seen upon us to our honour, we ought, not only with our lips, but in our lives, to return its praise. We meet with nothing in the history of the Jews which can be deemed a fulfilment of the prophecy in this chapter; we must conclude it relates principally to future events. It predicts the purity and enlargement of the church. The conversion of souls is here described. They fly to Christ, to the church, to the word and ordinances, as doves to their own home; thither they fly for refuge and shelter, thither they fly for rest. What a pleasant sight to see poor souls hastening to Christ!
 
B.)  Commentary on Isaiah 60:9-14

(Read Isaiah 60:9-14)

God will be very gracious. We must begin with his promise, thence all mercies take rise. Many shall be brought into the church, even from far countries. Christ is always ready to receive all who come to him; and the gate of mercy is always open, night and day. All that are about the church shall be made serviceable to it. But those who will not be subject to Christ's golden scepter, to his word and Spirit, who will not be kept in by the laws and rules of his family, shall be broken in pieces by his iron rod. The peculiar advantages of every nation, and of every description of men, shall join to beautify the church of Christ. We must suppose this to be accomplished in the beauties of holiness, and the graces and comforts of the Spirit, with which gospel ordinances are adorned and enriched. Blessed be his name, the gates of Zion are ever open to returning sinners.

 C.)  Commentary on Isaiah 60:15-22

(Read Isaiah 60:15-22)

We must look for the full accomplishment in times and things, exceeding those of the Old Testament church. The nations and their kings shall lay themselves out for the good of the church. Such a salvation, such a redemption, shall be wrought out for thee, as discovers itself to be the work of the Lord. Every thing shall be changed for the better. In thy land shall no more be heard threats of those that do violence, nor complaints of those that suffer violence. Thy walls shall be means of safety, thy gates shall be written upon with praises to God. In the close of this chapter are images and expressions used in the description of the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21:23; 22:5. Nothing can answer to this but some future glorious state of the church on earth, or the state of the church triumphant in heaven. 

Those that make God their only light, shall have him their all-sufficient light. And the happiness shall know no change or alloy. No people on earth are all righteous; but there are no mixtures in heaven. They shall be wholly righteous. The spirits of just men shall there be made perfect. The glory of the church shall be to the honor of God. When it shall be finished, it will appear a work of wonder. It may seem too difficult to be brought about, but the God of almighty power has undertaken it. It may seem to be delayed and put off; but the Lord will hasten it in the time appointed by his wisdom, though not in the time prescribed by our folly. Let this hope cheer us under all difficulties, and stir us up to all diligence, that we may have an abundant entrance into this everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Love That Endures Forever . . .

          What can one do to inherit the Kingdom of God? Who inherits the Kingdom of God? And who will not? Such questions if being asked of the  people will definitely scare them . . . Yeah! It’s scary to discuss things when these matter death and life. We always want to live! We always want to survive! We do all the possibilities just to prolong life. 

Many of the verses in the Bible pertain to happen in our individual life and the kind of we are living in this world. These verses relate to God’s insurmountable  favor and  grace. In fact, Grace itself is God’s “Unmerited Favor.” That the more we are apt to experiencing pains, problems, emotional bruises, disappointments and failures, and even financial tied up, the more we feel God’s grace hauling us and winged us all through out the time. 

 From time to time, God is calling us loudly through the cymbals of His words . . . everywhere around the world! Through Christian crusades, Christian TV programs, Christian songs, and through home Bible studies. The book of Revelation confirms this truth: Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me.

The Lord God is very particular of our individual person. He is not after our prestige, not with our achievement, nor is God particular with our talent and skill . . . Because everything we have is a God-given provision. We have nothing and we are nothing apart from Him. Everything about us is His. That’s the reason why we need to always give back to Him what is due to Him. And all Glory be given back to him . . . success, victory, achievement and the like. Even our failure, disappointment, pain, struggle and our every mountain in life must be submitted to God totally. In this way, we acknowledge God as the Author and the Finisher of our Faith.

The Word of God challenged us to try God . . . Malachi 3:10 tells us: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].” Yeah! We have tasks to do yet . . . tasks, if only diligently followed will change the whole course of our life.

God will protect us in every way. His favor will manifest upon our lives even when we are in the midst of pain and struggle. God’s grace will keep us standing and going and moving and kicking. It is God’s strength that will actualize His love so we are able to bear the unbearable and to forgive even the most hateful person we are faced to . . . Yeah! It is God’s stubborn LOVE! 

 God’s stubborn Love is enduring . . . ever enduring! “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever (Psalm 118:29). The whole chapter of Psalm 36 declares God’s might, power, and goodness . . . And His Love that endures forever! To God be all Glory Forever and ever! Amen!

The Lord God is patiently waiting for each one of us to respond to His continued knocking at the very door of our hearts. For us to let Him come in and dine with us in every detail of our life. God blesses us to become a blessing to those who are in need and not to boast of our own achievement and success. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1John 4:10)

 Jesus Christ is still seeking  after the lost! He came to rescue the perishing . . .”I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture (John 10:9). Yeah! The Lord God wants to pasture our life. He wants us to know that no matter what happens, His love will lift us up and bring us to the level where we are favorably safe and provided. His love is a Grace that makes possible our survival!

          What can one do to inherit the Kingdom of God? Who inherits the Kingdom of God? And who will not? Such questions if being asked of the  people will definitely scare them . . . Yeah! It’s scary to discuss things when these matter death and life. We always want to live! We always want to survive! We do all the possibilities just to prolong life. 

Many of the verses in the Bible pertain to happen in our individual life and the kind of we are living in this world. These verses relate to God’s insurmountable  favor and  grace. In fact, Grace itself is God’s “Unmerited Favor.” That the more we are apt to experiencing pains, problems, emotional bruises, disappointments and failures, and even financial tied up, the more we feel God’s grace hauling us and winged us all through out the time. 

From time to time, God is calling us loudly through the cymbals of His words . . . everywhere around the world! Through Christian crusades, Christian TV programs, Christian songs, and through home Bible studies. The book of Revelation confirms this truth: Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me.

The Lord God is very particular of our individual person. He is not after our prestige, not with our achievement, nor is God particular with our talent and skill . . . Because everything we have is a God-given provision. We have nothing and we are nothing apart from Him. Everything about us is His. That’s the reason why we need to always give back to Him what is due to Him. And all Glory be given back to him . . . success, victory, achievement and the like. Even our failure, disappointment, pain, struggle and our every mountain in life must be submitted to God totally. In this way, we acknowledge God as the Author and the Finisher of our Faith.

The Word of God challenged us to try God . . . Malachi 3:10 tells us: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].” Yeah! We have tasks to do yet . . . tasks, if only diligently followed will change the whole course of our life.

God will protect us in every way. His favor will manifest upon our lives even when we are in the midst of pain and struggle. God’s grace will keep us standing and going and moving and kicking. It is God’s strength that will actualize His love so we are able to bear the unbearable and to forgive even the most hateful person we are faced to . . . Yeah! It is God’s stubborn LOVE! 

 God’s stubborn Love is enduring . . . ever enduring! “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever (Psalm 118:29). The whole chapter of Psalm 36 declares God’s might, power, and goodness . . . And His Love that endures forever! To God be all Glory Forever and ever! Amen!

 The Lord God is patiently waiting for each one of us to respond to His continued knocking at the very door of our hearts. For us to let Him come in and dine with us in every detail of our life. God blesses us to become a blessing to those who are in need and not to boast of our own achievement and success. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1John 4:10)

 Jesus Christ is still seeking  after the lost! He came to rescue the perishing . . .”I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture (John 10:9). Yeah! The Lord God wants to pasture our life. He wants us to know that no matter what happens, His love will lift us up and bring us to the level where we are favorably safe and provided. His love is a Grace that makes possible our survival!  Let us make a room for Jesus in our heart!

A Cloud Free Days . . . Possible?

Is there a possibility of a cloud free days? Isn’t it normal to experience both downstream and upstream  everyday? Isn’t it part of our life’s survival to feel pain, emotional bruise, Struggle, Wants and needs not being met, disappointment and other painful experiences in life? Well, with whatever connection people would tie up to the situation . . . I firmly believe that God has a special purpose why He allow us to pass through every situation and experience we are encountering in life.

Life have tempests and will continue to have them. There is no way to run off entirely the tempests, adversities, and trials of life.  It’s part of the human condition. There is no way to have any guarantee that life from this moment on will never be filled with storms. But there are plenty of promises that God has given to us from His Word that He will be with us no matter what may come our way. We do  everything humanly  possible to avoid these storms and attempt to protect our loved ones from their blizzard, unsuccessfully. The promises are not that we will have a storm-free-life, but that in every downstream which come our way, He will be there to comfort, guide, and protect us. The promises are for good days and bad days,  and every kind in between. He hasn’t promised cloud free days, but He has promised strength. Whatever the situation or test, He has promised to be there with us. And the bottom line is that there is no positive security  in this life but there is a positive promise of strength from God for each day!

There is not  a whole lot to be added to this reality  . . . it says it all. Would it be fair  to say that sometimes life is wasted  on the thought of trying to settle a problem the way we consider best but not the way God wants it to happen?  We get smart too late . . . only when we are caught between conflicting situation. We wake up to the lessons of life after the lesson has been experienced .  Too often, it’s painful. Greed is one of those passions which must be conquered early on, or it will haunt you the rest of your life. After all, how much of this world’s story can you take  with you when you die? Remember that there  are no more chances of getting on time to your destiny when you reach the blind alley. 

 There is always a dead end . . . and when we reach the point, we are trapped! As we see around, there is no way out to exit!  What we are going to do is to look up to God. No matter how evil we do, if we sincerely give up everything to God, repent and ask forgiveness, He is faithful to forgive us of our sins . . . “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Pains, trials, disappointments, problems and other hindrances are part of life while still on earth. Why? Because these are the basis of God to test us and for Him to manifest His love, favor, strength, and His grace. As we start giving up our life to Him and serve Him . . . It is also the time for us to get ready because God will try our faith and purge us of everything about us so He may replace it with His strength and loving kindness. The more we experience such dilemma and testing in our lives, the more His favor and His grace can be manifested in our daily survival! And that’s when God is changing us from glory to glory in Christ Jesus! 

As human beings, we are all imperfect! But God is changing us from glory to glory as adhere to Him day after day. . . “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18).

We are not promised a cloud free days . . . but we are promised strength day after day! In fact, God’s grace alone can let us stand amidst anything beyond our strength and our capability to tackle them. God is always good . . . Yeah! all the time!