Category Archives: Enduring Love
TODAY’S WORD, 10-27-16 GOD’S GREAT LOVE FOR US
ARE YOU SAFE IN GOD’S SHEEPFOLD, OR HAVE YOU GONE ASTRAY AND ARE LOST?
Isaiah 53:6 says ‘All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.’
Luke 19:10 tells us ‘For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.’
The ‘Son of man’ is JESUS who said ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ John 14:6
HOW MUCH DOES GOD LOVE THOSE WHO HAVE GONE ASTRAY?
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray.
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.’ Mt 18:11-14
GOD CARES FOR YOU AND WANTS TO SAVE YOU!
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John3:16
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1Peter 5:7
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
(Read about the Good Shepherd in John 10:11-16 or go to Search Box ‘Good Shepherd’)
TODAY’S WORD, 8-2-16 THE BLESSED HOPE
Holding Fast to the Blessed Hope
I just returned from the memorial services for a favorite cousin. Two days ago the newspaper published a lengthy obituary of 8 paragraphs on his life. Besides family information, it described the highlights of his life- accomplishments as an all-star athlete, professional achievements, awards and recognition as an educator and leader in the community, state and at the national level. His exemplary character and life lessons he expoused were extolled by the author of his obit.
BUT the most important paragraph was the first one which was a testimony of who he was- a child of God who had an intimate relationship with God, his Father in Heaven:
(He was) ‘lovingly surrounded by family and friends, and filled with the Holy Spirit’. . . ‘called home to enjoy everlasting life with Jesus Christ in heaven. His family laid hands, and prayed the Lord’s Prayer saying a final aloha, knowing goodness and mercy shall follow him as his spirit lifted to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’
My cousin loved the Lord with his whole heart and knew WHO he was; he knew WHERE he was going when his time on earth was over; and he knew HOW he would receive salvation and eternal life by believing in the name of Jesus. He knew about the BLESSED HOPE and was holding on to it.
‘Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto himself a peruliare people, zealous of good works.’ (Titus 2:12-14)
Hebrews chapter 11 says this about the ‘heroes’ or patriarchs from the Old Testament:
‘These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. . .
‘But now they desire a better country, that is an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.‘ (Heb 11:13, 16)
This is our BLESSED HOPE– That because Jesus was resurrected from the dead so we, too, can also HOLD ON TO THE BLESSED HOPE OF OUR RESURRECTION!
‘But I would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words‘. (1Thess 4:13-18)
What is the ‘Abundant Life’ of John 10:10b?
PLACE YOUR FAITH IN GOD!
(Jesus said) ‘ I am come that they (you and I) might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’ (John 10:10b)
Someone recently remarked in our adult Bible class that he did not think that many Christians seem to know and experience the ‘abundant life’ Jesus spoke of.
Abundant life is not about financial prosperity, worldly possessions and material goods, luxury cruises and vacations, or fine dining restaurants. It is not even about a comfortable home and closet full of clothes; it is not club memberships, one’s life style, a steady job and popularity, or anything associated with the world we live in. The abundant life/prosperity message of many ministers and teachers today is deceiving many Christians into thinking that the focus is on living in the here and now, rather than focusing on where they will spend their eternity.
Jesus came preaching about the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven, a soon coming kingdom, unlike any of the kingdoms on earth (Mt 4:17). The apostle Paul was commissioned to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of God/the mystery of Christ more fully (Col 1:27, 4:3; Eph 3:1-12).
‘My kingdom is not of this world. . .’ (John 18:36)
‘For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost’. (Rom 14:17)
The abundant life will not be fully realized until Jesus returns to establish His Kingdom on earth (John 14:1-3). In this present earthly life, Jesus will never leave us, nor forsake us (Heb 13:5) and is our advocate, interceder for us to our Father in heaven, even as the Holy Spirit is our Comforter and Teacher. Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer and coming King, our Rock and Fortress, our Deliverer in time of trouble and need; He is our Blessed Hope (Titus 2:12-13).
What is this ‘abundant life’ in John 10:10b? It is about having ‘the peace of God that passeth understanding’ (Phil 4:7) which comes with placing our trust in God, and obeying His Word; it is to live without fear, having been given the Spirit of ‘love, power and a sound mind’ (2 Tim 1:7) to endure living in a dark and sinful world.
The abundant life is to know the joy of our salvation. It is to know God’s love and abiding presence in our hearts and lives, His blessings and promises to all those who love Him and are His children. We will be His heirs to rule and reign with Him in His Kingdom (2Tim 2:12; Rev 20:6).
Without Jesus, we would not experience any measure of abundant life now or ‘life more abundantly’ later.
‘Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom though ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:’ (1Pet 1:8)
‘Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?’ (James 2:5)
NOT QUITTING, BUT HANGING IN THERE!
HURRAH!!!
YESTERDAY I REACHED 40,000 views!!!
IS THAT A BIG DEAL?! YES, FOR ME IT IS!
You see, I started ‘God’s Enduring Love’ on May 26, 2012. I didn’t know the first thing about blogging, but Word Press saw me through my ignorance and incompetencies and now my site has been up nearly 4 years since then. In the beginning what was really tough was being a relic from the pre-computer age, meaning being computer illiterate. Even till this day the learning is gradual, though I’m moving ahead slowly. Six months ago I was talked into getting an iPhone so family members can text me and in seconds I could text them back! So I am also learning how to use the computer features slowly, but surely, mainly with the help of Logan, my youngest grandson (12 y/o) who is proud to show off how smart he is for his Nana.
Logan has several years experience over me with computer education in school plus his gadgetry and computer games he’s grown up with. All 7 of the grandchildren can tell anyone about the latest upgrades and how to shop on iTunes and the App store. Of course what helped them is that as babies they were already playing games with the gamut of the mobile devices their little hands could get on. It is amazing that they just learned how to do stuff without knowing how to read yet. Even after they acquired reading skills, they still could figure out most anything on their computers without written instructions or a computer manual, a demonstration by a live tutor, etc.
Shortly after I started my ‘miracle’ blog, in June 2012 I helped my husband with his blog ‘God’s Hidden Nuggets for the Endtimes’ to post his many Bible lessons based on over 40 years of learning the Bible from the Holy Spirit. He has really serious teachings, current events relating to last days, etc. and zoomed ahead of me in viewership. He hasn’t posted anything new in months now and still has daily hits, doubling my daily averages. His last post is well read, ‘Warning- Hell is for Real. . .’ I feel happy for him that people are interested in his very provocative writings.
My original intent when I started blogging was to learn how to get a blogsite going for Drgold, my husband’s pen name. I hadn’t planned to continue mine, but just wanted to learn how to format a blogsite. However, curiosity got the best of me and I thought I would continue since I enjoy writing as much as Drgold, even though he is a better writer than me. To this date Drgold has over 65,000 views, and after a hiatus of 10 months, he will soon blog again!
I recalled what a WordPress editor said about blogging, that a 10,000 views minimum per year was a good indicator of a blog’s viability. This year would be the year to decide whether I would continue writing or have more time to pursue my other hobbies, art and music. So I thought. God has His own plans for my blogsite.
Anyway, this is the point I want to make. No one who drops in here to my site comes ‘by accident’. The sheer low numbers tell the story in themselves! It is ‘God’s Enduring Love‘ that draws anyone to a not so popular site with often unpopular topics, but written for those God has chosen to Himself for His plan and purpose for their lives. One will never know who reads my blog, whose life is touched by God. An example was a Hindu man with a photography blogsite who liked to read my posts. He died of a heart attack a year ago, a week after his last post, and somehow I believe that he reached out to God and God is with the Lord.
SO, I made 40,000 views one month before the 4 year deadline I had set for myself.
I want to THANK ALL OF YOU WHO READ MY BLOG POSTS, whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever reasons you have for visiting my blog, GOD KNOWS. God has touched the lives of folks from large countries to remote little islands all over the world. As I continue to write, my hope is to share God’s message of His Enduring Love for us all. Many have read ‘Why Do People Resist God.’ We can only hope and pray that the resisters will experience God’s love, be blessed with the gift of Salvation and have a better life than the one they now have.
GOD BLESS YOU!
Liz (Shofar)
WHAT I MISSED MOST ON EASTER SUNDAY
The Resurrection of Christ is the most historic event celebrated by all believers of Jesus from 2,000 years ago to the present. Below are the words of a family member who remembered this very significant day, Easter or Resurrection Day, celebrated this past Sunday, March 27th:
“Happy Easter to you. For us believers, Easter is the most important event in the history of mankind. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then we are the most hopeless of men (paraphrased from Paul to the Corinthians). Through the Resurrection, Jesus Christ conquered death and Satan. Through the Resurrection, He became our Savior, Redeemer, and Lord of all. Praise God!!!”
Many folks who wouldn’t darken the door of a church, will often make an exception for Easter and Christmas. I remember years ago, there would be an overflowing crowd for Easter vigil and Easter masses. It would be standing room only and a line that went out of the church front entrance for Holy Communion. There is something about being in on the joyful day that Jesus rose from the grave and conquered death. Maybe next year I should go back to my old church and hear the homily about Jesus’ tomb being found empty for Jesus had risen from the dead! I would sing with my heart bursting with joy as the church organ billowed out:
Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth, reply, Alleluia!Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!(Christ the Lord is Risen Today– Charles Wesley 1739)
On the way home from church, memories came back of my days in the Southern Baptist Church when I was a young teen. The choir and all the members sang out:
Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior,
waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!
Refrain:
Up from the grave he arose;
with a mighty triumph o’er his foes;
he arose a victor from the dark domain,
and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!(Christ Arose, Robert Lowry 1874)
My favorite hymn was ‘He Lives’ and my childhood friend and I loved to belt this one out:
I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.Refrain:
He lives, He lives,
Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives,
Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And tho’ my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading thro’ all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing will come at last.RefrainRejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind. (Refrain)
A MUST READ! The inspiring story behind ‘He Lives’ by the preacher/composer of the song: http://nickel-notes.blogspot.com/2012/03/hymn-history-he-lives.html
I was very grieved that none of the traditional Easter songs in our church hymnal were sung by my church congregation. The church was elaborately decorated for Easter service. In the service, there were a brass ensemble, hand bell musicians, choir special ‘Credo’ by Schubert’s Mass in G, duet special, Hallelujah chorus with a full-volume-on organ performing, and before church started there was breakfast served and an egg hunt. But, I really missed the congregational singing, raising our voices in jubilant worship of our Risen Savior on this special occasion, with the ‘traditional’ hymns of the Risen Christ.
Perhaps we should forget about all that is associated with Easter and concentrate our minds upon what the RESURRECTION is all about. This is what the apostle Paul said:
“That I may know him, and the power of his Resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
If by any means I might attain unto the Resurrection of the dead.” (Phil 3:10-11)
If Christ had not risen from the dead, then He is not God, and our Faith in Him would be in vain! But Jesus rose from the dead as He promised He would, and He is alive and has the power to also save us, bless us, help us, and to Resurrect us up one day in the Rapture! Praise God! AMEN!
TODAY’S WORD FOR YOU, 3-18-16 Take One Day At A Time
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!
Give Your Burdens and Cares To God
Many folks are sad, broken-hearted, grieving over the loss of loved ones, stressed out with the pressures of life and living, carrying many burdens, don’t know what to do, where to find answers to their problems and questions that trouble them. Turn to the Lord for comfort and help. He will make a way when there seems to be no way; your breakthrough will come; you will have victory over that need or problem before you!
“Casting all your care upon him: for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
We all need to learn to take ‘One Day At A Time’
TODAY’S WORD FOR YOU, 3-7-16 Riding Out the Storm
Oil Painting by Liz ‘Riding Out the Storm’
Are you going through a storm in your life today? This painting is based on a real life event of a fishing boat scrambling to return to the harbor. A storm was moving in and the ocean was very rough with unusually large swells. The boat made it back safely!
Here are Bible verses to assure you that Jesus is looking out for us. He is our harbor light; He is our rock, our fortress and strong tower.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. (Psalms 61:3)
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. (Psa 91:2)
More on ‘Why Do People Resist God?’
This is a sequel to ‘Why Do People Resist God’ which is an often read post on this blog site. When I read it again recently, it had a much softer and somber tone to it than my first post. But it is a serious topic, nonetheless! God bless you all!
A Sequel to ‘Why Do People Resist God?’
Two years ago, I wrote ‘Why Do People Resist God?’. I am overjoyed for the number of viewers who find this post and are reading it every day. Perhaps it strikes close to their hearts because they, too, have unbelieving family members and friends whose spiritual lives are hanging in the balance. I would like to also think that some readers are searching for answers in their hearts, if there really is a God in heaven and does He really love them.
We who believe that ‘there is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun’ cannot help but feel anguish and helplessness in reaching out to our unbelieving loved ones, friends and others who resist God’s love and who reject Him and do not want anything to do with Him. It is only through our continued intercession for them that God…
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Isa 42:16 (4): “Entering The Unknown By Faith”
Trusting God as we enter into 2016. . .
(“Our future will be revealed to us one event at a time”)
INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:
Folks, as the New Year comes upon us, we are reminded that we are embarking on a new part of our life’s journey that is filled with many unknowns. These unknown events can challenge a Christian’s faith to its very core. This is the reason that I felt it was important to take a few devotional lessons and address keys to “Entering The Unknown By Faith”.
In this six part devotional series, we will be looking at Isaiah 42:16. This is a wonderful text to use in this devotional series. In this series, we will learn about how to handle unforeseen, challenging life events based upon our trust in the Lord and His enabling graces.
Lord willing, by His grace alone, we will be uncovering the wisdom found in God’s Word that will help…
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TODAY’S WORD FOR YOU, 12-14-15 A GIFT FOR YOU THIS CHRISTMAS
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RECEIVE IT; IT’S YOURS!
- The greatest gift from God is LIFE- ETERNAL LIFE. But it’s yours only if you will ACCEPT IT!
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‘For God so loved the world, (you and me) that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him (Jesus) should not perish, but have everlasting life.’
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(John 3:16)
To accept your gift, all you need is FAITH in God and BELIEF in Jesus Christ as your Saviour. You can pray your own words or words like the following:
‘Dear Jesus,
I am a lost sinner and I’m sorry for my sins. Please forgive me of my sins and come into my heart. I accept you now as my Lord and Savior and claim my gift of eternal life. Thank you for dying on the cross for me, for saving my soul and with your help I will live for you. AMEN.’
If you have said this simple prayer I will now have another brother or sister in Christ! YAY!!! And there is REJOICING in heaven over your accepting God’s gift to you!!!
‘. . .likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.’
‘. . .there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.’ (Luke 15:7, 10)
