Grace | gracefaithgift.com

Devotion to Christ

Jul 282012

Devotion to Christ

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ 2-Corinthians 11:3 NIV.

I remember leaving my first love, Jesus! It didn’t happen suddenly, like a leaf the Tide; I just drifted away (Nevertheless I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love Revelation 2:4 NASB).

When I was first saved, my mind was totally fixed on Jesus. Every day I thought it would be the day He would come back. I knew when He was on the cross He knew me and died for me. I couldn’t get enough of the word of God. When I meditated about the Lord I was so filled with the Spirit that I thought my heart would burst. I cried out; “Stop, Lord, I’ll die”. King David had the same experience (My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue Psalm 39:3 NIV).

I remember when I spoke about the Lord there was great assurance. One of things I will never forget, one night, my Wife was in the kitchen. I looked at her and all I felt was love for her, a love I never had before, a love blind to any faults and it was easy! “My Yoke” is easy said the Lord, through the Holy Spirit; “Rivers Of Living Waters will Flow” From within you”. I remember telling a spiritual brother about that event, when I said it was easy, he burst out in laughter and sad; “Tell me again”. He knew this love only comes through the Holy Spirit and devotion to Jesus (Brother Dom was one of the most devoted to Jesus persons I have ever known, Jesus walked in his shoes. He is with the Lord today). The Lord produces the Fruit, not us, we are His workmanship.

So tell us how and why you left your first love Ken? Like Peter, I took my eyes off the Lord, I focused on my own works, and the Lord took a back seat with my agenda. I was always quick to quote scripture, especially to those who were hurting. After one occasion of quoting scripture to a lady who was hurting. I was rebuked in love by a sister in the Lord. She said; “Ken”, it’s more than just quoting scripture, you must understand their hurt.”

(Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God 2-Corinthians 1:4 NASB). Although I have personally suffered much and could understand the sufferings of others, I was out of fellowship with the Lord (“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing John 15:5 NASB).

I knew something was wrong, gone was my joy and peace, self-righteousness had replaced the “Easy Love” I had. One day while on my way to work, I saw a man reading the Bible; I said hello to him and soon realized what a spiritual man he was. He looked me in the eye and said; “You have left your first Love”, now I realized that I did! I remember repenting and asking the Lord to forgive me. I made a promise to Him that from then on I would look to Him to lead me. I then became the obedient man who went on to be the spiritual man.

The secret I learned as did Paul the Apostle is found in Jesus alone, the *True Vine from which we the branches bear fruit. Love being greatest! As my brother in the Lord Dominic used to tell me; “Kenny, it’s a full surrender to the Lord”.

Paul, after serving the Lord with all his heart, counted his works as garbage compared to knowing the deep things of Christ (that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death Philippians 3:10. That their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Colossians 2:2-3 NASB).

As the word says; Christians, lay aside envy, strife and all that hinders, rejoice for anyone who proclaims the Good News of the Gospel. Even if their motives are wrong, Christ is preached! (Paraphrased)

I’m glad to say I’m back with my first love Jesus, I threw away the “Rubber Stamp” I thought He used for my works. Now I can relax and let Him lead the way, nobody does it better, by the way!

* “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit John 15:2 NASB. The branch not bearing fruit is a picture of a believer (Been there) not abiding in the Vine (Jesus). As a result THEIR works are wood, hay and stubble, men gather them (The dead works, not the believer) and burn them (Burn represents rejecting) as they are useless for God’s work. Only the Good Works done through Christ are the Gold, Silver and Precious Stones that will remain for those obedient believers at the Judgment of their works by the Lord.

Nice outfit Eve!

Grace No Responses »

Jul 252012

Nice outfit Eve!

THE COVERING OF GOD

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35 NASB.

This is a beautiful scripture but one word in it made me wonder, the word: “Nakedness”*. What does it have to do with this verse? The clear meaning of the word is to be without clothes but there is a deeper spiritual meaning, which I will attempt to explain. Let us go way back to the Garden of Eden and the fall of Adam and Eve. When they sinned, their eyes were opened, their innocence gone, conscience began!

Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings (Genesis 3:7 NASB).

Their first act was to cover themselves with fig leaves, a picture of man’s attempt to hide his sin and be righteous by works. I call this the Church of the fig leaves, the beginning of “Man’s” Religion. They heard the Lord walking in the Garden and hid. Sin brings fear and separation of fellowship with God for believers, for others, an eternity of separation from God.

Note: I believe hearing the Lord walking shows He had taken on a human form; a Spirit would not be heard walking. It reminds me of Abraham seeing the Lord as three men (Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day Genesis 18: 1-14 NASB).

Now we can understand the word “Nakedness” as used in Romans 8:35. It is related to sin, being uncovered before the Lord and the shame of that. Not even our own sins can separate us from the Lord. Willful sin in the believers walk separates them from fellowship, not salvation.

What did the Lord do after their sin and attempt to cover it? He slew animals, blood was shed, and He covered them with the skins and preached the good news of a Savior, Jesus. He told them Satan would bruise the Lord’s heel (The Crucifixion) but Satan would suffer a fatal head wound (Totally defeated, cast into the pit for all eternity). The skin coverings were a temporary covering of sin until Jesus the Lamb of God paid the ransom for our redemption. God did it all, in the Garden He sought them, covered their sins with the garments of salvation (The skins being a picture of the actual act) with blood shed. His Word as a guarantee they would have Eternal Life. Jesus said: “Adam died, yet he still speaks”. He and Eve are in Heaven. The Lord is today seeking to save sinners, you may be covering your sins with religion but salvation is found in a person, Jesus. He will cover you with His righteousness as He did with Adam and Eve. To me, the fig leaves represent a “Works” salvation. Adam and Eve had to pick the leaves and form a covering by sewing them together. (But this stitch in time saved no one). They hid from the Lord; their covering did not take away the guilt and fear that was the result of sin. To someone in that same condition I plead, come to Jesus, and come as you are, repent of your sins. He will wash away your sins; He will through His Spirit give you joy and peace, beauty for ashes.

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool (Isaiah 1:18 NASB).

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28 NASB).

* I would like to add an e-mail conversation I had with my Son on the subject of nakedness.

Being naked is not a sin if you are in a state of innocence as a young child. You would be like a baby who doesn’t have a problem with nakedness! In the fall, they became aware of sin which brought shame. I believe it was Jesus who walked with them in the Garden, He was clothed as even the Angels have their covering. I think when Adam and Eve eyes were open to sin they knew the Lord was clothed and they were not, so they hid from Him. Remember the Lord asked them: “Who told you that you were naked?” (The beginng of guilt through consience). It was Satan, as the one who deceived and lied about God’s word. Their sin separated them from perfect fellowship with the Lord, now aware of their nakedness (Sinfulness) before Him. Not that being naked itself was a sin but it became a symbol of shame and for the first time they were convicted by a conscience. We wear clothes today for the same reason, Satan has perverted the world, especially in regards to sex through the fallen human race. Until the fall, Adam and Eve didn’t have a conscience to convict them of sin and shame (Total innocense). Because of the Fall every human being has a conscience that can experience the same shame as Adam and Eve. I believe He created them naked to prove to us how innocent they were, just like babies. Look how one would feel reading about their nakedness in today’s world where Satan the tempter is at large. Thank God He covered Adam, Eve and all the Saints with the Garments of Salvation that covers our sin and shame. Jesus hung on the cross naked, despising the shame of nakedness. Did you know you can be wearing clothes and still be naked before God? Like fig leaves, our covering of clothes cannot cover our sin and shame (for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23 NASB) (The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9 KJV) The Good News is God can cover your sin and shame as He did for Adam and Eve (“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool Isaiah 1:18 NASB). The Covering from God is the righteousness of Christ imputed to the believer through Faith. When we are covered with the Garments of Salvation, the Father only sees Jesus when He looks at us. ( Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is 1-John 3:2 NASB).

God bless, Dad

God bless all who read,

Ken

January 2012

What kind of life does the obedient Christian experience?

Grace, Spiritual Food No Responses »

May 052012

What kind of life does the obedient Christian experience?

The goal of every believer should be to experience the abundant life Jesus came to give us.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” John 10:10 NASB.

How many times I have heard Christians say they wished they knew God’s will for them. His revealed will is seen in His Word. Study to show yourself approved. Move on to the strong meat (Deep things of God) of the Word. Pray without ceasing, ask the Father for more of the Holy Spirits power, gifts and leading in your life.

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Luke 11:13 NASB.

Did you know that the Lord has ordained all our works? For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 KJV.

When you have obeyed the Lord’s revealed will through the letter of the Word, you will have become a mature Son/Daughter in the Lord. Now the Lord will use you to do His perfect will through the leading of the Holy Spirit, walking in those “Ordained” works.

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God Romans 8:14 NASB.

This is the life God wills for the believer, Christ working through us, doing the “Greater Works” He said we would do. It is a supernatural experience when God leads and things happen. I have found in my walk with the Lord that He leads first, reveals to me what took place last. That’s OK with me because then I know it was Him and not my plans. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way (Psalm 37:23 KJV).

This is the true abundant life in Jesus, walking after the Spirit, doing His perfect will. It brings much joy and peace, being a “Vessel of Honor” in the Body of Christ, the Church.

I thought it would be appropriate to add my poem below:

The abundant life, a poem.

Joy I did seek today. Much pain and sorrow life can bring along the way.

I sought the peace that the world can give, things which we need to live day-by-day.

They did not offer a peace that would endure, by tomorrow, you will need more.

Where is the peace I need? It is found in Jesus, Abraham’s seed!

The answer comes from Heaven above, your brother and sister in the Lord you shall love.

Abundant life in Him I did find, through the Holy Spirit, I have His mind.

Love one another is His commandment and the key, this promise is granted to you and me!

“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full (John 15:11-12 NASB).

To receive this promise from the Lord you must be in the Family of God.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16 NASB)

Which do you prefer? The law, impossible to keep, or grace a free gift?

Grace No Responses »

Feb 042012

Which do you prefer? The law impossible to keep, or grace a free gift? I had sent this insight of God’s Word to my believing Son and would like to now share it with the readers of gracefaithgift.com. After being saved by Jesus we should not walk in the steps of Moses — The Law.

Hi Son, I woke up this morning and the Lord put in my mind His Law given to Moses and the Jewish people. As said in the Word: The Law came through Moses but GRACE AND TRUTH CAME THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.

Jesus said he didn’t come to break the Law but to fulfill it. God provided the Sacrifices for individual Jews (Like Doves or Cattle), but the annual one for the Sins of the Nation was the killing of a spotless Lamb (which was kept in a certain home as a pet). The blood of the Lamb was taken by the High Priest into the Holy of Hollies where God’s presence was and sprinkled on the Horns of the Alter as a sweet fragrance unto the Lord. We know as Christians this was a temporary way God provided for the forgiveness of sins and the Lamb symbolized Christ’s sacrifice for Sin and His blood shed to complete His work of Salvation. As the Word says: Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of Sins. A Covenant is only sealed when the person who makes it dies! As Jesus said, “Abraham saw my day and was glad”. Job said, “I know my Redeemer Lives and I will see Him in my flesh”. Job also tells us God sits on the Circle of The Earth, thus declaring the Earth being round long before anyone knew it…

As Paul writes in Romans: The Law was not made for a Righteous Man (Those Chosen Of God, are blameless in His sight, being in Christ and declared Righteous in this position) His Righteousness is given to us who died to Sin when He died on the Cross. We are Crucified with Christ but nevertheless we LIVE!

The Purpose of the Law, as Paul states in Romans, was to bring us Gentiles and Jews to Christ! The Law is like a mirror for Sin, the Law shows us how Sinful we are and our inability to keep it. In Romans it says all who live by the Law (Works) will die by the Law. The Law like a mirror shows you you need a shave but is unable to shave you! Jesus came and fulfilled the Law totally which included the Spirit of the Law! Remember when Jesus told the Jews if you have the desire in your mind to commit adultery , you have done it as far as the Law is concerned. God has said in Isaiah, there is NONE Righteous, no NOT ONE, there is none that understands, there is none that sleekest after God. This is why Christ came, to do for us what we could not do, that is keep the Law. He truly is the GOOD MASTER! The man who Jesus asked: Why do you call Me Good, only God is Good, that man did not know who Jesus was. If he did he would have replied: You are God, and Jesus would have said: “Well Done” Son of Abraham (One having Faith). Paul says in Romans: To this day, a “Veil” is over the eyes of the Jews when they read the Law. Those who are Chosen will be saved and the rest will be hardened, lost. ( Romans 10: 7-8 ) For Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousness to everyone who Believes!

This is the GLORIOUS REST promised in the Old Testament, we rest from our own works, having the inner Peace with God in the inner man. Who is Perfect, being joined with Christ through the Holy Spirit and NEVER SINS, read (Romans 7: 1-25) The Glory of God that was in the Holy of Holies and left after Christ died because there was no longer a Sacrifice needed. That Glory is in every Believer but Hidden as Paul writes! This is the fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell in things not made with hands, our Bodies are now the Temple of God! What a wonderful Savior we have in Jesus and His UNSPEAKABLE GIFT of Himself for us.

God said He would dwell with the Gentiles for a season to make Israel Jealous. America is the only Nation that can make Israel jealous and obviously Blessed by God. The day is coming when He will take us home, then Save all Israel and destroy all their enemies! Praise The Lord! Cast All your Care upon Him, for He Cares for You!

Ken

A Lady Named Rose

Gifts, Grace 1 Response »

Feb 042012

A Lady named Rose

I remember Rose, she was an older woman who worked in the Cafeteria at my job many years ago. She was a widow, living with her Son. The Lord had put her in my path. We became friends and spoke often on the phone. During one of our conversations, she told me that her Son flew in a B-17 during WW 2. She told me he carried the New Testament during the time he served in the War. I was surprised as I knew she was a Jew. This confirmed to me that this was God’s work as I have a special place in my heart for the Jewish people.

I loved Rose’s sense of humor. She told me they didn’t leave their apartment at night as they lived in a high crime area. She taught me a Yiddish word to describe the bad guys, Vilda Chaya, which means, “Wild Animals”.

One day Rose called me to say she could not walk, I told her I would pray that Jesus would heal her and that she should pray too. Sometime later, Rose called me with a testimony. She said she was praying to Jesus and heard a voice say; “Stand up”, she got up and had the full use of her legs. God is Good, His Mercy endures forever!

For years Rose would send us Christmas Cards with special notes and Gifts for our Children. That was many years ago, I consider her my Sister in the Lord, she is with Him now.

Ken

Girl of Our Dreams We Love You So, a Poem

Grace No Responses »

Dec 172011

Girl of our dreams we love you so!

It was an exciting day little girl, you were on the way.

We had been deeply wounded a month before, our pain words could not say.

I was there, with your Mom at the place of your Birth.

You were our joy, the gift the Lord sent to earth.

That day, “you have a baby girl” the Nurse did say. Your eyes were open wide, we knew for sure, God,with you did abide.

How fair she is, on her Mother’s arm she did lean, eyes so bright and so green.

At four, she was the girl we did adore.

On a stage, in a play, no fright ever came her way.

To a beautiful woman she did grow. The Lord gave her a wonderful husband, this she did know.

From your word she did not depart, she kept it hidden in her heart.

One day while running a race, trouble she did face, weak and almost faint.

You sent to her a woman, a true Saint. The words of God rang true, in Him, all things I can do.

The Lord put His song in your heart, you know He is with you forever and will not depart.

You and your Brother are united in love, this too from God above.

To you our children He does say: ” I Am your God, I will teach you my way”. And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children(Isaiah 54:13).

Author Ken

December 2011

The little ones who knew no sin

Grace, Poems No Responses »

Nov 042011

The Little Ones Who Knew No Sin

We read in God’s Word that faith and salvation comes by hearing. This is true; but what about the millions of babies who have died through various circumstances? Do babies who die go to heaven? What does God’s Word say about this?

When Moses led the Israelites in the Desert, it was the “Little Ones” who God allowed into the Holy Land. (Numbers 14:31) It is my belief that all “Babies” who die go to Heaven. I believe there is an age of accountability; or coming of age as in the Jewish belief.

David’s child by Bathsheba was stricken by God and died as a punishment for David’s grievous sins against the Lord. David was so distraught when the child was dying he would not eat or take a bath. His servants were worried about him to a point that they were afraid to tell him the child had died. When David saw them acting strange he asked them outright: “Is the child dead?”. When they said yes; David immediately went back to his normal living. The servants being perplexed by his actions asked the King; why did you grieve so deeply when the child was dying and now act like nothing happened (paraphrased)? David answered; “I can’t bring him back, but I will go to him”. David’s Son went to Heaven; David one day will see him again!

We have experienced pain like David had; for God’s own reasons, the Lord took our little boy from the womb. My wife and I experienced a suffering and pain in our Souls that we never knew before. That experience brought us closer together and our daughter was conceived one month later to bring back our joy.

Our hearts go out to all those who have had a loss of a child. We pray that they will find comfort in these writings which proclaim the love and kindness of the Lord — The Prince of Peace – Jesus Christ!

I have written a Poem dedicated to our little boy in Heaven.

To Todd: The Son We Never Knew

It is well with my Soul today.

Not so with that night; now so far away.

Our little boy conceived in Love.

Now with our Heavenly Father above.

I cried out to Him; Lord, you promised, you gave us your Word.

I felt His touch and I knew that He heard.

The Peace that Passes all understanding I did have.

The Balm Of Gilead; my healing Salve.

One day to Heaven we shall go.

Wearing the garments of Salvation; white as snow.

Author Ken

December 2011

What does the Lord see in you?

Grace 1 Response »

Nov 022011

What does the Lord see in you?

Did you ever wonder why, in John 1:46-47, after Philip told Nathanael that they have found Jesus the Messiah of whom Moses and the Prophets had spoken of, Nathanael replied, “Nazareth! can anything good come from there?” When Jesus saw Nathanael approachimg, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.”

“But Lord, wait a minute, he just spoke falsely!” would be our reaction if we were there — and even today! Jesus, as our Lord and Savior, looked beyond Nathanael’s guile of the flesh, and to the finished work He would do in his life, and all believers lives.

In the flesh we have the same tendencies to sin as Nathanael. We see sin and failure in our lives and it’s troublesome to us, but we should do as Paul did — look to the One who has won the battle over sin (Romans 8:1-2).

Jesus paid it all,
all to Him I owe.
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

Even though Nathanael slandered the Lord, he was the Lord’s choice. He takes us as we are. Some say you must clean up your act before you can go to Him, but Jesus takes us as we are when we come to Him in repentance for sin. He cleans up our act as He did with Nathanael. Remember, some would die for their friend, not their enemies, but, while we were His enemies, He died for us. (Romans 5: 6-10)

The sinner is in a life threatening situation outside of knowing the Lord Jesus. Two deaths await the sinner: one of the flesh and one of the soul. Eternal separation from God. Those who don’t know Him can call upon Jesus to save them. He will forgive ALL your sins (past, present, and future), and He will clean up your act like He does for all believers. The Biblical story of the washing of feet (John 13: 1-17) is but one example of His work in our new lives in Him. He will give you the Gift of the Holy Spirit, from whom comes Abundant Life. All who call upon the Lord Jesus shall be saved.

Blessings to all who read,

Ken

Do Good People go to Heaven?

Grace No Responses »

Oct 302011

Do Good People go to Heaven?

In today’s world there is a belief that good people go to Heaven. This is based upon a belief that God, being just, would weigh the good works of a person against the bad, and the good person would have the scales of God’s justice balance in their favor.

Consider this example showing how some individuals think in regards to “Good” people: Three people unable to swim were dropped in a lake. One was dropped in the middle of the lake, another one quarter of the way to the shore and the last very close to the shore of safety. The World looks at certain people as better than others, the really good person is the one closest to the shore and safety, the least good is in the middle of the Lake. The example is that without Faith in Jesus their goodness will not save them no matter how great it is (Shown as one of them being very close to shore and safety). They all will drown, their good works will not save them. Our goodness, good works performed outside of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, are “filthy rags” in God’s sight and cannot save us! In Romans 3: 10-11 Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah saying: “There is no one righteous, not even one, there is no one who understands, there is no one who seeks after God (But Jesus seeks after the sinner).” In the Fall of Adam we all became like a dead people, (Dead to God in our spirits) in a Tomb Like Lazarus. Until he heard the Lord call him to Life.

It is so wonderful to have a loving God who sees us in our miserable fallen condition, has mercy on us and saves us — no goodness or works needed! (Ephesians 2:8) He seeks us like He did Adam and Eve, covers our sins, calls us to Life everlasting!

He rejects the proud and self-righteous, gives grace to the humble and abased. He chose some fisherman to give His message and confounded the wise! Jesus came to save sinners. Jesus as God the Son put the Pharisees (“good” people of Jesus’ day) to shame. When they were condemning a woman to death for adultery. The King Of Kings said to them: “He who is without sin cast the first stone.” How divine, He is able to forgive all your sins with no prerequisites — just belief (faith). Call on Jesus, He will rescue you as He did that woman. Good works or religion can’t save you — the Lord rejects them — you will still drown!

He is still seeking the lost today. If you hear His voice do not harden your heart. Read the Bible, the Book of John is a good place to start!

Published at my web site of blogs and poems www.gracefaithgift.com

Author Ken (Site owner)

October 2011