Grace Faith Gift

David and Mephibosheth – A Love Story – Jesus and the Sinner

Nov 262011

David and Mephibosheth

A Love Story; Jesus and the Sinner

This is a beautiful account of a lame man who lived in a place called Lodebar (meaning without pasture). The story begins with King David asking: “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” David had a servant of Saul’s household named Ziba appear before him, who told the King of a son of Jonathan named Mephibosheth; he was lame and lived in Lodebar. David sent for Mephibosheth and when he appeared before the King he bowed down to pay him honor. “Don’t be afraid”, David said to him, for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul and you will always eat at my table. Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant; that you should notice a dead dog like me?”

I love this story; looking beyond the “Letter” of the Word we see Jesus and His Love revealed to us through King David. I first heard about Mephibosheth in a little Church my Wife and I attended while on vacation. The Pastor was away and his Wife gave the message. When she began reading from 2 Samuel 9: 1-12 , my knuckles were white from squeezing the edge of the Pew, I wasn’t happy (I don’t believe in women preaching or teaching the Word of God as the Apostle Paul explained why 1 Timothy 2:12). As she read the Scriptures the Holy Spirit began to minister to my heart.

The Holy Spirit revealed to me a deeper spiritual meaning. Suddenly I saw it, Mephibosheth was me and every sinner who is called and saved by the Lord. Before being saved I was lame due to sin and separated from God. In this condition all sinners live in Lodebar, far from the Lord and Pasture (far from rest). David is a “Type” of Christ as he called the lame man to himself. The Lord Jesus calls us to Himself (for Salvation) and we become the “Adopted” Sons of God, part of His household(where we eat Spiritual Food – “The Bread Of Life–Jesus”). We are joint Heirs with Jesus (1 John 3: 1-2). When the service ended we went to the rear of the Church and everyone was weeping, including me. The Holy Spirit had moved upon the whole congregation using a woman with such a beautiful love story from the Word of God showing Jesus and His Love for the sinner. I learned something that day; God is not hindered (when the Word is heard) in seeking His lost Sheep. I also learned to seek the “Deeper” things of God in His Word. I have come a long way in that regard and will share more of those things another day.

Ken

November 2011

Lost Sheep – Poem For Jesus

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Nov 262011

A Lost Sheep

A new day I see,

Another walk with Jesus and me.

I have trusted Him as a child,

My soul to keep.

With a smile He says,

You’re my Sheep.

I Love you always,

I watch over you even when you sleep.

I did wander from Him one day,

Far from His care I did stray.

Wolves did surrounded me as my foe,

I was frightened; where could I go.

It was hopeless,

This I did know.

I heard His voice call to me from afar,

Saying, “Fear not, I know where you are”.

Back with my Savior,

Back with my Friend.

Never more to wander,

Never to the end.

Author Ken

November 2011

Women preaching or teaching the Word of God?

Spiritual Food No Responses »

Nov 262011

I don’t believe in women preaching or teaching the Word of God as the Apostle Paul explained why in 1 Timothy 2:12. I know it’s not popular in the Modern Church, but its God’s Word, not mine. I do however believe Christian women have the Gifts of the Spirit (other than preaching or teaching) and where a man is unavailable, the Lord can use a woman if it is His will. I would like to expand on this: In the Fall of Adam and Eve it was truly “Paradise Lost” and God cursed the Earth. The punishment for Adam and Eve and their descendants was, for Eve, increased pain in childbirth and her husband would have dominion over her. For Adam, work and sweat with the Earth fighting him with the rocks and thorns.(Genesis 3: 16-19) Many Churches “Sugar Coat” God’s Word, not wanting to offend anyone. The only way for God’s Word to be obeyed is to first be a believer and be “Spirit Filled”. Only the woman totally surrendered to the Lord Jesus can respect and honor her believing husband as she would the Lord Himself. The same for the husband, he is to love his Wife as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it. In a Christian marriage the Husband is a “type”of Christ; the woman the Church. Both to be a Light to the world in their marriage (made in Heaven, built upon the Rock– Jesus). In the Spirit realm (Of Salvation) there is neither male nor female as we are all one in Jesus! When we reign (for a Thousand Years) with Him, the curse on the Earth will be lifted and paradise restored. Man and Woman will once again be equals as God created them in the beginning. The Lamb will lie down with the Lion.

The Deep Things Of God

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Nov 202011

The deep things of God

Please note, I do not advise that new believers (Baby Christians) should read what I have written below. They should feed on the “Milk” of the Word. Deep things of the Word are for Mature Christians who have moved from the milk of the Word to the Strong Meat.

Who is really free?

“Whom the Son has set free; is free indeed”. Set free from what? Where is a person before the Lord sets them free? Scripture says they are in Satan’s Kingdom; being held captive to do his will. Jesus said; “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

We hear in some Churches that all people have free will (another Sacred Cow) and that God would never violate that; but what does the Word of God say? It says all those who are unsaved are dead in sins and trespasses. They are in Satan’s Kingdom. They are held captive TO DO HIS WILL! Does that sound like someone with free will? The Bible says that they have a fallen nature that loves sin and hates God.

When Adam sinned he did not die physically but spiritually; our spirits are the “Candle” of the Lord. We communicate with God in our spirit. In the fall; that Candle went out and man became dead to God. Fallen man can do as they will but are not able to come to God; nor would they will to. They love their sin more than God.

WHO SETS THE SINNER FREE?

Who sought after Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden?

Who sought after Lasurus even after he died?

Who sought after some fisherman?

Who is it that said He came to save sinners?

Jesus! The Resurrection and the Life Everlasting!

Jesus came to destroy the works of the Devil; to plunder his Kingdom. To set the Captives free. When Jesus sent them to bring Him a Donkey and it’s Fold they were bound. They represented us, our children and all those the Lord desires to bring to Himself. We were like those Donkeys, bound and serving another Master (Satan). Like beasts of burden doing his will as the Word declares. Jesus said: “Loose them and bring them to Me”. Here is a deep truth of the Word, the Donkeys who represent the lost, are bound to Satan and set free by the Lord Jesus. It is He who plunders the strong man’s house. “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:36 NLT). Only the believer in Jesus has free will, no longer bound and serving Satan! “We are of God; little ones and the whole World lies in the Power of the Evil one” (1 John 5: 19).

Please Note: All my Blogs are based upon God’s infalible Word; my solid Foundation. My interpretations of Scripture are what I believe the Holy Spirit reveals to me that enhances God’s Word. My goal is to have a better understanding of the deeper truths of the Word. I never twist it. With God’s help, I strive to “Rightly” divide the Word of Truth. Examples of deeper truths are found in my blogs: “Eyes to see” and “David and Mephiboseth”. With the healing of the blind man we find that Jesus prayed twice, why? David and Mephiboseth is a beautiful picture of Jesus and the sinner. Please read them on this site and you will understand how I look at scripture. I read the truth of the Word but also seek the deeper things that glorify God through them. They are the “Hidden Treasures” that only through the Holy Spirit can be revealed. “But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets” (1-Corinthians 2:10 NLT).

Ken

November 2011

Sacred cows

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Nov 202011

SACRED COWS

How many of you have heard of “Sacred Cows”? In the Hindu Religion the Cows are Sacred. Even though people may be starving; the killing of those Cows is forbidden! Before thinking how strange that is, let me share some sacred Cows in our modern society. Some people are quick to blame God for bad things (they call “An Act Of God”, an accident or lightning strikes). When they receive a bunch of money it is due to luck or the “Thank Goodness” god (?). There is much wickedness in the world today yet many believe that God Loves everybody, it is a Sacred Cow belief held by many. God hates the wicked, He is angry with them all the time, the ones in Hell are not the objects of His Love. (Psalm 11: 5)

The problem is that the Word of God is not honored. If God Loves all, how can anyone be separated from His Love and go to Hell? ( Romans 8: 35-39 ) Those verses are for true believers, God Loves them and they cannot be separated from Him. He who has the Son, has Eternal Life. He who does not have the Son, does not have Life but the Wrath of God abides upon him! God does not Love everybody, we receive His Love by believing in Jesus through Faith. The Lord chose the “Foolishness” of the preaching of the Word, the Good News of our salvation to save us. It is foolishness to the World, but to us who are being Saved, it is the Wisdom and Power of God!

Ken

November 2011

What You’re Eating or What’s Eating You!

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Nov 112011

What You’re Eating or What’s Eating You!

Did you know God’s Words says a righteous person eats to live and a wicked person lives to eat? (Isaiah 22:13) Jesus is the Bread that came down from Heaven to give us eternal life. The food we eat daily cannot give us this. Jesus declared whoever believed in Him would never die because they spiritually ate the Bread from Heaven. He said that by eating of the Bread from Heaven one time we would receive eternal life through faith that was delivered unto the Saints (every believer is a Saint).

The Word of God tells us “The life is more than food”. (Luke 12:23) What life? We all are grateful to be alive. God has created each one of us unique. No one else is like you. You have your own personality. Is this the life Jesus is speaking of?

James 4: 14 Says our lives are like a vapor that appears for a while, then vanishes away! Death is the enemy of the human race. When facing death some may be fearful while others are at Peace. Jesus said, “I Am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me will live, even if he dies.” (John 11: 25-26) This is the “Sure” Hope of the believer! “Where O death, is your Victory? Where, O death, is your Sting?” (1 Corinthians 15: 55 NIV) Through Faith in Jesus, the believer receives eternal, everlasting life, and a peace that passes all understanding, which is guarding their hearts and minds. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest”. (MT 11: 28 NASB) Truly this IS the life better than the food!

My prayer is that those who do not have this life will read the Gospel, the Good News of their Salvation, repent of their sins, and come to Jesus. “Whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be Saved” (Romans 10:13) It is through faith that we eat the Bread from Heaven, Jesus.

Ken

The little ones who knew no sin

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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

A poem dedicated to Jesus

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Nov 042011

A POEM DEDICATED TO JESUS

Prone to wander; prone to go, far from my Lord, reaping what I sow, but ah the wondrous Sheppard, my Faithful Friend.

His Rod and Staff remind me; of his care and Love, of no end.

The still waters; green pastures, my Soul at rest, knowing; that through many trials I have come, not failing the test.

He has called me before my birth; Redeemed me at the Cross, that day on the Earth.

Now I sing a New Song; a sinner saved by grace.

When He returns; I will see Him Face to Face!

I always loved that hymn sung by Burl Eves:

O victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is to Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.

Author Ken

November 2011

What does the Lord see in you?

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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?

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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

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