My Chains Are Gone!

"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)"

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine


Romans 5:9 in the Amplified Bible says, "Therefore, since we are now justified (ACQUITTED, made righteous, and brought into right relationship with God) by Christ's Blood, how much more [certain is it that] we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God."


The Wikipedia Encyclopedia states: "In criminal law, an ACQUITTAL is a verdict of not guilty, or some similar end of the proceeding that terminates it with prejudice without a verdict of guilty being entered against the accused."Christians, therefore, are fully pardoned. They have not only escaped penalty, but have been declared "Not Guilty!" Also according to the Wikipedia: In the common law tradition, an acquittal formally certifies the innocence of the accused, as far as the criminal law is concerned. This is so even where the prosecution is abandoned nolle prosequi. Under the rules of double jeopardy and autrefois acquit, an acquittal operates to bar the retrial of the accused for the same offense, even if new evidence surfaces that further implicates the accused."


What does all this mean? It means Grace is greater than all our sin! Romans 5:15-20 (Amp) explains more: 15) But God's free gift is not at all to be compared to the trespass [His grace is out of all proportion to the fall of man]. For if many died through one man's falling away (his lapse, his offense), much more profusely did God's grace and the free gift [that comes] through the undeserved favor of the one Man Jesus Christ abound and overflow to and for [the benefit of] many.

16) Nor is the free gift at all to be compared to the effect of that one [man's] sin. For the sentence [following the trespass] of one [man] brought condemnation, whereas the free gift [following] many transgressions brings justification (an act of righteousness).

17) For if because of one man's trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God's] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

18) Well then, as one man's trespass [one man's false step and falling away led] to condemnation for all men, so one Man's act of righteousness [leads] to acquittal and right standing with God and life for all men.

19) For just as by one man's disobedience (failing to hear, heedlessness, and carelessness) the many were constituted sinners, so by one Man's obedience the many will be constituted righteous (made acceptable to God, brought into right standing with Him).

20) But then Law came in, [only] to expand and increase the trespass [making it more apparent and exciting opposition]. But where sin increased and abounded, grace (God's unmerited favor) has surpassed it and increased the more and superabounded!"SUPERABOUNDED! Grace superabounds all our sin. We have been completely and fully pardoned. And now that we are pardoned, His grace rules our hearts and sin no longer has dominion. Grace superabounds within the heart of the Believer! It has increased and surpassed the dominion of sin in our hearts.

Believers who feel that they are "on parole," are being effected by legalism, by religion that is a cruel dictator and places the heavy yoke and burdon of their salvation upon themself. Salvation is a Gift and a Gift cannot be earned. Justification is a Gift, and cannot be revoked. Sanctification is a Gift of Grace working in your heart. It is a Gift and is indelible! Your callings, destiny, giftings and Salvation itself are all irreversible and completely maintained by Grace. When a prisoner is pardoned, he is free, unconditionally, no strings or red tape attached. But when a man is paroled, there are conditions. We are fully pardoned, even our guilt is gone. We are not "on parole." earning or maintaining our freedom, and/or continuing to pay the debts for our crimes.

When we do occasionally sin, we have a Holy Resource offered to us by Grace . . . . the Blood of Jesus Christ His Son (which) cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [and keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations].(1 John 1:7) I remember years ago watching Benny Hinn on TV. And I remember him "warning" people who had just had marvelous healing experiences that they better not sin, "or they would lose their healing!" He would adivise them to go to church, read the Bible, do this and do that or else! Or else they would lose their healing. What blasphemy! What slander to the Character of God and His loving and kind heart. I remember there being no light, only fear, in my heart after hearing that. This is an example of toxic and abusive legalism. The healing was a Gift from God. And the Word of God says in Romans 11:29, "for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." You can contemplate for days on just the "gifts of God's Grace" . . .there are so many. . . but let's focus on healing, deliverance, and salvation! and what IRREVOCABLE really means. Irrevocable means: "that cannot be revoked, recalled, or undone; unalterable." Some synonyms for irrevocable are: permanent, unalterable, irreversible, indelible! I like indelible myself! :) The Gifts and the callings of God are permanent . . are unalterable . . .are irreversible . . . and are indelible! This is Good News. Yes, I believe now more than ever, as a recovering legalist, that "once saved, always saved."


Why? Because of the above. His grace is greater than all my sin. He has removed the dominion of sin from my heart and His Grace SUPERABOUNDS in it's place. "But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Romans 5:20) and His Gifts and callings are irrevocable.

No, He will never revoke your healings, your deliverances or your salvation. You have been fully pardoned and fully acquitted. . . .no penalty, no guilt, you are completely justified and you have the blessed assurance that His grace will lead you Home. No longer are we to be cringing, fearful slaves, but free children who have nothing left against us for Him to even chide us for (Colossians 1:22b - LBV).


The Good News of the Gospel is simply, good news and brings relief to the sinner. John Newton wrote "Amazing Grace." Newton celebrated the greatness of God’s grace because it replaced the dominion of sin in his heart.

"Thru many dangers, toils and snaresI have already come.
‘Tis grace hath bro’t me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home."


No roadblock, no obstacle of Satan, no mountain of struggle is too big, too powerful, too overwhelming to counter the reconstructing character of God’s grace. Those who stand in it cannot be overcome or snatched away from the Father’s hand. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9a). Furthermore, what this grace has done for us in the past, we can count on it to do for us during the remaining part of the journey until we safely arrive at home in our Father’s House. Amen!

"Neither Do I Condemn You"

The Legalists thought they had Jesus pinned in a corner the day they brought the woman who was caught in the act of adultery to Him. According to the Law, she had to be stoned.

John 8:3-11: The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger. When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."



There is only One Who has never sinned and He is the only One Who can condemn us. But He does not, rather He came to save us. "For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him." (John 3:17)

And here is an awesome truth . . . "Even the Father judges no one, for He has given all judgment (the last judgment and the whole business of judging) entirely into the hands of the Son" (John 5:22) The only One the Father has judged was His Son while He took our place on the cross. Therefore, Jesus is the only One who can condemn us . . . yet according to Romans 8:1 -- "there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus."

The legalists thought they had trapped Jesus. They didn't know that He was the Second Adam, the One who fulfilled all righteous requirements of the Law on our behalf. As God's Son, He had the authority to negate the letter of the Law in order to expose the Heart of God.

I believe the interpretation of all Scripture needs to pass through Jesus. He told the Legalists that they search for eternal life in them, but they really speak of Him! John 5:39 . . . "You search and investigate and pore over the Scriptures diligently, because you suppose and trust that you have eternal life through them. And these [very Scriptures] testify about Me!" In Christianity today, there is sometimes a tendency to view Scripture as God and ultimate Truth, rather than something pointing to God and ultimate Truth (Jesus). In other words, we start to worship, idolize Scripture... and that is precisely what Jesus was critical of.



Legalism is a TRAP! Legalists want to trap everyone. They want to keep you from entering into the rest of Christ. Matthew 23:13 -- "For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either."


Another time the Law of God went through a "revision," was when Peter was hungry (in a trance) on his roof and had a vision of defiled animals and was told by the Lord to "eat." Acts 10:11-15 -- He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.”
14) “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.” And basically God said, “What I call holy is holy." Mark 2:27, Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath." Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. . . He's the Lord of the Law. He "broke" the law continually and frustrated the legalists. He wanted them to see, but they were blind.



I don't know which way I'm going here. I seem to be trying to convey two things at once:

1) the Law was meant to serve man, not man to serve the Law. This applies to the Scriptures, as well. They were meant to serve us, to point us to God's plan of Salvation through His Son. . .they were not meant for us to serve them. We serve Christ.

2) Jesus is the only One Who can condemn or judge us and He's the One Who came to save us. That, to me, is such a relief.

I've been on the end of a stone throwing and I can relate with the woman's experience of Jesus' heart of compassion. Stones were thrown and landed hard. Would they have been able to throw them if they heard the Master say, "You without sin, cast the first one?" Absolutely not. After they left . . . after they all walked away . . . One was still standing with me. I asked Jesus, "Your still here?" And He told me, "I will NEVER leave you NOR FORSAKE YOU. You are Mine." I am so grateful to have found my True Friend. I would go through it all again, just to have what I have in Christ so solidly now. I am fully convinced . . . .Thank you Jesus. I love you!


2/14/09 -- Adding this complementary and recently found video:

God's Love Expels All Fear

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection]. —1 John 4:18 You don't believe how much God loves you, if you are afraid of judgment, punishment or even afraid of Him. Fear comes from unbelief. Faith believes in the Good News that it is finished!

There is so much joy and peace in believing in the Love of God through His Son, Jesus. Incredible relief is found in the Good News (Gospel). The love and mercy of God in Jesus washes away all fear of judgment and punishment. Knowing Him and the love that Paul describes in Ephesians 3:17-19 erases all torments and every trace of terror.

Some legalists/spiritual performers will quote scriptures from the Bible in order to control. Fear mixed with legalism will control. Scriptures like "working out your salvation with fear and trembling," (Phil. 2:12) and the story of Ananias and Saphira (in Acts 5) are used often by abusers to manipulate and support their own agendas and feed their desire for power. But we must remember that the Holy Spirit within every believer promises to give clarity and interpretation (the anointing within us so that no man may teach us -- (1 John 2:27). . . and Wisdom (James 1:5). He will faithfully and generously supply it so that we don't have to rely on another man's interpretation alone. We can easily go to the Writer and hear clearly what His heart and mind (the Mind of Christ) and intentions are conveying in His Holy Word.

Recently I asked the Lord regarding Philippians 2:12 and His first response to me was the Scripture quoted above . . 1John 4:18. And He also reminded me to read everything within it's context. The 13th verse of Philippians 12 states: "[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight." What, at first (v 12 alone), would seem to be a heavy yoke of personal performance and standards that need to be met, is actually (v13) a promise that this is not required to be done in your own strength. He gives us both the desire and the will to work for His good pleasure, satisfaction and delight . . . what a relief!

I let the peace of God . . . what I refer to as the RELIEF OF GOD . . . rule (or govern) my heart. Colossians 3:15 --And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (govern, control . . .act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which . . .you were called to live." When I feel His relief, I know I am standing in the grace, love and Good News of Jesus Christ. . . the easy yoke of the Gift of Eternal Life. This is the message of God given to us by His Son.

All Scripture must be interpreted through Jesus and by the Holy Spirit. Too many have indulged in abusive interpretations, including satan himself in the desert of Christ's temptations.

I end this entry with two blessed verses that I hope and believe will give us all relief and encouragement as well as strenthen our faith:

Romans 8:15 -- "So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16) For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17) And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory.

v26)" And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. . . . 28) And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. v 31)What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32) Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else? 33) Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one—for God Himself has given us right standing with Himself. 34) Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
35) Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?. . . 37) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38) And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Epeshians 3:16-20 --"May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the Holy Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].
17)May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love,
18)That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it];
19[That you may really come] to know [practically], through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!
20)Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--"

May this perfect love of God remove all fear, condemnation and every trace of torment as you walk in faith and the blessed assurance that is ours in Christ Jesus. Amen.

His Fruit . . .Not Mine

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit is: Love, Peace, Joy, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. (Galatians 5:22)

What did God do for us? In the Old Testament, He sent the Jews His Law, His Covenant with them. . . a list of "dos and don'ts," a schoolmaster enforcing external control for a time. The Law was meant to show us that we are sinners. Apart from the Law, we wouldn't know our sin. The function of the Law of God is a holy function. It brings conviction and wisdom . . . knowing right from wrong. But it cannot save us! God's better plan for the salvation of fallen man was not to be in His Law -- external control, but rather thru His Son and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit -- internal control. In many ways, we raise our children in this way. We instruct them and through love and discipline focus on the external behavior while waiting for the promise of the salvation through their personal faith and then the best thing that could happen to any of our children . . . the Holy Spirit born in their hearts, bringing them freedom and internal control. The Holy Spirit becomes their internal parent. Not only that, He brings the anointing of God that breaks every yoke! He illuminates everything from the inside! The personality of God, the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, begins to flow from the inside out, freely.

It's the difference between incarceration (external control) and transformation (internal control). It is prison vs. freedom. The external control was needed for a time . . . just until the Deliverer came. Then the freedom just flows, without striving or struggling, but rather by faith through grace. This is Good News! This is the Relief of God!

Jesus describes this new way and life in John 15. It's called, "Abiding." He describes Himself as the Vine and His Father is the Vinedresser (the Gardener). He teaches us that we are just the branch; and that apart from Him, we can do nothing. Verse 4, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me." Verse 5, "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."

HOW do we abide? The very same way we came to Christ, Paul says in Galatians.

Galatians 5:5 -- "For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision (what we do externally or not do externally); but faith which worketh by love. . . But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law."

He bemoans the Galatians in chapter 3, verse 2: "Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. 3) How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 4) Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?
5) I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ."

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, our Callings and ministries and the miracles of God are a gift to us by faith through the Father's Grace and Mercy in His Son Jesus. We can never earn them or achieve them through our own striving or performance. If we try, Paul says in Galatians we will fall from Grace and even live under a curse . . . v10) "But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under His curse, for the Scriptures say, 'Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.' 11) So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, 'It is through faith that a righteous person has life.' 12) This way of faith is very different from the way of law. . .

HOW do we abide? We plug into the Vine by faith. The same way we received this Life, we abide. Much like plugging into an outlet. You must plug into, by faith, the source of Life, fruit and power.

Faith in the power of the Holy Spirit to enable you to live the Chrisitan life.

"The Vine is Christ. I am the branch. The Holy Spirit is the "sap" that runs through the Vine (Jesus) and into the branch (me). The branch lives, grows and bears fruit NOT BY STRUGGLES and EFFORT . . .but simply by abiding." (Charles Stanley) "We are the BEARERS of His fruit, not the PRODUCERS."

"How does the branch bear fruit? NOT by incessant effort for sunshine and air; NOT by vain struggles for those vivifying influences which give beauty to the blossom, and verdue to the leaf; it simply abides in the vine, in silent and undisturbed union, (rest) and (I love this) SPONTANEOUS GROWTH. How, then, shall a Christian bear fruit? By efforts and struggles to obtain that which is freely given? By meditations on watchfulness, on prayer, on action, on temptation (accountability), and on dangers? NO: THERE MUST BE A FULL CONCENTRATION OF THE THOUGHTS AND AFFECTIONS ON CHRIST (set your full concentration on Him); a COMPLETE surrender of the your own works; a CONSTANT LOOKING AT HIM FOR GRACE."

(Hudson Taylor)

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit is spontaneous! Sometimes it even surprises us. "That wasn't me! That was Someone living inside of me!" :)

"It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives IN ME!" (Gal. 2:20) It is no longer I who is expected to produce patience, self-control and love in my life. This is the job of the Holy Spirit! It is NO LONGER I who is expected to produce joy in the midst of stress. That, too, is the Holy Spirit's responsibility. It is no longer I who is expected to produce anything in the way of character. It is Christ (the Vine), working through the Holy Spirit (the Sap), producing character (blossoms and fruit) in me (the branch). WHAT A RELIEF!

His yoke is easy and His burden is light. If you think about it, branches were not designed to produce fruit -- they were designed to have fruit produced through them (to bear the fruit only). And by faith, I have accepted the relationship of abiding. To abide by faith is simply to live in Christ -- from Him every need is supplied! He is my Shepherd and I shall not want of anything. His is the all-sufficient Christ. . . and firmly adequate to carry me, keep me unto that Day and make me fruitful. Yes, He prunes, that too is His job . . . not mine. And it's not my job to prune others, either. We are all His work, His creation and work . . .hands off ourselves . . .hands off others. Eyes on Christ! Hearts fixed for the second coming! Ears open for His Voice and Song!

The Futility of Legalism

(revision)

Jesus came to lift from the backs of tired people the burden, trying to do everything right. The Spirit-filled life is not a formula; it is a relationship . . . a relationship with a Person -- the Holy Spirit.

If you examine what exactly religion is and what it does and doesn't do, you will see what Jesus saw. Clean on the outside, but inside full of corruption, and emptiness. Many religions, such as Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, FLDS, Muslim, Jewish Pharisees, and many denominational Christian churches emphasize duty, devotion, commitment, "faithfulness"in order to succeed or be fruitful. They promote what I like to call "spiritual technologies.". . some steps to take. Just master the mechanics and the directions of what to do and your problems will be solved and you'll be fruitful.

Paul said he could boast of being a "Pharisee of all Pharisees!" He was very faithful in tithing, reading the Scriptures, praying, fasting, worshipping in the temple . . . "covering all the bases." But in all this "activity," in all this "devotion and duty," there was no fruit. In fact, he was a murderer and persecuter of Jesus' followers. The spirit behind religion, all religions. . . what drives it, I believe, is the spirit of anti-Christ. Religion is what tortured and killed the Lord of Glory. Legalists are provoked by the preaching of the cross. In Galatians, Paul states that "as the natural son (Ishmael) persecuted the spiritual son (Isaac), so it is today." He says in Galatians 4, "Have I now become your enemy because I continue to tell you the truth?" The truth that the way to live in freedom is by the Spirit through your faith?

Legalists get no closer to God and do not "achieve" God's fruit by "doing their best" or meeting some requirements of the religion. The basic tenet of this mindset is that confidence before God and rewards from God result from "piety and blameless ways." (Job 4:6) Titus 3:5, 6 -- He saved us NOT because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy." God deals with us today, not on the basis of our ways, works, or even behaviors/performance, but on the basis of His Grace, appropriated by us through our personal faith in Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection Life and indwelling Spirit. True "spiritual warfare" and the actual battlepoint is this: It is easy for one to be self-righteous and believe that if life "seems to be working" for us, it is because we are "doing things right." The TRUTH is, it is Grace --- all Grace! Jesus does not give us a list of behaviors to perform or a catalog of answers; rather, HE GIVES US HIMSELF.

This leads me, then, to the question . . . THE FRUIT OF THE WHAT?

Slumdog Millionaires

Here's the "equation" for God's "economy" . . .

JESUS PLUS NOTHING = EVERYTHING!

In these economic times, one may be tempted to believe, or hear, that God will take care of their needs (financial, emotional even physical) IF they tithe faithfully their 10% or beef up their offerings. You can watch testimony after testimony on the television (right before they ask you to join their ministry, of course) of people who made great financial "choices," giving their last dollar to the church and THEN . . .God paid all their bills off, or their failing business excelled, or their sicknesses went away. I don't doubt God did these things for them. But I do doubt that He did these things for them BECAUSE they did something first, because Salvation (eternal, financial, physical, emotional . . . ) is a GIFT AND A GIFT CANNOT BE EARNED.

Every spiritual first-grader knows that we cannot merit God's favor. God is not for sale to the highest bidder nor can we earn His favor by our own effort or works.

We cannot "buy" God's protection and help. If you give, or tithe, because you believe you'll earn a reward or out of fear that God won't take care of you. . . . this = legalism. It's the "If . . . then" vs "Yea and Amen" never-ending battle.

In any teaching or testimony, if your presented with the idea or notion that emphasizes success through YOUR tithe, offering, "seed money," great discipline and/or devotion . . . even success through YOUR great faith, it aims the glory at YOU. BUT, faith in God's grace and in the gift of His Righteousness and Divine Providence and Protection glorifies God, because A GIFT CANNOT BE BOUGHT OR EARNED; it can only be received. Our pride always wants to make this all about "us," but it's not.

I have Good News! Jesus fulfilled the Law and all the Old Testament promises, qualifications and requirements. And now, because "It is finished", all we can do is ASK! As a Believer in Christ, a Child of God, you are automatically covered. And Jesus said so many times and in so many ways through the Gospel (the Good News) that if we ask IN HIS NAME, it will be given to us. What child asks for a piece of bread and has to earn it first for his father to feed him? Or protect him? If we, who are evil, do not place these heavy yokes and requirements upon our own children, who are we to believe God is this way? How many times, in the midst of rebellion and doubt, has the Lord's loving kindness overwhelmed you. His undeserved mercy endures forever. And it's because of the mercy of God alone, that we have air to breathe. It's because of the mercy of God in His Son that we have such a RICH INHERITANCE! It's all been GIVEN TO US. All we "do" is believe.

Obeying the Holy Spirit, we give as led, out of joy because He let's us see who He is. If you have two coats and the Lord tells you to give one to someone who has none . . . WOW! how this glorifies Him. But we don't give the coat because we hope the Lord is watching and He will now take care of our needs. This is offensive to the Spirit of Grace.

You can't bribe God. During the time of Martin Luther, the Roman Catholic Church was notorious for its widespread practice of selling indulgences. The people were taught to believe that by giving to the church, they could obtain God's favor. Teaching that God gives special attention or favor because of anything YOU do, is false teaching. God is completely satisfied with Jesus and now, through Christ, we are highly favored.

This global financial crisis will hit the structured church as well. It may even re-shape it. It could tear down the many religious addends and do a major mega shift back to the early home churches of the New Testament. No longer will the tithe be required to maintain the building, pave a parking lot, pay salaries or sponsor missionaries. Re-structured, if every member of the church started their own neighborhood house church and became lighthouses for their neighborhood . . . the ten to 15 Believers gathering in each home could take a free-will collection and use it ALL on benevolence! "Church" and the church structure as we know it today may change too because of the crisis God is allowing on the earth.

When Paul addressed the stoic philosophers on Mars Hill and sought to describe the difference between the true God and their many idols, he told them this about God: "He gives to all life, breath, and all things" (Acts 17:25). What sets God apart from all other gods is that He is a Giver. What utter blasphemy, then, to suggest that God can be bribed to favor us by our giving to Him! Ministers who teach this "give-to-get" doctrine and TV hosts who invite them on their telethons need to heed the warning of the apostle James, "Let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment" (James 3:1). We have freedom to exhort teachers to be accountable, because many spoon-feed the sheep high toxic levels of legalsim. Better for a millstone to be tied around their necks, than to let even one of God's little ones' faith be damaged.

Please allow me to glorify this good news and the mercy of God a step further. . . Scripture and experience reveal to us all that God even takes care of the wicked . . . His Love is unconditional.

James 5:45 says, "for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." He tells us to love our enemies and do good to those who hurt us because that's how He is. He sent His Son, WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS. While we were in enmity and hostile toward God, he sent His one and only beloved and perfect Son to GIVE US THE KINGDOM AND ALL IT'S RICHES. How much more, now being justified, will He give us all things.

I guess what's on my heart is for His people to know the Good News, the Truth, and find relief . . . especially now during great economic trials and hardships. Your walk with the Lord, your faith, is intensely personal. Stay convinced that His love, salvation, provision, protection, His constant care of you is free because of Jesus. . . paid in full. Just ask Him. Don't come under any "doctrine of demons" and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Just give as the Holy Spirit directs, walk by faith, and remember that the only Christian "duty" assigned to us by Christ Himself is to LOVE.

Words from two hymns come to my heart regarding these times. . .

'TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS

Just to rest upon His promise,

O for grace to trust Him more!

Just from Jesus simply taking

Life and rest, and joy and peace.

TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face.

And the things of earth,

Will grow strangely dim,

In the Light of His Glory and Grace!

Just recently I got to see the movie, "Slumdog Millionaire." I want to indulge in an allegory. . . . THE TRUTH IS, WE ARE ALL SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRES! WE ALL COME FROM THE SLUM OF OUR SIN AND SELF, FROM THE SLUM OF THIS FALLEN NATURE AND WORLD. BUT, WE'VE BEEN GIVEN THE ONE AND ONLY ANSWER! AND AT THE NAME OF JESUS, WE ARE ETERNAL MILLIONAIRES!

He Lifts Us Up!

I want to share something the Lord showed me last night at a Believer's meeting. At this meeting, there were some who felt the need go to the "altar" . . . .

While witnessing this, first I saw a blanket of shame spread across their backs. And then, I saw the Lord Jesus ever so gently with great compassion, lifting that shame off of them. He was gathering the shame upon Himself. He removed their shame. And then He told me that He will tighten His grip (of grace) on each one of us. . . holding us up . . . He will keep us . . . and in our weaknesses, He gives His Strength. He will hold us up and prevent us from falling. He also told me that He is the One who covers our nakedness and our shame. He removes all shame.

I also saw a picture of the Lord's cupped hands together and everyone was in the palm of His Hands. And He told me that no one can snatch us from the Palm of His Hands. He promised the Father that He would never lose even one of us. He holds us dear to Himself.

This is Good News! And such a relief!

Sometimes, we get the "message" either from a word or from a teaching, or a book, that God is angry with us or disappointed with us. . .or that we are failing somehow. Most of the time we feel like we're constantly striving to GET INTO A ROOM, THAT WE ARE ALREADY "IN." :) This is why it is good for each one of us get to KNOW HIM better. Each of us must, individually, hear His Voice and Know His Character. Because then, when we hear those "sifting sand" messages, or prophecies, we can be secure in the knowing of His character. Sometimes He's misrepresented . . . sometimes He's outlandishly slandered and blasphemed. But if we remember that the Wisdom that comes from Above is full of Tender Mercies, then the fearful warnings and Mount Sinaii-type blasts will not shake us. (Hebrews 12:18-24 --"You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast . . .The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling with fear." But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in Heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of a New Covenant, and to the sprinkled Blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.) They will only remind us to Know the Lord ourself . . . personally. And in His Character, we are safe and sound. Jesus said He is the Perfect Representative of the Father. And actually, He's our Perfect Advocate and representative for us. :)

Psalm 103:10-14 says . . . God "does not punish us for all our sins; He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a Father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him. For he knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust."

FORGIVEN --

My Beloved One,

How can you be depressed by your own sinfulness when the

wonders and joys of My mercy are freely available?

Dear One, why be nailed by the enemy when the keys of My

unfettered grace can open every prison in your life?

Why be subject to the relentless condemnation of the evil one

when the love of the One Who is Almighty is yours to delight in?

Do you not know that the enemy is defeated?

Do you not appreciate that you are endlessly forgiven?

I am going to peel away this part of your life and expose the grace

that is freely available. I am not obsessed by sin, I have dealt

with it by judging Christ.

I am obsessed by you loving My grace, and experiencing the joy of

My Life within your heart.

You have always been forgiven. You must learn to forgive yourself.

Become as gracious as your God. Do not nail other people (even if

you legitimately can) but be endlessly forgiving. They who are

forgiven much also love much.

ENJOY FORGIVENESS; REVEL IN IT! I am not disillusioned with you for I

never had any illusions about you. :)

I have always understood who you are and the struggles you face.

Why would I not love you, since I Am Love Itself?

Love as one not condemned, but released.

Then take the key of My Grace, and unlock the prison door of as

many captives as you can find.

Forgiveness grows as it is employed.

(Graham Cooke)

God's GRACE! God's MERCY! God's LOVE! These mighty things have overcome our shame, washed away our guilt and brought us into a place of honour, accept it, allow it to wash you and cleanse you of feelings of shame and love Him, praise Him, serve Him! Stay hidden in Christ.

Walk in His acceptance of you. Accept His Acceptance! :) And do not serve Him motivated out of fear of punishment OR desire for reward. (Which is legalism.) We worship Him out of our gratitude and faith. He loves our faith. :) :)