July 28, 2023
Various people affect us in various ways. Some are life-taking. To be around them is to come away completely drained, defeated, and discouraged. No one has the luxury of avoiding such people all the time, or ministry wouldn’t happen. But it’s hard.
Others you know are life-giving. A long coffee or lunch with them is something you look forward to. You know that you will leave refreshed and encouraged. I’m thinking of one dear friend I’ve known through the years who always blesses me. I invariably learn something new when I draw near to him. Another that is completely encouraging. Another that is full of wisdom. Another that makes me laugh and always has my best interest at heart. I’m always better for drawing near to each of these friends.
THE THRONE OF GRACE
But there is one relationship that is the ultimate source of life. Although this One is the Sovereign King of heaven and earth and holds the whole world in His hands, He graciously has made a way for us to be with Him any time, day or night. And His presence is described by one word: GRACE.
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
When we draw near to God, we discover grace, mercy, and help. He IS wisdom (it’s where we get the word). There is an inexhaustible supply of everything we need with Him. The spigot never runs dry, and one drink from this fountain contains more life than anyone or anything else can give. We were made to live in His presence, and if we never come, we will spend our lives in endless search of inadequate substitutes.
“The believer is in spiritual danger if he allows himself to go for any length of time without tasting the love of Christ and savoring the felt comforts of a Savior's presence. When Christ ceases to fill the heart with satisfaction, our souls will go in silent search of other lovers.
“By the enjoyment of the love of Christ in the heart of a believer, we mean an experience of the "love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us" (Rom. 5:5). Because the Lord has made himself accessible to us in the means of grace, it is our duty and privilege to seek this experience from Him in these means till we are made the joyful partakers of it.” (John Flavel)
Our Elder Brother came from the Father’s throne room to live and die and rise again so we may be forever able to come by faith into this “grace in which we now stand” (Romans 5:1-2). If we are not experiencing God—personally, genuinely, and daily—it is our own fault. He is waiting for us and in His presence is fullness of joy and life forevermore.
March 27, 2025
When our faith is sufficient to lead us to actually follow God’s plan, we will always see that it is “good, acceptable, and perfect.” These words, as always, are important.
March 11, 2025
God knows what He is about. Always include in your request the greatest prayer—the prayer of surrender. “Lord, Your will be done.” This is the prayer, when humbly prayed, that will always be answered and yield the most valuable result from the God who loves us best ... even if the answer is hard.
March 05, 2025
Every created man or woman must make their choice. What will you do with God? Will you embrace or reject Him? Draw near or run away? Trust and serve Him or doubt God and serve yourself? This foundational choice determines everything.
