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Archive for the ‘Belief’ Category

Benefits – Crowned

Posted in Belief, Benefits, Bible, God's Favor, Mercy, tagged on July 6, 2011| Leave a Comment »

“and forget not all his benefits: … who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;” – Psalm 103:2b,4b

We don’t just have God’s tender mercies and loving kindness, he wants his people to remember we are crowned with them. A crown indicates special selection.

Most people come with a natural desire to be different, special, selected. Some wear funny clothes, do strange acts, give lots of money just for the sense of uniqueness. The desire to be different is God given but it can only be satisfied in Christ.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” – 1st Peter 2:9

Following Christ is the only real alternate lifestyle — all other ways are just variations of this sinful world.

In Christ we have God’s favor, his loving kindness, his tender mercies — these are his benefits, don’t forget it.

– fritz@langgang.com

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Benefits – Redeemed

Posted in Belief, Benefits, Bible, tagged on July 5, 2011| Leave a Comment »

“and forget not all his benefits: … Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;” – Psalms 103:2b,4a

To “redeem” means to buy back. When a Hebrew went bankrupt he would sometimes sell himself or his family into slavery. There were special rules for keeping Hebrew slaves — one being redemption.1 A wealthy relative could buy back their freedom!

There are two (2) areas where I rely on this verse:

First, there are different kinds of slavery. Some are slaves to addiction, ungodly relationships, destructive behavior — God tells us not to forget that he redeems us these. Jesus, our relative (human) has the spiritual currency to purchase us from any kind of slavery. He wants us to believe him when he says redemption is possible and available. Call on him for redemption.

Second, there are several kinds of destruction. There is spiritual destruction, yes, but we also find ourselves in dangerous and destructive places. Even crossing the street can be hazardous. I believe God wants us to call on him for protection. We can call out to Jesus for help. We should teach our children to cry to God for help.

Don’t just spiritualize this. Part of God’s benefits he wants us to ask for is escape from every kind of destruction.

Prayer: Jesus, show me where I need to be redeemed from destruction and be my redemption. Amen.

– fritz@langgang.com
1 – Example: Leviticus 25:47-49

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A Lesson From Hair

Posted in Belief, Calling, Samson, tagged , on June 24, 2011| 1 Comment »

“Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again …” – Judges 16

The Bible has a story about a man who lost his strength when his hair was cut.

Most are familiar with the story from Judges 16 – a man dedicated to the Lord before birth and called to God’s service, loses his strength through foolish choices, culminating in his hair being cut, him being blinded, abandoned in a foreign prison.  

Most know the ending, his hair grows back and he gains his strength again to topple an entire building, striking vengeance on God’s enemies. 

Such a sad story of loss, regret, death!

Was he a role model of what NOT to do, an example of what happens to those who aren’t careful to maintain their morals?  

And what’s the deal about his hair?  Cutting my hair has no effect on my strength!

A little background may help.

Sampson was a Nazarite.  Nazarites had a few rules, the two most noticeable being: No wine, not even eating grapes, and no razors.  Their abstinence and hair were symbols of dedication to God.  Letting his hair be cut was the final abandonment of his lifelong commitment. 

Here’s the lesson from hair, God was sending a message to us about his call on our lives!

Just as hair grows back with time, God’s purposes and calls endure and return — even after severe loss.

The apostle Paul put it this way:

“Looked at from the long-range perspective of God’s overall purpose … God’s gifts and God’s call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded

Romans 11:29 (Message Bible)

Soundbite: The sacrifice of Christ still pays for all sin, God holds no grudges, and when call to service is given, it endures if we let it.

— fritz@langgang.com

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