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Benefits – Satisfaction

Posted in Belief, Benefits, Bible, C.S.Lewis, Satisfaction, tagged on July 7, 2011| Leave a Comment »

“and forget not all his benefits: … Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;” – Psalms 103:2b,5

We begin life experiencing everything through our mouths. Ever watch an infant with a new toy? — straight to the mouth in a quest to know how it tastes, how it feels to the tongue.

God offers satisfaction for daily experience of life. We stop trying to fill a void and start enjoying what he continuously gives.

C.S.Lewis expressed it this way,

“Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” – Mere Christianity

— fritz@langgang.com

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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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