"These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out they would have opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city...
And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every eight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 11:13-16, 39-40; 12:1-2
if those verses do not put things into perspective, i do not know what will. God has prepared a place for me. He has given a calling for me here on this earth, and all i can do is wait upon Him. i will fix my eyes on Him and He will not steer me in the wrong direction. Thank you, Jesus.
last night at church, which was exactly what i needed to hear... Pastor Rick Stark said that Jesus says, i think 10 (can't remember exactly) times, He is I AM in the book of John. what does that mean? that we need to believe who He says He is, and so often i don't. so, i decided to do a little exploring of the Great I AM.
"For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing." - John 5:36
"I am the living bread that came down from heaven." - 6:51
"my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going." - 8:14
"believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." - 10:38
"Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me." - 14:11
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser." - John 15:1
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." - 15:5
"God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" - Exodus 3:14
1. How sad our state by nature is!
Our sin, how deep it stains!
And Satan binds our captive minds
Fast in his slavish chains
But there's a voice of sov'reign grace,
Sounds from the sacred word:
"O, ye despairing sinners come,
And trust upon the Lord."
2. My soul obeys th' almighty call,
And runs to this relief
I would believe thy promise, Lord;
O help my unbelief!
To the dear fountain of thy blood,
Incarnate God, I fly;
Here let me wash my spotted soul,
From crimes of deepest dye.
3. Stretch out Thine arm, victorious King,
My reigning sins subdue;
Drive the old dragon from his seat,
With all his hellish crew.
A guilty, weak, and helpless worm,
On thy kind arms I fall;
Be thou my strength and righteousness,
My Jesus, and my all.
"Calmer of My Troubled Heart" - Matthew Smith
Calmer of my troubled heart
Bid my unbelief depart
Speak, and all my sorrows cease
Speak, and all my soul is peace.
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Comfort me when e’er I mourn
with the hope of Thy return
And til I Thy glories see
Help me believe in Thee
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
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