On Unbelief by Frangipane

"We have received too much from God to allow ourselves opportunities for unbelief. We have received too many gifts and privileges to allow a grumbling, murmuring heart to disqualify us of our destiny. In contrast, the thankful heart sees the best part of every situation. It sees problems and weaknesses as opportunities, struggles as refining tools, and sinners as saints in progress." --Francis Frangipane

God Does Chasten

“Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the Lord hath spoken. Give glory to the Lord your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock is carried away captive.”         

Jeremiah 13:15-17 KJV

 

    This verse depicts our salvation accurately, although this was not the original intent. As we refuse to seek the Lord and to listen to Him we invariably embrace ourselves, our pride. We must give glory to God or we will find darkness and we will stumble; yea, we may even fall. In this struggle, we may look frantically for the Lord’s light, but in correction, He only shows us the shadows of death. If you won’t listen to God, Believers will grieve for you. They grieve because they know that you have ceased listening to and pursuing and the Lord, you are in darkness and because of this have been taken captive either for a season, to learn and be disciplined; or for eternity. . . .

Strength in the Storm

“Have mercy upon me, O Lord; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death: 14 That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.”

Psalms 9:13-14 KJV

 

       These verses depict our lives as followers of the Way. We are persecuted, yet can petition the throne of grace and receive empowerment to praise in the midst of our trouble, to rejoice in our salvation! David shows the same life analogy: he is persecuted, yet petitions the Lord for mercy: that he will be lifted up; and declare the praises of God and rejoice in His salvation. Let’s boldly approach the throne of grace, let’s praise the Lord, let’s rejoice in our salvation amidst the struggle and hardship. Let’s stay our minds on Jesus, listen for the Holy Spirit, and stand in awe of the Father’s gracious plan for the salvation of our souls. Amen!

Help Lord!

Help Lord!

“Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men. They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.”

Psalms 12:1-2 (NKJV)

 

       Are you that one person that remains godly and faithful while everyone else seems to slack off? You may ascertain your situation correctly, or you may not, but I can say this: there will be a time, for many of us, where like David we cry “Lord, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men. They speak idly….!” If that is where you find yourself today, pray this with me:

  Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You as one feeling broken and abused: everyone seems to be living out wickedness around me! Lord, please give me strength. May I have the resolution to stand firm and remain (abide) in Your vine. Open my eyes to see Your hand in this situation. And, Lord, I thank You for Your peace which passes all understanding which the Scripture promises me I’ll have when I abide in You. Amen.

 

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