Against the backdrop of rebellion and the rejection of God begins the process of choosing a new king for Israel – (Psalm 78:67-72)…..⁶⁷ Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim: ⁶⁸ But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved. ⁶⁹ And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which he hath established for ever. ⁷⁰ He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: ⁷¹ From following the ewes great with young he …

The name “Jesus” actually means “the Lord saves” or “the Lord is a Savior.” So, when we say “Jesus” we are actually saying “Savior.” The two words are synonymous. The angel told Joseph what to name the Son born to his wife Mary, and the reason for that particular name, Jesus: because He will save. We could say, “Savior, because He will save.”

Being the Savior is integral to Jesus’ nature. That’s what He is. Not just something that He does. He IS, by His very nature, Savior. But we are …

When we make our plans each week, or each day, they should be made with God’s approval. “We ought to say, “If the Lord wills.” Jesus and Paul are examples for us in this area (Matthew 26:42) (Acts 18:21) (1 Corinthians 16:7). In saying “if the Lord wills” it demonstrates faith in two things:

1. That God does have a will for us (even in the smallest matters)
2. That God can intervene (in any area of our life) to carry out His will.

And it is true that God’s will, will …

Nehemiah 8:10 tells us not to be on’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” We can read in Psalm 16:11 that God will show us the path of life, and in that find out where real joy is, in His presence. So, if our joy is low this morning, it means we have not been spending time in God’s presence as we should, receiving His strength and help. It means we have got our focus off God and onto something else.

Although God is …

God accepts you, because of what Jesus did as your substitute, and because He loves you. Not because you have done some mighty work to earn such acceptance from Him. We read in (Ephesians 1:6)…..to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved. All barriers between you and God were broken down by Jesus Christ. God forgave you, and offers cleansing from all the sin you ever committed. We also read in (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)……Now all things are of God, who …

It seems that in the hour of trial or discouragement the Lord always stood with Paul. While he was preaching the gospel in Damascus there was such a stir as they were after Paul, and yet the Lord was with him. While he was preaching in Lystra, they stoned him and thought he was dead, and yet the Lord was with him. While he was preaching the gospel in Philippi, he was beaten and placed in stocks in the inner prison, and yet the Lord was with him. While he was …

(Luke 5:16)…..So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. But why? Jesus prayed and He is our example. If prayer was necessary for Jesus, how much more so for us. Just look at (John 13:15)…..”For I have given you an example. . . .” (Luke 6:12) tells us…..”He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And of course we read in (Mark 1:35)…..a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. Jesus …

The Grace of God is one of the most amazing doctrines given in the Scriptures from God. It is through the grace of God that even man, woman, or child might be saved as they place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I came upon this old article from Spurgeon’s “Sword and the Trowel” newspaper He used to print. I thought you might enjoy His insight on grace.

Tis by the grace of God that ungodly men are preserved from instant death. The sharp axe of justice would soon fell …