TO GOD BE THE GLORY
His Only Son [4/4/2021]
INTRO:
The Oxford Dictionary defines Easter as, “the most important and oldest festival of the Christian Church, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, held between March 21 and April 25 on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the northern spring equinox.” Well, Easter is not only important, it is the very foundation of the Christian faith. Because of Christ’s triumph on the cross, our sins have been forgiven, (Colossians 2:13), and “death has been swallowed up in victory,” (1 Corinthians 15:54). When we accept the gift of salvation by trusting Jesus Christ, we too can walk in that victory. And as Jesus was resurrected, we too shall be resurrected one day, to eternal life. There is no hope greater than this. Our mortal lives are finite and temporary, but our souls are eternal and God’s love is eternal . . . and His wonderful gifts can be ours if we accept them and walk in them. Can you think of a good reason to not be interested in Jesus’ offer?
TEXT:
1 Corinthians 15:20-22; (TPT).
“20 But the truth is, Christ is risen from the dead, as the firstfruit of a great resurrection harvest of those who have died. 21 For since death came through a man, Adam, it is fitting that the resurrection of the dead has also come through a man, Christ. 22 Even as all who are in Adam die, so also all who are in Christ will be made alive.”
1 Corinthians 15:54; (TPT).
“And when that which is mortal puts on immortality, and what now decays is exchanged for what will never decay, then the Scripture will be fulfilled that says: Death is swallowed up by a triumphant victory!”
His Only Son
I lived a dark and stormy life
that lasted many years,
until one day I saw a light
through a heart of many tears.
It shined upon Golgotha’s hill
and on a rugged tree,
where Jesus did His Father’s will
the day He died for me.
Oh, Son of love, why did You have to
hang upon that hill?
Why did You have to be the One
to do Your Father’s will?
There were so many here below
deserving punishment,
but only One was pure enough;
that’s why the Father sent
His only Son, His only Son;
no other one could pay
the price His only Son could offer.
Messiah is His name.
Oh, Lamb of God, unspotted One,
bound to die since virgin birth.
He was the only perfect One
to pay sin’s debt on earth.
Now Jesus stands in heaven above
beside His Father’s throne,
forgiving all who come to Him;
washed clean thru His blood, alone.
Because of love He gave His life;
no one else could pay the price:
God’s only son, His only son,
My Savior, Jesus Christ
rdouglasVeer 03/06/1999
A Taste Of beauty [3/21/2021]
INTRO:
One of the many beauty’s of Spring is the emergence of flowers in bloom. Solomon also revered the splendor of God’s creation and referred to his bride as the “lily of the valley”, and “the rose of Sharon”, (see Song of Solomon 2:1). This passage along with the entire book also symbolically refers to Jesus as the “rose of Sharon”, and the bride as the body of Christian believers. How wonderful to know about God’s love for us! He created us; He cherishes us; He wants His best for us; He wants to know us through and through. At the same time, he wants us to know Him in the same way. That’s why the idea of “religion” falls so terribly short. Rather, it’s a personal relationship that God desires to have with us. But we, each, must answer His call. We, individually, must come, like the butterfly taking in nectar. We must decide to bond with the Lord, and be nourished by Him . . . through daily prayer and the reading of His word, and the carrying out of His wishes, that we might be filled with His glory and power and love. To learn more about how to become a Christian, visit: https://kathyveer.com/become-a-christian/
TEXT:
Hosea 14:4-6; (GNT).
4 The Lord says, “I will bring my people back to me. I will love them with all my heart; no longer am I angry with them. 5 I will be to the people of Israel like rain in a dry land. They will blossom like flowers; they will be firmly rooted like the trees of Lebanon. 6 They will be alive with new growth, and beautiful like olive trees. They will be fragrant like the cedars of Lebanon.”
A Taste of Beauty
So flocks the brilliant butterfly
upon the gentle stem
which holds the nectar of the dainty flower.
As silently, invisibly
doth beat the gentle wing
suspending it with tireless, gentle power.
Who but a God of wonders would
create one such as this
to give the world, a taste of beauty such
that in His love a man would He
share such a majesty
to show the wonder of His love for us.
rdouglasVeer 02/28/2021
He's Changing Me [3/7/2021]
INTRO:
How does God change a person? Matthew 5:48 says, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect,” (KJV). We see what we used to be; we see who we still are, and it seems hopeless sometimes. After becoming saved, the goal is to grow into the image of Christ, but that can seem so unreachable. Well first, we should remember that the Christian walk is not a destination but a journey that we take with God’s help. Philippians, chapter two explains that it is God who is working in us, and helping us become more like Him. Second, the Greek word for “perfect” in the Matthew passage (below) is the word “telos”. According to Christianity.StackExchange.com, “telos” does not imply a state of being, but rather a direction toward the end for which a thing is made. It has the sense of a target, minus the actual arrival.” The question is, are you on the right road? Are you traveling in the right direction? Are you “. . . press[ing] toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus?” (See Philippians 3:14).
“So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ],” (Philippians 2:12; AMP).
TEXT:
Philippians 2:13; (AMP).
“For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.”
Matthew 5:48; (AMP).
“You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
He’s Changing Me
I was a beggar; a poor lost soul.
Then He fed me and gave me His ring.
He’s changing me into His image.
I’m becoming a child of the King.
How precious are His thoughts toward me,
and His love has been the key.
I am transforming into His child;
I’m changing . . . all because He loves me.
I’m growing and I’m moving, though,
I know that it has taken awhile.
Yet He has been so patient and kind,
strengthening me, His very own child.
As I travel through this troubled world,
a beggar I will no more be.
With God’s help, and through His angels sent,
praise His name, He’s changing me!
rdouglasVeer 01/28/03
My Valentine [2/21/2021]
INTRO:
Did you know that God invented love? When human life began on this planet, the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him,” (Genesis 2:18; NLT). So God made Eve to be Adam’s wife. We find several other love stories in the Bible. Jacob loved Rachel and worked for her father a total of 14 years to pay for her hand in marriage. Ruth lost her husband but because of her loyalty to her mother-in-law, Boaz fell in love with her and married her. Mary and Joseph were courting when the Holy Spirit told her she was with child. Joseph could have left her because of any perceived shame, but he trusted God and married Mary after Jesus was born. The greatest love story of all is the one between Jesus (the Lamb) and His bride (the living church of believers). His ultimate plan is for us as believers to be united with our Lord for eternity. And when that wedding day comes there will be much rejoicing: “Let us rejoice and be happy and give God glory! Give God glory, because the wedding of the Lamb has come. And the Lamb’s bride has made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:7; ERV). Here on earth, love within the bonds of marriage most closely relates to our union with Christ. And while the Song of Solomon is a book about the love between a husband and a wife, it also reflects Christ’s love for His bride. Oh, what a day that will be.
TEXT:
Song of Solomon 1:15, 16; (ICB).
The Man Speaks, “15 My darling, you are beautiful! Oh, you are beautiful! Your eyes are like doves!”
The Woman Answers the Man, “16 You are so handsome, my lover. You are so pleasant!”
My Valentine
We are so different, you and I.
You're a girl and I’m a guy.
I'm from the Southern U.S.A.
You're from the far-up northern way.
You sing just like a meadow lark.
I'm like a bear rubbing a piece of bark.
I love hot, fast cars and love to drive.
Sometimes you worry how you’ll stay alive.
But what's so wonderful is this:
our love did bloom the first time we kissed.
I am your husband; you are my wife.
Loving you fills up my life.
This is our first year valentine.
And I thank God; forever, you are mine.
rdouuglasveer 2/13/98
Scars For thy Soul [1/31/2021]
INTRO:
Hopefully, there comes a day when we each realize how faulty we are. At first, this statement might seem offensive to some; especially to those “religious” types who feel they’ve lived good and godly lives. But the Bible says no good thing dwells in our flesh; that is, in our sinful nature, (see Romans 7:18). In fact, since the beginning of time the Bible reflects a historical record of how people from kings and judges to lowly servants have failed God in one way or another. “. . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23; NIV). In this world, wickedness has risen to such deplorable levels, that God has wiped people out, (like during the great flood). Even today, He will remove His umbrella of protection from us when we decide our way is better than His. Yet, isn’t it wonderful to know that “. . . God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” (Romans 5:8; AMP). Jesus not only gave His life, but He took upon Himself all the punishment and the physical scars upon His body. So, let us first cry tears of true sorrow and repentance for the many wrongs we have done, requiring His sacrifice. And then, let us cry tears of joy for the forgiveness God offers us through His shed blood on the cross. If you or I were the only beings on the earth, He would have still kept His redemption plan. That’s because His love is limitless. Do you know Him today?
TEXT:
Romans 7:18a; (NKJV).
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells . . .”
Proverbs 3:5; (NKJV).
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
Scars For Thy Soul
I thought to talk with God one day
of things I sought to know,
about the scars of sin’s results
and why they pained me so.
I said, "There is no place at all
in life that I can go
that people do not stare and see
the scars upon my soul.
“In deep despair I try to hide
those scars that vex me so,
and yet, no matter what I try,
they seem to plainly show."
The answer He so simply spoke
about what I should know, was
"Dear one, when you shall arrive
in heaven, thy scars will go.
“The law is that you pay a price
for how your garden grows. And you’ll
reap a whirlwind, if the wind
is all that you have sown.
“But, do consider now the truth,
that happened long ago.
My thorn pierced brow and shredded body
was nailed, that I could show
the mutilation caused by sin
that bowed my body low,
to take your place upon the cross
so that you’d need not go.
“Weep not, weep not, my dearly beloved;
you must consider though,
My scars are here for eternity;
your scars one day will go.
“So cry not precious Israel,
for this you need to know,
that what I bear upon my body, truly are
scars for thy soul."
rdouglasveer 1/06/02
More Like Him [1/17/2021]
INTRO:
As Christians, our goal is to become more like Jesus. How can we do that? There are so many philosophers out there and there are as many opinions as there are human beings. When it comes to growing in Christ, however, there’s only one source we should turn to: the Bible. We know that heaven and earth will one day pass away, but His word will stand forever, (see Matthew 24:35). And we know that to build ourselves up in the faith, we need to “hear” the word of God, daily, (see Romans 10:17). Romans, chapter twelve tells us we must be “transformed by the renewing of our minds,” (verses 1-2). Here is that passage in The Message: “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” As we focus on the person of God and upon His written word, we will become more like Him and will find ourselves serving Him more and more. Praise be to His name!
TEXT:
Romans 12:1-2; (NASB).
“1 Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
2 Corinthians 3:18; (NIV).
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
More Like Him
Oh, to be . . . more like Him.
Oh, to serve Him more and more.
Oh, to sing aloud His praises . . .
. . . o'er and o'er and o'er.
Through the power of His presence
and the beauty of His face,
God directed me to journey
to many an unknown place.
Down through time and through the throngs,
into many a distance land,
He's empowered me to travel
by His lovely, nail-scarred hands.
Oh, to be . . . more like Him.
Oh, to serve Him more and more.
Oh, to sing aloud His praises . . .
. . . o'er and o'er and o'er.
Not just to the saintly ones;
not just to the truly saved,
but also to the nearest ones
advancing to their graves.
Christ, the Son of God has sent me
to carry His word for you,
over rugged hills and valleys;
it's what I’m sent to do.
‘Til one day the hill I'll travel
to the distant, open gate
and reveal those hands of scars, outstretched,
where my Savior waits.
Oh, to be . . . more like Him.
Oh, to serve Him more and more.
Oh, to sing aloud His praises . . .
. . . o'er and o'er and o'er.
rdouglasveer 7/28/2001
A Butterfly [1/3/2021]
INTRO:
Can people really change? The Bible says it’s not only possible but it’s expected of those who are born-again. In fact, 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new,” (KJV). If all things become new, we are talking about a complete metamorphosis that isn’t reserved just for butterflies. The word “butterfly” is not found in the Bible but the word “transformation” Is. Strongs Concordance describes it this way: to transform (literally or figuratively, “metamorphose”); change, transfigure, transform. So when the Bible says we are to be transformed, it is really saying God wants to take our flawed and faulty souls and change us into creatures of beauty, wholly fit to be the bride of Christ when His work in us is finished. Looking at those pretty, multi-colored wings, I find great hope. And in my darkest hour, I know God’s promises will come true, worries will end, change will come to pass and better, brighter days lay ahead. Yes, He will complete the good work He has started in me. What a great thought to start the new year!
TEXT:
Romans 12:2a; (NKJV).
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . . .”
2 Corinthians 3:18; (TLB).
“But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.”
Philippians 1:6; (ERV).
“I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again.”
A Butterfly
I just looked at a butterfly
with wings so fragile and fair.
It’s hard to believe that a heart once beat
for the worm that was once living there!
The dainty wings, so translucent are
by far much more than I
could ever hope to see man make
beneath this glorious sky.
Not only earthbound in our strength
but in our mind as well.
For we can n‘er unlock the secrets
that God alone could tell.
A worm, a worm, that hardly moves.
Unpleasant is he, at best.
Yet there on the daintiest gossamer wings,
it sails from east to west.
A thousand miles and back again.
Ah, such is life for I,
when God’s own holy hand touches me,
taking me to His home on high.
Then with His heavenly angel band,
we’ll come to fight the war;
the “War of the Ages”: God against sin,
and earthbound I’ll be no more.
Then heaven-ward again I’ll go,
just like the butterfly,
changed forever, never again
to be a worm, will I . . .
rdouglasVeer 3/29/1999