Finishing the
Race
GREG LAURIE CHUCK SWINDOLL HUGH ROSS
DAVID JEREMIAH CHARLES STANLEY TERRY FAHY ISSUE 16 KKLA.COM
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Issue 16
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TERRY’S NOTE
Surrender to Grace
S
Grace puts the focus on God. It starts with Him and He graciously reaches out to us beckoning us to come to Him with nothing but our help-less selves. That is why the Scriptures say we are saved by grace through faith and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God. (Eph 2:8)
• Through the Spirit of God living in me, my desires gradually change from a focus on meeting my own needs to a desire to live for others. • Eventually I come to the place where I want to use my life for God’s glory, because I come to understand that He is the One who makes it all possible.
I must admit that even after decades of studying God’s word, attending church faithfully and, yes, listening to thousands and thousands of messages on the radio (!) I struggle with understanding how God’s grace intersects with The Law.
It comes down to our motivation for obeying The Law. Am I doing it only to please God or is my motivation to pat myself on the back for how spiritual I am, have people compliment me for being religious, and favorably compare myself to others?
If I am saved by grace through faith, then do I need to follow the 10 commandments?
To live a life of grace means I depend only on God’s strength to supply every need. Selffocused religion means I justify myself by my works and live without God’s supply.
Grace is what sets Christ followers apart from followers of all other belief systems. All other religions put man as the focus and God outside. The focus is on what I can do to reach God, what I must do to please God or what I can do to be “god.”
The answer is no and yes. “No” I am not saved by obeying the Law, but “yes” I will follow the Law because I am saved. Paul expertly addresses this issue to the believers in Galatia: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by human effort? Galatians 3:2-3 A “life of grace” says: • I have been set free by Christ from trying to earn my own salvation, to save myself. • But I need Someone to control my life from within—that is the Holy Spirit.
Will living by grace through faith lead to sinful living? Absolutely not. Paul says “walk in the Spirit and you shall not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” (Gal 5:16) As believers, the decision before us each day is this: will we surrender to God’s will, listen to the Spirit and obey His word or focus on ourselves and feed our sinful nature? If we choose “surrender” then we will experience a life of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit!
Terry Fahy Vice-President / General Manager KKLA
Any thoughts on KKLA Programming? Email TERRY FAHY at tfahy@kkla.com
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ADMINISTRATION Terry Fahy Vice President/General Manager, Salem Los Angeles Steve Brodsky General Sales Manager, 99.5 FM KKLA Chuck Tyler Program Director, Salem Los Angeles ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Steve Brodsky General Sales Manager, 99.5 FM KKLA (818) 662-3743 Contributors: Jim Tinker, Salem Los Angeles Art Direction & Design: Olive Group, LLC Jake@OliveGroup.biz
04 | Surrender to Grace by Terry Fahy
08 | KKLA’s Journey of Faith by Greg Laurie
14 | A Hope that Endures by David Jeremiah
26 | Finish the Race by Chuck Swindoll
31 | Can God Use You? by Charles Stanley
35 | Snowballs, Creation and Scripture by Hugh Ross
38 | Show Some Gratitude! by Philip DeCourcy
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CULTIVATING DIFFERENCE MAKERS SINCE 1899 Azusa Pacific Seminary draws upon the university’s mission to graduate disciples and scholars, offering a welcoming learning community that prepares men and women for practical, sustainable ministry. Graduates include Troy Murphy, M.A. ’02, who earned a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies and now serves as lead pastor of Green Bay Community Church and as chaplain of the Green Bay Packers.
F
or more than 100 years, Azusa Pacific University has prepared students to impact the world for Christ. Attending APU is a transformational experience— students graduate ready to make a difference, in classrooms, communities, hospitals, boardrooms, churches, and beyond. At the graduate level, Azusa Pacific partners with working professionals to enhance their skills and advance their careers and callings. Whether it’s a combined master’s and credential in education; an innovative program in nursing, psychology, or physical therapy; an MBA or management degree; or a program in art, music, social work, and more, APU offers a robust selection of master’s degrees and doctoral opportunities for graduates desiring to join a community dedicated to God-honoring professional excellence. “Before entering my master’s degree program at APU, I anticipated receiving tools and skills that would be applicable to various leadership situations,” said Dianne Schlitt ’84, M.A. ’15. “What I didn’t anticipate was the life-changing process that I experienced. This truly has been a significant time that God has used to mold and shape me. I more clearly defined my calling, clarified my passions, gained a deeper understanding of my strengths and weaknesses, and became equipped with many leadership insights. It stirred my passion to lead and make a difference in this world, and it built the leader in me from the inside out.” True to this transformative education experience,
Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, the seminary offers a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, Master of Arts in Youth Ministry, Master of Arts (Theological Studies), and Master of Arts in Transformational Urban Leadership. Each program offers scholars the benefit of learning alongside expert faculty-mentors active in ministry. Dual-language Korean and Spanish programs are also available, equipping individuals to serve as ministers, missionaries, and leaders in diverse communities throughout the world. “We seek to equip these individuals so they might present the Gospel message in innovative and culturally relevant ways,” said Enrique Zone, Ed.D., associate dean for urban and multicultural programs. Moving beyond the academic program experience, the seminary provides support for pastoral staff serving in churches and parachurch organizations through APU’s Partners in Ministry, which hosts an annual conference, educational programs, and networking events that connect local pastors and their congregations to a wealth of resources at the university. “I really appreciate the effort the school makes on our behalf, thus enabling our local church to have influence and impact for God’s Kingdom,” said J. Gerry Wilson, M.A. ’96, lead pastor of Arcadia Friends Community Church. APU remains grounded in Scripture and committed to its enduring motto of God First throughout all its programs. Inside and outside the classroom, students apply their hearts, souls, and minds, pursuing excellence—and Christ—in all they do. Whatever their passion, students can choose from 67 bachelor’s degrees, 42 master’s degrees, 18 certificates, 14 credentials, 8 doctoral programs, and 3 associate’s degrees at a university ranked among the best schools in the nation. Programs are available on campus, online, and at six regional centers across Southern California. Learn more at apu.edu.
[ ARTICLE ]
JOURNEYof KKLA’S
FAITH
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Greg Laurie
IS HEARD WEEKDAYS AT 5:30AM & 12:30PM ON 99.5FM KKLA
A
lot can happen in thirty years! Many commentators believe the Book of Acts covers approximately the first thirty years of church history. How could any of the early disciples have predicted on the eve of Pentecost that the church would spread through much of the known world and witness miracles, healings, resurrections, and explosive growth? But the church did see those things KKLA Magazine
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happen and it was because faithful men and women passionately proclaimed the gospel, and “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). I believe God smiles upon His people when they take large steps of faith. Why? Because it keeps us dependent on Him! Someone once said, if you
cut through the secular noise and fill the airwaves with Bible teaching that has transformed thousands of lives throughout the Southland? Who could’ve known that men like Frank Pastore and Frank Sontag would create a setting where issues could be talked over and debated in light of a Christian worldview? There were no guarantees. There was no
Over thirty years of broadcasting at KKLA there have been dark days, such as when we lost Frank Pastore, a personal friend and voice we’d all come to love and cherish. I’ve walked the “valley of the shadow of death” as well, through the loss of my son Christopher in 2008. Many other things we’ve endured, but we, like time itself, march forward. can explain it, then God didn’t do it. There is some truth to that. It is a valid concept to put yourself in a situation where God must “show up” or else you’ll fail. I’ve seen that over the years in my ministry at Harvest, where we just celebrated our 40th anniversary. I’ve seen it in operation among the ownership and staff at KKLA, too. Who would’ve predicted the success of KKLA? How could we have known 30 years ago that this station would 10
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textbook for success. I’m sure when the station was purchased, many in the Christian world looked upon the endeavor as a huge risk—maybe even questionable stewardship of resources. But eyes of faith don’t merely see what is; they see what can be! Thankfully, the principals at Salem were willing to trust God for something grand. Faith is required for all endeavors of Christian living—both personally
I believe God smiles upon His people when they take large steps of faith. Why? Because it keeps us dependent on Him! and for corporations. We need to trust God for the boldness and strategies to reach our neighbor just as much as we need big faith to tackle a stadium event like the Harvest Crusade, which is in its 26th year—only a few years behind KKLA. In fact, our mutual paths of faith have often intersected and a fruitful partnership has emerged over the years. Our event could not have seen success without the promotional energy supplied by our friends at KKLA. And
hopefully, Harvest has proven to be a great place for the KKLA family throughout Southern California to come and worship together! While faith is necessary for productive Christian ministry, it does not immunize us against the attacks of our enemy, Satan. When Paul and Barnabas were sent out by the early church on their first missionary tour, I’m sure they left with great expectations. It didn’t KKLA Magazine
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take long for them, however, to run up against opposition. At their very first stop, they were opposed by a Jewish false prophet called Elymas. Along the way, through eight major cities, they were chased out of town several times, threatened with death from angry mobs, overcome with sickness, lied about, falsely worshipped, and finally stoned and left for dead. On the face of it, it doesn’t sound like a very productive start to their missionary endeavors. Only, it was! Hundreds if not thousands who heard the gospel were converted—both Jews and Gentiles. By the end of the trip, Paul was organizing leadership and witnessing the birth and growth of churches all around the region. Yet, despite their great gains, this was his message to them: “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). What did he mean by that?
Faith does not mitigate hard times; it simply gives those hard times perspective. It brings us a timeless God-view of our present circumstances. 12
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The work of ministry is hard and not without trials or sorrow. Faith does not mitigate hard times; it simply gives those hard times perspective. It brings us a timeless God-view of our present circumstances. Though perhaps not on the scale of the apostles, we will encounter times of great sorrow. Over thirty years of broadcasting at KKLA there have been dark days, such as when we lost Frank Pastore, a personal friend and voice we’d all come to love and cherish. I’ve walked the “valley of the shadow of death” as well, through the loss of my son Christopher in 2008. Many other things we’ve endured, but we, like time itself, march forward. We move forward with that same undying faith that we began with, toward a new heavenly address. That is my great hope for KKLA and for Harvest: that we continue to walk in faith, to make bold efforts to reach this community, and those beyond, for Jesus. I am grateful to God for the message of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation. And I am grateful to KKLA and their team as they make it possible to broadcast that message far and wide. So let us move forward, undeterred by those things that oppose us, by the naysayers who doubt us, past our enemy who seeks to destroy us. We move forward together! Why? Because who knows what thirty more years may bring?
Any thoughts? Visit GREG LAURIE’S website at harvest.org.
David Jeremiah
IS HEARD WEEKDAYS AT 11:00AM ON 99.5FM KKLA
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[ ARTICLE ]
A Hope
ndures E that
If you listen to the radio while you are riding in your car, you probably have heard an advertisement for enrolling in a service to protect your identity from fraudulent use of your personal finances and name. Unfortunately, when digital technology entered our lives, it brought with it additional opportunities for those who wish to defraud us to find new ways to do so. Home protection services are on the rise, as well as software programs to protect our computers and other electronic devices. We try to do everything possible to insure that our families and our finances and our future remains secure. Yet we know by hard reality there’s not much security in our world or its economy. We don’t know what a day will bring forth. Riches can disappear in a moment. Jobs vanish. Savings and investments can turn sour. Stocks decline. Economies crash.
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As Christians, we don’t depend on the world for ultimate security. For us, the eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. We have a hope that endures; for when Jesus comes into our lives, He comes with abiding security. We know that nothing can pry us from His hand. He not only died to forgive our sins; He rose from the dead to give us eternal life. His resurrection supplies the power, provision, and pattern for our own resurrections. Because He lives, we will live also. John’s Gospel drives this home. At the end of his Gospel, John stated his purpose in writing it—that we might believe in Christ and have eternal life (John 20:31). He similarly ended his little letter of 1 John by telling us he had written it that we might know we have eternal life (1 John 5:13). Throughout his writing, John used the phrases “eternal life” and “everlasting life” 23 times. For example, Jesus told us in John 10:26-29: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”
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The future just doesn’t get any more secure than that!
Nothing Can Separate Us From His Love Not only can nothing snatch us from His hand; nothing can separate us from His love. The apostle Paul declared: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” He went on to say, “I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35, 38-39). Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ International, observed, “My experience in counseling thousands of students and laymen through the years since I met Christ personally has convinced me that there are literally tens of thousands of good, faithful church-goers who have received Christ in prayer, but who are not sure of their salvation.” How different the attitude of the apostle Paul! He exclaimed, “I know whom I have
As Christians, we don’t depend on the world for ultimate security. For us, the eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12). He had a hope that infused his days with optimism. There weren’t any insecurities with Paul, even when he was facing execution. He was convinced. He knew. He was persuaded. And no one could tell him otherwise.
Nothing Can Alter His Plan
The Bible also teaches that nothing can alter God’s plan. Ecclesiastes 3:14 says, “I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.” Our Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is immutable—unchanged, unchanging, and unchangeable. His grace doesn’t fluctuate. His power doesn’t ebb and flow. His love and mercy do not rise and fall with the tides of any cosmic ocean. He is steadfast, constant, and enduring. The Bible says, “The Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures to all generations” (Psalm 100:5). What security and hope we have in Him! What a basis for an optimistic attitude, even during painful times. And how wonderful to know we
don’t have to fear the future or worry about our security. The Bible does not use vague or nonspecific language regarding our salvation. It doesn’t use terms like maybe or might or hope-to-be. It says will and shall and is. If you struggle with knowing for certain that you’re going to heaven, you can ARM yourself with assurance in three ways, using the acronym ARM:
A = Ask yourself: Have I sincerely asked Jesus Christ to forgive my sins? Am I trusting His blood for eternal salvation? Have I received Him as my personal Savior and Lord? If not, it’s important to do so today, for today is the day of salvation. R = Realize that doubting your salvation is questioning God’s faithfulness to His promises. Lewis Sperry Chafer wrote, “When God has made an unconditional declaration of His faithfulness, it is hardly becoming in one of His children to entertain any uncertainty in those things which He has promised.” M = Memorize one of the verses cited in this article, meditate on it whenever you’re tempted with fear, and rest in the promises of God’s Word. Nothing can separate us from His love. No one can snatch us from His hand. Nothing can alter His plan. We’re as secure as secure can be, as hopeful as the brightest promises of God, and as blessed as the richest soul. Start enjoying eternal life today! David Jeremiah is the founder of Turning Point, and serves as senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California.For more information about Turning Point, go to www.DavidJeremiah.org.
Any thoughts? Visit DAVID JEREMIAH’S website at davidjeremiah.org. KKLA Magazine
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A New Beginning Thru the Bible Grace to You Insight for Living Focus on the Family Truth for Life Family Life Today Jay Sekulow Live! In Touch Pathway to Victory
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Philip De Courcy David Jeremiah Jim Daly & John Fuller RC Sproul Greg Laurie Jack Graham Mart de Haan Xavier Ries Steve Arterburn Kenneth Ulmer Mike Fabarez
For more program information please call 818.662.3720 18
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Weekday Program Guide Frank Sontag 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
4:00 pm 6:00 pm
| The Frank Sontag Show | Jay Sekulow Live!
kkla.com aclj.org
Frank Sontag Jay Sekulow
Katy Evans 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm
6:30pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm 8:00 pm 8:30 pm 9:00 pm 9:30 pm 10:00 pm 10:30pm
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All Things New Core Truth Grace to You Thru the Bible Insight for Living Real Radio Stories from Skidrow Focus on the Family Simple Truths
pastorshawn.com corechurchla.org gty.org ttb.org insight.org realradioactive.com
urm.org family.org calvarychapelpasadena.com
Shawn Thornton Steve Wilburn John MacArthur J. Vernon McGee Charles Swindoll Jack Hibbs Andy Bales Jim Daly Xavier Ries
Chandler Haynie 11:00 pm - 5:00 am
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Saturdays 12:00 am | Apologetics.com
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Sundays 7:00 am
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Wings of Healing
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Let My People Think
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The writer of Hebrews tells us that faith is assurance of things hoped for, the certainty of things unseen. We all discovered that his asthma attacks became less frequent until hoped for things we do not see, whether it’swent a better job, this process, the concept ultimately they away. Through the importance of alternative solutions and the “green” marriage, healing of an illness orofinjury, or countless other lifestyle took a foothold in my personal life. From that day aspirations. Where does our assurance come from? SATURDAYS, 6-7PM ON 99.5 KKLA forward I devoted myself to making the ON environment a better SATURDAYS, 6-7PM 99.5 KKLA The answer is Jesus Christ. place, knowing that my son isn’t the only person to ever have breathing Thehealth, writer ofperfect Hebrews tells us that faith is assurance Does this assurance imply problems. of things hoped for, the certainty of things unseen. We all And monetary success or marriage? No. Our assurance is that maybe I could hoped for things we do not see, whether it’s ajust better job, Christ rose from the deadmarriage, and wehealing do notofneed to suffer for make a difference an illness or injury, or countless other the lives of our wrongs in separation aspirations. from God.Where does our assurance comeinfrom? others. SATURDAYS, 6-7PM ON 99.5 KKLA Thetoanswer Christ.of those That God causes all things work is forJesus the good I incorporated Does this assurance imply who love him and are called according His purpose. The writer ofto Hebrews tellshealth, us thatperfect faith is assurance the alternative monetary success or marriage? No. Our assurance that of things hoped for, the certainty of things unseen. Weisall solution lifestyle That He promises to takeChrist care rose of our needs if we seek His from the dead and we do not need to suffer for hoped for things we do not see, whether it’s a into better myjob, business, righteousness and His kingdom and not our righteousness our wrongs inhealing separation from marriage, of an illnessGod. or injury, or countless other ECOLA Termite aspirations. Where ourto assurance from? That God causes alldoes things work forcome the good of those or our prideful pursuits. and Pest Control. Thehim answer is Jesus Christ. who love and are called according to His purpose. And it is this This hope gives us confidence, which develops faith, Does this assurance That He promises to takeimply carehealth, of ourperfect needs ifenvironmentally we seek His monetary success or marriage? No. Our is that which gives us endurancerighteousness and perseverance, knowing thatassurance and His kingdom and not our righteousness friendly approach Christ rose from the dead and we do not need to suffer for any trial we may be goingorthrough cannot be compared our prideful pursuits. that is the our wrongs in separation from God. foundation This hope gives us confidence, which develops faith, to the glory we will have with Him when he calls us home. That God causes all things to work for the good of those of ECOLA today. which gives us andaccording perseverance, knowing that who love himendurance and are called to His purpose. He wants to showcase us as His personal ambassadors That we He may promises to takethrough care of our needsbeif ECOLA we seek His helps any trial be going cannot compared to show the world who Hetois, and this is seen most inwhen our protect righteousness His with kingdom not he ourcalls righteousness the glory we willand have Himand us home.your family, or our prideful pursuits. hope, joy, confidence, andHeassurance of ourus hope inpersonal and ambassadors the wants to showcase as His This hope gives us confidence, which faith, to show the world who He is, and this is develops seenenvironment most in our and through these types of trials. whichyour gives us expensive enduranceinvestment, and perseverance, knowing thatmany most your home. There are hope, joy, confidence, andstrong assurance of our hope in and We will receive the crown of ifwewe finish incannot this anylife trial may be going through compared offering companies doing similar things, butbepersonally, through these types ofhave trials. to drive the glory we will with Him when he calls and us home. environmentally friendly alternative termite pest control race. Our minds and attitudes our behavior. Going WeHewill receive the crown of mine, life personal if as we finish strong in this wants to showcase us as His ambassadors treatments is a passion of it may have been the saving from, “I’m broken,” to “I’mrace. healing everyday,” is a matter of minds and attitudes drive our behavior. Going toOur show the world who He is, and this is seen most in our grace for my son and his life. hope, joy, assurance of our hope andmodern from, “I’m God broken,” “I’mand healing everyday,” isthrough a in matter of perspective through God’s eyes. hasto complete control Byconfidence, personally using fewer chemicals through these types of trials. perspective through God’s eyes. God has complete control I hope to minimize chemical use worldwide and of our lives and the timeframe We oftechnology, events. willand receive the crown ofoflife if we finish strong in this of our lives thewith timeframe events. truly help informing people of environmental factors These are just a few things I am to not race. Ourpursuing minds and attitudes drive our behavior. Going These such are just a few things I am pursuing not their health. as their indoor air quality and how itto affects from, “I’m broken,” to “I’meach healing everyday,” is a matter of only know, but to live in the of. Join me And with recent advancements and newme technologies offered onlyreality know, but to live in the reality of. Join each perspective through God’s eyes. God has complete control by ECOLA, consumers can choose from a variety of nonfrom 6-7pm on KKLA to learn and explore all Saturday from 6-7pm onSaturday KKLA to learn and explore all of our lives and the timeframe of events. fumigant solutions including ECOLA Heat™, Microwave that God has for us to walk in. are just a few things I am pursuing to not that God has for us to walk in. These and Electro-Gun and a borate compound called Tim-Bor and
How My Battle WithThe TheSue SueFries FriesShow Show
Dust Mites
Helped My Son Overcome His
Breathing Problems
And Changed My Lifestyle
The Sue Fries Show
Pursuit of Passion, Pursuit ofPurpose Passion, &ofConnection Pursuit Passion, Purpose & Connection Purpose & Connection 99.5 KKLA-FM only know, but to live in the reality of. Join me each
Bora-care protects wood against infestations. Written By Susan Fries Saturday fromthat 6-7pm on KKLA to learntermite and explore all if you’re like me and want more control over what There is no better feeling in life than when you become that GodSo has for us to walk in. chemicals you introduce into your home environment, I invite a parent. And there is no greater sense of helplessness, than you to contact ECOLA for your termite and pest control when your child faces a serious medical challenge. needs. We have seven offices to serve you from San Luis When my son turned 2 years old he started to have a series Obispo to San Diego. Call ECOLA toll free at (877) 332of asthma attacks. Eliminating a medical condition or disease BUGS or on the web at EcolaTermite.com. responsible for the attacks, I began to wonder if environmental factors were contributing to his breathing problems. With my Susan Fries, also known maternal instincts engaged, I made it my mission to discover as the Termite Lady, is what was affecting him so adversely. I started by process of the President and CEO of elimination, changing shampoos and soaps, different types of ECOLA Termite and Pest material and clothing, foods and the like but the results were Control. You can hear inconclusive. We decided to have him tested and discovered ECOLA and the Termite that he was allergic to dust mites. Susan Fries, known as “The Termite Lady” Lady on 99.5 KKLA-FM DUST! So, I tore out the carpet in his bedroom put vinyl is the PresidentSusan of ECOLA Termite and Pest Management Services. Fries, known as “The Lady” and inTermite San Diego on 1210 coverings on his mattress and dusted and vacuumed daily. She a wife,ofmom and a woman withManagement a heart to help others. is is thealso President ECOLA Termite and Pest Services. KPRZ-AM, talking on the I started to use more organic items and slowly but surely I She is also aFollow wife, momSusan and a woman with a heart to help others. at www.SueFries.com pursuit of passion, purpose created our own “green” environment. As I began to modify Follow Susan at www.SueFries.com and connection. our home environment with green and organic solutions, I
99.5 KKLA-FM Listeners99.5 are encouraged to call the show 99.5in during KKLA-FM KKLA-FM
Listeners are encouraged Saturdays to call are in during show fromencouraged 6-7pm with insights or the questions. Listeners tothe call in during show Listenersfrom are encouraged toSaturdays call in from during the show Saturdays 6 - 7pm with insights or questions. 995-KKLA (5522) 6-7pmCall: with(888) insights or questions. Callfrom (888) 995-KKLA (5552) Call: (888) 995-KKLA (5522) Saturdays 6-7pm with insights or questions.
Call: (888) 995-KKLA (5522)
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Susan Fries, known as “The Termite Lady”
Issue 16
is the President of ECOLA Termite and Pest Management Services. She is also a wife, mom and a woman with a heart to help others.
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Chuck Swindoll
IS HEARD WEEKDAYS AT 7:00AM & 8:30PM ON 99.5FM KKLA
FINISHING
the
RACE
N
NOT ENOUGH IS SAID OR WRITTEN TODAY ABOUT FINISHING WELL. A tremendous amount of material is available on motivation to get started and creative ways to spark initiative. Plenty of advice is floating around on setting goals and establishing priorities and developing a game plan. All of it is insightful and needed. Getting off the dime is often a Herculean task, for sure. Starting well is Plan A, no doubt about it. But let’s hear it for the opposite end, for a change. Let’s extol the virtues of sticking with something until it is done. Of hanging tough when the excitement and fun fade into discipline and guts. You know, being just as determined eight minutes into the fourth quarter as at the kickoff. Not losing heart even though the project has lost its appeal. I fear our generation has come dangerously near the “I’m getting tired so let’s just quit” mentality. And not just in the spiritual realm. Dieting is a discipline, so we stay fat. Finishing school is a hassle, so we bail out. Cultivating a close relationship is painful, so we back off. Getting a book written is demanding, so we stop short. Working through conflicts
ARTICLE] ] [ COVER[ARTICLE
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in a marriage is a tiring struggle, so we walk away. Sticking with an occupation is tough, so we start looking elsewhere. This reminds me of something my sister passed along to me, titled “Six Phases of a Project”:
• • • • • •
Enthusiasm Disillusionment Panic Search for the guilty Punishment of the innocent Praise and honors for the nonparticipants
By the time a project has run its crazy course, confusion has replaced accomplishment. Participants have changed to spectators. The “let’s just quit” mentality is upon us. Ignace Jan Paderewski, the famous composer-pianist, was scheduled to perform at a great concert hall in America. It was an evening to remember—black tuxes and long evening dresses, a high-society extravaganza full bore. Present in the audience that evening was a mother with her fidgety 9-year-old son. Weary of waiting, he squirmed constantly in his seat. His mother was in hopes that her boy would be encouraged to practice the piano if he could just hear the immortal Paderewski at the keyboard. So—against his wishes—he had come. As she turned to talk with friends, her son could stay seated no longer. He slipped away from her side, strangely drawn to the ebony concert grand Steinway and its leather tufted stool on the huge stage flooded with blinding lights. Without much notice from the sophisticated audience, the boy sat down at the stool, staring wide-eyed at the black and white keys. He placed his small, trembling fingers in the right location and began to play Chop Sticks. The roar of the crowd was hushed as hundreds of frowning faces turned in his direction. Irritated and embarrassed, they began to shout: “Hey, get that boy away from there!” “Who’d bring a kid that young in here?” “Where’s his mother?” “Somebody stop him!”
Backstage, the master overheard the sounds out front and quickly put together in his mind what was happening. Hurriedly, he grabbed his coat and rushed toward the stage. Without one word of announcement he stooped over behind the boy, reached around both sides, and began to improvise a countermelody to harmonize with and enhance Chop Sticks. As the two of them played together, Paderewski kept whispering in the boy’s ear: “Keep going. Don’t quit, son. Keep on playing . . . don’t stop . . . don’t quit.” And so it is with us. We hammer away on our project, which seems about as significant as Chop Sticks in a concert hall. And about the time we are ready to give it up, along comes the Master, who leans over and whispers: “Now keep going; don’t quit. Keep on . . . don’t stop; don’t give up,” as He improvises on our behalf, providing just the right touch at just the right moment. Do I write today to a few weary pilgrims?
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Is the road getting long and hope wearing a little thin? Or to a few parents who are beginning to wonder if it’s worth it all, this exacting business of rearing children—which includes cleaning up daily messes and living with all that responsibility? Or to you who have a dream but seeing it accomplished seems too long a wait? Listen to the Master’s whispering:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9 NIV) Therefore . . . stand firm. Let nothing move you . . . your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV) Be self-controlled and alert. . . . Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:8, 10 NIV)
...how many people (aged 65 and over) can you name who are finishing the course with sustained enthusiasm and vigor?
So many start the Christian life like a lightning flash—hot, fast and dazzling. But how many people (aged 65 and over) can you name who are finishing the course with sustained enthusiasm and vigor? Oh, there are some, I realize, but why so few? What happens along the way that swells the ranks of quitters? I really wish I knew that answer. If I did, I’d shout warnings from the pulpit Sunday after Sunday. No, better than that, I’d stoop over and whisper them to every discouraged person I meet. Before it is too late. I urge you, my friend, to stay strong to the end. Never give in. Never quit the Christian life. Finish well. Copyright © 1992, 2015 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved.
Any thoughts? Visit CHUCK SWINDOLL’S website at insight.org
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How My Battle With
Dust Mites
Helped My Son Overcome His
Breathing Problems
And Changed My Lifestyle
Written By Susan Fries There is no better feeling in life than when you become a parent. And there is no greater sense of helplessness, than when your child faces a serious medical challenge. When my son turned 2 years old he started to have a series of asthma attacks. Eliminating a medical condition or disease responsible for the attacks, I began to wonder if environmental factors were contributing to his breathing problems. With my maternal instincts engaged, I made it my mission to discover what was affecting him so adversely. I started by process of elimination, changing shampoos and soaps, different types of material and clothing, foods and the like but the results were inconclusive. We decided to have him tested and discovered that he was allergic to dust mites. DUST! So, I tore out the carpet in his bedroom put vinyl coverings on his mattress and dusted and vacuumed daily. I started to use more organic items and slowly but surely I created our own “green” environment. As I began to modify our home environment with green and organic solutions, I
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discovered that his asthma attacks became less frequent until ultimately they went away. Through this process, the concept of the importance of alternative solutions and the “green” lifestyle took a foothold in my personal life. From that day forward I devoted myself to making the environment a better place, knowing that my son isn’t the only person to ever have breathing problems. And just maybe I could make a difference in the lives of others. I incorporated the alternative solution lifestyle into my business, ECOLA Termite and Pest Control. And it is this environmentally friendly approach that is the foundation of ECOLA today. ECOLA helps protect your family, the environment and your most expensive investment, your home. There are many companies doing similar things, but personally, offering environmentally friendly alternative termite and pest control treatments is a passion of mine, as it may have been the saving grace for my son and his life. By personally using fewer chemicals through modern technology, I hope to minimize chemical use worldwide and truly help with informing people of environmental factors such as their indoor air quality and how it affects their health. And with recent advancements and new technologies offered by ECOLA, consumers can choose from a variety of nonfumigant solutions including ECOLA Heat™, Microwave and Electro-Gun and a borate compound called Tim-Bor and Bora-care that protects wood against termite infestations. So if you’re like me and want more control over what chemicals you introduce into your home environment, I invite you to contact ECOLA for your termite and pest control needs. We have seven offices to serve you from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Call ECOLA toll free at (877) 332BUGS or on the web at EcolaTermite.com. Susan Fries, also known as the Termite Lady, is the President and CEO of ECOLA Termite and Pest Control. You can hear ECOLA and the Termite Lady on 99.5 KKLA-FM and in San Diego on 1210 KPRZ-AM, talking on the pursuit of passion, purpose and connection.
[ ARTICLE ]
Can God use you? Charles Stanley
IS HEARD WEEKDAYS AT 9:30AM ON 99.5FM KKLA
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Long before you were born, God specifically designed and prepared good works for you to accomplish. These correspond to His plans for your life, and now it’s your responsibility to discover and accomplish them. What are you doing to fulfill your God-given potential? Perhaps you’ve been told you’re worthless and you’ll never amount to anything. Maybe this is something you secretly believe about yourself, but I want you to know that in God’s eyes, it couldn’t be further from the truth. He’s created you with specific skills and capabilities to bring Him glory. Don’t give up on yourself, no matter what’s in the
God is looking for willing servants who will make themselves available for whatever He asks them to do. past. With God, there is always a future. When the Lord assigns a task, He also supplies His strength to accomplish it (1 Peter 4:11). That’s why Jesus promised to
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send the Holy Spirit to His disciples (John 14:16). The same Helper who enabled them to spread the gospel throughout the known world of the first century lives today within believers—including you. His desire is to continually guide you each step of the way, providing the divine energy to accomplish whatever service you’ve been called to do.
What Holds Believers Back
Among the many possible reasons a Christian might shrink away from service, here are the ones I’ve observed the most: Poor self-image. Some Christians use feelings of unworthiness as an excuse: The Lord could never use someone like me. Oftentimes this negative thought pattern originates from demeaning comments heard during childhood. However, we must realize other people’s perceptions of us never match God’s. Each person is His workmanship, and He has purposed to use us. We can’t afford to hang onto the past, or we will miss His good plans and waste our lives. Inadequacy. If you feel inadequate to serve the Lord, join the crowd. None of us are sufficient in ourselves for God’s calling—and this is a good thing. Anytime we’re challenged by the Lord to do something beyond our abilities, we are driven to lean upon Him for strength. In fact, that’s the way our faith grows. Comparison. One of the greatest ways to shut down obedience is to compare ourselves with others. Haven’t you ever told God, “Why don’t You ask ______ to do this? He could do it so much better than I can”? The problem with this reasoning is that the Lord called you to do that job, not someone else. God doesn’t need your advice about who can do it better; He just wants your obedience. Weaknesses. When it comes to service, too many people major on their weaknesses: I’m not in the best of health. I’m too old. I can’t speak in public. Whatever your excuse, you’re not the first one to try this tactic with God. Remember Moses? Blaming his stuttering problem, He told the Lord to find
He’s created you with specific skills and capabilities to bring Him glory. Don’t give up on yourself, no matter what’s in the past. With God, there is always a future. someone else to confront Pharaoh (Ex. 4:1013). God didn’t accept his excuse then, and He won’t accept ours now. Fear. If God challenges us with a task beyond our comfort zone, the natural reaction is fear. Satan wants anxiety to hinder us from becoming effective servants of Christ. If he can keep us immobilized on the sidelines, he wins. That’s why we have to believe God and move out in obedience. Busyness. When presented with an opportunity to serve the Lord, some people claim, “I don’t have time.” But actually, a more accurate statement might be, “That’s not a priority for me.” I know this is hard to swallow, but it’s the truth: If we can’t squeeze out the hours to serve God in some fashion, we’re too busy with our own agendas. Selfishness. Sometimes people aren’t willing to serve the Lord because their lives
are devoted to family, friends, careers, hobbies, and responsibilities—but they have no interest in serving God. When we appear before the judgment seat of Christ, these excuses won’t stand. Instead of receiving rewards for accomplishing the good works God prepared for us, we’ll watch the wood, hay, and straw of our lives burn away (1 Cor. 3:10-15). But in this life, it’s never too late to change course.
The Kind of People God Uses
From our perspective, God uses the most unlikely people. Just look at the disciples. After the Holy Spirit came to live within them, they turned the world upside down. God’s not looking for the most impressive people. His measuring stick is the heart. When we are characterized by the following qualities, He can do the most amazing work through us: Availability. God is looking for willing serKKLA Magazine
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vants who will make themselves available for whatever He asks them to do. When the Lord called Isaiah, the prophet immediately responded, “Here am I. Send me!” even though he hadn’t yet heard the job description (Isa. 6:8). Humility. Since God is opposed to the proud, He calls on the humble to accomplish His purposes (1 Pet. 5:5-6). He wants servants who seek to give Him the glory instead of taking the credit. Purity. Another requirement for effective service is a pure life. I’m talking not about perfection but about having a heart bent toward obedience. Purity necessitates keeping short accounts with God through immediate confession and sincere repentance. Allowing sin to remain in our lives hinders our usefulness because it deadens spiritual sensitivity and quenches the Spirit’s power. If you sense the Lord speaking to you about this issue, you may be asking, What does He
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want me to do? Sometimes the “what” of service is not revealed until you simply make yourself available. The Lord never lets a willing life go unused. If you’ll surrender to Him and commit to go wherever He leads, He’ll open the doors and guide you into the most meaningful life possible. I’m not saying it will be easy, but it will be worth it. Guaranteed. This article is reprinted with permission from In Touch magazine, the monthly publication of In Touch Ministries. To receive a free subscription, please visit intouch.org/magazine.
Any thoughts? Visit CHARLES STANLEY’S website at intouch.org.
[ ARTICLE ]
Snowballs, Creation & Scripture Hugh Ross
PRESIDENT OF REASONS TO BELIEVE
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For a kid in Canada, snow meant snowball fights. After watching several of these battles from a safe distance, I figured out the key to winning—the design and sturdiness of one’s snow fort. Therefore, while other kids in our neighborhood tried to make the best snowballs, I experimented with my fort’s design. Using various kinds of snow, I built walls then tested them to see how intense a snowball fusillade they could withstand. I soon found out that snow fort strength depends on three factors: the average size of falling snowflakes, the atmosphere’s humidity, and the ambient temperature. When conditions weren’t optimal, I stayed inside and read. However, when nature cooperated, I went outside to build a sturdy structure, provoke an attack, and then
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“retreat” to my fort and stash of ammunition. Constructing a good model to explain the origin and history of the universe and life also requires a well-built structure that can withstand attacks. While the Bible is not a scientific textbook, it contains a great quantity of information about the origin, structure, and history of the universe and life—more than any other religious text. These descriptions also uniquely predict scientific discoveries thousands of years ahead of time. Furthermore, the Bible frequently exhorts readers to discover the Creator’s handiwork in nature, referring to it as a second and complementary revelation from him. This surpassingly abundant commentary on the natural realm makes the Bible the best possible choice on which to erect a creation model—one that is scientifically testable. Far from being just another ancient Near Eastern creation myth, the account of the six creation days in Genesis 1, Job 38¬39, Psalm 104, and Proverbs 8 offers a sweeping, plausible creation narrative. Its structure reflects the classic scientific method. A well-grounded creation model rests upon four cornerstone inferences from Scripture: - Dual revelation: the Creator’s attributes (truth, love, wisdom, power, etc.) ensure the harmony of his creative works (nature) with his verbally inspired Word (the Bible). Creation purposes: nature fulfills the Creator’s stated and implied reasons for creating.
While the Bible is not a scientific textbook, it contains a great quantity of information about the origin, structure, and history of the universe and life—more than any other religious text. - Creation chronology: the Creator transcends creation; the realm of nature has a beginning and an end, a before and an after. - Detectability of the divine: close and careful study of nature’s record can reveal evidence of the Creator’s miraculous interventions. These four inferences lay the foundation for every component of Reasons to Believe’s creation model. Given their structural significance, the four cornerstones provide the context for understanding some of the
most intriguing characteristics of creation. Hugh Ross is President and Founder of Reasons to Believe, a research ministry dedicated to demonstrating that sound reason and scientific findings - including the very latest discoveries consistently support rather than erode, confidence in the biblical God. For more information www. reasons.org.
Any thoughts? Visit HUGH ROSS’S website at reasons.org. KKLA Magazine
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[ ARTICLE ]
SHOW SOME
GRATIT Philip DeCourcy
IS HEARD WEEKDAYS AT 10:30AM ON 99.5FM KKLA
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TUDE KKLA Magazine
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kkla.com
Psalm 103
In
1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my in-most being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: 8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 17 But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children-- 18 with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. 19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. 22 Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, O my soul. KKLA Magazine
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Some people are like the young man in our story. They think the world owes them a living or that God owes them a favor. They never seem to be happy with what they have or content in their circumstances. They have a proclivity to write their blessings in the sand and engrave their grievances in stone. People like that, who think they deserve better, tend to forget the bad times during the good times. They overlook God’s past faithfulness (Deut. 8:11-14). They also tend to forget the good times during the bad times, and in doing so; they charge God with not caring v1, 22 and (Job 2:10) and His bountiful blessings v14, 21. It has been well said that a good memory is a handmaiden to worship. In encouraging himself and his readers to have an attitude of gratitude, King David calls us to do three things:
• First, he wants us to think about what God has given us v1-5. • Second, he wants us to think about what God has not given us v8-12. • Third, he wants us to think about what God has yet to give us v17.
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his book, Rising Above the Crowd, Brian Harbour tells the story of a young man moping on a park bench. A passing policeman inquired as to the man’s state of mind. “Something the matter?” asked the policeman as the depressed soul slouched and sulked. “Yeah,” he said, “you just wouldn’t believe it. Two months ago my grandfather died and left me $85,000 and some oil wells.” The policeman raised his eyebrows and responded, “That doesn’t sound like something to get upset about.” The guy replied, “Yeah, but you haven’t heard the full story yet. Last month my uncle died and left me $150,000.” The policeman shook his head in bewilderment. “I don’t understand,” he said. “Why are you sitting here looking so unhappy?” The guy quipped, “So far this month, not a cent.”
TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN In praising God, we ought to be decidedly and deeply thankful for what He has given to us v1-5. With the use of six verbs, David underscores the constant care of God towards His people (Ps. 52:1). God forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, satisfies, and renews. He forgives and forgets our sin v3a, He renews health to body and soul v3b, 5b, He preserves our lives from danger v4a, He treats us royally v4b, and He gives us our daily bread v5a. These are but a small sampling of the things that God does for us and gives to us. God’s steadfast love toward us should cause our lives to abound with appreciation. We should bless the Lord with all our soul in the light of all His benefits v1-2, 22, (Ps. 68:19.)
C. H. Spurgeon, the great English preacher, would remind us, “It ought to be as habitual to us to thank as to ask.”
THE LORD GIVES AND THE LORD TAKES AWAY In expressing our thankfulness to God, we ought to be grateful not only for what God gives, but also for what God does not give v8-12. Our indebtedness encompasses not only what God sends our way, but also what God withholds. In verse eight, David states, “The Lord is merciful and gracious.” In that statement, we are being reminded of the beautiful balance of God’s actions toward His people. In mercy, God doesn’t give us what we deserve, while in grace, God gives what we don’t deserve. Mercy withholds; grace gives! Because of God’s great mercy,
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the astounding fact is that God has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities v10-11. Given our sinful record, the bottom line is that we are always doing better than we deserve. Our just God has not rewarded our sins with His proper penalty, but has removed them from us as far as the east is from the west v12. One can imagine that this was a fact not lost on the author of this Psalm, a man who had greatly sinned in committing adultery and murder (Ps. 51 & 32). And for those of us living on this side of the cross of Christ, it is a fact that ought not to be lost on us either.
in its expression v17. In these verses David contrasts the frailty and temporality of man’s existence with the fixed and trustworthy quality of God’s love v15-18. God’s grace toward those who fear Him is incessant and defiant (Lam. 3:23). Nothing can separate us from it, either in life or death (Rom. 8:31-39). David wants us to know whatever God has given in the past, there is much more to come in the future. In Christ we get to enjoy wave after wave of God’s amazing grace (John 1:16). Think about it! We shall not want because God has no want. Just as His heart is immutable and inexhaustible, so is His helping hand.
Think about it! We shall not want because God has no want. Just as His heart is immutable and inexhaustible, so is His helping hand. What a glorious truth to know that “our sin not in part, but the whole was nailed to the cross, and we bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh, my soul,” to borrow the words of Horatio Spafford (Col. 2:1314). Redemption through the blood of Christ is a priceless gift (1 Peter 1:17-18). When a Puritan was asked how he was doing he said, “Better than I deserve.” Is that not true of all of us in view of God’s free forgiveness v3-4?
THERE IS MORE THAT CAME FROM
WHERE
Having talked about the generous and merciful nature of God’s giving, David now talks about the inexhaustible nature of God’s giving. God’s kindness is everlasting
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In closing, as we seek not to forget His benefits, let us simultaneously remember that God owes us nothing. Nothing has to be! But God, both now and forevermore, blesses us beyond measure. Wow! May we pray as the old Scottish saint prayed, “God, grant us the grace to feel our need of grace, then give us the grace to ask for grace, then give us grace to receive grace, then when grace has been given, give us grace to be grateful.”
Any thoughts? Visit PHILIP DECOURCY’S website at ktt.org.