He Drank Damnation Dry

He drank it all up! -- C.H. Spurgeon

When Christ died, he took all the sins of all his people,
past, present, and to come, and when the whole mass
was condensed into one bitter cup, he drank it all up.

"At one tremendous draught of love," leaving not so
much as a single drop of wormwood or gall for any
of his people to drink.

The whole of the tremendous debt!
The whole of the tremendous debt
was put upon his shoulders.
The whole weight of the sins of all
his people was placed upon him.

Once he seemed to stagger under it--
"Father, if it is possible..."

But then he stood upright--
"Nevertheless, not my will, but your will be done."

The whole of the punishment of his people was distilled into
one cup-- no mortal lip might give it so much as a solitary sip.

When he put it to his own lips, it was so bitter, that he
well nigh spurned it-- "Let this cup pass from me..."

But his love for his people was so strong,
that he took the cup in both his hands, and
"At one tremendous draught of love
he drank damnation dry,"
for all of his people.

He drank it all, he endured it all, he suffered it all;
so that now forever there are no flames of hell;
no racks of torment; and no eternal woes for them.

Jesus has suffered all that they ought to have suffered,
and they must, they shall go free!

Hast Thou No Scar?

Hast thou no scar?

No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand?

I hear thee sung as mighty in the land;

I hear them hail thy bright, ascendant star.

Hast thou no scar?

Hast thou no wound?

Yet I was wounded by the archers; spent,

Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent

By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned.

Hast thou no wound?

No wound? No scar?

Yet, as the Master shall the servant be,

And piercèd are the feet that follow Me.

But thine are whole; can he have followed far

Who hast no wound or scar?

-- Amy Carmichael

Chelsea King

I am so upset.

If you haven't heard already, a 17 year old girl from the San Diego area went missing on Feb. 25th, while she was out running. Since she went missing, police have found much evidence linking her disappearance to a registered sex offender who lived in the area. And based on the evidence, they believe that he raped and murdered her.

This is so horrible! This selfish and disgusting man took a sweet 17 year old girl, into his possession, and completely defamed her. He might have taken her life. I hate this sin. I hate the thought that this girl, while she was out running, was taken and hurt. I hate that people like this man are living here. I hate that this man, previously took advantage of a 13 year old girl in 2000, spent 6 years in jail for it, but still feels no remorse for it. How could someone do something so sick and feel no guilt from it?! I am so angry with sin!!!!

Here is what gets me, what this girl was doing- running in daylight- is something that I, and many other girls do daily. If one man decided to take her, then many other men could make the same decision and take others. Today while running, I took the short way, because I was just too scared that something could happen. I do believe in the protection of the Lord, but I also believe in His sovereignty- He allows certain things to happen and promises to use the bad for good- even somethng like this.

I want SO badly for sweet Chelsea to be found, alive and able to recooperate. I want her to be able to live from this and know that the Lord is sovereign and all-loving. I want her to know the healing power of Chirst. But the eveidence in the news makes it seem like a very impossible reality. They have not found her, but the police are speculating that she is already dead.

I am so upset by this. I hate that she had to go through something so horrible. :(

Girls, be careful when you go our running. Take your phone and even pepperspray with you. I always run with my phone in my hand, and it doesnt bother me at all. Its better to be safe than not.

I want the Lord to come back and make all things new. I want Him to restore peace and protection.

Old Poem

She was full of the power and the blinding glow of God.
Every word she spoke, was like treasures flowing from her mouth.
Respected by all. Every part of her.

She started to change... Not so powerful, not so bright.
She seemed to be holding back.
For quite a while at that.
Comfort set in.

Then, out of no where, she pulls out her secret weapon,
And throws it with all of her might.
It hit more powerful than ever.
Penetrating my very soul.

There is power in truth.
Respect has been restored.
I know my place.
God IS powerful.

What Sweet Fellowship We Once Shared

"For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng."
-- Psalm 55:12-14 (NKJV)

"It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God."
-- Psalm 55:12-14 (NLT)

God's word speaks truth. It explains our deepest pain, but it gives us sweet hope as well:

""But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits. I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only." -- Psalm 71:14-16 (NKJV)

"I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Your's only..."

Unashamed At His Coming

Hoping that this ministers to you!

Psalm

"But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits. I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only." -- Psalm 71:14-16

Its Finally Him

"On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand."

How true this statement is to me... to everyone. When you stand on any ground other than God, you will sink. Stand ONLY on the Solidity of Christ- our Rock. He is the only sure, and safe ground to stand. He is the only one to trust completely. He is the only one who will never let you down in any way. You must not put your faith and trust in man, because man is just that... they are human and not God. They are flawed, just as you are. Christ ALONE has the words of eternal life. Christ ALONE knows the answer to all of your questions. Christ ALONE must be the one to comfort and console you. Christ ALONE must be the one that gets every bit of your attention. Because ANYTHING apart from Him, no matter how good it may seem, will not satisfy you the way that the perfect love of Christ will.

"NOW I've found, that greatest love of all is mine. Since You laid down Your life, the greatest sacrifice. MAJESTY!"

Its Finally Him.

God's Love For Israel

"When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.
But the more I called Israel,
the further they went from me.
They sacrificed to the Baals
and they burned incense to images.

It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
taking them by the arms;
but they did not realize
it was I who healed them.

I led them with cords of human kindness,
with ties of love;
I lifted the yoke from their neck
and bent down to feed them.

"Will they not return to Egypt
and will not Assyria rule over them
because they refuse to repent?

Swords will flash in their cities,
will destroy the bars of their gates
and put an end to their plans.

My people are determined to turn from me.
Even if they call to the Most High,
he will by no means exalt them.

"How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, Israel?
How can I treat you like Admah?
How can I make you like Zeboiim?
My heart is changed within me;
all my compassion is aroused.

I will not carry out my fierce anger,
nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim.
For I am God, and not man—
the Holy One among you.
I will not come in wrath. "

-- Hosea 11:1-9

I am overwhelmed. His love for His child- me, is perfect! He is so compassionate and gentle. "How can I give you up, Ephriam?... My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused." He has truly been so merciful to us. He is perfect in His love and ALL His ways. What perfect and unchanging love!

Idols- Is God Your Everything?

Every sin stands as an idol, going before the Lord your God... Are you willing to fight against every idol in your life, to worship and love YHWH-God alone?

Merry Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!! :)

I am so thankful that we are able to celebrate the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ! But I can't help but think about the cross. The precious redeeming blood of Jesus- the one who's birth we celebrate today- covers me and allows me to stand justified before the Lord! For that, I am thankful. He was born to die and redeem His captive children!

"Forever etched upon my mind, is the look of Him who died, the Lamb I crucified. And now my life will sing the praise of pure atoning grace that looked on me and gladly took my place."

Thank You, Jesus!!!

Jesus, my only Hope

Jesus, My Only Hope- Sovereign Grace

I come into Your presence
With nothing in my hands
I only bring thanksgiving
For Jesus, God and Man
I cast myself on mercy
I cast myself on love
I trust Your gracious promise
To wash me with Your blood

I will not fear Your judgment
For me, no wrath I dread
For it was spent on Jesus
Poured out upon His head
When Satan’s accusations
Make my poor heart afraid
I hear my King declaring
“Father, that debt is paid”

Jesus my only hope, my only plea
My righteousness, my Great High Priest
Who intercedes for me before the throne
Jesus, I trust in You alone

I can't think of much more to say about Jesus than what this song says about Him. He is my only hope, plea, righteousness, Great High Priest, my Intercessor... He is my King!!! My life only has meaning in Him and through His cross! I am rejoicing in His redemption! :) I am so thankful for the pure, atoning blood of Jesus, that covers me from head to toe in His righteousness!!! Praise God!!! :)

Romans 7

"O law, Christ is my righteousness, my treasure, and my work; I confess, O law, that I am neither godly nor righteous, but yet this I am sure of, that he is godly and righteous for me." - Luther

Love Based Repentance

“In fear-based repentance, we don’t learn to hate the sin for itself, and it doesn’t lose its attractive power. We learn only to refrain from it for our own sake. But when we rejoice over God’s sacrificial, suffering love for us – seeing what it cost him to save us from sin – we learn to hate the sin for what it is. We see what the sin cost God. What most assures us of God’s unconditional love (Jesus’s costly death) is what most convicts us of the evil of sin. Fear-based repentance makes us hate ourselves. Joy-bases repentance makes us hate the sin.”
- Timothy Keller

Jesus is not safe, but He is good.

"Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah, this One who is glorious in His apparel, traveling in His garments of strength?-- 'I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.' Why is Your apparel red, and Your garments like the one who treads in the winepress? 'I have trodden them in My anger, and trampled them in My fury; their blood is sprinkled upon My garments, and I have stained all My robes. For the day of vengeance is in My heart, and the year of My redeemed has come. I looked but there was no one to help, and I wondered there there was no one to uphold; Therefore, My own arm brought salvation for Me, and My own fury, it sustained me. I have trodden down the peoples in My anger, made them drunk in My fury, and brought down their strength to the earth." --- Isaiah 63:1-6

"Who is this- friend or foe? Why is His clothing spattered red? Has He been treading grapes in a winepress? Has He been making wine? Could the explanation be that simple and assuring? No. He has been taking vengeance on His enemies. He's been fighting for redemption. And He's done is all alone- not with a great army, but all by Himself. We didn't help Him. We don't even see Him until His victory is already complete. Look at Him out there, the way He's approaching us marching in the greatness of His strength. He's not even tired. He's energized, He's awesome, He is terrible in His wrath."
- Raymond C. Ortlund

Jesus- the Lion- is not safe, but He is good.

"Do not call conspiracy all that this people call conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, Him you shall honor as holy. Let Him be your fear, and Let Him be your dread." - Isaiah 8:12,13

How Sweet The Name Of Jesus Sounds

How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds

in a believer's ear!

It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,

and drives away his fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole,

and calms the troubled breast;

'tis manna to the hungry soul,

and to the weary, rest.

Dear Name, the rock on which I build,

my shield and hiding-place,

my never-failing treasury,

filled with boundless stores of grace!

Jesus! my Shepherd, Brother, Friend,

my Prophet, Priest and King,

my Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,

accept the praise I bring.

Weak is the effort of my heart,
and cold my warmest thought;

but when I see thee as thou art,

I'll praise thee as I ought.

Till then I would thy love proclaim

with every fleeting breath;

and may the music of thy Name

refresh my soul in death!

What Makes You Differ?

“Christian! the only thing that makes you differ from the vilest being that pollutes the earth, or from the darkest fiend that gnaws his chains in hell, is the free grace of God!”

- Octavius Winslow

He Holds The Keys!

“He laid his right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the Living One; and I was dead, and look! I am alive forever and ever, and I have the keys of death and Hades’” (Revelation 1:17-18).

Literally, Jesus says, ‘Stop being afraid..’ Why? Because Jesus Christ has walked into the gaping jaws of the greatest enemy there is. On the cross he let all the powers that threaten to undo us have their unrestrained way with him. He let death take him captive. And then he burst out of the prison and carried away the prison keys!”

- Darrell W. Johnson

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden. cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He'll take and shield yo; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burden bear

May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.

Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer

Rapture, praise, and endless worship will be our sweetest portion there!

In Your Presence

"Here in Your presence, we are undone."

What does it mean to be undone in the presence of God? I think of our reputations or "masks". The ones we strive to build tall and beautiful- unshakable and "strong". They are what people see and know us by. Reputations are walls built around who we really are, to hide what we don't think is good enough to be accepted or loved.

But, in the presence of God, the locks of our reputations and our guards are undone and we are completely vulnerable before Him. No walls or barriers. All bounds are eliminated and its just plain, old, unlovable us. But the wonderful truth is that God loves us that way. He loves us, no matter how unlovable we are.

Father, show me Your strong love.