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| "If the impulses of gratitude slip over into the debtor's ethic, grace soon ceases to be grace. The effort to repay God, in the ordinary way we pay our creditors, would nullify grace and turn it into a business transaction. If we see acts of obedience as installment payments, we make grace into a mortgage... If grace is to be free- which is the very meaning of grace- we cannot view it as something to be repaid."
*John Piper* | | |
| "God's promise of entering his place of rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to get there. For this Good News-that God has prepared a place of rest- has been announced to us just as it was to them.. But it did them no good because they didn't believe what God told them. For only we who believe can enter his place of rest. As for those who didn't believe, God said, 'In my anger i made a vow: They will never enter my place of rest.' even though this place of rest has been ready since he made the world. We know it is ready because the Scriptures mention the seventh day, saying 'On the seventh day God rested from all his work.' But in other passage God said, 'They will never enter my place of rest.' So God's rest is there for people to enter. But those who formerly heard the Good News failed to enter because they disobeyed God. So God set another time for entering his place of rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David a long time later in the words already quoted: 'Today you must listen to his voice. Don't harden your hearts against him.' This new place of rest was not the land of Canaan, where Joshua led them. If it had been, God would not have spoken later about another day of rest. So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who enter into God's rest will find rest from their labors, just as God rested after creating the world. Let us do our best to enter that place of rest. For anyone who disobeys God, as the people of Isreal did, will fall. For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. Nothing in all creation can hide from him.. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done. That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son Of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it."
*Hebrews 4* | | |
| "My child, never forget the things i have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, for they will give you a long and satisfying life. Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understand. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine. My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whome he delights. Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding."
*Proverbs 3:1-12* | | |
| "Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise persistent sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend, and those who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever."
*Psalm 15* | | |
| I will trust in You to guard my heart I will sing Your song of victory My arms are open to receive Your love for me I will enter into perfect rest I release all my anxiety My heart is open to receive Your word for me I cast all of my burdens on You And humble myself under Your mighty hand I cast all of my burdens on You You are my Peace O Lord I don't have a care I cast all of my burdens on You And I will rejoice Yes, I will rejoice Casting all of my burdens on You
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