July 2008 Archives

This morning I looked at Romans 5:1 Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I won't go into why the "therefore" is there because that would be in previous chapters. I did note that "having been" is written in the past tense which means if I'm a believer it is already done. Just like if I "had been" to the grocery store it would mean I had already been there. Because I am justified, I now have peace with God through (by way of) our Lord Jesus Christ.

Most of my study tools are packed right now due to early spring rain, but I was able to use my Strong's Concordance to look up the greek meaning for the word justified. It said "to justify, vindicate (to set FREE), declare righteous (free from guilt, morally right) to put someone in a proper relationship with another".

Then I looked up 'justified' in my 1828 Webster dictionary to see what Noah Webster would say. Justified said "to pardon and clear from guilt. To absolve (release), or acquit (to set FREE, to release) from guilt and merited (due) punishment and to accept as righteous on account of the merits of the Savior."

How did I apply all this to me? I spend entirely too much time trying to do what has already been (past tense) done!

Blessings-

Recently I caught myself thinking about crowns.  I have studied crowns in scripture but thought I would take the opportunity to once again see what the bible has to say about crowns.  It was a neat study in the past and it blessed me once again.  Here are some of the things the bible has to say about crowns.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 likens the Christian walk to a race.  It tells us to run the race so that we may obtain the prize.  Verse 25 indicates that we will not receive a "perishable" crown, but an "imperishable" crown.

James 1:12 references a "crown of life" which is promised to those who love the Lord  (This is one we want for sure!)

2 Timothy 4:8 talks about the "crown of righteousness" that the Lord will give to them "on that Day" that love His appearing.

Here's an interesting verse: 2 Timothy 2:5 "And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules", likening our Christian walk to a competition.

1 Peter 5:4 talks about a "crown of glory" that does not fade away! 

Revelation 2:10 has some serious things to say surrounding the "crown of life". "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.  Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days.  Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."  (This is Jesus talking to the Persecuted church in Smyrna)

Lastly, Revelation 3:11 has another serious note to add.  Jesus is talking to the faithful church and says "Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown!"  (Does this mean we can lose our crowns?) 

I hope you will prayerfully consider what the Word of God has to say about crowns and how it may apply to you.  It is always important to read what the word says and pray/seek how it applies to our lives. 

On another note, I returned not long ago from our annual Seminar and Awards Banquet for The Angel Company.  Guess what I got?  If you guessed a crown, you're right!  Thanks to all my customers who faithfully order from me that made it possible for me to receive a crown for the "Rising Star" award!  Here is a picture.  It is really pretty.  Unfortunately......it is perishable!