Here are five marks that distinguish all Christians who are truly longing for Christ's appearing:
- We will make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy (Heb. 12/14). Knowing that when He appears we shall be like Him, we shall purify ourselves just as He is pure (1 John 3:2-3).
- We will be diligent to complete our earthly task. Each righteous act that we perform constitutes a thread in the fine linen garment in which Christ's Bride is to be arrayed (Rev. 19:8).
- We will be continually watchful and prayerful that we may have strength to escape all the things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).
- We will look forward to the day of God and speed its coming (2 Pet. 3:12). To this end, we will be committed to proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom to all nations (Matt. 24:14).
- We will prepare the way of the Lord by comforting the jewish people, making them ready to receive their Messiah (Is. 40:1-3; Rom. 11:24-26).
(Taken from p. 7 of June 20 16 Herald of His Coming, by Derek Prince).
The following poem by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel was written for his friend, Dr. Eugene A. Erny, at his memorial. It was then slightly adapted for the occasion of Dr. Duewel’s memorial service this past March. As it touched my heart when I read it, I’ve asked permission to share it with you, my readers, today.
James H. Cagle- "Many think they can receive Christ as Savior while rejecting Him as Lord and therefore not have to obey Him. But according to scripture He is both Lord and Savior or He is neither. If there is no recognition of the Lordship of Christ and obedience to His word expressed in the life, then one should examine himself to see if he is really saved and accepted Christ in their heart."
Let's pray-
Blessed!
How blessed are the dead
Who served God mid earth's strife!
Now only glory lies ahead
And everlasting life.
How blessed there to stay
On heaven's glory shore,
To live in never-ending day
Where night and sin are o'er!
How blessed there to live
Where God's plans are fulfilled,
Where each can perfect service give
And do all God has willed!
How blessed to behold
The Savior's love-crowned face,
While God's eternal days unfold
More love and joy and grace!
How blessed, but not dead—
All live on heaven's shore—
Eternal blessing lies ahead
And life forevermore!
Wesley L. Duewel,
November 25, 1967
Greenwood, IN
(Used by permission)
The following poem by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel was written for his friend, Dr. Eugene A. Erny, at his memorial. It was then slightly adapted for the occasion of Dr. Duewel’s memorial service this past March. As it touched my heart when I read it, I’ve asked permission to share it with you, my readers, today.
'Tis Jesus! Heaven Has Begun!
"Oh, what a thrilling glory sight!
Heav'n's massive gate is gleaming white;
On either side the angels stand
To welcome to the glory land,
Each face aglow with holy love—
The welcome band to heav'n above.
The herald angels' trumpet blare
Announces through heav'n's jasper air
That Wesley enters through the gate.
They summon loved ones who await.
Along the street of crystal gold
What scenes of glory now unfold!
Beside the spacious avenue
Sights never glimpsed by mortal view—
Celestial parks on either side
Celestial parks on either side
With walks and fountains, gardens wide
Abloom with iridescent flow'rs
And trees of life in leafy bow'rs.
Then rad'ant saints from either side
Come smiling with arms open wide.
They greet but quickly fall in line
To 'scort to scenes e'en more divine.
New vistas on each side amaze;
The entire city gleams ablaze!
The escort angels gladly lead
The happy throng with quickened speed.
Their trumpet melodies resound;
Expectancy and joys abound.
On down the heav'nly street they press
With e'er increasing eagerness.
At last they reach the central square
Where wait new joys beyond compare.
Before them, Lo! the throne at last!
Circled by angel throng so vast!
Thinks Wesley, Oh! How can it be
That I my Lord at last shall see!
Lo! On the throne a form divine
From which all glory seems to shine!
Yes, look! Behold the human face
Adorned with glory, love, and grace!
'Tis Jesus! Still the Son of Man!
'Tis Jesus! Oh, what God has planned!
'Tis Jesus! Rising from the throne!
For Wesley now sees Him alone!
Forgotten—all who round him stand;
Forgotten—rad'ant angel band!
His eyes see only Jesus' face!
Christ's holy features he can trace!
He gazes, lost in ecstacy.
How can such blessing be for me!
Then Jesus reaches out His hand
And gives him strength so he can stand.
He calls him! Yes, it is his name!
How can he ever be the same?
'Tis Jesus! Face to face with Him!
Now all earth's trials pale and dim!
'Tis Jesus! He's by Jesus' side!
'Tis Jesus! His arms open wide!
'Tis Jesus! Hear him say, "Well done!"
'Tis Jesus! Heaven has begun!"
(Copied from “All for Jesus, a Celebration of the Life and Ministry of Dr. Wesley L. Duewel.” Used by permission of Duewel Literature Trust, Inc., Greenwood, Indiana.)
Today's quote-
Let's pray-
Our Father, we ask for grace to prepare ourselves for the eventful Day of Christ's return. May we keep in mind that You're looking for people who are longing for His return.
Help us examine ourselves, to make sure our faith in Him is strong, and that our commitment is real, and that He is Lord of our lives.
May our lives be good examples of Christ's love, and may we be watchful and prayerful to be able to withstand the pressures of the coming days.
We will look to You, our Lord and Savior. It's in Your Name, Jesus, we pray. Amen
Today's Bible verses-
(2 Peter 3:18 KJV) "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen."
(2 Peter 3:10, 11, 14 KJV) But the day of the lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned. (v11) Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness. (v14) Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."
Today's Spotlight sermons of the series- GRACE UNDER PRESSURE
~November 6, 2016~
Week 7: Stay Connected
Speaker: Ben LevenduskySeries: Grace Under Pressure
Location: CFC Madrid
Week 7
Speaker: : Brian Thomas
Series: Grace Under Pressure
Location: CFC Potsdam
~October 30, 2016~
Week 6: When Life Doesn't Make Sense
Series: Grace Under Pressure
Location: CFC Madrid
Week 6: When Life Doesn't Make Sense
Series: Grace Under Pressure
Location: CFC Potsdam
CFC sermons You can check out many sermons, and select the ones of interest to you. Maybe you missed one...
Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of recent posts. Then click Older Posts for more)
Upcoming posts-
#69 God's Spirit Teaches you to Love Prayer
15th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
#70 The Spirit Burdens You to Pray
17th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
What Matters is Who God Is
19th- Saturday's post by Max Lucado
What Matters is Who God Is
19th- Saturday's post by Max Lucado
#71 The Spirit Longs to Share His Burden
22nd- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
31-day Devotional + my personal story.
A sample verse from p. 49-
"When on God's Word folks see you stand
You'll find they can be blessed.
You will help them to know God's plan
To guide them in their test..."
A great gift for someone who may
need help to prepare for marriage,
and for those in a marriage, wanting
some helpful advice.
need help to prepare for marriage,
and for those in a marriage, wanting
some helpful advice.
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