Monday 6 January 2020

The Old Old Story

Scripture: John 3 v 16 - 18: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

John 10 v 12: "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

Welcome to Prophetic Fire blog 2020.  I hope you all had a wonderful time of celebration and relaxation.

We start this blog number 1332 with a beautiful hymn:

The Old Old Story

Tell me the old, old story,
  Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
  Of Jesus and His love;
Tell me the story simply,
  As to a little child,
For I am weak and weary,
  And helpless and defiled.

    Tell me the old, old story,
    Tell me the old, old story,
    Tell me the old, old story,
        Of Jesus and His love.

Tell me the story slowly,
  That I may take it in--
That wonderful redemption,
  God's remedy for sin;
Tell me the story often,
  For I forget so soon,
The "early dew" of morning
  Has passed away at noon.

Tell me the story softly,
  With earnest tones and grave;
Remember I'm the sinner
  Whom Jesus came to save;
Tell me the story always,
  If you would really be,
In any time of trouble,
  A comforter to me.

Tell me the same old story,
  When you have cause to fear
That this world's empty glory
  Is costing me too dear;
And when the Lord's bright glory
  Is dawning on my soul,
Tell me the old, old story:
  "Christ Jesus makes thee whole."

Copyright: Lyrics © Original Writer and Publisher

So this old old story is really ever fresh for each person that hears it.  It is a true story that never changes with the telling.  It cannot be added to nor diminished, it is what it is, the truth about Jesus.

Jesus came to set the captives free.  Slaves to sin, sickness, sorrow and death.  We are, or were, one of the captives but we cannot see our chains, our prison bars, our shrouds.  We are in denial of our bondage.  If we deny it often enough or strongly enough it does not exist.

Then the old old story loses its importance.  If we cannot admit that we are captives needing to be freed, then there is no need for a Saviour.  If we are already perfect we do not need the Holy Spirit.  If we are free and clear, God is wasted on us.

It is when we humble ourselves and cry out to Jesus to save us from sin and shame, that we feel His presence, and the Holy Spirit begins His work of convicting us of sin.  This is the time to let it all out.  Every tiny dark place in our souls needs the Light of Life.

This is better for us than new year's resolutions which seldom last a month.  This is when the Holy Spirit gives us a makeover that lasts forever.  He starts the process of changing us into the likeness of Jesus, so that His Body can be made whole.

Resistance against the Holy Spirit when He is intent on remodelling us, is very serious.  It grieves Him, and He withdraws until the person asks for forgiveness and yields that which is treasured above God, releasing his soul to the deeper work of the Spirit.

So let us begin this new year with 20-20 vision, seeing ourselves clearly and allowing the Lord our God to have His perfect way with us.  He will continue it until the day that Jesus returns here.  That is His pure love at work within us, doing what no human can achieve.  Thank You Lord!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, You have always existed, a fact our finite minds may struggle with, but in Your infinite wisdom its so very easy to grasp.  We will never die, we already have eternal life if our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.  Help us to live the life of a believer, exalting You above all.  In Jesus' name. Amen.