Writing as one much forgiven

By: Bill Johnson

 

Two brief “words” as I write this morning. 
I was going through my scripture memory verses from back in 1977 when I was committed to memorizing three verses a week from a book by Tim LaHaye on “How to Study the Bible.”  In that book, it gave a list of over 100 verses to memorize systematically on important themes of the Bible.  I had a 35-minute drive to my then teaching position in Woodland, Michigan (Lakewood Public Schools).  I benefited greatly from those days of memorizing and meditation.  Formative years.

The verse:
Jesus spoke these words unto them that they might have peace: In the world there shall be tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 6:33

That is a verse for any day but so much a verse for THESE DAYS.  It is a powerful truth.  May God enable us to live under it.

Secondly: 

I’m reading daily out of J.C. Ryle’s “Daily Readings from All Four Gospels.”

“The fear of punishment, the desire for reward, the sense of duty are all useful arguments to persuade men to holiness.  But they are all weak and powerless until a man loves Christ.  Once let a man get hold of that mighty principle, and you will see his whole life changed.

However much the world may sneer at feelings in religion, and however, false unhealthy religious feelings may sometimes be, the great truth still remains that feeling is the secret of doing.  The hands hang down when the heart is not engaged for Christ.”

Ryle’s application came from Luke 7:36-50.

One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”   “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred   denarii, and the other fifty.  When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?”  Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.”  Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet.  You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.  Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”  And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”  Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Luke 7:36-50

May God draw you ever near this Easter weekend.  To God be the Glory forever and ever.

Writing as one much forgiven,
Bill Johnson

---