He Shines Forth Into Our Hearts

Michael E. Wood

May 9, 2013

For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6

We live in such a day that all kinds of motives are presented to profess faith in Christ. To say a prayer or to walk down an aisle, conforming to all the outward marks of a particular denomination or religious movement does not of necessity make one a Christian. "Your best life now" is proclaimed with promises pertaining to the enjoyment of this present world which runs in diametric opposition to the words of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." 

How that looks in relation to Christian liberties in the life of each child of God is revealed through the scriptures by the Holy Spirit and pressed upon our conscience to form resolutions rather than opinions which reflect the holiness of God from the inside out to the praise of His glory and grace. Godliness with contentment is great gain and as we grow in our understanding of what we were predestined for from the foundation of the world which is to reflect the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ we find encouragement to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Are you trusting in any merit of your own or in the opinions of others for the eternal security which comes as a free gift of the grace of God in the satisfaction of the atoning work of Christ alone?

Tis not by mans opinions that I am born again

But as the Holy Spirit through the blood of Christ began

The work of God predestined just as He Himself decreed

Before creation and determined by the promised Seed

Of Christ foreknown and spoken of by types and shadows when

God first began to manifest His mercy unto men.

For I in Adam was as guilty bound by sin and pride

And on the day of Adams death, I too then also died.

So thus when born into this world I also chose the path

Laden with iniquities abiding under wrath.

But God in mercy opened up my ears to hear His call

And gave the grace to see by faith that Jesus paid for all

My sins which are so many that I had no cause to hope

But God Himself showed me the cross which spanned so wide a scope

That all the remnant find in Him such wondrous, matchless love

That He shines forth into our hearts from heavens throne above.