"Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men,so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men." Romans 5:18 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul, the Damascus road Christian convert, wrote in his letter to the believers in Rome that justification is the pardon of sin and the gift of eternal life through righteousness of Jesus Christ our Lord. He said that the act of one man condemned all men, and the act of one man redeemed all men, all who chose to accept redemption.
It was through the disobedience of Adam in the garden which condemned all men. It was through the obedience of Jesus that all men were justified. In both cases, many were effected by the actions of the one. The righteousness of Jesus, The Christ, His obedience to the will of God, through and including His death on the cross, paid the price for the sins of man, and thereby provided the justification of man in the eyes of God. While the pardon of sin is available to all men, the gift of justification is only given to believers, and thereby so is the gift of eternal life. This gift of ours, Christ paid for with His life, with His crucifixion, and His death on the cross. For that He deserves all glory, honor, and praise. He is worthy of our worship.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Believe In The Resurrection
"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers in Rome, the Apostle Paul taught them that if they confessed openly that Jesus Christ is Lord, and if they truly believed that God had raised Him from the dead, then they would be saved. Paul said that their salvation was based upon their belief in the resurrection of Jesus, The Christ.
It is essential for the salvation of our souls that we recognize that Jesus, The Christ, is The Lord of lords, and we must confess that He is our Lord and Savior. We must truly believe, with all of our heart, that He died, was buried, and that He rose from the dead by the grace of God, in order for us to be saved. Our salvation is based upon belief in Jesus Christ, The Son of God, and in His earthly life and His death, burial, and resurrection. Without belief in the resurrection of Jesus, there can be no salvation for a lost soul. Jesus raised several people from the dead, Lazarus (John 11:11-44), the daughter of Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue (Matthew 9:18-25, Mark 5:35-42, Luke 8:49-55), and the widow's son (Luke 7:12-15). But these miracles were done so that God would be glorified, and so that the people would believe that Jesus was The Son of God. Each of these three people were still limited by time, space, and matter, and they each died again. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared and disappeared at will, to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9), to the disciples (Matthew 28:16-17 and John 21:1), to Thomas (John 20:26-29), and to Cloepas (Luke 24:15-32). Jesus did not die a second time, He ascended to heaven on a cloud. (Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-51, Acts 1:2, and Acts 1:9) Only Jesus, The Christ, was resurrected from the dead with all of the power of heaven and earth given to Him. (Matthew 28:16-18) For this reason we give Him all praise, honor, and glory. He is worthy of our worship. Our salvation only requires confession and belief.
In his letter to the believers in Rome, the Apostle Paul taught them that if they confessed openly that Jesus Christ is Lord, and if they truly believed that God had raised Him from the dead, then they would be saved. Paul said that their salvation was based upon their belief in the resurrection of Jesus, The Christ.
It is essential for the salvation of our souls that we recognize that Jesus, The Christ, is The Lord of lords, and we must confess that He is our Lord and Savior. We must truly believe, with all of our heart, that He died, was buried, and that He rose from the dead by the grace of God, in order for us to be saved. Our salvation is based upon belief in Jesus Christ, The Son of God, and in His earthly life and His death, burial, and resurrection. Without belief in the resurrection of Jesus, there can be no salvation for a lost soul. Jesus raised several people from the dead, Lazarus (John 11:11-44), the daughter of Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue (Matthew 9:18-25, Mark 5:35-42, Luke 8:49-55), and the widow's son (Luke 7:12-15). But these miracles were done so that God would be glorified, and so that the people would believe that Jesus was The Son of God. Each of these three people were still limited by time, space, and matter, and they each died again. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared and disappeared at will, to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9), to the disciples (Matthew 28:16-17 and John 21:1), to Thomas (John 20:26-29), and to Cloepas (Luke 24:15-32). Jesus did not die a second time, He ascended to heaven on a cloud. (Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-51, Acts 1:2, and Acts 1:9) Only Jesus, The Christ, was resurrected from the dead with all of the power of heaven and earth given to Him. (Matthew 28:16-18) For this reason we give Him all praise, honor, and glory. He is worthy of our worship. Our salvation only requires confession and belief.
Friday, June 28, 2013
By Sin Man Fell From The Grace Of God
"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned ..." Romans 5:12 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul, the Christian persecutor turned preacher, wrote to the believers in Rome and told them that it was because to the voluntary transgression of one man in the Garden of Eden that sin entered into the world. (Genesis 3:1-24) Death also entered then because the penalty for sin is death. (Genesis 3:3 and Romans 6:23) Since all men have sinned, all men must pay the penalty of sin which is death. (Romans 3:23)
Just as sin and death entered the world through the transgression of one man, so then by the grace of God did the gift of righteousness and salvation enter into the world by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ. (Romans 5:17) Jesus died so that we might be saved. (John 3:17, Acts 4:12, and Romans 10:9) By His death, burial, and resurrection, He who knew no sin, paid the price for our sins. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Jesus paid it all for us, He died in our place, and for that we owe Him a debt that we cannot repay. That alone should be reason enough to give Him all praise, honor, and glory. He is worthy of our worship.
The Apostle Paul, the Christian persecutor turned preacher, wrote to the believers in Rome and told them that it was because to the voluntary transgression of one man in the Garden of Eden that sin entered into the world. (Genesis 3:1-24) Death also entered then because the penalty for sin is death. (Genesis 3:3 and Romans 6:23) Since all men have sinned, all men must pay the penalty of sin which is death. (Romans 3:23)
Just as sin and death entered the world through the transgression of one man, so then by the grace of God did the gift of righteousness and salvation enter into the world by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ. (Romans 5:17) Jesus died so that we might be saved. (John 3:17, Acts 4:12, and Romans 10:9) By His death, burial, and resurrection, He who knew no sin, paid the price for our sins. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Jesus paid it all for us, He died in our place, and for that we owe Him a debt that we cannot repay. That alone should be reason enough to give Him all praise, honor, and glory. He is worthy of our worship.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
The One True God
"But The LORD is The True God; He is The Living God, The Eternal King. When He is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure His wrath." Jeremiah 10:10 (NIV)
The prophet Jeremiah recorded that The LORD God, YHWH (which we pronounce YAHWEH), is The True God, and He is The Living God. He is the only King who will live throughout all of eternity.
The LORD God is the one and only true and living God. (John 17:3 and 1 Thessalonians 1:9) Any other "god" would be a non-living idol, a man-made thing, a mythical creature, an animal, or a man claiming to be a god. The LORD God is the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and The God above all other gods. (1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, and Revelation 19:16) There is only one God. (1 Corinthians 8:6, Ephesians 4:6, 1 Timothy 2:5, and James 2:19) God The Father, and God The Son, and God The Holy Spirit, The Holy Trinity, are part of the triune God, and these three are one God. (1 John 5:7) Jesus said, "I and My Father are one." (John 10:30) There is one, and only one, true and living God. And He deserves all praise, honor, and glory, and all of our worship.
The prophet Jeremiah recorded that The LORD God, YHWH (which we pronounce YAHWEH), is The True God, and He is The Living God. He is the only King who will live throughout all of eternity.
The LORD God is the one and only true and living God. (John 17:3 and 1 Thessalonians 1:9) Any other "god" would be a non-living idol, a man-made thing, a mythical creature, an animal, or a man claiming to be a god. The LORD God is the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and The God above all other gods. (1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, and Revelation 19:16) There is only one God. (1 Corinthians 8:6, Ephesians 4:6, 1 Timothy 2:5, and James 2:19) God The Father, and God The Son, and God The Holy Spirit, The Holy Trinity, are part of the triune God, and these three are one God. (1 John 5:7) Jesus said, "I and My Father are one." (John 10:30) There is one, and only one, true and living God. And He deserves all praise, honor, and glory, and all of our worship.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
The Divinely Inspired Holy Word Of God
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness ..." 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
In a letter to his young protege, the Apostle Paul, the author of thirteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament, wrote these words, all of the scriptures in The Holy Bible are the divinely inspired Word of God. He said that The Bible was useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.
The "Scriptures" referred to in this verse are The Holy Scriptures, words from The Holy God to holy men of God who wrote them under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Scriptures, The Bible, is the divinely inspired written Word of God. It is useful for all purposes of Christian life, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. It is a compilation of sixty-six books, written by forty different authors under divine inspiration and guidance, and it covers a period of time spanning approximately one thousand six hundred years. The Bible presents one clear message, the message of Jesus, The Christ, who said, "I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life" (John 14:6). "The Old Testament is Christ concealed, and The New Testament is Christ revealed." (Unknown) In The Bible God reveals what He wants to share with us about Himself, and about His plan for humanity. We need to read and study The Holy Scriptures to learn what God is saying to us.
In a letter to his young protege, the Apostle Paul, the author of thirteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament, wrote these words, all of the scriptures in The Holy Bible are the divinely inspired Word of God. He said that The Bible was useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.
The "Scriptures" referred to in this verse are The Holy Scriptures, words from The Holy God to holy men of God who wrote them under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Scriptures, The Bible, is the divinely inspired written Word of God. It is useful for all purposes of Christian life, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. It is a compilation of sixty-six books, written by forty different authors under divine inspiration and guidance, and it covers a period of time spanning approximately one thousand six hundred years. The Bible presents one clear message, the message of Jesus, The Christ, who said, "I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life" (John 14:6). "The Old Testament is Christ concealed, and The New Testament is Christ revealed." (Unknown) In The Bible God reveals what He wants to share with us about Himself, and about His plan for humanity. We need to read and study The Holy Scriptures to learn what God is saying to us.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
An Invitation To Take Up The Yoke Of Jesus
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
The Apostle Matthew, the former tax collector, recorded these words of Jesus, The Christ, as He spoke to the crowd of lost sinners and extended to them an invitation to follow Him. The invitation was to all those who were weary from life's labor, and those who were weighted down with the burdens of life. Jesus said that He would give rest to the weary, and He would lighten the load of those carrying more than they could handle. He said that the yoke that they carry was heavy, but His yoke was easy and light weight. If they would learn of Him, and from Him, they would find that He is gentle and humble, and the He could save and give rest to their lost souls.
The invitation which Jesus extended was to all of the lost souls then, as well as to those who are lost today. To those of us who would follow Him, He offered to take the heavy load of our burdens from us, and to carry them for us. Although all were invited, only a few of us will accept His invitation and follow Him. But those of us who take up His yoke, who pick up the cross daily (Luke 9:23) and follow Him, who learn that which He teaches us, will find rest for our souls. This invitation contains three commands, "come", "take", and "learn". If we obey these commands and come to Jesus, take up His yoke and follow His ways, and learn from Him who is the Master Teacher, we will be rewarded with relief from our burdens; rest for our bodies now and eternal life our souls later on; and we will learn the Truth and gain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. This is an invitation to trust in The Lord Jesus, and to develop and intimate and personal relationship with Him. The yoke of Jesus is becoming one of His disciples and making a commitment to follow Him. The benefit for doing this is the forgiveness of our sins, (1 John 1:9) the gift of eternal life, (Romans 6:23) and everything that happens to us in this life will end up being for our good. (Romans 8:28)
The Apostle Matthew, the former tax collector, recorded these words of Jesus, The Christ, as He spoke to the crowd of lost sinners and extended to them an invitation to follow Him. The invitation was to all those who were weary from life's labor, and those who were weighted down with the burdens of life. Jesus said that He would give rest to the weary, and He would lighten the load of those carrying more than they could handle. He said that the yoke that they carry was heavy, but His yoke was easy and light weight. If they would learn of Him, and from Him, they would find that He is gentle and humble, and the He could save and give rest to their lost souls.
The invitation which Jesus extended was to all of the lost souls then, as well as to those who are lost today. To those of us who would follow Him, He offered to take the heavy load of our burdens from us, and to carry them for us. Although all were invited, only a few of us will accept His invitation and follow Him. But those of us who take up His yoke, who pick up the cross daily (Luke 9:23) and follow Him, who learn that which He teaches us, will find rest for our souls. This invitation contains three commands, "come", "take", and "learn". If we obey these commands and come to Jesus, take up His yoke and follow His ways, and learn from Him who is the Master Teacher, we will be rewarded with relief from our burdens; rest for our bodies now and eternal life our souls later on; and we will learn the Truth and gain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. This is an invitation to trust in The Lord Jesus, and to develop and intimate and personal relationship with Him. The yoke of Jesus is becoming one of His disciples and making a commitment to follow Him. The benefit for doing this is the forgiveness of our sins, (1 John 1:9) the gift of eternal life, (Romans 6:23) and everything that happens to us in this life will end up being for our good. (Romans 8:28)
How To Recognize The Spirit Of God
"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize The Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize The Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood." 1 John 4:1-6 (NIV)
The Apostle John wrote to the believers to warn them that every spirit is not from God. He told them that every spirit which acknowledges that Jesus, The Christ, is the Son of God who put on flesh and came to earth, is a spirit from God. Those spirits which do not acknowledge Jesus, are not from God. Believers are children of God and will overcome those who do not believe, because He that is within every believer is greater than he who is in the world. Those which are of this world are attracted to, and like to hear worldly points of view. Those who are of God will recognize and listen to The Spirit of God.
The Spirit of God is within all who truly believe that Jesus Christ is The Son of God. Every spirit that we hear is not from God. Any spirit which speaks and says something which is contrary to The Word of God, or encourages us to do something which is contrary to The Word of God, is not from God. The Bible is the means by which we can test what we hear. However, we must read and study The Word of God so that we will not be led astray. The devil does not want us to read the Bible. A well read believer is better equipped to rightly divide The Word of God, and to recognize that which is not of God, but of an evil spirit.
The Apostle John wrote to the believers to warn them that every spirit is not from God. He told them that every spirit which acknowledges that Jesus, The Christ, is the Son of God who put on flesh and came to earth, is a spirit from God. Those spirits which do not acknowledge Jesus, are not from God. Believers are children of God and will overcome those who do not believe, because He that is within every believer is greater than he who is in the world. Those which are of this world are attracted to, and like to hear worldly points of view. Those who are of God will recognize and listen to The Spirit of God.
The Spirit of God is within all who truly believe that Jesus Christ is The Son of God. Every spirit that we hear is not from God. Any spirit which speaks and says something which is contrary to The Word of God, or encourages us to do something which is contrary to The Word of God, is not from God. The Bible is the means by which we can test what we hear. However, we must read and study The Word of God so that we will not be led astray. The devil does not want us to read the Bible. A well read believer is better equipped to rightly divide The Word of God, and to recognize that which is not of God, but of an evil spirit.
Monday, June 24, 2013
We Are Known By The Fruit We Produce
"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers." Luke 6:43-44 (NIV)
Luke, the physician travelling companion of the Apostle Paul, recorded these words which Jesus spoke to His disciples, and to the large crowd which had gathered around them, good trees do not bear bad fruit, and bad trees do not bear good fruit. The fruit which is produced is determined by the tree type.
In this case humans are like trees, you can determine the type of person that they are by the type of fruit which they produce. (Jeremiah 17:10 and Matthew 7:17-19) Good people do good things and produce good fruit. Evil people will not do good and the fruit which they produce will not be good. It will be more accurate to determine if a person is good by looking at the fruit which they produce rather than by listening to the words that they speak. Our actions, and our fruit, speak louder for us than our words.
Luke, the physician travelling companion of the Apostle Paul, recorded these words which Jesus spoke to His disciples, and to the large crowd which had gathered around them, good trees do not bear bad fruit, and bad trees do not bear good fruit. The fruit which is produced is determined by the tree type.
In this case humans are like trees, you can determine the type of person that they are by the type of fruit which they produce. (Jeremiah 17:10 and Matthew 7:17-19) Good people do good things and produce good fruit. Evil people will not do good and the fruit which they produce will not be good. It will be more accurate to determine if a person is good by looking at the fruit which they produce rather than by listening to the words that they speak. Our actions, and our fruit, speak louder for us than our words.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Let The Light Of God Shine Within You
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
At the beginning of His Sermon on the Mount, after giving them the Beatitudes, Jesus, The Christ, told His disciples and the surrounding crowd to let the light of God which was within them shine so that men might see it in their good works and then give praise and glory to God in heaven. They were to behave in such a way that their good deeds would give God glory.
All who have accepted Christ as their personal Savior, have the indwelling of The Holy Spirit and therefore have God within them. (Ezekiel 36:27 and Luke 17:21) We need to keep our mind and our bodies clean because The Spirit of God will not dwell in an unclean temple. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) If we focus on obeying The Word of God, then our behavior will more Christ-like, and those around us will see The Spirit of God shining within us, and we will be able to give God the glory for our good deeds and words. (Isaiah 60:1, 2 Corinthians 4:6 and Revelation 14:7) By submitting to The Word of God which abides within us, we can overcome the devil. (James 4:7 and 1 John 2:14) To God be the glory!!!
At the beginning of His Sermon on the Mount, after giving them the Beatitudes, Jesus, The Christ, told His disciples and the surrounding crowd to let the light of God which was within them shine so that men might see it in their good works and then give praise and glory to God in heaven. They were to behave in such a way that their good deeds would give God glory.
All who have accepted Christ as their personal Savior, have the indwelling of The Holy Spirit and therefore have God within them. (Ezekiel 36:27 and Luke 17:21) We need to keep our mind and our bodies clean because The Spirit of God will not dwell in an unclean temple. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) If we focus on obeying The Word of God, then our behavior will more Christ-like, and those around us will see The Spirit of God shining within us, and we will be able to give God the glory for our good deeds and words. (Isaiah 60:1, 2 Corinthians 4:6 and Revelation 14:7) By submitting to The Word of God which abides within us, we can overcome the devil. (James 4:7 and 1 John 2:14) To God be the glory!!!
Friday, June 21, 2013
Put God First
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
After speaking with His disciples and teaching them about prayer, fasting, treasures in heaven, and telling them not to worry about earthly concerns like their next meal, or drink, or their clothing, Jesus then told them that they should first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all of their earthly needs would be provided.
If we put God first in our lives, and obey His Word, then He will supply all of our needs. The phrase "... and all these things ..." does not refer to everything that we want. It refers to the food, drink, and clothing, mentioned in the preceding two verses. God knows what we need. (Matthew 6:32) We should be more concerned about the salvation of our soul and about pleasing God, than about our earthly comfort and satisfaction. We need to sincerely seek God, to desire, to pursue, to strive for, to aim for that which is pleasing to God; and we need to do it as best as we can. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, and Luke 10:27) Pleasing God should be our number on priority. (Mark 12:30) If we first seek to please God, He will be pleased, and we will be blessed. (Psalms 119:2)
After speaking with His disciples and teaching them about prayer, fasting, treasures in heaven, and telling them not to worry about earthly concerns like their next meal, or drink, or their clothing, Jesus then told them that they should first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all of their earthly needs would be provided.
If we put God first in our lives, and obey His Word, then He will supply all of our needs. The phrase "... and all these things ..." does not refer to everything that we want. It refers to the food, drink, and clothing, mentioned in the preceding two verses. God knows what we need. (Matthew 6:32) We should be more concerned about the salvation of our soul and about pleasing God, than about our earthly comfort and satisfaction. We need to sincerely seek God, to desire, to pursue, to strive for, to aim for that which is pleasing to God; and we need to do it as best as we can. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, and Luke 10:27) Pleasing God should be our number on priority. (Mark 12:30) If we first seek to please God, He will be pleased, and we will be blessed. (Psalms 119:2)
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Know Why You Have Hope
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect ..." 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers the Apostle Peter said that they should always be ready to answer anyone who asks them why they have the faith and hope that they have.
We need to be sure of what we believe, and we need to be prepared to explain our reason to anyone who asks us about it. "Praise be to The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ..." (1 Peter 1:3) "Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God." (1 Peter 1:21) This is what we believe, and this is why we believe it. It is not about what we can get out of it, it's all about Jesus and what He did for us.
In his letter to the believers the Apostle Peter said that they should always be ready to answer anyone who asks them why they have the faith and hope that they have.
We need to be sure of what we believe, and we need to be prepared to explain our reason to anyone who asks us about it. "Praise be to The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ..." (1 Peter 1:3) "Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God." (1 Peter 1:21) This is what we believe, and this is why we believe it. It is not about what we can get out of it, it's all about Jesus and what He did for us.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Hope In Have Faith In And Trust In The Lord
"Love The LORD, all His saints! The LORD preserves the faithful ... Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in The LORD." Psalms 31:23-24 (NIV)
King David encourages all believers, all of the people who hope and have faith in The Lord, to be strong, keep the faith, be of good courage, and don't give up, because The Lord preserves and protects all who are faithful.
Blessed is the man who trusts in The Lord, whose confidence is in Him. (Jeremiah 17:7) All of us who have faith and trust in The Lord, whose hope is in The Lord, will be rewarded. He preserves, protects, and provides for all who are faithful to Him. We need to wait on The Lord and have faith in His word. (Psalms 130:5) He will keep His word, His word will not fail. (Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, and Luke 21:33) He will do whatever He says He will do. (1 Thessalonians 5:24) Those who wait upon The Lord will be strengthened. (Isaiah 40:31) Blessed is the man whose hope in in The Lord. (Psalms 146:5)
King David encourages all believers, all of the people who hope and have faith in The Lord, to be strong, keep the faith, be of good courage, and don't give up, because The Lord preserves and protects all who are faithful.
Blessed is the man who trusts in The Lord, whose confidence is in Him. (Jeremiah 17:7) All of us who have faith and trust in The Lord, whose hope is in The Lord, will be rewarded. He preserves, protects, and provides for all who are faithful to Him. We need to wait on The Lord and have faith in His word. (Psalms 130:5) He will keep His word, His word will not fail. (Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, and Luke 21:33) He will do whatever He says He will do. (1 Thessalonians 5:24) Those who wait upon The Lord will be strengthened. (Isaiah 40:31) Blessed is the man whose hope in in The Lord. (Psalms 146:5)
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
In The Lord We Have Hope
"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of The LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail." Lamentations 3:19-22 (NIV)
The prophet Jeremiah said that when he remembers all of the bad times that he had been through, and all of his suffering, then he remembers that it was because of the love of God and His compassion that he made it through, and that gives him hope.for the future.
The storms of life can weigh us down, they can even knock us down, but because we are believers they can't keep us down. We know that trouble won't last always. (1 Peter 1:6) Weeping may endure for a night, but we know that joy will come in the morning. (Psalms 30:5) Knowing this can keep us from staying is a state of depression and despair. The Lord gives us
strength for today and hope for tomorrow. It is in Him that we hope. (Psalm 38:15)
Monday, June 17, 2013
God's Grace Is Sufficient
"Three times I pleaded with The Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' " 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (NIV)
In order to keep him from becoming conceited and boasting, a thorn in the flesh was given to the Apostle Paul. Three times he prayed and asked God to remove it, but God's reply to him was, "My grace is sufficient for you ..."
Things happen to us for a reason, even if we do not understand them at the time that they are occurring. "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) The "thorn" in Paul's flesh, whatever it was, even though he did not like it or want it, it was there for his own good. The Lord God made it clear to Paul that He did not have to remove the thorn, He could give Paul the grace to deal with it. We need to develop and appreciation for the fact that God's grace is sufficient enough to get us through whatever comes our way. No matter how strong we think that we are, we really are weak, and we need His strength. We need Him, every minute of every hour, we need Him. Through the storms, and through the rain; through the heartache and through the pain, God's grace is sufficient.
In order to keep him from becoming conceited and boasting, a thorn in the flesh was given to the Apostle Paul. Three times he prayed and asked God to remove it, but God's reply to him was, "My grace is sufficient for you ..."
Things happen to us for a reason, even if we do not understand them at the time that they are occurring. "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) The "thorn" in Paul's flesh, whatever it was, even though he did not like it or want it, it was there for his own good. The Lord God made it clear to Paul that He did not have to remove the thorn, He could give Paul the grace to deal with it. We need to develop and appreciation for the fact that God's grace is sufficient enough to get us through whatever comes our way. No matter how strong we think that we are, we really are weak, and we need His strength. We need Him, every minute of every hour, we need Him. Through the storms, and through the rain; through the heartache and through the pain, God's grace is sufficient.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Follow The Lord
"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed Him." Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV)
The Apostle Matthew recorded that at the beginning of His earthly ministry, Jesus called the disciples which He chose to be His followers, and they answered the call and followed Him.
All of us follow someone. The person that we follow is the one who has influence over our behavior. Often we make a conscious decision to follow someone, but sometimes a person's influence on us is subtle and we are unaware of the effect on us until later on. The devil is very subtle in his ways of influence. (Genesis 3:1) We are influenced by what we hear (Luke 11:28), read (2 Timothy 2:15), and see or watch (Psalms 101:3). That is why we are encouraged to read and study the Bible, to fellowship with other believers, and to be very careful about what we allow to come before our eyes. Those of us who choose to follow Christ must deny and resist the worldly influences on our lives, and submit to The Lord. (James 4:7) God wants all of us to be saved. (1 Timothy 2:3-4) However, many are called but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14) The choice is up to us. We cannot follow and serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13) With respect to the salvation of our soul, we must choose who we will follow. (Joshua 24:15 and John 14:6)
The Apostle Matthew recorded that at the beginning of His earthly ministry, Jesus called the disciples which He chose to be His followers, and they answered the call and followed Him.
All of us follow someone. The person that we follow is the one who has influence over our behavior. Often we make a conscious decision to follow someone, but sometimes a person's influence on us is subtle and we are unaware of the effect on us until later on. The devil is very subtle in his ways of influence. (Genesis 3:1) We are influenced by what we hear (Luke 11:28), read (2 Timothy 2:15), and see or watch (Psalms 101:3). That is why we are encouraged to read and study the Bible, to fellowship with other believers, and to be very careful about what we allow to come before our eyes. Those of us who choose to follow Christ must deny and resist the worldly influences on our lives, and submit to The Lord. (James 4:7) God wants all of us to be saved. (1 Timothy 2:3-4) However, many are called but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14) The choice is up to us. We cannot follow and serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13) With respect to the salvation of our soul, we must choose who we will follow. (Joshua 24:15 and John 14:6)
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Walking In The Overflow
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers in Colossi, the Apostle Paul told them that they should continue to live in Christ, with the gusto which they had at the beginning, and they should continue to grow and strengthen their faith in The Lord. He also told them that they should be overflowing with thankfulness for what Christ has done for them.
Jesus, The Son of God, came to earth so that we might have life, and have it more abundantly (John 10:10), a better life now and eternal life later. When we first believed and received Christ as our Lord and Savior, we were blessed, in fact we were abundantly blessed. We should be thankful that as we walk with Him we are walking in the overflow of His abundant blessings. Jesus, The Christ, is the rock of our solid foundation, our belief and faith are rooted in Him. (2 Samuel 22:47, Psalms 18:46, Psalms 89:26, and Psalms 95:1) However, we need to be built up and have our faith strengthened by our continued close walk with Him, by praying, by reading and obeying His Word. (Luke 17:5 and 2 Corinthians 10:15) Some times reading The Word of God is not enough, we must be taught. (Acts 8:29-31) As we grow from babes in Christ to mature believers, we will graduate from milk to meat (1 Corinthians 3:1-2 and Hebrews 5:12-14), and we will develop a greater appreciation for The Lord and for His Word. We will then have even more reasons for overflowing with thankfulness as we walk in the abundance of His blessings.
In his letter to the believers in Colossi, the Apostle Paul told them that they should continue to live in Christ, with the gusto which they had at the beginning, and they should continue to grow and strengthen their faith in The Lord. He also told them that they should be overflowing with thankfulness for what Christ has done for them.
Jesus, The Son of God, came to earth so that we might have life, and have it more abundantly (John 10:10), a better life now and eternal life later. When we first believed and received Christ as our Lord and Savior, we were blessed, in fact we were abundantly blessed. We should be thankful that as we walk with Him we are walking in the overflow of His abundant blessings. Jesus, The Christ, is the rock of our solid foundation, our belief and faith are rooted in Him. (2 Samuel 22:47, Psalms 18:46, Psalms 89:26, and Psalms 95:1) However, we need to be built up and have our faith strengthened by our continued close walk with Him, by praying, by reading and obeying His Word. (Luke 17:5 and 2 Corinthians 10:15) Some times reading The Word of God is not enough, we must be taught. (Acts 8:29-31) As we grow from babes in Christ to mature believers, we will graduate from milk to meat (1 Corinthians 3:1-2 and Hebrews 5:12-14), and we will develop a greater appreciation for The Lord and for His Word. We will then have even more reasons for overflowing with thankfulness as we walk in the abundance of His blessings.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Grow In Knowledge Of The Lord
"Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:17-18 (NIV)
The Apostle Peter wrote to the believers to encourage them to grow in the knowledge of The Lord, so that they would not fall victim to the false teachers and the false doctrine which was being put forth. He began this letter expressing his concern for their increase in the knowledge of The Lord (2 Peter 1:2-3), and he ended it the same way.
We need to be aware today of the teachers of false doctrine. There are those who deny Christ, those who present a different doctrine, and those who twist and intentionally pervert The Word of God. Only through prayer and persistent study of The Word of God, can we develop and mature, and increase our knowledge of The Lord and His Word. Then we will be able to correctly discern, interpret, and explain The Word of Truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) It is expected that we would grow in our knowledge and understanding of The Word of God, so that as we grow in age, we would also grow in knowledge and wisdom. (Hebrews 5:11-14)
The Apostle Peter wrote to the believers to encourage them to grow in the knowledge of The Lord, so that they would not fall victim to the false teachers and the false doctrine which was being put forth. He began this letter expressing his concern for their increase in the knowledge of The Lord (2 Peter 1:2-3), and he ended it the same way.
We need to be aware today of the teachers of false doctrine. There are those who deny Christ, those who present a different doctrine, and those who twist and intentionally pervert The Word of God. Only through prayer and persistent study of The Word of God, can we develop and mature, and increase our knowledge of The Lord and His Word. Then we will be able to correctly discern, interpret, and explain The Word of Truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) It is expected that we would grow in our knowledge and understanding of The Word of God, so that as we grow in age, we would also grow in knowledge and wisdom. (Hebrews 5:11-14)
Thursday, June 13, 2013
The Perfect Way
"As for God, His way is perfect; The Word of The LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides The LORD? And who is The Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." 2 Samuel 22:31-33 (NIV)
The unknown author of this book of the Bible states that God's way is perfect and The Word of The Lord is perfect. He also states that God protects all who believe and come to Him. Then the author asks two rhetorical questions before saying that God gives him strength and leads him in the right way. The "him" here could refer to the author, or to King David whom he was writing about.
God's way is perfect because He is perfect. Jesus, God The Son, and God The Father are one. (John 10:30 and 1 John 5:7) The way of God must be perfect because Jesus said "I am the way." (John 14:6) It is The Lord God who shows His believers the way, the right path to take, and it is He who prepares and strengthens us for what we will face during life's journey. Some times, as our refuge, He hides and shields us, in order to protect us. Some times He shares some of His power and strength with us, so that we can endure and conquer the challenges that we face. God does not make us perfect, He shows the right path to take and leads us in the perfect way. Jesus, The Christ, The Son of God, is the perfect way, and He gives us the choice whether to believe and follow Him or not.
The unknown author of this book of the Bible states that God's way is perfect and The Word of The Lord is perfect. He also states that God protects all who believe and come to Him. Then the author asks two rhetorical questions before saying that God gives him strength and leads him in the right way. The "him" here could refer to the author, or to King David whom he was writing about.
God's way is perfect because He is perfect. Jesus, God The Son, and God The Father are one. (John 10:30 and 1 John 5:7) The way of God must be perfect because Jesus said "I am the way." (John 14:6) It is The Lord God who shows His believers the way, the right path to take, and it is He who prepares and strengthens us for what we will face during life's journey. Some times, as our refuge, He hides and shields us, in order to protect us. Some times He shares some of His power and strength with us, so that we can endure and conquer the challenges that we face. God does not make us perfect, He shows the right path to take and leads us in the perfect way. Jesus, The Christ, The Son of God, is the perfect way, and He gives us the choice whether to believe and follow Him or not.
Called For A Purpose
"May God Himself, The God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NIV)
This is the Apostle Paul's prayer for the believers in Thessaloniki as he closes his letter to them. He knows that God can bless and keep them, and he ends by saying that The God who called them is faithful, and He will do it. God can and will bless and keep them.
I realize that this is Paul's prayer for a group of people that he loved. He began this letter by telling them that he always remembered them in his prayers. (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4) But what struck me, as I prayed over this passage of scripture was verse 24: "The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it." Each of us has a special calling on our lives, to do a work for The Lord, not just preachers. We need to know that God prepares, protects, and provides for those He calls and chooses. (Matthew 22:14, 1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 17:14) God wants to use us, but we have to answer His call. (Revelation 3:20) He can enable those of us who are willing to be used in His service. He can, "and He will do it."
This is the Apostle Paul's prayer for the believers in Thessaloniki as he closes his letter to them. He knows that God can bless and keep them, and he ends by saying that The God who called them is faithful, and He will do it. God can and will bless and keep them.
I realize that this is Paul's prayer for a group of people that he loved. He began this letter by telling them that he always remembered them in his prayers. (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4) But what struck me, as I prayed over this passage of scripture was verse 24: "The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it." Each of us has a special calling on our lives, to do a work for The Lord, not just preachers. We need to know that God prepares, protects, and provides for those He calls and chooses. (Matthew 22:14, 1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 17:14) God wants to use us, but we have to answer His call. (Revelation 3:20) He can enable those of us who are willing to be used in His service. He can, "and He will do it."
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
We Are Clay To The Potter
"Yet, O LORD, You are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand." Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)
The prophet Isaiah said that The Lord God, our heavenly Father, is the potter and we are the clay. We are all just the work of His hands.
God made us. He can do with us whatever He wants to do. We are just like clay in His hands which He can mold as He see fit to do. The potter has power over the clay. (Romans 9:21) He made us, and He can break us and remake us. (Jeremiah 18:4-6) We need to understand that if God decides to break us, He can remake us into something which is finer and better than we were initially. He can improve us, to use us for His purpose. (Jeremiah 18:4) All we have to do is be willing to be used by Him.
The prophet Isaiah said that The Lord God, our heavenly Father, is the potter and we are the clay. We are all just the work of His hands.
God made us. He can do with us whatever He wants to do. We are just like clay in His hands which He can mold as He see fit to do. The potter has power over the clay. (Romans 9:21) He made us, and He can break us and remake us. (Jeremiah 18:4-6) We need to understand that if God decides to break us, He can remake us into something which is finer and better than we were initially. He can improve us, to use us for His purpose. (Jeremiah 18:4) All we have to do is be willing to be used by Him.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Will We Bless Or Curse Our Children's Children
"You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, The LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand [ generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments." Exodus 20:4-6 (NIV)
The second of the ten commandments which The Lord gave to Moses for the people was that they should not make or worship, any idols or images of anything in heaven. Not only would He punish the individual for doing so but God said that He would punish the children, the grand children, and the great grand children of those who hate Him. God also said that He would bless all of the generations of those who love Him and obey His word.
Some of the blessings that we now enjoy may be the result of a God-fearing mother, grand mother, great grand mother, or great great grand mother. God's blessings can pass from generation to generation. However, so can His wrath be passed down for several generations. Let us not be the cause of the suffering of our children, our children's children, or their children. Let us love The Lord, and let us show Him that we love Him by being obedient to His word. We are under the period of grace, and not under the law, but we still should not love anything more than we love The Lord. Let us worship The Lord, and only Him shall we worship. Let us put nothing above, or before God.
The second of the ten commandments which The Lord gave to Moses for the people was that they should not make or worship, any idols or images of anything in heaven. Not only would He punish the individual for doing so but God said that He would punish the children, the grand children, and the great grand children of those who hate Him. God also said that He would bless all of the generations of those who love Him and obey His word.
Some of the blessings that we now enjoy may be the result of a God-fearing mother, grand mother, great grand mother, or great great grand mother. God's blessings can pass from generation to generation. However, so can His wrath be passed down for several generations. Let us not be the cause of the suffering of our children, our children's children, or their children. Let us love The Lord, and let us show Him that we love Him by being obedient to His word. We are under the period of grace, and not under the law, but we still should not love anything more than we love The Lord. Let us worship The Lord, and only Him shall we worship. Let us put nothing above, or before God.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Well Done Good And Faithful Servant
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share Your master's happiness!' " Matthew 25:23 (NIV)
The Apostle Matthew recorded these words of Jesus, The Christ, as He was describing to His disciples what heaven would be like. After giving an example likening the kingdom of heaven to the ten virgins, Jesus gave a second example likening the kingdom of heaven to the three servants, who were given a different number of talents by their master based upon their different abilities. Afterwards, the three servants had to give and account of their stewardship. This verse is the judgment received by the second servant, which is a repeat of the judgment of the first servant. (Matthew 25:21) Being faithful and doing a good job with what we are given will please The Lord, and He will reward those who are faithful over the little that they were given.
Today, we must be aware of the fact that there will come a day when each of us must give an account to The Lord for all that we thought, said, and did; and for all that we did with that which had been entrusted to us. (Matthew 12:36, Luke 16:2, and Romans 14:12) As believers, we are saved and our sins have been forgiven. We will be judged on our kingdom building efforts. (Revelation 11:18 and Revelation 20:12-13) We will be judged on our works, on what we did to give glory to The Lord. Anything that we did which did not give Him glory, will be consumed by the fire which we must pass through. (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) For our good works, we shall receive a reward. Some of us will receive one or more crowns. (2 Timothy 4:8 and 1 Peter 5:4) There are mansions prepared for us. (John 14:2) However, all rewards aside, on judgment day, first and foremost we want to hear The Lord say, "Well done, good and faithful servant ... enter into the joy of The Lord."
The Apostle Matthew recorded these words of Jesus, The Christ, as He was describing to His disciples what heaven would be like. After giving an example likening the kingdom of heaven to the ten virgins, Jesus gave a second example likening the kingdom of heaven to the three servants, who were given a different number of talents by their master based upon their different abilities. Afterwards, the three servants had to give and account of their stewardship. This verse is the judgment received by the second servant, which is a repeat of the judgment of the first servant. (Matthew 25:21) Being faithful and doing a good job with what we are given will please The Lord, and He will reward those who are faithful over the little that they were given.
Today, we must be aware of the fact that there will come a day when each of us must give an account to The Lord for all that we thought, said, and did; and for all that we did with that which had been entrusted to us. (Matthew 12:36, Luke 16:2, and Romans 14:12) As believers, we are saved and our sins have been forgiven. We will be judged on our kingdom building efforts. (Revelation 11:18 and Revelation 20:12-13) We will be judged on our works, on what we did to give glory to The Lord. Anything that we did which did not give Him glory, will be consumed by the fire which we must pass through. (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) For our good works, we shall receive a reward. Some of us will receive one or more crowns. (2 Timothy 4:8 and 1 Peter 5:4) There are mansions prepared for us. (John 14:2) However, all rewards aside, on judgment day, first and foremost we want to hear The Lord say, "Well done, good and faithful servant ... enter into the joy of The Lord."
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Delight In The Lord
"Delight yourself in The LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to The LORD; trust in Him and He will do this..." Psalms 37:4-5 (NIV)
King David, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22), told the people of God that if they delighted in The Lord, in His Word, and in His way; and if they trusted in Him, that He would grant them the desires of their hearts.
We need to understand that The Lord will also grant us the desires of our hearts if we, one, trust in The Lord and do His will; two, if we make The Lord our heart's delight; and three, if we submit our way to His way. David was not perfect, but God blessed him. He committed a number of sins, but his delight was in the law of of The Lord and He meditated in it day and night. (Psalms 1:2) He praised The Lord seven times each day. (Psalms 119:164) He even got joy out of going to The Lord in prayer. (Psalms 43:4) David provided us with a good example. If we want The Lord to bless us with the desires of our heart, then we must show Him that we love Him, that we love His Word, and that we love His way. We need to submit to His way, to do good and to follow His will. If we submit ourselves to The Lord, we will be able to resist the devil and he will flee from us, and then it will be easier to do the will of God. (James 4:7) Things that we delight in doing, we do, and we do them often. Let's not just tell The Lord that we love Him, let's let our actions show Him that we love Him, and that we delight in Him.
King David, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22), told the people of God that if they delighted in The Lord, in His Word, and in His way; and if they trusted in Him, that He would grant them the desires of their hearts.
We need to understand that The Lord will also grant us the desires of our hearts if we, one, trust in The Lord and do His will; two, if we make The Lord our heart's delight; and three, if we submit our way to His way. David was not perfect, but God blessed him. He committed a number of sins, but his delight was in the law of of The Lord and He meditated in it day and night. (Psalms 1:2) He praised The Lord seven times each day. (Psalms 119:164) He even got joy out of going to The Lord in prayer. (Psalms 43:4) David provided us with a good example. If we want The Lord to bless us with the desires of our heart, then we must show Him that we love Him, that we love His Word, and that we love His way. We need to submit to His way, to do good and to follow His will. If we submit ourselves to The Lord, we will be able to resist the devil and he will flee from us, and then it will be easier to do the will of God. (James 4:7) Things that we delight in doing, we do, and we do them often. Let's not just tell The Lord that we love Him, let's let our actions show Him that we love Him, and that we delight in Him.
Friday, June 7, 2013
We Must Do The Work Of God
"As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." John 9:4 (NIV)
The Apostle John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, recorded the words of Jesus as He spoke to His disciples regarding the man who was born blind so that the work of God could be displayed in his life. Jesus, The Christ, said He must do the work of God, who sent Him to earth, while it is day and there is still time, for the night is coming when no man can work. He knew that He only had a limited time to perform His earthly ministry and that the disciples would be a part of that work.
It is generally agreed upon by the Bible experts that when Jesus said while it is day, He was referring to the time that He was still with His disciples conducting His earthly ministry. When He said that night was coming, He was referring to the time when He would be taken away from them. He only had a limited time to be with them, to do the work that He came here to do, and to prepare them to do God's work after His death. Today, we only have a limited time to do the kingdom building work of The Lord. (Job 14:1, Psalms 90:12, and Matthew 24:36) We must do the best that we can, while we can, while we are alive. When this physical life is over, then comes the judgement, and we must give an account of our efforts. (Romans 14:12)
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Comfort After A Mother's Death
"Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death." Genesis 24:67 (NIV)
Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah in their old age, was said be about forty years old when he married Rebekah. Isaac loved his mother, and it is said that he grieved her death for about three years before before he found comfort in the arms of Rebekah.
The death of a loved one can be very difficult to deal with and adjust to. Attempts by family and friends at comforting someone who is suffering from the death of a loved one, especially the death of their mother, may not be bring much comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:4) We should not be surprised when our words of comfort do not seem to be of any benefit to the grieving person when we have not prayed first for God to guide our tongues. Well chosen words can be a comfort when one is grieving, especially when it is The Word of God. (Psalms 119:50 and 76) Sometimes a hug, or being a shoulder for them to cry on, or just our physical presence is the only comfort that we can provide, as these are acts of love. Sometimes comfort can only be found in the arms of a loved one, because all comfort comes from God (2 Corinthians 1:3), and God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)
Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah in their old age, was said be about forty years old when he married Rebekah. Isaac loved his mother, and it is said that he grieved her death for about three years before before he found comfort in the arms of Rebekah.
The death of a loved one can be very difficult to deal with and adjust to. Attempts by family and friends at comforting someone who is suffering from the death of a loved one, especially the death of their mother, may not be bring much comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:4) We should not be surprised when our words of comfort do not seem to be of any benefit to the grieving person when we have not prayed first for God to guide our tongues. Well chosen words can be a comfort when one is grieving, especially when it is The Word of God. (Psalms 119:50 and 76) Sometimes a hug, or being a shoulder for them to cry on, or just our physical presence is the only comfort that we can provide, as these are acts of love. Sometimes comfort can only be found in the arms of a loved one, because all comfort comes from God (2 Corinthians 1:3), and God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)
Do Your Best At Whatever
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV)
As he shared his wisdom with the people of his kingdom, King Solomon said do your best in whatever you do, while you can do it, because there will come a time when you will not be able to do anything.
None of us will live forever here on earth, death is coming. So while we are alive and well enough to do things, we should do the very best that we can do. For we don't know how long we will have the chance to do anything. While we can, we ought to praise God in whatever we do, and we should do our best at whatever it is because we are doing it for Him. (Colossians 3:23) We should thank God for all that He allows us to do. (Philippians 4:6)
As he shared his wisdom with the people of his kingdom, King Solomon said do your best in whatever you do, while you can do it, because there will come a time when you will not be able to do anything.
None of us will live forever here on earth, death is coming. So while we are alive and well enough to do things, we should do the very best that we can do. For we don't know how long we will have the chance to do anything. While we can, we ought to praise God in whatever we do, and we should do our best at whatever it is because we are doing it for Him. (Colossians 3:23) We should thank God for all that He allows us to do. (Philippians 4:6)
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Our Sins Are Forgiven And Forgotten
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith The Lord, I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." Hebrews 10:16-17 (NIV)
The unknown author of the Book of Hebrews addresses the early believers who had scattered after the crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ. He reported the words of The Lord God who said that the true believers that had The Word of God in their hearts and minds would have all of their sins and iniquities forgiven and forgotten. These verses restate Jeremiah 31:31-33 in which The Lord promises to make a new covenant with His people, unlike the covenant that He made with the children of Israel that He brought out of Egypt that they broke. This new covenant He would put in their hearts and in their minds. Then He went on to say "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 8:12)
Once we believe and confess our sins, and accept The Lord Jesus as our personal Savior, all of our sins and iniquities are forgiven and forgotten. (Romans 10:9-10 and Hebrews 8:12) God does not remind us of our prior sins and short comings, that is the work of Satan, trying to make us think that we are too bad for God to love and forgive. When we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, God forgives us. We just need to learn to forgive ourselves and move on.
The unknown author of the Book of Hebrews addresses the early believers who had scattered after the crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ. He reported the words of The Lord God who said that the true believers that had The Word of God in their hearts and minds would have all of their sins and iniquities forgiven and forgotten. These verses restate Jeremiah 31:31-33 in which The Lord promises to make a new covenant with His people, unlike the covenant that He made with the children of Israel that He brought out of Egypt that they broke. This new covenant He would put in their hearts and in their minds. Then He went on to say "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 8:12)
Once we believe and confess our sins, and accept The Lord Jesus as our personal Savior, all of our sins and iniquities are forgiven and forgotten. (Romans 10:9-10 and Hebrews 8:12) God does not remind us of our prior sins and short comings, that is the work of Satan, trying to make us think that we are too bad for God to love and forgive. When we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, God forgives us. We just need to learn to forgive ourselves and move on.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Trust In The Lord And Acknowledge Him
"Trust in The LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
This is the advice of King Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, trust in The Lord, and trust in Him completely. He spoke these words to the young and to the old people of his day telling them not to trust in their own limited knowledge. They were to give The Lord God the credit for all that they accomplish, and He would give them guidance and direction as they journeyed through life.
The Lord God is all powerful (omnipotent) (Matthew 28:18 and Colossians 2:10); all knowing (omniscient) (1 John 3:20); and everywhere all at the same time (omni-present) (Psalms 139:7-10). There is no good reason to put our trust in anyone who has less to offer us, including putting our trust in ourselves. We should trust in The Lord, and not just half-heartedly but with conviction. Our knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is so limited, and we know nothing about what the future holds. We should put God first, and include Him in everything. Whatever we propose, plan, and prepare; or we begin, continue, and end; or we think, speak, and do, we should include God. We should acknowledge that God makes it all possible, and that we rely on Him and depend on Him. All of our decisions, directions, and dialogues should only be undertaken after much prayer.
This is the advice of King Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, trust in The Lord, and trust in Him completely. He spoke these words to the young and to the old people of his day telling them not to trust in their own limited knowledge. They were to give The Lord God the credit for all that they accomplish, and He would give them guidance and direction as they journeyed through life.
The Lord God is all powerful (omnipotent) (Matthew 28:18 and Colossians 2:10); all knowing (omniscient) (1 John 3:20); and everywhere all at the same time (omni-present) (Psalms 139:7-10). There is no good reason to put our trust in anyone who has less to offer us, including putting our trust in ourselves. We should trust in The Lord, and not just half-heartedly but with conviction. Our knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is so limited, and we know nothing about what the future holds. We should put God first, and include Him in everything. Whatever we propose, plan, and prepare; or we begin, continue, and end; or we think, speak, and do, we should include God. We should acknowledge that God makes it all possible, and that we rely on Him and depend on Him. All of our decisions, directions, and dialogues should only be undertaken after much prayer.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Our Help Comes From The Lord
"I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from The LORD, The Maker of heaven and earth." Psalms 121:1-2 (NIV)
Most experts agree that this unknown psalmist began by asking a rhetorical question, where does my help come from? Then he went on to answer it by saying that his help comes from The Lord. Although some Bible scholars suggest that this was a bold statement, in the form of a phrase, which clarified why he was looking toward the hills.
From time to time we all need help. However, all to often we look for help in all of the wrong places, and from the wrong people. We look for help from our parents, family, and friends; or from our colleagues, co-workers, and professional associates; or from our entourage, body-guards, or security/police. These people can say that they have "got our back" but they can't provide all of the help that we need. The best help for us comes from The Lord. With Jesus in front of us (John 10:27), with God's grace beside us (1 Corinthians 15:10), and with God's goodness and mercy behind us (Psalms 23:6), we are covered with all of the help that we need. God can put a hedge of protection around us which Satan and his demons cannot penetrate. (Job 1:9-10) And if we get into trouble on our own, God is always present and He can help us. (Psalms 33:20 and Psalms 46:1) We should not put our faith and trust in people, protective clothing, things, medicine, or money, we should put out faith and trust in The Lord, because ultimately He is the source of our help.
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From time to time we all need help. However, all to often we look for help in all of the wrong places, and from the wrong people. We look for help from our parents, family, and friends; or from our colleagues, co-workers, and professional associates; or from our entourage, body-guards, or security/police. These people can say that they have "got our back" but they can't provide all of the help that we need. The best help for us comes from The Lord. With Jesus in front of us (John 10:27), with God's grace beside us (1 Corinthians 15:10), and with God's goodness and mercy behind us (Psalms 23:6), we are covered with all of the help that we need. God can put a hedge of protection around us which Satan and his demons cannot penetrate. (Job 1:9-10) And if we get into trouble on our own, God is always present and He can help us. (Psalms 33:20 and Psalms 46:1) We should not put our faith and trust in people, protective clothing, things, medicine, or money, we should put out faith and trust in The Lord, because ultimately He is the source of our help.
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