"Blessed are they who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart." Psalms 119:2 (NIV)
The unknown human author of this psalm wrote that there are special conditional blessings for those who obey the statues of The Lord and who make a whole-hearted commitment to follow Him.
We need to understand that half-hearted, feet-dragging, some-of-the-time, reluctant obedience to The Word of God is not acceptable. It is also problematic to accept only parts of The Word of God and refuse to accept other parts of it. Part-time followers, or Sunday only followers, may as well not even claim to be believers. Remember, not everyone who calls upon the name of The Lord, and claims to be a believer, will be saved. (Matthew 7:21-23) Perfection is not required of us, we are human and we will still sin. However, when we sin, we know that we are wrong, and we do not twist The Word of God in order to justify our behavior. We need to acknowledge, confess, ask to be forgiven for our sin, and ask for His help and strength to avoid that sin in the future. Those of us who love Him have a strong desire to please Him and to keep His commandments. (John 14:23) Let us love and serve The Lord with all of our heart and soul. (Joshua 22:5)
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
The Importance Of Self Control
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:3-9 (NIV)
This letter was written by Peter, "a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ", under the direction of The Holy Spirit of God, to all believers to denounce the false teachers who were infiltrating the churches. His point here was that God's grace is the source of Godly living. It is through the precious promises of God that allows them to escape the corruption of the world.
Self control is part of the fruit of The Holy Spirit of God. Every believer should exhibit some of the fruit of The Spirit which indwells them. The fruit of The Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) Self control is one of the qualities which believers posses which allows them to avoid giving in to the desires of the world and sin. In the believers' spiritual growth and development, self control is the link we develop between the knowledge of God and the perseverance of the faith, as we grow from faith to love. A Godly walk is not possible without self control, and therefore we should pray and request that God would increase it within us.
This letter was written by Peter, "a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ", under the direction of The Holy Spirit of God, to all believers to denounce the false teachers who were infiltrating the churches. His point here was that God's grace is the source of Godly living. It is through the precious promises of God that allows them to escape the corruption of the world.
Self control is part of the fruit of The Holy Spirit of God. Every believer should exhibit some of the fruit of The Spirit which indwells them. The fruit of The Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) Self control is one of the qualities which believers posses which allows them to avoid giving in to the desires of the world and sin. In the believers' spiritual growth and development, self control is the link we develop between the knowledge of God and the perseverance of the faith, as we grow from faith to love. A Godly walk is not possible without self control, and therefore we should pray and request that God would increase it within us.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Faithful Perseverance Under Trials
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12 (NIV)
Under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, James, the half-brother of Jesus, The Christ, wrote these words to the people of God, the twelve tribes which were scattered abroad. (James 1:1) Believers who successfully endure their trials and temptations will be blessed and will receive the promise of God.
We need to understand that we will be tried and tested. The question is not, 'if we will be tested', the question is, 'will we pass our tests?' The tests will be in the form of difficult circumstances and temptations to sin. The believer who can maintain their faithful walk with Christ through their trials and tribulations, will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. The reward for faithful perseverance is eternal life, and all of the blessings which come along with that.
Under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, James, the half-brother of Jesus, The Christ, wrote these words to the people of God, the twelve tribes which were scattered abroad. (James 1:1) Believers who successfully endure their trials and temptations will be blessed and will receive the promise of God.
We need to understand that we will be tried and tested. The question is not, 'if we will be tested', the question is, 'will we pass our tests?' The tests will be in the form of difficult circumstances and temptations to sin. The believer who can maintain their faithful walk with Christ through their trials and tribulations, will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. The reward for faithful perseverance is eternal life, and all of the blessings which come along with that.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Delight In The Lord And In His Word
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of The LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." Psalms 1:1-2 (NIV)
The author of this psalm describes the truly happy man as one who chooses to follow The Word of God, and who chooses not to follow the wicked, sinners, or those who mock The Lord. He enjoys reading and meditating on The Word of God daily, and he does so each morning and evening.
As believers we should avoid those non-believing people who have heard and rejected The Word of God. We should read The Word of God at the beginning and at the end of each day and that should bring us joy. We would enjoy life more if we spent more of our time contemplating, internalizing, and obeying The Word of God. Don't let anyone pull you away from The Lord.
The author of this psalm describes the truly happy man as one who chooses to follow The Word of God, and who chooses not to follow the wicked, sinners, or those who mock The Lord. He enjoys reading and meditating on The Word of God daily, and he does so each morning and evening.
As believers we should avoid those non-believing people who have heard and rejected The Word of God. We should read The Word of God at the beginning and at the end of each day and that should bring us joy. We would enjoy life more if we spent more of our time contemplating, internalizing, and obeying The Word of God. Don't let anyone pull you away from The Lord.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Pray For One Another
"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of The Lord and may please Him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God," Colossians 1:9-10 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers in Colosse, the Apostle Paul said that he and the believers with him prayed for them daily and asked God to bless them with the knowledge of His will. They prayed for them to receive the wisdom and understanding that they might walk worthy of The Lord, and please Him with their efforts, and produce fruit in every good work, and grow spiritually.
We ought to sincerely pray for one another. (James 5:16) Pray for those who are doing well and being productive in their work for The Lord, and for those who are struggling. We all need more knowledge of His will, and more wisdom and understanding. We all also need His help in order to live a life that is worthy of The Lord. Let us pray for one another that our efforts will be good works, and that we will produce good fruit as we grow spiritually. Let us also thank God that some one prayed for us.
In his letter to the believers in Colosse, the Apostle Paul said that he and the believers with him prayed for them daily and asked God to bless them with the knowledge of His will. They prayed for them to receive the wisdom and understanding that they might walk worthy of The Lord, and please Him with their efforts, and produce fruit in every good work, and grow spiritually.
We ought to sincerely pray for one another. (James 5:16) Pray for those who are doing well and being productive in their work for The Lord, and for those who are struggling. We all need more knowledge of His will, and more wisdom and understanding. We all also need His help in order to live a life that is worthy of The Lord. Let us pray for one another that our efforts will be good works, and that we will produce good fruit as we grow spiritually. Let us also thank God that some one prayed for us.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Hope Continually
"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more." Psalms 71:14 (NIV) The King James Version of The Holy Bible reads: "But I will hope continually, and will yet praise Thee more and more."
The unknown author of this psalm is thought to be an elderly man by his repeated use of the word "continually" in this psalm. Also he asks God not to cast him away when he is old. (Psalms 71:9) His point to the believers was that The Lord God had continually been faithful to him, and he was going to continually hope and have faith in The Lord. The implication being that they should do likewise.
To hope is to cherish with anticipation, to expect with confidence, and to believe in fulfillment. Blessed is the person whose hope in in The Lord. (Jeremiah 17:7) We are saved by hope in that which we cannot see. (Romans 8:24) We are encouraged to hope, have faith, and to praise The Lord, more and more. We should follow the example of this psalmist and do this everyday, and throughout each day, if not all day long. (Psalms 71:15) Believers know that our hope is built on nothing less than the blood of Jesus, for in Him we live, move, and have our very being. (Acts 17:28)
The unknown author of this psalm is thought to be an elderly man by his repeated use of the word "continually" in this psalm. Also he asks God not to cast him away when he is old. (Psalms 71:9) His point to the believers was that The Lord God had continually been faithful to him, and he was going to continually hope and have faith in The Lord. The implication being that they should do likewise.
To hope is to cherish with anticipation, to expect with confidence, and to believe in fulfillment. Blessed is the person whose hope in in The Lord. (Jeremiah 17:7) We are saved by hope in that which we cannot see. (Romans 8:24) We are encouraged to hope, have faith, and to praise The Lord, more and more. We should follow the example of this psalmist and do this everyday, and throughout each day, if not all day long. (Psalms 71:15) Believers know that our hope is built on nothing less than the blood of Jesus, for in Him we live, move, and have our very being. (Acts 17:28)
Thursday, July 24, 2014
The Strong Should Help The Weak
"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves." Romans 15:1 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul wrote these words, under the guidance and direction of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in Rome, in order to let them know that the strong among them should help help the weak.
As believers, we are to help the physically and spiritually weaker brothers and sisters bear their burdens, and show them loving consideration. We are not just to tolerate the weak and less fortunate, but we are to help and strengthen them as much as we can. We are being Christ-like when we help others. We are not supposed to live just to please ourselves, we are to live to please and help our brothers, spiritually and practically. (Romans 15:2) Christ taught us that we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. (Matthew 22:39) Let us be more Christ-like and lend a helping hand to those in need spiritually and physically.
The Apostle Paul wrote these words, under the guidance and direction of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in Rome, in order to let them know that the strong among them should help help the weak.
As believers, we are to help the physically and spiritually weaker brothers and sisters bear their burdens, and show them loving consideration. We are not just to tolerate the weak and less fortunate, but we are to help and strengthen them as much as we can. We are being Christ-like when we help others. We are not supposed to live just to please ourselves, we are to live to please and help our brothers, spiritually and practically. (Romans 15:2) Christ taught us that we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. (Matthew 22:39) Let us be more Christ-like and lend a helping hand to those in need spiritually and physically.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
The War We Fight Within And Without
"For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members." Romans 7:22-23 (NIV)
Under the inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote these words in a letter to the believers in Rome. He reminded them that there was a war going on within each one of them, a war between the spirit and the flesh. The sinful nature of man was fighting against the spiritual nature which dwelt within them.
Believers continue struggle daily with the sinful desires of the flesh. Even when we would do that which is good and right, we slip back into our sinful and evil ways. The Apostle Paul admitted that he had this problem, just as all believers do. (Romans 7:19) Satan attacks our mind from within and from without. We think sinful thoughts, and the world provides us with sinful temptations. That is why we must daily put on the whole armor of God. We must protect our loins with truth, our heart with righteousness, our feet with the gospel of peace, our body with the shield of faith, our mind with the helmet of salvation, using The Word of God as our sword, and using prayer to preserve ourselves and others. (Ephesians 6:10-18) We cannot stand, or win, against Satan without the help of The Lord.
Under the inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote these words in a letter to the believers in Rome. He reminded them that there was a war going on within each one of them, a war between the spirit and the flesh. The sinful nature of man was fighting against the spiritual nature which dwelt within them.
Believers continue struggle daily with the sinful desires of the flesh. Even when we would do that which is good and right, we slip back into our sinful and evil ways. The Apostle Paul admitted that he had this problem, just as all believers do. (Romans 7:19) Satan attacks our mind from within and from without. We think sinful thoughts, and the world provides us with sinful temptations. That is why we must daily put on the whole armor of God. We must protect our loins with truth, our heart with righteousness, our feet with the gospel of peace, our body with the shield of faith, our mind with the helmet of salvation, using The Word of God as our sword, and using prayer to preserve ourselves and others. (Ephesians 6:10-18) We cannot stand, or win, against Satan without the help of The Lord.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Conditions For Being Forgiven
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
This is The Word of God, as recorded by Ezra, the priest, which detailed the conditions for God's people to be forgiven of their sins: humility, prayer, longing for God, and repentance.
We need to understand that simply praying and asking to be forgiven us useless if we do not repent, and turn from our sinful ways. We must seek Him by reading His Holy Word, and living it. "Perfection is not attainable, but it is a goal which is well worth striving for." (Unknown) As believers, we should delight in The Lord, in His Word, and in His way. (John 14:23) If we humble ourselves, and pray, and seek His face, and repent of our sinful ways, He will forgive our sins. If we also delight in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts. (Psalms 37:4)
This is The Word of God, as recorded by Ezra, the priest, which detailed the conditions for God's people to be forgiven of their sins: humility, prayer, longing for God, and repentance.
We need to understand that simply praying and asking to be forgiven us useless if we do not repent, and turn from our sinful ways. We must seek Him by reading His Holy Word, and living it. "Perfection is not attainable, but it is a goal which is well worth striving for." (Unknown) As believers, we should delight in The Lord, in His Word, and in His way. (John 14:23) If we humble ourselves, and pray, and seek His face, and repent of our sinful ways, He will forgive our sins. If we also delight in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts. (Psalms 37:4)
Monday, July 21, 2014
Be A Blessing To Others And Be Blessed
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) The King James Version of The Holy Bible reads: "The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." (KJV)
These are the words of King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live (2 Chronicles 1:10-12), written under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God to the people of God. He told the people that, by God's blessing, generosity will be rewarded with an increase to the giver.
We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others. The blessings which we receive are meant to be shared with others. Remember what Jesus said to His disciples about a certain rich man and the beggar named Lazarus. (Luke 16:19-31) The Lord God blesses the generous. Give, to help others, and it shall be given unto you. (Luke 6:38) When we give to help the poor, we are actually lending to The Lord, and He will repay us. (Proverbs 19:17) When we give, we will receive far more in return than we gave.
These are the words of King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live (2 Chronicles 1:10-12), written under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God to the people of God. He told the people that, by God's blessing, generosity will be rewarded with an increase to the giver.
We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others. The blessings which we receive are meant to be shared with others. Remember what Jesus said to His disciples about a certain rich man and the beggar named Lazarus. (Luke 16:19-31) The Lord God blesses the generous. Give, to help others, and it shall be given unto you. (Luke 6:38) When we give to help the poor, we are actually lending to The Lord, and He will repay us. (Proverbs 19:17) When we give, we will receive far more in return than we gave.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
God Opens Doors For Us
"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name. Revelation 3:8 (NIV)
After being allowed to see in a vision things which were to come, the Apostle John was directed by The Lord God to write these words to the leader of the Church in Philadelphia, which were to be shared with the believers there. He was going to open doors for them which no man can shut, and shut doors which no man can open. (Revelation 3:7) The Lord God was going to place before them opportunities which no one could take advantage of but them. They were to become pillars in God's Church. (Revelation 3:12)
Believers know that God knows all that we say, do, and think. (Proverbs 5:21) He knew it before it happened. (1 Peter 1:2) He has a plan for each of us, a unique opportunity for kingdom building service. The Lord God has a special role for each of us to play within The Church, the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12 and 12:27) We should pray that what we say and do is being obedient to the will of God, and that we are not grieving The Holy Spirit with our behavior. (Ephesians 4:29-30)
After being allowed to see in a vision things which were to come, the Apostle John was directed by The Lord God to write these words to the leader of the Church in Philadelphia, which were to be shared with the believers there. He was going to open doors for them which no man can shut, and shut doors which no man can open. (Revelation 3:7) The Lord God was going to place before them opportunities which no one could take advantage of but them. They were to become pillars in God's Church. (Revelation 3:12)
Believers know that God knows all that we say, do, and think. (Proverbs 5:21) He knew it before it happened. (1 Peter 1:2) He has a plan for each of us, a unique opportunity for kingdom building service. The Lord God has a special role for each of us to play within The Church, the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12 and 12:27) We should pray that what we say and do is being obedient to the will of God, and that we are not grieving The Holy Spirit with our behavior. (Ephesians 4:29-30)
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Speak Act And Live Holy
"Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another. Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am The LORD." Leviticus 19:11-12 (NIV)
The Lord God spoke to Moses and told him to tell the people to be holy because The Lord their God was holy. (Leviticus 19:1-2) They were to deal and speak honestly with one another. They were not to steal from, lie to, or deceive each other. They were not to curse each other, or put stumbling blocks in front of each other. They were to obey all of The Lord's decrees. (Leviticus 19:37)
Believers today are to live by a different standard that the rest of the world. As people of God we are to speak and behave in a Christ-like manner. We are not to be dishonest with one another, nor are we to deceive one another. The world will know that we are children of God by the way in which we treat one another. (John 13:35) We are to speak, act, and live holy because The God that we serve is holy. Let us pray that the mind which is in Christ Jesus would also be in us. (Philippians 2:5)
The Lord God spoke to Moses and told him to tell the people to be holy because The Lord their God was holy. (Leviticus 19:1-2) They were to deal and speak honestly with one another. They were not to steal from, lie to, or deceive each other. They were not to curse each other, or put stumbling blocks in front of each other. They were to obey all of The Lord's decrees. (Leviticus 19:37)
Believers today are to live by a different standard that the rest of the world. As people of God we are to speak and behave in a Christ-like manner. We are not to be dishonest with one another, nor are we to deceive one another. The world will know that we are children of God by the way in which we treat one another. (John 13:35) We are to speak, act, and live holy because The God that we serve is holy. Let us pray that the mind which is in Christ Jesus would also be in us. (Philippians 2:5)
Friday, July 18, 2014
Don't Worry Pray About It
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers in Philippi, the Apostle Paul told them not to worry about anything. He said that instead of worrying they should pray about everything.
If we would pray before we spoke or took any action, and asked The Lord for His guidance and direction and followed it, then we would live a more Christ-like life and we would enjoy the peace of God. If we would pray first, there would be no need to be anxious or worry.
In his letter to the believers in Philippi, the Apostle Paul told them not to worry about anything. He said that instead of worrying they should pray about everything.
If we would pray before we spoke or took any action, and asked The Lord for His guidance and direction and followed it, then we would live a more Christ-like life and we would enjoy the peace of God. If we would pray first, there would be no need to be anxious or worry.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Live By The Word Of God
"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it, he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:25 (NIV)
Under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God, James, the brother of Jesus, recorded these words in order to encourage the believers to read, hear, and live by The Word of God. A believer should be a living example of their faith. James said that they should not just be readers or hearers of The Word of God, they should also be doers of The Word. (James 1:22)
We should read, study, and live by The Word of God. Attending worship services and hearing
The Word of God does not do us any good, if we only hear it, and it does not change our lives and our behavior. After we ingest The Word, we need to put it into practice in our daily lives. We must "walk the walk", and by doing that, we will be blessed. If we truly love The Lord, then we will live by His Word. (John 14:23)
Under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God, James, the brother of Jesus, recorded these words in order to encourage the believers to read, hear, and live by The Word of God. A believer should be a living example of their faith. James said that they should not just be readers or hearers of The Word of God, they should also be doers of The Word. (James 1:22)
We should read, study, and live by The Word of God. Attending worship services and hearing
The Word of God does not do us any good, if we only hear it, and it does not change our lives and our behavior. After we ingest The Word, we need to put it into practice in our daily lives. We must "walk the walk", and by doing that, we will be blessed. If we truly love The Lord, then we will live by His Word. (John 14:23)
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Take Your Burdens To The Lord
"Cast your cares on The LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." Psalms 55:22 (NIV)
These words of comfort and consolation were written to the people of God by King David, under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God. He exhorted them to take their burdens to The Lord and then leave them there. He wanted them to know that if they trusted in The Lord, that He would take care of them and He would never let them down.
Believers can trust in The Lord, He can handle all of our anxiety causing situations. He can lift us up out of the depths that depression causes us to sink into. No burden, no matter how great, is too much for Him to handle. Whatever our situation, or our lot in life, The Lord will uphold us and sustain us through the struggles that we face in this life. All we have to do is believe and trust in The Lord, and He will sustain us. (Psalms 115:11) So, take your burdens to The Lord and leave them there.
These words of comfort and consolation were written to the people of God by King David, under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God. He exhorted them to take their burdens to The Lord and then leave them there. He wanted them to know that if they trusted in The Lord, that He would take care of them and He would never let them down.
Believers can trust in The Lord, He can handle all of our anxiety causing situations. He can lift us up out of the depths that depression causes us to sink into. No burden, no matter how great, is too much for Him to handle. Whatever our situation, or our lot in life, The Lord will uphold us and sustain us through the struggles that we face in this life. All we have to do is believe and trust in The Lord, and He will sustain us. (Psalms 115:11) So, take your burdens to The Lord and leave them there.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Ask And Receive The Desires Of Your Heart
"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)
This psalm was recorded by King David, a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), to the believers to exhort them to delight themselves in The Lord and to trust in Him. David said that if they did this, The Lord would give them the desires of their heart.
If we delight in The Lord, He will give us that which our heart desires. However, if we truly delight in The Lord, in His way and in His Word, then that which we desire will be the right things, things that are in keeping with His will. We have not because we ask not, or because we ask for the wrong things. (James 4:2) If we trust Him, whatsoever we ask for, in the name of Jesus, will be given to us, as long as what we desire and ask for gives God glory. (John 14:13)
This psalm was recorded by King David, a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), to the believers to exhort them to delight themselves in The Lord and to trust in Him. David said that if they did this, The Lord would give them the desires of their heart.
If we delight in The Lord, He will give us that which our heart desires. However, if we truly delight in The Lord, in His way and in His Word, then that which we desire will be the right things, things that are in keeping with His will. We have not because we ask not, or because we ask for the wrong things. (James 4:2) If we trust Him, whatsoever we ask for, in the name of Jesus, will be given to us, as long as what we desire and ask for gives God glory. (John 14:13)
Monday, July 14, 2014
See The Goodness Of The Lord
"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of The LORD in the land of the living. Wait for The LORD; be strong, and take heart, and wait for The LORD." Psalms 27:13-14 (NIV)
This psalm of King David was written to encourage the believers to be patient and wait for The Lord. He knew that The Lord does things in His own time frame. However, David was confident that he would see the goodness of The Lord before he died.
Believers know that God is in control of everything. However, we tend to want God to act for us when we want Him to act. When we pray to God for help, we need to do so in humble submission, realizing that we are totally dependent upon Him, and then we need to be resolved to keep the faith and wait for Him to respond. Whatever He says for us to do, we need to be obedient and do it. Then we shall behold the goodness of The Lord because all of His goodness is not reserved for heaven. (Psalms 33:5)
This psalm of King David was written to encourage the believers to be patient and wait for The Lord. He knew that The Lord does things in His own time frame. However, David was confident that he would see the goodness of The Lord before he died.
Believers know that God is in control of everything. However, we tend to want God to act for us when we want Him to act. When we pray to God for help, we need to do so in humble submission, realizing that we are totally dependent upon Him, and then we need to be resolved to keep the faith and wait for Him to respond. Whatever He says for us to do, we need to be obedient and do it. Then we shall behold the goodness of The Lord because all of His goodness is not reserved for heaven. (Psalms 33:5)
Sunday, July 13, 2014
The Lord Preserves The Faithful
"Love The LORD, all His saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud He pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in The LORD." Psalms 31:23-24 (NIV)
Under the guidance of The Holy Spirit of God, King David recorded these words for the believers. His purpose was to encourage them to keep their faith in God. He exhorted them to be strong and to continue to love The Lord. He also said that those who keep the faith will be rewarded, and those who don't will be punished.
Believers can be assured of rewards from The Lord for being faithful, and they know that there will be retribution for those who do not believe. (Deuteronomy 7:9-10) To love The Lord is more than just saying it, it also means living it. (John 14:15) Believers are doers of The Word of God, their life and their behavior reflects Christ-like activities. (James 1:22) The Lord will protect and bless those who love Him, all others will eventually be destroyed. (Psalms 145:20)
Under the guidance of The Holy Spirit of God, King David recorded these words for the believers. His purpose was to encourage them to keep their faith in God. He exhorted them to be strong and to continue to love The Lord. He also said that those who keep the faith will be rewarded, and those who don't will be punished.
Believers can be assured of rewards from The Lord for being faithful, and they know that there will be retribution for those who do not believe. (Deuteronomy 7:9-10) To love The Lord is more than just saying it, it also means living it. (John 14:15) Believers are doers of The Word of God, their life and their behavior reflects Christ-like activities. (James 1:22) The Lord will protect and bless those who love Him, all others will eventually be destroyed. (Psalms 145:20)
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Don't Be Depressed Praise The L:ord
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior ..." Psalms 42:5 (NIV)
The words of this psalm were recorded under the direction of The Holy Spirit of God by the Sons of Korah. They were written to encourage believers who, because of personal situations and bad times, had become depressed and sorrowful. These words were written to remind them to praise The Lord God at all times, good and bad.
Believers are reminded not to let the events of this world get us down. We may not understand why things happen to us, but we should praise The Lord at all times. (Psalms 34:1) Only He can comfort the truly downcast, disturbed, despondent, and depressed. (2 Corinthians 7:6) We should consider all of our trials and tribulations as preparation for better things to come, and therefore count them all as joy. (James 1:2-3) We selfishly want to hold on to loved ones who are better off in a better place. (2 Corinthians 5:8) As believers we should praise God for the time that we had with our loved ones, and for what we learned from them.
The words of this psalm were recorded under the direction of The Holy Spirit of God by the Sons of Korah. They were written to encourage believers who, because of personal situations and bad times, had become depressed and sorrowful. These words were written to remind them to praise The Lord God at all times, good and bad.
Believers are reminded not to let the events of this world get us down. We may not understand why things happen to us, but we should praise The Lord at all times. (Psalms 34:1) Only He can comfort the truly downcast, disturbed, despondent, and depressed. (2 Corinthians 7:6) We should consider all of our trials and tribulations as preparation for better things to come, and therefore count them all as joy. (James 1:2-3) We selfishly want to hold on to loved ones who are better off in a better place. (2 Corinthians 5:8) As believers we should praise God for the time that we had with our loved ones, and for what we learned from them.
Friday, July 11, 2014
With God All Things Work For Good
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Rome to, among other things, encourage them in the face of difficult times. He told them that The Lord God is in control of all things, and that He can work things out for the good of those who love Him, and for those who have been called according to His purpose.
We would not consider every thing that happens to us to be a good thing. However bad things may appear to us when they happen, The Lord God is able to use whatever it is to the advantage of those who love Him and are called to His purpose. Remember, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, and he ended up being in a position to help his brothers survive a famine. (Genesis 37:1-36 and Genesis 41:1-57) God can use bad situations to prepare believers for, or to put us in position for, the good things that we cannot imagine which He has planned for our future. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
Under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Rome to, among other things, encourage them in the face of difficult times. He told them that The Lord God is in control of all things, and that He can work things out for the good of those who love Him, and for those who have been called according to His purpose.
We would not consider every thing that happens to us to be a good thing. However bad things may appear to us when they happen, The Lord God is able to use whatever it is to the advantage of those who love Him and are called to His purpose. Remember, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, and he ended up being in a position to help his brothers survive a famine. (Genesis 37:1-36 and Genesis 41:1-57) God can use bad situations to prepare believers for, or to put us in position for, the good things that we cannot imagine which He has planned for our future. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
Thursday, July 10, 2014
God Is Our Refuge And Strength
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalms 46:1 (NIV)
The words of this psalm were recorded under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God by the Sons of Korah. The purpose of this psalm was, and is, to inform believers that The Lord God is always present, in good times and bad. He is our shelter and our protection, and it is with His strength that we can continue to go on.
Believers know that God is our refuge, our hiding place (Psalms 32:7 and Psalms 119:114), our fortress (2 Samuel 22:2, Psalms 18:2, Psalms 31:3, Psalms 91:2, and Psalms 144:2), and our strong tower. (Psalms 61:3 and Proverbs 18:10) It is said that in order to protect us He hides us under His wings. (Psalms 17:8, Psalms 36:7 and Psalms 91:4) It is by His strength that we carry on and continue. (1 Chronicles 16:11, 1 Chronicles 16:27, Psalms 28:8, Psalms 29:11, and Psalms 59:9) He need not give us the strength to fight our enemies, for that battle is His. (2 Chronicles 20:15) We just need to put on the whole armor of God and stand against evil. (Ephesians 6:11-18) When trouble comes, God is the only one to go to.
The words of this psalm were recorded under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God by the Sons of Korah. The purpose of this psalm was, and is, to inform believers that The Lord God is always present, in good times and bad. He is our shelter and our protection, and it is with His strength that we can continue to go on.
Believers know that God is our refuge, our hiding place (Psalms 32:7 and Psalms 119:114), our fortress (2 Samuel 22:2, Psalms 18:2, Psalms 31:3, Psalms 91:2, and Psalms 144:2), and our strong tower. (Psalms 61:3 and Proverbs 18:10) It is said that in order to protect us He hides us under His wings. (Psalms 17:8, Psalms 36:7 and Psalms 91:4) It is by His strength that we carry on and continue. (1 Chronicles 16:11, 1 Chronicles 16:27, Psalms 28:8, Psalms 29:11, and Psalms 59:9) He need not give us the strength to fight our enemies, for that battle is His. (2 Chronicles 20:15) We just need to put on the whole armor of God and stand against evil. (Ephesians 6:11-18) When trouble comes, God is the only one to go to.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Do Good To Others
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Ephesians 6:9-10 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul wrote these words to the believers in Ephesus in order to encourage them to do good and to behave in a Christ-like manner. He told them that they would be rewarded for doing good to all people, especially doing good to other believers.
We are encouraged to do good to others, to our enemies (Matthew 5:44), and to those that hate us. ( Luke 6:27) If we know that which is good to do, and we choose not to do it, then we commit a sin to not do the good that we know that we should do. (James 4:17) So let us depart from evil and do that which is good in the sight of The Lord. (Psalms 34:14, Luke 6:35, and 1 Peter 3:11) When we do good to others, and expect nothing in return, our reward is forthcoming. (Luke 6:35)
The Apostle Paul wrote these words to the believers in Ephesus in order to encourage them to do good and to behave in a Christ-like manner. He told them that they would be rewarded for doing good to all people, especially doing good to other believers.
We are encouraged to do good to others, to our enemies (Matthew 5:44), and to those that hate us. ( Luke 6:27) If we know that which is good to do, and we choose not to do it, then we commit a sin to not do the good that we know that we should do. (James 4:17) So let us depart from evil and do that which is good in the sight of The Lord. (Psalms 34:14, Luke 6:35, and 1 Peter 3:11) When we do good to others, and expect nothing in return, our reward is forthcoming. (Luke 6:35)
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Fall Down But Don't Stay Down
"The steps of a good man are ordered by The LORD: and he delighteth in His way. Though he fall , he shall not be utterly cast down : for The LORD upholdeth him with His hand." Psalms 37:23-24 (KJV)
Under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit, King David wrote that a believer is not perfect in his walk, he will occasionally stumble and fall into sin. However, although he may fall, he will not stay down, he will get up with the help of The Lord.
Believers still sin. Like the Apostle Paul said, the good that I would do, I don't do; and the bad that I would not do, that I do. (Romans 7:19) Failure is not final. Believers may fall down, or get knocked down, but we will not stay down. By the grace of God, and with His help, believers will get back up, ask to be forgiven and helped, and then continue in the way of The Lord.
Under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit, King David wrote that a believer is not perfect in his walk, he will occasionally stumble and fall into sin. However, although he may fall, he will not stay down, he will get up with the help of The Lord.
Believers still sin. Like the Apostle Paul said, the good that I would do, I don't do; and the bad that I would not do, that I do. (Romans 7:19) Failure is not final. Believers may fall down, or get knocked down, but we will not stay down. By the grace of God, and with His help, believers will get back up, ask to be forgiven and helped, and then continue in the way of The Lord.
Monday, July 7, 2014
The Lord Will Make A Way
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
This message to the people of God was delivered by the prophet Isaiah as The Lord God had given it to him. He began by saying "Thus saith The LORD ..." (Isaiah 43:16) The message to the believers was that The Lord made a way for the people in the past, and that He will make a way for them, even in the wilderness.
The Lord God made a way for His people out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10 to13:3), across the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22), and He provided food and water for them in the wilderness. (Exodus 16:4-18 and Exodus 17:2-6) He made a way when there appeared to be no way out of a bad situation in the past, and He will make a way out of a bad situation when there appears to be no way out now and in the future. Believers can trust Him and know that He will never leave or forsake His own. (Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5)
This message to the people of God was delivered by the prophet Isaiah as The Lord God had given it to him. He began by saying "Thus saith The LORD ..." (Isaiah 43:16) The message to the believers was that The Lord made a way for the people in the past, and that He will make a way for them, even in the wilderness.
The Lord God made a way for His people out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10 to13:3), across the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22), and He provided food and water for them in the wilderness. (Exodus 16:4-18 and Exodus 17:2-6) He made a way when there appeared to be no way out of a bad situation in the past, and He will make a way out of a bad situation when there appears to be no way out now and in the future. Believers can trust Him and know that He will never leave or forsake His own. (Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5)
Sunday, July 6, 2014
God Will Remember And Reward Our Work
"God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)
The unknown author of The Book of Hebrews was writing to the scattered believers after the death of Christ, in order to encourage them to hold on and keep the faith. He told them that God would not forget what they had done in His name, and that they would be rewarded.
Believers know that God sees all that we do (Proverbs 5:21), hears all that we say (John 9:31 and 1 John 5:14), and knows all of our thoughts (Psalms 94:11) and intentions (Psalms 19:14). He does not forget anything, He just chooses not to remember our sins which have been forgiven. (Jeremiah 31:34, Hebrews 8:12, and Hebrews 10:17) Our Heavenly Father will remember all of the work that we do in His name, and all of the help that we give to the poor. Our efforts will be rewarded and we will inherit the promises of God. (Hebrews 6:12)
The unknown author of The Book of Hebrews was writing to the scattered believers after the death of Christ, in order to encourage them to hold on and keep the faith. He told them that God would not forget what they had done in His name, and that they would be rewarded.
Believers know that God sees all that we do (Proverbs 5:21), hears all that we say (John 9:31 and 1 John 5:14), and knows all of our thoughts (Psalms 94:11) and intentions (Psalms 19:14). He does not forget anything, He just chooses not to remember our sins which have been forgiven. (Jeremiah 31:34, Hebrews 8:12, and Hebrews 10:17) Our Heavenly Father will remember all of the work that we do in His name, and all of the help that we give to the poor. Our efforts will be rewarded and we will inherit the promises of God. (Hebrews 6:12)
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