Oct

17

Deep waters

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Troubled on all sides? Temptations beckoning at the door? The Bible is full of stories where the heroes faced much more than the average person will encounter in the way of struggles, and their stories are living examples of how each one overcame them.

Like Job, David, Paul, Daniel, Joseph and many other saints from old, they leave us examples of their individual trials that run from devastating hardship to temptation to even unjust persecution. With their dire troubles—even unto death—they maintained an abiding faith as they rested in the spiritual arms of God.

Some by the fire and some by the flood…but all through the blood of Jesus we’re sifted and refined like choice silver and gold. Like all of them, we are given hope that as they survived their trials to tell the tale–only through the power of God—we are able, too.

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint ~ Isaiah 40:31

Oct

09

His love run deep

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The unfathomable depth of God’s love for humanity can be witnessed as far back as the Garden. Even after Adam and Eve sinned and God sent them away because their fellowship had been broken, His unfailing love remained as He provided for them by sacrificing an animal and clothing them with its skin.

 

Unlike worldly love that ebbs and wanes at its own discretion, God’s love comes from an unlimited source that stems from His true nature. In times of fear or uncertainty, it should be comforting to know that God isn’t far away. If we are abiding in Christ, there is nothing to fear because we are held in the palm of his hand. 

 

Today, Christ sits at the right hand of God after making the ultimate sacrifice. Those who’ve put their trust in Him are now clothed in the cloak of Christ’s righteousness. That is why believers should no longer have any worries, fears or doubts about the Lord’s love or his plans and provisions for our lives. Whether there’s famine, peril, nakedness, or sword, there’s nothing—at all—imaginable that can come between the Lord and His redeemed. 

 

Oct

02

Keep love fervent

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In his letter to the Philippians, Paul encouraged them to do everything within the fellowship of a united spirit, intent on one purpose—to love without selfishness or empty conceit—while maintaining the same mind and heart and to let each individual consider one another as more important than himself.

Sadly, in Apostle Paul’s day, things had gone awry in this department. The Corinthian church had a number of problems such as infighting, divisions, contentions, and factions. Why the split? Why were people following certain individuals and eschewing others as not good enough? Maybe they had taken their eyes off of Jesus.

“…let there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment…”

~ 1 Corinthians 1:10

 Sometimes, we need a self-awareness check, lest we get too full of ourselves when self takes a wrong turn. In gentleness and love, we need to heed to a willingness to learn from one another and accept that we might not always see things the same way. Or is the goal to win the battle at all costs, despite the crossfire over being right? Love would rather be wronged. There should be a spirit of love so present that the differences in the matter become secondary and not what really counts. Love is always the goal.

Sep

26

The greatness of God

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The greatness of God is unfathomable. Who can measure it? God stepped from eternity into time and space for the purpose of redeeming man from the wickedness of our own disobedience. What’s the purpose of it all?

When Jesus came to earth the first time, he came as a peaceful. loving servant. He healed the sick and caused the blind to see. The miracles he performed drew many, but the essence of who he was became an anathema to some, and so he was hung to die. Yet the greatness of Christ did not let death claim him. He had the victory because he was God!

We sing such spiritual songs as To God Be the Glory and He Lives with emotion because the magnificence of such a being is so uplifting, it moves us. That we could be so loved by him is more than great. There are no words that can truly describe our Savior.

We may never know the answers to why? But that’s okay. If we are to know, one day, we will.

He set my feet upon a rock and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God. Many shall see and fear and shall trust in the LORD ~ Psalm 40:2-3.

Sep

19

Is it fair?

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Many view the world’s troubles and try to justify them as being fair or not fair. Is it fair that Jesus suffered for something he did not do? Is it fair that some who receive riches are not always deserving of their wealth?  Does the smartest person always gain the noblest position in life? God’s word tells us that the race doesn’t always go to the swiftest.

The Lord said to Apostle Paul in the midst of bemoaning his physical ailment, “My grace is sufficient.” The grace of an eternal pardon and payment for our sins is the most valuable gift we’ll ever receive. It cost our savior his life; but for us, the gift is free.

One question for the believer:  Because of the cross, who of the saved can demand any other fairness other than the unfair exchange of life that granted you a new one in Christ?

We need to see the circumstances of life through God’s love and not judge God in light of our circumstances. That’s where our faith comes in. There is a purpose for everything God does. Whether or not we understand the Lord’s motivation ,as believers, there is nothing more important to us than our faith… our faith to believe that we are saved, that God loves us, and that his plans include a glorious future for all who put their trust in Him.