Sep

05

He’s still got the ball

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Back in the day when God’s people were scattered to Babylon because of their disobedience, God had a moment with the Persian king and basically told him that for the sake of Israel, “You will conquer many nations…you will bring many to their knees as well as set the exiles free and, later, Jerusalem will be rebuilt.” Though King Cyrus did not know God or understand his ways, the Lord saw fit to use the king to fulfill His plans and purposes for Israel.

As it is today, the Lord appoints and uses leaders to continue the plans he has ordered for the world. It may seem like God is lax in carrying out truth and justice by seemingly allowing sin to reign, but it does not reign supremely. God is overseer and judge as well as jury. He has not let go of the ball. He is the Author of all that is true, holy, and good.

May we not murmur or be distressed or turn away our belief. Remember, we are but clay. Who is the clay that it should order the potter or find fault with him? For there is no God like Jehovah. His plans can never be thwarted though many have tried. It would be better to acquiesce in faith to a higher power and turn our hearts to believe in his promises as they were given to Israel. May we be reassured today that the great prophet, priest, and king of all is also judge, jury, and executioner. God is still in the game, he’s got the ball, and he’s still on the throne.

Aug

30

We serve an awesome God

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When God looks upon his creation, we can only wonder what is going through his mind. Whether he’s happy or sad at what each day brings, we’re certain that it’s probably a mixture of both. With every sinner who comes to the knowledge of the truth, there’s rejoicing. With every sin, he is pained.

What the spirit of the Living God feels is unimaginable. Our finite minds cannot conceptualize the awesomeness of the nature of God, for how can the limited mind of a finite being understand fully the complexity of an infinite God?

God’s works are immeasurably beyond awesome. Whether in the heavens or on earth, in the quiet of a starry sky or the notes of a tiny song sparrow, he is near. In the sunlight of the early dawn bursting on the horizon or the sharp peels of thunder, his power is all too present.

The heavens declare the glory of God
and the sky above proclaims His handiwork ~ Psalm 19:1

If there is anything we can be assured of, it is that he is alive and his reign knows no beginning nor end.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not… He came unto his own, and his own received him not… But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name… And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us…full of grace and truth.

Aug

24

Truth, justice, and Jesus

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In a world slowly devolving into more social unrest, where the secular powers-that-be continue to strive against everything godly, and while evil prevails around every corner—calamities, war, death, destruction, mayhem—it’s hard to find anything good in the news. But take heart. When the world looks bleak, keep in mind there’s a news story that rarely makes the front pages. It’s not the political Great Reset; it’s the news of Jesus, our Lord, who is coming back to earth one day to establish the Greatest Reset.

In the meantime, God’s word encourages us to keep our eyes focused on Jesus and to be prepared for his return like in the parable of the ten virgins. Half of them carried enough oil to keep their lamps aflame while waiting for their bridegroom. Sadly, the others did not, and their lamps burned out, preventing them from entering into the marriage feast. Why weren’t they prepared? They all knew he was coming, yet only a few of them were ready.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus and keep yourself focused there. Don’t be swayed by every wind of doctrine nor worry about what mere man can do here on earth. Be like the virgins who kept their lamps glowing—ready and waiting for their bridegroom.

When you focus on the beauty of Jesus—his truth, compassion, love, and—everything else will pale by comparison. When hope wanes under the cares of this world, remember that as believers, we are the bride of Christ. Know that Jesus is there to love us far better than the world ever can.

Aug

16

Goodness overload

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 We are all blessed by what our Creator lends us for life on this planet every day. He brings the sunlight, provides our food for harvesting, and His word tells us that the rain, too, falls on the just as well as the unjust.

Take a look at the natural beauty of the sky, a flower, or a butterfly, and marvel at the handiwork of our Lord. If he can be concerned for such things, how much more for you?

The magnificent works of the Lord are above and beyond amazing. Can mere words do them justice?  How can we measure the goodness of the Lord? Is there a measuring rod or scale big enough? With the rich abundance of all he supplies, it would take an eternity to count the blessings God bestows.

Every time the earth rotates around the sun, there is a new dawn and new opportunities to praise and worship Him, our maker.

We’re not here to serve ourselves, and our plans and purposes should reflect what God would have us do. Mostly, it is to serve and love one another, share the gospel, and shine His light. For as God has given us life more abundantly, we need to share the good news with others.

The goodness of God is infinitely more wonderful than we will ever be able to comprehend ~ A.W. Tozer

Aug

09

Just as I am

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There’s no pretense with God. No matter how much we want to dress up and present ourselves seamless and flawless to become acceptable, God sees the true nature of our character. No amount of starched collars or finery will cover our sins. Only the blood of Jesus.

When Christ came to earth, he was the division between the pompously proud and the humbly repentant. His purpose was to welcome into his family those who loved and sought the truth of God with a humble, open heart. No finery required.

The Lord resists the proud but gives grace to the humble ~ James 4:6

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled ~ Matthew 5:6

Consider what the Lord has accomplished to welcome you into the family of God and know that as a son or daughter of God, truly you are loved and accepted through the redeeming work of Jesus on the cross. Nothing more, nothing less.

We don’t need to dress up for the Lord. Out of respect, we want to present ourselves clean when we come to church as members of a civil society. But remember, if you don’t have anything but the clothes on your back, the welcome mat to the Lord’s house is still free for you to set your foot upon. The Lord does not turn away anyone who comes knocking. By his blood, we are all cleansed of our filth in the precious blood of Jesus.

 O, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him ~ Psalm 34:8