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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.

Sep

12

Just be still

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The Lord speaks to us through his word and, sometimes, if we really listen, we can almost hear the subtlety of a still, small voice. His word instructs us often just to be still.

Be still and know that I am God ~ Psalm 46

It’s not always easy to hear his voice in a world filled with distractions and noise. With all that goes on in our busy lives, taking time to be still is something we need to plan before life’s cares entangle us. Allowing our Creator to take prominence in our hearts and minds as we struggle to silence the chatter is sure to be a balm for whatever ails us.

To be still before the Lord is not always a physical position or something to do in the midst of a silent moment. To be still also means to let your ways yield unto his…to mentally put everything else aside and let the Holy Spirit lead.

As we are only strong in the Lord’s strength, taking the time to consider his ways above and beyond our own can only lead to opening ourselves up to the direction of the Holy Spirit. Isn’t this the place we all yearn to be?

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him ~ Psalm 37

Sep

04

Love the Lord

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“But you, my Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy; you are very patient and full of faithful love” ~ Psalm 86:15

 In a worldly sense, we can’t help being endeared to someone who is loving and not a threat to our well-being. Some folks are easily lovable, and others take time. As children of God, we are to love them all the same. It’s easy to love someone who loves you, but God says to love even the unlovable.

As for our God, it is amazing to know that he loved us well before we loved him.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” ~ Romans 5:8

The question we ask is:  How do we love something so ethereal? Something we can’t physically see?

The best place to start getting to know someone is by talking to them, spending time in their world, and finding out what makes them tick. It’s the same for God. His message to mankind—his love letter to us—is all found in the Bible. Along with prayerful meditation and conversing with him daily, by reading His story, we can grow close to him. Becoming familiar with his word, the more we will be acquainted with his marvelous truth. When we become surrendered to him, the more we will grow to love him and allow his Holy Spirit to love others through us.

May we grow into a deeper relationship with our Savior, so that we can grow even closer to him with our entire heart, mind, and soul.

Aug

29

Same yesterday, today, and forever!

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It’s a marvelous mystery that in the ages before time began, Jesus was there. In the first chapter of John, we read: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

 Under the Old Testament law, the presence of God dwelt in a cloud between the cherubim that covered the mercy-seat, but now it dwells in Jesus, our Redeemer.

In our finite minds, it’s hard to conceptualize the awesomeness of the nature of Christ. It’s not so much a matter to consume and comprehend through logic but more of a respectful apprehending through our faith. For how can the limited mind of a finite being claim with any authority the process of an infinite God? It’s impossible. But with God, all things are possible.

In Hebrews 1:8-12 we find: Of the Son, God says, ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom… You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands; they will perish, but You remain… You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end.’

 We serve an awesome God…the same yesterday, today and forever!

Aug

22

Be glad!

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Time is so fleeting…Today comes and goes in a heartbeat it seems. We can’t control time, and since it slips away so easily, the world often encourages us to seize the day (carpe diem). But what are we seizing? What’s the purpose?

God’s word tells us that we should rejoice and be glad for each day. Today is one more day to share His love with others in the time he’s given us, for no one is promised tomorrow. It’s a gift.

Both the sinner and the saved are blessed by the time our Creator lends. With every revolution of the earth as it rotates around the sun, our heavenly Father gives us a new dawn and new opportunities. What we do with our time is our choice. Though we know that wasting our hours is not always prudent, and time spent with the Lord is the best way to start our day regardless of how busy we are.

“So, teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom” ~ Psalm 90:12

His mercies are new every morning. With each day having enough troubles of its own, let’s cast all of our cares upon him and believe his promise to give us rest as we abide in Him.

“Rejoice in the Lord always…” ~ Philippians 4:4

Aug

15

Fear not

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If God is for us, who can possibly be against us? That is, who can thwart God?

When the Israelites were taken into Babylonian captivity for 70 years, the words of the prophet Isaiah tell us the Lord God of Israel was right there in their midst. He told them to fear not; he was with them to help and strengthen them and would uphold them with his righteous right hand.

In difficult times of trial and trouble, Jesus—and he alone—is the only healing balm we need. He directs the course of great rivers, and by his power, the very atoms in the nails that pierced his flesh while on the cross were held together with his own mighty strength, yes!  If he created the world, and all of the cattle on a thousand hills belong to him, what is your life’s situation that he cannot make good?

Even on your worst day, the calming peace of Jesus can satisfy like no other. He leads us beside the still waters and restores our souls. His peace is like a river, and it flows as a fountain of blessings to his faithful followers, who put their trust fully in Him.