God's Sovereignty

Good Morning!! Did you know that at the Pacific Ocean's deepest point you could submerge Mt. Everest and still have two miles of water between its summit and the surface of the water? Or that the energy in one hurricane is equal to about 500,000 atomic bombs? Or that there are over 13,000 varieties of dirt in United States alone? When we pause to consider the vastness, and the power, and the diversity of Creation, the psalmist's assertion takes on new majesty and meaning.

The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.—Psalm 135:6 (NIV)

God does whatever He wishes,...in the deep places of the sea, where humans have never even been. He steers and throttles the hurricane, as its perfect Pilot. The complexity of the universe reflects the enormity and creativity of His mind. Among the stars, amid the nations and every grain of sand on the earth, in the seas,...everywhere God is doing what is pleasing to Himself. He is sovereign over the bodies and forces and sub-particles in His universe.

It would appear, that every part of God's creation naturally knows to be obedient to the pleasure of its Creator,...except us.

Holy Spirit, help us to find alinement, with the Creator's plans and pleasures. In the name of Jesus, Amen. 

"We never truly know whether our faith is strong or weak, until it's been tried and tested." 

Warth Is An Attributes Of God Too

Good Morning!! Everyone, even many non-Christians, enjoy talking about the love of God,...but here is a reminder that the wrath of God, can also be revealed.  And notice where the revelation of God's wrath comes from: it is revealed from heaven. Heaven is not ashamed of the wrath of God, but rather puts it on display,...throughout Scripture, as one of His many and beautiful attributes. If heaven is not embarrassed of God's anger against ungodliness, why would we be? A further declaration is made; that God's wrath is against, not just some wickedness or injustice,...but all ungodliness and unrighteousness.

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,—Romans 1:18 (NIV)

There is no such thing, then, as a little sin, or a sin that goes unnoticed and without offense, to God. Every sin is an affront to the Holiness, the thorough goodness, of God. While there are some who seek to "hold," or suppress, this truth because of their skewed sense of right and wrong, there are others who flee for refuge in the mercy and love of this same wrathful God. They see God's punishment of their sins in Christ, on the cross, to be their shelter from the wrath they deserve. 

 

Don't be fooled,...the Holy anger of God is just as much a part of His divine perfection, as His love or mercy.

 

My Lord, my God,...have mercy on us,...poor sinners that we are. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

"We never truly know whether our faith is strong or weak, until it's been tried and tested." 

Being Of Good Faith

Good Morning!! Peter gets criticized a lot regarding the event in today's scripture,...because he eventually began sinking, through unbelief,...but it's as much a lesson in faith, as it is in unbelief. Notice, first of all, that Peter did not get out of the boat and walk toward Jesus, until he was invited by the Lord to do so. This may seem like a small detail, but it's actually crucial. Only God knows how many saints are out there today, trying to do the impossible,...when God has not bidden them to do so.

"Come," He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.—Matthew 14:29 (NIV)

While it is certainly true, that with God all things are possible,...even what is impossible for us. But we cannot expect to do the impossible,...unless the impossible is what God is calling us to. Also, notice that Peter is the only one out of the boat. No one else even dreamed they could walk on water,...but Peter knew that he could,...if Jesus said so. I think the most crucial lesson from Peter's water-walking experience was; he got out of the boat to go to Jesus,...no other goal or motive, would have worked.

If we seek to overcome insurmountable problems out of any motivation, other than drawing closer to Jesus,...we will fail, every time.

Dear Lord, let our motive be pure, and our goal always be to draw closer to You. move us to come,...whenever You call. Amen.

"We never truly know whether our faith is strong or weak, until it's been tried and tested." 

Comfort For The Believer

Good Morning!! These words comfort,...These words speak real consolation, to real heartaches and real sorrow. These words,...when received by faith and firmly fixed before our eyes, are sufficient to bring hope to even the darkest times, and deepest difficulties. What are these comforting words of which the apostle speaks? It is the two-fold good news that death is temporary,...and that our life with Jesus is not.

Therefore encourage one another with these words.—1 Thessalonians 4:18 (NIV)

When we face the gaping, cutting pain of the grave,...for ourselves or with our loved ones,...there is nothing that could be more encouraging than to hear, and to know, that this is not forever. The seeming finality of death is broken to pieces, by the declaration of the resurrected Christ: I will come again and bring you with me! Only the body of God's children, is asleep. The soul that is absent from the body is immediately with the Lord. And here is the second part of Paul's comforting message,...that our time with the Lord will never come to an end.

When we finally see our Savior, and bask in his glory and perfection,...is the one moment that never has to come to an end.

Dear Lord, allow these words to be of comfort to us,...and all other believers. He Lives, and we in Him, live as well,...now and forever. Amen.

"We never truly know whether our faith is strong or weak, until it's been tried and tested." 

Temptation

Good Morning!! There are a thousand different ways in which Satan seeks to tear down, our Christian testimony. It may be a temptation to sexual sin, or a tendency toward despair, or a disposition toward anger, or a longing for personal advancement or recognition.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.—Romans 12:21 (NIV)

But for all the temptations that may come our way, the remedy is the same,...a simple command: do not allow evil to overcome you. Stand fast in the Lord and in the power of His strength. Do not give in; do not be puffed up; do not allow your pride or lust or pain to overwhelm you. And, second, overcome evil with good. The Christian's posture is not a defensive one,...we are to be overcomers,...not merely survivors. Not only are we not to give up in fighting sin, we are to counteract the sin in the world, by our good lives and conduct,...we were made to overcome evil.

The goodness of our Savior, must be reflected in the good words, and works of His people.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

"We never truly know whether our faith is strong or weak, until it's been tried and tested." 

The Church Is Where God Lives

Good Morning!! Paul makes three astonishing claims for the church, which we would do well to remember. First, the church is the house of God. Don't let the wonder and power of that statement, be robbed by your familiarity with it. God lives in His church! Just as He set up residence in the tabernacle and temple in the Old Testament, God now resides in His church in a special and glorious way. Nowhere else on earth,...no mountaintops, golf courses, or beaches, can claim the same. Second, this is the church of the living God. Each word is important here: "of" because it is His church,...not yours or anyone else's; "the" because there is only one true God; "living" because He is eternal and powerful and vital; "God" because that's who He is. 

if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.—1 Timothy 3:15 (NIV)

Third, the church is the pillar and ground of the truth. Paul is not implying that the church's traditions are on the same par with Scripture, as some teach. Rather, he is affirming Jesus' own promise concerning the continuation of the gospel-affirming, Christ-proclaiming, body of Christ. The gates of hell itself cannot prevail against this God-inhabited, Christ-empowered organism.

It ought to inspire us all, to know that God lives in His church,...that He is just as unique and energetic as ever, on our behalf,...and that the truth of the gospel will be perpetuated until He returns.

Holy Spirit, let our labors in, and faithfulness toward, the kingdom of Christ, reflect the greatness of these guarantees. Amen.

"By faith, we are able to accept, that which we cannot understand."  

Be A Help, Be A Blessing

Good Morning!! Do you feel your brother or sister's pains, sorrows, and heartaches, as though they are your own? When you see another Christian going through financial struggles, do you consider their need from afar, or do you empathize with the stress, pressure, and uncertainty, with which they are faced? When a brother or sister in Christ suffers sickness, do you minister to them as you would yourself want to be helped?

Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.—Hebrews 13:3 (NKJV) 

The Hebrew writer, is rewording and reapplying, what Jesus described as the second commandment of all: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself". (Matthew 22:39) This is no disinterested charity; this is Christ-centered, sacrificial, empathetic love. Jesus Christ not only loved us enough to die in our place for our sins, but He continues, even in heaven, to be touched Himself,...with the feelings and struggles of our infirmities and afflictions. (Hebrews 4:14) If Christ would love us like that, should we not love one another in the same way?

It is not enough, to merely pity the poor, or to pray for the persecuted,...you must treat them the way you would want to be treated.

Father God, keep us mindful of our brothers and sisters, and their needs,...show us how and where we may be a blessing. Amen.

"By faith, we are able to accept, that which we cannot understand." 

Making Decisions Right

Good Morning!! Are you concerned about financial security, or social approval, or a future you can't see? Fearfulness does not come from God. As children of God, who believe in the perfection and power of Jesus Christ, we don't need to be anxious about the future, or fret over circumstances out of our control, or  worry about what others may think. Paul reminds us, we are to rely upon the power, love, and mental soundness, that we are granted by God. This is the only real way to make God-honoring, God-directed decisions.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.—2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

It is so easy to crumble under the weight of our problems, or to surrender because of uncertain situations, or to be paralyzed because of possible conflict. But through his admonition to timid Timothy, Paul confronts our natural fearfulness, and exhorts us to courageously make wise decisions,...out of love for God.

Why worry?....through Christ, we will be granted the strength to do anything, that He requires of us.

O' Lord, keep us walking in paths that are guided by the power of the Spirit, motivated by a love for Christ, and carefully chosen for us, according to our faith. Amen.

"By faith, we are able to accept, that which we cannot understand." 

Your Work, Your Witness

Good Morning!! In today's scripture, the word "business" refers to any responsibility or activity, in which we might be engaged,...not just career or financial obligations. Paul exhorts us not to be slothful, or lazy, in anything that we do. Whether you are parenting, or studying,...working, or ministering, you should do it to the very best of your ability.

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;—Romans 12:11 (NIV) 

Sometimes we confuse our American rights, with our Christian rights,...and we begin to grumble, complain, and get by with as little as we can. But as Christians, we should be the most conscientious and virtuous employees, husbands and wives, or citizens,...no matter where we are, or what our circumstance. Why? What is the motivation for such constancy and integrity, in the midst of a lazy and selfish culture? Paul reminds us simply that we are "serving the Lord ", in all that we do.

No matter what responsibility or opportunity we may be given, we are ultimately to understand that it comes from God,
...and that we are to perform the duty for His sake, and for His pleasure.

 

Holy Spirit, keep us mindful of what we do, and for Whom we do it. Let the works of our hearts and hands be pleasing to God. Amen.

 

"By faith, we are able to accept, that which we cannot understand."

Thank God, For Faith And Love

Good Morning, Great Monday!! Where does faith in Jesus Christ come from? How does one come to truly love Jesus Christ, and others. With uncommon delicacy and diplomacy, Paul is careful to place the credit where it is due,...entirely with God, as addresses his Christian brother Philemon. It is God who is to be thanked, Paul clearly implies, even for Philemon's love and faith in Christ.

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all His holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.—Philemon 4-5 (NIV)

 While Paul does describe the love and faith as being Philemon's own ("your"),...he is giving God the thanks for it. (as he does in every other epistle) God is the author and finisher of true, Christ-centered faith. God is the spring from which all genuine love for Jesus and His people comes.

We must remember to whom we should pray, and why,...for love and faith.

Father God, we  thank You for the grace of love, and the mercy of faith, in Jesus Christ,...and we pray to You for more. Amen.

"By faith, we are able to accept, that which we cannot understand."

Forgiveness

Good Morning!! Learn to "L.I.G." Let It Go! How must God's elect, respond to God's gift of salvation? How should those who themselves have been  forgiven of every offense, then, behave, towards others?

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.—Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV)

"Even as Christ forgave you," Paul says, you ought to forgive,...with the same unconditional, and complete absolution. This is an explicit connection between the forgiveness that the elect have in Christ, and the forgiveness that all believers ought to practice. And how broadly does the command apply? If any one has anything against any one! We cannot claim that anyone is too insignificant, or that any offense is too significant, for us to pardon. After all, weren't we insignificant, in relation to God, when He forgave us? God is so gracious.

We are to exercise forbearance and forgiveness, wherever we go,...and with whomever we come in contact.

Holy Spirit of God, keep us conscious of the greatness of God's grace to us. Remind us of how utterly undeserving we are of His continued forbearance. We want to get to a place, where there will be no hesitation on our part, to reflect God's goodness and mercy,...even to those we see as the most unpleasant, and abusive of people. Amen.

"Feed your faith with God's promises,...and you'll starve your doubts." 

Reconciliation

Good Morning!! "Reconciliation", the bringing together of two parties that were previously at odds,...this how Paul frequently sums up the accomplishment of the cross. In Colossians Paul describes in detail why this reconciliation was necessary,...that is to say; there is not a person in the world who is by nature at peace with God. While we love to invent our own ideas and images of God, we resist His authority over us, and His self-revelation to us, by way of the Bible. We just want what we want, our way.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—Colossians 1:21-22 (NIV)

 And for this reason, we are unacceptable in God's sight. He is good and we are evil. He is right and we are wrong. He is holy and we are dirty. But Jesus, has reconciled us through His death on the cross. And the clear implication is that, for those who are now in Christ, they have been reconciled to God in their minds and in their actions. We now strive to please and uphold God's glory.

 When God sees us in Christ, He views us as Holy, unblameable, and unreproveable!

 Thank You Father God, our reconciliation has been made possible only by the blood of Christ. Amen.

"Feed your faith with God's promises,...and you'll starve your doubts."

God, Our Father

Good Morning!! God is the father of our very existence. We would not be here, if it were not for His creating, sustaining power. We enjoy the "privilege" of being. It is for this reason the psalmist writes, "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker". All creation owes God praise and submission,...if for no other reason, than that of His unique position, as our maker.

But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.—Isaiah 64:8 (NKJV)

Our obligation to our maker is so plain, and so complete, that Isaiah pronounces a curse upon all those who question God's authority: "Woe to him who strives with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth! Shall the clay say to him who forms it, 'What are you making?' Or shall your handiwork say, 'He has no hands?' Woe to him who says to his father, ‘What are you begetting?' Or to the woman, 'What have you brought forth?'"(Isaiah 45:9-10). And finally, Jesus encourages those who are adopted into the family of God, to address Him in prayer in this warm and intimate language: "our Father, which art in heaven."

We now enjoy not only the privilege of existence, but also the astonishing favor of salvation!

Thank You Jesus, by Your perfect work on the cross we are able to call the God of the universe "Father." Amen.

"Feed your faith with God's promises,...and you'll starve your doubts."

Prayer

Good Morning!! Every word of Jesus' model prayer is remarkable, and vital,...but it's especially important to notice first, what He puts first. He begins with these wonderful and welcoming words: our Father. Even God's chosen people,...the people of Israel, had never been encouraged to approach God, with such familiarity and warmth, in the Old Testament. While it's true, that Jesus addressed almost every one of His prayers to His "Father",...it's so unexpected, and a pleasant surprise, for Him to beckon us to enjoy that same intimacy. Yet, in the same breath, Jesus reminds us not to grow complacent or presumptuous in the presence of our Father,...because He is no ordinary father,...He is our Father in heaven. But even this is good news, because the very One to whom we are encouraged to pray to, is the One who has the power, authority and wisdom to fulfill our desires, and answer our prayers.

In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.—Matthew 6:9 (NKJV)

No matter how big our issue might be, or how impossible the request might seem,...there is nothing that we cannot bring to our Father in prayer,...and there is nothing that He cannot do. And what is to be the first request on our lips, the chief desire of our hearts? Hallowed be Your name. Recognizing that our heavenly Father is worthy of our every praise and devotion, we are to hallow (set apart and above) His name in our hearts. If His name is sacred in our hearts, then His name will be consecrated in our choices,...our actions,...our lives.

The heavens are His throne and the earth is His footstool.

Our dear and Heavenly Father, may Your great name forever be hallowed, in our mouths and hearts! Amen.

"Feed your faith with God's promises,...and you'll starve your doubts."