Unchanging Promise Sept 7

Unchanging Promise

When we become tired, discouraged or ill, God never intends for us to be without comfort or hope. For what God has planned, He WILL perform.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest—I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls. [Mt.11:28, AMBT].

Our Lawyer Sept.6

Our Lawyer

When we fail, and we will, Jesus is our eternal lawyer.

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the righteous One.” [1Jo.2:1, NIV].

Atonement Sept.5

Atonement

A famous British preacher said that if anyone really knew what atonement meant, it would be Barabbas in the New Testament who was released at the crucifixion as a substitute for Jesus. [Mt.27:20]

Atonement means just as Jesus took the place of Barabbas at the crucifixion, Jesus takes our place for payment of Sin.

“For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh.” [Ro.8:3, NKJV].

Jesus remains our substitute throughout eternity.

God's Position Sept.4

God’s Position

“Search me, oh God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties.” [Psalm 139:23, NKJV].

The Psalmist appeals to God---not as theologian or philosopher, but trusts in the moral and spiritual value of the Father’s everlasting trustworthiness.

God’s permanent position is to know us and we should know Him.

Heart Search Sept.3

Heart Search

“Then one said to Him, Lord, are there few who are saved?”

Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Lk.23:23-24, NKJV].

On a given day, one of Jesus’ followers asked how many would be saved. I’m not sure the man understood, but “strive you for the narrow gate” may not just refer to finding salvation, but how one listens to God.

Jesus was trying to get the people to really hear Him through the parabolic teachings and many were missing the point.

With the act of accepting Jesus as Christ, The process of salvation pivots upon how we then listen and hear the Holy Spirit leading us through the narrow gate of understanding.

God's Intent Sept.2

God’s Intent

“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.” [Mt.21:43, NKJV].

We have to pay special attention today for our nation.

The above scripture may have referred to the U.S. being formed in the very beginning as a nation who is supposed to maintain the freedom to spread Jesus’ Gospel and Kingdom of heaven.

Your Personal Crosses Sept.1

Your Personal Crosses

“Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” [Mk.10:21, NKJV].

Taking up your personal cross may not mean you sell all like the rich young man. And you may never actually be nailed to a cross, but you may have to endure other subtle crosses like:

1.   A word said about you not true.

2.   A life-long physical malfunction.

3.   A mate who does not agree with you spiritually.

4.   Some other worker getting credit and praise for your ideas.

5.   Some dream or ambition you could never fulfill.

We do not always understand but these and others are when we give thanks for God’s magnificent Grace that sees us through.