"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified." (Acts 7:59-60)
In Christ Jesus I am justified, redeemed, and glorified. I am beloved, a conqueror, a king, a priest, a lover, a forgiver, a defender of the innocent. I am patient, kind, and humble in Christ Jesus. I please the Father.
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
(Romans 8:18)
If you are going through it, stand firm in the faith. He is nearest to us in our despair.
"It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes."
(Psalm 118:8-9)
Trust in the Lord only and your days will be at peace. Fear not for the Lord is on your side. Men will be made as grass. Seek him and his righteousness and you will find peace.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
(Philippians 4:8-9)
Renew your mind. Have Christ's mind. Think on peaceful things, true things, just things. Love the Lord your God and peace will be with you all the days. - CD
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
(Romans 8:28)
You are called. Therefore we know that all things work together for good to them that love God. We love God because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19).
- CD
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
(John 3:16-18)
One of the most quoted verse in the bible. I don't think people understand the significance of these verses. You are saved if you believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ. God sent his Son so that we can understand that he is not condemning us. Let me say that again NOT condemning us. Stop condemning yourself. Believe in the finished work of Jesus. - CD
"Even every one that is called by my name: For I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him." (Isaiah 43:7)
He created he them in His image for His glory. - CD
"A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed. " (Matthew 6:4)
Stop waiting for an external sign. Stop looking without. Start looking within, he has transformed you from death to life. The King has changed your heart and renewed your mind. You no longer follow the ways of the world. You keep His words and His commandments. You know that they are life, truth, and life everlasting. You trust in the Lord. The veil has been lifted. Let those who have eyes see, and those who have ears hear. For the kingdom of God is here. - CD
"My soul, wait thou only upon God; For my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, Pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. " (Psalm 62:5-8)
What is your idol? Who is your idol? For only God is my salvation. Are you your own idol? Do you think that you have the righteousness to enter into the kingdom of God? No, humble yourself before God and he will exalt you (James 4:10). For his name sake will he make you clean. For his pleasure are you glorified.
- CD
"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:16-19)
It is finished, Jesus said. My trust is in Jesus Christ. My hope is in Jesus Christ. I will not fear. My trust is in Jesus Christ and not myself. My hope is in Jesus Christ and not myself. Fear is idolatry for self or the flesh. The spirit of fear and bondage is not of God (2 Timothy 1:7). We are free in Christ. - CD
"Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" (Genesis 3:1)
The serpent can only sow doubt, that is his main aim, is to sow doubt in the word of God. He asks questions to invoke doubt. Doubt that God is not with you, that he does not love you. We've replaced the word of God with fictional and vain philosophy of man. The rules of men. Thinking we were wise we became fools (Romans 1:22). God is loving, merciful, righteous but we choose to listen to the doubt. We listen to the voice that tells us that it is survival of the fittest. We horde, we consume, we steal, kill, and destroy for resources when God provides all. Do we not trust in God? Has he not proven himself to us by the creation of the world? Are we blind to our own righteousness? A man-made righteousness? - CD
"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, And as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth Before all the nations." (Isaiah 61:10-11)
When you place your trust in the Lord, he will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth like a flower in spring. No effort but the effort of standing in the faith was allotted to humans. Just as we plant a garden, we know that a flower will bud. Just as we live and breath the word of God so will a flower bud in us. The word of God is the seed, the water, and the light that continually change our hearts and minds for his kingdom and glory. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and he will straigten your path. - CD
"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Be kind to one another, you never know what the other person is going through. To walk in love is to lay down your life for your friend (John 15:13) - CL
"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4:11)
God created all things for his pleasure. - CD
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." (Hebrews 12:2)
Jesus is our author and finisher. He is the alpha and omega. No one can remove us from his hands (John 10:28). He is who was, who is, and who is to become. It was not because Abraham had great faith in himself that was accounted to him for righteousness but faith in God because he knew who God was. Jesus is faithful, loving, merciful, longsuffering, kind, forgiving, compassionate, king, lord, father. He is who Abraham put his faith in. He is who Moses put his faith in. He is who Joshua put his faith in. He is who Paul put his faith in. It is not us who is faithful but Him who is faithful. - CD
"And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)
Stop looking without and start looking within. The Father has not left us alone (John 8:29). He is with us. The kingdom of God is within you and I. This same Spirit resurrected Jesus Christ (Romans 8:11). Seek therefore not the riches of this world but seek glory, honor, and everlasting life (Romans 2:7). Do not forgo your inheritance, do not listen to the wiles of the devil. Pray for unbelief to depart from you. For glory to the one true living God Jesus Christ. - CD
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." (Genesis 2:26)
We are created in God's image. That means we have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth. People think that this is just physical things, indeed they are but this is dominion over your mind, heart (emotions), soul, as well. So take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 10:5). Do not forget your inheritance in Christ Jesus, which is a son, who has authority over all things. Listen to the Lord's commandment and subdue it (Genesis 1:28). - CD
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
Nothing. Not a thing in this world can separate you from the love of God which is Christ Jesus. Not something you did. Not something you are doing. Not something you will do in the future. He is God, he is before us and behind us. Trust in him. - CD
"And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:3-4)
When you are most vulnerable the devil will start questioning. Start accusing. That is why you must be in the word. You not only live by bread by by every word of God. Stand strong in the faith. - CD
"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. " (Luke 14:26)
This may be harsh words for some. But only if the person saying it were not Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. God our creator the One who created our father, mother, wife, children, brother, sister, your own life. Life comes from him. Your main profession in this world is being his disciple, his follower. Everything else is a side hustle. Your true identity is being his son. You are not an accountant, a programmer, an athlete. You are a son of God. A son is obedient to the Father's words. The word of the Father is truth. - CD
"And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him." (John 8:29)
Jesus manifested in the flesh to reveal to us who God actually is, that is, a Father. Somehow, someway through the wickedness of the human heart the Israelites lost this crucial understanding of God. They mangled the message of a loving Father to that of a slithering serpent. They listened not to the voice of the Father but to their own wicked hearts. They wanted power so they stole, killed, and destroyed (John 10:10). Not understanding that the promise of eternal and everlasting life was to come. Instead they fed their flesh with earthly riches instead of caring for the poor, needy, and orphans.
- CD
"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence." (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)
I love these words that Paul has written to the Corinthians. It is an enormous humble sandwich to my prideful face. Yes you are called. Yes God chose you. Not because you are intelligent, strong, patient, kind, name your numerous virtues. Au contraire, you are called because you are weak, despised, broken. Just as the builders rejected the cornerstone (Psalm 118:22), so will God choose things which are unworthy in this world to glorify him. Sarah and Abraham was desolate. Moses had speech and anger issues. David became prideful and adulterous. Solomon was arrogant. The list goes on and on. We are not the heroes, God is. If we are honest with ourselves and with God he is faithful to forgive and cleanse us from our unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). But you must be authentic with him. I am prideful, wrathful, impatient, but God will give me his grace and his righteousness. - CD
"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. " (1 Corinthians 1:17-18)
The gospel is simple. God manifested in a man name Jesus Christ and died for our sins because he loves us and brought us back into relationship with him (1 Timothy 3:16). When we are of the world we do not even understand why he had to die for us, sin has affected us so badly that it is night and day. Because to us the cross is the glory of God but to them it is foolishness. They cannot fathom the wisdom that is of God because they do not have the Spirit of God. The glory of God is the power of the cross, the laying down of ones life, the authority, the discipline, the obedience, the faith, the courage it took to lay down your life for another (John 10:17-18). That is the glory of God. - CD
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. " (Luke 9:23-24)
Life. Life sucks sometimes. Sometimes all we want to do is pout, shout, and cry. The cross we take up daily is not overlooked by God. Hope in him. Jesus took the punishment for our sins on that cross. He chose to lay down his life for us (John 15:13). The Father loves the Son because he lay down his own life (John 10:17-18). - CD
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16)
The Greek word that is translated by inspiration is "theopneustos", which is a compound word comprised of "theo", God, and "pneo" or "pneuma", which is breath, to blow, spirit. In other words All of scripture is God-breathed, which is a fancy way of saying God speaking, because when you are speaking you exhale out, you breath out. So, if we want to hear the voice of God we need to turn to the scriptures. What this also means is that the scriptures are inerrant because it is God Himself speaking who has no darkness in Him at all (1 John 1:5). - DY
"And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise." (Galatians 3:17-18)
You cannot accept a promise through your own works. You can only obtain a promise through trust and faith in He that is faithful. To get a bit theological I truly believe that the original sin was distrust and unbelief. Adam and Eve chose to believe the serpents words over God. That God was holding back his blessings from them, that they needed to do something more, more knowledge, more wisdom, more works. Instead of trusting in what God had given and told them they listened to the serpent. Once that seed was sown the deception continued. Cain thought that God was holding back so slew is brother Abel. But through Abraham's faith of God's promise a Son is born, a child given (Isaiah 9:6). The faith of Jesus Christ is perfect. The promise fulfilled. God has once clothed us in his Son Jesus Christ (Genesis 3:21). - CD
"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
Immanuel. God with us. Contemplate on that idea for a moment. Or this moment... cause God is with us in every moment. Not an unknown God, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He wanted to dwell with his people so he became man. When I was an atheist/agnostic/lost sheep the idea of an intimate God was unknown to me. At times I thought what a strange world this was that I had these intricate thoughts and perceptions and experiences and that they were as vapor and no one cared. It was lonely, it was self-indulgent, it was worldy. But now I know that Jesus died for me, so that I can be close to God again. He saved me. Therefore, I will praise him all the day of my life. - CD
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9)
Sometimes I find myself in a web of anxious thoughts. "Am I good enough?", "Why do I feel so worthless?", "Where is God?", it feels as though I am a prisoner to these thoughts. The parable of the unclean spirit (Matthew 12-43-45) indicates that even after we have purged the bad thoughts out we should be careful to replace them good things, not leaving it empty. - CD
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jerimiah 29:11-13)
Jesus loves you. He has wonderful thoughts for you. He is in control and wants a good things for you. Seek him and you willl find him. - CD
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5)
Jesus is our nourisher. He is the fountain of living water (Jeremiah 2:13, John 4:10) and the bread of life (John 6:35). Without Him we will wither away. Without Him we will not be able to bear fruits. But when we abide in Him, meaning when we love Him, obey Him, and trust Him we are united with Him and through our union with Him will we be able to bring forth good fruit, works. Otherwise without Him we can do nothing because the fruits without Jesus will be corrupted by our evil hearts - DY
"A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: If then I be a father, where is mine honour? And if I be a master, where is my fear? Saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?" (Malachi 1:6)
We profess that God is our Father and master but do we honor him as we should? Do we fear him and follow his commandments? Or do we honor and fear men? Fearing the Lord and keeping his commandments is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13). People misunderstand the Fear of the Lord. They think it is a kind of terror or despair feeling, something you run away from. No, it is something you run to. The reverence and awe that the Lord has created all things and is omnipotent so why would you give fear to any man on this earth that shall die (Isaiah 51:12). To put it bluntly, "put some respect" on the name of the Lord. - CD
"Commit thy works unto the LORD, And thy thoughts shall be established." (Proverbs 16:3)
In whatever you do, commit your works unto the Lord. He will provide your thoughts, direct your steps (16:9) and put his words in (Isaiah 59:21). So fear not. The Lord is with you. - CD
"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." (Deuteronomy 6:5)
The first and greatest commandment of all is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might. There was never a need for any other commandment than this. As humanity kept falling into sin and turning away from God, we came up with other "laws" and restrictions that only further boast sin and gave strength to sin (1 Corinthians 15:56). God does not require sacrifices and vain rituals. He wants your heart. All of it. - CD
"Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by." (John 8:58-59)
Jesus saying He is God, by using "I am" which is the name God revealed to Moses. The Jews understood what Jesus was saying and that is why they wanted to stone Him to death. So don't let anyone tell you Jesus didn't say He was God or that Jesus isn't God. - DY
"The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed." (John 8:8)
Speak the word only. If the Lord speaks it, it is reality. So pray that the Lord speak it into your life. - CD
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
I am always conflicted, asking God, pleading to God if I am on the right path, if I am on the narrow path. With so many doctrines and conflicting ideas in the world how am I to know which is the right path? With the knowledge that my mind is wicked, that I am deep in sin, how can I know where the righteous path is? How can I fight for righteousness if I am in sin? How can I judge others when I am not righteous? I find myself being self-righteous when I believe I am more obedient than the next. How do I discern between my vain imagination and that of God? Peace. The LORD says to me. Peace I give unto you. My measuring stick of faith is peace. For the Holy Spirit is a Comforter. When I don't have peace, then I've idolized something above God. I think the problem is larger than God. I think I am greater than God. I believe the world over the Word. - CD
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." (Matthew 13:44-46)
Once you find the Lord, once you have had a taste for the kingdom of heaven, you realize that there is nothing in this world that can be more valuable. If you have not yet found that which is priceless, then ask, and it shall be given, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened (Matthew 7:7). Notice in the parable that the man finds, hides, and sells. You must seek with faith, hoping in the promises of God. Run so that you may obtain (1 Corinthians 9:24). If you are having trouble walking in faith then crawl, but do not stop. Pray, praise, worship, and read scriptures. - CD
"What shall I render unto the LORD for all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the LORD" (Psalm 116:12-13)
There is nothing we can give or add to the LORD for He is all-sufficient and all of heavens and earth is His. Despite that the LORD condescended Himself (Philippians 2:7) and drank the cup of the wine of wrath (Psalm 75:8, Luke 22:42), so that you and I can drink the cup of salvation. This should lead us to shout with joy and boast in our magnificent Lord. Now, calling upon the name of the LORD doesn't mean just saying His name and giving lip service, but it means for us to worship Him, obey Him, serve Him, trust Him, and place our faith in Him. How can we not call upon the name of our Lord and God, Jesus Christ knowing He has redeemed us and gives us the cup of salvation to drink from? - DY
"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple." (Psalm 27:4)
My favorite psalm. To behold the beauty of the Lord. To know the Lord is the most wonderful and highest thing in this world we can ever achieve. In a world where it promises you comfort, peace, and love through drugs, money, status, pick your replacement. But nothing can replace the need for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We cannot fulfill what is infinite with finite things. For we were made for him and only through him can we be satisfied. - CD
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)
This is a war. A war not after the flesh but against spiritual things against the knowledge of God. So be sober and vigilant (1 Peter 5:8) against such thoughts that are not true, just, lovely (Philippians 4:8). May God bless you in all your ways. In Jesus name amen.
"A man’s heart deviseth his way: But the LORD directeth his steps." (Proverbs 16:19)
The Lord is with you in each and every step. Take your time and be diligent. Wait patiently for the Lord and he will make your path straight.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The accuser will be loud at times, brining into foreground that which has passed. He will start bringing up your past sins, your past transgressions. Good. Let him. For we have an advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1). We have become a new creation, with a new song, a new name, a new heart, and a new spirit in Christ Jesus our Lord. May you have renewal in your life with, in the name of our God Jesus Christ. Amen.
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." (1 John 3:1)
If you are having a difficult time in believing that God loves you, read John the beloved's letters, they all point to the character of God. When the accuser starts persecuting you, know your true identity in Christ. You are a son of God. Hold tightly to that identity, for it is the only true identity. Even you cannot deny yourself this eternal identity with the Father. No man can pluck them out of his hands (John 10:28).
"How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: When I awake, I am still with thee." (Psalm 139:17-18)
Psalm 139 describes the omnipresence of God. He knows us intimately and his thoughts for us, for you is innumerable. Ponder on that for a moment. You will have either one of two reactions to knowing this truth. One of fear or one of absolute comfort. If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ you will have the latter. For he "so loved the world that he gave is only begotten Son" (John 3:16). Take comfort in knowing the creator of the universe is all knowing, all present, and all loving. You might not quite believe me at the current moment but it is the truth. He even knows the number of hair you have (Matthew 10:30). Yes, there is a lot of suffering in the world and possibly in your own life but there is also joy, love, and friendship. May the God of hope and peace be with you. Amen.
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
(Revelation 12:11)
The only thing required for salvation is the blood of the Lamb, that is all. It is finished. Satan, or the accuser will plant seeds of doubt. He will ask, "Am I saved?", "Have I done enough?", no you have not, but someone has, and that someone is the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior and God. Peace be with you.
"Wait on the LORD: Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the LORD." (Psalm 27:14)
I am rather impatient. In an on-demand world where we receive what we want in a 2-day delivery package, we want things fast and we want it now. The thing I have realized was that better things do come for those who wait on the Lord. For example, I am to wait for my wedding band and suit because they are customized to my finger and body. Just as the Lord "customizes" the things we need in our lives, so too should we wait for the personalized things the Lord has instore for us, as long as we wait for him. Abraham was impatient for the Lord's promise and bore a son with his handmaiden, Hagar. We are all guilty of this. We pray and pray, things around us even seem dire and the promise seem like it is escaping our grasp. Abraham and Sarah were both getting older and older. But as disciples, we do not and should not walk by sight. What seems wrong or difficult may be God's way of testing our faith. He is a God of possible. You are not a robot. He handcrafted you from your mother's womb. The mass produced, quick, cheap, and industrialized products of the world are not of God. So wait, on the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
"Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good." (2 Samuel 10:12)
I am currently going through the old testament again and came across this verse that is said twice, right before Joab goes into battle for Israel and another time (1 Samuel 3:18) when Samuel was to deliver "bad" news to Eli his mentor. As humans we do not know what will take place, we only know what we've experienced in the past, other than that we are blind to the future. That is why we put our faith in the word of God. If God says he will take care of you then believe in him. For we walk not by sight but by faith. When things seem bad to our limited human capacity, God will make things good. For he is faithful. Joab puts his trust in the Lord when he says this to his men. He does not know whether he will die in battle or survive, but he does know that God will do that which is good. So, walk in faith, and the Lord Jesus Christ do that which seems good to him. Amen.
"And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?" (Mark 12:10-11)
Have you felt rejected? Not good enough? God always uses the rejected to use for his kingdom. Joseph was rejected by his brothers, Moses was rejected by his nation, David was rejected and finally Jesus was rejected by men. But he is the cornerstone, the head to the church, our God. He is the way, the truth, and the life, yet men reject him. They are ashamed when they look upon him. They wanted, what they perceive, to be a strong and conquering king, not a humble servant. May the God of our Salvation give you good courage and strength. Amen.
"For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers." (Matthew 23:4)
If you find yourself condemned by your own heart and mind by the preachers and priests to follow the commandments of old, rest assured that they themselves probably fail to follow the commandments. We have a new command in the Lord Jesus Christ. That is, to love your neighbor as you love yourself.
"I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, And will not remember thy sins." (Isaiah 43:25)
If you are walking in faith and you stumble remember that God has forgiven us for our sins. He has washed away our transgressions with the blood of the Lamb for his name sake. Do not dwell in shame and guilt. Believe in the word of God and keep your gaze upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Go in peace.
"And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart." (Jeremiah 24:7)
I am a living testimony to the miracle that God has done on my heart. Although still not perfect, he has swapped out my heart of stone for a heart of flesh, a heart that desires to know the Lord. Only through his grace was my wicked heart changed. The desires of my heart was hatred, wrath, and wicked. He has healed and is healing my traumas and has forgiven the hurt I've put out in the world, for his name sake. I pray that you are able to turn back to the Lord God and away from the world. In my Savior's name Jesus Christ. Amen.
"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ" (Philippians 3:7-8)
Seek the Lord. When you seek the Lord you find peace. The seeking of course is narrow but it is worth the pursuit. The broad path to destruction is the pursuit of worldly knowledge. Paul's statement to the Philippians is true. He was a very knowledgeable and zeal man, but to what end when he did not know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Once Jesus revealed himself to Paul, he was changed in an instant. This is the impact of seeking and finding the Lord. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you with wisdom of himself. Amen.
"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:12-13)
Let's keep it simple. Life can be complex. The Holy Bible can at times be difficult to read. But if there is one message that the Lord wants you to take from this book is that we should love one another, as he has loved us. Peace, love, and mercy from our Lord Jesus Christ.
"But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. " (Luke 5:35)
Going off of yesterday's word, I am using the same situation but written in Luke. I like this addition as it expands on this commandment by inserting, "hoping for nothing again", or hoping for nothing to gain. If you've experienced life to the fullest you will surely experience people using you, betraying you, and not giving you the respect you give them. And undeniably you are justified to be mad at said person, but as the children of God we are to carry this burden and give it to God. As he is the righteous Judge that deals with all such things. We can find consolation in the fact that we are, in our small scale, experiencing what Jesus went through. Everybody that went to Jesus, he healed, fed, and fulfilled. Yet, when he was thrown in jail, persecuted and hung, there was only a handful of people still around with him. We must therefore return hatred with kindness, evil with goodness, abomination with holiness. For we are the sons of God. May you have peace and grace from our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; " (Matthew 5:44)
A very difficult command, if not impossible (in this flesh), Jesus tells us to love our enemies if we are to be considered children of our Heavenly Father. This saying does make life peaceful as we are not thrown to and fro, being tossed by the waves of the sea, double minded. If we have only love and forgiveness in our hearts for each and every man, then it is simple (but difficult). Just as our Heavenly Father forgives and is not partial, so we should also act in kindness, gentleness, and patience for all men and in all situations.
The philosophy and doctrine of the world is "you scratch my back, and I scratch your back" but your Father demands a higher calling. Just as Jesus died for our sins and paid for our transgression when we were still yet his enemy, we also should strive to be as the Son. To love and forgive is to be in the presence of God and to seek his face. May peace and love be with you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." (Luke 15:4-7)
God is not mad at you. He rejoices when his lost sheep comes back to him.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)
The Lord promises those who are striving hard to provide for their families, rest. He is not a God that judges unrighteously but will give comfort and rest for your soul. Go to him with your troubles and worries. Walk with him in faith and trust in him. He will make your paths straight and remove fear and anxiety from you. May God our Father give you peace and comfort in your time of distresses in Jesus name. Amen.
"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ." (2 Corinthians 1:5)
Know that in this fallen world, we will suffer, we will go through tribulations but we can take comfort knowing that our Lord Jesus Christ is with us at all times and that there is a purpose to this present suffering. Go to him always for help and understanding. Ask for wisdom in the suffering. Sometimes he calls us to wait, others to flee, and others to fight. May you have peace and comfort in the name our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not." (Isaiah 53:3)
One of my favorite verse from the Bible. I go back to this verse again and again to remind myself that Jesus, the suffering servant understands our pain and suffering. There are days when we feel like the demands of the world are daunting, that the all powerful God does not understand the plight of man, but here in this verse, it shows clearly that God understand our pains and suffering intimately. So, plead out to him, give him your sorrows and griefs. The Lord Jesus understands and will comfort you. May the Prince of Peace give you rest at times of troubles. In Jesus name, amen.