Today's Reading: "It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for Him." (Philippians 1:29)
God reveals His majesty in Exodus 33:18-23; 34:1-8. Isaiah 45:5-7 God says there is none other beside Him. Throughout the Bible, the LORD speaks of His graciousness and compassion toward us. Yet, in here in Philippians, the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul is actually encouraging the church in their suffering--even going as far as to sugest that suffering is one of a believer's highest privileges or honor. More, Paul seems to imply that suffering is somehow mysteriously tied to our God-given faith in Jesus Christ!
Most of us are all about God's compassion, but when it comes to sharing in Christ's suffering, "Forget it!, "I'm out of here"! I've tried to think of one patriarch or leader of the early church, who didn't experience some level of suffering, trial or testing. There isn't one--or, if there is, let me know!
Scripture reminds us that, "Each heart knows its own bitterness" (Proverbs 14:10). This is why Jesus chose to "share in our humanity" (Hebrews 2:14). And, taking on our humanity, human flesh--He took on our sins. In her book, When God Weeps, Joni Eareckson Tada tells us that while hanging on the cross, it was to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, that God, the Father said, "I hate You, I hate that You lied, You stole, You murdered!" Joni further points that the first time in all eternity, Jesus felt dirty, soiled, ashamed, dark. And, for the first time in all eternity--He experienced God, the Father turning His back on Him--His own Son! Did He suffer? More than we will ever know in this life. This same Jesus who was obedient unto death, for us, for our freedom from sin's captivity--it is He who calls us to trust Him and join Him in suffering!
So, if God spared not His own Son, will we fall prey to satan's lie that because we are God's children we should expect nothing less than the a life of peace and ease? Did Jesus Himself not say, "In this world you will have trouble."? (John 16:33) Today's popular "prosperity" and "name it and claim it" doctrines are dangerous and many are being deceived. Worse, many have fallen away believing their faith is too small! No, beloved, no!
Yes, we will hurt, grieve, mourn and weep in our suffering. Ecclesiastes 3:4 tell us that there is a "time to weep." Weeping is one of God's ways of healing. It helps to remember dear child of the King, that any trial you may be facing has personally been hand-sifted and hand-filtered by God Almighty Himself! His reasoning is always good and wise. Truly know that He has our best interest in His heart. If God wasn't in control of each and every situation in our lives, imagine the result! Satan could come against us without God's protective covering! Now, that is frightening! And, as Joni so wisely points out, "God permits what He hates to achieve what He loves."
Earnestly look for God's hand in whatever trial you may be going through. Yes, remaining faithful can be difficult, but it helps if we always hold tight to the truth that God is good.
Set a godly example in your sufering. You suffer for the glory of God--remember the world is watching!
It also helps to know that in our suffering, you and I are being shaped into the likeness of God's own Son (Romans 5:3)! Read 2 Corinthians 4:7, 8-10. Jesus lives through us, in the midst of our circumstances. Trust yourself into the Potter's hands! He is our Abba, Father--our Daddy!
Let Us Exalt the Lord!
Today's Reading: “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.” (Psalms 145 NIV)
Wow, I looked up the Hebrew word for exalt, which is "ruwm" and it means to lift up. As we read the words of the psalmist, we learn we are to exalt,or lift up our God, our heavenly King! Oh, He is worthy!
Interestingly, it is immediately after raising Lazarus from the dead and His triumphant entry into Jerusalem that Jesus tells His followers, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." (John 12:32 KJV) Note that Jesus did not say He would be exalted by the miracles He performed, but by being "lifted up"! We know now, of course that Jesus was speaking of His imminent death on the cross. Literally "lifted up", hanging bare before a hate-filled world. Yes, indeed, the word “lifted” used in this passage is the word “exalt”! Glory!
Wow, I looked up the Hebrew word for exalt, which is "ruwm" and it means to lift up. As we read the words of the psalmist, we learn we are to exalt,or lift up our God, our heavenly King! Oh, He is worthy!
Interestingly, it is immediately after raising Lazarus from the dead and His triumphant entry into Jerusalem that Jesus tells His followers, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." (John 12:32 KJV) Note that Jesus did not say He would be exalted by the miracles He performed, but by being "lifted up"! We know now, of course that Jesus was speaking of His imminent death on the cross. Literally "lifted up", hanging bare before a hate-filled world. Yes, indeed, the word “lifted” used in this passage is the word “exalt”! Glory!
Jesus Christ: Fully Able to Rescue and Satisfy!
Today's Reading: "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." (Isaiah 55:1-2)
"Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress." (Psalms 71:2-3)
I can't explain it, but I feel like for all my (too many) years, I have been wandering around in the same old desert. Different view, different situations, different people--but the same desert all the same! God has been and is still calling me to unquestionable and complete obedience, and thus far, I have only been willing to go part-way. Oh, don't you just love His patience--thank God Almighty for it! (Matthew 18:23-27) There are many personal reasons (excuses) why, but I find that I am still trying to satisfy my soul's longing with "things" or people, and I know that is not what God wants for me. I can tell you this--the cost of following Christ in even partial obedience has already been great! I am not sure I have come to the full realization of that cost and that's scary!
Perhaps it was Beth Moore's teaching, "Believing God" that has been the catapult that has brought all these revelations to the surface. Yes, I keep wanting to "push "issues" further down into the wastebasket and sit a rock on them" rather than placing the issues on the Rock of Christ Jesus and letting Him deal with them! (You have to do the study to fully understand that statement!)
I vividly remember the pain of that very young child of long ago, feeling so unwanted and unloved, crying out for someone, anyone to love me--really, to rescue me! I can still see my face pressed against the car glass as the tears streamed down my face! Oh, dear friends, Jesus did rescue me! But, I know that little girl is still crying out! I need more rescuing!
Still, as much as I fight against it (God's will for my life), I know I am where God wants me to be. Though, I have to admit, I often feel much like a dear, recently widowed, friend of mine must have felt having to move into that tiny room, all alone, surrounded by a ceiling high mound of storage boxes. No place to lay her head.
"Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress." (Psalms 71:2-3)
I can't explain it, but I feel like for all my (too many) years, I have been wandering around in the same old desert. Different view, different situations, different people--but the same desert all the same! God has been and is still calling me to unquestionable and complete obedience, and thus far, I have only been willing to go part-way. Oh, don't you just love His patience--thank God Almighty for it! (Matthew 18:23-27) There are many personal reasons (excuses) why, but I find that I am still trying to satisfy my soul's longing with "things" or people, and I know that is not what God wants for me. I can tell you this--the cost of following Christ in even partial obedience has already been great! I am not sure I have come to the full realization of that cost and that's scary!
Perhaps it was Beth Moore's teaching, "Believing God" that has been the catapult that has brought all these revelations to the surface. Yes, I keep wanting to "push "issues" further down into the wastebasket and sit a rock on them" rather than placing the issues on the Rock of Christ Jesus and letting Him deal with them! (You have to do the study to fully understand that statement!)
I vividly remember the pain of that very young child of long ago, feeling so unwanted and unloved, crying out for someone, anyone to love me--really, to rescue me! I can still see my face pressed against the car glass as the tears streamed down my face! Oh, dear friends, Jesus did rescue me! But, I know that little girl is still crying out! I need more rescuing!
Still, as much as I fight against it (God's will for my life), I know I am where God wants me to be. Though, I have to admit, I often feel much like a dear, recently widowed, friend of mine must have felt having to move into that tiny room, all alone, surrounded by a ceiling high mound of storage boxes. No place to lay her head.
Do Politics and Trust Mix?
Today's Reading: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." (Psalms 20:7)
Admittedly, over the past several years, I have held to the hope that "chariots" and "horses" -- the strength of our wonderful democracy would be the driving force to change our country's sure and deadly course (if not the hearts of our fellow countrymen)! How flawed was my thinking--how "worldly minded"! Even so, should the Lord tarry in His coming, I do believe that as a Christ follower, I have the moral responsibility to do all that I can to make a difference in this world. In America, the "secular" way to do so is through our political system and through our God-given (not to mention constitutional) right of freedom of speech!
You and I both know that our God is more than able to bring about change in the life of an individual. He is able to do so for an entire peoples. More than any other time in history, Christians should be on their knees praying for a "spiritual reawakening, for revival--in our own hearts and for our land. Sadly and joyfully (if you are a believer, you will understand why I would say this in such a way), it appears that God is moving closer and closer to that period in time where "scoffers" (2 Peter 3:3) and "lawlessness" (2 Thessalonians 2) will abound. As believers, this does not in anyway relieve us of the responsibility to voice or vote our consciences. I will do that to the death! I hate that it may come to that!
What is happening in our land today reminds me of the book of Daniel. Hatred and spiritual persecution had reached the point where Daniel was forbidden to openly pray to God (Sounds like the majority of American's approach to God and any mention of God and/or prayer in public places today, doesn't it?). Still, not content, they moved to force Daniel to bow down in worship to the king or his image which was made by human hands. Daniel chose to be thrown into the lion's den than stop worshipping and honoring his God. Today, we're being asked to "bow down" to the image of "political correctness"--to "tolerance"--to "accepted world views". God forbid! My prayer is that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we will be given the same steadfast strength as our brother in the faith, Daniel. Like Daniel, we must stand with our God and not be fearful of what others may think or do to us. Remember, dear friend, Daniel was delivered! We shall be delivered, too! Our God is called Faithful!
Admittedly, over the past several years, I have held to the hope that "chariots" and "horses" -- the strength of our wonderful democracy would be the driving force to change our country's sure and deadly course (if not the hearts of our fellow countrymen)! How flawed was my thinking--how "worldly minded"! Even so, should the Lord tarry in His coming, I do believe that as a Christ follower, I have the moral responsibility to do all that I can to make a difference in this world. In America, the "secular" way to do so is through our political system and through our God-given (not to mention constitutional) right of freedom of speech!
You and I both know that our God is more than able to bring about change in the life of an individual. He is able to do so for an entire peoples. More than any other time in history, Christians should be on their knees praying for a "spiritual reawakening, for revival--in our own hearts and for our land. Sadly and joyfully (if you are a believer, you will understand why I would say this in such a way), it appears that God is moving closer and closer to that period in time where "scoffers" (2 Peter 3:3) and "lawlessness" (2 Thessalonians 2) will abound. As believers, this does not in anyway relieve us of the responsibility to voice or vote our consciences. I will do that to the death! I hate that it may come to that!
What is happening in our land today reminds me of the book of Daniel. Hatred and spiritual persecution had reached the point where Daniel was forbidden to openly pray to God (Sounds like the majority of American's approach to God and any mention of God and/or prayer in public places today, doesn't it?). Still, not content, they moved to force Daniel to bow down in worship to the king or his image which was made by human hands. Daniel chose to be thrown into the lion's den than stop worshipping and honoring his God. Today, we're being asked to "bow down" to the image of "political correctness"--to "tolerance"--to "accepted world views". God forbid! My prayer is that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we will be given the same steadfast strength as our brother in the faith, Daniel. Like Daniel, we must stand with our God and not be fearful of what others may think or do to us. Remember, dear friend, Daniel was delivered! We shall be delivered, too! Our God is called Faithful!
What Are the Required "Works" of God?
Today's Readings: "Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." (John 6:28-29)
"As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:11-13)
There is a rest offered to both Jew and Gentile alike, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) We can cease from our labors (our own supposed good works under the law) and rest in the work of God that was accomplished in Christ Jesus upon the cross. In Isaiah 40:4;42:16 God promised to “make the crooked way straight” for us. In Mark 10:27 Jesus says, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible. “
One day we will put off this flesh that troubles us so. Yes, we still sin--until He who is without sin comes. But, Christ was made a propitiation for our sin. (Romans 3:25, 1 John 2:2; 4:10) Lay down your burden today. Rest in Him. He paid the price. (John 19:28-30) The words Jesus used as he hung dying on the cross were, "It is finished." Finished comes from the greek word "tello" which implies that a specific goal or purpose has been properly and ultimately met. Of course, as believers, we know that that purpose was to bring many sons and daughters to the Father. (Hebrews 2:10) Literally, "tello" can be translated as "paid in full"! Beloved of God, believe! Christ has promised on that day (the day of Christ’s return) we wont’ be ashamed. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man that he should lie”. Cease from your toil and your worry--trust and believe on Christ, the solid Rock today!
"As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:11-13)
There is a rest offered to both Jew and Gentile alike, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) We can cease from our labors (our own supposed good works under the law) and rest in the work of God that was accomplished in Christ Jesus upon the cross. In Isaiah 40:4;42:16 God promised to “make the crooked way straight” for us. In Mark 10:27 Jesus says, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible. “
One day we will put off this flesh that troubles us so. Yes, we still sin--until He who is without sin comes. But, Christ was made a propitiation for our sin. (Romans 3:25, 1 John 2:2; 4:10) Lay down your burden today. Rest in Him. He paid the price. (John 19:28-30) The words Jesus used as he hung dying on the cross were, "It is finished." Finished comes from the greek word "tello" which implies that a specific goal or purpose has been properly and ultimately met. Of course, as believers, we know that that purpose was to bring many sons and daughters to the Father. (Hebrews 2:10) Literally, "tello" can be translated as "paid in full"! Beloved of God, believe! Christ has promised on that day (the day of Christ’s return) we wont’ be ashamed. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man that he should lie”. Cease from your toil and your worry--trust and believe on Christ, the solid Rock today!
The "Great and Marvelous" Work of Christ!
Today's Reading: "...Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." (Revelation 15:3b KJV)
Jesus, friend of sinners (Luke 7:34 ) has become the King of saints. How? His "great and marvelous works", His "just and true ways". Man could never hope to attain to the moral requirements of a just and holy God. Who among us has ever kept His commandments? “There are none righteous, no not one.” (Romans 3:10) Yet, how is it we are called saints? Being human we are sinful from birth (Genesis 8:21) and the just wage of our sin is death (Romans 6:23) But, “great and marvelous are thy works…” God has provided the Way - the Righteous for the unrighteous; the Just for the unjust (John 3:16). The Great Shepherd has become our sacrificial Lamb. The cross? Why, the shame of the cross has become the glory of our salvation! Christ’s own blood was spilled on God’s mercy seat and atonement for our sin was complete (Herbrews 9:1-15)! Once and for all! (Oh, there are two ways of looking at that verse--Jesus's blood was spilled once for all people and once for all our sin. Glory!) Shepherd, Lamb, High Priest, Intercessor! Let us marvel at the cost of our sainthood. What an awesome God we serve! His wisdom is beyond understanding!
Jesus, friend of sinners (Luke 7:34 ) has become the King of saints. How? His "great and marvelous works", His "just and true ways". Man could never hope to attain to the moral requirements of a just and holy God. Who among us has ever kept His commandments? “There are none righteous, no not one.” (Romans 3:10) Yet, how is it we are called saints? Being human we are sinful from birth (Genesis 8:21) and the just wage of our sin is death (Romans 6:23) But, “great and marvelous are thy works…” God has provided the Way - the Righteous for the unrighteous; the Just for the unjust (John 3:16). The Great Shepherd has become our sacrificial Lamb. The cross? Why, the shame of the cross has become the glory of our salvation! Christ’s own blood was spilled on God’s mercy seat and atonement for our sin was complete (Herbrews 9:1-15)! Once and for all! (Oh, there are two ways of looking at that verse--Jesus's blood was spilled once for all people and once for all our sin. Glory!) Shepherd, Lamb, High Priest, Intercessor! Let us marvel at the cost of our sainthood. What an awesome God we serve! His wisdom is beyond understanding!
Love Expressed!
Today's Reading: "Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:8)
Love is an action that must be expressed, very much like the act of breathing. Unless love is expressed in action we, and the object of our love will dry up, wither away and die!
Perhaps, love is best illustrated in our relationship with God. God's word says that He loves us--that's good! But, if He had stood by and idly watched as we hopelessly died in our sins--then, hearing about His love would mean nothing to us! It would be love making that dull "thug" sound! (1 Corinthians 13:1)
Much to our great joy, God put His love into action, or expression by sending His very own Son, Jesus Christ! God’s love, expressed in, through and by His own Son, became our sin and shame, and received our death sentence. More, praise God, this same expressive action of love brought us into a right relationship with our Abba, Father! Christ’s death meant our life! Now, that’s love in action! And, as the song goes, "...the pieces fit!"
May each and everyone one of you come to know and experience God's agape love expressed in its fullest revelation--Jesus Christ!
Love is an action that must be expressed, very much like the act of breathing. Unless love is expressed in action we, and the object of our love will dry up, wither away and die!
Perhaps, love is best illustrated in our relationship with God. God's word says that He loves us--that's good! But, if He had stood by and idly watched as we hopelessly died in our sins--then, hearing about His love would mean nothing to us! It would be love making that dull "thug" sound! (1 Corinthians 13:1)
Much to our great joy, God put His love into action, or expression by sending His very own Son, Jesus Christ! God’s love, expressed in, through and by His own Son, became our sin and shame, and received our death sentence. More, praise God, this same expressive action of love brought us into a right relationship with our Abba, Father! Christ’s death meant our life! Now, that’s love in action! And, as the song goes, "...the pieces fit!"
May each and everyone one of you come to know and experience God's agape love expressed in its fullest revelation--Jesus Christ!
Where is His Coming?
Today's Reading: "First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this `coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." (2 Peter 3:3-4)
Many today dare to fault God because they do not believe in His Son, Jesus Christ! Their reasoning is that believers have been awaiting His return for generations. Yet, He has not returned as He promised. 2 Peter 3 goes on to say this about the coming of the Lord:
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation…” (2 Peter 3:8-15)
Sadly, there probably will be more people in hell than in heaven, but you can be assured that each and every person who ends up there will have been given at least one revelation of the God's truth about His Son, Jesus Christ. That the offer of salvation was given!
“For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools…” (Romans 1:20-22)
Now, here is where you and I, as believers and followers of Christ, fit in--we have a God-given responsibility to snatch as many as we can away from the fires of hell:
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
“As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:11-15)
We have to ask ourselves this question, "Am I doing all I can to invite, others into God's family through His Son, Jesus Christ?" "Am I desperate to pull others back from the fire?" Oh, I pray we can all shout, Yes, Lord, Yes!
Oh, beloved, pray that God will raise up believers this day--mighty men and women of valor and courage--prepared workers who are anticipating, even yearning for God's mighty harvest!
Beloved, never be ashamed of Christ, or your faith in His return! He is faithful who has promised (Hebrews 10:23)!
Many today dare to fault God because they do not believe in His Son, Jesus Christ! Their reasoning is that believers have been awaiting His return for generations. Yet, He has not returned as He promised. 2 Peter 3 goes on to say this about the coming of the Lord:
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation…” (2 Peter 3:8-15)
Sadly, there probably will be more people in hell than in heaven, but you can be assured that each and every person who ends up there will have been given at least one revelation of the God's truth about His Son, Jesus Christ. That the offer of salvation was given!
“For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools…” (Romans 1:20-22)
Now, here is where you and I, as believers and followers of Christ, fit in--we have a God-given responsibility to snatch as many as we can away from the fires of hell:
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
“As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:11-15)
We have to ask ourselves this question, "Am I doing all I can to invite, others into God's family through His Son, Jesus Christ?" "Am I desperate to pull others back from the fire?" Oh, I pray we can all shout, Yes, Lord, Yes!
Oh, beloved, pray that God will raise up believers this day--mighty men and women of valor and courage--prepared workers who are anticipating, even yearning for God's mighty harvest!
Beloved, never be ashamed of Christ, or your faith in His return! He is faithful who has promised (Hebrews 10:23)!
Jesus: The Way, The Truth and The Life!
Today's Reading: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." (John 14:1-7)
Today, many Christians have come under attack for supposed intolerance, lack of "political correctness", yea, even hatred of people of other faiths, or those of no faith at all--because of our assertion that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. In the above passage, Jesus Christ Himself introduces us all to the total exclusion of any other way to God. (Personally, I think this passage should be read, I AM--the Way, the Truth, the Life.)
The word "way" is translated here as a course of life or mode of action. The LORD’S (Jehovah Yahweh—God the Father) "way" is the correct course to take—Jesus is the Way.
Jesus also assures His disciples that He is the Truth: “Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5) “…but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth.” (Daniel 10:21) “This is what the LORD says: "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth…” (Zechariah 8:3)
The word "truth" is translated in the above passages is a certainty, trustworthiness, establishment, faith, right, sure, true.
Jesus goes on to describe Himself as the Life. “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:4) “Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." (John 6:32-33) “Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26) "Life" is translated both literally and figuratively and includes the element of time. Jesus assures his disciples that if they have beheld Jesus, they have in fact beheld the Father!
Do you feel that you know the Father because of Jesus Christ? Oh, I pray you do!
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:1-3) “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him…” (Colossians 1:19) “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…” (Colossians 2:9)
Today, many Christians have come under attack for supposed intolerance, lack of "political correctness", yea, even hatred of people of other faiths, or those of no faith at all--because of our assertion that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. In the above passage, Jesus Christ Himself introduces us all to the total exclusion of any other way to God. (Personally, I think this passage should be read, I AM--the Way, the Truth, the Life.)
The word "way" is translated here as a course of life or mode of action. The LORD’S (Jehovah Yahweh—God the Father) "way" is the correct course to take—Jesus is the Way.
Jesus also assures His disciples that He is the Truth: “Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5) “…but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth.” (Daniel 10:21) “This is what the LORD says: "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth…” (Zechariah 8:3)
The word "truth" is translated in the above passages is a certainty, trustworthiness, establishment, faith, right, sure, true.
Jesus goes on to describe Himself as the Life. “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:4) “Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." (John 6:32-33) “Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26) "Life" is translated both literally and figuratively and includes the element of time. Jesus assures his disciples that if they have beheld Jesus, they have in fact beheld the Father!
Do you feel that you know the Father because of Jesus Christ? Oh, I pray you do!
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:1-3) “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him…” (Colossians 1:19) “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…” (Colossians 2:9)
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