Message from Scripture: 4/30/2020
Hello! Today, our message from Scripture comes from Rom. 8:37-39. “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Paul lists a variety of circumstances that can be difficult for us to deal with, situations in life he had to deal with as well, and he reminds us that nothing we encounter in life can separate us from the love of God.
You see, it is a love neither death nor life can change. What we face in life, and the death that follows, are not signs that God doesn’t love us. Nothing life throws our way, not even the reality of death, separates us from God’s love. “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).
Not only this, but it’s a love neither angels nor rulers can alter. We know the angels of God are ministering spirits on our behalf (Heb. 1:14). The rulers mentioned here in Romans may have reference to the power of Satan and his followers. We must also remember Satan only has authority in our lives when we let him have his way with us. No temptation is so overwhelming we are unable to resist it. There is always a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13).
Also, there is no power greater than that of God, and nothing can make God stop loving us. Remember, God is always in control and always there to help us through life, no matter what big thing happens to us in life. “He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”” (Heb. 13:5-6).
When life gets you down, remember God’s love is always there for you. Have a great day today. God bless.
Robert
Bible
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Message from Scripture: 4/29/2020
Good day! Today, our message from Scripture comes from Phil. 3:13-14: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
When we obey the gospel, Christ’s goal for us as His children is to mature, to grow in His image and develop in our relationship with Him, our service for Him. As Paul said in Eph. 4:13, we are to “attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
How can we do this, to live in such a way the measure of our lives is that of the fulness of Christ Himself? In Phil. 3, Paul suggests three things that will help. First, have a wise forgetfulness; forget what lies behind. Let go of those things in your past that will weigh you down, that would draw you back into a sinful lifestyle. Second, have a proper anticipation; strain forward to what lies ahead. Looking forward to the goal of eternal life can help accomplish positive growth in the present. Third, make a steady effort in doing these things; press toward the goal each day. Life in Christ isn’t a sprint, but a marathon; we must remember God blesses our every effort, and each day we should renew ourselves in heading the right direction.
Paul said of his life, as he neared the end of that journey, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7-8). Keep moving forward one step at a time, and growth will come. Have a great day today. Live for Jesus. God bless.
Robert
Good day! Today, our message from Scripture comes from Phil. 3:13-14: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
When we obey the gospel, Christ’s goal for us as His children is to mature, to grow in His image and develop in our relationship with Him, our service for Him. As Paul said in Eph. 4:13, we are to “attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
How can we do this, to live in such a way the measure of our lives is that of the fulness of Christ Himself? In Phil. 3, Paul suggests three things that will help. First, have a wise forgetfulness; forget what lies behind. Let go of those things in your past that will weigh you down, that would draw you back into a sinful lifestyle. Second, have a proper anticipation; strain forward to what lies ahead. Looking forward to the goal of eternal life can help accomplish positive growth in the present. Third, make a steady effort in doing these things; press toward the goal each day. Life in Christ isn’t a sprint, but a marathon; we must remember God blesses our every effort, and each day we should renew ourselves in heading the right direction.
Paul said of his life, as he neared the end of that journey, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7-8). Keep moving forward one step at a time, and growth will come. Have a great day today. Live for Jesus. God bless.
Robert
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Message from Scripture: 4/28/2020
Good day! Today, our message from Scripture comes from Psa. 15:1, where David asked, “O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill?” This question is still important for us today, as dwelling with God is just as important now as at any time in history. How can we have fellowship with God, and assurance of our relationship with Him?
David realized there was value in wanting to have a daily walk with God. Abiding in God’s presence brings safety to us, satisfaction with what we have and who we are in life, and stability in a world that at times is very unstable. He summarized it in Psa. 16:11; “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Since there are all these benefits in having such a life with God, what is it God desires of us, so He may provide us with these, and so many more, blessings? If we return to Psa.15, there are positive things God wants to see in us. We should walk blamelessly, not harboring sin in our lives. We must do what is right, doing good deeds. We should also speak words that are genuine and sincere.
There are also things we must avoid, as well. In Psa. 15, David also says we should refuse to use our tongues destructively, in ways that are hurtful and harmful. Never be guilty of doing evil to your neighbor. Refuse to justify sin and sinners, but honor those who fear God. Refuse to profit from the misfortune of others.
In everyone’s life, there are good qualities to cultivate, and negative issues to avoid. If God’s word is active in our hearts and lives, we can live an unshaken life, fixed firmly in our relationship with Him. Let’s seek that for our lives today; let’s have an unshaken faith. God bless.
Robert
Good day! Today, our message from Scripture comes from Psa. 15:1, where David asked, “O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill?” This question is still important for us today, as dwelling with God is just as important now as at any time in history. How can we have fellowship with God, and assurance of our relationship with Him?
David realized there was value in wanting to have a daily walk with God. Abiding in God’s presence brings safety to us, satisfaction with what we have and who we are in life, and stability in a world that at times is very unstable. He summarized it in Psa. 16:11; “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Since there are all these benefits in having such a life with God, what is it God desires of us, so He may provide us with these, and so many more, blessings? If we return to Psa.15, there are positive things God wants to see in us. We should walk blamelessly, not harboring sin in our lives. We must do what is right, doing good deeds. We should also speak words that are genuine and sincere.
There are also things we must avoid, as well. In Psa. 15, David also says we should refuse to use our tongues destructively, in ways that are hurtful and harmful. Never be guilty of doing evil to your neighbor. Refuse to justify sin and sinners, but honor those who fear God. Refuse to profit from the misfortune of others.
In everyone’s life, there are good qualities to cultivate, and negative issues to avoid. If God’s word is active in our hearts and lives, we can live an unshaken life, fixed firmly in our relationship with Him. Let’s seek that for our lives today; let’s have an unshaken faith. God bless.
Robert
Monday, April 27, 2020
Today, our message from Scripture comes from Matt. 6:1; “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”
I believe it’s within every child to want the love and approval of their parents. To know they care for him or her is as essential as food itself. To hear the words, “I love you,” or “I’m proud of you,” or you’re doing great,” allows their spirits to soar. Of course, at time all children need discipline, but that affirmation of their worth is beyond measure to their being whole and sound, emotionally and spiritually.
It's sad, then, to see us want to replace the acceptance God provides, with the short-lived and sometimes hollow praise from men. Scripture does tell us we should honor to each other (Rom. 12:11), but to seek it for oneself shows we trust ourselves over God, who has given us our talents, our abilities, our opportunities, everything. Without Him we couldn’t exist. How great it is to seek praise from God by submitting ourselves before Him, humbly serving Him, and receive heavenly praises for eternity.
To know God, His Son and the Spirit love us and are for us on, so to speak, is the highest praise. Who are those whom God truly honors? Those whose lives are lived for His glory, not for oneself. The greatest praise we can hear is not what feeds our ego today, but those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21), the very role Christ took for Himself. With these words we enter heaven. Remember today, God does love you, cares for you, and is doing everything to bring you to glory. Have a great day today because your lives are rooted and grounded in Him. God bless.
Robert
I believe it’s within every child to want the love and approval of their parents. To know they care for him or her is as essential as food itself. To hear the words, “I love you,” or “I’m proud of you,” or you’re doing great,” allows their spirits to soar. Of course, at time all children need discipline, but that affirmation of their worth is beyond measure to their being whole and sound, emotionally and spiritually.
It's sad, then, to see us want to replace the acceptance God provides, with the short-lived and sometimes hollow praise from men. Scripture does tell us we should honor to each other (Rom. 12:11), but to seek it for oneself shows we trust ourselves over God, who has given us our talents, our abilities, our opportunities, everything. Without Him we couldn’t exist. How great it is to seek praise from God by submitting ourselves before Him, humbly serving Him, and receive heavenly praises for eternity.
To know God, His Son and the Spirit love us and are for us on, so to speak, is the highest praise. Who are those whom God truly honors? Those whose lives are lived for His glory, not for oneself. The greatest praise we can hear is not what feeds our ego today, but those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21), the very role Christ took for Himself. With these words we enter heaven. Remember today, God does love you, cares for you, and is doing everything to bring you to glory. Have a great day today because your lives are rooted and grounded in Him. God bless.
Robert
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Our message from Scripture comes from John 16:33; “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” This is such a comforting promise our Lord gives us. Let’s consider what He is telling His disciples.
One thing we all know to be true is that life brings suffering. This is true because of Satan at work in our world, of the issues sin brings with it. We feel pressured, especially when it comes to living a faithful life in Christ. Satan does all he can to try and place the blame for what sin does to us on God, not himself. We must remember the devil seeks to destroy us, but God only offers us that which is good and perfect (Jas. 1:17). We all have to deal with this, as godliness brings a negative response from the forces of evil (2 Tim. 3:12).
Instead of depression that sin offers, God gives us courage in Christ! We can face anything life throws at us, because Christ has conquered the world. By living that perfect life, and shedding His blood on the cross, we have redemption. What an encouragement it is to know He’s always there for us, He never gives up on us. John reminds us, “My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father — Jesus Christ the righteous one (1 John 2:1).
The result of Christ guiding our lives is we have peace. Everything in the world around us may be chaotic, but in Christ we have a wholeness to our lives, our faith is secure, our souls are anchored to Him who is immovable. We know, no matter what, what our future holds in Jesus. Praise God for the gift of His Son, and all it means to us. Live courageously today, and allow His peace to guard your hearts. We have victory in Christ. God bless.
Robert
One thing we all know to be true is that life brings suffering. This is true because of Satan at work in our world, of the issues sin brings with it. We feel pressured, especially when it comes to living a faithful life in Christ. Satan does all he can to try and place the blame for what sin does to us on God, not himself. We must remember the devil seeks to destroy us, but God only offers us that which is good and perfect (Jas. 1:17). We all have to deal with this, as godliness brings a negative response from the forces of evil (2 Tim. 3:12).
Instead of depression that sin offers, God gives us courage in Christ! We can face anything life throws at us, because Christ has conquered the world. By living that perfect life, and shedding His blood on the cross, we have redemption. What an encouragement it is to know He’s always there for us, He never gives up on us. John reminds us, “My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father — Jesus Christ the righteous one (1 John 2:1).
The result of Christ guiding our lives is we have peace. Everything in the world around us may be chaotic, but in Christ we have a wholeness to our lives, our faith is secure, our souls are anchored to Him who is immovable. We know, no matter what, what our future holds in Jesus. Praise God for the gift of His Son, and all it means to us. Live courageously today, and allow His peace to guard your hearts. We have victory in Christ. God bless.
Robert
Keep Your Life in Perspective
“In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood” (Heb. 12:4).
Life is filled with a variety of experiences, some pleasant and good, others harsh and difficult. It is through those that are difficult which produce a stronger faith in us, even though none of us would choose to face such experiences. For these Christians addressed by the writer of Hebrews, they knew about hardships, that sometimes living the Christian life brought opposition. At first, their faith carried them through, even having to deal with the hostility sin could bring. They faced taunts and afflictions, the confiscation of their property, imprisonment, yet with joy (Heb. 10:34). They could do this because of how important the promise of eternal life was to them.
Later, the constant barrage of such trials started to wear them down. It became harder for them to keep their spiritual focus on the hope of eternal life, when the conditions of life were so hard. Instead of weakening under the pressure the forces of the world worked against them, they needed two positive attitudes to help them through such times. What could they do to renew their commitment of faith, and look beyond their trials to the awaited promise?
First, they needed to hang on to the confidence they had in God’s promises. The word confidence was originally used to reflect the courage it would take to speak openly in public, especially regarding those matters which might not be popular, but still needed to be heard. It came to mean holding fast one’s hope, knowing it’s based on what is real, guaranteed by the death and resurrection of Christ. It’s to exercise one’s faith because on whom it’s based, no matter what the external conditions of life may bring. We are confident because we know what God has in store for us, far greater than any struggle we are called to deal with.
In addition to this we should add endurance, staying with it, to bear with and put up with whatever life dishes out, no matter the measure or degree of what it is we are called to face. This term for endurance is especially associated with the things of life, circumstances and external pressures placed against us. It is also associated with hope (1 Thess. 1:3), and refers to that quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial. Nothing of a physical nature should rob us of what we have waiting for us in heaven.
To allow life to beat us down where we shrink or draw back from living by faith, from allowing God to mold us so our faith grows stronger, was not what the Hebrew writer wanted for these Christians, or what God desires for us as well. Sin in the world will always produce trials and difficulties, suffering and pain. If we trust in Him, our faith can carry us through life, as God is in control and is working out His goal of salvation for us, the “preserving of our souls” (Heb. 10:29).
Whether in the first century, or the twenty-first century, Satan’s desires against Christians are the same, as is God’s work in and for us. When we are tempted to give in and despair of life, God offers a way to endure it (1 Cor. 10:13). God is the God of all grace, He calls us to His eternal glory in Christ, and strengths us to reach the goal (1 Pet. 5:10). Will we walk by faith? Will we remember what the goal in life is? Will we look beyond today to tomorrow? God offers us all we need, if we commit ourselves to Him. After all, none of us have yet resisted to the shedding of blood. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us” (Rom. 8:18).
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Robert
“In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood” (Heb. 12:4).
Life is filled with a variety of experiences, some pleasant and good, others harsh and difficult. It is through those that are difficult which produce a stronger faith in us, even though none of us would choose to face such experiences. For these Christians addressed by the writer of Hebrews, they knew about hardships, that sometimes living the Christian life brought opposition. At first, their faith carried them through, even having to deal with the hostility sin could bring. They faced taunts and afflictions, the confiscation of their property, imprisonment, yet with joy (Heb. 10:34). They could do this because of how important the promise of eternal life was to them.
Later, the constant barrage of such trials started to wear them down. It became harder for them to keep their spiritual focus on the hope of eternal life, when the conditions of life were so hard. Instead of weakening under the pressure the forces of the world worked against them, they needed two positive attitudes to help them through such times. What could they do to renew their commitment of faith, and look beyond their trials to the awaited promise?
First, they needed to hang on to the confidence they had in God’s promises. The word confidence was originally used to reflect the courage it would take to speak openly in public, especially regarding those matters which might not be popular, but still needed to be heard. It came to mean holding fast one’s hope, knowing it’s based on what is real, guaranteed by the death and resurrection of Christ. It’s to exercise one’s faith because on whom it’s based, no matter what the external conditions of life may bring. We are confident because we know what God has in store for us, far greater than any struggle we are called to deal with.
In addition to this we should add endurance, staying with it, to bear with and put up with whatever life dishes out, no matter the measure or degree of what it is we are called to face. This term for endurance is especially associated with the things of life, circumstances and external pressures placed against us. It is also associated with hope (1 Thess. 1:3), and refers to that quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial. Nothing of a physical nature should rob us of what we have waiting for us in heaven.
To allow life to beat us down where we shrink or draw back from living by faith, from allowing God to mold us so our faith grows stronger, was not what the Hebrew writer wanted for these Christians, or what God desires for us as well. Sin in the world will always produce trials and difficulties, suffering and pain. If we trust in Him, our faith can carry us through life, as God is in control and is working out His goal of salvation for us, the “preserving of our souls” (Heb. 10:29).
Whether in the first century, or the twenty-first century, Satan’s desires against Christians are the same, as is God’s work in and for us. When we are tempted to give in and despair of life, God offers a way to endure it (1 Cor. 10:13). God is the God of all grace, He calls us to His eternal glory in Christ, and strengths us to reach the goal (1 Pet. 5:10). Will we walk by faith? Will we remember what the goal in life is? Will we look beyond today to tomorrow? God offers us all we need, if we commit ourselves to Him. After all, none of us have yet resisted to the shedding of blood. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us” (Rom. 8:18).
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Robert
Friday, April 24, 2020
Today, our message from Scripture comes from Phil. 2:5; “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” This verse is also translated “have this mind among yourselves,” “have the same mindset,” and “adopt the same attitude.” Obviously, we are to reflect the same mentality in serving Christ that He had in serving God.
This verb is an imperative in Greek, meaning we must have and keep on having the frame of mind where we think the same way Christ did. You might ask what type of mindset did He have? He laid aside the heavenly privileges and submitted to the will of the Father as a slave would to his or her master, being consumed in the will of another. Following Christ is not to approach life in Him, “Well, this is how I feel,” or “This is what I want,” but, as Jesus said to the Father, “Not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
What a humiliation it must have been for Him to be human, to undergo all that being human brings with it, and to die a death that was agonizing, shameful, and separated from the Father. He could have called legions of angels to put an end to it all, but He endured, knowing without such submission to the will of God we would be eternally condemned.
So, how do we approach the Christian life? We should adopt the same attitude Christ had. Why? Because without Christ we are sinners sentenced to punishment. Because He loved us so much He could not walk away and leave us in that state. Because whatever we face in life will never compare to what He did for us. Whatever we face can never compare to what He faced for us. May we humble ourselves to say not my will but yours be done. We should do nothing less. Have a great day and think like Christ. God bless.
This verb is an imperative in Greek, meaning we must have and keep on having the frame of mind where we think the same way Christ did. You might ask what type of mindset did He have? He laid aside the heavenly privileges and submitted to the will of the Father as a slave would to his or her master, being consumed in the will of another. Following Christ is not to approach life in Him, “Well, this is how I feel,” or “This is what I want,” but, as Jesus said to the Father, “Not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
What a humiliation it must have been for Him to be human, to undergo all that being human brings with it, and to die a death that was agonizing, shameful, and separated from the Father. He could have called legions of angels to put an end to it all, but He endured, knowing without such submission to the will of God we would be eternally condemned.
So, how do we approach the Christian life? We should adopt the same attitude Christ had. Why? Because without Christ we are sinners sentenced to punishment. Because He loved us so much He could not walk away and leave us in that state. Because whatever we face in life will never compare to what He did for us. Whatever we face can never compare to what He faced for us. May we humble ourselves to say not my will but yours be done. We should do nothing less. Have a great day and think like Christ. God bless.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Psa. 25:7; “Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!”
Someone once said, “Be careful how you live your life, because someday you may be a prisoner of the memories you’ve made.” To recall good times and wise decisions is part of the joy of growing older, to see the positive fruit brought about by living that kind of life. What torment it can be, though, to see the negative fruit making bad decisions can bring, and how many lives including our own it can affect. When all is said and done, what is it about us that each of us, and those who were a part of our lives, will remember?
What a wonderful promise God makes to us in this psalm, that when He forgives, He forgets. The Hebrew writer affirms this truth when he wrote, “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more” (Heb. 8:12). Through Christ God can forgive our sins and keep on cleansing us by the blood of His sacrifice (1 John 1:7).
Another wonderful promise God makes us is, when He forgives our sins, what He remembers is us, personally, intimately, lovingly. We can have boldness and confidence, in that He considers us worthy through Christ of the promise of eternal life. “We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Rom. 5:11).
Isn’t it great, by the blood of Christ, God doesn’t remember our sins, but focuses on our worth and value. Praise God He loves us like this. Have a great day knowing how much you mean to God. God bless.
Someone once said, “Be careful how you live your life, because someday you may be a prisoner of the memories you’ve made.” To recall good times and wise decisions is part of the joy of growing older, to see the positive fruit brought about by living that kind of life. What torment it can be, though, to see the negative fruit making bad decisions can bring, and how many lives including our own it can affect. When all is said and done, what is it about us that each of us, and those who were a part of our lives, will remember?
What a wonderful promise God makes to us in this psalm, that when He forgives, He forgets. The Hebrew writer affirms this truth when he wrote, “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more” (Heb. 8:12). Through Christ God can forgive our sins and keep on cleansing us by the blood of His sacrifice (1 John 1:7).
Another wonderful promise God makes us is, when He forgives our sins, what He remembers is us, personally, intimately, lovingly. We can have boldness and confidence, in that He considers us worthy through Christ of the promise of eternal life. “We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Rom. 5:11).
Isn’t it great, by the blood of Christ, God doesn’t remember our sins, but focuses on our worth and value. Praise God He loves us like this. Have a great day knowing how much you mean to God. God bless.
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Our message from Scripture today comes from 1 Thess. 3:10; “We pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith.”
Several times in his letters, the apostle Paul prayed for his fellow Christians to grow, to mature, to be filled up with Christ and life in Him. Here, in 1 Thess 3:11-13, he expresses his desire that what was lacking, what they needed for their faith, could be provided. There were three things they needed: (1) a straighter path, (2) a greater love, and (3) a deeper dedication. Let’s briefly consider these in light of what Scripture offers for our faith today.
First, there is no doubt we need God’s help in fulfilling His purpose in our lives, to stay on the right path and not get distracted by sin. The Psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (119:105). We need God’s word so we can be where God wants and needs us. Next, we need an overflowing love which makes life abundant, as it “spills over” from us to bless the lives of others. Paul wanted God’s children to have a love “that may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment” (Phil. 1:9), to do what’s right for each other. Lastly, we need a deeper dedication, to be firmly set in our commitment for living out God’s purpose for us. Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 7:1, “Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”
May we seek to use these avenues Scripture offers us so we won’t be lacking in our faith, but overflowing in all that is good. Make today a great day, because God is at work in you to accomplish His goal of salvation for you. God bless.
Several times in his letters, the apostle Paul prayed for his fellow Christians to grow, to mature, to be filled up with Christ and life in Him. Here, in 1 Thess 3:11-13, he expresses his desire that what was lacking, what they needed for their faith, could be provided. There were three things they needed: (1) a straighter path, (2) a greater love, and (3) a deeper dedication. Let’s briefly consider these in light of what Scripture offers for our faith today.
First, there is no doubt we need God’s help in fulfilling His purpose in our lives, to stay on the right path and not get distracted by sin. The Psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (119:105). We need God’s word so we can be where God wants and needs us. Next, we need an overflowing love which makes life abundant, as it “spills over” from us to bless the lives of others. Paul wanted God’s children to have a love “that may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment” (Phil. 1:9), to do what’s right for each other. Lastly, we need a deeper dedication, to be firmly set in our commitment for living out God’s purpose for us. Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 7:1, “Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”
May we seek to use these avenues Scripture offers us so we won’t be lacking in our faith, but overflowing in all that is good. Make today a great day, because God is at work in you to accomplish His goal of salvation for you. God bless.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Our message from Scripture today comes from Matt. 6:10, where Jesus, in leading His disciples to better understand how to pray, said, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
When Jesus offered this prayer to the Father, was giving us the way to build a significant life of real achievement. He was teaching his disciples to cooperate with the will of God in a way that would bring peace to their hearts and lives. He was encouraging them to cooperate joyfully with his good and perfect will.
How can we do this? Well, understand those in heaven are committed to living by God’s will. The angelic host of heaven obey his will perfectly. “Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!” (Psa. 103:20). Jesus lived completely by the will of God. “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do” (John 17:4). Even creation itself fulfills the will of God. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psa. 19:1).
We understand, when we seek to commit our lives to God’s will, we are promised an abundant life (John 10:10). We find a greater help for the trials and adversities we face, because God cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). We have the promises by God’s grace of heaven, eternal life (1 John 3:2).
Just as heaven is committed to doing the will of God, when we place ourselves in the center of God’s will, we will find our highest happiness and our greatest usefulness. Make this your goal today, every day. Have a great day in Christ. God bless.
When Jesus offered this prayer to the Father, was giving us the way to build a significant life of real achievement. He was teaching his disciples to cooperate with the will of God in a way that would bring peace to their hearts and lives. He was encouraging them to cooperate joyfully with his good and perfect will.
How can we do this? Well, understand those in heaven are committed to living by God’s will. The angelic host of heaven obey his will perfectly. “Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!” (Psa. 103:20). Jesus lived completely by the will of God. “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do” (John 17:4). Even creation itself fulfills the will of God. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psa. 19:1).
We understand, when we seek to commit our lives to God’s will, we are promised an abundant life (John 10:10). We find a greater help for the trials and adversities we face, because God cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). We have the promises by God’s grace of heaven, eternal life (1 John 3:2).
Just as heaven is committed to doing the will of God, when we place ourselves in the center of God’s will, we will find our highest happiness and our greatest usefulness. Make this your goal today, every day. Have a great day in Christ. God bless.
Monday, April 20, 2020
Message From Scripture: 4/20/2020
Our message from Scripture today comes from Isa. 40:30-31; “Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”
The Lord, through the prophet Isaiah, speaks of those times when even those who are in the prime of life, with the strength and stamina that comes with youth, can grow weary and tired. There is a greater source of strength, though, than physical endurance; it comes from the Lord Himself. The idea of waiting for the Lord means to hope in, to look for. The thought expressed is, even in those situations where we are fatigued, where we are tired and at the point exhaustion, God sustains, directs us, renews us. We must look beyond ourselves spiritually to find the help and hope God offers to keep us going.
Paul knew what it was to feel the challenges of life were greater than life itself. In 2 Cor. 1:8 he wrote, “We were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life.” He goes on to say God delivered them, and will continue to do so, because they had set their hope in Him. Later in this letter, in speaking of his thorn in the flesh, he reminds us, when we are weak, but place our trust in God, we are strong (12:10).
We can never know all God knows. We will never have all the strength in ourselves God offers us. We should discern those times when we need to let go of ourselves and allow God the time to work in us His good will. We will find we are more than adequate for life’s challenges when God is in control. As James said, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (4:10). Have a great day. God bless.
The Lord, through the prophet Isaiah, speaks of those times when even those who are in the prime of life, with the strength and stamina that comes with youth, can grow weary and tired. There is a greater source of strength, though, than physical endurance; it comes from the Lord Himself. The idea of waiting for the Lord means to hope in, to look for. The thought expressed is, even in those situations where we are fatigued, where we are tired and at the point exhaustion, God sustains, directs us, renews us. We must look beyond ourselves spiritually to find the help and hope God offers to keep us going.
Paul knew what it was to feel the challenges of life were greater than life itself. In 2 Cor. 1:8 he wrote, “We were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life.” He goes on to say God delivered them, and will continue to do so, because they had set their hope in Him. Later in this letter, in speaking of his thorn in the flesh, he reminds us, when we are weak, but place our trust in God, we are strong (12:10).
We can never know all God knows. We will never have all the strength in ourselves God offers us. We should discern those times when we need to let go of ourselves and allow God the time to work in us His good will. We will find we are more than adequate for life’s challenges when God is in control. As James said, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (4:10). Have a great day. God bless.
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