“You founded the world and all that is in it.” (Psalm 89:11) Look around you today…all that you see was made by God. Every flower, every bird, every sunrise, every mountain was designed and crafted by Him. We thank you Lord today for Your magnificent and awe-inspiring creation and our opportunity to share in it with You.
Month: August 2016
Hebrews 9:27-28 ” Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.”
We are dust and to dust we will return. (Genesis 3:19) Each one of us will stand before the judgment seat of Christ someday. But Jesus paid the price for our sins…once for all, and became the source of eternal salvation…and in Him and Him alone we will find redemption.
Isaiah 2:22 ” Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?”
Psalm 146:3 states it another way, “Don’t put your trust in mortal men.” We are all mere human creatures…here today and gone tomorrow. None of us are that important or warrant historic distinction to be remembered thousands of years from now…so putting your belief in man is worthless, for it’s only God that can be fully trusted with your life.
II Peter 1:4 ” Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
You can be part of this world, but not polluted by it. (James 1:27) God has given you everything you need to live a victorious life here on earth. The Bible is full of His assurances that you can do it…just take a look.
II Thessalonians 3:16 ” Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
Romans 2:4 says that He is the “God of peace.” Do you need peace in your life today? Have the worries, anxieties, and troubles of the world crowded into your mind and caused unrest and turmoil? Why deny yourself of God’s kindness and mercy…why deny yourself of His peace?
Luke 5:16 ” But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
It’s not that Jesus was anti-social or hated the crowds that pressed in all the time around Him…for He loved people. But He did require Father-Son time, and searching out solitary places to pray was essential for His wellbeing. When we’re alone by our self in the silence – we shut out the noise of the world…we gain God’s perspective…we hear clearly from the Holy Spirit. It was essential for Jesus…it’s no different for you.
Proverbs 10:4 ” Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
A colorful word that the writers of Proverbs use for a lazy person is sluggard. Idle hands and a poor work ethic will never lead to anything good in life…while hardworking, untiring hands are strong, powerful and lead to prosperity.
I Corinthians 11:23-26 ” The Lord Jesus, on the night He as betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you, do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this , whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me. For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.’ “
The Eucharist…Holy Communion…the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper – these verses are used often to explain and give enlightenment to this sacred act. But sadly, the receiving of Communion is often rushed or so common place that the Believer isn’t allowed the time to truly dwell on what the elements they hold in their hands mean. Communion is a reminder of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. It’s a chance to ponder where we’d be without Him. The next time you take Communion…look at the bread and cup carefully…reflect on His goodness and mercy…meditate on what He’s done for you…and declare your thanks.
Proverbs 14:2 ” He whose walk is upright fears the Lord, but he whose ways are devious despises Him.”
It’s simple…dishonest people don’t like God. Deceitful people abhor and hate Him. Why so? Well, when the light of truth shines brightly on sin it causes people to feel guilty and they become defensive…and in turn angry and scornful. Most people know they’re sinning…they just don’t want God pointing it out to them.