These verses are comparing eternal life to eternal punishment, the corrupt nature of sinful man, and the decision all of us have to make. On one side, we have the world telling us that’s it’s all about what we want and desire…while on the other side, Galatians 5:24 tells us, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature…” But what does that mean and how do we go about it? To crucify our sinful nature we must put to death our worldly affections and lusts…but how? Through our daily increasing love and faith in Jesus Christ, the things of the world will start to no longer hold their allure over us.
Month: April 2020
Job 3:25 ” What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me.”
Being a Christian does not mean we are immune to difficulties, hardships, or afflictions…that’s because we live in a broken world. And Job realized this…that troubles would come into his life. But Job also saw that he could never take God’s blessings for granted. So today, let’s all take a moment to count our blessings both great and small. If all your family and friends are healthy and safe…thank Him. If you have enough food to eat, a roof over your head, and clothing to wear…thank Him. Jesus did not promise that our life here on earth would be void of suffering, quite the opposite. For He tells us in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” That’s because He’s the God of all comfort Who comforts us in the midst of all our troubles. (II Corinthians 1:4) So today let’s thank Him for the many blessings we’ve received.
I Corinthians 14:33 ” For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”
So, I’ll ask you this question today…When was the last time you were calm and totally at peace, without a care in the world? For the vast majority of us, it’s been quite a while. This Corona virus has managed to disrupt our routines, throw our home life into confusion, and leave us feeling like we have no control. That’s because when disorder with all its turmoil and instability takes up residency either within us or our home…all peace fades away. But there is a answer for this and His Name is Jesus…for the Gospel of Jesus Christ is called the Gospel of Peace. Now it doesn’t mean you will never have to experience disorder in your life, but it does mean that by having a relationship with Jesus you can be set free from the distress brought about by it.
II Chronicles 7:14 ” If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Nothing in recent history has humbled the world like this tiny microscopic virus called COVID19. Powerful countries around the globe have been brought to their knees, their economies devastated, their people frightened and alone as this virus spreads. World Leaders resigned now to the fact that all their military might is no match, all their counter-intelligence and international clout meaningless in the face of this unseen enemy. Yes, COVID19 has humbled us. It has shown us just how vulnerable and defenseless human beings can be. But this can also be a good thing. For it has plainly shown us how little mankind is in control and how much we need God. The humility spoken about here is a change of heart…of turning from evil and seeking the face of God in true repentance…and seeing our land healed.
Proverbs 27:19 ” As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. “
Look in the water and you’ll see your image… but throw a rock in the water and your likeness will disappear. Look at someone in normal circumstances and they will behave in ordinary ways …but throw something like COVID19 and the threat of a national pandemic into their life and all kinds of unlovely emotions can erupt from the person. Lord, create in us a pure heart that is not shaken by the world around us. Amen.
Luke 12:15 ” Then He said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’ “
If we take anything away from the past few months it’s this – COVID19 isn’t a respecter of socio-economic status. It doesn’t matter how much money you make a year, how big a portfolio you have, or what kind of car you drive…the virus is nondiscriminatory when choosing its victims. And amassing large amounts of “things” won’t stop the virus from invading your body if you’re exposed. Job very wisely tells us that we can’t save ourselves by hoarding “things” nor that we can put our trust in those “things”, for our only security comes from God alone. (Job 20:20 & Job 31:24) When Jesus spoke these words in Luke, He was warning us about the sin of covetousness and selfishness…for we do not exist for “things”… we live to have relationship with Him.
Psalm 78:3-4 ” What we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.”
Not since the early 60’s has prayer and God been brought back into the classroom…now that the classroom is around your kitchen table during this pandemic. In the Old Testament Jewish fathers were instructed to teach their children the miracles and mighty deeds of God their Deliverer, and now you have the same opportunity to instruct your children in the awesome creative activities of God. It can be as simple as taking turns reading through Scripture together, and discussing what you’ve just read, to acting out Bible stories, complete with costumes. The Lord has given you this wonderful chance to pour Godly truths into your kids that will last a lifetime.
Isaiah 59:1 ” Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear.”
The Lord asks again in Isaiah 50:2, “Was My arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack strength to rescue you?” The answer to all of it is a resounding No! Our God is all powerful, ever-present, and all sufficient for anything that would come into our lives…and that includes COVID19. So if today the darkness is overtaking you, look to the Lord for strength and hope…for in Isaiah 65:24 God tells us, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” No one or thing is beyond the reach of God and His power to change any situation.
Luke 24: 46-47 ” This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His Name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.”
The foundational truths of these Scriptures are what Christendom is based on…for if we don’t believe that Jesus died for our sins and then was raised victoriously three days later…it’s all a terrible sham. Think about it – if He’s not alive, then there’s no hope of eternal life for any of us. But the tomb is empty for He has risen…and with that we have hope! The blessed hope of forgiveness and life eternal with Him in heaven.
Luke 23:48 ” When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.”
For all who had gathered around the Cross at Gethsemane, this was not what they had been expecting. They wanted Jesus to miraculously come down from that Cross and claim His Kingship over Roman rule. But instead, He died like any other man would, leaving them stunned and confused. Raw emotions started spilling out of them. Sorrow in seeing their Lord die in such a horrible way. Despair in feeling abandoned and alone. Regret in following Jesus only to have this happen. As they turned their backs on the Cross and went away, all these emotions were compounded by fear…fear that the Roman Guard would be coming for them next. A song by Don Franciso starts with these words, “The gates and doors were barred and all the windows fastened down, I spent the night in sleeplessness and rose at every sound, half in hopeless sorrow half in fear the day would find the soldiers crashing though to drag us all away…” As the COVID19 virus has us all hunkered down in our homes, admittedly, we are all dealing with these same types of emotions…sorrow, despair, regret, anger, and fear. But we must also remember what tomorrow is Resurrection Sunday, and with it comes hope…hope for tomorrow through our Lord Jesus!
Safetypinlove 