Can any of us really understand the magnitude of God’s wrath when it’s unleashed on mankind? When we see the devastation of hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, or volcanoes, we see only a tiny fragment of the Lord’s fury and terror. As it so aptly states in Psalm 76:7, ” Who can stand before You when You are angry?”
Author: kezha1
A Christian mother, grandmother, and retired nurse living in Illinois. Called into a ministry of encouraging others to find their ultimate plan and purpose in life through Christ.
I Timothy 1:15 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.”
Paul was fully acknowledging his sinful past and gratefully identifying with his eternal future. Sin is broken relationship with God, and with Jesus we have forgiveness from our sins and the promise of eternal life. For John 3:17 states, ” For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” Just as Paul, thank you Lord for your merciful kindness to save such a sinner as I.
Hebrews 6:1 ” Therefore, let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…”
We need to be constantly growing in Christ…moving forward, not stuck at the starting point going over basic ideas forever. For once we’ve grasped the meaning of the Gospel, the Lord wants us to be continually developing…ever reaching for that goal of maturity in Jesus Christ.
Matthew 6: 34 ” Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
For some of us worrying is a full-time job. We even like to fret over things we have no control over – like the weather. Then we wonder at the end of the day why we’re so exhausted from worrying over dumb things. Each 24 hour period has enough drama in it…we shouldn’t have to go searching for more. The Lord told us to cast ALL our cares on Him…let tomorrow worry about itself.
Proverbs 14:10 ” Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.”
We are so good at hiding and deflecting those inner emotions. We secretly will judge harshly, dwell on mean, angry thoughts, and think up sharp biting comments that we would never utter out loud. Only our heart knows the pain inside. Only our inner self understands the path we’ve trudged through… and only the Lord really knows us.
Mark 2:22 ” No, he pours new wine into new wine skins.”
The word “new” is used twice in this verse, but each with slightly different meanings. The first is Neos…as in a man can reform himself and become new. The second is Kainos…but it is only by God’s divine nature and activity that man becomes qualitatively new. When we say yes to Jesus, we become a new creature…a very small portion on our part, a huge work by God.
John 2:5 ” His mother said to the servants, ‘ Do whatever He tells you.’ “
In this familiar story, Jesus and His mother are attending a wedding in Cana. Mary is aware that the celebration wine has run out, and she has come to her Son to help the newlywed couple avoid embarrassment. Mary, of all people, knew Jesus the very best. And while she might not have known exactly what He would do…she had the ultimate trust in Jesus to do the right thing.
Isaiah 65:24 ” Before they can call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”
Sometimes when I’m praying, I feel like I must get God’s attention before He’ll listen…so I jump up and down, yelling, and waving my arms, thinking maybe He’ll notice me. But this verse says quite the opposite. The Lord is waiting for me to speak, listening for my voice, eager to answer my prayer according to His perfect Will. I don’t have to guess if the Lord has heard my prayer…for He’s already at work.
Ezekiel 37:26 ” I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put My sanctuary among them forever.”
The sanctuary…that sacred place where the presence and glory of God resides is much closer than you can imagine. For if you think about it – your body is that temple, that sanctuary, if the Holy Spirit lives within you. That glorious presence, peace, and power of our God resides in you – His sanctuary here on earth.
Ephesians 2:5 ” It is by grace you have been saved.”
The simple definition of grace is unearned, unmerited favor. There is absolutely nothing you can do in and of yourself to gain this favor…it’s accomplished only by the atonement of your sins by Jesus Christ dying on that Cross in your place. God’s unwarranted favor…His abundant, extravagant grace… is available to all who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Safetypinlove 