The Apostle Paul was trying to show all of us that giving to the poor and down-trodden is what our Savior desires. But unfortunately, this goes against all our self-absorbed, self-centered emotions… We’d much rather be on the receiving end of gifts than handing them out. Jesus however wanted us to look at giving from a completely different standpoint…not from what we might be losing, but from what we’d be gaining. To be blessed, is to have God present and involved in every area of our life…it’s being a person who lives “Coram Deo” – Before the face of God.
Tag: jesus
Luke 3:16 ” John answered them all, ‘ I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.’ “
When we’re baptized by the Holy Spirit, it’s not only a Spiritual renewal, but we are endued by God’s wonderful presence…His mighty power…and His all-consuming purification. God’s magnificent fire…ever changing us into His likeness.
Galatians 3:22 ” But the scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.”
Like fish caught in a net…we’re all seized by the guilt of sin and disobedience. But there is a Savior, called Jesus, who can set us free from that net that holds us so tightly. Through faith and trust in Him, the net of sin can no longer hold us captive.
John 21: 19 ” Follow Me! “
What does it really mean to follow Jesus? It’s not just accompanying Him down the path of life, passively participating as Jesus does all the work. Following our Lord means actively pursuing a life of trust and obedience. It means holding fast to His lead and example…and sharing in His sufferings. “Follow Me!”, is fellow-shipping at the most intimate level with our Savior.
Jonah 2:8 ” Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”
When we forsake the Lord and run after worldly things, we lose the right to all the mercy that is ours. Suddenly we’re by ourselves, with only the emptiness of the world to hold on to…grasping at nothingness like fog.
II Samuel 24:14 ” Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercy is great.”
The Lord’s compassion and love towards us is unfathomable. When we least deserve it, His forgiveness and tender love comes to our rescue…delivering us from the mess we’ve created for ourselves.
Luke 24:45 ” Then He opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures.”
The Disciples had been listening to Jesus teach for three years, but much of it had gone in one ear and out the other. So now in an instant, Jesus had taken all those puzzles pieces, arranged them properly, and created in their minds a perfect picture of just who He really was and why He had come. In a flash, they could comprehend the correlation between the Holy Scriptures and the life, death, and resurrection of their Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Luke 18:1 ” Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”
Jesus was a cheerleader, rallying His team…encouraging them to never lose heart when praying. We humans pray for a moment, and then become discouraged when God doesn’t answer immediately. The Lord wants us to be steadfast in our prayers…not giving in to defeat, and never giving up hope.
John 5:17 ” Jesus said to them, ‘ My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working.’ “
We sometimes feel that the Lord has all but forgotten us and our problems. We ask,” Where are you God? Don’t you even care about me anymore?” But God the Father is relentlessly working on our behalf…all the time…in every situation and area of our lives.
Mark 10:45 ” Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many.”
Most of us would rather be waited on hand and foot, than to care for the needs of someone else. But the Lord not only commands this, but exemplified the life style we are to copy…a life of servitude towards others. Ministering may not be glamorous, and rarely does it get recognition…but those who faithfully work behind the scenes, make the biggest impact in His Kingdom.
Safetypinlove 