In a toddler’s mind, all things are pretty simple…their priorities are food, sleep, and play. They trust at face value… always looking for the good in things. So as an adult, why can’t we do the same thing when it comes to the Gospel Message? Why can’t we readily accept and embrace the Kingdom of God and everything that goes with it? It’s sadly because the World has clouded and distorted our perception. The Gospel Message doesn’t need to be over-thought…there’s no hidden agenda or bait and switch tactics involved. You get what you see with God and His Word…for He is trustworthy and true, and His promises will never fail.
Tag: kingdom of god
II Chronicles 30: 18-20 ” Although most of the many people who came from Ephraim, Manassh, Issachar, and Zebulum had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, ‘May the Lord, Who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God – the Lord, the God of his fathers – even if he is not clean according to the rules of the Sanctuary.’ And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people.”
In these verses we see the spirit of the Law vs the letter of the Law. In Matthew 23:23 Jesus chastised the Pharisees for their legalism and in doing so losing sight of the more important matters of the Law…things like justice, mercy, and faithfulness. The Lord always searches the heart for honesty and sincerity and will reward accordingly.
I Corinthians 15:42-44 ” So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown in a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. “
We all will face death some day. Our fleeting life will succumb with our last breath…our earthly body will become an empty shell of what we once were. But what is buried to decay, will be raised immortal…what goes down in shame, will come up in honor, authority, and holiness.
Isaiah 66:23 ” ‘From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before Me,’ says the Lord.”
We take it for granted that the days…weeks…months…years will pass before us. We just assume that the Seasons will follow each other. But are we just as indifferent about the Lord? Do we just assume that He’s always there…whether we need Him or not. It says in Revelation 15:4, “that all Nations will come and worship before You.” There is coming a day when the whole human race will bow in submission and acknowledgement of the Lord. We will no longer be able to take things for granted, or assume the status quo will continue unheeded…for it will be the dawning of a new day, and we will be forced out of our stupor into the truth of His light.
Isaiah 6:10 ” Make the heart of this people calloused…”
Are you walking around with a hardened heart? When we’ve been hurt over and over again, our only recourse is to protect our heart…our inner person. We put up a wall of callousness and apathy so no one can hurt us again. It’s effective, but makes us appear uncaring and insensitive to others. It’s also really lonely within those walls…but we’re too afraid and distrustful to allow anyone in…so instead, we put on the mask of indifference.
But you may also be walking around with a hardened heart from sin. Everything is going great… you can make it on your own…you don’t need the Lord. But obstinately refusing God will only lead to destruction.
II Corinthians 1:24 ” Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. “
You are being an example to those around you whether you realize it or not. You are an ambassador for Christ everywhere you go…whether you want to be or not, for when you take on the name “Christian”, people will judge you by higher standards. They will watch you closer and judge you harsher. When you take on the name Believer, you become an example… whether that be a good one or bad.
My wish for you this Christmas Season
Just think, you’re here not by chance, but by God’s choosing. His hand formed you and made you the person you are. He compares you to no one else – you are one of a kind. You lack nothing that His grace can’t give you. He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation.
Written by Roy Lessin, Co-founder of DaySpring
Deuteronomy 4:32 ” Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created man on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of? “
The Lord is God. Over the ages we have heard and seen His awesome signs and wonders. We have been privy to these in order that we might “know” beyond a shadow of doubt that the Lord is God of all. There is no other above Him…the Lord is God.
Ephesians 1:11 ” In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will…”
You are not a mistake. No matter what people tell you, God’s divine Will included you as an important part in this world. He has a unique purpose for your life here on earth…your birth was foreordained by Him…He knew you before you were even conceived. You are not a mistake, but a valuable part of God’s plan.
II Chronicles 20:17 ” You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you…”
You don’t need to fight those battles alone. You don’t have to stand unaided in front of the enemy of this world defenseless and vulnerable. The Lord tells us very specifically in this scripture what our role should be in battle. We are to stand our ground and commit ourselves to trusting God. We are to hold our ground, not wavering in our belief that God is in control and fighting on our behalf. Finally, we are to watch as the Lord works… giving us the victory.
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