Category: God is Faithful

There Is None Like You…

2 Samuel 7:22 (NIV)

“How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.

Our Verse of the Day is similar to the message we had from Isaiah 43:10-12 about a week ago. What Isaiah prophesied well over two centuries after King David, continues even to this day!  Our God declares: “I have revealed and saved and proclaimed my Name. Apart from Me there is no Savior!” Let’s look deeper into the passage and see if it resonates with you….

To provide you some context, King David goes in prayer before the Lord after Nathan, the Prophet, has shared a revelation from God with him. I encourage you to read the entire 2 Samuel 7, but I thought it would be good to share David’s prayer. It is recorded in 1 Chronicles 17 as well.

18 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said:

“Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 19 And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant—and this decree, Sovereign Lord, is for a mere human! 20 “What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, Sovereign Lord. 21 For the sake of your word and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant. 22 How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. 23 And who is like your people Israel—the one nation on earth that God went out to redeem as a people for Himself, and to make a name for Himself, and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt? 24 You have established your people Israel as your very own forever, and you, Lord, have become their God. 25 “And now, Lord God, keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house. Do as you promised, 26 so that your name will be great forever. Then people will say, ‘The Lord Almighty is God over Israel!’ And the house of your servant David will be established in your sight. 27 “Lord Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you.’ So, your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. 28 Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. 29 Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.”

What intimate words to bring before the presence of God! Consider the humility of David as he ponders: “Who am I, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?” I have asked the same question of God. When I recount the sum of my life, along with my sins and failures, I often wonder (with deep reverence) why God has been so gracious and kind … so faithful and steadfast in love to me and my family. And like David, I consider the future that God has prepared for us as well. What a great thing it is indeed … when God makes known to us His plans and purposes for the days ahead and fulfills them through us! I certainly can join David in rejoicing: “How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.”

So, what has God made known to us?  What have we heard with our own ears? Well, I think we could adapt Verses 23-24 to our generation … a prayer of humility: “Who is like your people – the Body of Christ … the people who You redeemed through the blood of the Lamb; the Son of David, the Son of Adam, the Son of God? Have we not come from every tribe, language, people, and nation? (Cf. Revelation 5:9) You, Sovereign Lord, have established your Church as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, your special possession (Cf. 1 Peter 2:9); to make a name for Yourself and to perform great and awesome wonders among them. You have sanctified your people as your very own forever; and you, Lord, have become our God.” Indeed, In Christ Jesus, God has given the world the hope of salvation and everlasting life. It has been revealed to us through Him! It has been promised to those who abide in Him! Yes, the Father has proclaimed His Son to be Savior; and there is no other Name by which we MUST be saved! (Cf. Acts 4:12)

Another observation: Notice the tone of David’s prayer beginning in Verse 27. He is praying and praising God in response to the revelation given … to the promise of the “good things” that God has made known to him. David receives the promises as a “covenant” knowing the trustworthy character of God … having heard the testimony of the Prophet Nathan and knowing the word of God pass down from Moses. David knows the unfailing love of God and has experienced the greatness His love. Oh, how I love the implications for our own journey of faith that this prayer embodies. David wants God to be pleased with His “decision” to bless him and his family! He wants to live worthy of the Lord because it was His sovereign will to bless him with His favor. And we know that the blessing David received was indeed established forever through our Lord Jesus Christ … the Son of David (Cf. Psalm 110:1; Luke 20:41-44; Matthew 1:1).

Well, it is my hope that we might see application of this verse in the context of the coming of Jesus … the Gospel message; and in light of the House He established … His Church; a people chosen for redemption and eternal life through the blood of Jesus. Oh, I hope that you can see the wealth of faith-building applications that these Old Testament passages can produce for us today; and I pray that we will continue to discover the full revelation of God contained in His Word and embodied within His Son. I will end with this final word:

Hebrews 1:1-3 (NIV)

1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He (the Son) had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Get Some Rest…

Psalm 62:1 (NIV)

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation come from Him.

Are you feeling weary with life this morning?  Perhaps, the rest you are looking for is not physical sleep….  Maybe what you and I need is some spiritual rest … a break from the fear and anxiety so prevalent in our world right now.  Our Verse of the Day reminds us to rest in God … to remember that HE is our refuge and our salvation! David knew this within his heart, yet even he became overwhelmed at times.  Whenever he became unsettled in his spirit, David would take refuge in the truth of God’s word and the assurance of His promises. 

I read all of Psalm 62 this morning, and it especially resonated with me. I think all of us are looking for some form rest these days … some measure of peace when interpersonal conflict abounds and people seem to harden their hearts against one another. One thing is for certain, we cannot control the emotions or feelings of others. And so, we can only turn to the One who is able to bring rest and peace to our souls. So, I think the Holy Spirit wants to reminds us today to simply get some rest…. I have reprinted this short Psalm for us:

Psalm 62

1 Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. 2 Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will never be shaken. 3 How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down—this leaning wall, this tottering fence? 4 Surely, they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Selah5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. 6 Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. 7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. 9 Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. 10 Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. 11 One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, 12 and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.”

What I find in this Psalm is the declaration of God as the source of rest for our souls. He is the place of strength … of hope … of refuge and deliverance. No matter what happens in our lives, we will all eventually come to the knowledge that the power of rest can only be found in God alone. He is the Sovereign King over all creation. Only He can move the mountains before us. Only He can change the hearts of those who wound us. Only in Jesus Christ can we find true rest…. Yes, only through faith in Him will peace ever abound in our souls:

Matthew 11:25-30 (NIV)

25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Hebrews 4:1-11 (NIV)

1Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’” (Citing Psalm 95:11) And yet His works have been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere He has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all His works.” (Citing Genesis 2:2) 5 And again in the passage above He says, “They shall never enter my rest.” 6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, 7 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This He did when a long time later He spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Cf. Psalm 95:8) 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their labor, just as God did from His. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

Indeed, we can see that “rest” can only be found in submitting ourselves to God … surrendering ourselves to the obedience that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no work we can perform that will bring reconciliation with God … no work that we can perform that will bring atonement for our sin or rebellion. Rest in the finished work of the Son of God … the One whom the Father sent is all we can do. This is what Jesus declared and affirmed before His death on the cross: “It is finished!” (Cf. John 19:30) For the work Jesus completed signifies the rest which God entered on the seventh God when He ended His work which He had done. (Cf. Genesis 2:1-3) Indeed, Jesus was the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world! (Cf. Revelation 13:8) And it is clear that we are in the “Day of Rest” because it remains “Today” in which those who believe may enter His rest….

So, I believe the application here is for us to enter His rest … today. The Lord is telling us to refrain from further labor or exertion on problems or burdens we were not meant to carry alone. He is telling us to wait upon Him! (Cf. Psalm 27:14) He is telling us: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Cf. Psalm 46:10) For in rest we shall find peace. Yes, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (Cf. John 14:27) Oh, He is the God of Peace. Indeed, “May God Himself, the God of Peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:23) And like Paul, I pray: “Now may the Lord of Peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” (Cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:16) And, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Cf. Romans 15:13)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

There are some additional verses from the heart of King David:

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. ~ Psalm 18:2


Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. ~ Psalm 25:20


The Lord will rescue His servants; no one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned. ~ Psalm 34:22

Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. ~ Psalm 62:8


The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him; all the upright in heart will glory in Him! ~ Psalm 64:10


I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ~ Psalm 91:2

Seek Me … Find Me … Trust Me

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Our Verse of the Day affirms the timeless message of trusting in God.  Are you worried about your life? Fearful that you will have enough food or clothes to meet your needs? Dreadful that the rent or mortgage payment will not get paid and you will lose your shelter? In His teachings recorded for us in Matthew 6, Jesus assures us that God is absolutely concerned about every aspect of our lives and we can trust Him for provision of every need.  I will reprint the context for your reference and contemplation:

Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Notice in the verse it states, “… and all these things will be given to you as well.” The implication is that everything that you and I need for our physical lives comes from God … these are given to us by God. And so, it follows that we should seek the One who “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (Cf. 1 Timothy 6:17) God said, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Cf. Jeremiah 29:13) The key here is searching for God with all of our hearts! This is what the Lord says to Israel: “Seek me and live! (Cf. Amos 5:4) And He declares the same promise to you and me. Apart from God there is no life … and with Him there is no anxiety or fear. He is the Lord our Provider – Jehovah Jireh. Amen.

So, I encourage you to let faith have its way in your life. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Cf. Proverbs 3:5-6). Indeed, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (Cf. Psalm 9:9-10) The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in Him…. (Cf. Nahum 1:7) That is the message for us today! Indeed, let each of us declare: “In You, Lord my God, I put my trust.” (Cf. Psalm 25:1)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

My salvation and my honor depend on God Most High; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him,

for God is our refuge. ~ Psalm 62:7-8

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? What can man do to me? ~ Psalm 56:3-4; 10-11

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. ~ Jeremiah 17:7-8

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Joel 2:23 (NIV)

Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given you the autumn rains because He is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.

Our Verse of the Day is a reminder to us that God is faithful. He provides us what we need in the times and seasons of our lives. So be glad and rejoice in the Lord your God! As David extolled: “I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I whom you have delivered.” (Cf. Psalm 71:22-23) Indeed, “Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.” (Cf. Psalm 89:8) And Moses wrote about the faithfulness of God to those who love Him:

Deuteronomy 7:6-9 (NIV)

6 For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, his treasured possession. 7 The Lord did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. 8 But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath He swore to your ancestors that He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

Yes, God is faithful! The Father has shown us His love and faithfulness through His Son. As Paul affirmed in his Letter to the Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 (NIV)

4 I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in Him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

So, as you begin your day, remember to thank the Lord for His faithfulness to you and your house … His faithfulness to watch over you and protect you. For He who watches over you will neither slumber nor sleep. (Cf. Psalm 121:3-4) The Lord watches over all who love Him. (Cf. Psalm 145:20) And a final thought: “What shall I return to the Lord for all His goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people.” (Cf. Psalm 116:12-14)

Father God, I pray each of us will meditate this morning, throughout the day, and always, the faithfulness you have shown us in our lives. I pray that You will be greatly praised by those who know you … those who place their trust in you … those who know your abiding goodness and love. May each of us offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving this morning for who You are and for all You have done. Thank you, Lord God, for your faithfulness … for your covenant of love … for your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We bless You and honor You for our salvation through Him. Thank you for your indwelling Holy Spirit so that we may know You intimately! You are forever worthy of all honor, glory, and praise! Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Looking For Help…

Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Our Verse of the Day is a great reminder for us to place our confidence and trust in the Lord…. Where does our help to make it through each day of life come from? The Psalmist declares our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Yes, our Creator who formed us is the One we should look to for every need in our lives! If you feel weary with the challenges of life in these times, I pray you will receive this hopeful and encouraging word. I pray it will comfort your heart and give you peace of mind. The Father watches over you and your life, and He will keep you from falling….

Psalm 121:1-8 (NKJV)

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip— He who watches over you will not slumber;

4 Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

6 The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life;

8 The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Yes, I have always loved this Psalm and the message it projects through vivid metaphors. The imagery painted here affords us with great truth regarding the care and concern God has for His people. The hills or mountains represent the majesty and strength of God because they are visual reminders of how ancient cultures understood the dwelling place of Yahweh … the seat or throne of His power. But then notice how the Psalmist shifts his focus to the personal engagement of God with His people. The help God provides us is intentional and ongoing. The Lord does not let you out of His sight. He will watch over your life. The Lord is your constant companion … your covering … your refuge. The Lord will keep you from all harm as He watches over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

I don’t know about you, but this is a word of encouragement and assurance that I need to embrace each and every day! I need to recite these declarations when I awake – that God is with me and watching over me and that He never ceases to protect me. I want to encourage each of us to speak and to declare the faithfulness of God during our times of personal prayer. Thank the Lord for His ever-present help in times of trouble. Acknowledge that He keeps you close … as the apple of His eye. (Cf. Psalm 17:8) Yes, the one who dwells in the secret place of the Most-High God shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Cf. Psalm 91:1) And I pray that you and I will take comfort in His provision and take rest in His presence.

Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV)

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Quoting Deuteronomy 31:6) So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Quoting Psalm 118:6-7)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Teach Me … My God

Psalm 143:10 (NIV)

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

As I read our Verse of the Day, I could not help but read the entire Psalm. The words resonated with me in light of all the sickness, illness, disease, discomfort, disability, and discouragement coming against the people of God. Like David, I think we often have these same types of feelings and longings within our hearts when we get still and quiet before the Lord in prayer. And I sense there are some here that especially need this word of comfort … this reminder of the grace and love of God. We are never alone in our struggles or battles. Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us. He promised to be with us … always!

Psalm 143 ~ A Psalm of David.

1 Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.

2 Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.

3 The enemy pursues me; he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead.

4 So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.

5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.

6 I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.

7 Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.

8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you.

10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

11 For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.

12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.

Lord Jesus, I come before you this morning with deep gratitude for your Word … spoken to holy men of old and written down to preserve the inspiration you instilled in those who loved you and consecrated themselves to you. Thank you for the comfort your Word provides us today in our generation. Thank you for the faithfulness of your prophets and chosen people to proclaim the light of your Word … your lovingkindness … your faithfulness … your everlasting love for your people. Thank you for the ever-needed reminder of your abiding grace and presence in our circumstances.  We humble ourselves and cast all of our cares upon you … because you care for us. (Cf. 1 Peter 5:7)  We exalt Your Name, and we praise you for your power and protection!  In Your Name, I pray. Amen.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Finding Peace

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

A few days ago, we were talking about experiencing the peace of God. It appears that our Verse of the Day today is a follow-up … another look at the path of peace for our lives. I could not help but notice the parallels between the two verses:

Those who love your law have great peace, and nothing can make them stumble. (Psalm 119:165)

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

 Great peace! Perfect peace! Both appear to be connected with our mindsets … our thought life and experience of faith. Those who love the law of God … those who meditate on the word of God will find peace and joy. Indeed, those who have placed their faith and trust in God will experience His gracious peace! Have you found this to be true in your own life? I think at this point in my life, I am experiencing the greatest peace I have ever known … despite the myriad of uncertainties and spiritual forces of evil that assault our world. This peace I feel inside is something that extends beyond faith … even though it is deeply rooted in it! It is a “knowing” trust in God that I have found within me … as opposed to a “hoping” trust. I’m not sure that makes sense to anyone, but it is the best way I know to describe it at the moment. I have come to the place in my journey that I know … that I know … that I know … God is very God! I no longer “hope” that He is true. As the inspired writer asserted: “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Cf. Hebrews 11:6)

So, our Verse of the Day affords us a repeated word of encouragement … an intentional word for His peace to indwell us.  It reminds us again of the promise of peace for those who trust in the Lord. We live in a fallen world where it is hard to find peace. And we know there is no peace for the wicked – for those who practice unrighteousness. (Cf. Isaiah 48:22; 57:21) As the Prophet Isaiah noted: “Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways. The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace.” (Cf. Isaiah 59:7-8) And though people are looking for … longing for … praying for peace; we have to realize that the peace we seek will not be found in the world. Indeed, there is a peace that only God can provide … that only He, the God of Peace, can embed within our hearts. True peace will only be found in His Son, Christ Jesus! For Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is and forevermore will be our peace…. (Cf. Isaiah 9:6-7)

I believe this is the message the Spirit of God is sending forth: “If you want peace in your life, have a mind that is steadfast and a heart that believes in the truth of God’s Word!” These will be the key to experiencing His peace within. Yes, look for that perfect peace that comes through faith in Christ Jesus. Keep your eyes fixed upon Him. (Cf. Hebrews 12:2) Indeed, “ Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” (Cf. Proverbs 4:25-27) As the Psalmist affirmed: “Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.” (Cf. Psalm 112:6-8)

My friend, God IS who He claims to be in His Word! We absolutely have nothing to worry about at all! So, rest in His peace…. Our Lord Jesus told us not to fret or worry about anything in our lives. We have His assurance that Father God passionately loves us, and that He knows everything we need. (Cf. Matthew 6:25-34) Yes, let us receive this full assurance because Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (Cf. John 14:27) And the Apostle Paul affirmed: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Cf. Philippians 4:6-7)

So Now You Know ….

Have a Blessed Day!

Don’t Throw in the Towel…

Hebrews 10:35-36 (NIV)

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

Living a Christian life … living a life worthy of the Lord Jesus and His calling upon you can be quite challenging at times. As believers we need to be diligent because the Adversary prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (Cf. 1 Peter 5:8) He is a liar … a deceiver … a thief that comes only to steal and kill and destroy. (Cf. John 10:10) And sometimes we fall prey to our enemy and his schemes. Sometimes we succumb to his oppression … embrace his temptation … or become ensnared by his deception. In doing so, we fail … we sin. We fall into a place of guilt and shame … self-condemnation … unforgiveness … and missing the goodness God desires for our lives.

Our Verse of the Day, is a reminder this morning for us to hold on and not throw in the towel. Do not throw away your confidence! Do not forsake your faith! It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. (Cf. Hebrews 11:1) We are equipped to persevere through the trials of faith and to accomplish the will of God for our lives … for it is God who works in us to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose. (Cf. Philippians 2:13) Indeed, it is God’s will that we should be sanctified; that we should avoid sexual immorality and learn to control our own bodies in a way that is holy and honorable. (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). It is God’s will that we should rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) And it is God’s will that by doing good we silence the ignorance of foolish people. (Cf. 1 Peter 2:15) Yes, we can do all these things through Christ who strengthens us. (Cf. Philippians 4:13)

And so, I want to encourage you as well with a few reminders from the Scriptures to help you persevere in faith when you are tested and challenged:

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

1 Corinthians 10:12-14 (NIV)

12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation (test) has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted (tested) beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted (tested), He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. 

1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)

15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

1 John 1:5-9 (NIV)

5 This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 2:1-2 (NIV)

1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Yes, out of the fullness of Jesus we have all received grace in place of grace already given. (Cf. John 1:16) So, I encourage us this morning to seek His grace … to confess any sin in our lives … to acknowledge that the world and its desires are temporal and not from God … and to renounce all idols of self-aggrandizement that hinder us from fulfilling the will of God. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Cf. Luke 16:13) And Jesus taught: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Cf. Matthew 16:24) So let us surrender to God and His will.  Let us believe His Word … receive His Word. We do not have to lose our faith or confidence in the face of spiritual challenges; rather, let us yield to the Spirit of God. For He helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us in accordance with the will of God. (Cf. Romans 8:26-27)

Father God, I ask you this morning to fill us with the knowledge of your will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that each of us may live a life worthy of our Lord Jesus and please Him in every way. I pray that we would bear fruit in every good work; grow in the knowledge of you; and be strengthened with all power according to your glorious might so that we may have great endurance and patience! Yes, Father, we joyfully give you thanks because you have qualified us to share in the inheritance of your holy people in the kingdom of light. We praise and worship you because you have rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of your beloved Son; in whom we have received redemption and the forgiveness of our sins. For HE is our confidence … the One whom we trust. It is in the name of Jesus that we give you thanks … and through whom I pray. Amen. (Adapted from Colossians 1:9-14)


These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” ~ Jesus

So Now You Know….

Have a Blessed Day!

Persevere In Faith…

Hebrews 10:35-36 (NIV)

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

Our verse this morning is a call to persevere in faith.  Though we see a world in tribulation on many fronts, we know there a great victory ahead of us!  The inspired writer of the Letter to the Hebrews provides an encouraging word for us, the remnant Church, to keep moving forward as the Day of the Lord approaches.  The righteous shall live by faith, for the Lord does not take pleasure in those who draw back in fear or lose their confidence and trust in Him.  In faith, we are to forge ahead….

Hebrews 10:19-39 (NIV)

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.” 31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light (of the Gospel), when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. 37 For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.” 38 And, “But the righteous will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who draws back.” (Quoting from Habakkuk 2:3-4) 39 But we do not belong to those who draw back to destruction, but to those who have faith and are saved.

Philippians 3:12-21 (NIV)

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.

So I pray that we will take such a view of things.  Spiritual warfare is being waged all around this world – not just here in our own nation.  By faith, we need to press forward and be engaged. As Paul declared: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12) And this is what the Lord says: “The Word of God (the sword of the Spirit) shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Cf. Joshua 1:8-9)

Some final thoughts and exhortations from the Apostle Paul:

1 Timothy 6:11-16 (NIV)

11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in His own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and might forever. Amen.

2 Timothy 1:6-10 (NIV)

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me His prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.

2 Timothy 4:1-8 (NIV)

1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.

So Now You Know….

Have a Blessed Day!

He Watches Over You…

Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

I have always loved this Psalm and the message it projects through vivid metaphors. It is a short Psalm, so I want to reprint it for us here:

Psalm 121:1-8 (NKJV)

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip — He who watches over you will not slumber;
4 Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you — the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm — He will watch over your life;
8 The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

The imagery produced here affords us with great truths regarding the care and concern God has for His people … the pinnacle of creation.  The hills or mountains represent the majesty and strength of God because they are visual reminders of His power.  But then notice how the psalmist moves his focus to personal engagement. The help God provides us is personal and ongoing.  The Father does not let you out of His sight. He will watch over your life. The Lord is your constant companion … your covering … your refuge. The Lord will keep you from all harm as He watches over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

I don’t know about you, but I need to embrace this assurance each and every day. I need to keep this knowledge at the forefront – that God is with me and watching over me and that He never ceases to protect me. So I encourage each of us to speak and to declare the faithfulness of God during our times of personal prayer. Thank the Lord for His ever-present help in times of trouble. Acknowledge that He keeps you close … as the apple of His eye. (Cf. Psalm 17:8) Yes, the one who dwells in the secret place of the Most-High God shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Cf. Psalm 91:1) So, I pray that you and I will take comfort in His provision and take rest in His presence. Remember, the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Cf. Proverbs 18:10)

Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV)

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Quoting Deuteronomy 31:6) So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Quoting Psalm 118:6-7)

So Now You Know….

Have a Blessed Day!