Category: Truth

The Word of Life…

Matthew 4:4 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Our Verse of the Day comes from the account of when Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. His offensive weapon to withstand the attack of the Adversary was the Word of God. I’ll reprint the passage for our context.

Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)

1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted (tested) by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. 3 The tempter came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Note: Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 8:3) 5 Then the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command His angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” (Note: Satan is quoting Psalm 91:11-12) 7But Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Note: Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 6:16) 8 Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” (Note: Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 6:13) 11 Then the devil left Him, and angels came and attended to Him.

I find it interesting that in every temptation … every test … Jesus countered the maneuvers of Satan with Scripture. And when Satan tried to use Scripture to induce deception, Jesus countered with an opposing tension to balance the assault. So do not be fooled when others teach and use the Word of God out of context or create this type of conflict. We should seek and ask for discernment … rightly dividing the Word of God. The Apostles warned of those who pervert the Gospel and distort the truth. They are false teachers and prophets – who masquerade as servants of righteousness. Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (Cf. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15) So, it is important both to know the Word and to understand its Truth. That is why the following passage resonates with me:

1 John 2:18-27 (NIV)

Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what He promised us—eternal life. I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in Him.

John was quite familiar with the realities of dealing with false teachers, those who left the faith, and antichrists. Yes, even in the earliest days after Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, demonic adulteration and deception was already in motion to separate the wheat from the chaff … the sheep from the goats. The battle between light and darkness continues within the hearts of people to this day. The choice between good and evil … between the truth and the lie is ever present. But John knew the Word of God. He knew Jesus! And so, when Jesus spoke about the Spirit of Truth to the disciples, I believe John listened with full conviction:

John 16:12-14 (NIV)

But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that He will receive what He will make known to you.

So, I think all of this material points us to two applications for our lives:

1. We must read the Word of God diligently.

2. We must rely on the Spirit of God to guide us into the truth of His Word.

My friends, what Jesus is telling us is that both are essential for life … true life as God intends for us. If we are to ever resist temptation and to consecrate our hearts and lives, we must know the Word of God and submit to His indwelling Spirit. And it is Jesus who gives us BOTH for our benefit because of His great love for us. Jesus IS the living Word of God. He has given us His words so that we might believe and no longer walk in darkness. It is through Jesus that we come to the true knowledge of God. Jesus sent His Word through the Holy Spirit to guide us into the truth. Indeed, what a wonderful Savior we have in Jesus! He has given us everything that we need for life … eternal life IN HIM. He is worthy of our praise! And we are wise to listen and respond to His Word!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. I know that His command leads to eternal life. So, whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say. ~ John 12:47-50

Prayer – His Power at Work…

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Our Verse of the Day continues on the theme of prayer … the power of God manifested through prayer … the praise and glory due His Name because He answers our prayers!

I believe we need to study Ephesians 3 because it is filled with incredible insight into the inner workings of prayer – how God acts on behalf of His people through His Son, our Lord Jesus, and how He empowers us through the indwelling of His Spirit.  I will underline what I find as the most powerful thoughts that Paul shares in this passage of scripture:

Ephesians 3 (NIV)

1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the Gospel, the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. 7 I became a servant of this Gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to His eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In Him (Jesus) and through faith in Him (Jesus) we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Points of Reflection:

  1. Like Paul, God’s grace is given to us in order to serve others.
  • Because Paul was afforded wisdom to understand the revelations he was shown, we now have that knowledge as imparted in this Epistle to the Ephesians.
  • This insight has been revealed by the Holy Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets for our own edification and understanding.
  • The mystery is that in Christ Jesus, believers (Jewish and non-Jewish) have become members of ONE Body in Christ Jesus.
  • Note that the work of grace in our lives is given to us by God through the working of His power!
  • The grace that we receive is to share the Gospel … the Good News of the peace and unity we receive through abiding in Christ Jesus.
  • Paul explains that the intent … the purpose of God in revealing this mystery … is that through the Church (the united body of Christ in the world – both Jewish and non-Jewish) the sovereign will of God should be made known; that is, put on display and brought into full reality before the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms in accordance with His eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
  • Note that the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms referred to here are those who are opposed to God and His Sovereignty. (Cf. Ephesians 6:12) His work in us is to effectuate a oneness with the Body of Christ that is evidence to world and to spiritual beings in the heavenly realms. 
  • In Jesus and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  Let His grace and truth empower you!
  1. Paul’s prayer is for the people of God to be strengthened with the power of His Spirit in our inner beings (souls).  This strength comes from His glorious riches which are found in Christ – His inner dwelling (abiding) in us through faith! (Cf. John 15)
  1. The reason Paul gives for his prayer is that through the power of God we might KNOW the depth of Jesus’ love … because it is a love that essentially exceeds human understanding. It is made known spiritually within our inner beings….
  1. Included in the reason for his prayer, Paul desires that we (believers) may be filled with “all the fullness of God.” Again, this is received through our intimacy with Christ Jesus as His Body.  (Cf. John 1:16; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 4:11-13; Colossians 2:9-10)
  1. Paul concludes this portion of his letter with a “doxology” – a praise to God for His attributes, His power, and for His loving purposes for His people through Christ Jesus our Lord.

I have found this chapter in Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians to be so powerful in its presentation of the spiritual experience God has ordained for every believer in Christ Jesus.  It affirms His purpose that those who put their faith in Jesus should experience “fullness” in their life of faith.  It affirms we can personally and intimately know the love of Christ in a way that we may approach the Father with freedom and confidence.  Only through abiding faith Christ Jesus can we have true life … real life … abundant life … external life! Indeed, this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (Cf. John 17:3)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.” ~ John 14:6-7

His Words Are Eternal…

Matthew 24:35 (NIV)

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Our Verse of the Day is nestled in a larger narrative that records the words of Jesus to His disciples concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and signs of the End Times. So, in that context, Jesus told them, “Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will never pass away.” Perhaps, we should take a closer look at what Jesus said because He, in essence, declares that His words have been established forever. Matthew 24 is quite lengthy, and I have placed a link here for your convenience, but I think it bears examining and noting what Jesus foretold would take place.

Yes, we can be sure that the current heaven and earth will pass away; and a new heaven and a new earth will be created. But then Jesus said: “My words will never pass away.” His words remind me of several Scriptures which affirm this truth. “Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in Heaven.” (Cf. Psalm 119:89) “All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. (Cf. Psalm 119:160) The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Cf. Isaiah 40:8) And Peter shares the application of this truth: “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from a pure heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God. (Cf. 1 Peter 1:22-23) And think about what the Apostle John declared: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.” (Cf. John 1:1-3) Perhaps, it is more readily evident what Jesus was telling His disciples and those who followed and believed in Him. His words will never pass away because Jesus will never pass away. Jesus declared, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Cf. Revelation 1:8) And Jesus confirmed, “I AM HE who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen!” (Cf. Revelation 1:18) Yes, the Word of God is the beginning of all things, and He is eternal!

Jesus, the ever-living Word of God, has spoken. (Cf. Hebrews 1:2) He has told us ahead of time what will happen … what will take place in the latter days … so that we will know and believe Him. But even more, Jesus wants us to trust Him at His Word. He knows what will come to pass. He knows that heaven and earth will pass away. But Jesus said, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (Cf. John 14:3) Indeed, Jesus is coming a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. (Cf. Hebrews 9:28) So, we must trust. We must wait. We must persevere in faith….

Since Jesus has already told us ahead of time what “this generation” should expect to see unfold, we should not fear; rather, “When these things begin to take place, we should stand up and lift up our heads, because our redemption is drawing near.” (Cf. Luke 21:28) And we should be faithful and wise servants, whom the master has put in charge of His house while He is away. We should be doing the good works prepared in advance for us to do. (Cf. Ephesians 2:10) Yes, we should be about sharing the truth of the Gospel and making disciples of all people … not making denominational converts. Religion is divisive. But leading people to an authentic encounter and relationship with Jesus Christ will bring unity and peace. For there is no division in Christ! Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. We abide in Him and He in us … for apart from Him we can do nothing. (Cf. John 15:5) Though many members, we form one body in Christ, and therefore, each member belongs to all the others. (Cf. Romans 12:5) Indeed, unity and assembling ourselves has become even more important as we see the Day approaching. Why? Because the purpose is to encourage each other to bear the fruit of love and good works. (Cf. Hebrews 10:24-25)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. ~ Hebrews 4:12-13

There Are No Secrets…

Jeremiah 23:24 (NIV)

Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord.

Our Verse of the Day is a great reminder of the inescapable presence of God. Through the Prophet Jeremiah, God asks His people some pointed questions which we would be wise to consider: “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the Lord, “and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord. While the context is directed at the false prophets who spoke with a sense of impunity – as though God would not know their misleading words to the people and causing them to go astray from the Truth and the Author of it.  I encourage you to read the entire Chapter 23 for the full context.  However, the point being made here is that God sees everything that is done whether in light or darkness … whether in the open or in hidden places.

I believe this truth is something that we should consider in our hearts.  From the beginning, man has attempted to hide from the presence of God because of our disobedience and knowledge of sin:

Genesis 3:8-11 (NIV)

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so, I hid.” And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

Even now, in our generation, we are confronted by the Word of God which declares: “The Lord God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand … any who seek Him. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” (Cf. Psalm 14:2-3; Psalm 52:2-3) I am reminded of what King David penned from his meditation:

Psalm 139:1-12 (NIV)

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

We have the words of Jesus, the Son of David, who further awakens us to this truth:

Luke 12:1-5 (NIV)

Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to His disciples, saying: “First of all, be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him.

And we have Apostolic confirmation that believers need to be fully aware of our hidden thoughts and conduct … for which we must give account:

Hebrews 12:12-13 (NIV)

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

I think that we can see the application outlined for us here.  When we realize that the presence of God fills all of creation whether seen or unseen, we should begin to embrace this truth and to acknowledge that our natural inclination has been to hide from God what cannot be hidden. He knows us and everything about us quite intimately! And because of His great love and compassion, God sent His Son to atone for our disobedience and sin. Jesus is our High Priest, and He draws us to Himself … to the right hand of God the Father … to the throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and help us in our time of need. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Cf. Romans 3:23-24)

My friends, there is nothing hidden from the sight of God. The thoughts and inclinations of our hearts are uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. I encourage us to be honest and truthful before God … to confess our sins … to have them covered by His atoning blood … to become purified from all unrighteousness … and to walk in the light of truth. As Jesus warned, “Be on your guard against hypocrisy because there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” John admonished, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” (Cf. John 3:19-21) Indeed, Jesus pronounced woes upon those who lived in hypocrisy. (Cf. Matthew 23) I pray we will heed what the Holy Spirit is impressing upon us today. Let us confess our sins and cleanse our hearts so that we might be instruments for special purposes, made holy and useful to the Master, and prepared to do every good work in these latter days. (Cf. 2 Timothy 2:21)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 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 every sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word is not in us. ~ 1 John 1:5-10

Happy Father’s Day!

Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Our Verse of the Day shares some great advice for fathers regarding their relationships with their children. It is offered in the context of other types of relationships (i.e., with spouses, parents, neighbors, employers, etc.).  And I would like to review it with the New Living Translation (NLT) for added perspective: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” Notice the slight variations on how the original words are translated. The term “exasperate” means to irritate and frustrate intensely … to the point of anger. So, fathers are admonished not to create such a provocation by their actions or their words. Then we are afforded a contrast … an alternative … to avoid creating such a situation. The adverbs “instead” or “rather” indicate a preferred alternative or substitute in place of the previous action. Paul indicates that the way to avoid provocation to anger is to raise children under the training (discipline) and instruction of (that comes from) the Lord.

As fathers, our focus in leading and parenting … how we treat our children and raise them to be loving people … must originate in the Word of God. If we do not train, discipline, teach, and instruct according to the percepts revealed to us by God the Father, our children are going to become frustrated in life to the point of resentment, bitterness, and anger. Indeed, the failure of parents to utilize the Word of God as our resource, counsel, and guide for instruction will essentially lead to profound frustration and exasperation in our children as they begin to learn the meaning and purpose of life.  This is why fathers (parents) are instructed to “direct our children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. (Cf. Proverbs 22:6)

Deuteronomy 4:5-9 (NIV)

See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to Him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Deuteronomy 11:16-21 (NIV)

Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. Then the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and He will shut up the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the Lord is giving you. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.

 

Psalm 78:1-8 (NIV)

My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old— things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which He commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds but would keep His commands. They would not be like their ancestors— a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to Him.

Fellow fathers and men, we have a responsibility to raise our children in the training and instruction of the Lord. It is a distinct assignment given to us by Father God: to be spiritual priests over our homes! Yes, we are to be providers. Yes, we are to be protectors. And, yes, we are to be priests over our children. And it follows that if we desire to obey and fulfill our roles, we must know and follow the teaching of the Lord for ourselves. For how can we teach the Bible to our children if we ourselves do not read it and understand what it instructs? And further, how can we train our children to live in faith if we ourselves to do not walk by the Spirit in truth before them? It is said that actions speak louder than our words, so we must realize that how we conduct ourselves must be consistent with what we profess to believe. Indeed, our children will know us by the fruit we produce … Kingdom fruit that will last and glorify our Father in heaven. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Proverbs 22:6 (Self-Amplified)

Train up a child … yes train up all of your children … in the way they should go … the right way … in the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Cf. John 14:6); because even when they become old, they will not depart from their training … they will not stray beyond reach from the instruction you instill in them while children. It will continue to resonate within their hearts. It will continue bring conviction to their inner beings. They will be restless when they do not live according to the Truth. They will come to see the Light of God and His wisdom in Jesus Christ. Yes, do not neglect to teach your children … be diligent to disciple them and to instruct them in the Word of God. For God has declared that His Word that goes forth shall not return to Him void; rather, it shall accomplish what He desires … what pleases Him. It shall prosper in the thing for which He sent it. (Cf. Isaiah 55:11)

The Joy of Fatherhood…

Proverbs 23:24 (NIV)

The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.

Our Verse of the Day presents a thought that resonates so deeply with me. Indeed, the father of a righteous child has great joy! Indeed, a man who fathers a wise son (or daughter) rejoices in him (or her)!  Righteous. Wise. Faithful. These are the qualities I believe every father desires to instill in his children. What could possibly matter more to a man than to see his children living in the light of the Truth? As the Apostle John exclaimed: “It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling me how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (Cf. 3 John 3-4)

When I contemplate my own life, and the legacy I hope to leave my children, I pray the most important “take away” they will receive from me will be a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ.  I have found that nothing else truly matters in this life except our fellowship with God and our love for Him … and accordingly, our sincere love for one another. Leading our children to faith in Jesus Christ and discipling them in the faith is the greatest demonstration of real love that I could ever imagine to impart. Why?  Because I know they will not have or experience abundant life or fulfilling love apart from Him.  If we love and cherish children as God ordained for men to do, then it follows that we must bestow upon them the best gift possible … the love of God through His Son … the only hope of eternal life!

I am sure that most of us have sometimes failed to be consistent in our own journeys of faith over the years … and our examples have not always been the best in difficult situations or personal challenges.  But in whatever way we have fallen short of being God’s best for the building of our children’s faith, know it is never too late to redeem the time or to express a sincere desire to continue the walk together going forward.  And so, do not hesitate to humble yourself and ask your children to look beyond the sins … the missteps and mistakes made along the way … and assure them that you have endeavored and will always strive to love each of them as you have been loved by God through His Son.  Yes, remind them that God is their true Father … and that His love is perfect, full of grace, and abides forever.

As we approach the celebration of Father’s Day this upcoming Sunday, I think it is wonderful that we will receive some verses that focus on the roles of fathers and the experience of fatherhood.  Though we who have become human fathers are quite imperfect, the purpose for which God created us is to reflect His unique and holy relationship with His children.  He is our Provider, our Protector, and our Priest! And these are the roles that God ordained for men since He formed Adam.

My friends, if we look at the disorder and evil within the world today, so much of it can be traced to the lack of fathers in the home … the lack of fathers not fulfilling their God ordained roles in their homes.  Not only does this rebellion against God affect the lives of their children, it impacts the wellbeing of our communities and our nation. So, I want to encourage every father (and mother, too) who is praying for their children who have wandered from the faith. I pray you will persevere in prayer before our Heavenly Father. For though the spiritual battle is intense, the battle belongs to Lord! It is His victory! Indeed, God expects us to fulfill our roles as we are led by His Word under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to ask for the “veil” to be removed from your child’s eyes … that they too might see the light of God in Christ Jesus. (Cf. 2 Corinthians 4:4) Yes, continue to watch and pray without ceasing! And I pray that I will be celebrating your victories with you soon as well…. Amen!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust. ~ Psalm 103:13-14

Be Still and Know…

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Our Verse of the Day focuses our thoughts on the sovereignty and majesty of God. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Sometimes we just need to stop and get quiet … and allow God to reveal Himself to us in a quiet place; far from the noise of life … away from everyone and everything that can distract us from experiencing and knowing the presence of God and hearing His still small voice. (Cf. 1 Kings 19:12) Sometimes we need to both isolate ourselves and insulate ourselves within a “prayer closet” and spend intimate time with God. The Father wants us to be still because He desires us to know Him in a personal way….

Sometimes we just need a reminder in these unsettled days that God is still on the throne….  He is still King of Kings and Lord of Lords! (Cf. 1 Timothy 6:15) He is the Alpha and the Omega … the beginning and the end! (Cf. Revelation 21:6; 22:13)  Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Cf. Hebrews 13:8) And there is nothing in this world … not in all creation … that will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! (Cf. Romans 8:38-39)  And so God says to us: “BE STILL!” Yes, know that HE is God and that HE will be exalted!

Isaiah 45:22-24 (NIV)

“Turn to me and be saved, all you people of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, ‘In the Lord alone are deliverance and strength.’” All who have raged against Him will come to Him and be put to shame.

Indeed, all the people … all the nations … and all who have ever dwelled upon the earth WILL bow to their knees before God and exalt Him! We can do so now out of love and obedience … but we will certainly do so on the Day of Judgement! No one will escape that day…. As the Apostle John prophesied: “Behold, He is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of Him.” So shall it be! Amen.” (Cf. Revelation 1:7) Yes, on that great day of the Lord, EVERYONE will acknowledge Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!  And so, if we know Him, if we know Him intimately … He bids us to be still. “The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.” (Cf. Habakkuk 2:20)

I believe the Lord Jesus wants us to know it is wise to be silent before Him … to rest in Him … to wait for Him. It is good to stop and sit at the feet of Jesus and just listen to Him. It is good to stop and sit at the foot of the cross and to ponder all that took place upon it. It is good to stop and kneel at the entrance of the empty tomb and just meditate on the power that raised Jesus from the dead. Yes, it is good to stop and worship the Alpha and the Omega and to exalt Him!

My friends, we do not need to walk in fear because of the circumstances we face or the hardships we might encounter in this life. God is sovereign over every aspect of our lives! He delights for us to know and trust Him. Our Lord Jesus encourages us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all the things we need shall be provided to us.” (Cf. Matthew 6:33) Jesus invites us to approach Him: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Cf. Matthew 11:28) Yes, Jesus invites us to trust Him when He affirms: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (Cf. John 11:25-26)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~ Philippians 2:9-11

Coming on the Clouds…

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV)

For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so, we will be with the Lord forever.

Our Verse of the Day provides a message and hope for us.  I thank our God and Father for His Word … for the inspiration and encouragement of His Word. As we charter the waters of these latter days, I pray we will take heart in the assurance we have of the soon coming return of our Lord Jesus! For He was sacrificed once to take away the sins of the world; and He will come down from heaven a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are eagerly waiting for Him. (Cf. Hebrews 9:28) And so shall we be with the Lord Jesus forever!

My friends, we have an incredible day ahead of us! Jesus … the Son of Man … the Son of God … is soon coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory!

Daniel 7:13-14 (NIV)

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Matthew 24:30-31 (NIV)

“Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Matthew 26:62-64 (NIV)

Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to Him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Mark 14:61-62 (NIV)

But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked Him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Yes, I’m fairly certain we cannot truly comprehend that moment … if we are still alive when it occurs. Indeed, whether we are resurrected or supernaturally changed in “the twinkling of an eye” to be united with the Lord Jesus … that experience will surpass anything we have ever experienced during our time on this earth.  As Paul shared with the Church at Corinth: “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we (who are alive) will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. (Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53)

Some Final Thoughts:

Acts 1:6-11 (NIV)

Then the disciples gathered around Jesus and asked Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After Jesus said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”

Revelation 1:4-8 (NIV)

Grace and peace to you from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven-fold Spirit before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father—to Him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. “Look, He is coming with the clouds,” (Cf. Daniel 7:13) and “every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him” (Cf. John 19:34); and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of Him.” (Cf. Zechariah 12:10) So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

You and I can be certain there will be no cloud of obscurity … no cloud of doubt … no cloud of confusion … when that Day comes! “For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so it will be on the Day when the Son of Man comes.” (Cf. Luke 17:24) “But of that Day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Cf. Mark 13:32) “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Cf. Matthew 24:42) However, what we do know, is a cloud of faithful witnesses have testified from the creation of Adam to the present! As the inspired writer concluded: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author (Alpha) and finisher (Omega) of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Cf. Hebrews 12:1-2)

My friends, I pray with great faith and expectation that we will look to and be prepared for the glorious arrival of our Lord Jesus with passionate reverence; with uncompromising obedience; and with unashamed confidence! Yes, in light of His coming, let us endeavor to finish the race; to be diligent to do the good works that God planned in advance for us to do; and to bear abundant fruit for His glory! Amen….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! ~ Revelation 22:20

Finish The Race…

Act 20:24 (NIV)

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Our Verse of the Day shares a deep introspection from the Apostle Paul … a perspective on the “meaning of life” that each of us search to find at some point on our journey of faith. Indeed, living out and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ IS the task of every believer … regardless of our vocation, location, or situation in life. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Cf. Ephesians 2:10) And so, we have been saved to do the good works ordained for us. As Paul reminded the Colossians: “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3) Likewise, he preached to the Galatians: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Cf. Galatians 2:20) Like Paul, we too are to complete the tasks God has given us to do … “being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the Day of Christ Jesus. (Cf. Philippians 1:6)

Up to this point in Acts 20, Luke has been documenting the missionary journey undertaken by Paul and the evangelical opportunities for ministry afforded to him along the way. It has been a fruitful journey, but there have been hardships and challenges in the midst of preaching the Gospel and discipling elders in the churches he labored to establish. This is the backdrop when we reach our passage:

Acts 20:17-24 (NIV)

From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Paul is in route to Jerusalem.  His mind is made up … his determination will not be thwarted. Regardless of the dangers and hardships that await him along the journey, Paul is committed to complete the task that he received from the Lord Jesus.  Though he is convinced in his own spirit that the end of his life and mission draws nigh, none of what the Holy Spirit has revealed to him alters his decision. He confides: “I do not count my life of any value or dear to myself. I must finish my course … I must run this race. I must complete the work and ministry that was given to me by the Lord Jesus … to preach the Gospel.” What incredible resolve! What an awesome testimony of faithfulness! We would all do well to follow the example of Paul….

I found his use of the word “race” a salient metaphor. To me, the word conjures images of physical exertion; the need for both strength and conservation of energy in order to endure; and a sense of urgency to finish in a short amount of time. This should be our focus as well … as we look to fulfill our mission as the Church. There should be a sense of urgency for us to share the Gospel of grace as well. Like Paul, we need to hear the direction of the Holy Spirit and be under compulsion to advance the Gospel. Indeed, there is a race for each of us to run, not in vain competition, but to advance the Kingdom of God with the utmost imperative to act promptly, decisively, and without delay.

Paul declared, “My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus Christ as given me.” He indicates that this “mission” … this “purpose” … surpasses everything else once deemed important in his life. Paul counts his life and previous ambitions as worthless in comparison to the work he became commissioned to do. In essence, Paul was saying that nothing (prison or hardships) would deter him from completing the good work he was created in Christ Jesus to do. He reasoned: whatever the risks of following the Lord Jesus and accomplishing His will for my life is more important than my own inward, personal aspirations I used to have in life. It represents a complete surrender to the will of God, and I believe this is an important principle for us to embrace in our walk of faith….

I sometimes wonder if we ever feel the same way? Do we purpose for every action and activity done over the course of the day to be integral to the ministry which we have received from the Lord Jesus? That was the heart of Jesus. That was the practice of the Apostles. That is the challenge to the Body of Christ! Will we endeavor to let what we do demonstrate who we are in Christ? As you can see, this verse has challenged me to look inwardly … to ask what value my life brings to the Kingdom of God? Is my aim to grow a larger business or to have greater impact on the spread of the Gospel? The question explores which purpose or objective is at the forefront of my thoughts as each day unfolds? Is my vocation the aim of my life … or is the focus to complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me to do? I think these are questions that many of us ask ourselves.

But even as I ask these questions, I wonder: “Do these options have to be mutually exclusive – meaning both cannot happen at the same time?” God forbid! I believe the answer should be they are mutually inclusive – meaning neither can happen independent of the other.  What I do for a vocation can and should be aligned and integrated with the work God prepared in advance for me to do.  For God should not be relegated to a part of my life … when He IS my total life. Thus, I believe our occupations should facilitate the achievement of what the Lord Jesus has commissioned for each of us to complete during our time here on earth. “For in Him we live and move and have our being.” (Cf. Acts 17:28).

My friends, when the Word of God convinces our souls of the truth and we place our faith in Jesus, a new dimension of life enters our existence. Our spirits … our inner beings … are born again! Our concept of “self” is radically altered. We are changed from within! We are new creations! The old has gone, the new is here! And so, the value or worth we placed on our previous existence is changed as well. What we thought we valued for our lives is replaced with a “purpose” of far greater significance. Our lives, resurrected in Christ, have a new motivation: to live worthy of the Lord; to please Him in every way; to be productive in His Kingdom for His glory! As Paul encouraged, “Forget what is behind and press onward to what is ahead.  Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Cf. Philippians 3:13-14)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ~ Hebrews 12:1-3

No More Condemnation…

John 3:17 (NIV)

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

Our Verse of the Day is perhaps the greatest news we could share with anyone who is struggling with their past failures and feeling unworthy of the redemption and reconciliation Father God has offered to the world through Jesus Christ! Self-condemnation can be a vicious stronghold to break if our concept of a God is one of judgment and wrath alone. To be sure, Scripture reveals both the judgment and wrath of God … but both are reserved for those who reject Christ Jesus and do not place their faith in Him. Indeed, this verse declares the kindness and love of God so that each person is given the opportunity to repent of their sins and failures. Let’s look at this verse in the surrounding context:

John 3:16-21 (NIV)

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

God sent Jesus to be the atonement for the sins of the world. That is the purpose for which God gave Him to us. It is the atonement of His blood that we are to believe and receive … to place our faith in Him and to proclaim His self-sacrifice as all-sufficient to pay our sin debt and to redeem us from the condemnation of sin. Whoever believes in Him is no longer condemned! Believers have been set free … forgiven … released. Believers are no longer under the law of sin (Cf. Romans 7:23-25) … but now abide under the law of liberty! (Cf. James 1:25) So the application here is to believe! Believe the testimony of God regarding His Son whom He sent to be our Savior. “Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? (Cf. Romans 2:4) As the Apostle John expounded: when we reject the testimony of God about His Son, Jesus, we have in essence called God a liar….

1 John 5:9-12 (NIV)

We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which He has given about His Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about His Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

God does not want us to live under the weight of condemnation, but God has made it clear that each human must make their personal decision about Jesus. Believe and receive eternal life OR reject and remain in condemnation. God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Cf. Romans 5:8) A person is not condemned for what they have done … the sin they have committed … or their failure to live up to the moral law God has decreed; rather, a person remains under condemnation for rejection of God’s grace … for refusing the forgiveness and redemption He has offered to us through the death of His Son. Think about it a moment! God willingly sacrificed His One and Only Son for the sin of the world. Jesus is the only atonement God would accept because of His own holiness. The blood of an animal sacrifice is insufficient to purge sin. (Cf. Isaiah 1:11; Isaiah 66:1-4; Hebrews 10)

So, when a person rejects what God has done … what has God ordained for true life in Him … He allows that person to remain in condemnation because they refused to receive the propitiation provided on their behalf. When a person rejects Jesus Christ … they reject the Father as well. (Cf. John 5:22-24; 1 John 2:22-23) It is not a loving God that sends a person to hell; rather, it is a loving God who makes provision for a person to be saved from the condemnation and wrath of sin. That provision is His Son … Jesus!  And this is the message that we who are ambassadors of Christ are called to share.  As Paul asserted: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20)

Romans 8:1-10 (NIV)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set us free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.

Do you know anyone who feels condemned or has fallen into self-condemnation? Share this good news with them! God has made provision to remove all condemnation through Christ Jesus. Let condemnation be replaced with conviction! Yes, let conviction bring confession … so that we agree with God that His Word and righteous decrees are holy and just. Oh, there is hope for the sinner who feels condemned! There is freedom for the captive and the broken-hearted! For the kindness of God is intended to lead us to repentance! God sent His light into the world, and His light has overcome the darkness! (Cf. John 1:5) I pray we will share that light with whosoever will listen; and pray God will grant them the gift of repentance and bring them to a knowledge of the Truth….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. ~ Romans 5:15-19