Tag: faith

Redemption, Encouragement and Comfort, Psalm 34 Has it All!

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Psalm 34 has some of the most encouraging verses David ever penned, my opinion. He was under stress and seeking God’s deliverance from Abimelech the Philistine king. He even pretended to be insane to escape his clutches. David is pouring out his heart and troubles to God and I find great encouragement in his words.

Verse 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
    and delivered me from all my fears. How many of us have been so fearful at times that we needed God’s deliverance? David knew His God would answer if he cried out to him both physically and mentally. Do you have the same assurance?

Verses 7-10 The angel of the Lord encamps
    around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
    Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
    for those who fear him have no lack!
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;
    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. I love the visual of God’s protection in verse 7. We know God has angels to watch over us. One of my favorite stories in the Old Testament of God’s power and protection is found in 2 Kings 6 where the king of Aram is pursuing Elisha. He tells his servant to not be afraid “as those who are with us are more than those who are with them” ” O LORD open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariot of of fire all around Elisha.” The servant saw they were surrounded by an army of angels. God watches over us just as He did his servant Elisha.

The command in verse 8 is to taste and see that the Lord is good! Knowing Him is something we can feel within our souls like we were tasting a good food. Verses 9 and 10 talk about fearing the Lord. The promise is if we fear the Lord we will have no lack. Fear here is not trepidation but awe, admiration, trust, faith and commitment too. Putting our trust in God removes all else from consideration and we do not need to be afraid of worldly things.

Verse 17-18 are very reassuring. ” When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears  and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
    and saves the crushed in spirit.” These verse bring hope and comfort to our souls. When we are disheartened or brokenhearted God knows our pain and brings us comfort.

Lastly, verse 22 is David’s crowning conclusion. “The Lord redeems the life of his servants;  none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” What a wonderful promise to those who love the Lord.

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, we are assured of redemption and a declaration by Jesus that we are NOT GUILTY when we stand before Him. Thank you Jesus that the promise of redemption and refuge can always be found in Jesus for those who love Him.

Linda

Entire Psalm 34 below

I will bless the Lord at all times;
    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
    let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
    and let us exalt his name together!

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
    and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant,
    and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
    and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
    around those who fear him, and delivers them.

8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
    Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
    for those who fear him have no lack!
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;
    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

11 Come, O children, listen to me;
    I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 What man is there who desires life
    and loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil
    and your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Turn away from evil and do good;
    seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
    and his ears toward their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
    to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
    and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
    and saves the crushed in spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
    but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
20 He keeps all his bones;
    not one of them is broken.
21 Affliction will slay the wicked,
    and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
    none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

A New Look at a Beloved Psalm

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In Psalms 23-28 there is a theme of the Shepherd King. Psalm 23 is one that has been memorized for ages and brings great comfort in times of trouble. A friend of mine was a bomber pilot in WWII and he used Psalm 23 in a personal way each time he had to go into battle. From verse 4, “Even though I fly through the skies of death, I will fear no evil.” Today I want to apply Jesus to this psalm so we can see how He does all these things for us and more.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Isaiah 58:11 “And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”

3     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.” Mark 8:5“Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.” Romans 3:22 “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.”

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me. Luke 8:50 “But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16 “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace.” John 14:16 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,”

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows. 1 John 5:18 “We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.” John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.“


6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever. Hebrews 8:12 “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” John 14:12 “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”

Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can claim His power in my life through faith in Him. He is my shepherd, guide, restorer, protector, provider of abundant life, merciful, eternal and has prepared a place for me to dwell with Him in the future. Thank you Jesus.

Linda

I pray this different look at Psalm 23 encourages you in your walk with Jesus.

Prayer to Accessible God

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Psalm 27 comes straight out of David’s heart. He is concerned about what is happening around and to him but David remains confident in the Lord. He knows God is in control and no matter what He will be with Him in heaven. David is taking the long view of life and down the tunnel of time he sees God and knows without a shadow of a doubt that God will be there for Him. May we all ‘catch’ his view.

He begin with verses 1-3 with his high view of God and ends the psalm with confidence!

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
    so why should I tremble?
2 When evil people come to devour me,
    when my enemies and foes attack me,
    they will stumble and fall.
3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,
    my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
    I will remain confident.

David seeks heaven as He knows he will be safe and loved there. verses 4-6 The one thing I ask of the Lord—    the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
    delighting in the Lord’s perfections
    and meditating in his Temple.
5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
    he will hide me in his sanctuary.
    He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
6 Then I will hold my head high
    above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
    singing and praising the Lord with music.

In verses 7-10 David pleads with the Lord to hear him as he prays-Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
    Be merciful and answer me! In verses 11-13 David asks the Lord to teach, guide and protect him. Teach me how to live, O Lord.
    Lead me along the right path,
    for my enemies are waiting for me.
12 Do not let me fall into their hands.
    For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;
    with every breath they threaten me with violence.

David concludes with a return to full confidence in verses 13 and 14.
13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
    while I am here in the land of the living. 14 Wait patiently for the Lord.
    Be brave and courageous.
    Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

How much our prayers resemble David’s psalm. We begin praising God, knowing He is real and will answer, then petition Him and as we pull up the happenings of the world we get mired down. By the time we have finished pouring our heart out to God, we realize that He is in control and we will be victorious in Him. Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can pour out my heart knowing the Holy Spirit will intercede for me before the Father. Romans 8:26-27 “ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” We can truly pray with confidence and hope waiting patiently for His response.

Linda

WOW! What Affirmation of God’s Word and Work in our Lives!

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Psalm 19 is like a balm to the soul as we are reassured over and over of the purity and rightness of God’s Word. Even though we are flawed and are prone to sin, we can seek God and depend upon Him. His Word is our guide and plumb line for actions and reactions as we dive into its depths and soak in its truths. David concludes with his declaration to follow God in words and deeds because God is his savior and Lord. I hope that we can claim the same for ourselves.

Psalm 19:7-14 God’s Words is…...

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, perfect
    reviving the soul. reviving
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, trustworthy
    making wise the simple. simply wise
8 The commandments of the Lord are right, right
    bringing joy to the heart. create joy
The commands of the Lord are clear, clear
    giving insight for living. insightful
9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, pure
    lasting forever. everlasting
The laws of the Lord are true; true
    each one is fair. just
10 They are more desirable than gold, desirable
    even the finest gold. refined
They are sweeter than honey, sweet
    even honey dripping from the comb. honey filled
11 They are a warning to your servant, give warning
    a great reward for those who obey them. rewarding

12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Man is… sinful
    Cleanse me from these hidden faults. in need of cleansing
13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins! willful
    Don’t let them control me. weak willed
Then I will be free of guilt God provides….. freedom
    and innocent of great sin. proclaimed innocence

14 May the words of my mouth David’s conclusion
    and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

David’s conclusion was that he needs God and desires to walk with Him. He realized that God’s Word is a great asset or resource and has the help he needs to walk with God. God’s Word is powerful and can change lives. I pray that I all have this same attitude. Look to God’s Word daily for strength, guidance, hope and encouragement.

As I look this list over myself, I am thankful for scripture and the great help it provides for my daily living. Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, we have help to understand and apply scripture to our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. If Christ had not died, the Holy Spirit would not have come. But He did and is now our Helper! John 14:25-26 “ “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 16:8-11“When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.” We can live confidently knowing that scripture is not beyond our understanding and that the Holy Spirit will teach us what we need to know to live godly lives.

Thank you Jesus for sending the Holy Spirit.

Linda

Prayer Has Power! Pray! Second Sunday of Lent

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The first Sunday of Lent we looked at Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians in verses15-17. Lent is a time of prayer and reflection. Looking at how Paul prayed for his friends and coworkers gives us insights and ideas on how we to can pray for others. In Ephesians 1:18-21 Paul continues adding to what he desires for his friends in Christ so they will be ready, equipped and empowered to live God directed lives.

18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. 19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.

Paul prayed for: **their hearts to be filled with God’s light so they could fully understand the hope and inheritance they have in Jesus. God sees us as holy through the power of Christ and what He gives us is glorious and rich beyond measure. Paul wanted the Ephesians, and us, too to grasp more clearly what marvelous things we have in Christ.

**them to have complete understanding and knowledge of the actual power they had in their lives because of Christ. This is the power of God that raised Christ from the dead. Power to conquer sin and defeat death.

**for them to know and be assured that Christ has risen and is seated at the right hand of the Father. His power and authority is greater than any other on earth and above any power past, present or future. He is above all!

What about you? Do you understand the full measure of what it means to be saved? We will spend eternity with Christ and He gives us power to live our lives in a way that is holy and pleasing to Him. This power we have is resurrection powered and available to us through faith in Jesus. Through Christ we are conquerors as Romans 8:37 tells us “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Life or death and in all things we can be victorious through Christ. Have you ever wondered where Christ is now? In Luke 22:69 Jesus said, “But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.” He may be seated there but He is not idle. His Holy Spirit is guiding, counseling, comforting and as Romans 8:26-27 tells us “ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are always with us, watching over us and caring for us.

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, the power of the risen Christ lives within us and empowers us to live godly lives for Him. Therefore our prayers can be powerful and effective. 1 Peter 3:12 “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Keep on praying!! It works.

Linda

David’s Glimpse of God Aligns with Scripture

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Psalm 18 has a wonderful middle section for us today verses 30-36. As you read picture the blessings David attributes to knowing the Lord. God is amazing!!

God’s way is perfect.
    All the Lord’s promises prove true. God only makes true promises.
    He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. God protects those are his.
31 For who is God except the Lord?
    Who but our God is a solid rock? God is immovable.
32 God arms me with strength, God equips and motivates us.
    and he makes my way perfect.
33 He makes me as surefooted as a deer, God makes us able to endure.
    enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle; God prepares and gives us weapons.
    he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
35 You have given me your shield of victory.
    Your right hand supports me; God has given us Jesus, his right hand
    your help has made me great. for support.
36 You have made a wide path for my feet God has provided a firm foundation
    to keep them from slipping. through Jesus and His Word.

All of these attributes David attributed to God we can have in our lives too through faith in Jesus. We can know David’s promise keeping God! God protects his own. A favorite verse I claim for this is Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,” God is immovable not changing his mind. Hebrews 6:18 “So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.” God will equip us for every good work as promised in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 through his Word. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” God enables us to persevere and endure for Him. Colossians 1:11 “being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,” He gives us weapons for the battles we’ll fight. Ephesians 6:13-17 describes God’s armor which He gives us for the spiritual battles we’ll face. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ” God’s greatest gift to us was Jesus who intercedes for us and supports us 100%. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Lastly, David mentions our firm foundation. God has given us a firm foundation which is based on our faith in Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:19 “Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” 1 Corinthians 3:11 “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, we have all these blessed assurances in Christ! Thank you Jesus.

Linda

Knowing God’s Character is Essential

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Psalm 18 is rich and we’ll spend 2 days here. Psalm 18:1-6 show us David’s dependence upon God and how God always responds to those who love Him. Here it is in the New Living Translation:

I love you, Lord;
    you are my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
    my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
    and my place of safety.
3 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
    and he saved me from my enemies.

What does David know about God? He is the one who gives him strength, stability, salvation, protection, safety, and is totally worthy of praise!

4 The ropes of death entangled me;
    floods of destruction swept over me.
5 The grave wrapped its ropes around me;
    death laid a trap in my path.
6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
    yes, I prayed to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
    my cry to him reached his ears.

David continues and tells us God has untangled very difficult situations for him, kept him from natural disasters and mortal enemies, and God has heard his prayers. God is accessible to David as his cries reach up to the heavens.

Looking at David’s list of the things he knows about God, I ask myself do I know those things too? Through faith in Jesus, I have all of that and more, but am I realizing it in my life? Do I depend upon God for strength when times are hard or when I’m hurting? Is my faith in Jesus a stabilizing factor in my life? If not, how do I make it so? Colossians 2:6-7 tells us it is all dependent upon Christ, “ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Is Christ my savior? Have I done as Romans 10:9-10 says? “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Be assured it will work as verse 13 goes on to say, “ for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Do I call on God for protection? Simple things like praying before I travel or during my travels, as I go to sleep at night, or as I’m are off to work. God can and will be with me 24/7 so do I acknowledge this and pray for protection? If disaster should come am I living assured that He will be there? How about prayer for difficult circumstances or problems? God can and will listen to my cries for help and the anguish of my soul. I may see his answer in ways of protection, healing, encouragement, comfort, uplifting, fellowship, etc. His answers are not always immediate but if it is in His will the answer will come. That calls for patience, and you can hear David’s anguish as he waits for God’s response. And yet, he does not lose hope as He knows the nature of God.

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can know God and depend upon His character. Thank you Jesus for the knowledge of God’s faithfulness and His indwelling Holy Spirit that confirms these truths within my being. Romans 8:16 “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Praise God!

Linda

Keeping Eternal Pleasures in Mind

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Today we are looking at the remainder of Psalm 16 verses 7-11. I read this in various translations but I really felt the Message was the most direct.

The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake
    is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I’ll stick with God;
    I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go. Do you ever go to bed with a problem and think you’ll sleep on it and maybe in the morning you will know your mind and decided what to do? The psalmist is identifying with this, saying God is directing him during the day and then confirms his directions while he sleeps. So night and day, God is his guiding light. I find this both comforting and encouraging and it reaffirms Deuteronomy 31:6 “ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” That means God is with us day and night!

9-10 I’m happy from the inside out,
    and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed.
You canceled my ticket to hell—
    that’s not my destination! David, the psalmist, was convinced that God had his eternity secure and that he had a heavenly home with God. His faith in God had cancelled his sin and assured him of a heavenly home. We can be assured of this too as faith in Christ and his work on the cross confirms our gift of eternal life with Him. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

11 Now you’ve got my feet on the life path,
    all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
    I’m on the right way. David knows his pathway is assured and it is lifelong. He is on the right pathway in life walking hand and hand with God.

We too can say we have a heavenly home, God is our light and guide, and we do not need to fear death and punishment in Hell. Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can be assured of life eternal and walking with him day by day. Thank you Jesus.

Linda

Looking for God’s Pleasant Lines

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I plan to take Psalm 16 in two pieces. Today verses 1-6 and tomorrow the remainder of the psalm. Psalm 16 has one of my favorite verses,6, which holds a very dear promise.

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
    I have no good apart from you.”

Jesus said this too in John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” Without Christ me can accomplish nothing with eternal value.

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
    in whom is all my delight. 4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
    their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
    or take their names on my lips. Are you seeking to please God and be his delight or are you chasing after other gods? 2 Corinthians 1:19-21 “ For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. 20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us,” Christ is the answer all else leads to No’s.

5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
    you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

Can you say this promise is true for your life? Do you see lines drawn in places, relationships, jobs, etc. that were of God’s making? What would be a pleasant place for you? Does it involve a beautiful climate? Does it have perfect relationships? Is it driven with excellent purpose? All of those can be said of the Christian life. Our climate is with Him. His Holy Spirit indwells us and can and will work in all our relationship and jobs. What of our inheritance? Ephesians 1:13-14 “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.  who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Our purpose it to glorify God as David expresses in Psalm 86:12 “I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.” We also have a commission from the Lord Jesus given in Matthew 28:19-20  “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Glory is the sum total of all God’s attributes. So showing mercy, compassion, love, humility, patience, hope, etc. in His name brings Him glory. Telling other about Jesus also brings Him glory.

So, if following Jesus is your chosen ‘cup’ as the psalmist says, then look for God’s lines to be drawn in pleasant places in your life now and into the future! Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, we can be assured of pleasant lines of God in our lives. Thank you Jesus.

Linda

Is Being Good Enough?

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We’ll start our week with Psalm 15 in which David describes what defines the actions of a man who could live with God.

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
    Who may live on your holy mountain? 2 The one whose walk is blameless,
    who does what is righteous,
    who speaks the truth from their heart;
3 whose tongue utters no slander,
    who does no wrong to a neighbor,
    and casts no slur on others;
4 who despises a vile person
    but honors those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
    and does not change their mind;
5 who lends money to the poor without interest;
    who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things
    will never be shaken.

We know David’s picture of the ‘good’ man is well defined by how they act towards others. Micah 6:8 describes one who God loves as “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God.” David’s good man would live up to the Micah 6:8 criteria.

However, Hebrews 11:6 adds another dimension this as it is not all words and actions but has to involve faith. “And 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.” One cannot ‘earn’ your way to heaven to live in his presence without faith and it is specific faith that is outlined in 1 Timothy 2:2-4 , “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Faith in the truth of Jesus is what is needed. In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is our only access to the Father.

One can have all the ‘right’ actions and word and yet without faith it is impossible to please God, and without Jesus and his work on the cross you are still sinful. Paul puts it this way in Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Today consider your actions, words and faith. Do you act rightly and seek to do good towards others? What about your faith? Is your faith firmly placed in Jesus? Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can be clean before God. Good deeds and great words need faith in Jesus to make a difference for you in God’s eyes. Remember without faith in Jesus it is impossible to please God. Take that leap of faith today and trust in Him.

Linda