Tag: Hope

I am assured that all things are working together for good.

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romans-8-28Because I believe that Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead, I am assured that all things work together for good.  This powerful promise is given in Romans 8:28.  “ And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  There are many powerful truths packed into this verse that we can claim for our life.   First, there is no circumstance beyond God’s control.  God is sovereign and He can bring good things out of bad situations.  In 2 Chronicles 20:6 King Jehoshaphat affirms God’s sovereignty, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!”  There is nothing in heaven or earth that is outside of God’s control.  Second, God is good and intends only good things for me.  Look at these powerful verses about God’s intent.  “The Lord is good to those who depend on him,  to those who search for him.” Lamentations 3:25  and “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”  Jeremiah 29:11  These verses show God’s heart and intent is good towards us, as believers.  Third, God has a purpose to which he has called us.  2 Timothy 1:9 tells us that through Jesus, “ He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.”  Lastly, God’s ways are not our ways.  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  Isaiah 55:8  Many times I do not understand the events, the suffering, the senseless violence and evil that happens in our sin-filled world.  Sin taints and destroys indiscriminately.  We simply must trust in our good, sovereign God to work everything to good in His time and in His way just as He promised.  Trusting God in the face of adversity, trusting God that He is good, trusting God that He loves us and has good things planned for us and trusting God to avenge wrongs and vindicate believers calls for mighty faith.

So what about you?  Do you have this kind of faith in our loving, merciful, holy God?  Believing in God’s character and trusting that He will do as He has promised will cause you to rest in the assurance that faith in Jesus brings to a world in chaos.  Since Lent is a time of reflection and prayer, consider God’s mercy and care for you.  Remember how He has guided and comforted you in times of great need.  As you put your trust in Him, He will show himself faithful and work all things together for good in your life so that rom 8 28you can accomplish the purpose to which He has called you.

Trusting in Jesus is empowering,

Linda

I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.

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1_John_5_18Because I believe Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.   This powerful truth is given in 1 John 5:18.  I like the Amplified Bible for this verse as it makes the truths very clear “18 We know [with confidence] that anyone born of God does not habitually sin; but He (Jesus) who was born of God [carefully] keeps and protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.”  Being born of God means we are believers, born of His Holy Spirit through our faith in Jesus.  Jesus spoke of this new birth in John 3:3-5 when He was talking one night with Nicodemus. 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”  Once we believe in Jesus and are reborn in His Spirit,  we are protected from Satan.  Evidence of this protection would be our desire to not commit the same sins over and over that were our usual habits before our rebirth.  We will sin since we live in a sin-filled world but habitual sin should be left in our former life.  Another important aspect of this protection is the safety of our eternal soul.  Once we belong to Jesus no one or nothing can take that away.  In John 10:28 Jesus gives us this promise, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”     This rebirth should have a permanent effect on our lives.  Peter describes this new life in Christ in 1 Peter 1:23 “since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;”    Satan is not able to touch our eternal life in Christ as it is protected by God.   He can lead us into sin and cause us all kinds of grief in life but he cannot touch our eternal soul.   Our life with Christ is protected by God.  Remember that you are sealed by the Holy Spirit and that keeps you secure. As we grow in Christ our desire to sin lessens and His power within us increases. Knowing Christ is an amazing insurance plan that will never expire or have a payment come due.  His plan is in Jesus capable hands that help us to weather all things through faith in Him.

What about you?  Are you born of God and sealed by His Holy Spirit?  If not, talk to Jesus about this today.  If you ask and earnestly seek Him, He will be found. (Matthew 7:7)  Are you feeling secure and protected by God?  Take a look at Psalm 91.  A brother in Christ  told me he considers this his 911 call to God and he used it when he was going on missions during WWII.  “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say  to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”  and it continues in verses 14-15                                   psalm 91 1414 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
    I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.   Seek the Lord today and call on Him for protection.

Feeling secure in God is a good place to be,

Linda

I am sealed by the Holy Spirit.

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sealedBecause Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I am sealed by the Holy Spirit.  Ephesians 1:13-14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.  This amazing Biblical truth gives me assurance of my salvation and hope for today and a future with Christ.  It also assures me of where and to whom I belong through my faith in Jesus.  Paul also spoke of this guaranteeing seal in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22  “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”  2 Corinthians 5:5 “ Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”  What does a seal do?  A seal protects the contents (us) from harmful things getting in and it marks it as authentic.  By being sealed with God’s Holy Spirit we are insulated or protected from the power of Satan over us and His Spirit marks us as belonging to Him, we are His- authentic believers in Christ.  His seal gives me assurance that I belong to Him for eternity and is evidence that He is working within me.  What a wonderful promise to claim in Christ!

What about you?  Do you feel His Spirit within you?  Do you listen when He speaks and leads you away from wrong choices?  Scripture says in Romans 8:16 “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”  God will give you assurance and hope that you belong to Him through His indwelling Holy Spirit.  Believe it, embrace it, and romans 8 16cling to it today.  As a believer, you belong to God and are sealed by His Holy Spirit and NOTHING can change that!  His Holy Spirit gives us an eternal promise with hope for now and into eternity.  Thank you Jesus!

Sealed by Jesus,

Linda

5th Sunday of Lent

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Today I want to direct our thoughts to Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 2: 19-23.  Daniel had asked the Lord to reveal the meaning of the mysterious dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. all knowing GodThis prayer record Daniel’s praise to God for His revelation and for His great mercy towards Daniel.  May the words wash over you today and fill you with praise.

 19 That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. 20 He said,

“Praise the name of God forever and ever,
    for he has all wisdom and power.
21 He controls the course of world events;
    he removes kings and sets up other kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to the scholars.
22 He reveals deep and mysterious things
    and knows what lies hidden in darkness,
    though he is surrounded by light.
23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors,
    for you have given me wisdom and strength.
You have told me what we asked of you
    and revealed to us what the king demanded.”

This week we have seen marvelous things from God’s Word.  As a believer in Jesus, I can claim that I am:  a friend of God (3/12), chosen by God (3/13), chosen by God to bear fruit (3/14, a joint heir with Christ (3/15), holy and I share in God’s heavenly calling (3/16), and I am sustained by Christ (3/17).

daniel 2 22Blessings as you worship the magnificent all knowing God like Daniel.

Linda

I am chosen by God.

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Because I believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I am chosen by God.  What does it mean to you to be chosen by God?  Can you even wrap your head around the fact that God loved you enough to choose you through His Son Jesus?  He has chosen us for all eternity to be His and to live with Him.  There are many verses that speak of God choosing us- here are a few for you to meditate on.

chosen“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,”  Colossians 3:12a

For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself.  1 Samuel 12:22

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

The theme of these verses is that God chose us because it pleased Him to do so, because He wants to make something out of us that will bring Him glory and so that we can tell others about His great salvation.  What a privileged place it is to be- chosen by God to love Him, worship Him and be one of His own.   Take time today to relish the place you have in God’s love and as a member of God’s people.  He could have chosen anybody but He chose you!

abandonPraising God for being His and knowing He will not let me go,

Linda

 

 

 

I am a friend of God.

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Because I believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I am a friend of God.  Being called Jesus’ friend or God’s friend is a privileged position.   John 15:15  “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”    Jesus makes the distinction between a servant and a friend.  A servant is one who does the bidding of his master, one who works without knowing the plans, motives and purposes behind what he is doing and receives little to no reward for his service.   Whereas a friend is someone who is brought into close confidence with Him and with whom Jesus shares His knowledge of the Father.  In scripture Abraham was referred to as a friend of God.  James 2:23 ” and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.”  Through his faith and faithfulness towards God, Abraham was recognized by God as His friend and he was rewarded with righteousness.

Friendship with Jesus brings us an even greater closeness as we know who He is and what He desires for mankind.  We share in His vision and purpose when we are His friends.  Unlike a servant, as friends of Jesus we have multiple rewards now and in the future because of this relationship.  I have a really close friend that now lives near Los Angeles.   For years we lived close enough to see each other each week and share our hopes, dreams, struggles and worries.  We supported one another in prayer, gave encouragement and listened with a heart of love.   Proverbs 17:17a “A friend loves at all times,”  describes friend lovesmy friend.  She has been there for me and stood by me in some really difficult times.   My friend is still my friend even though I don’t see her every week.  I know I can call her and she will listen, pray and encourage me no matter what.  Jesus is an  even greater friend as He goes beyond all earthly friendships.  He intercedes for me with the Father (Romans 8:26), and He listens and encourages me through prayer (Hebrews 4:15).  He has good planned for me (Jeremiah 29:11), and He loves me (John 3:16).   Just like Abraham, I need to be faithful and full of faith in Jesus, then His righteousness will be credited to me.  Knowing and trusting Jesus as my Savior will wash and cleanse me and will result in His righteousness being imputed to me.  Proverbs 22:11 “He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.

As a follower of Christ, You can call Jesus your friend.  What a blessed friendship it is!

Linda

friend     

                

I am confident in God’s good work.

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Phil 1 6Because I believe that Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead, I am confident in God’s good work in me.  In Philippians 1:6  Paul confidently tells us “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”  In this wonderful promise we are assured that God has begun something good in us when we accept Jesus as our Savior.  Not only is it a good work but that He will personally guarantee that it will be completed.  His timetable for finishing this good work is when we get to heaven or when Jesus returns, whichever comes first.  God’s promises are eternal and will always be accomplished just as He intends.  The writer of Proverbs was well aware of God’s ability to complete what He started.  He reminds us that commitment to the Lord is required for us to maximize the effect of God’s work in us.  Proverbs 16:3-4  “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.  The Lord works out everything to its proper end—even the wicked for a day of disaster.”  

phil 1 6 patienceI love the thought that my salvation is considered by God a good work.  He loves and cares for me (Nahum 1:7) and wants only good things for me (Jeremiah 29:11).  Therefore, I can live with confidence that God will keep me and use me for His good.  Philippians 1:6 is a great verse to memorize as it will increase your confidence and sustain you when times get hard!  Share it with a fellow believer or be bold and tell an unbeliever of your confidence in God’s plan and work in your life.

Living with confidence and hope in Jesus,

Linda

3rd Sunday of Lent

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Isaiah’s words draw us into the power, might and care that God possesses and show towards us.

28 Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.   Isaiah 40:28-31

I am praising God for another wonderful week in His Word.  He showed us this week that because Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead we are:   Salt and Light (2/26), helped by God (2/27), sanctified (2/28), His workmanship or His masterpieces (3/1), not condemned (3/2) and citizens of heaven (3/2).  Praise God!

isaiah-40-31Mediate on the power and might of God today and know you are well loved.

Linda

I am helped by God.

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Because I believe Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I am helped by God.  Scripture is filled with proclamations concerning the help we have available from God.  Our key verse today is Hebrews 4:16 “ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in 170932-God-s-Help-Is-Only-A-Prayer-Awayour time of need.”  The author of Hebrews is pointing us to God in prayer.  In prayer we will receive mercy and undeserved favor (grace) and help when we need it the most.  This verse is such a reassuring promise that when we pray God hears us and responds to us with mercy, grace and help.   As a believer, I am assured that God is my helper and accessible 24/7.   Moses told Joshua that as the new leader of the Israelites, he could depend upon God.  His words are true for us today too.   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.”

Here are a few verses for you to meditate upon today as you consider God’s ability to help.  David eloquently spoke of God’s help in the Psalms.  I particularly love Psalm 34:15,17   The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,  and his ears are attentive to their cry;   The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;  he delivers them from all their troubles.   Psalm 33:20  “We wait in hope for the Lord;  he is our help and our shield.”    Psalm 121:1-2  I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?    My help comes from the Lord,  the Maker of heaven and earth.

Jesus promised after his return to heaven he would send a helper in John 14:26. “ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

Paul was confident in Jesus’ help in Philippians 1:19  “Yes, and I will rejoice,  for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,”

Hebrews-136-Big-Faith-Little-Fear-The author of Hebrews was confident in the Lord’s ability to help.  Hebrews 13:5b-6   “for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  So we can confidently say,  “The Lord is my helper;  I will not fear;  what can man do to me?”

What about you ?  Are you confident that God is your helper?  All believers in Jesus can know for certain that God is accessible and will listen to your cries for help and answer with mercy and grace!  Many times the answer is not what we expect or right when we want it, but God is faithful and will answer.  He have to trust His timing and deliverance.

Blessings today as you draw near to His throne and seek His help,

Linda

 

 

I am loved by God.

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Because I believe Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I am loved by God.  Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was motivated by God’s great love for me and you.  John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”   Love was what caused God to come up with a plan to save us as He desires to be in relationship with mankind and have us live with Him eternally.

Jeremiah-31-3God repeatedly tell us in the Bible that He loves us.  Jeremiah 31:3  The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying:  “I have loved you with an everlasting love;  I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”   Paul describes God’s love for us in Ephesians 2:4-5  “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,  made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”  God saved us because He loved us and through His grace and mercy He sent Jesus.  

Cross-Poster-Red-MockupHow do you feel today?  Do you feel loved by God or are you letting the cares, worries and circumstances of life block God’s love? As you think about God’s love today, let your mind be transformed by the love of Christ.  He died for you and me.  Know that He loved us enough to die for us.  God loved us enough to send Jesus to bring us into a relationship with Him.  Know you are loved by God, and it cost Him dearly to show you His great LOVE!

Feeling cherished and loved by God,

Linda