Tag: salvation in Jesus

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

Ancient Problems are Here and Now, Too!

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November 17, 2022

Psalm 107:16-22 Some became fools through their rebellious ways
    and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
18 They loathed all food
    and drew near the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he saved them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them;
    he rescued them from the grave.
21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings
    and tell of his works with songs of joy.

When you read this portion of the psalm you see the Israelites suffered from illnesses cause by eating disorders and from their own afflictions caused by sin. I was pondering this and the first thing that came to mind was addictions we have today for drugs and alcohol. The eating disorders and the wasting away reminded me of anorexia and bulimia. That these disease and afflictions would be in our present day but addressed in this ancient text shows the depth and applicability of God’s Word. What the psalmist is saying is that God can and does address these problems. If the sufferer cries out to Him, he will be heard. God can and does save people out of addiction each and every day. God can rescue them from the grave so to speak as He breaths life and hope into the individual through faith in Christ. Verse 20 says that God sent out His Word. Jesus is the Word and faith in Jesus will heal and save both physically and spiritually. Those who have been rescued out of these conditions along with their loved ones live lives fill with praise for God’s powerful healing in their lives. Why does God do this? He heals and rescues because He loves us. His love is unfailing unlike human love His is eternal and always full. His is a faithful love that is unconditional and unending. Praise God!

A truth to claim with thanksgiving: I can find grace and mercy in a time of need. This truth is so wonderful. You can claim it with hope in your heart day and night. God is accessible and we can come to him any time or any place. He promises in Deuteronomy 31:6 to never leave us. “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.” We can have courage for living each day and assurance of His presence with us. Knowing we can come to God in prayer, what can we be assured we will find there in His presence? First of all we can find peace and relief from fear. John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” We are also assured in Hebrews 14:6 of grace and mercy. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” God would not have told us that He has peace, grace and mercy unless He means it! God does not lie. God is truth. You can count upon Him to always be with you, give you peace, grace and mercy exactly when you need it most. Come into His presence today and ask Him for these things. He is faithful and will answer just as He promises.

Are you facing difficulties right now in your life? Do you suffer from an addiction or are you stressed out from the pressures of life? Call upon Him. Come into His presence today and feel His love and support. He has what you need in abundance.

Linda