Let’s talk about God’s love for us.
While we were yet sinners God sent His only begotten Son to die for us. Think about that friends, that in it’s self should tell us that God is love. His love is nothing like what we call love in our fleshly bodies.
Here are some scriptures that illustrate His love.
Psalms 36:5
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
Psalms 36:7
How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
Psalms 48:9
We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple..
Psalms 86:15
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
John 15:9
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
Ephesians 2:4
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Ephesians 5:2
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
We can have the power of love in us.
Galatians 4:4-5
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
We have to see we are in need of a Savior. You might say why are we in need of a Savior?
This is a lost world friends, and until you see with your heart you are lost in your sins and knocking at deaths door, and are in need of a Savior to save your soul from everlasting separation from our Holy God, you will die in your sins.
Preacher’s today do not want to talk about repentance, in fear of their congregation getting offended by it. I have seen to many times they want to sugar coat the sin in people’s life to keep from offending them.
Jesus said, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance". Luke5:32
And repentance isn't just for unbelievers. Repentance is an activity for believers which we continually practice as we fall into sin:
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent" Revelation 3:19
(see also Luke 17:3-4; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 2:5,16,22; 3:3).
We can have the power of God’s love working in us if we truly repent and come to Him by faith.
Ephesians 3:17
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Ephesians 3:19
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Repentance is not purely our work. Repentance is something that God must do in us. The Bible tells us that "God grants repentance"
2 Timothy 2:25-26
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Acts 11:18
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
You can only repent when the Holy Spirit has brought you conviction.
Repentance consists of quitting my resistance to the Holy Spirit, seeing matters God's way, and going along with the process that God is doing in me.
If we do not repent we will perish.
Luke 13:3
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish
Friday, December 26, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Have You Ever Felt Rejected?
I would have to say I have felt rejected most of my life, if not all of it.
I am writing this to tell you, God can take that rejection away from you, and give you his peace and grace.
In today’s society, it seems that many that are feeling rejection. They feel that if they are not loved and accepted, they must be insignificant, that there must be something wrong with them.
I am here to tell you that is nothing but a lie from the enemy, who wants you to feel that you are the one with the problem.
How many of us have even thought Jesus Christ has rejected us?
I can tell you He has surely not.
In all actuality, we should praise God if HE is taking us to a place where we can start to look solely to him for comfort, peace, love and acceptance, for man will assuredly fail you.
Isaiah 41:13
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
The apostle Paul found his strength in God, as we can do the same.
2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
A lot of people think God will not use them because their life is not perfect, that is another lie straight from the enemy.
Mark 10:18
And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
It is God who works in us, we can do nothing, only He can take that rejection, unbelief, self pity, from us when we put are faith in the shed blood and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jesus told us in:
John 15:5
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Hebrews 4:15-16
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
I am writing this to tell you, God can take that rejection away from you, and give you his peace and grace.
In today’s society, it seems that many that are feeling rejection. They feel that if they are not loved and accepted, they must be insignificant, that there must be something wrong with them.
I am here to tell you that is nothing but a lie from the enemy, who wants you to feel that you are the one with the problem.
How many of us have even thought Jesus Christ has rejected us?
I can tell you He has surely not.
In all actuality, we should praise God if HE is taking us to a place where we can start to look solely to him for comfort, peace, love and acceptance, for man will assuredly fail you.
Isaiah 41:13
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
The apostle Paul found his strength in God, as we can do the same.
2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
A lot of people think God will not use them because their life is not perfect, that is another lie straight from the enemy.
Mark 10:18
And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
It is God who works in us, we can do nothing, only He can take that rejection, unbelief, self pity, from us when we put are faith in the shed blood and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jesus told us in:
John 15:5
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Hebrews 4:15-16
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Monday, December 22, 2008
God Has Not Given Us The Spirit Of Fear
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Here is a scripture I have taught my daughter and my grand children all their life.
I would like to share some of my feelings on the subject of fear and may be something here will touch someone elses heart.
All my life I have had fear, or as some people call it stress.
Let’s go to the dictionary and see the meaning of both these words.
Fear-noun:
A feeling of anxiety and agitation caused by the presence or nearness of danger, evil, pain, etc.; timidity; dread; terror; fright; apprehension.
Respectful dread; awe; reverence. A feeling of uneasiness or apprehension; concern-a fear that it will rain.
A cause for fear; possibility; chance there was no fear of difficulty.
Etymology: ME fer <>
STRESS: mental or emotional tension or strain characterized by feelings of anxiety, fear, etc. a factor or combination of factors that causes such tension or strain, as an urgent need or perceived threat Psychol. A condition typically characterized by symptoms of mental and physical tension or strain, as depression or hypertension, that can result from a reaction to a situation in which a person feels threatened, pressured, etc.
I would have to say these two words go together. Now let’s look at what the word of God says about it. First let’s look at what Paul instructs in Timothy:
2 Timothy 1:7
God has not given us a spirit of fear;
That would tell me God is telling us it is a spirit, and God did not give us that spirit.
It comes right from the enemy. God says that Satan only comes "to steal, and to kill, and to destroy" (John 10:10). And that is what the spirit of fear is sent out to do. If we have fear or stress we are not trusting God in our daily walk with Him.
Lets look at what God says next in this scripture.
"but of power,"
Now where is this power that God has given us?
1 Corinthians 1:24
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Christ is our power.
1 Peter 1:5
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. We are keep by the power of God through FAITH.
Now how awesome is this if we truly put our faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ he will give us His power to trust and obey Him, that would be known as his wonderful grace.
Let's look at the last sentence in:
2 Timothy 1:7
"and of sound mind."
When we are afraid, our minds are not well-balanced as God describes. When we fear or doubt God, we are said to be double minded (James 1:8).
James 1:6-8
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
That is exactly what the spirit of fear wants to do to you. To make you unstable, unreliable, and uncertain about everything - your thoughts, God's promises - Everything.
Anyone who has ever been afraid can attest to the truth of that scripture.
Why is it then if a Christian fears they are being double minded?
Because part of your mind may believe God's promises of love and provision, but your doubts and fears reveal hidden beliefs contrary to those promises.
My prayer is that anyone that lives in fear or stress will lay it at the feet of Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
These are not just words my friends, to go in one ear and out the other. It is a promise from God himself, trust Him, Jesus will never fail you. The Lord is faithful to finish the work He has started in you.
He will heal ever scar and every possible thing from your past that might be holding you back. Even though we become new creatures in Christ, healing and restoration can be an ongoing process. As Christians we come to realize that our complete hope, safety, security, purpose, and self-worth are all rooted in Jesus Christ. No man, no devil in hell, and no circumstances in life can ever take that from us!
Romans 8:31-39
31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Here is a scripture I have taught my daughter and my grand children all their life.
I would like to share some of my feelings on the subject of fear and may be something here will touch someone elses heart.
All my life I have had fear, or as some people call it stress.
Let’s go to the dictionary and see the meaning of both these words.
Fear-noun:
A feeling of anxiety and agitation caused by the presence or nearness of danger, evil, pain, etc.; timidity; dread; terror; fright; apprehension.
Respectful dread; awe; reverence. A feeling of uneasiness or apprehension; concern-a fear that it will rain.
A cause for fear; possibility; chance there was no fear of difficulty.
Etymology: ME fer <>
STRESS: mental or emotional tension or strain characterized by feelings of anxiety, fear, etc. a factor or combination of factors that causes such tension or strain, as an urgent need or perceived threat Psychol. A condition typically characterized by symptoms of mental and physical tension or strain, as depression or hypertension, that can result from a reaction to a situation in which a person feels threatened, pressured, etc.
I would have to say these two words go together. Now let’s look at what the word of God says about it. First let’s look at what Paul instructs in Timothy:
2 Timothy 1:7
God has not given us a spirit of fear;
That would tell me God is telling us it is a spirit, and God did not give us that spirit.
It comes right from the enemy. God says that Satan only comes "to steal, and to kill, and to destroy" (John 10:10). And that is what the spirit of fear is sent out to do. If we have fear or stress we are not trusting God in our daily walk with Him.
Lets look at what God says next in this scripture.
"but of power,"
Now where is this power that God has given us?
1 Corinthians 1:24
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Christ is our power.
1 Peter 1:5
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. We are keep by the power of God through FAITH.
Now how awesome is this if we truly put our faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ he will give us His power to trust and obey Him, that would be known as his wonderful grace.
Let's look at the last sentence in:
2 Timothy 1:7
"and of sound mind."
When we are afraid, our minds are not well-balanced as God describes. When we fear or doubt God, we are said to be double minded (James 1:8).
James 1:6-8
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
That is exactly what the spirit of fear wants to do to you. To make you unstable, unreliable, and uncertain about everything - your thoughts, God's promises - Everything.
Anyone who has ever been afraid can attest to the truth of that scripture.
Why is it then if a Christian fears they are being double minded?
Because part of your mind may believe God's promises of love and provision, but your doubts and fears reveal hidden beliefs contrary to those promises.
My prayer is that anyone that lives in fear or stress will lay it at the feet of Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
These are not just words my friends, to go in one ear and out the other. It is a promise from God himself, trust Him, Jesus will never fail you. The Lord is faithful to finish the work He has started in you.
He will heal ever scar and every possible thing from your past that might be holding you back. Even though we become new creatures in Christ, healing and restoration can be an ongoing process. As Christians we come to realize that our complete hope, safety, security, purpose, and self-worth are all rooted in Jesus Christ. No man, no devil in hell, and no circumstances in life can ever take that from us!
Romans 8:31-39
31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
