Pray with Persistence - Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
"However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them." -John 6:37
Sometimes people will say, "I am just not worthy to approach God." I hate to break this news, but we never were worthy. We are not worthy. And we never will be worthy. So let's get over that. It is not about worthiness; it is about the grace of God.
Do you think you are more worthy to go to God when you read your Bible every day or pray regularly than when you have messed up or have had an impure thought or have said an unkind thing? We don't approach God on the basis of our worthiness. We approach God on the basis of His grace.
When the pagan mother approached Jesus, begging Him to deliver her demon-possessed daughter, she didn't say, "Have justice on me." Rather, she said, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!" (Matthew 15:22). Don't ever say, "God, deal with me justly," because hell is what we deserve. Rather, say, "Have mercy on me," like this woman did. Jesus said, "Those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them" (John 6:37).
So whatever your problem is, bring it to Jesus. Whatever you are struggling with will not come as a shock or surprise to Him. And when you pray, seek to find the will of God. The reason Jesus gave this mother everything she asked for was because she aligned her will with His. We find the will of God by reading the Word of God, the Bible. Then we will understand the heart, mind, and purpose of God.
Pray according to God's will, and don't give up. Pray with persistence. It may seem like He is not listening. But there may be a barrier that He wants you to hurdle. So don't back down.
One way we can be certain we are praying according to God's will is by praying for the salvation of those who do not yet know Christ. As 2 Peter 3:9 tells us, '[God] does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.'"
How We Can Know God is With Us
WENDY BLIGHT
WENDY BLIGHT
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
I remember the moment I realized Jesus, God�s Son, connected the Old Testament to the New Testament. I had joined a Bible study that required us to read the Old Testament. I almost quit that study before I started because I was so intimidated at the thought.
The Old Testament always seemed so complicated and irrelevant to my life. I�d always believed the story of Jesus began when He came to earth. But the more I read, the more I realized how wrong I was.
As I hesitantly began reading Genesis, I saw that Jesus was with God the Father in the beginning, creating. God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness" (Genesis 1:26a, NIV).
A look at Colossians 1:16, in the New Testament, and we see: "For in him [Jesus] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, � all things have been created through him and for him" (NIV).
Jesus and His Father labored together to handcraft each and every created thing � including you and me.
Our hearts � our smiles � our purpose. All part of Their creative process!
But it wasn�t enough for Jesus to be part of creation. There came a point in history, a time Jesus knew would come, when those precious created ones would need more. When sin and disobedience would reign and rule on the earth. When the devil would initiate a battle and relentlessly pursue the souls of those God created.
It was then they would need a savior.
At the right time, God announced that Savior through one of His spokesmen � the prophet, Isaiah. Isaiah 7:14b, also in the Old Testament, says, "The virgin shall conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
That Son, Immanuel, is Jesus.
Let this soak in, my friend. Seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus, Isaiah prophesied His birth.
The human and the divine collided.
The Eternal One became a real man of particular height and weight, with a particular color of hair, speaking a particular language.
A miraculous act driven by divine love done with the absolute intent to be with us.
By His very name, we know this. Immanuel means God with us.
God is not distant; He is here with us. God is not unapproachable but drawing ever near. And even better � He came not only to be with and near us but also to equip and empower us.
Immanuel came to equip us with confidence to face any challenge life presents.
We live in a fallen world. Hardships, tragedies, sickness, death, betrayal, all come our way. It�s inescapable. But we do not do this life alone.
Hold tight to these beautiful promises.
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:37-39, NIV).
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you � When you walk through the fires, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze � For I am the LORD your God �" (Isaiah 43:2-3a, NIV).
Immanuel came to empower us so that we can accomplish all He calls us to do.
God�s Holy Spirit, Who comes to live inside of us when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, seals and infuses the heart of every believer. It�s miraculous and inexplicable what transpires in our bodies in that moment. The old is gone. God does a new thing. And this new work transforms and initiates a work deep within us that we cannot do in our own flesh.
Walk confidently in these promises.
"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13, NLT).
"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20, NLT).
Friend, in the deepest of valleys, through the darkest of times, Immanuel promises to be with us. Whether we see Him or not. By His very name we know He is there.
So whatever you are walking through today, walk confidently, equipped and empowered, because Immanuel is with you every step of the way!
Dear God, Thank You for being Immanuel. For coming to earth and implanting a piece of Your heart in mine to equip and empower me for the amazing life You planned for me before time began. Help me to take hold of and walk confidently in those promises and that plan today. In Jesus� Name, Amen.
Our Ministry to Angels
�To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.� (Ephesians 3:10)
�To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.� (Ephesians 3:10)
There is �an innumerable company of angels� in heaven (Hebrews 12:22) who serve as �ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation� (Hebrews 1:14).
At the same time, it is instructive to realize we also have a ministry to the angels. Despite their great power and knowledge, angels are not the �heirs of salvation� themselves, and so will never personally experience that peculiar type of love and fellowship that we share with our Lord and Savior. Nevertheless, as personal beings with the free will to reject their role as God�s servants if they choose, they are intensely interested in our salvation. �Which things the angels desire to look into� (1 Peter 1:12).
In addition to serving for the protection and guidance of individual believers, apparently certain angels are also assigned by God to serve Christian congregations functioning corporately, especially in true local churches. Paul mentions the observing presence of angels in the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 11:10), for example.
In His letters to the seven representative churches, Christ addressed the individual angels of each church (Revelation 2:1, etc.). That these are heavenly angels (not human pastors or other human church leaders) seems probable from the fact that the word �angel� is used 65 other times in Revelation and always refers to real angels.
Finally, the words of our text for the day give a special incentive for our lives, for there we are reminded that it is through God�s dealings with �the church� that His holy angels are able to learn for themselves �the manifold wisdom of God.� HMM
Confirmation of the Gospel
�Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.� (Philippians 1:7)
�Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.� (Philippians 1:7)
The gospel, of course, embraces all the truths concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ, from creation to consummation. Since these truths have been under Satanic attack throughout all the ages, it is vital that the gospel both be defended against its enemies and confirmed in the hearts and minds of its friends.
The word for �defense� (Greek apologia) is the same as �answer� in 1 Peter 3:15, where we are commanded to �be ready always to give an answer . . . a reason of the hope that is in you.� The word for �confirmation,� on the other hand, is essentially the same as �established,� or �stabilized,� as in Colossians 2:7: �Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith.� Thus, the saving gospel of Christ�from its foundation in genuine creationism to its consummation in His coming kingdom with its central focus on the crucifixion and resurrection�is both to be defended against false teaching and established as truth. These two aspects correspond in general to apologetics in defending the faith and Christian evidences in establishing the faith.
This is not merely a job for certain theological or scientific specialists, however. All believers need to be �partakers� of this grace (literally �convinced co-participants�). Real �partakers� do not just go along for the ride but are firmly committed and fully comprehending supporters. However, both those who lead out in such a work, as well as those who are �partakers,� are exhorted to do so in grace! �Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man� (Colossians 4:6). HMM
The Greatest Love
�And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.� (Genesis 22:2)
�And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.� (Genesis 22:2)
There are many types of love in the world�romantic love, marital love, erotic love, brotherly love, maternal love, patriotic love, family love, and love for all kinds of things�pets, food, money, sports, and on and on. But what is the greatest love?
Love is probably the greatest word of the Bible, and, by the principle of first mention of important biblical words, the first time the word �love� occurs should be a key to its use all through the Bible. Rather surprisingly, love is first encountered here in our text, speaking of the love of a father for his son, of Abraham for Isaac, the son of promise. Furthermore, the father is being told by the very God who made the promise to offer his beloved son as a sacrifice!
From the New Testament (see Hebrews 11:17-18), we know that this entire scene is a remarkable type of the heavenly Father and His willingness to offer His own beloved Son in sacrifice for the sin of the world. This tells us that the love of this human father for his human son is an earthly picture of the great eternal love of the Father in heaven for His only begotten Son.
And that means that this love of God the Father for God the Son is the ultimate source of all love, for that love was being exercised before the world began. When Jesus prayed to His Father the night before His sacrificial death, He confirmed this great truth; �for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world,� He prayed (John 17:24). Indeed, �God is love� (1 John 4:8), and the eternal love within the triune Godhead is the fountainhead of all true human love here on Earth. HMM
The Righteous in Authority
�When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.� (Proverbs 29:2)
�When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.� (Proverbs 29:2)
Many can remember when the nation observed holidays on both the birthday of President Lincoln (February 12) and that of President Washington (February 22). These two men were widely revered as our nation�s greatest presidents, and their birthdays were patriotic holidays. But modern intellectuals have been actively tarnishing their reputations, while our people have become more and more enamored of recreation, so this situation has now �devolved� into a three-day holiday theoretically honoring all presidents.
We are thankful, of course, that most of our presidents have indeed been God-fearing men. None were atheists and almost all have professed belief in Christ and the Bible. God surely led our founders when they formed our constitutional republic, and our presidents and most other leaders have diligently supported it. Christianity has thrived in our country as a result, and we have become acknowledged everywhere as the world�s greatest nation.
But signs of deterioration are abounding, and Christians need to pray. If Paul were here today, he would surely repeat (and slightly rephrase) his first-century admonition to young pastor Timothy: �I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For [presidents], and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth� (1 Timothy 2:1-3). We can also heed Peter�s advice: �Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the [president]� (1 Peter 2:17). HMM
All Things Well
�And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.� (Mark 7:37)
�And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.� (Mark 7:37)
Jesus indeed �hath done all things well.� One strong evidence of His deity is this very fact. No matter how carefully we study His deeds, we can find no flaw in any of them�no deficiency, nothing He should have done differently or left undone. He never had to apologize or express regrets, as we often at least ought to do. He was always master of every situation. Peter said that He just �went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him� (Acts 10:38).
The same truth would apply�perhaps even more emphatically�to His words. He never had to speculate or equivocate: �And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes� (Mark 1:22). Jesus never guessed about anything or merely expressed an opinion, as we frequently do. He never suggested a �possible� interpretation. Everything He taught was with absolute authority, for He was (and is) the very Word of God (John 1:1, 14).
His words occasionally were harsh and judgmental when dealing with hypocrisy and false teaching (e.g., Matthew 23:29-33), but more often were kind and forgiving. In fact, �all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth� (Luke 4:22). Even the soldiers sent to arrest Jesus returned empty-handed, for as they said: �Never man spake like this man� (John 7:46).
Indeed, �his word was with power� (Luke 4:32). He was �Jesus of Nazareth . . . a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people� (Luke 24:19). In fact, He was more than a man; He was the perfect man and the only-begotten Son of God! HMM
Created and Made
�These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.� (Genesis 2:4)
�These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.� (Genesis 2:4)
There are two accounts of creation in Genesis, with the above text marking the dividing point. In the first (Genesis 1-2:4), the name used for the Creator is �God� (Hebrew Elohim), and its termination is the summarizing �signature,� as it were: �These are the generations [Hebrew toledoth] of the heavens and of the earth when they were created.�
The second account (Genesis 2:4-5:1) normally uses the name �LORD God� (Jehovah Elohim) in chapters 2 and 3 (except where the serpent and Eve used Elohim when she was being tempted) and then simply �LORD� (Hebrew Jehovah) in chapter 4. This second creation account ends with Adam�s signature: �This is the book of the generations [i.e., toledoth] of Adam.�
Critics claim that the two accounts are contradictory. Actually they are complementary, the second merely giving more details of the events of the fifth and sixth days of the creation week. The Lord Jesus (who was there as the Creator!) used them both, quoting from each (Matthew 19:4-6) at the same time in the same context.
Note also that �create� (Hebrew bara) is used seven times in Genesis 1, never in Genesis 2�4. In that second account, �made� and �formed� (Hebrew asah, yatsar) are the words used. Genesis 2:3 stresses the fact that �create� and �make� are different when it tells us that God rested �from all his work which God created and made.� Evidently the verb �create,� which always has the Creator as its subject, refers to His work in calling entities into existence; �make� refers to systems constructed (by either God or men) out of previously created entities. The heavens and the earth were both �created� and �made� (see our text). HMM
The Higher Ways
�For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.� (Isaiah 55:9)
�For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.� (Isaiah 55:9)
God�s thoughts and ways are by no means equivalent to man�s. How, then, can we hope to understand those things that He has communicated to us in His Word? To be sure, God has not told us all He knows, but what He has provided is sufficient for our faith, and He has also given clues as to the nature of many things we can only fully know in eternity. We know enough now to trust Him for the things we can�t verify. But the aspect of Scripture that sets it apart from all other �religious� writings is that its truths are surrounded by and based on historical and scientific facts that are verifiable. The fact that we find Scripture to be accurate wherever it can be checked gives us reason to believe that those teachings that we can�t check are accurate as well.
What are some of God�s favorite object lessons? Certainly His creation is one. A God who can call something into existence that didn�t exist before can do anything. �Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things� (Isaiah 40:26). Another standard is God�s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. �According to the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I shew unto him marvellous things� (Micah 7:15). Yet another is the second regathering of Israel in the last days. �The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from . . . all the lands whither he had driven them� (Jeremiah 16:15; cf., v. 14). The final great guarantee that He will work on our behalf is the fact of the resurrection. �His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead� (Ephesians 1:19-20).
Make no mistake! God is capable of solving any problem we have. And what�s more, He wants us to know it! JDM
With Christ
�Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.� (Colossians 3:2-3)
The apostle Paul, looking forward to the time when we shall �ever be with the Lord� (1 Thessalonians 4:17), wrote: �For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you� (Philippians 1:23-24).
The fact is, however, that we can be �with Christ� even while still abiding in the flesh, as Paul himself emphasized. This is the great principle called positional truth. �Positionally,� we are already �with Christ,� for that is where God sees us and how He relates to us. He has �raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus� (Ephesians 2:6).
Before we could be raised up with Christ, however, we first had to die with Him. �I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me� (Galatians 2:20). God even saw us as buried with Christ when He was buried, and this is the great truth symbolized in our baptism. �We are buried with him by baptism into death� (Romans 6:4).
�Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more� (Romans 6:8-9). He died for us, so our deserved death became His substitutionary death, and His victorious resurrection becomes our own unmerited deliverance from death in eternal resurrection life. This is our position now, and our assured everlasting possession then, for we are with Christ, who �dieth no more.�
This truth is not only a wonderful doctrine, but as we see in our text, a focus for our thoughts, and real incentive for godly living. HMM
�Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.� (Colossians 3:2-3)
Fear of Witnessing
�And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.� (Acts 4:18)
Every Christian knows that he or she should witness for Christ, but most are very reluctant to speak in His name very often. The most obvious reason for this hesitancy is fear. Sometimes we may be actually forbidden, as were the apostles, to teach of Him, but their courageous answer was: �We ought to obey God rather than men� (Acts 5:29), and so they prayed: �Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word� (Acts 4:29).
More common than fear of physical persecution or personal harm, however, is fear of ridicule, or loss of prestige or position. Such fear is out of character for real Christians, �for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind� (2 Timothy 1:7). If we love the Lord and those for whom He died, we must learn to conquer our fear of men.
One of the saddest rebukes that could come to a Christian is the indictment lodged against those believers who, because of their high position, refused to take an open stand for Christ: �Among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God� (John 12:42-43). How often do modern professional and business men�even theologians�compromise their stand for Christ and His inerrant Word because of fear of peer pressure in what should be their spheres of influence and testimony?
May God give us the courage of Paul. �I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,� he wrote, �for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth� (Romans 1:16). HMM
�And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.� (Acts 4:18)
Already Judged John 3:17-18
As a society, Americans are fond of their rights. We're very protective of our liberties, even when they might bring harm rather than good. That can be true of spiritual matters as well. For example, exercising the "right" to reject God's plan of salvation leaves a person in a condemned condition.
I have heard the following phrase often in my years of ministry: "I don't believe God is going to condemn me to hell." I agree, but not with the comment's intended meaning--that a person is worthy of heaven on the basis of his own merit. You see, it is true that the Lord doesn't condemn people to hell. He allows them to opt for that eternal destination themselves. They have a right to choose.
God says that those who do not believe in Jesus Christ have been judged already (v. 18). In other words, by rejecting--or politely ignoring--their need for a Savior, unbelievers have chosen to remain unsaved and unforgiven. Scripture teaches that there will one day be a judgment, but God has already determined that those who trust in Christ will stand with Him while the rest will be sent away (Matt. 25:34-46). An unrepentant man or woman is not condemned by God but, rather, has chosen to remain in the company of all those condemned by their own free will.
God desires that everyone come to a saving knowledge of His Son Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9). To that end, He has granted each person the right to decide whether or not to follow in obedience. However, those who reject the Savior are forewarned that they have settled for condemnation.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
Luke 24:44-53
The principle we will explore today is basic but so powerful that it determines whether we experience victory in our lives.
You are probably familiar with the book The Little Engine That Could, in which a small engine keeps repeating the words "I think I can." By using sheer willpower, she pulls an entire train over the mountain. That's a nice children's story, but the truth of the Christian life is very different. In the real world, our efforts and determination often fall short. Only by walking in the power of the Holy Spirit can the godly life be achieved.
Throughout the Old Testament, God's Spirit would temporarily come upon saints for a particular work. However, after Jesus ascended to heaven, He sent the Spirit to dwell permanently within each believer. Consider what this means: If you're a Christian, God is living inside of you, available to help all through life by providing guidance, comfort, and empowerment.
Obedience to Christ is too difficult for anyone relying on his own strength. And discerning what to do in every situation is far too complicated for a fleshly mind. For some reason, though, Christians often try to live life by depending on their own energy and reasoning. Defeat and failure are unavoidable without His power in our lives.
Do you recognize your need for the Lord? Begin each day confessing your dependence upon Him. Ask to be filled with His Spirit so that all you think, do, and say will be an overflow from Him. Then trust Him to work in mighty ways through you. Watch what almighty God can do.
Responding to God's Love
John 3:16
God has to be true to Himself. People are foolish to entertain the hope that He will ignore justice and sacrifice holiness in order to allow unbelievers into heaven. Living a mostly moral life will not satisfy a righteous Judge.
As much as the Lord loves us and desires to save us from our sins, He cannot deny His holiness by accepting sin in His presence. The Father is pristine perfection--a holy Being who, by His very nature, must condemn all sin. Therefore, it is the height of egotism to think that God will bend both His law and His nature to welcome one whom still bears the stain of wrongdoing.
There is not one person who's good enough to enter heaven on his or her own merit. Every one of us needs Jesus. The stain of sin is washed clean only by the sacrifice of God's holy and blameless Son. Those who believe in Christ are forgiven their wrongs and cloaked in His righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21).
Let me make it very clear that trusting Jesus is far more than giving intellectual assent to His existence--that's something even the Devil acknowledges. A true believer enters into a relationship with the One who loves his soul enough to save him from eternal punishment.
Those who remain tightly wrapped in their mantle of sin cannot hope to sneak into heaven. God's holy nature demands perfection, and since we can't provide this for ourselves, the Lord has given it to all who believe in Him. He has exchanged our filthy rags for a cloak of righteousness (Zech. 3:4).
Accepting God's Gift of Love
1 John 4:7-12
Many people simply can't believe that the Lord loves them. Others believe that He loves them, but only when they are pleasing Him in some way. Why is it so hard for us to accept His unconditional love?
One reason is that we have a hard time loving others without condition. We might say the words "I love you" to our spouse, children, friends, co-workers, or fellow believers but all too often are calculating in our mind whether or not they've lived up to our standard. We sometimes excuse ourselves from loving certain people because their behavior upsets or annoys us. The fact that we place restrictions on extending favor causes us to wrongly assume that the Lord does likewise.
Another reason is poor self-image. Considering ourselves unworthy, we refuse to accept God's love. You know what? None of us are worthy of the heavenly Father's goodness and mercy�so you can let go of that excuse once and for all. We're not coming to Him based on our worth. Rather, we're coming to Him based on His grace, and our position is secure in Christ. To put yourself down as "beneath His grace" is to trample on His loving, generous gift. God arranged an awesome divine way for us to be reconciled to Him, and His greatest desire is for relationship with each of us.
If you feel unloved or struggle to accept yourself, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of our heavenly Father's love for you�and to sink it deep into your heart. Receive the truth that He reveals. It will be a completely different story about your value as an individual.
Our Heavenly Father's Unconditional Love
Romans 5:6-11
Scripture tells us that love is the very essence of who God is (1 John 4:7). So if you don't believe that He loves you unconditionally, you'll never really know Him or have genuine peace about your relationship with Him.
How do you define "love"? It is Jesus unselfishly reaching out to mankind, giving Himself to us and bringing good into our life regardless of whether or not we accept Him. Romans 5:8 tells us that His care and concern are so immeasurable that He laid down His life for us while we were still His enemies. In fact, the Bible says that He first began to express His love toward us before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:3-5). That means your actions had absolutely nothing to do with His love for you!
God's commitment to us has absolutely no conditions or restrictions and isn't based on whether we love Him back. Nor does He have more love for "good" people who may strike us as more worthy. He loves us even in our sin, even when we don't repent. Does that give us license to disobey? No. It gives us power to live holy lives, walk obediently with Him, and learn to love Him the way He deserves. To follow Him is to receive the love He has been offering all along.
Every single moment, whether awake or asleep, we all live under the canopy of the Lord's wondrous, absolute love for us. But to fully experience that love, you must receive it. Say yes to this amazing gift that God wants to pour out on you. Bask in it, and let it overflow to those around you.
No Greater Love
John 15:12-14
Perhaps the most intense love and protective instinct in the experience of mankind is that of parents toward their children. There is little that most mothers or fathers wouldn't do for a baby. If a truck posed a threat to the little one, it wouldn't surprise us if they jumped in front of the moving vehicle without a second thought.
Wouldn't you like to be cared for with this kind of intensity? You are. In fact, the Lord's love toward you is far deeper and more secure than that of even the most caring, tuned-in human parent. And what God did for us is proof. Romans 5:8 says that while we were living in disobedience, He sent His only Son to die on the cross for us.
Think about a father giving up his child for people who choose to rebel against him. What a tremendous sacrifice and cost! Jesus' death took the place of the punishment that we deserved. If we accept this gift and decide to follow God, He no longer sees us as guilty. Rather, He justifies us, makes us righteous, and changes our ultimate destiny: instead of facing everlasting separation from Him, we will enjoy His presence eternally. What's more, almighty God adopts us as His children forever. Our heavenly Father guides, protects, and counsels us as we walk through life�and promises us that we are secure in Him throughout eternity.
How incredible that the Creator of the universe would love you and me in this way! Do you know and experience the security and sweetness of His care? Gratitude and praise should flow from your heart. In turn, love others deeply out of thankfulness for the love that you have received.
Our Inseparable Relationship
Romans 8:31-39
Far too many relationships in today's world are uncertain. Disunity is found in marriages, churches, and international alliances. Yet there's one relationship that is sure and permanent.
The Lord designed people for intimate fellowship with Him. His love toward each of us is evident throughout the Bible. In fact, there is nothing tangible, intangible, past, present, or future that can separate believers from the Father's love. John 10:14 draws a comparison between Jesus and a good shepherd�a man whose ultimate task is providing for and protecting the flock. Christ's character is one of passionate care for His people. First John 4:16 clearly states, "God is love." If we believe the Bible, then we cannot deny this fact about His nature.
We also see evidence of divine love through the Lord's gifts and actions. For example, He created us in His image (Gen. 1:26). He sent His only Son to die in our place, and He forgives us of our sin debt (1 Cor. 15:3). John 15:15 tells us that Christ calls us His friends�and what's more, when we trust in Jesus, God adopts us and considers us His children (Rom. 8:15). He even blesses us with an Intercessor and Helper�the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). The Word is clear: God loves us passionately.
The affection we experience in our families is only a glimpse of the great compassion and care that God has for you. Think about the people you treasure most. Imagine what you would be willing to do if they experienced a need. How much more will our heavenly Father be devoted to you!
As a society, Americans are fond of their rights. We're very protective of our liberties, even when they might bring harm rather than good. That can be true of spiritual matters as well. For example, exercising the "right" to reject God's plan of salvation leaves a person in a condemned condition.
I have heard the following phrase often in my years of ministry: "I don't believe God is going to condemn me to hell." I agree, but not with the comment's intended meaning--that a person is worthy of heaven on the basis of his own merit. You see, it is true that the Lord doesn't condemn people to hell. He allows them to opt for that eternal destination themselves. They have a right to choose.
God says that those who do not believe in Jesus Christ have been judged already (v. 18). In other words, by rejecting--or politely ignoring--their need for a Savior, unbelievers have chosen to remain unsaved and unforgiven. Scripture teaches that there will one day be a judgment, but God has already determined that those who trust in Christ will stand with Him while the rest will be sent away (Matt. 25:34-46). An unrepentant man or woman is not condemned by God but, rather, has chosen to remain in the company of all those condemned by their own free will.
God desires that everyone come to a saving knowledge of His Son Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9). To that end, He has granted each person the right to decide whether or not to follow in obedience. However, those who reject the Savior are forewarned that they have settled for condemnation.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
Luke 24:44-53
The principle we will explore today is basic but so powerful that it determines whether we experience victory in our lives.
You are probably familiar with the book The Little Engine That Could, in which a small engine keeps repeating the words "I think I can." By using sheer willpower, she pulls an entire train over the mountain. That's a nice children's story, but the truth of the Christian life is very different. In the real world, our efforts and determination often fall short. Only by walking in the power of the Holy Spirit can the godly life be achieved.
Throughout the Old Testament, God's Spirit would temporarily come upon saints for a particular work. However, after Jesus ascended to heaven, He sent the Spirit to dwell permanently within each believer. Consider what this means: If you're a Christian, God is living inside of you, available to help all through life by providing guidance, comfort, and empowerment.
Obedience to Christ is too difficult for anyone relying on his own strength. And discerning what to do in every situation is far too complicated for a fleshly mind. For some reason, though, Christians often try to live life by depending on their own energy and reasoning. Defeat and failure are unavoidable without His power in our lives.
Do you recognize your need for the Lord? Begin each day confessing your dependence upon Him. Ask to be filled with His Spirit so that all you think, do, and say will be an overflow from Him. Then trust Him to work in mighty ways through you. Watch what almighty God can do.
Responding to God's Love
John 3:16
God has to be true to Himself. People are foolish to entertain the hope that He will ignore justice and sacrifice holiness in order to allow unbelievers into heaven. Living a mostly moral life will not satisfy a righteous Judge.
As much as the Lord loves us and desires to save us from our sins, He cannot deny His holiness by accepting sin in His presence. The Father is pristine perfection--a holy Being who, by His very nature, must condemn all sin. Therefore, it is the height of egotism to think that God will bend both His law and His nature to welcome one whom still bears the stain of wrongdoing.
There is not one person who's good enough to enter heaven on his or her own merit. Every one of us needs Jesus. The stain of sin is washed clean only by the sacrifice of God's holy and blameless Son. Those who believe in Christ are forgiven their wrongs and cloaked in His righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21).
Let me make it very clear that trusting Jesus is far more than giving intellectual assent to His existence--that's something even the Devil acknowledges. A true believer enters into a relationship with the One who loves his soul enough to save him from eternal punishment.
Those who remain tightly wrapped in their mantle of sin cannot hope to sneak into heaven. God's holy nature demands perfection, and since we can't provide this for ourselves, the Lord has given it to all who believe in Him. He has exchanged our filthy rags for a cloak of righteousness (Zech. 3:4).
Accepting God's Gift of Love
1 John 4:7-12
Many people simply can't believe that the Lord loves them. Others believe that He loves them, but only when they are pleasing Him in some way. Why is it so hard for us to accept His unconditional love?
One reason is that we have a hard time loving others without condition. We might say the words "I love you" to our spouse, children, friends, co-workers, or fellow believers but all too often are calculating in our mind whether or not they've lived up to our standard. We sometimes excuse ourselves from loving certain people because their behavior upsets or annoys us. The fact that we place restrictions on extending favor causes us to wrongly assume that the Lord does likewise.
Another reason is poor self-image. Considering ourselves unworthy, we refuse to accept God's love. You know what? None of us are worthy of the heavenly Father's goodness and mercy�so you can let go of that excuse once and for all. We're not coming to Him based on our worth. Rather, we're coming to Him based on His grace, and our position is secure in Christ. To put yourself down as "beneath His grace" is to trample on His loving, generous gift. God arranged an awesome divine way for us to be reconciled to Him, and His greatest desire is for relationship with each of us.
If you feel unloved or struggle to accept yourself, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of our heavenly Father's love for you�and to sink it deep into your heart. Receive the truth that He reveals. It will be a completely different story about your value as an individual.
Our Heavenly Father's Unconditional Love
Romans 5:6-11
Scripture tells us that love is the very essence of who God is (1 John 4:7). So if you don't believe that He loves you unconditionally, you'll never really know Him or have genuine peace about your relationship with Him.
How do you define "love"? It is Jesus unselfishly reaching out to mankind, giving Himself to us and bringing good into our life regardless of whether or not we accept Him. Romans 5:8 tells us that His care and concern are so immeasurable that He laid down His life for us while we were still His enemies. In fact, the Bible says that He first began to express His love toward us before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:3-5). That means your actions had absolutely nothing to do with His love for you!
God's commitment to us has absolutely no conditions or restrictions and isn't based on whether we love Him back. Nor does He have more love for "good" people who may strike us as more worthy. He loves us even in our sin, even when we don't repent. Does that give us license to disobey? No. It gives us power to live holy lives, walk obediently with Him, and learn to love Him the way He deserves. To follow Him is to receive the love He has been offering all along.
Every single moment, whether awake or asleep, we all live under the canopy of the Lord's wondrous, absolute love for us. But to fully experience that love, you must receive it. Say yes to this amazing gift that God wants to pour out on you. Bask in it, and let it overflow to those around you.
No Greater Love
John 15:12-14
Perhaps the most intense love and protective instinct in the experience of mankind is that of parents toward their children. There is little that most mothers or fathers wouldn't do for a baby. If a truck posed a threat to the little one, it wouldn't surprise us if they jumped in front of the moving vehicle without a second thought.
Wouldn't you like to be cared for with this kind of intensity? You are. In fact, the Lord's love toward you is far deeper and more secure than that of even the most caring, tuned-in human parent. And what God did for us is proof. Romans 5:8 says that while we were living in disobedience, He sent His only Son to die on the cross for us.
Think about a father giving up his child for people who choose to rebel against him. What a tremendous sacrifice and cost! Jesus' death took the place of the punishment that we deserved. If we accept this gift and decide to follow God, He no longer sees us as guilty. Rather, He justifies us, makes us righteous, and changes our ultimate destiny: instead of facing everlasting separation from Him, we will enjoy His presence eternally. What's more, almighty God adopts us as His children forever. Our heavenly Father guides, protects, and counsels us as we walk through life�and promises us that we are secure in Him throughout eternity.
How incredible that the Creator of the universe would love you and me in this way! Do you know and experience the security and sweetness of His care? Gratitude and praise should flow from your heart. In turn, love others deeply out of thankfulness for the love that you have received.
Our Inseparable Relationship
Romans 8:31-39
Far too many relationships in today's world are uncertain. Disunity is found in marriages, churches, and international alliances. Yet there's one relationship that is sure and permanent.
The Lord designed people for intimate fellowship with Him. His love toward each of us is evident throughout the Bible. In fact, there is nothing tangible, intangible, past, present, or future that can separate believers from the Father's love. John 10:14 draws a comparison between Jesus and a good shepherd�a man whose ultimate task is providing for and protecting the flock. Christ's character is one of passionate care for His people. First John 4:16 clearly states, "God is love." If we believe the Bible, then we cannot deny this fact about His nature.
We also see evidence of divine love through the Lord's gifts and actions. For example, He created us in His image (Gen. 1:26). He sent His only Son to die in our place, and He forgives us of our sin debt (1 Cor. 15:3). John 15:15 tells us that Christ calls us His friends�and what's more, when we trust in Jesus, God adopts us and considers us His children (Rom. 8:15). He even blesses us with an Intercessor and Helper�the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). The Word is clear: God loves us passionately.
The affection we experience in our families is only a glimpse of the great compassion and care that God has for you. Think about the people you treasure most. Imagine what you would be willing to do if they experienced a need. How much more will our heavenly Father be devoted to you!
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY ALL NEW PROPHECY AND CREATION DESIGN WEBSITES. THERE IS A LOT TO SEE AND DO..........
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