Real Life...

God’s word is life. It’s so much more than people think. It’s not mystical. It’s not a guarantee of prosperity (in the material sense). God’s word is confidence. It’s trust. It’s motivation and hope for today and tomorrow. It security in our future. It’s knowing that no matter what happens to us in this life, having God by our side, guarantees we won’t walk alone. We won’t die alone. And most importantly, we won’t spend eternity without Him. Now that is real life.

45 When Moses had finished reciting all these words to the people of Israel, 46 he added: “Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of these instructions. 47 These instructions are not empty words–they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.” Deuteronomy 32:45-47

Betrayal....

The closest thing we can ever experience that gives us a glimpse of how God truly feels is when we are betrayed. And there is no more trying experience than that of a child’s rebellion against his own parents. Parenting isn’t for cowards. Some are great at it, while others lack. But one thing is for sure; when a child rebels, his parents get a deeper insight into what God feels when we betray Him.

4 He is the Rock; His deeds are perfect.Everything He does is just and fair.He is a faithful God who does no wrong;how just and upright He is! 5 “But they have acted corruptly toward Him;when they act so perversely,are they really His children?They are a deceitful and twisted generation.6 Is this the way you repay the Lord,you foolish and senseless people?Isn’t He your Father who created you?Has He not made you and established you? Deuteronomy 32:4-6

18 You neglected the Rock who had fathered you;you forgot the God who had given you birth. Deuteronomy 32:18

By Our Side for Life...

What if, when you were born, one or both of your parents made a life-long, totally guaranteed commitment to be by your side for your entire life. They would be there to feed, clothe, and care for you as a child. They would help celebrate your birthdays, be there for support for times of testing, and help you through the growing pains of life. They would watch you graduate, give speeches at your wedding, and give their wisdom and time in helping raise your own children. They would be there when the word cancer becomes personal, help you cope with loss, and celebrate the milestones of life. They would even be there to hold your hand to usher you into eternity. Would that make your life more secure? Would it give you confidence to soar? Would it help decrease stress and worry? Some would invite this into their lives without hesitation. While others might recoil at the thought (especially during those dreaded teenage years). But all would accept it as a child. We all won’t be given this promise by our parents, but we all have been given this promise by God. That is if we repent and trust in Jesus. God has given us two parents, that hopefully represent our view of Him. Even if they fall short, He won’t. His promises are forever. And He has told us (those that love Him) numerous times, He will never leave us or forsake us. He knows what lies ahead, and goes there to prepare our way. Start living your life knowing that God’s promise to those that believe is valid and is worthy of our trust.

6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Fulfilling Your End of the Bargain...

I was watching a video the other day where a man was interviewing college-aged students. His show was called “change my view”. This particular episode was to try to convince him that there are more than two genders. He was very cordial, allowing the person seated next to him to express their views and try to convince him to change his mind. Anyway, after a long and one-sided conversation, he stood up, thanked the person, and stuck out his hand in a neighborly manner. The person refused to shake his hand. The only thing he did was raise questions about their stance on the issue. This is exactly what happened here. You have those that heard Jesus’ words and believed. Then you have those that heard Jesus’ words and refused to believe. They rejected God’s plan for them, for they didn’t want to believe to begin with. That’s the same reaction we get today. Some believe and some don’t. The saddest part is that those who don’t believe reject God not for lack of evidence. They refuse to believe, because they flat out don’t want to, regardless of the evidence. The good news for us is that we don’t know who those rejectors are, so we go into every situation with the intent of leading them into truth. We present the Gospel, and God does the rest. I’m so glad my results aren’t based on the outcome. My participation only involves presenting the Gospel, period. That’s such a relief to know. No pressure Gospel presentation. I do my best, God does the rest. My significance is not dependent on the results. So the next time you are in a conversation that is going no where; the other person in the conversation is clearly showing signs of this Prideful rejection, smile, quote John 3:16, extend your hand in non-threatening manner, thank them for meeting with you, and walk away. You fulfilled your end of the bargain, and your significance is secure.

28 I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!”29 When they heard this, all the people–even the tax collectors–agreed that God’s way was right, for they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God’s plan for them, for they had refused John’s baptism. Luke 7:28-30

Power Over Death....

God has the power to take life and give life. Here in Luke chapter 7, we see Jesus giving life back to the dead widow’s only son during the funeral procession. Can you imagine, mourning the loss of your only son, on your way to his burial site with the body, and all of the sudden your son sits up from his coffin, and begins to speak? That just totally blows my mind. I would certainly take Jesus seriously for that reason only. There wouldn’t be a doubt in my mind that He was God. I certainly wouldn’t want to crucify Him for it. How could you still have doubt about Who He is? I would love to have been there to witness this event. I’m sure it would’ve changed my entire perspective on life. If Jesus has the power over death, and He is for us, what do we have to fear? Why don’t we trust Him more?

11 Soon afterward Jesus went with His disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed Him. 12 A funeral procession was coming out as He approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, His heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” He said. 14 Then He walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” He said, “I tell you, get up.” 15 Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.16 Great fear swept the crowd, and they praised God, saying, “A mighty prophet has risen among us,” and “God has visited His people today.” 17 And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside. Luke 7:11-17

Honoring God....

When we trust God with our lives and believe He will do what He promises to do, it amazes Him. Our life, lived out in faith, honors God. And in return, He honors us.

1 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people, He returned to Capernaum. 2 At that time the highly valued slave of a Roman officer was sick and near death. 3 When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some respected Jewish elders to ask Him to come and heal his slave. 4 So they earnestly begged Jesus to help the man. “If anyone deserves Your help, he does,” they said, 5 “for he loves the Jewish people and even built a synagogue for us.”6 So Jesus went with them. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, “Lord, don’t trouble Yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. 7 I am not even worthy to come and meet You. Just say the word from where You are, and my servant will be healed. 8 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” Luke 7:1-8

Anchor of the Soul....

In a day and age of opinions trumping truth, it’s so refreshing to read about God giving us a new song to sing. When He sets our feet on solid ground it’s easier to stand and walk in the mist of turbulent times. When God is your focus, and truth is your conviction, it’s much easier to live in a world full of distractions; opinions, comments, and agendas trying to upend truth and undermine God. Those that trust God with their lives have hope, the anchor of the soul. He is there to help in difficult times. He’s there to celebrate in good times. And most importantly, He’s there all the time to receive our praise and gratitude for all He has done. He is the Recipient of all that is good, honorable, and deserving. Where do unbelievers go with their gratitude, gratefulness, and praise? The only place they can, a mirror. Over time, what they see fails in comparison.

1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,and He turned to me and heard my cry.2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,out of the mud and the mire.He set my feet on solid groundand steadied me as I walked along.3 He has given me a new song to sing,a hymn of praise to our God.Many will see what He has done and be amazed.They will put their trust in the Lord. 4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,who have no confidence in the proudor in those who worship idols. Psalms 40:1-4