Friday, July 17, 2009

God Freely Gave


“He spared not his own Son,. . . also freely give.” Romans 8:32

God didn't spare His Son. He planned Jesus’ life from before Bethlehem to the ascension. God’s plan was to redeem us, you and me–to save us from our sin. He chose to walk this earth for a little while to teach us about Him, about life and how to live.

When the time came, Jesus paid the ultimate price–excruciating death on a cross for us.

He gave things to us freely–with no conditions attached,except one, that we believe in Him. God doesn’t charge us for the sunshine we receive. We don’t find a bill in our mail box for the beauty of the seasons. God only wants us to thank Him for the blessings he bestows.

Because of His love for us, God gives us so much and asks for so little. We receive something new from Him everyday.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Encouraging Words to the Faithful


“The Lord in the midst of thee is mighty . . . .” Zephaniah. 3:17

This passage is a prophecy for the remnant–the faithful children of God.
He is in the middle of our lives.
He possesses strength, resiliency.
God values each of His children.
He speaks joyfully about His children.
He refreshes them in His love.
God will sing with happiness.

God's presence in our lives is the desire of us who truly belong to Him. We are nothing without Christ in our lives. His heart overflows when a person accepts Him. He longs to fill us with His love and His Spirit.

God is tireless, especially in His love. He never runs out of love for His children. He gives and receives joy by giving songs in their hearts to those who worship Him. His children sing them and He receives the praise with joy.

When we love God, we to know He is with us in the middle of our day wherever it takes us. We long to know God is nearby when we or a loved one is plagued with illness.

When we stubbornly oppose Him in relation to plans for our lives, we truly desire that He not give up on us.

Does God ever smile at what we do? Does He find joy in what we do?
Does God feel refreshed when I tell Him I love Him? Does God's heart sing when He sees me pray?

Monday, July 13, 2009

Do You Feel Alone?


“I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

These words convey comfort. God is the ONLY person who has told us this. Couples go through divorces or just shut down communication. Spouses, parents and children take ill or are involved in accidents and die. Friends have disagreements or just move on.

But God STAYS. He is with us for the LONG HAUL. The marriage vows state “. . . for richer or poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health ’til death do us part.” Mankind tries to live up to these words but God set the standard.

When we have personal hurts and crises, God still stands with us. People can be mean, do things to attack us, try to injure our pride, hurt us emotionally but God still loves us. He shelters us from the words we hear. We don't always realize it, but Our Lord and Savior is there taking the tongue lashing with us. While we are under attack or stress He tells us “I will take care of things. Don't worry. I am still here.

In this scripture passage the key words are:

“will” This verb conveys determination and shows perseverance as well as strong intention.

Saying this, God doesn't allow any wiggle room for what He intends. The text doesn't read–“I might . . . .” or “I hope not to . . . .” or “I don’t want to . . .” God says, “I will . . . .”

“never” This adverb simply means not ever. This gives us an unending time frame.

God's intention is for us who believe in Him to enjoy His company eternally, forever. He doesn't qualify His thought by laying down conditions.

“leave” This verb connotes the idea of one who abandons ,or disappears from, a place.

In our society people walk away from arrangements, from circumstances they can't handle all the time. But God doesn't. He is with us for the long haul. His commitment to is let's Him see us through to the end. We should be as dedicated to God and to His people as He is to us.

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...