Jesus is Lord!

1 John 4:7-21
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God–for God is love. 9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us. 13 And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. 14 Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 All who proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in him. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we are like Christ here in this world. 18 Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us. 19 We love each other as a result of his loving us first. 20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we have not seen? 21 And God himself has commanded that we must love not only him but our Christian brothers and sisters, too.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

John says, God is love, not love is God.  Our world has a very shallow and selfish view of love and has contaminated what love really is.  We always hear that if God loves us, He will not punish us or send us to Hell.  But that is not love; real love explains why God created us in the first place.  Because He loves, He created people to love.  God does love all people even those who sin.  If He waited until we did not sin to show us His love, we would never know it.  But God also gave us a choice to love Him or not because He wanted a loving response from us and not just because He made us love Him.  It has to be a choice or there would be no love.  But because there is nothing sinful or evil that can exist in God’s presence, He cannot over look or condone or excuse sin.  That is why Jesus Christ came because of God’s love for us; because God wanted us to be reconciled to Him.  Now we have an advocate or solution to the problem of our sin.  With the blood of Christ over us through our choice to believe, we can be with God and be in His presence because we have complete forgiveness from our sin when we believe in the work of Christ Jesus.  God’s love will be expressed to us forever.  God cannot and will not tolerate sin of any kind and sent Jesus Christ to take the penalty for our sin, this is real love.  The world does not want to hear that and so they turn away from God and turn to a religion that tells them what they want to hear.  They can continue in sin and say that they are “religious” without stopping their sin.  God will have nothing to do with these people on that Day of His return.   Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit within you as your sin is covered by the sacrifice made by Christ for your sin.

Ephesians 2:4-10
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, 5 that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s special favor that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with him in the heavenly realms all because we are one with Christ Jesus. 7 And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus.  8 God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

Man has put many human rituals into religion today and many think that by doing them, they are saved and will spend eternity in heaven with God. If this were true, then the power to be saved would be within ourselves. It would be by our own power that we are made right with God. But they are wrong.  There is nothing that we can do, say or be that can save us from our sins.  If it is by our own power, then why would we need God?  And wouldn’t that give some people something to boast about?  If we could save ourselves by works then we could take on a self-righteous attitude and say, “I did it better than you so therefore my way is more right then yours!”  Imagine the chaos. Salvation is not a reward for things done right, it is a gift from God. We are saved by believing in the work that Jesus Christ did on the cross for us.  We are saved when we admit we are sinners and need God’s grace to cover our sins. Then we turn from our sin and start moving toward God. This is what makes us right with God.  This is what gives us peace.  We know that He is now living in us and will never leave us because of His promise in His Word.  And this is the Word of God, “You can’t take credit for salvation; it is a gift from God!”   But you must accept it.  It is not yours until you pick it up and make it yours.  If you have not done this, get on your knees today and tell God that you accept His Gift.

Have a God Day!

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
13 As for us, we always thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation, a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and by your belief in the truth. 14 He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on everything we taught you both in person and by letter. 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us and in his special favor gave us everlasting comfort and good hope, 17 comfort your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do and say. Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

Salvation begins and ends with God through Christ Jesus. We can do nothing to be saved on our own merit, we must accept God’s gift of salvation. There is no other way to receive forgiveness for our sins. Christians are chosen by God from the beginning. He knows who will accept Him and who will not. The process of being made holy is a work of the Holy Spirit in us. Being holy means “being set aside for God.” While we are in this process, we will face pressure and worldliness to leave our faith. Paul tells us to “stand firm” and hold onto the truth. The reality of Christ’s love for us will keep us on the road to becoming like Him. As you know Him, you will know of His love for you. As you know of His love, you will become more like Him. And you as the love God shown through Christ Jesus fills your heart and mind, then your actions will follow His.

Have a God Day!

Colossians 1:25-29
25 God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his message in all its fullness to you Gentiles. 26 This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to his own holy people. 27 For it has pleased God to tell his people that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. For this is the secret: Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory.  28 So everywhere we go, we tell everyone about Christ. We warn them and teach them with all the wisdom God has given us, for we want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. 29 I work very hard at this, as I depend on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

How much of your life is under control of your “old nature” and how much is under control of “Christ in you”?  How much room have you made for Christ in your life? If you are still struggling with sin or cannot find time for God, then too much of your “old nature” is in control.  Recognizing unacceptable behavior is the first step to surrendering it to the control of “Christ in you.” All of us have things in our life we are not proud of and realize we need to make some changes. The only time in our life when we do not need to improve or change is when we are dead. But until that time, there will always be a part of our “old nature” that will want to bring us down and away from what God has intended for us. His life in us is truly our only hope of permanently changing the “old nature” in us. We must decrease and He must increase. This is a circumcision of the heart not just self-denial. When we change unacceptable behavior out of our own will power there will always be inner drives continually trying to sabotage our efforts. But when Christ lives in you and you have made room for Him by surrendering anything in your life that is not of Him, then you will have victory and joy because it is Christ in you that gives you the power. We do this by daily coming before God and opening ourselves up to His examination.  We ask and allow God to reveal to us what direction we should take. We surrender completely to His control. It is a step by step process that will take the rest of your life, but it is worked at daily.  As you move closer and closer to Him, His life will be lived in you and you will share His glory.

Have a God Day!

James 3:13-18
13 Are there those among you who are truly wise and understanding? Then they should show it by living right and doing good things with a gentleness that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are selfish and have bitter jealousy in your hearts, do not brag. Your bragging is a lie that hides the truth. 15 That kind of “wisdom” does not come from God but from the world. It is not spiritual; it is from the devil. 16 Where jealousy and selfishness are, there will be confusion and every kind of evil. 17 But the wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure, then peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help those who are troubled and to do good for others. It is always fair and honest. 18 People who work for peace in a peaceful way plant a good crop of right-living.
The New Century Version, (Dallas, Texas: Word Publishing) 1987, 1988, 1991.

God is a God of order.  Wherever there is confusion, it is not from God.  Anything that originates from Him must be done properly and in an orderly manner.  One of Satan’s major goals is to bring about confusion, disruption, disharmony, and disorder.  He does this because he knows that God will not act in an environment of conflict, chaos or confusion. God steps back from confusion because it is against His nature and He knows that until the confusion is cleared, His voice cannot be heard.  That is why in Psalm 46:10 He states, “Be still, and know that I am God…”  If you are in a place of confusion right now, stop and listen for the voice of God.  He is there because His Word has stated He will never leave you, but He cannot work in your life if you are listening to lies from Satan and there is confusion because of those lies.  So stop and listen to what God would say over your situation.  The Word of God has all you need to know to make a joyful life in this sinful world. 

Have a God Day!

Daniel 6:16-22
16 So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you worship continually, rescue you.” 17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel from the lions. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night. 19 Very early the next morning, the king hurried out to the lions’ den. 20 When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you worship continually, able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Daniel answered, “Long live the king! 22 My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.”
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

If you read the whole story behind Daniel being in the lions’ den, you will see his enemies tried to kill him by preventing him from praying to God.  But Daniel did pray, the Word states in Daniel 6:10 “…He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.” Daniel was a praying man, but notice that prayer did not keep him from getting thrown into the lions’ den  Christians sometimes think, because I pray, nothing bad should happen to me.  That is not necessarily true.  Because you pray, you are not alone if something bad does happen.  There is a big difference.  God is not interested in your physical or emotional or financial comfort, He is interested in you becoming more like Him.  He is interested in what matters for eternity.  And what matters for eternity is how much you allowed the Spirit of God in you to overcome the evil nature also in you.  Who is ruling in your heart will determine your behaviors and actives.  And God is interested in not what you accumulate, but in who you bring to heaven with you.  These are the things that God will work out in your life for His purpose.  So if you are going through something bad right now, don’t stop praying, don’t stop believing, know that He is with you to bring through the problem to make you more into His image so you are more usable for Him.

Have a God Day!

Isaiah 41:8-16
8 “But as for you, Israel my servant, Jacob my chosen one, descended from my friend Abraham, 9 I have called you back from the ends of the earth so you can serve me. For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. 10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. 11 “See, all your angry enemies lie there, confused and ashamed. Anyone who opposes you will die. 12 You will look for them in vain. They will all be gone! 13 I am holding you by your right hand-I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I am here to help you. 14 Despised though you are, O Israel, don’t be afraid, for I will help you. I am the Lord, your Redeemer. I am the Holy One of Israel.’ 15 You will be a new threshing instrument with many sharp teeth. You will tear all your enemies apart, making chaff of mountains. 16 You will toss them in the air, and the wind will blow them all away; a whirlwind will scatter them. And the joy of the Lord will fill you to overflowing. You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.”
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

Centuries ago the Church took on the belief that because Israel had rejected Jesus Christ as their Savior, that God was done with the Jews.  And all of His promises to them now belonged to those who believed in Christ.  This is just not true and never has been.  God never goes back on a promise He has made.  Some day the Jewish people will recognize Christ as their Savior and many do today.  The Church today is comprised of Gentiles and Jews.  But what God is telling the Israel  is that they will be come a nation again and that He is not done with them. Christ will come back one day and rule as their King.  We have seen this become true right before our eyes and Israel became a nation again in 1948 after over 2600 years of being ruled by others and then in 70 A.D. when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and scattered all of the Jews around the world.  But God was still working to bring them back and we are witness to this.  So we should be in support of Israel as brothers who do not know the truth of Christ yet.  God is still working to protect them and will continue until He is ruling on this earth as their King. 

Have a God Day!

Hebrews 1:14
14 But angels are only servants. They are spirits sent from God to care for those who will receive salvation.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

This verse tells us that there is a whole invisible world going on all around us that many are not aware.  But those in Christ have His Word and we should be aware of this and not only be aware but be prepared to do battle in this invisible world.  For Ephesians 6:12 tells us, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”  There is a very fundamental principle, which is that for everything visible, something invisible corresponds to it.  In other words, what is happening in your walk with Christ is being effected by what is happening in the invisible world around you. 

Angels are spiritual beings that were created by God for His purposes.  They are servants and are used by God to minister to those who are in Christ.  But there are also fallen angels that followed Satan when he rebelled against God.  There is not redemption for fallen angels. They had their chance and now because they have chosen to rebel against God along with Satan, they are damned for eternity.  But they do not want you or any other human to get salvation.  They can’t make you lose you salvation once received, but they can make ineffective for Christ thereby preventing you from becoming victorious or bringing anyone else to Him.  So they are working all around you to keep you miserable and not useful for the Kingdom of God.  Being aware of what is happening, makes you more useful to Christ for the purpose of prayer and for the purpose of moving beyond your stumbling blocks.  Satan would have you stay in a situation that keeps you from growing in Christ.  But you can move forward because Christ has provided a way for you.  He has provided you knowledge and the power of the Holy Spirit in you to move forward.  So pick up your sword of prayer and use the power of the Spirit of God in you and His angels to prevent Satan from having any more victory in your life by keeping you from moving forward for God.  Start today and pray for discernment of the lies Satan is telling you. Move off of that problem that has kept you bound for too many years and start making a difference for God in His Kingdom.

Have a God Day!

Isaiah 35:8-9
8 And a main road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-hearted people will never travel on it. It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways; fools will never walk there. 9 Lions will not lurk along its course, and there will be no other dangers. Only the redeemed will follow it. 10 Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return to Jerusalem, singing songs of everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be overcome with joy and gladness.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

Are you on the Highway of Holiness today?  Are you heading toward God or way from Him?  If you are not actively working to be more like Him, you are moving away from Him.  Even though you may claim Him as your Savior, you can still be moving away from Him.  When we stand before Christ, He is not going to judge us for sin, which is covered by His Blood for those who accept Him, but He is going to look at your life.  How useful were you for Him to work through.  Did you grow smaller and Christ grower larger in you to the point where others saw Him in you?  That is what we all need to be asking ourselves.  Our standard is Christ and we do not measure up to anything else.  Being on the Highway of Holiness is to be in Christ and working for His purpose under His direction and with His power.  It is a process and will continue until we are with Him.  Examine your life today and seek to do His will in all that you do and be on the Highway of Holiness.

Have a God Day!

Mark 13:14-27
14 “The time will come when you will see the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing where it should not be reader, pay attention! “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. 15 A person outside the house must not go back into the house to pack. 16 A person in the field must not return even to get a coat. 17 How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for mothers nursing their babies in those days. 18 And pray that your flight will not be in winter. 19 For those will be days of greater horror than at any time since God created the world. And it will never happen again. 20 In fact, unless the Lord shortens that time of calamity, the entire human race will be destroyed. But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days. 21 “And then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or, ‘There he is,’don’t pay any attention. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform miraculous signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. 23 Watch out! I have warned you! 24 “At that time, after those horrible days end, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give light, 25 the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. 26 Then everyone will see the Son of Man arrive on the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send forth his angels to gather together his chosen ones from all over the world-from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

Jesus had a lot to say about His Second Coming.  He wanted to warn His disciples about the things that would happen after He left them.  The 13th chapter of Mark is all about the end times.  He starts with the destruction of the Temple and then moves forward to the days we are in now.  The days before the Tribulation or judgment of God against a world who has rejected Christ. But what He is talking about in verse 14 is the middle of the Tribulation when Antichrist sets himself up to be the god of the world.  The Jews realize that they have signed a peace treaty with the Devil, because they thought he was their Messiah.  They come to this knowledge and now have to flee Jerusalem.  Christ warns them it will be difficult because the world will be in great turmoil heading into even greater turmoil. In fact, if God does not cut those days short, all people would die.  But He will and it will only be for 7 years for sake of those who come to know Him as Savior during the Tribulation.  He is saying to all of us today to be warned and do not be fooled because no one will need to tell you that Jesus Christ has returned because all those alive at the time will see Him all over the world.  He will return to a world of darkness because Satan is in control of the entire world.  But there will be those who know Him and He will gather them up to protect them from His judgment on those who served the Antichrist.  Today we are at the time just before the beginning of the Tribulation and Christ warned that there would be wars far and near and famine, but that these were just the beginning of the horror to come when Satan is the king of the world.  So take comfort in knowing that you belong to Him and that you will not have to go through His judgment because you have accepted Him as your Savior. To read more about this go to my Blog and download the Bible study I have put together on the book of Revelation.

Have a God Day!