GOD’S UNFAILING LOVE

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.  Psalm 94:18-19 NIV

          It’s interesting that when a believer perceives danger, he allows this perception to make himself weak and fearful.  What is needed at this time is mercy … God’s mercy.   The author categorizes God’s love as unfailing and it is.  No matter what situation we ever get ourselves into, God’s love remains the same toward us. 

          Fearing the unknown is a common response that both the saved and unsaved share.  It isn’t until we draw close to the Lord that we realize there is nothing to fear in this life.  The only thing we should fear is spelled out in Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” This is not fear in the traditional sense, but rather awe and respect.

          God’s steadfast, unfailing love is toward those who have entered into covenant with Him. A covenant is a binding agreement between two parties.  To be binding is to impose or command adherence to a commitment; an obligation or a duty.  God is committed to us, are we committed to Him?  He has promised to never fail us; can we make the same promise toward Him? 

       God’s consolation is designed to reduce the intensity of a situation.  He offers comfort in the face of grief and sorrow.  His presence brings us joy.  His presence can come in the form of someone you don’t know (perhaps an angel), a trusted family member or friend, the scriptures, a song or the spoken word.  These are but some of the ways the Lord can bring us consolation.  Rely on God’s eternal and unconditional love to provide for us all that we will ever need this side of heaven.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:  The Treasury of David – Charles H. Spurgeon; The Reformation Study Bible.

ONE DROP DOES IT ALL

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”  Romans 8:32

         God gave up His only Son for our sin; the ultimate sacrifice, the worthy for the unworthy. The incredible thing about it is that one drop of Christ’s blood cleanses any and all sin.  The pure and spotless Lamb of God laid down His own life for all of mankind.  What an unbelievable event in the annals of time.  Knowing we were worthy of being cast into hell’s lake of fire for all eternity God willingly offered His Son to not just cover, but erase our transgressions for all time. Still, even with this amazing truth available men choose not to believe it.  That fact alone is testament to the notion that mankind is incapable of reasoning out rational scenarios.  Mankind fights for the right to live as they choose, yet is unable to see the big picture.  God isn’t trying to trick man into serving Him.  He is freely offering us a pardon.  He is offering to remove the death sentence we were born with and replace it with eternal life.  The only catch is we must ask for it and as with any gift, receive it.

          The “things” Paul is speaking of here are not whatever we desire, but rather all the things we need in this life to survive.  God has promised to provide for and sustain us throughout this life if we will allow Him to.  So many Christians give their lives to the Lord and then take it back only to struggle with things they shouldn’t have to wrestle with.   God is faithful and more than worthy of all praise.  He has provided a way to escape our just punishment and will provide a life filled with blessings if we allow Him to.  Surrender your will over to your loving Heavenly Father.  You will not be cheated.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

HOPE IN GOD

“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
  Why so disturbed within me?
  Put your hope in God,
 for I will yet praise him,
 my Savior and my God.”  Psalm 42:5

            This Psalm is referred to as a instructional ode or hymn.  David was in flight from his own son Absalom and therefore was removed from his normal routine of going to the house of God to lift praises to His name.  The situation he found himself in caused his soul to be downcast. 

          This Psalm was a means of encouraging his own soul and spirit to praise God regardless of his circumstances for God never changes like shifting sand. Our Lord remains a continuous source of wisdom, guidance and encouragement to us all.  If we place our unwavering faith in the one true constant, we will be blessed among men.  Sure, we will have moments of doubt or even days where we struggle with our own reality, but in the end when the dust settles on our day we should we able to look heavenward and still offer praise to a God who loves us relentlessly and will never fail us.  Looking to the world for encouragement and support is a supreme waste of time, for what is important in the world changes like shifting sands.  It is a sea of inconsistency, rising and falling at the whim of mortal men.

          Our faith should be the basis for any hope we might have.  Faith gives birth to trust and with trust comes the realization that God will always be there to comfort and guide us through any set of circumstances we may find ourselves in.  David knew this.  That’s why he was able to praise the Lord even though his life was in danger.  God will never fail us and is both with us in the midst of our struggles and at the end of it waiting for us to arrive.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

LIFE IN CHRIST

“… God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:11b-12 NIV

            John, the Apostle, tells his readers that eternal life can be acquired thru God’s Son.  The verses above echo his sentiments in his gospel. Listen:  “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them.”  (John 3:36) and again, "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24) 

            While there are a multitude of ‘religions’ in the world today proclaiming the way to attain heaven, such an attainment comes thru the only begotten Son of God, namely Jesus Christ.  It is a historical fact that a man named Jesus lived at the time the Bible declares.  If you doubt it read Flavius Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews.  In it Josephus mentions Jesus by name and has roughly a paragraph regarding his being more than just an ordinary man. 

            Christians have come to recognize that their faith has led them to the place where they see sin for what it truly is; a virus that is eroding the very fabric of human society.  They see their need of being saved.  They feel the power of God’s word, which humbles, heals, quickens and comforts one’s soul.  Thru salvation they have become united with their Savior.  Our names are written in the Lambs Book of Life when we receive Christ into our life thus being cleansed of all sin.  God’s wrath is coming for those whose name is not.  The 2^nd chance we receive creates a new disposition that enables us to be at peace in spite of our circumstances.  If we live in Christ this side of heaven, we will live with Him for all eternity.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:  Matthew Henry’s Commentary of the Bible; Matthew Poole’s Commentary.

LIVE LIKE YOU MEAN IT

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”  Philippians 1:27

     The Apostle Paul was in chains when he wrote this letter to the believers in Philippi.  He was letting them know in no uncertain terms that whether he was able to come visit them or not, they were to live like blood bought people who are bound for glory. When a person gets “saved” their life is no longer their own.  It was the same then as it is now.  At least that’s how it’s supposed to be. They are to surrender their will over to the creator and determine to follow His lead.  Their thoughts, words, actions and reactions should be that of a man who belongs to the Kingdom of God.  To not do so only breeds confusion among their circle of influence.           

     Being consistent in our walk is vitally important.  Though we are human and will make mistakes along the way, our spirit must be one of humility.  We must accept our circumstances without moaning or complaining.  Sometimes we do all the right things and still end up with less than pleasurable consequences.  That’s because God doesn’t waste any opportunity to expand our faith or teach us a new, valuable lesson.

     We must dive into our relationship with the Lord head first and immerse ourselves in His grace.  We have been called to proclaim the gospel message to those who have ears to hear what the Spirit would say to them.  Living like the world is like rowing a boat with one oar, we’ll get nowhere. God provides everything we will ever need to survive in a depraved, sin sick world.  He is watching over us every moment of each day and will never allow us to wander off unless we insist.  Even then He will be ever present to lead us back to the main road once we realize we’re lost.

     As Christians, we have one thing and one thing only that we must strive to master in this life.  That is living a Godly life by following the example of His Son, Jesus Christ.  God provides whatever else we need to be effective for the Kingdom.  Live for God, it’s what is expected of those who represent the King.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:  Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary and Reformation Study Bible.

THE WORLD HAS NOTHING TO OFFER

"I have the right to do anything," you say--but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"--but not everything is constructive. 1 Corinthians 10:23

         Corinth was founded as a city for freedmen of Rome 44 years prior to Christ’s birth.  It was an important port city located on a narrow strip of land between Achaia and Greece.  The city was the 3^rd largest in the Roman Empire and was pretty much as depraved, morally speaking, as any other city in that period.  Sadly, the Corinthian church was very much a mirror of the city itself.  It was a melting pot of Greeks, Jews, slaves, freemen, rich and poor.  This cross culture of humanity within the church led to tensions and internal rivalries.  Paul had become at odds with them for their lack of spiritual maturity, yet over time reconciled with them as brothers and friends. 

            The Corinthian church believed strongly that they could do as they pleased and that is true even today.  We can literally do whatever we want.  God will not stop us from doing whatever suits our fancy.  Having said that it should be explained that not all the things we desire to do are beneficial or constructive for us.  Paul hit the nail on the head when he shared that with the prideful Corinthian believers.   

            In this day and age many people know just enough about the Bible to be dangerous.  Their understanding is a patchwork of this verse and that, never quite getting the whole message.  This type of lifestyle can lead to less than wise decisions.  Always remember that no matter what decisions we make in life consequences will always follow.  Imitate Christ in all you think, say and do and don’t concern yourself with what you think you may be missing out on.  This world offers baubles and beads that crumble over time.  The Lord offers truth, fulfillment, peace, mercy, forgiveness and hope.  That trumps anything the world has to offer.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:  Reformation Study Bible and The Asbury Bible Commentary.

LIVING WITHOUT REGRET

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

       Here the Apostle Paul is not speaking of our initial conversion, but rather the repentance that comes as part and parcel of the growth and progress in a Christian’s life.  It is turning from sin in the life of a Christian.  That is much different than not knowing the Lord at all.  Our redemption is supposed to give birth in us a fervor and zeal to please the Lord with our new life.  Our entire way of thinking should begin to change.  Godly thoughts will lead to godly words, which will eventually lead to godly actions and reactions.

       There are some folks who adorn their bodies with tattoos. I’ve seen on some folk’s two simple words – “NO REGRETS”.  It must be nice not to have any regrets.  I know I have some.  Most folks, if they are honest, do have things they were sorry they said or did.  We all wish we could take back some things, but life doesn’t have a delete key or a way to reel back the unwanted things we say or do.  For the Christian, the regret and sorrow we have is for those things we say and/or do that we don’t seek forgiveness for. 

       Willfully sinning as a believer is one thing, justifying it as being all right with God is quite another.  That is when the Holy Spirit attempts to get our attention and we ignore Him.  I’ve been thru that phase in my walk with the Lord, how about you?  God only wishes the very best for His children, but we must be attuned to His voice.

       If you want to live a godly life without regret then follow Solomon’s advice in Proverbs 3:5-7, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take.  Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.  Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource: Reformation Study Bible.