Month: August 2019

“I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick…” Eze‬ ‭34:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
This is the ongoing work of our Great Shepherd, Jesus. It happens today, when we as His church, His spiritual body, realize that we are called to be workers together with Him, and we answer His call. May God help us to look beyond ourselves and to see the needs of souls all around us.

“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…” Heb‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
This is one of the keys to joyful, victorious Christian living, ‘Looking unto Jesus’. To keep our hearts and minds on Him and Who He is and what He did for us. To realize that nothing we go through will ever compare to what He willingly suffered for us! Oh how He loves us!

“For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”
‭‭II Cor‬ ‭4:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
This verse reminds us that our old life of sin and selfishness is to die daily. This is necessary so the new life we have in Christ can be lived out, through our actions and words. By God’s grace, may those around us see less of us and more of Jesus in us.

“…in His favor is life…”
Psalm 30:5
Are we seeking God’s favor in our lives and in all we do? Are we living daily in His favor? Do we know the joy of spiritual life that has found favor with God? If not, then we are fooling ourselves with religion. The only true life, spiritual life in Christ, is found by those who seek and live in God’s favor.

“Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.” Psalms‬ ‭73:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
In this psalm the writer is struggling to figure out why wicked men seem to prosper and the righteous suffer. And still today we wonder why? But the key is to go to God, go to where we can hear from Him. And then! We will understand better. Then we will be reminded that this world is not the end.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…”
‭‭Heb‬ ‭10:24-25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
One of the ways that we can encourage others and stir up love, is by faithfully gathering with the body of Christ. Most people have no idea that church attendance is not all about ‘me’. Rather, it is for God’s glory and being a blessing to others. Are we considering others?

“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭7:25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
When we are truly willing to stop going our own selfish and sinful ways and turn to Christ (that’s repentance) He doesn’t do a halfway job. He will save to the uttermost! He will save completely and make us anew by His power. Sadly, this is not what most want nor receive. Too many settle for a halfway, powerless experience that leaves them in their sin.

““With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful…”.   II Sam‬ ‭22:26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
One of the consequences of sin is that is makes people cruel and unmerciful. The lack of mercy causes us to judge, criticize and condemn. But may we remember that we need God’s mercy everyday. And to receive it we must show mercy to others.

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”  I Corin‬ ‭10:13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
This verse confirms that God will provide all that we need to walk in holiness. He always makes a way for us to overcome temptation, IF we want to please Him.