Where Do You Live?

John 15:5-8

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ⁸ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

It is easy to forget who you are in Christ.  The business and cares of this life can often get in the way of storing up treasures in heaven.  In this text Jesus is explaining to the disciples the Father's intent for the church and certainly for the individual believer.  

We abide in Christ by faith.  The vine is what supplies life to the branches. All the nutrient giving sap flows through the vine into the branch which causes the bearing of fruit.  Trust that you are in the vine.  That your life is hidden, there in Christ, by faith.  

We bear fruit.  Branches do not strain to bear fruit.  Branches allow the vine to bring forth fruit through them.  As a believer trust Jesus allow Him to work through you to bear fruit. 

His word abides in us.  In an earlier post we talked about knowing the will of God. It was through His word. In the same way we can only bear fruit if His word abides in us.  GOD HAS SPOKEN. Read the word of God let it do a work in you and be a doer of the word.  In this His word abides in you, you abide in Him and He abides in you.  

Galatians 2:20

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Don't Stop Now!

Philippians 1:9

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹ And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment
 
Dear fellow disciples I urge you this day to abound more in love.  This world is in need of it. Whether is the clerk at the store, your coworker at the next desk, your neighbor across the street or a stranger on the bus, they all need to know the love of Christ. You are the one to show it to them. 

"But I don't have the love" you say.  Trust that the love of God has been poured out into your hearts. Romans 5:5 (NKJV) ⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Love in faith my friend. Say a kind word, give a smile ask if you can pray for them and see the glory of the Lord.

Philippians 3:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹² Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

Overflow

John 7:38

New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁸ He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 

As a follower of Jesus I have to admit I don't always feel like my life flows with living water.  There are days when I am not compassionate or loving. Seasons when I feel my life is more of a drought then a river.  I do not believe that this is what God intends for us.  

Jesus promises that if we believe in Him then rivers of living water will flow from our hearts.  Rivers flow continually and they are a source of life to all they flow past.  Jesus intends for us believers to be the same.  That life would continually flow from us and bring life to those around us. So why do I feel there is a dam blocking this river of life? 

A natural river is not the source of it's own water. It gets its source from streams and creeks that flow into it. Run off from mountains and even man made drainage all combine to create natural rivers.  For the believer our source is Jesus Himself.  He is the very living water that fills the believer and the living water that is to flow from our hearts.  The key for the believer is to stay connected to the source.  

Spending time with Jesus (prayer and the Word) is the only way that we can flow with life.   The more time we spend with Jesus the more we become like Him; therefore wait on the Lord and you shall receive power from on high.

John 15:5

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

We Are at War

2 Timothy 2:3-4

New King James Version (NKJV)

³ You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. ⁴ No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

Believer have you given much thought to spiritual warfare? Have you considered what is at stake in this life?

This world is not our home it is the front line of battle.  Millions of people in the world are casualties of this war.  Every day they are dying in their sins, lost to spend eternity in hell.  You have been enlisted in the battle for their freedom.  Forsake your comfort, your agenda and your will.  Ask the Lord for the holy burden of souls and fight the good fight.

These souls are important to the Lord.  He longs that none should perish. Rise up church!
Love deeply
Pray without ceasing
Be ready in season and out

1 Timothy 6:12

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹² Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Hold Nothing Back

Philippians 2:17

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁷ Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 
  
Follower of Jesus, brother, sister in Christ I exhort you to live life to the fullest.  Strive to do all the works God has planed for you.  Fervently seek His face and His will.  Make disciples.  Love deeply. Do good to all men especially the brethren.  Leave this world tired.  The world needs us to live so.  Allow God to pour you out as He fills you up. 

Galatians 6:9

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹ And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Mark of Cain

Genesis 4:13-15

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ And Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear! ¹⁴ Surely You have driven me out this day from the face of the ground; I shall be hidden from Your face; I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me.” ¹⁵ And the Lord said to him, “Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him.

 Have you ever known that you deserved punishment for your wrong doing?  Have you ever blown it and thought I deserve exactly what I get? Has the realization of your sin been so strong that your heart broke? 

Cain could not have been more guilty and he had no one to blame but himself.  He had killed a quarter of the population.  In a jealous rage he struck out at his brother and at God. But the story is really not about Cain, its about God.

We see that God is just.    Cain's sin was not going to go unpunished.  I as a believer in Jesus can take rest in knowing that every sin will be accounted for.  I have no need to seek vengeance. Why? Because sin is paid for in one of two ways: The person will pay for their sin by an eternity of suffering in hell or Jesus paid for their sin on the cross.   Either way I can love my enemies because I know justice will be served.

We see that God is merciful.  Cain was guilty and wasn't even repentant for the crime he committed.  God would have been justified by killing Cain and when Cain explained that he feared for his life God could have said you should have thought about that when you killed your brother or so what you killed your brother why should I protect you.  Instead God placed His holy protection upon Cain heading to his cry.  His protection was so thorough that He would have vengeance on anyone who killed Cain.

God further showed His mercy through the cross.  Your sin is not so great that the mark of Jesus' cross can not protect you from the judgement that is to come.  Cry out to God for mercy and you will receive it.

How to Know the Will of God

Romans 12:2

New King James Version (NKJV)

² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Often times we make things more difficult than God intended. We spend time crying out to God to know His will and His desire when the answer is right in front of us.  

God has laid out His will in His word here are just a few examples: 

Husbands love your wives as Christ loves the church
Wives submit to your own husbands
Children obey your parents
Go and make disciples of all the nations
Love one another as I have loved you
Believe in me
Love your neighbor as yourself

Knowing God's will is as easy as picking up the bible and reading it.  The difficult part is in the doing, but God has made provision even for this.  Through the Holy Spirit you have all the power you need to walk in the will of God.  

The only question that remains then is are you willing to do His will?

Who Am I?

Exodus 3:11-12

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹¹ But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
¹² So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

Being about our Fathers business can seem overwhelming.  I can't tell you how inadequate I feel as a witness for Christ, a husband, a dad even an employee.  The responsibility alone can be daunting.  The thought that my life impacts my wife, my children, my co-workers, other believers and the lost is very humbling.  I know that in myself, that is my flesh, no good dwells.  

While I can not relate to the scale of Moses' responsibility to lead a nation; I can relate to the question "Who am I".  Who am I that God would trust me with such responsibility?  I don't have the education. I don't make enough money. I don't speak well. I can't articulate.  God why would you call me or even use me?

As usual our thoughts are not God's thoughts.  God is not looking for the smartest, most articulate, best looking or well educated. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NKJV) ²⁶ For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. ²⁷ But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; ²⁸ and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, ²⁹ that no flesh should glory in His presence. 

God is looking for the willing.  Those who acknowledge their weaknesses and look to Him for wisdom, strength and power.  Those who desire His will.  HE is the I AM and He is on your side. 

 
 

Who's Kingdom Are You Building

Luke 2:49

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴⁹ And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 

Jesus was intent on fulfilling the will of the Father from early age.  Indeed fulfilling the will of the Father was His very life.   John 4:34  (NKJV) ³⁴ Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.

As believers we are to have the same mind of Christ.  Let the will of the Father be your food.  Seek to fulfill all the good works which the Father had planned for you before time.  Ephesians 2. 

 Remember we work not for God's favor but because we have it.  

This One Thing

Psalm 42:1-2

New King James Version (NKJV)

42 As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
² My soul thirsts for God, for the living God....

There are many things we desire in this world,  a family, a good carrier, money, fame and some desires are even Godly, seeing the lost saved, people healed and Jesus exalted and glorified. There is one thing; however, that should be our one driving desire and that is for God Himself. 

Our desire for more of Him should be the driving desire of our hearts and souls.  Everything we do and strive for should be for more of Him. Not that we do things to gain His favor, but because we have His favor through Jesus Christ.  He and He alone can fulfill all that I need.  

When I am lonely:  Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV) ⁵ Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

When I am tired: Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

These promises go on and on.   Seek ye first the Lord and His kingdom you shall be filled.   

Our God is THE Awesome God

John 3:16

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 

My encouragement to you today is not a long one but one that should be revisited by you over and over.   God loves you! Not because you have the perfect Christian walk.  Not because you witnessed to so many people or have this or that ministry. Not because you have faith that can move mountains. 

God's love for you started way before you were even born.  Before He knitted you in your mothers womb God loved you.  

Now it is up to you to believe and accept God's love.  Look to the cross it is the symbol of the great love that God has for you.  He withheld nothing to show you how much He loves you.  

He truly is THE awesome God.

Our God Is The Awesome God

Sorry for missing the last few days. I had back surgery on Thursday and had a little complication. After surgery my lungs had filled with blood so I had to stay an extra night. Things are great now and I am glad to be back. I had a lot of time to think while laying there and I am glad for the time. 

There truly is no one like Jesus.   Paul tells us that all things were made in Him, through Him and for Him and in Him all things consist (Colossians 1:16-17).  It is very overwhelming to think about.  If you take time to look at the stars, the planets, moons.  If you have ever walked in the forest, mountains and along beaches. Have you ever watched the birth of a child or animal? All these things were created in Jesus, through Jesus and for Jesus.  The amazement does not stop there. 

The very same God that "said let there be" humbled himself:

Philippians 2:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

This very act made it possible for you and me to be called children of God. 

To be continued.

#Jesus

What Do You Have To Give?

Luke 11:5-8 (NKJV)

A Friend Comes at Midnight

⁵ And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; ⁶ for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; ⁷ and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’? ⁸ I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.

Jesus never intended for His disciples to work for Him out of their own resources.  The works that He intended for us before time began (Ephesians 2:10) are to be done in His power and His ability.  He calls His church to make disciples and edify itself in love.  He provides all that we need to complete these task.  (Romans 5:5 and 1 Corinthians 9:8)

In the scripture above we see a friend (us) coming to another friend (God the Father) asking for bread (Jesus).  If we are persistent in our asking for provision to reach the lost and to edify the church our friend (Jesus) will answer.  We can be fruitful and indeed bear much fruit when we are supplied by the Vine. John 15:5

If you feel like you have nothing to give, go to your friend (Jesus) and ask Him for the bread of life.

Are You Hungry?

John 6:35

New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁵ And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. 

I spent some time in India where I had fist experienced people living in absolute poverty.  The sight of the malnourished children broke my heart.  Some wandered the streets begging longing for a full belly.  Some had gotten so used to being hungry to give them any real food would have made them sick.  There is however a hunger that goes far deeper than theirs.  It is a spiritual hunger. 

We see the affects of it in our world. People searching, looking for peace, hope, healing, and rest.  They try drugs, sex, fame, money and power only to find the same hunger gnawing at their insides when they're done.  Even some Christians forgo the bountiful feast of the Lord and find themselves spent, tired and worn from the cares of this life. 

In this passage Jesus proclaims that He is the Bread of Life.  If we come to Him we will never hunger and never thirst again.  Take Him at His invitation friend and be filled. 

HOW DO I EAT OF THIS BREAD?

By Faith Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) ⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Believe that Jesus can fulfill the very needs of your soul.  Trust that He will provide the exact bread that you need. 

 By Diligence
 When Jesus was asked about prayer He gave an outline to those who follow Him.  One of the statements of that prayer is "give us this day our daily bread".  Stay in connection with the Source of Life by seeking Him, through His word, through praise, through service (works out of faith not for salvation)

Jesus is waiting for you all you have to do is ask.

Heavenly Expectation

James 5:17-18

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁷ Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. ¹⁸ And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

What do you expect from God?  Condemnation? Punishment? Distance? What do you expect?

Elijah expected God to do all that God promised to do.  He expected God to hear and answer his prayers.  He expected God to stop the rain.  He was not presumptuous in his expectation.  He knew the heart of God and knew He would answer.  

We are children of God.  Saved and sanctified by the blood of Jesus.  We are filled with the same Holy Spirit that rested upon Elijah.  We have everything we need to be affective in His kingdom.  Expect God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son to fulfill all that He has promised for you, in you and through you. 

2 Corinthians 9:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Who's Are You?

John 2:17

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁷ Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”
 
1 Corinthians 3:16

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶ Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

Dear saint do you know that God has a zeal for you? God does not just save us and leave us to our own.  We are filled with Him.  The very God of the universe takes residence in us and He has a zeal for us.  Meaning that nothing and no one can be against us.  He cleanses us with His blood and fills the temple with His glory.  We can walk in faith. No longer are we bound by sin.  We have been set free.   PRAISE THE LORD.  You shall never be plucked from His hand. Romans 8:38-39 New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 21:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer...

Dearly beloved of God let the temple of God be devoted to prayer and seeking the Lord who now lives in you.  Wait upon Him, worship Him and work as unto Him.  Know the Lord Jesus who dwells in you. 

 


 

Goal of Every Follower of Jesus Christ

John 3:30

New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁰ He must increase, but I must decrease. 


Jesus said of John the Baptist that he was the greatest prophet.  It had been 400 years between the last prophet and John and the people of Israel were hungry.  People crowded around John so much so that the religious leaders of the time heard about it and came to question him.  Once John had proclaimed Jesus to be the Lamb of God people started to follow Jesus and this brought concern to the disciples of John.  They brought it to John's attention.  That is when John gave them the statement above. 

John could have easily kept the disciples for himself and made sure that they followed him; never pointing them to Jesus.  This would have been a tragedy, for John could not save the people from their sins. Jesus was the only true hope for the world and John understood this.  It is the goal (or should be the goal) of every follower of Jesus to point people to Him not ourselves.  Every preacher, pastor, evangelist, father, mother and child that knows Jesus should live in such a way that they decrease and Jesus increases.   

Recipient of Joy

John 3:29 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁹ He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 
 
It was a joy for John to see others going to Jesus. Let this be our joy also. 
  
I take great joy in sharing what the Lord as put on my heart for you to be encouraged; however, my true joy is when you look to Jesus Himself.   God bless dear reader. 
  
 


Feel free to leave a comment and please share if you are encouraged.  

God Of Humility

1 Corinthians 13:4

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 

Jesus is the express image of God, indeed He is God.  If anyone had the right to be puffed up or parade himself it was Jesus; however, one of the reasons He came was to be the example to those who believe. Jesus humbly submitted Himself to the suffering and pain and discomfort of this world.

Philippians 2:5-11

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵ Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷ but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond-servant, and coming in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 

We see when Jesus was tempted by satan an example of his humility.  Satan told Jesus to throw himself from the top of the temple. In effect satan was telling Jesus to get the attention of the crowd, show yourself to be God and bypass all the suffering and pain of the cross.  Jesus could have easily submitted to this and avoided the Fathers plan for suffering; however, He humbled Himself to the Father's will and resisted the temptation. 

 He calls us who are His followers to humble ourselves in the same way.  You have to ask yourself if you are willing to humble yourself to the point of the cross.   Are you willing to lose the argument, to not get your way, to give up your place in line, to: Philippians 2:4 (NKJV)

⁴ ... look out not only for (your) his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Our savior Jesus Christ set the example and calls us to take up our cross and follow Him.

God Is Kind

1 Corinthians 13:4

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ Love suffers long and is kind...

Learning and meditating on God's attributes is true spiritual food.   In 1 John, John tells us that God is love; therefore, we can look at 1 Corinthians and replace the word love with God and learn more about Him.
What we know of God and what we believe about Him affects our entire lives.  The only true way to know the Father is through His son Jesus Christ (John 14:6). As we read the scriptures and look at the life of Jesus we can see the true revelation of God. (Colossians 1:15)

God is kind!
Jesus reveals the kindness of God throughout the gospels.  One of the instances is when Jesus healed a leper.

Mark 1:40-41

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴⁰ Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”
⁴¹ Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

The leprous man came to Jesus looking for help in a time of great need.  We don't know how long he had the leprosy, but all this time he would have been considered untouchable by the law.  It could have been years since he had felt the warmth of a human hand.  Jesus in His kindness reached out and touched him.  Jesus was not only concerned about the man's physical healing he was concerned about the whole man.  He gave the man exactly what was needed a tender kind touch.

What do you need to day?  Do you need a touch of kindness?  Cry out to Jesus.

Psalm 107:28

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁸ Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He brings them out of their distresses.

God Suffers Long

1 Corinthians 13:4

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ Love suffers long...

John tells us that God is love, not just that He loves us, but that He is love.  One of the characteristics of love is that it suffers long.   Are you feeling that you can not do anything right? Like everywhere you turn you are a failure.  Whether you are at home, work, school, with friends, or with family, you just don't seem to measure up? What's worse you feel like you have blown it with Jesus Christ.   Everyday you promise God that you will try harder and be a better christian.  PLEASE HEAR ME!

God is not waiting for you to get it right, he is waiting on you to call on Him.  Waiting for you to give up trying and look to Him for the strength.  Waiting for you to acknowledge your weakness and look to Him for His grace 2 Corinthians 12:9.  

Brother, sister in Christ God is ever patient in our weakness He will suffer long, waiting for us to trust and rest in Him.  His love for you is not based on your works or performance but Jesus' finished work on the cross.  YOU ARE ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED, JESUS CHRIST. 

Psalm 103:13-14

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
¹⁴ For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.

Why So Much Pain?

Pain, we have all experienced it.  Not one person on earth is immune. From the richest to the poorest, from the king to the peasant pain has affected us all.  Even followers of Jesus Christ are not immune to pain, in fact it has been promised to us:

John 16:33 New King James Version (NKJV)

³³ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world

When the pain comes often times we ask why me or how could this happen or I thought God loved me why would He do this to me.  Rest assured God is not afraid of these questions. 

I can remember having very dark days as a follower of Christ and while it may have been a small thing to some it was a very big issue to me.  I was at a point where I thought about suicide.  I was in a very low place.  By His grace He brought me through.

Pain does several things:
1. It makes us examine our lives.  We are very busy with life some times and we do not take time to reflect on how precious it is and what a gift it is. Pain has a way to help us not take things for granted.

2. It drives us to prayer.  When we ask the questions above we begin a dialog with our Savior. When we are in pain we make time to spend with Him when, before the pain, we neglect time with Him. 

3. We learn the comfort of God.  We learn that He truly will not leave nor forsake us. 

Finally it prepares us to help others: 2 Corinthians 1:2-4

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Your pain has a purpose it is not in vain that you are going through or have gone through it.  Believe God is with you and that all things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.   Saint you are favored of the Lord.

Knowing God

Romans 1:18-20

New King James Version (NKJV)

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness

¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

Knowing God is and should be the desire of every man, woman and child ever born.  It is one of the reasons for our creation. Paul in Romans explains that the willingness to deny God and the resiting of knowing Him is a reason for God's wrath.   As followers of Jesus Christ it is not enough to believe in Him; he desires that we grow in the knowledge of Him and to be in constant communion with Him.  We fall into the trap of if we work enough then we are pleasing God or if we go to church enough or give enough money, but God does not desire these things.  What need of money does He have?  What work that you do can He not complete Himself? While God uses use us and desires us to be givers it is not for His benefit.   He desires that we know Him and then we can effectively give and work as unto the Lord.

One of the ways we can get to know Him more is meditating on His attributes, such as:
He is holy
He is righteous
He is love
He creates

Take time today to start your journey of knowing Jesus Christ wait on Him to reveal Himself to you.

Hosea 6:6

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶ For I desire mercy and not sacrifice,
And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

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Godly Rewards

God’s Covenant with Abram

15 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”

Abraham had returned from battle having recovered his nephew Lot.  He then met with Melchizedek and gave a tithe from the spoils.  He then was offered goods from the king of Sodom.  He declined.  The bible tells us in the verse above that God came to Abram to make a covenant.  He tells Abram two things first "do not be afraid".  Then God says "I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."  Abram had been tempted by the king of Sodom to receive a worldly reward, after all he deserved it didn't he. He fought a good fight, brought back the captives, he should be able to partake of the spoils.  Abram did not accept this. He had higher things in mind a reward that was not of this world.  Hebrews 11:10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

It is very tempting for believers and followers of Christ to look for earthly rewards.  There are many preachers that peddle the gospel of Christ saying that godliness is a means of gain 1 Timothy 6:5; however, they rob the church of it's true reward.  The attitude of "I deserve this or I am going to get mine"  could not be further from God's heart see James 1:14 and James 4:3.  God desires to be our exceedingly great reward.  He longs that we should desire Him.  

When we make God our desire then and only then will we have the fullness of life.  

Psalm 63

New King James Version (NKJV)

Joy in the Fellowship of God

A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

63 O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
² So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.