He Loves You More

 

     Jesus offers the abundant, Spirit-filled life. He offers grace upon grace and we move from glory to glory reflecting His image in ever-increasing ways, as He offers us more love. The “more” and “even more” of Jesus is available 24/7 to those who love Him.

He has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 1 Timothy 1:9

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

     Jesus saw you before the beginning of time. He loves you. The reflection of Jesus offers us an inner peace, a deep joy in spite of circumstances, a patient heart and a generous soul. The people around us may need a dose of Jesus.  Could it be you? Can you represent Him? The angriest, most critical, most arrogant, addicted, culturally different people you know need Him more than most. You may not think they deserve Jesus.

     Neither did we.

Dear Father,

You love us, each one of us, right where we are. Change us into Your image with the help of Your Spirit. The abundant life is filled with the giving and receiving of God’s blessings. It’s how life works in the realm of the Holy Spirit. We don’t get it, but we want it.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Much More

 

     Are you recognizing the potential to gain the “more” of Christ? How about the “much more” of His love and His gifts? Our gravity-bound, earth-dwelling selves know how to love. But the love of God is beyond the moon and the stars for us beyond earthly measure.

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”  Luke 11:13

     We give good gifts to our children and want the best for them. But “how much more” God gives to us! Did you notice what Jesus instructs us to do? That’s it. Ask for the Holy Spirit. This greatest of all gifts will be your teacher, your guide, your comforter, your intercessor. The very Spirit of God is within you. Sit with your heavenly father and ask for “more” of the Spirit and feel the power of the resurrected King.

Lord,

We ask for complete filling of Your Spirit, the same Spirit that dwells with You! You always have more to give and You tell us to ask. We pray to You this morning in Jesus name.

Amen

Ever-Increasing Glory

 

     Moses came as close as any man to the presence of God. God hid Moses in the crevice of a rock and placed His hand over the crevice as His glory moved past. The closeness of the glory of God, though hidden, shone on Moses and he had to wear a veil in order for the Israelites to look at him!

     As Jesus died on the cross, the veil of the temple ripped in two. (Mark 15) This veil is believed to have been 30 feet long and 30 feet wide and as thick as a man’s hand. This enormously heavy veil enclosed the inner sanctum where the presence of God resided. It was called the “holy of holies.”  Only the high priest could enter the sanctuary on the holiest of days.

     Here we are, in the days of God’s grace, beyond the cross and the resurrection. See the “more” of Christ in today’s verses. Paul wrote these words through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, about 30 years after the resurrection.

Even to this day when Moses is read a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 3-15-18

     These are some life-transforming verses. Let them sink in. We are being transformed into Christ’s image with ever-increasing glory! From glory to glory, the more and even more of a relationship with Christ. In the book of James (Jesus’ half-brother) we see the word of God compared to a mirror. As we read and meditate and learn from it, we are transformed more and more into the image of Chrst.

     Reflect God’s glory. Let Him take over and transform your life as only He can. The veil has been lifted forever. It’s His work, not ours. Become that jar of clay.  As He molds you into His work of art, remember His temple, that inner sanctum where He resides, now resides within us. Hallelujah!

Dear Lord,

These words are miraculous and awe-inspiring. Only you could take sin-filled man and fill them with something beautiful and holy; Your Spirit. Let it be said of us that we are Yours.

Amen

The Fullness of Grace

 

     We are fortunate to live in God’s grace. Grace is the good news of Jesus. In addition to Webster’s definitions of the ways we use the word, like “goodwill” and “beauty of form or movement,” there is the definition, “God’s love.” Yes, grace is God’s love poured out through His Son. We live in His grace day by day and as we continue to talk about the “more” of Jesus, there it is. His abundant grace.

For from His fullness, we have received grace upon grace. John 1:16 ESV

     When we think we can’t be forgiven one more time, when that nasty habit rears its ugly head, when we speak out in anger or use God’s name in vain, the Holy Spirit convicts us with a gentle voice and Jesus waits for us again to come back to Him. He reminds His children that it was finished on the cross. He never leaves us. He just keeps washing over us with His grace. And then more grace. Grace upon grace.

Jesus,

Thank you for Your never-ending grace. Your gospel is the gospel of grace. What a beautiful gift from You. May we never forget it. It is Your gift. The gift of everlasting life. The gift we didn’t deserve and You give it with grace.

Amen

 

The Abundant Life

 

     Jesus offers us more. Are you satisfied? He will give you more. Are you empty? He will fill you to the full until it overflows. Do you have more than enough? He offers even more! The choices are stark. Evil may increase more and more. Corruption even more. Sin abounds.

     The contrast? There He is: Jesus. Each day this week we will focus on a verse; a verse with the “more” of Jesus. Remind yourself of the choices you have today. Fill up on life and blessing. He offers it in abundance.

     From the Amplified Bible, Jesus tells us:

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows) John 10:10 AMP

    Don’t let that pesky devil steal your joy, destroy your health and kill your soul. Ask Jesus to give you more of the abundant life in Him. He gives and gives to the full, until it overflows.

Dear Father in Heaven,

Your Son freely gave Himself for us when we didn’t deserve it, accepting the suffering we all deserve. Not only has He washed us clean from sin and promised heaven, He offers the abundant life on earth. How do we not choose Him?

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

When We Are Content

 

     What brings us contentment? What needs have to be met? Do our situations and people around us need to live up to our expectations? How about interruptions? Do they cause a disturbance in your mood? Do you react to the actions of everyone and everything around you as if they need to accommodate you? During this time of great division, of having lived through a pandemic, of civil unrest, it would seem nearly impossible to remain content.

     Can we use the Holy Spirit’s help to stay content throughout the day? It’s not easy. Stress finds us out of sorts and anxious. A disagreement over the simplest of things hits us right in the stomach.  Doing too much depletes us. A sleepless night or two leaves us grouchy and sensitive.

     As the Bible says over and over again, “But God…” He always comes through for us and peace and contentment are promised by God. Turn to Him in thought and prayer when you feel the seeds of discontent about to plant themselves within your heart.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.  1 Timothy 6:6

      The Apostle Paul was shipwrecked, beaten, lived in poverty, arrested and put in jail. Here is his answer from within the prison walls.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4.

     Is it any wonder the jailers in charge of him accepted Christ? When we stay joy-filled and peaceful (with the help of God) it becomes contagious. Rely on Jesus. He can help. We’ll never get it just right, but He can transform us, day by day.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it means to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13

Dear Father,

Contentment is hard to find in these crazy days, but with You all things are possible. Give us peace and contentment within our hearts and souls, no matter the circumstances. We can and will rejoice in You always.

In Jesus name,

Amen

When We Are Joyful

 

     There are seasons of sadness, seasons of the unknown, and, thankfully, seasons of great joy. Holding a new-born baby, experiencing deep love, finding a cure, or experiencing a miracle. I pray your life will have many joy-filled moments.

 Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5b

     As believers, we are to live with each other through it all, just as Jesus lives through it all with us.

Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn.  Romans 12:15

     I pray that each of you will have times of great joy over this next year. And when you do I rejoice with you. May joy come to you in the morning and cause you to dance!

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.  Psalm 30:11

Jesus,

Thank you for the moments of joy that fill our hearts. Bless us with those moments this year and remind us to stop, cherish and hold them close when they come to us.

Amen

When We Are Downcast

 

    King David wore his heart on his sleeve. I am so thankful for the words he penned so long ago with his strong emotions that match our own. David fell in love and committed great sin because of it. He cried out for forgiveness. Another time, with his enemies surrounding him, we understand his great fear. And, like us, there were days he did not understand his deep anguish and sadness.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so distraught within me? Psalm 42:5a

    Through it all, his faith in God remained. In fact, the Bible calls him, “a man after God’s own heart.” We can learn from this man. He is not shy about pouring his heart out to God. Throughout the Psalms he moves through his life seeking God, praising God and loving God. In the second half of the verse above, even with his downcast soul, his distress, and grief, he continues:

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5b

    If great sadness surrounds you today, cry out to God. And yearn for his presence. If you are scared, His protection surrounds you. Read these beautiful words that begin this Psalm.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:1-2

Jesus,

We yearn for the living water of your grace. Even through the times our souls are downcast within us, You are there. Hear our cries for help today. Hear our voices filled with sadness. You hear us and we will ever praise You, our Lord.

Amen

When We Are Scared

 

     Joshua took the place of Moses as the Israelites finally made their way into the promised land after 40 years in the wilderness. Those wilderness experiences in our own lives can leave us feeling lost, confused and filled with fear and anxiety as we face the future.

     Taking a step into the unknown future can fill us with uneasiness and trepidation. There are obstacles in the way and we can’t see our way around, over or through them. And we stop and ask, “Why, Lord?” or “When, Lord?” or “How, Lord?”  The key word in all of those questions is, “Lord.” Keep Him involved in your questioning. Allow Him into your deepest fears. Ask Him to help.

     Before the Jordan River dried up and the Israelites were able to cross into the long-awaited promised land, God asked that the priests take a step into the river. Maybe we need to take a small step of faith, scary as it is.

Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant, “When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.” Joshua 3:8

    And we just might find the courage to take another small step and another, one at a time, as God opens the path before us. And when we stand in faith in the deep waters, God will provide the perfect plan to get us through.  Believe it! The path may change. The water may be deep. The outcome may still be unknown. But we choose to move. And Jesus? There He is within us, offering His comfort and His peace as He surrounds us with protection and with heavenly power. And our Father in heaven speaks to us just as He did to Joshua all of those years ago.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Lord our God,

You are with us wherever we go. Take away our fear and discouragement as we make the difficult decisions in life. Guide our thoughts to dwell and focus on You through it all as we take another step of faith.

In Jesus name,

Amen

When We Don't Understand

 

     The disciples of Jesus were Jewish men awaiting their Messiah. Their expectations for Jesus were for Him to rule and reign on earth. Jesus told them on more than one occasion what was to come. Here is one example. This conversation takes place as Jesus and His followers are journeying to Jerusalem for Passover, shortly before His crucifixion. The disciples had been with Him for nearly three years.

Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going to Jerusalem and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock Him, insult Him and spit on Him. They will flog Him and kill Him. On the third day He will rise again.”  Luke 31-33

     From this side of the cross it all makes sense. Did they listen and ask what it all meant?

The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them and they did not know what He was talking about.  Luke 18:45

     Not only were they confused. Did you catch it? The meaning was hidden from them. Even the disciples would not understand God’s plan until after the resurrection. In fact, all of the disciples scattered as Jesus was brought to the cross. All but one. John.

     I’ve had the urge to run away from God now and again. It’s easy to turn away when we don’t understand. We tune out. We try to escape from what is before us, longing to control the situation and deny the reality. God seems so far away. Has He deserted us? We thought He was the One. Isn’t He the One to watch over us and take care of us?

     God has and will continue to watch over us. He understands and He offers hope. Can we listen and trust when we don’t understand? Will we run from His presence rather than wait patiently under His protective wings?

     Let’s bring it all to the foot of the cross where He took on all of what we are facing, right this minute. He rose again. And so will you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in Me. John 14:1

Dear Jesus,

The stories in Your Word give us hope. Even those You were closest to on the earth ran from You. Don’t let us go when things get tough and we don’t have all of the answers. You do, and we trust You.

Amen

A Firm Foundation

 

     The world is ever-changing, in the seasons, in the nations, in our lives. We age. Our lives are filled with the roller-coaster of joys and sorrows, of comfort and turmoil, of peace and anxiety. One thing remains steadfast and unchanging and that is our Lord.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17

     As your life unfolds each day, remember your God is faithful, unchanging, the same yesterday, today and forever. He remains faithful, steadfast and He has loved us and will continue to love us with a sacrificial love. Do not fear. He is there, right beside you, forever.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Father,

We rely on you day-by-day, minute-by-minute. Your presence remains unchanging in an ever-changing world. Give us the inner peace and hope You provide today as we move into the chaotic world around us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Higher Ways, Higher Thoughts

 

     God’s ways are higher than ours, His thoughts higher than ours. He is sovereign over all things and His purposes will unfold in His timing. And to think He is mindful of each of us! We saw on Monday, His intimate knowledge of our every word, our every thought, our every step.

What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? Psalm 8:4

     As we contemplate God’s sovereign power, it becomes even more awe-inspiring to imagine God becoming man to save us from death. Jesus became one of us. And He conquered death. Our sovereign God found a way. It is Jesus.

But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9

    God made lower than the angels for a little while for us. He took death and our sins upon Himself and now He resides in all power and in all glory!

Jesus,

There are no words, as we take in the magnitude, once again, of what You did for us. We did not deserve it and we praise and thank You today, our sovereign Lord.

Amen

Sovereign Lord

 

    Sovereign: Possessing supreme or ultimate power. I love knowing that God is sovereign over all things. He created the heavens and the earth and His purposes will reign and rule through these last days of the earth to the forever rule of the new heaven and the new earth.

     Let the truth of God’s sovereign power over all things, including our short lives, give you peace. He is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, in all things and through all things, from the rain and snow that water the earth, to the trees, rivers and streams, to the oceans and the mammals, from the birds, rocks and animals, to His beautiful creation of you and me. Praise our sovereign Lord.

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the sovereign Lord my refuge. I will tell of all Your deeds. Psalm 73:28

For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise rise up before all nations. Isaiah 61:11

When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God, “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “You made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.” Acts 4:24

Sovereign Lord,

You hold everything in Your hands. We praise You this morning, as we give thanks for all You have given us. We remain steadfast in our faith and in our trust. Your ways are as high as the heavens.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Father Knows Best

 

     Trusting God to know best does not come easily, does it? The “whys?” cannot be answered in human terms. We do know, and have experienced, the ways God uses our weaknesses, our struggles, our suffering, to grow us into a deeper relationship with Him. He teaches us to use our suffering to help others, along with teaching us to persevere and grow us into a deeper truth of who we are and why we are here.

     Have you experienced deep growth after, or in the midst of, a time of deep hurt? Have you seen the light in someone else’s gaze as you share compassion and understanding? Trust God to know the higher truth, the deeper purpose, the everlasting goal in your life. Hear His voice today:

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8=9

Father in heaven,

We return to You again and again. You have the answers and we do not. You are there, our faithful God, to see us through, to use us in our weakness, to grow in understanding and deep spiritual truth. Help us to see with the eyes of faith.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Everywhere

      Our God is everywhere. As believers, we can trust in His presence for all of our days. He is beside us, behind us, and before us. He understands us intimately. He knows what we will say before we speak.

You know when I sit and when I rise. You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down. You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You Lord, know it completely. Psalm 139:2-4

     He is there, everywhere, when we rise, when we sleep, before we speak the next word. Count on His presence. Acknowledge His wisdom and care. Reach out for Him through the worry, through the struggle, through the unanswered questions. He knows. He is faithful. His ways are too wonderful for us to comprehend. 

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. too lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139:6

Dear Lord,

We acknowedge You and Your wisdom today. You know us completely and Your ways are too marvelous for us to understand. We relax into Your presence now, Jesus. leaving our day in Your mighty hands. Guide us and teach us as we go on our way.

Amen

Forever and Ever Amen

 

     As we walk, run, stumble and crawl throughout our earthly lives, we need God through the days, through the seasons, through the sleepless nights, often relying on His grace minute by minute. He is there, always. Getting through the days without Him, would be impossible for me, even more and more as I age. His promises have held true, time and time again.

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

Listen to His voice as He goes before you. Do not be discouraged and do not be afraid. He is watching over you now, tonight, tomorrow and forever.

The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:8

     He is preparing a place for you. He knows the number of our days. He has overcome death for us! Take heart and believe in Him and His promises.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me. In My Father’s house there are many rooms. If that were not so, would I have told you I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming back and will take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:1-3

     Minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, night by night, year by year, decade by decade, season after season, closer and closer to home. He is preparing the perfect place for you and for me.

Father,

We wait with expectation for Your imminent return. There are days we long to be with You. Keep us steadfast, patient and working until we see you face-to-face. Forever and ever.

Amen

Into Old Age

 

     At a block party years ago, a young boy about 5, looked at an elderly neighbor and said, “You got old, didn’t you?”  She took the words well and smiled at him and said, “Well, yes, I sure did!”

     Not everyone will reach a ripe, old age. We all dream of living a healthy life into our 90’s and dying in our sleep. It doesn’t usually happen that way. For those of us who will reach old age as believers, God will continue to watch over us. He even loves our gray hair.

Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. Proverbs 16”31

     A crown of splendor. Isn’t that great? I recently allowed by hair to go gray.  I need this verse. If we are blessed enough to live into old age, God promises to take care of us.

Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He. I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4

     How do we remain strong and bear good fruit into old age? I believe the following verses will give us instruction and promise.

But whose delight is in the law of the Lord and who meditates on the law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1;2-3

     Staying strong, bearing fruit in the last season of life comes from delighting ourselves in the word of God. His instructions are life-giving with streams of living water to quench our thirst, to give us renewed strength, to keep giving glory to God. May many of us be blessed with old age.

Lord,

We praise You for the older men and women of faith, planted like living trees among us, teaching us great wisdom in following You. Keep us firmly rooted in the vine of life. It is Jesus.

Amen

Minute By Minute

 

     Some close friends are going through a difficult time. Waiting for a diagnosis, praying for a cure, wondering how to take the next step. Our minds take us to places we don’t need to go. God’s grace holds us close. He offers minute-by-minute support and, sometimes, that’s what we need to hang on to for dear life. The next minute.

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

     Resting in Christ’s power is a good place to land when we don’t know or understand. His grace is sufficient for this moment in time. And His arms surround us when we are powerless and afraid to move. His shadow covers us.

Whoever dwells in the shadow of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Dear Lord,

Wrap your arms around our friends and others during difficult times and moment by moment You will meet their needs. I pray they will feel Your grace, Your love, Your protection as they move through this time. You are sufficient for the day.

Amen

 

Spring Summer Fall Winter

 

     You may be in a difficult season of life. It seems impossible to embrace some of the seasons we are forced to enter head-first or to endure them. The dive down can be excruciating and we hold our breath wondering if we will ever reach the surface again. God sees right where you are. Somehow, He will use this time of suffering, this season of loss, of fear, of loneliness. Often, He uses our tough times to give us experience to help others. It is His way.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

     There is hope ahead, in the season to come, a new song in spring, a warm summer sun, the beauty and color of fall, the sparkle of winter snow. Each season brings wisdom, love and light when we wait upon the Lord. If this season is a tough one, hang on. He will use this for His glory. If it is a season of joy, embrace it and share it with others. If it is a season of waiting, be patient. God’s timing is absolutely perfect.

Father,

Comfort those who suffer and teach us how to use our times of trouble to comfort others. You teach us through the storms of life and You fill us with the light of hope in the deepest darkness. We rejoice in You no matter the season.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Morning Noon and Night

 

     Is God your last resort? If all else fails, you cry out to Him? You think, why not just try God? Nothing else works. Or is He your first stop on any given day? It can become a wonderful habit to lean on Him, beginning the day in worship and prayer, giving Him all that is on our hearts and minds. He cares about all of the details of our lives.

     Pray as you move through the day. Pray for a friend on your mind. Pray for patience with the co-worker. Pray for the rain to hold off for a picnic coming up. Pray for God to lead you to the right job, to the right spouse, to a healthier diet, to make good choices, to please Him.

     Pray before you sleep, asking for protection, for yourself, for your family, for your friends. Thank Him for the past day, and for the one to come. And most of all, thank Him for being your Lord and Savior. He is there listening to your continual prayers.

Pray continually. 2 Thessalonians 5:17

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice, in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3

In the night, Lord, I remember Your name, that I may keep Your law. Psalm 119:55

Lord,

We come to You morning, noon and night with our requests, with our fears, with our needs. You are there every time, and we thank You. We look to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

One Glorious Day

 

     God knows the end from the beginning. His plans and purposes will come to pass. He knows the words we will speak before they are out of our mouths and He knows the number of our days.

Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. Psalm 139:4

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed. Job 14:5

     Place your trust in Jesus. He knows you completely and He knows just how long you will live. Let the Psalmist remind us that our lives are short. Make it matter. Gain a heart of wisdom, serving Jesus. One glorious day, we will be in paradise. And don’t worry about how long you will live. You are safe with Jesus and it is more than today. It is forever.

Father,

Thank You for the promises of a heavenly home with You. It is only through Jesus we can experience a glorious future. Open hearts and minds to accept Your son, Jesus during this time of grace before it is too late. Glory to God!

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Glorious Promise

 

     Our home in heaven is a guarantee, promised by our Lord. He has sealed us for eternity with His Holy Spirit.

And you were also included in Christ after you heard the message of faith, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession-to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13-14

     Keep these two verses etched in your mind and written on your heart. We tend to make it so complicated. These verses spell it out. We hear the Gospel, the fact that Jesus came to earth as a man, fully God and fully man, lived a sinless life and took the pain of a fallen world on the cross. He shed His Holy blood for you and me, died and rose again. He defeated death for us. And after we hear the message, if we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouth that He is Lord, (Romans 10:9) we are sealed at that moment with the Holy Spirit, a GUARANTEE, a deposit to declare our inheritance in heaven forever. Believe it and know nothing can ever separate you from Christ, not ever. He loves us that much.

Father,

We thank You for the faith that allows us to believe in the Gospel of grace. The free gift You give us in Your Son. We praise You today for our inheritance, eternal life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Glorious City

 

     The heavens will be filled with God’s light, with a temple made of colorful, precious stones, with one gigantic pearl operating each gate, with sheer golden glass for pathways, with fresh and unique fruit harvesting each month, there for our satisfaction.

     The angels will surround the throne. We will witness beauty and wonder as we work and praise God forever. Just a glimpse into the descriptions of heaven fills us with awe, with wonder, with anticipation. If we could see into the glory of the new heaven and the new earth, we would not be able to stand it here one moment longer. God gives us just a taste of what we will witness.

     Allow your imagination to look up as we wait. Soon, we will be done with pain, with chaos, with disaster, with sickness and grief, with a fallen world filled with violence and drugs and hatred. Peace will flow like a river, and joy will overflow.

The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold as pure as transparent glass. Revelation 21:19-21

     We can only imagine as we wait for the day we will see all of God’s glory.

Amen