Stiving to get closer to Jesus every day and sharing what I learn.
Rick Costa Come close to God, and he will come close to you…
– James 4:8a (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))
Notice who has to make the first move. We do. Over and over when Jesus would heal someone He would make them do something first that they couldn’t do BEFORE they would get their healing. So remember, when you are looking for God to move, He is looking for you to move first!
In His spiritual, holy nature He was declared the Son of God. This was shown in a powerful way when He came back to life.
– Romans 1:4 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))
When Jesus arose from the dead it proved once and for all that He truly is the Son of God. Happy Resurrection Day!
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him.
– 2 Chronicles 16:9 (Webster’s Bible Translation)
God is constantly looking for someone who’s heart is fully committed to Him so that He can show the world how powerful He is. That’s awesome!
However, when God our Savior made His kindness and love for humanity appear, He saved us, but not because of anything we had done to gain His approval. Instead, because of His mercy He saved us through the washing in which the Holy Spirit gives us new birth and renewal. -Titus 3:4-5 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))
There isn’t anything you have done or can do to win your salvation. There’s a song that says, “I don’t know why Jesus loves me…but…I’m so glad He did.” For some reason that only He knows, you were chosen to be given His mercy. Never take this gift for granted!
With perfect peace You will protect those whose minds cannot be changed, because they trust You.
– Isaiah 26:3 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))
This is a pretty good deal! If you put all your trust in God then He will in turn bring to your mind “perfect peace.” So if you’re troubled in your mind, cast all your cares on Him and He will put your mind at ease. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me! And as always YOU have to do your part first before God does His.
I’ve written this to those who believe in the Son of God so that they will know that they have eternal life. – 1 John 5:13 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))
We are supposed to KNOW that we have eternal life. Most people if you ask them if they think they are going to heaven say, “Well I hope so.” Jesus did ALL the work to buy you back with His Blood from the enemy’s clutches and free you from the bondage of sin. You simply accept the fact that Jesus took the punishment for ALL of your sins past, present and future and turn your life over to Him. Remember that it’s not your goodness that gives you eternal life with God but it was HIS GOODNESS!
Being confident of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: – Philippians 1:6 (Webster’s Bible Translation)
You may have seen the bumper sticker, “God’s not finished with me yet!” and this Bible verse is probably where they got that from. God allows life to shape you until we are conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29.) Sometimes it hurts like a vine getting pruned or a mound of clay being pounded on to become the final product but it’s all part of the process. We don’t always understand why we suffer but God uses it all to make you more like Him.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
– Romans 10:17 (American King James Version)
Do you feel like you don’t have as much faith as others do? Well when I read this verse I like to read it saying, “hearing and hearing and hearing and hearing, over and over, etc…” When you “feed” on the Word of God it makes your spirit get stronger and stronger. Don’t be a spiritually skinny weakling! EAT the Word!
God is not like people. He tells no lies. He is not like humans. He doesn’t change His mind. When He says something, He does it. When He makes a promise, He keeps it.
-Numbers 23:19 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))
How many times have people said they would do something for you and failed to? Not only that but they often don’t even let you know that they can’t so you can prepare another alternative! God is forever faithful to His Word. You can rest in the fact that whatever God says He will do, He will most assuredly do it!
Do not be over-anxious, therefore, about to-morrow, for to-morrow will bring its own cares. Enough for each day are its own troubles.
-Matthew 6:34 (Weymouth New Testament)
Worrying about things you can’t control is a waste of time and for that matter often a lack of faith. Do your best and trust God for the rest. Tomorrow is another day.