Month: March 2017

In every way we’re troubled, but we aren’t crushed by our troubles. We’re frustrated, but we don’t give up.  We’re persecuted, but we’re not abandoned. We’re captured, but we’re not killed.  We always carry around the death of Jesus in our bodies so that the life of Jesus is also shown in our bodies.  While we are alive, we are constantly handed over to death for Jesus’ sake so that the life of Jesus is also shown in our mortal nature.

– 2 Corinthians 4:8-11 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

The ways of the Kingdom of God are often the opposite from the ways of the world.  From death comes life (that garden tomb is still empty!) and from circumstances that are bad will often come good.  Trust God that through our suffering He is transforming us into the person He wants us to be till that time when we’ll be fully in His presence forever.

How precious are your thoughts concerning me, O God! How vast in number they are!  If I try to count them, there would be more of them than there are grains of sand. When I wake up, I am still with you.

– Psalm 138:17-18 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

God loves us so much that He can’t get us out of His mind.  He is constantly thinking about you and me.  Imagine that…the God that created everything in the entire universe Who really doesn’t need anything or anybody always has you in His thoughts!  What an awesome God we serve!

At the same time the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we don’t know how to pray for what we need. But the Spirit intercedes along with our groans that cannot be expressed in words.

-Romans 8:26 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

Even in prayer we need to lean on the Holy Spirit’s help to lead us in talking to God.  Jesus Himself always walked around in the “power of the Spirit” and He is our greatest example.  And also think of this…the enemy has no defense against a Spirit led prayer!

But He said to me, `My kindness and strength is enough for you. When you are weak, My power is strong.’ So then, I am very glad to talk about how weak I am so that the power of Christ may live in me.

– 2 Corinthians 12:9 (Worldwide English (New Testament))

God doesn’t want to use people who think they are so talented and have it all together.  No, He rather use those who know that without Him they can do nothing right.  Those who totally lean on God for their strength.  It’s with  these type of people that God’s power can move the strongest.

For the LORD will not forsake his people for His great name’s sake: because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people.

– 1 Samuel 12 :22 (American King James Version)

All of us who are saved were all selected by God to be His.  It’s possible (God forbid) that we can reject Him but He will never reject us because that’s just the kind of God He is.  No matter how bad we mess up, He will not change His mind about us.  We will always belong to Him.

We love him, because he first loved us.

– 1 John 4:19 (King James Version)

Before you were even born…

Before you were even foreseen to come by your parents…

Before the foundations of the earth was established…

God loved you.

Jesus is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world!  (Revelation 13:8)

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this. Don’t put out the Spirit’s fire. Don’t despise what God has revealed. Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil.

– 1 Thessalonians 5 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

What does a Christian look like?  This Scripture pretty much says it all.

You spent enough time in the past doing what unbelievers like to do.  You were promiscuous, had sinful desires, got drunk, went to wild parties, and took part in the forbidden worship of false gods.  Unbelievers insult you now because they are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of wild living.  They will give an account to the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

– 1 Peter 4:3-5 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

People look at us strangely now because we don’t act the way they do anymore.  What they consider fun and a “good time” now holds no interest for us.  Is it any wonder then that they should think something is wrong with us?  They know deep within their hearts that it is they themselves that are not living right but since “they can’t be wrong” they instead act like WE are.  If they don’t surrender to Christ their day of judgment will come.  Pray for them that their eyes will be opened!

With God is my salvation and my honor. The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.  Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us. Selah

– Psalm 62:7-8 (World English Bible)

In God is One that we can freely tell our innermost desires and hopes and dreams.  He is our Daddy and we should be able to feel like we can jump up on His lap and tell Him anything.  You can feel safe with Him and know that He will keep you safe from the enemy.

…since they exhibit proof that a knowledge of the conduct which the Law requires is engraven on their hearts, while their consciences also bear witness to the Law, and their thoughts, as if in mutual discussion, accuse them or perhaps maintain their innocence–

– Romans 2:15 (Weymouth New Testament)

All of us whether we are saved or not have a conscience that tells us if we are doing right or wrong.  Maybe the Bible doesn’t specifically give an example of what to do in your unique situation but your God given conscience is always working to help you make the right decision.