Tag: Jesus Christ
Saved by His Mercy!
Scripture reading for October 10th: Isaiah 39-42, Titus 3
Key Scriptures: Titus 3:4-7 g“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Our good works cannot save us. It is only Christ’s mercy and His washing through His sacrifice of His blood and body on the cross that we are made righteous and justified. This justification is by faith in Christ Jesus alone. Through grace we become heirs of the promise of eternal life in God’s holy family. Amen!
Isaiah 40:9 “Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up and fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your amazing grace and the washing from my sins by Jesus Christ. I will proclaim this “Good News” to all today. Amen!
Rejoice that God Carries Us!
Scripture reading for February 16th: Numbers 34-36, Deuteronomy 1-2
Key Scriptures: Deuteronomy 1:29-32 “Then I (Moses) said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as He did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until your reached this place. In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God.”
In Deuteronomy, Moses is recounting the history of the Israelites deliverance from Egypt and God’s dealings with them in their unbelief. God had been patient with them, even though most rebelled. This had cost those 20 years old or more to die in the desert, except for Caleb and Joshua. God had led them through the desert experience and carried them to the door of their inheritance!
Rejoice in the victory of Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ, our ‘Joshua’, carries us into our ‘rest’ and promised inheritance! “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
All boasting is ‘in the Lord’!
Scripture reading for July 6th: 1st Corinthians 1
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 1st Corinthians 1:26-31 “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and things that are not–to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written; “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.””
God loves to work with those men and women that the world looks at as weak and worthless. That’s because many of the ‘beautiful’ and ‘successful’ people of the world are so caught up by the world’s system and their own human pride that God can’t use them or get their attention! The world’s own boast of their wisdom, talent, strength, possessions, and position. But God’s ‘weak’ people boast in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus alone is their wisdom, righteousness, holiness and redemption! We owe it all to Him!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers love Jesus Christ and boast of His goodness and blessing and thank Him for redeeming them. “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boast boast about this: that he knows Me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness in the earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
To live is Christ–to die is gain!
Scripture reading for September 2nd: Philippians 1
“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:1-2) In his introduction and greeting Paul refers to God the Father or Jesus Christ the Son four times! He sets the tone for his letter by exalting Christ and continues to do so throughout the letter. Christ Jesus is the Lord of Paul’s life and every believer and church leader must center on Jesus as well.
Paul was in jail for preaching the Gospel at the time of writing this letter. He prayed for this church that he had pioneered with joy, knowing that God had begun a good work in them and that God would see that work through to completion as the church followed Christ! (Philippians 1:6) Joy or rejoicing is mentioned fourteen times by Paul in this letter!
Paul did not know whether his imprisonment would lead to freedom again or death by execution for the Gospel. He conveyed his thoughts to the church for their prayers and encouragement. These recorded thoughts have encouraged Christians of all generations! “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:20-21) Paul looked forward to being with Christ for all eternity. He was assured that life did not end at death. He lived for Christ and would die to be with Him! Let these thoughts encourage you today!
The keys of death and Hell!
Scripture reading for December 23rd: Revelation 1-3
The opening words “The revelation of Jesus Christ” give us an immediate understanding that this last book is all about Jesus Christ! It was written by one of the twelve disciples, John the beloved, while he was imprisoned on the island of Patmos. (Revelation 1:9) He was worshiping the Lord on a Sunday when he heard a voice speaking to him. Upon looking, he saw Jesus and heard Him speak to him a message that was to be written down for the churches that John served.
Jesus appeared in such glory and power that John fell down as a dead man. (Revelation 1:17) We who are pentecostal might say that John was slain in the Spirit! Jesus touched John and spoke again. “Then He placed His right hand on me and said: “do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17b-18)
John was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. He and many others were suffering for their faith in Jesus. All the other disciples who walked with Jesus as John did had already been martyred. During this special worship time, Jesus came in visible form and then spoke words of faith and encouragement to this apostle.
Jesus is the keeper of the keys of death and Hades! Satan was not in control and neither was Rome! Human authorities and governments have no power except that granted by our Lord for His purposes. Even though death looks permanent to us, Jesus conquered death and Hades and rose from the dead. He took the keys from Satan and holds the key for our deliverance from there as well! By faith in Jesus Christ, we are freed from our sins and their power to hold us in Satan’s abode. Jesus was dead and but is now alive as the first fruits of them that will live forever! What encouragement this truth gives to us!
Christians rejoice in this truth! Death has no power over us and the grave is not to be feared! Faith is the victory and we can rest assured without fear of what is to come! We know the one who is alive forever and has the keys!
The King Eternal!
Saturday December 6th, 2014
The passage for today is Paul’s letter to Timothy chapters 1-3. Timothy was a young pastor, mentored by Paul, who was a pastor at the church in Ephesus. Paul wrote to encourage him and instruct him in basic pastoral leadership.
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15-17
” I urge then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:1-5
“Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body; was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” 1st Timothy 3:16
Paul stood in awe of Jesus Christ, the “King Eternal”! Paul knew Jesus Christ as “God our Savior” and the only mediator between God the Father and mankind. Jesus came in a human body, was crucified and raised from the dead. He is now preached among all nations and is believed on in the world. He was taken up in glory and will come again! This is the Gospel Paul preached!
The Cornerstone in Zion!
Scripture reading for July 25th: Isaiah 28-30
Beer and alcoholic beverages have been a source of trouble from ancient times. Noah planted a vineyard after the flood and then proceeded to get drunk. (Genesis 9:20-24) The officials of Ephraim and Israel had a drinking problem. (Isaiah 28:1, 7) They were full of pride and under a delusion of invincibility. (Isaiah 28:15) They thought that their “religion” had made them immune to any foreign invasion or correction from God. They were “good people” who were a part of “God’s chosen” and they had Abraham as their father! What more could God want?
The priest and prophets were “blinded” and “drunken” by their refusal to truly love and obey God from their hearts. They were honoring God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him! (Isaiah 29:13) Their worship of Him was merely rules taught by men, not in Spirit and truth! They thought that they were doing fine but were really lost and heading for judgment! (Isaiah 29:9-10) They could not understand God’s Word because their attitude of pride and self-sufficiency made their hearts hard! In this state, they were worse off than an unbeliever because they were deceived!
God has strength for His people who are by faith trusting in Him. He has a solid Cornerstone that He has placed in Zion. It is a tested Stone that is precious and those who trust in this Stone will never be deceived or dismayed! (Isaiah 28:16) This Stone is a living Stone. (1st Peter 2:4) We who trust and believe are resting on this Cornerstone and become living stones in His temple! Those who reject this Stone and stumble over Him do so because they disobey the message of God because of their pride and hard hearts! (1st Peter 2:7, Isaiah 8:14) In repentance and rest on this Stone will be salvation for all who will trust in Him! (Isaiah 30:15)
The only sure foundation for our life today is to repent and rest on Jesus Christ! False religion encourages us to work our way into God’s favor. When we rest in Christ’s sacrifice, we are saved from the lie of trusting in our own work. What a place of quietness and confidence we have in Christ! (1st Peter 2:4-5, 9-10)
God’s ‘Right Hand’!
Scripture reading for June 25th: Psalms 107-110
Psalm 110 is one of David’s psalms that was used by Jesus Christ to instruct his adversaries. When Jesus was being tested by the teachers of the law, Jesus quoted Psalm 110:1 and attributed it to King David speaking under the power of the Holy Spirit. “The Lord said to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.” (Psalm 110:1) “David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” (Mark 12:36-37a) Jesus’ question was designed to help these teachers of the law connect with the plain teaching of God’s Word that the Messiah would be a son of David as well as his Lord! (2nd Samuel 7:12, 13, 16)
The Messiah would come from the line of David. He would sit at God’s right hand and rule until He put all His enemies under His feet. The Messiah would be declared a priest as well as a king! These offices were not combined in the Old Testament history of God’s people. But Melchizedek was one person in history who was both a priest and a king. (Genesis 14:18-20) (Hebrews 5:5-10, 6:19-7:28) Melchizedek was the King of Salem (Peace) and a priest of the Most High God. The descendant of David who was to come would be like Melchizedek!
Priests normally did not sit down while at work. But Messiah would sit down, because His work of sacrifice on behalf of the people was completed! (Acts 5:31) (Ephesians 1:20) Jesus now is interceding for us as a Priest before God, seated at His right hand! (Romans 8:34)
Jesus is now ruling in the midst of His enemies, waiting for them to bow their knees! (Psalm 11o:2-3) He is marshaling His troops for a day of battle! There is a coming day of wrath where all enemies who have not become one of his troops by bowing their knees will suffer a crushing defeat! (Psalm 110:5-6) This King will judge nations and crush rulers of the earth! He will be refreshed after the battle and exalted as the King of Glory! (Psalm 110:7) Truly, this King is the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Son of David, David’s Lord!
A walk with God!
Scripture reading for April 30th: 2nd Chronicles 26-28
People are always curious when someone says that they know a secret that will make them young, rich, beautiful, successful or powerful. Many people have gotten rich selling secrets to these popular desires. Most of them are people who are playing on the selfish nature of man for their own benefit. We would do well to avoid them. But in today’s reading, we find a treasure from the Lord!
Let’s look at the Life of Jotham, the twenty five year old son of King Uzziah. He did right in the eyes of the Lord. (2nd Chronicles 27:2) The main event recorded was a war with the Ammonites and Jotham conquered them. (2nd Chronicles 27:5) After the conquest, he got a large amount of silver, wheat, and barley for several years.
The secret of his power is found in one verse that makes up a paragraph! “Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God.” (2nd Chronicles 27:6) Faithfulness is the first requirement of a good steward. Jotham was faithful and he kept the faith all of his life! He served the Lord his God. He wasn’t just the God of his father or mother. In order to serve steadfastly, each person needs to know God personally!
If you don’t know God personally, why not ask the Lord to be your God today! The path to great power starts with a heart commitment to the Lord in faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:12) We must humbly confess our sins and our need of His grace. (1st John 1:9) We must believe in our hearts and confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord. (Romans 10:9-11) All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ and He has good works for us to walk in. (Ephesians 2:8-10) If you continue in the faith, steadfast to the end, you will experience the greatest power available to man–God will raise you from the dead and you will live forever with Him! (1st Thessalonians 4:13-18) May the Lord bless you with great power!
Covenant connection!
Scripture reading for March 28th: 2nd Samuel 8-10
Have you ever sought out a person who you knew needed help, but would not be able to do anything for you in return? What have you done to help that person? What was your motivation in helping him? If you are a Christian, this should be a way of life because our God did that for us!
David was a warrior and strong man of God. He was always ready to fight the Lord’s battles and sought the Lord for most of his battles. He had been involved in a struggle for leadership following the death of Saul and Jonathan, his friend. God helped David and brought about victory over Saul’s son Ish-Boseth. One David’s first acts as ruler was to seek out relatives of Saul or Jonathan to show covenant kindness based on his promise to Jonathan. (2nd Samuel 9:1) He was a man of his word!
Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan was still around and he was crippled in both feet from a fall. David sent for Mephibosheth and greeted him warmly. He restored all his grandfather’s land and property to him and placed Ziba, his servant, in charge to work the ground for him. He gave Mephibosheth a seat at the king’s table like one of David’s own sons! (2nd Samuel 9:7) What unexpected kindness from this mighty warrior towards a rival whose grandfather had chased him and hunted him for almost 13 years!
King David’s actions are much like that of our gracious God! God is a kind king who cares for His people. He honors those who are in covenant relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. When we are crippled because of sin, he takes us into his house and seats us as one of his own sons. He restores our property to us and lavishes us with blessing and restoration. (2nd Corinthians 5:17) We have grace and favor because of the covenant made with the King’s Son!
Look for a way to show kindness to someone who is handicapped, needy, or hurting today. Remember, if you have done it to the least of these, you did it to Jesus Himself! (Matthew 25:40)