Not an Illusion

 “So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”  But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.”  – John 20:25

I have always found optical illusions interesting.  The fact that what we know to be true is challenged by what we see with our eyes.  This causes a conflict in the brain to try to comprehend what is beyond logic and knowledge.  You have seen the optical illusions displayed in art galleries or shopping malls, which depict an impossible geometric image.  For example, the Penrose Triangle, which appears at first glance to be a normal 3D triangle, yet when you look more carefully 2 of the 3 legs of the triangle do not actually intersect based on our knowledge of how they should intersect.  Perhaps you've seen artwork where steps appear to lead upward, yet when you follow them to the top, the surface is actually on the same planer surface as the bottom of the staircase.  Our knowledge, logic and understanding of this world is in a 3 dimensional perspective.  There is height, width and depth to everything we look at.  Our eyes and brain are able take in the images we view and rationalize them into something we are familiar with. 

So it was with Thomas.  He knew that Jesus had died on that cross.  He knew that he had been buried and the tomb covered with a stone.  Everything he knew about life, death and resurrection up to that point was based on human thinking and comprehension.  He was limited by what he knew, and when the disciples explained to Thomas that they had seen the risen Savior, he could not transition to a comprehension of what that meant based on his experiences up to that point in his life.  I propose that Thomas did not suffer from a lack of faith.  Even though Thomas (Didymus) had traveled and associated with Jesus for quite some time, he had not fully comprehended the deity of who Jesus Christ was.  He had a hard time getting beyond the logical knowledge of Jesus the man to see Jesus as God.  In Matthew 26:61, Jesus tells the Pharisees and teachers that he will rebuild this temple in 3 days.  In John 14:1-6, Jesus tells the disciples that He will go to the Father and prepare a place for them and then return to take them with Him, and he tells Thomas specifically in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  Thomas had a hard time comprehending the completeness of what Jesus was telling them though.

We do the same thing today.  We limit our acceptance of what God can do based on our understanding from a human perspective.  We see a problem and look at it from a human perspective with limitations and restrictions.  When we take a Godly perspective on a situation and accept that God is truly omnipotent and sovereign, we immediately realize that absolutely nothing is beyond His capability, if it is within His will.  Just because we want something to come to fruition doesn’t mean that God the Father wants the same thing.  It may seem completely logical and normal within our thinking, but from His vision of the full cycle of life He has a better perspective.

Like Thomas, we must accept that God can do whatever He wants to do.  We must be able to accept things in life without fully comprehending them.  Most of all, we must learn to trust that God’s plan is best for us, and the sooner we decide to align to His plan the more fulfilling our life will become.

Just Who Do You Think HE Is?

Click Here: Read Luke 17

 

“So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”  – Luke 17:10

 

I believe one of the issues we face today is a sense of entitlement.  We all have it to one extent or another, some more deeply than others, but apparent in all of us.  It’s not new and it’s not of our own doing.  It’s inherent in each of us from the origin of sin.  We are born with a bent towards pride, arrogance and independent thinking.  We teach our children from the time they are young that they need to learn to stand up for themselves because nobody else is going to do it for them.  As true as this is when viewed from the lens of humanity, it is completely opposite from the perspective of our Lord and Savior.  Why is it that most people require everything be taken from them before they realize that they need a Savior?  We wouldn’t wish anyone to fall into the depths where they are completely lost, but it is not beyond the Lord to allow that to happen if that’s what it takes. 

There is a necessity in one’s relationship with Jesus Christ to realize just who is in charge.    When you think about it, we idolize other humans – Kings, Queens, Presidents, the Pope, Actors/Actresses, Athletes, billionaires and even some in the ministry.  We get nervous approaching these individuals if and when they are not quarantined off from society.  With this in mind, ask yourself, do you treat the Lord with the same reverence?  One of my favorite bands is Casting Crowns, and they have a song title “Who Am I”.  It addresses straight on, the humility that is required when approaching the Lord.  Who are we to ask anything of the Father?  What right do we have to stand in His presence and ask Him to do something on our behalf?

We are His children, that’s who.  We are called to help others, love and be compassionate with others, serve others and forgive as we have been forgiven.  Perfect these things, execute them the right way every time and with every other person you ever come in contact with; and you are still unworthy of the righteousness that is required for eternity with the Father. 

The scriptures tell us that despite our unworthiness and unrighteousness, by His grace we are still forgiven.  He sees beyond our sinful nature and sees the heart of man.  The Son of God stands in our place covering our filth and unrighteousness with His perfect sacrifice.  Through Him we are redeemed and become worthy to stand in the presence of the Lord Almighty.  This doesn’t give us reprieve from His calling to serve, help, love and be compassionate to others. 

No, indeed if we are pursuing Christ as our salvation, these things fall into line.  For those whom are saved are compelled to righteousness and discover redemption can only come through our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Savior and our Lord.  The Holy Spirit dwells within each of us and drives us to this righteous behavior.  The Lord hears the cries of His children, so come to Him and lay your burdens down with humility and reverence for you are calling on the All Powerful Creator of all things.  He alone is worthy of your praise, no man is.



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It's Your Opinion

People have differing opinions on major topics in life.  Who’s right, who’s wrong?  What makes one person’s opinion more accurate than another person’s opinion?  Can a difference of opinion separate a relationship, friendship, a family bond or even a job?  Yes, and it happens every day.

As humans we are given free will to make choices in life.  Your parents made choices for you when you were a child, but then you grew into an independent thinker, capable of good and bad choices.  Without a doubt, in your life you will make many good choices and just as many bad choices. Many times we believe that our bad choices are actually good, and we stand firm on the principles which led us to these choices.  What are these things that influence your decision process and choices in life?  A few examples might include: your upbringing, your social connections, your self-interests, your fears, beliefs and moral values.  With the known fact that your opinions, your choices in life are based on your own perspectives, why would you expect that others should fall in line with your thoughts? 

If the entire world thought the way you thought and had the same opinions and perspective on life, we would break the truth of independent free will.  Do you want the entire world to think like you, share your opinion and agree with your choices on major topics?  We are all convicted about our opinions and to assume that everyone else is going to have the same opinion implies that you are right and they are all wrong.  That seems a little bit arrogant and self-centered to me. 

The first and second commandments say; (Exodus 20:3-4) “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol.”   If you are choosing to hold your opinion as fully righteous and judge all others as wrong, who are you lifting up as god?  There is only One who is righteous and knows absolute right from wrong.  We all interpret and draw conclusions from His word, but should we assume that we are capable of fully comprehending and knowing His thoughts?  Impossible.  Isaiah 55:8 tells us: ““For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.”  We cannot know the true spirit of the Lord, for we are evil in our nature and He is not.  Paul the Apostle wrote to those in Corinth: “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.”  (1 Corinthians 2:11)

Shall we think we have a better understanding of God’s ways than these men?  Are we that confident that we know God’s ways?  Knowing comes from studying, prayer, worship, and becoming completely enveloped in His presence and spirit.  Few of us can claim that.  Let us not place our opinions upon those around us, but help them to see His truth through His word and through a closer relationship with Him.  Keep in mind that God is sovereign, omniscient and knows exactly where this world is, in relationship to His grand plan.  We are servants, we are not God.  Love those around you, and trust that God is in control and cannot be overcome.

Finding Me - Day 3

September 10, 2014

I am a work in progress.  The simple truth of the matter is that I have many weaknesses that overwhelm me at times.   Through the day small things pile up and are stored in a virtual to-do list.  I have an extremely hard time accepting when things aren’t completed by the end of any given day.  The list will continue to get longer the next day and within a very short time I am feeling behind on everything I try to accomplish.  This leads to the fear of failure, and a shortened temper when someone asks for help, regardless of how simple the task may be.

I’m not seeking perfection, I’m simply seeking completion.  It provides a sense of accomplishment, small wins in life.  The problem is that as the list, in my mind, of unaccomplished tasks grows longer, many things become overlooked or forgotten.  Now comes the guilt, the disappointment and wallowing in the reality of failure.  Often times others are impacted, thereby increasing, even more so, the feelings of inadequacy and failure.  This is a highly destructive cycle, that destroys a man’s confidence and self image over time. 

Day 3: Trust In Him
“And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span?  If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters?” – Luke 12:25-26

The reality that I must remind myself of every single day is that I am God’s child, made in His image and formed by His perfect hands.  My life is not purposed to please others, but to please the Creator alone.  He calls us to rest on His promise that He is Sovereign and will provide for all that we need each day.  It’s when I take my list of problems to the Lord that I find peace, direction and clarity on how to focus.  I know it seems like a simple answer, because it is.  He has a deep desire to help you overcome this world and bring joy into your life.  Accepting that is step 1, then trust in it and act upon it.  Join me today in coming before your Father in Heaven and laying your burdens down before Him.  Breathe and trust that He will help you take on the days challenges.  If, by the end of the day you’re list is not completed, it’s okay because He’s still in control; and that’s all that really matters.

Prayer:
Father,
You have provided for all of my needs.  You have given me a mind of wisdom, a heart of love and a peace to take on the challenges before me each day.  I ask for Your grace and mercies to be with me throughout this day, so that I may accomplish all the You have for me today.  Help me to shift my focus away from myself and onto You, so that I may serve You more completely.   – Amen

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Standing on Truth

Make 2014 a year for sharing

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority.” – 1 Peter 2:13

“To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to laud the more distinguished character of Christian.” – George Washington

“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States.” – George Washington

“Bless my family, kindred, friends and countrymen, be our God and guide this day and forever for His sake, who lay down in the grave and arose again from it, Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen” – George Washington

“It’s when people forget God, that tyrants forge their change.” – John Adams

“Statesmen, my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone, which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand." – John Adams

"We have no government armed in power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a religious and moral people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other." – John Adams

“Let them revere nothing, but religion, morality and liberty.” – John Adams to his wife about their sons

 “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.  It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.  It ought to be solemnized with pomp, parade, shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, illuminations in the air from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward, forever.” – John Adams

“My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!” – Thomas Jefferson

“This, then, is the state of the Union: Free and restless, growing and full of hope. So it was in the beginning. So it shall always be, while God is willing, and we are strong enough to keep the faith” – Lyndon B. Johnson

The forefathers of this country and those before them have founded their strength, their success, their authority upon the Supreme Authority, the God of all mankind, the Creator.  Only 238 years ago we built a nation on the principles that God was Holy, Sovereign and had His hand on this Nation.  Now, we believe it is okay to rip a baby from it’s womb, Jesus name can be blasphemed on national TV, men can be with other men in unnatural acts, and the same with women with the justification that God made us this way, so it must be ok.

We kill one another, we cheat one another, we rob, steal and abuse one another in the name of individual rights.  We save trees, snakes, birds and wildlife from being harmed by society, and at the same time turn a blind eye to the atrocities taking place in abortion clinics all over the country, in the name of free choice.  This is not the love of God poured out upon His children, this is the pure evil of this world pushing God out, and few are willing to stand up and defend the sanctity and righteousness of our so-called beliefs.

I heard a quote last week that I cannot get out of my mind.  “I see a whole lot of Christians, but I see very little Christ.”  This is not me judging the society in which we live, I am just pointing out the obvious, that as a whole the world is in a state of degradation from a refusal to follow the call of the Lord on our lives.  Few of us want to stand for His word, in fear that others may feel offended and turn from His love.  Perhaps if we were more obvious with what His love provides for them, freedom from the mire of this world would become obvious before their eyes.

I press upon you, my fellow followers of Jesus Christ, to stand for righteousness in love and graciousness, for His sake.  Stand and be strong in your faith, for weakness’ is unbecoming of what we have been called to be.  If you observe Paul, Peter, John, Mark, Timothy, Phillip and the others – weakness was not in their character definition, nor should it be in yours.  The rules and guidelines established by our Savior are just as real today as they were 2000 years ago, we must simply accept and live by them.

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He is Trustworthy

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“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” – Psalm 100:5

“I promise we’ll go to the park on Saturday”, I said to my daughter several weeks back.  Yet, here we are after 5 such Saturday’s and we still have not gone to the park yet.  The human brain and the human heart are in alignment when promises are made.  Yet, something changes once the words have left my lips and then although my heart is reminding me, my brain is delivering excuse after excuse after excuse.  Was I dishonest in my original promise to my daughter?  No.  I was completely committed at that moment, but then I let life and other priorities get in the way and before you know it 5 weeks have passed by.  She hasn’t mentioned it since, but the fact that my word is no longer trustworthy in her eyes is wrought with risk as she grows older.

We look to our family and our friends as people we can trust.  We want to believe that someone’s promise is true and that they will do what they say they will do.  This is especially true with those that we love so dearly and have a strong commitment too.  Likewise, they expect the same from you.  With the pace of life in these days it has become increasingly difficult to meet the expectations of those around you.  There is always someone that is anticipating your participation, or fulfillment of a promise that slips from your mind, thereby leaving them with disappointment.  It’s not your intention to disappoint, but it happens none the less.

Who then is trustworthy?  Why, of course it is our Father in heaven.  The scriptures are filled with promises of love, life, comfort, strength, righteousness and protection.  His word is true, for God is completely Holy and Righteous and unable to lie.  His word was true for the great Saints of the Bible and the same word was true for the Prophets and Kings throughout.  His word and the foundation of His truth has not changed.  The Apostles of the early church found faith and trust in believing that God’s love and grace is present in each of us.  Their faith in an ever present God was framed in their understanding of this man, Jesus Christ and the promises that He left with them. 

Do you believe that God is the creator of all things?  If you, like me, believe this to be true and then you must also believe that God is completely perfect, without flaw or mistake.  For He who is the originator has no other factor to be compared with to claim that He has made an error.  Who can tell Him that His ways are wrong, or that His word is wrong, if indeed we believe that through His word and breath created our very existence?  His word is truthful, and because He is perfect and righteous, His promises are indeed trustworthy.  When He tells us that He loves us it is true.  When He tells us that there is life eternal with Him, it is true.  When He provided a method of salvation and gave us the way to Him, it is true.  When He says that He will return and bring His children home, it is true.  When He says that He is going to judge mankind and that the wicked and unrighteous will be cast into the lake of fire, it is true. 

His love was with Moses, Abraham, David, Elijah, Jesus, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul and so on.  Has his loved changed since then?  Is His love for you less than His love for David?  Why would you believe this to be true?  There is no ability for Him to love you less than He loved David, for God is ageless and His authority over all things has not changed.  He is the same, omnipotent and sovereign for all time.  There is no clock that will tell you the definition of time, for we do not have a concept that there will never be an end to it.  Therefore when the scriptures tell us that “God’s love endures forever” we are incapable of comprehending it, but we must trust in it’s truth, because God, the creator, is and has always been faithful to keep His word as complete truth.  You are a child of the most high God, and unlike every person around you, your heavenly Father will keep His promises and you will one day sit in His presence. 

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A Fount of Wisdom

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“With whom will you compare me or count me equal?  To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?" – Isaiah 46:5

  I am reminded of a song (see lyrics below) from 4 or 5 years back that clearly spoke to me just how magnificent and incredible it is that God Almighty thinks about me.  When we face challenges in life and it looks as though there is no way out of a particular situation, we often times turn to those that we love and ask for advice, help and support.  It’s not that this is wrong, because we are called to help one another when they are in need and to love one another through their heartaches.  This is being Jesus to those around you and we are designed to do this.  But, the realization that hit me a few years back was that as frequently as we call on our friends and family, we very seldom actually call on God to help us through our daily struggles.  I began asking myself why. . .

1)      I can’t comprehend how He can help us when I can’t see Him, feel Him or hear Him

2)      We don’t want to bother God with our silly little problems

3)      We’ve done something wrong and going to God will require admitting it
(hint, hint: He already knows)

4)      There is no real relationship with God, we simply say we believe so we can get to heaven when we die

5)      God is good, pure and righteous and the problem I’m facing is unethical or immoral

6)      Other people are watching and I’m somewhat embarrassed to pray in front of them

7)      He didn’t help me the last time I prayed

I’m sure there are other reasons for not turning to God for help.  I ask that you sit back and ask yourself one question: “Who knows more than God?”  If you truly believe that there is an answer to that question other than no-one, then by all means go and ask that person for help.  The reality is that God created the heavens, the universe, the galaxy, the sun, moon and stars and the Earth and all that is within it.  His bank account is infinite, His mercies are plentiful and His love overcomes every single broken heart.  He has poured out His grace upon mankind, not because we deserve it, because we surely don’t; but because He loves us so much. Grasping that concept is the key to understanding who God really is.

We live in a society framed up by the digital era, and we expect instantaneous results to our questions or problems.  God does not work that way.  He doesn’t have a cell phone, laptop, tablet, or TV.  There is no need for email in heaven.  He hears your thoughts before the words leave your lips.  He thinks in the big picture, not in the small stuff and therefore just because you want something done by Friday, it may or may not be beneficial in the long run.  Trust in His sovereignty and trust in His love for you.  He’ll not let you fall, though you might stumble a time or two.

My Redeemer – Nicole C. Mullen

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning
and Who told the oceans, you can only go this far
and Who showed the moon where to hide till the evening
Who’s words alone can catch a falling star?
chorus:
Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
All of creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer lives

There is a God that spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
and the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory
repeat chorus(1x)

He lives To take away my shame
and He lives, forever I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sin
Was the precious life He gave
but now He's alive and there's an empty grave.
repeat chorus(2x)

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One Supreme Authority

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“Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord— that you alone are the Most High over all the earth" – Psalm 83:18

He slept in that morning.  The night before had 

been filled with dining and dancing, and his head still throbbed from the spirits he had consumed in celebration of his promotion.  For years he had his eye on that corner office with the President title on the door.  He had worked in this company since he was 18 years old and here he was 35 years later reaching the pinnacle of his career.  Work had been his passion.  He left his wife and daughter in that small white house on Chestnut street when that little girl was only 7.  He was scared, confused about his priorities and made a bad decision that had haunted him for years and now all he had as proof of his former life was an 8x10 photo of her on her wedding day.  He sat on the edge of his bed and wept over her picture as the emotions overwhelmed him. 

There was a point in his life when things seemed in control.  He married right after high school, had a solid job for such a young man and was a proud father within 2 years.  Choices and bad decisions left him alone and his entire world turned upside down.  He lost his faith, his love for others and poured everything he had into his career.  Well, here he was.  He finally made it to the top, and as he looked around his Manhattan condominium he realize he was all alone at the top.  The friends who drank the night away with him only 8 hours ago were long gone.  He walked to the closet and with very depressed, evil intentions knelt down and reached for the handle of the gun case.  Then he caught a glimpse in the dim light, and he reached for the Book instead.  As he brought it out of the closet, he fell back on the floor, his back lying against the bed. 

The cover was torn and tattered.  His Dad carried it daily to and from work, to the war and back and was seen in his large easy chair reading it every morning as long back as the man could remember.  Right up until his death, this book saw him through the ups and downs of life, the struggles of raising the kids, the bankruptcy and the many struggles they had face in life.  Now here it was in the hands of his son, and it sat collecting dust in the corner of the closet for the last 25 years.  As he opened the book, it fell to the 83^rd Book of Psalms.  The anger expressed by David towards mankind, especially his enemies, leaps from the pages.  And then he gets to the last verse and it all comes rushing forward.  His life had been spent combatting with God for control, for authority and for praise.  He had taken all of the accomplishments in life and selfishly proclaimed them as his own doing.  Despite his continued success in his career, he refused to give glory to the Lord, to the ultimate authority and creator of all things.

This explained the emptiness, the hollowness and loneliness in his life.  This explained his self-centered choices in life and his hatred for mankind in general.  Lowering his face into his hands, he cried out to the Lord in shame, begging forgiveness and asking for the opportunity to serve Him.  The rush of emotions overwhelmed the man as he fell face first to the floor and poured out his life of sinful actions to the only Lord, the ultimate Authority, the One who sits upon the throne in heaven.  In a moment his life had become one with purpose, one with blessing and one with the opportunity to change the world for the good.

Where are you with God?  Is He your authority?  Is He given credit for your success?  Is God at the center of your decisions?  Have you come to the point of serving Him in the manner in which He deserves or like our example above, are you captured in the fallacy that you alone are responsible for your talents, skills, success and accomplishments?  There is only one supreme Authority and Lord on Most High and His name is Jehovah, and is to be praised.  Give serious thought to your relationship with God and make amends as necessary today.
             

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Keeping His Promise

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“For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself” – Hebrews 6:13

Walking through the park I take the opportunity to look around at the families enjoying quality family time.  Some are lying on blankets and enjoying the sun, while others are swinging their children on the swings or watching them carefully scale the climbing ropes or the steps to the slide.  The children run, laugh and simply enjoy the day in the park.  My visit to the park resulted from a plea by my 5 year old, Emma, to learn to ride her bike without training wheels.

A request that had been made several times over the last 3 or 4 weeks.  Each time the request had come in, I had responded the same way: “We will go the park and learn to ride the bike this summer.  I promise you’ll be riding a bike before you start school in the Fall.”  Promises made by a father are held dearly by the little ones around us.  I had made this promise to Emma with the full intention of executing on it at some point this summer, but honestly I had given myself a 13 week window.  In her eyes she was counting down the days until she was out of school and it came to fruition last weekend.  Emma came to me on Sunday after church and with her incredible brown eyes, simply said; “Daddy, is it summer now.”  I wasn’t on the same page as her and responded, “Sure, you’re out of school now.”  To which she quickly responded, “Can we go to the park and learn to ride the bike now?”  So, we ended up in the park that afternoon and Emma was riding a bike all by herself by the end of the day.

If I look to mankind and the promises made by our politicians, our employers, our friends and family; I am skeptical that they will fulfill the promises they have made.  Not because they are intent on disappointing, but because often times they aren’t the ones fully in control of the required actions.  On the other hand, our Heavenly Father has made promises to us that He will send His Son back and we will join Him in heaven one day.  He wasn’t as specific on the exact date and time, but similar to Emma and her bicycle, I often find myself impatient awaiting His return.  I trust completely in His promises though, and despite my impatience, I stand on the faith that He is just, sovereign and righteous.  He will fulfill what He has promised; for in God there is no deceit, there is no unrighteous act, there is no sin.  There is not higher authority that He needs to get the approval of, or counsel with in order to act.  He is the Supreme Authority on all things and it is only through His plan that salvation and judgment will take place. 

Do not compare the weakness and inconsistent behavior of mankind with the perfection of God.  When God promises something, it is as good as done, and simply requires our faith, trust and belief in His plan for execution.  Do not grow weary in waiting for His return, but take faith in knowing that He will.  Then you are free to live this life knowing that your eternity is secured in His word and promise.    

Prayer:

Loving Father,

We rejoice in Your promise of eternity.  We long to be with You, and rest in Your glory.  Give us the patience and endurance in this life that we might further Your message of love, peace and mercy to those around us.  Help us, Lord, to be examples to others of Your Son’s love and forgiveness as other’s observe our nature.  We remain focused on the prize and turn away from the distractions in life.  In Your name we pray – Amen

             

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