Worry about Everything

I know my last blog post was titled “Worry about nothing,” and I am not recanting that at all, for those who are in Christ, but since then I’ve been thinking about how dangerous life really is for anyone outside of Christ. If we are not yet in Christ we are like a ticking time bomb. Any moment could be our last. Every second brings us closer to death and eternal damnation. 

Do you know what happens to you when you die without having Jesus as your Saviour? 

Eternal damnation. 

Now that might sound harsh to you, but it’s 100% true. 

I don’t know if our English language even has sufficient words to describe the horror of it, but in the Bible it is described as a lake burning with fire and brimstone (Rev 21:8), the furnace of fire where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 13:50), a horrible place where the worm never dies and the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:48). A place of everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46), torment, and everlasting destruction (2 Thes 1:9). 

A place where we all deserve to go because of sin. 

But thanks be to God there is hope. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15) 

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts 16:31 

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7 

While it is said, To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. Hebrews 3:15 2 

(For He saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 2 Corinthians 6:2 

Don’t wait!

You are but one small step from everlasting destruction and eternal damnation! 

Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Isaiah 45:22 

 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: Ezekial 33:11a

Worry about Nothing

My four year old son came up to me the other day worrying about something. I don’t remember what he was worrying about but I do remember my response: “Why are you worrying about that? I’m your mom, I’ve got this.”

This morning in our Bible study the subject of worrying came up again reminding me about the incident with my son.

Suddenly I felt convicted. 

How often do worries still creep past my defenses? And I have something far greater than what Alexander has in me. A perfect Parent.  A gracious Father. A Sovereign God.

Why do I worry? Is it because worrying helps? Because worrying somehow makes a difference? 

No.

Jesus says in Luke 12:25-26 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?

Without God we cannot so much as move. For in Him we live, and move, and have our being;  Acts 17:28

What about death?

Jesus says in Matthew 10:28-31 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

I think we are so often short sighted, thinking death is the end, but it’s not. Death is simply a passage into eternity.

“Do not worry” is not a suggestion, it’s a command for all believers.

Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:6-7

There is only one thing we should worry about. And that is living and dying outside of Christ. Then we should worry and be very anxious for we are living in the city of destruction and destruction is sure to come. Then we are in very danger of hell fire! It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.(Hebrews 10:31) Then we should worry so much that those worries drive us straight to Jesus. Jesus, our only Hope, the Lamb of God who takes away our sins, who calls all to repent and believe in Him. Who calls all those who are burdened and heavy laden to come unto Him and He will give them rest. Only in Him can we find peace and rest and safety from the wrath of God against sin.  But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5) For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:(1 Peter 3:18)

But once we are in Him we are never to worry again. Worry is really doubt in disguise. Doubt that God is not who He says He is.  That there is something happening outside of His perfect plan. That there is something too hard for God. That He is not working out everything for our ultimate good.

God’s Word teaches us that:

As for God, His way is perfect:Psalm 18:30a 

 Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me? Jeremiah 32:27

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.Romans 8:28

Jesus, our elder brother, who came down from heaven told us plainly and many times that there is nothing to worry about. Ever. Instead we are to trust our Triune God and give Him our cares and worries and anxieties in exchange for His perfect peace as He cares for us.

Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.1 Peter 5:7

Jesus: Our Only Hope

I was praying this morning again that God would give me more words to share on our blog. 

Every morning as I begin my day in His presence I pray for those who have never looked to Jesus for their salvation. My heart is heavy when I think of so many people who I love who are lost. 

So when I prayed that God would give me words to share I was surprised when He almost instantaneously answered; flooding my heart with His Words. 

So with my journal open I began to write: 

Jesus. 
Our only Hope 
Our only Comfort. 
Nobody loves us like He does. 
Our full satisfaction. 
In Him is fullness of joy. 

God calls us to look to Him for salvation: 

Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Isaiah 45:22 

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:14-15 

Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Jesus) Matthew 11:28 

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. (Jesus) Revelations 3:20 

While it is said, To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. Hebrews 3:15 

Come to Him. Repent. Turn away from your sin and turn to Him. Tell Him you believe in Him for your salvation. Tell Him, Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief. Mark 9:24 

Don’t be like the Scribes and Pharisees who refused to believe in Him until they saw a sign or wonder. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. John 4:48 

Simply obey the gospel. 
Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mark 1:14-15 

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:19 

Don’t be like those who refused to obey the gospel. 
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 2 Thes 1:8-9 

If this sounds too simple, be a Berean and study the Bible for yourself with an open mind and heart. 
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11 

Spurgeon counsels: “Be much in reading about the Lord Jesus. The books of Scripture are the lilies among which He feedeth. The Bible is the window through which we may look and see our Lord. Read over the story of His sufferings and death with devout attention, and before long the Lord will cause faith secretly to enter your soul. The Cross of Christ not only rewards faith, but begets faith. 
Many a believer can say— 
 “When I view Thee, wounded, grieving, 
Breathless, on the cursed tree, 
Soon I feel my heart believing 
Thou has suffered thus for me.” 
If hearing and reading suffice not, then deliberately set your mind to work to overhaul the matter, and have it out. Either believe, or know the reason why you do not believe. See the matter through to the utmost of your ability, and pray God to help you to make a thorough investigation, and to come to an honest decision one way or the other. Consider who Jesus was, and whether the constitution of His Person does not entitle Him to confidence. Consider what He did, and whether this also must not be good ground for trust. Consider Him as dying, rising from the dead, ascending, and ever living to intercede for transgressors; and see whether this does not entitle Him to be relied on by you. Then cry to Him, and see if He does not hear you.” 

After closing my new pink journal  I quickly got to work getting the boys ready for school. Then when the two oldest got on the bus it was time to get my youngest ready for preschool. Then I quickly got to work preparing a snack for preschool since it was my turn to be the Parent Helper. After preschool it was off to pick up groceries and then back home for lunch. 
Feeling rushed because of a lengthy to do list, God suddenly reminded me about my prayer this morning. He had answered me, but what was I going to do with it? Were His words just going to lay motionless in my notebook or was I going to “Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and share His words with the rest of the virtual world, trusting that they wouldn’t return to Him void? With a quick glance at my kitchen I turned and headed for the computer. Trusting God with 'all these things' I instead made His kingdom my number one priority. 

What a great God we serve!
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

His Praise Shall Ever Be On My Lips

May 31 - the date of my last blog post is a long time ago. I’ve been wanting to write since, but just haven’t been able to find the right words. Just over two weeks ago I returned from my second trip to Guatemala and I’m still trying to process that. But the truth is, this blog really isn’t about me – it’s about God and what He has done and what He is doing. 

Like the header says: For Thou, Lord, hast made me glad through Thy work: I will triumph in the works of Thy hands. O Lord, how great are Thy works! and Thy thoughts are very deep. Psalm 92:4-5 

As I was praying and spending time in God’s presence this morning my heart was really begging God to give me more words to share. Our time here is short and I want to use it wisely. Ephesians 5:15-17 says: See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 

What joy and thankfulness fills my heart that even in our struggles and failures – God loves us and His mercies are new every morning. 
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 

What comfort it is, that though we are weak, He is strong. 
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 122:9-10 

On my own I can do nothing, But I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil 4:13 

He will renew my strength. 
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:30-31 

In Him my heart is steadfast. 
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Psalm 57:7 

His Word never returns to Him void. 
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:11-12 

Though we may sow in tears we will reap with joy. 
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:5-6 

His promises are yea and amen in Christ Jesus. 
For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Corinthians 1:20 

With Him nothing is impossible. But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26 

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Revive Us

What happens when we don’t drink water? We dehydrate. Water is so important that we won’t last a week without it. Every cell in our body needs water to function. 

Did you know that we can dry up spiritually as well? If we don’t drink from the Fountain of Life we also become thirsty and parched. Have you ever wondered if that was maybe your problem? Spiritual thirst? Maybe you can’t pinpoint why you feel the way you do but you know there’s something missing. Something vital. You’ve tried to fill that thirst with material things, relationships, work or hobbies, but it’s not working. That’s because those things can never quench the thirst inside you and that was never their purpose. 

Our spiritual thirst can only be quenched by God Himself. King David knew this and that’s why he wrote: O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Psalm 63:1 And in Psalm 36:9 For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light. 

If you are feeling dried up spiritually, there is only one way to be refreshed: Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up. After two days will He revive us: in the third day He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. Hosea 6:1-3 

Don’t look for refreshment anywhere else. 

Don’t be like the people in Jeremiah’s time who did this: For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. Jeremiah 2:13 

Instead obey God’s call: Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, Isaiah 55:1a And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Revelations 22:17 

Believe in Jesus. Through Him we have access to God.
He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 

He can give us the water of life. 
Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:13-14 

Then as you abide in Him you will live a fruitful life; no longer parched, no longer withering, no longer longing for the next best thing. 
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (Jesus) John 15:5 

Then as you abide in Him you will be blessed. 
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3 

Then your strength will be renewed. 
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 

And then you will have eternity to look forward to. 
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Revelations 7:17 

All my springs are in Thee. Psalm 87:7b

Living Life God's Way

I haven't written for weeks. Partly because I've been busy; first with leading a team to Guatemala and then as soon as I got back with our annual fundraising sale. But that wasn't all. There were some things in my life that I had to make right before God gave me the freedom to write once again. 

So here is some encouragement for you: If you are struggling right now with doing the right thing, because the right thing is a hard thing, and you're wrestling with strong conflicting feelings and emotions - do the right thing! No matter what. 

And don't just listen to and follow your heart. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9) And don't live like they did in the time of the Judges where every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25b). Do what is right in God's eyes. If you are unsure of what that is - ask Him. You may be surprised with the answer. Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not (Jeremiah 33:3). 

And when you return to God and repent of your sin He is always there. This Man (Jesus) receiveth sinners (Luke 15:2b) And as Spurgeon commented: "He has not even begun to cast them out."  And when He opens His arms, communion with Him is incredibly sweet. 

"In sweet communion, Lord, with Thee 
I constantly abide; 
My hand Thou holdest in Thy own 
To keep me near Thy side. 

Thy counsel through my earthly way 
Shall guide me and control, 
And then to glory afterward 
Thou wilt receive my soul. 

Whom have I, Lord, in heaven but Thee, 
To Whom my thoughts aspire? 
And, having Thee, on earth is naught 
That I can yet desire? 

Tho' flesh and heart should faint and fail, 
The Lord will ever be
The strength and portion of my heart, 
My God eternally. 

To live apart from God is death, 
'Tis good His face to seek; 
My refuge is the living God, 
His praise I long to speak." 
William U. Butcher (Psalter 203) 

Recently in one of my early morning devotion times God directed me to Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments: For this is the whole duty of man. When I dug a little deeper I found out that the word 'duty' doesn't actually appear in the Hebrew text and instead the last phrase has the idea of "this is man's all." 

I knew this verse and when I had read it for the first time many years ago it seemed a little depressing to me. Like Solomon was saying "I've tried everything, it's all vanity, the only thing left to do is fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man." 

But now, as I pondered those words again it actually seemed just the opposite to me. It really was a wonderful conclusion and the best way to live! To fear God and keep His commandments - to live life God's way. There was no better way! God not only sent His Son to die for us but to give us life. Jesus says in John 10:10 I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Not a life free of suffering or pain or trials. But an abundant life, taking up our cross and following Jesus. How can that be? You may wonder. An abundant, cross bearing life? It seems so contradictory. I don't know how to explain it, but I know it is true because I've experienced it for myself. In His presence is fullness of joy. Everything else pales in comparison.

Read the Bible, it is your guide book, Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105) Don't only read it, do what it says. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22) Live life God's way. It is the best way. His way is perfect.  

As for God, His way is perfect: (Psalm 18:30) 

You Can Lay It Down

This week I received some news that hurt. My initial reaction was to push it away, pretend like it didn’t matter, try not to think about it. 

But as the day went on and the thoughts started creeping past my defences, the emotions started to bubble up inside me. 

Hurt. 
Anger. 
Pain. 
Frustration. 

The more I thought about it, the worse I felt -and the harder it was to let it go. 

Finally I turned to God and passionately prayed the lyrics of Oh My Soul that kept coming to mind. 

“I’m not strong enough, 
I can’t take anymore.” 

I may have said that out loud a few times too. 

But then, when I was finally silent, I heard the next few lines of the song. “You can lay it down, You can lay it down..” and “Let Him show you how you can lay this down.” ( J. M Hall & B. Hems) 

So, after much inward turmoil and battle, I did. 

I gave it all to God. 

And you know what happened? 

God did exactly what He promised. He took my pain and anger and bitterness and resentment and replaced it with His peace - the kind that passes all understanding. (Phil 4:7) 

I’m still amazed as I type this how, just a few days ago I was so upset and how now I have such incredible peace about the situation. He really does exactly what He says. He always keeps His promises. How great is our GOD!

Marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14b

If You Seek Him, He Will Be Found Of You

Have you ever heard of King Asa? 

I must have learned about him when I was younger when we studied all the different kings in school, but I - much to my shame, had forgotten. 

Just recently, however, I stumbled upon his role in God’s story in 2 Chronicles 14 and 15. 

King Asa started out so well. The Bible says “And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: And commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.” (2 Chronicles 14:2) 

Now if we read a little further we find out that King Asa had an army of 580,000 men. That seemed like a good sized army to me until I read on that an Ethiopian army was coming to attack him with an army of 1,300,000 men! 

What does King Asa do? 2 Chronicles 14:11 says: And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is nothing with Thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on Thee, and in Thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, Thou art our God; let no man prevail against Thee. 

And what is God's response? 
2 Chronicles 14:12 says: So the Lord smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled. 

Then God speaks this message to King Asa through Azariah: And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with Him; and if ye seek Him, He will be found of you; but if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you. 2 Chronicles 15:1-2 

Those verses really struck me. What a promise! And you know what? Those same words are still true today. The Lord is with you, while ye be with Him; and if ye seek Him, He will be found of you; but if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you. 2 Chronicles 15:2 

Shouldn’t this spur us into action? God promises that if we seek Him, we will find Him! He also warns us that if we forsake Him, He will forsake us. 

If you want to find out what happens to King Asa you can read his story in 2 Chronicles 14 and 15, but more importantly think about what these words mean for you. 

Do you seek God with every part of your being? 

The people of Judah did and they found Him too! 
And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and He was found of them: and the Lord gave them rest round about. 2 Chronicles 14:15 

Only in His presence is fullness of joy and pleasure forevermore! 
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11 

Nothing can compare. There is nothing fuller than full or longer than forever.

If you don’t know God it’s your own fault for He promises that if we seek Him, He will be found of us, but if we forsake Him He will forsake us - and that should fill us with terror.

The Narrow Way

It was just a silly Subway coupon -  but the temptation I struggled with because of it was intense. 

It was spring break. The boys were home from school and Jason was in the Philippines. Since Dad was gone, I was even more determined to make it a special time for the boys so I planned play dates and outings, we built Legos and played at parks. We went swimming, spent a fun, rainy day at the beach and all in all had a grand time. 

As I was browsing through a coupon book one spring break morning I came across a Subway coupon. The boys and I loved Subway so I was happy to find one only to discover when reading the fine print that it wasn’t valid in Chilliwack. 

Now the coupons themselves could be ripped out and since it didn’t give any locations on the individual coupons I thought about just trying to use it anyway. “They could always say no.” I thought to myself. “Isn’t Subway, Subway? Why does it matter? It’s no big deal. Just try it, you never know, they might accept it.” 

It was so tempting. 

But then I remembered. 

I remembered my meeting with God early each morning. And even though I might be able to convince myself it wasn’t dishonest to use the coupon, God is perfect and the Bible says He desires truth in the inmost parts. 

Still I struggled. Did it really matter? No one would care. But I knew God did. And I knew that if I loved Him, and I did, I would obey Him too. No matter what. 

Although His ways seemed impossibly narrow sometimes. He loved me and wanted truth in my inmost parts. 

So I relented. I put the coupon back in the book and took the boys to Subway anyway and paid full price. Because I knew, I knew that no sin, no matter how tempting was worth feeling separation from God over. 

And I know that if I did sin and I confessed my sin to God that He was faithful and just to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me from all unrighteousness, because of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice on the cross, but why would I knowingly do anything to hurt God? 

And God knows us. He knows our frame, He remembers we are dust, and He is so patient and loving He reminded me who I was. I was the daughter of the One who was richer than all the richest people in the world combined. He loved me and gave Himself for me. He always provided everything I needed. I didn’t need to live like a pauper when my Father was the King of the world! I didn’t need to let a Subway coupon tempt me when my Father owned the cattle on a thousand hills and with His Son He freely gives us all things! 

And even when we are fickle and struggle over the silliest things God loves and leads and teaches and blesses. 

What a great God. What a loving Father. 

The next week what was in my church mailbox but a coupon book? And of course, it had the correct Subway coupons in it.

Come to Him

Has God ever turned anyone away? 

Read your Bible. 

I have and I couldn’t find a single instance where God turned someone away. Instead He calls us over and over again to come to Him. 

Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Isaiah 55:1 

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7 

But even with all the invitations to come there are still people who refuse to come. Jesus says in John 5:40 And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life.

And still God is patient. 

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 

But how do I know if I can come?

Spurgeon says:

"How unprofitable is the diligence which busies itself in finding out reasons why faith in our case should not be saving! We have God’s word for it, that whosoever believeth in Jesus shall not perish, and we search for arguments why we should perish if we did believe. 

But you fear that you may not be one of those for whom the promise is intended. Do not be alarmed by that idle suspicion. No soul ever came to Jesus wrongly. No one can come at all unless the Father draw him; and Jesus has said, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” 

No soul ever lays hold on Christ in a way of robbery; he that hath Him hath Him of right divine; for the Lord’s giving of Himself for us, and to us, is so free, that every soul that takes Him has a grace-given right to do so. If you lay hold on Jesus by the hem of His garment, without leave, and behind Him, yet virtue will flow from Him to you as surely as if He had called you out by name, and bidden you trust Him. Dismiss all fear when you trust the Saviour. He that believeth in Jesus is one of God’s elect." 

Come to Him. Run to Him. Don’t wait. 

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 

For how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; Hebrews 2:3a 

"Did you suggest that it would be a horrible thing if you were to trust in Jesus and yet perish? It would be so. But as you must perish if you do not trust, the risk at the worst is not very great. 

“I can but perish if I go; 
I am resolved to try; 
For if I stay away, 
I know I must for ever die."

But one moans, “What if I come to Christ, and He refuses me?” My answer is, “Try Him.” Cast yourself on the Lord Jesus, and see if He refuses you. You will be the first against whom He has shut the door of hope. Friend, don’t cross that bridge till you come to it! When Jesus casts you out, it will be time enough to despair; but that time will never come. “This man receiveth sinners”: He has not so much as begun to cast them out." (C. Spurgeon)

Nothing I Can Do.

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard the phrase, “There’s nothing I can do.” And honestly before I became a believer the phrase resonated in my heart too. “Nothing I can do. Nothing I can do. Nothing I can do.” 

And you know what? 

It’s true. 

We can’t save ourselves. 
We are spiritually dead. 
We are helpless, hopeless and lost. 
We can never repay the debt that we owe to God. 

But have you heard the good news? I heard it again yesterday afternoon in church. The pastor said: “Just because there is nothing we can do, does not mean that nothing has been done.” (Pastor J. Schoeman) 

But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 

Jesus paid it all when we could pay nothing. 

He bore our sins. 

..He was wounded for our transgressions, Isaiah 53:5a 

He was bruised for our iniquities: Isaiah 53:5b 

And the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6b 

The chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5c 

God made a way where there was no way. 

God gave hope where there was no hope. 

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15  

Because of Jesus we can now have peace with God. 

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, 1 Peter 3:18a 

For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 

It’s the best news ever! 

Because of Jesus' sacrifice we can be saved! Our debt is paid! We can once again have peace with God!

And Jesus is calling us now. To turn from our own way and believe in Him. 

 “… The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” (Jesus) Mark 1:15 

 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (Jesus) John 3:14-15 

And this good news is not just for us, but for anyone who believes! 

“And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Jesus) Mark 16:15-16

The War of the Mind

Did you know we are in a war? 

Paul writes to the Ephesians: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12 

One commentary explained it like this: “You are in a spiritual battle. If you are ignorant or ignore that fact, you probably aren’t winning the battle.” D. Guzik 

Many of the battles begin in the mind. If Satan can just get you to dwell on lies rather than the truth he can quickly cause you to stumble. He knows full well that today’s thoughts result in tomorrow’s actions. 

We are not the victim of our thoughts. We have a choice. When a thought comes our way we can chose to let it in or push it away. 

To defend ourselves against the lies of Satan we need to renew our minds with the truth of God’s Word. 

When anxious thoughts want to creep in through the door of our mind we push them out with the truth that ..God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 

When a proud thought comes knocking we need to remind ourselves that ..the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; Psalm 100:3a   

When we start to listen to the lies that we have no worth or value and are unloveable we need to combat that with the truth that God loves us so much He sent His own Son to die for us. 

But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7 

God tells us not to think like the world thinks or be swayed by the opinions of others but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. 

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2  

And it’s not just about not letting the trash in, it’s also about filling our minds with whatsoever things are true, and lovely and praiseworthy. 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Phil 4:8 

And when the war of the mind seems overwhelming we have the promise that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. 

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil 4:13 

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32 

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: John 14:6a

The Quest for Happiness

I read this quote recently: 

"Beware of destination addiction: a preoccupation with the idea that happiness is in the next place, the next job, and with the next partner…" Robert Holden PHD 

How often have we fallen into that trap? Thinking that the next thing would finally make us happy. Advertisers prey on this all the time, whether it’s beauty products, clothing, tools, or vacation destinations; they all promise happiness, but do they ever deliver? 

We think happiness comes by focusing on self. We make everything about us and try to spoil ourselves into a state of happiness. No expense is spared, but happiness remains elusive.

I think one of the reasons the rich and famous are the most miserable of all is that they’ve tried it all and still haven’t found true happiness. They’ve spent thousands to make their bodies perfect, live in incredible mansions, have their choice of friends, are famous, eat the fanciest foods and drive the most exotic cars. Partners are easily replaced when romantic love dims, and no place on earth is out of their bounds to visit, yet true happiness is never attained. 

Did you know that Solomon, the wisest man on earth also pursued happiness? He writes in Ecclesiastes 2:10a …And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy… In the next verse he writes.. behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2:11b) 

So what’s the secret? 

Can we ever be truly happy? 

What if I said we are looking in all the wrong places? That happiness has nothing to do with how beautiful or wealthy or problem free we are, but everything to do with the One who made us? 

Think about it for a moment. Doesn’t it make perfect sense that the only One who can fill our hearts with the true happiness we crave is the One who made our hearts in the first place? Psalm 139:14 says I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  

Only when we abide in His presence will we ever experience true happiness. 

How can we come into the presence of God?

There is only one way: Jesus. 

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 1 Timothy 2:5 

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. John 14:6 

Come to Jesus, come to Him with your sorrows and sins and disappointments. Turn away from your sins and empty, self-centered life, and turn to Him. Through Him we have access into the presence of God. The One who made us and in whose presence our hearts will find the true happiness it so longs for. 

All that the Father giveth me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. (Jesus) (John 6:37) 

What does it mean to abide in God's presence? It’s not just about sitting at His feet an hour every morning – even though that's a good start, but it’s abiding in Him and communing with Him all day long. It’s singing songs in your heart, praising Him with your lips and speaking to Him in prayer all throughout the day. It’s enjoying close communion with Him and listening to His Holy Spirit as He guides us, teaches and comforts us. It’s asking Him for direction and trusting His provision. It’s being unafraid of trouble because you know “Whom you have believed” and He is completely trustworthy. It’s knowing He keeps every single one of His promises that He has given us in His word and trusting and obeying Him even when we don’t understand and can’t see clearly. 

And then as we abide in His presence we can say with the Psalmist:  In thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11b

Return to Me

Ever since our fall in Adam we’ve been running - running away from God. Yet the further we run the more we come to experience that without God there is no hope, without God the only thing that awaits us is eternal death and despair. 

Instead of running away from Him, God is calling us to turn around; to return to Him and look to Him to be saved. 

Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Isaiah 45:22 

He Himself has made a way for us to be saved by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus, to pay the price for our sins. 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17  

Jesus is the only way back to the Father. 

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. John 14:6 

And because of His perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross we can return to God. 

Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:7b 

Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto Me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 1:3 

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7 

We return to God by turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness. 

Another word the Bible uses for this turning is to repent. 

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 3:1-2 

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mark 1:14-15 

When we turn to God we don’t come with our own righteousness or our own good works – for we have none. 

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; Isaiah 64:6 

When we come, we come as the prodigal son. 

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto Him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before Thee, Luke 15:18 

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. Luke 15:20 

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: 1 John 3:1a