Month: October 2022

October 31st – James 1:12

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James 1:12

God’s Promise – “I promise a crown of life to all who love Me despite their trials.” 

No one is exempt from the trials of life. And although painful, James tells there is much to be gained from weathering the storm. For as a Roman philosopher once said, “A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.” In 1 Peter 2:4, Jesus is called a, “living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God.” We too are choice and precious stones to God. He lovingly refines and purifies us until we are smoothed by faith and polished by perseverance. The process at times may be painful. But to those who endure to the end, James promises a great reward; the crown of life. A beautiful crown reserved for all who love God and receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. Life can be hard. But knowing we will be spending eternity in paradise with the Lord, is all the incentive we need to persevere through every trial!

October 30th – Hebrews 12:28

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Hebrews 12:28

God’s Promise – “I am giving you a kingdom that can never be shaken.”

The most important part of any building is the foundation. A strong foundation not only protects the outside from nature and its calamities, it also provides safety for the people dwelling inside. As Christians, the best foundation we can have is one built around God. For He gives us unshakable strength and security no matter the severity of the storm raging around us. In the last days, the foundation of the earth will be shaken like never before. Nothing made by the hands of man will be able to stand against the power of God. And sadly, many will lose their lives. That’s why if you haven’t received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, now is the time. For the days grow short until the Lord’s return. Yet believers never have to fear. Because no matter how hard the ground shakes, no crack or break will ever be found in the foundation of the Lord’s love, grace, and faithfulness!

October 29th – 1 Peter 5:10

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1 Peter 5:10

God’s Promise – “I have called you to My eternal glory in Jesus Christ.”

Peter makes it clear that there are no ifs, ands, or buts. As long as we are here on this earth, we will experience suffering. While Christians aren’t immune to trials and pain, we can find peace knowing God is always in control. And from His unending grace, our loving Father never lets us suffer in vain. For there is always a purpose for our pain, with no storm lasting longer than God allows. About suffering pastor Paul Chappell says, “Suffering is painful for us to endure or to see those we love endure. While our instinct is to flee trials, remember that even in the midst of suffering, God’s will is being done.” Although we must suffer a little while, one day soon God will call us home. And never again will we know anything but joy, gladness, and peace. But until that glorious day we can trust that with each trial, God establishes, strengthens, perfects, and matures us. Walking side by side with His children until they dwell with Him in eternity!

 

Rahab – A Fresh Start Through Faith

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When Rahab came back from the kitchen, she saw that the inn was brimming with patrons. It was a busy night, and between the full moon and the new wine, the crowd was getting rambunctious. But that was to be expected from the clientele that came to Rahab’s. For hers was a house of ill repute, and the men that frequented the inn weren’t exactly looking for a quiet evening.

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Rahab – A Fresh Start Through FaithRead More »

October 28th – Revelation 2:11

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Revelation 2:11

God’ Promise – “Those who overcome will not be hurt by the second death.”

We will all die once in the flesh. Made from dust, our bodies will return to dust. And while non believers fear dying, Christians know the glory awaiting us. For never again will we be apart from God. In our new glorified bodies, we will dwell and reign with the Lord for eternity. But those who refuse God’s gift of pardon, will not only face one death, but a far worse second death. The second occurs when those who reject God will be cast into the lake of fire, and eternally separated from Him. Once this judgment has been pronounced there is no coming back. A judgement God wishes for no one. That’s why in His mercy, He gives all a chance to receive Jesus as their Savior. For as 2 Peter 2:9 tells us, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

October 27th – Romans 8:16-17

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Romans 8:16-17

God’s Promise – “Jesus is happy to share His inheritance with you.”

We’ve all heard the saying, “you can pick your friends but you can’t pick your family.” But God in His goodness gives us the chance to do just that. Because once we choose to receive Jesus as our Savior, we become adopted heirs into God’s family. His beloved children reborn through the blood of Jesus. The Holy Spirit who comes to indwell us, testifies before the Lord that we are His. And we receive the great privilege of calling God, “Abba, Father!” Better still, we become joint heirs with Jesus to all the glories of God’s kingdom! Our Father in heaven never intended for us to walk through this life alone. That’s why He created families. And He longs for each of us to join His. To receive His perfect love, comfort, and guidance. God invites us to climb unto His lap, and rest in the arms of a loving Father. The One who gave His only begotten Son to offer adoption papers to the world!

October 26th – 1 Peter 3:12

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1 Peter 3:12

God’s Promise – “I watch over you and I listen for your prayers.”

Do you ever feel invisible? Like no one sees you or what you do, not even God? While the Enemy may whisper in our ear the lie that God doesn’t care, nothing could be farther from the truth. So much so that one of the many wonderful names of God is El Roi, the God who sees me. The Lord never slumbers and He never sleeps. His eyes are always watching over the righteous. And His ears are always listening for their prayers. Think of that! As Creator of the universe, God has His hands full. But even so, not a moment goes by where He takes His eye off of us. Nor ever does He turn a deaf ear to our pleas. Instead He is always there ready, willing, and able to provide for His children. Satan would love nothing more than for us to think God has forgotten us, or that He simply doesn’t see us. But our Heavenly Father loves us more than anything. And if we truly open our eyes to the blessings around us, we’ll see his fingerprints every day.

 

October 25th – Philippians 4:7

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Philippians 4:7

God’s promise- “My great peace will guard your heart and thoughts in Jesus.”

Anxiety and worry go hand in hand with life. And unfortunately some people get so used to being surrounded by stress and drama, without it they feel incomplete. Sadder still, some even thrive on it. But that’s no way for Christians to live. Because God wants to fill every area of our hearts, minds, and lives with His perfect peace. So how do we receive God’s peace? First we need to believe in our minds that God is the Author of peace. Next we need to believe He will overflow us with that peace. And we do that by following Paul’s example of prayers and thanksgivings. How do we learn to pray and give thanks? By spending time in God’s Word, and applying His promises to our lives. For as we grow in our understanding of the overwhelming love our Heavenly Father has for His children, our minds can find the peace they so desperately crave. And our hearts can’t help but burst with thankfulness for all God is and does.

October 24th – 1 Peter 4:8

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1 Peter 4:8

God’s Promise -“My love covers a multitude of sins.”

When Peter tells us that love covers sin, he doesn’t mean that loving others earns God’s forgiveness. We know that our sins are paid for by Jesus’ death on the cross. And forgiveness for sin comes only through trusting in Him. Instead, Peter is reminding us that even Christians are sinners who fail and need forgiveness daily. And in remembering the grace God generously gives to us, we can love each other when hurt, forgive each other when wronged, and build each other up when we fall. Because love makes it possible for us to be, “hospitable to one another without complaint.”  (1 Pet. 4:8) And to use our God given gifts and talents to serve one another. Doing so with the goal of lovingly leading others to the Lord. So, “in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11)

October 23rd – 1 Corinthians 6:19

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1 Corinthians 6:19

God’s Promise – “I have given you My Spirit, so your body could be My temple.”

Each one of us is born with a sin nature that would rather practice self indulgence than self discipline. And when the flesh wants something, the hardest word to hear is “no”. But Paul tells us as followers of Christ we have all we need to keep our urges in check. So why is self control so important? Not because Paul is a party pooper. But because he understands the destruction that comes from being slaves to our sinful desires. Desires that if acted upon, put us right back into the bondage that Jesus died to free us from. And even more importantly, Paul reminds us that we have the Holy Spirit of Almighty God dwelling inside of us. So if we truly love the Lord, we should strive to honor Him in all things; including being good caretakers of our bodies. For they are given to us by our Creator to whom they belong. And one day those same bodies will be resurrected and glorified to eternal perfection!