Have you said ‘No’ to God? Think back to the moment when you stopped hearing from God and you’ll remember your heart’s refusal. Perhaps it was only a small nudge to talk to stranger or to turn back to a store clerk and smile, but that was the moment God’s gentle voice went silent. Don’t refuse the God who speaks. Say ‘Yes!’
Running the race of faith, it is Jesus who sets the pace. We must keep our eyes on Him, sprinting and leaping when He does and resting too. It is Jesus who wrote the gospel in His own blood. And it is Jesus who finishes the work in us by His resurrected life. Keep your eyes on Jesus.
An awareness of the Almighty as Creator and King is in view here. Recognizing Him as God we are awestruck. Our knowledge begins with Him as Creator. Our decisions are guided by the understanding that He is Judge over all. Our passion is shaped by a desire to please and not disappoint Him.
Solomon must’ve been a late sleeper. He shows his sense of humor with this pithy observation. The difference between blessing and cursing isn’t just in the words we choose. It’s also our sense of timing.
Today is Veterans Day. Originally called Armistice Day, marking the end of WWI, it’s name was changed after WWII to honor all vets. It’s good to remember those who have suffered for freedom’s sake. Remember.
Those who accept Christ’s sacrifice for their sins are justified before God. All of their sins, past, present and future are atoned for. They are free from condemnation. This is our assurance of salvation. We are saved by grace and kept by grace. We are made saints of God.
Christ’s return is as certain as His first appearance. Meditate on this. When expecting guests, do you not get your house in order and prepare to meet them? Are you ready for His return?
In the midst of God’s words of lament for Israel, He speaks of a new covenant. This new covenant fulfills the old. It offers salvation that cleanses sin, regenerates spiritually, and brings those far away from God, near. Salvation has a name, Jesus.
It wasn’t external enemies that kept them out of the Promised Land. It was their internal grumbling. They complained against the food and against their leaders, but really they complained against God. So He allowed the grumblers to die in the wilderness, while raising up a new generation that believed.
Jesus is able to save to the uttermost. He doesn’t just throw us a lifeline to stop our drowning in sin. He jumps in and carries us all the way to shore. We’re not only saved in the moment, but saved forever. And not only saved but adopted into His family.