A Little Pick-Me-Up

When we get to the point where we really trust God, and we really trust that He speaks to us through His Word, I believe we tend to read Scripture a bit differently.  It has never changed, but yet it takes on a new form when you actively read, anticipating being spoken to, and then, the big part...accepting what it says.  Warfield was write when he said "what Scripture says, God says."

So today, I found myself in prayer for someone in need of a little encouragement, facing some unnerving uncertainty, perhaps a scary time.  Where would I steer such a person?  Trusting God is not surprised by the situation, I presumed He had answers already written down.  He is faithful that way!

Matthew 6, right in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, touches on worry.  Basically - DON'T.  It's in our human nature to worry, and yet in that same section He tells us to set our sights on His righteousness, He'll take care of the little stuff here, even when we think it is BIG stuff.

Hebrews 4:16 closes out a powerful chapter with the challenge to draw near to the throne of grace, God is very accessible.  Better yet, in that same verse He tells us to do so so that we may find mercy and grace to help in time of need.   It is because of the work of Jesus Christ that we can dare to approach God in prayer, that we can dare to expect Him to help when we are in a time of need.

Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as being the ASSURANCE of things hoped for.  We Christians place our hope in the atoning work of Christ.  While others place their trust in earthly matters, we look to God for guidance and help, for security when we get anxious or doubtful.  2 Corinthians 5:7 says it clearly, "we walk by faith, not by sight."  Faith gets us through any trial we face here and now.  It is that same faith that linked us to God through or Savior, Jesus Christ.

Now, if I know someone who right now could use a little encouragement, a refresher on just how good God is, I'm sure you do, too.  Let's pray for those people today, and tomorrow, and keep going.  We also know many who do not possess this blessed hope, those who have never placed their faith and trust in Christ.  Let's challenge them today to examine God's truth.

So, you know who you are, we are praying for you, others are praying for you, and remember, God is so very good!

Be Forgiven

I meant a while back to complete a brief series on forgiveness, and while I have thought much on that, I never put pen to paper, so to speak.  Truth be told, a couple specific situations had arisen that challenged me on whether or not true forgiveness had really taken place.  In reality, if I had continued writing, I probably would have allowed some frustration to come out, and so it seemed best to let it rest for a bit.

Having said that, I will simply conclude this topic by a simple explanation of being forgiven.  It is one thing to forgive, and that in itself is not easy.  But then when you are forgiven, how does that change or shape your behavior?

If I am forgiven of some wrongdoing, guess what!  At some point I had to have admitted that I was wrong.  If you remember the Fonz, he could never quite get that word out of his mouth.  Funny, but we can be so similar.  But now imagine you do confess, and you do admit wrongdoing, and the offended party simply ignores the repentant attitude.  Have you been forgiven?  By that person, no.  However, since the sin is actually against God, while affecting another person, if you have asked God for forgiveness for that offense, He says YES! (1 John 1:9).  And being forgiven by God is what matters!

So, let's take that to salvation.  We must all admit being sinners, being wrong in God's eyes.  It can be hard to admit that.  In fact, it goes against our fleshly nature to admit that.  When we repent of being that sinner, and turn toward God for salvation, again, He says YES!

When I offend someone, and that person forgives me, I should be striving not to commit that same offense again.  It should humble me to have been forgiven, such that I live a more faithful life as a result.  Same goes with God and salvation.  I should be humbled that the God of the universe is willing to forgive me, to declare me "not guilty."  Realizing that He allowed His Son to pay the penalty for MY sin, my life should be changed, pointing to His glory.  I cannot in good conscience purposefully live a sinful live, if I have truly been forgiven.

While this is somewhat superficial, the main point is that repentance and forgiveness, true applications of both, is so essential in our lives, our relationships, and most of all, our salvation.  I trust that we can all point to areas of improvement we need, as well as rest in the assurance of that salvation we joyfully share!

Holding Fast to the Name of our Creator!