Our Lord Is . . .

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer: my God, my strength, in whom I will trust . . . .

Our ROCK (stability). When we stand in God, we see the trials and turmoil that engulfs the world through His eyes. Even though the difficulties of life might break our hearts, we can still bow in worship.

Our FORTRESS (safety). Believers have a place of refuge in the day of attack, a place of perfect peace and safety.

Our DELIVERER (Savior). The saving grace of salvation is the anthem of the redeemed. Praise God!

Our GOD (Sovereign). When we can't make sense of what is happening to us, it is good to know that God is in control and on His throne.

Our STRENGTH. None of us will know what we will face in the future, but we can know that God will give us the strength we need to face it. As a cancer patient, that was my greatest comfort.

Don't Lose Heart

Knowing you are in Jesus Christ, you must know you are just passing through this world on your way home. Along the way you will become discouraged, but you don't have to "lose heart", because God is with you day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not: but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Take heart: God has a plan in every storm, and He will deliver you safely. Preach this truth to yourself every day -- 2 Cor. 4:14.

Take heart: Everything in life is for the glory of God. Life is not about you and what you want, but about God receiving glory in all things. Preach this truth to yourself every day.

Take heart: Look beyond this life to the one that is to come -- 2 Cor. 4:16- 38.

A New Life

On the grave of John Newton, author of Amazing Grace, are these words:

John Newton, Clark

Once an infidel and Libertine,

A servant of slaves in Africa,

Was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour

Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned,

and appointed to preach the faith

he had long labored to destroy.

On one occasion Newton said to a friend, "I am not all that I should be or what I want to be, but thank God I am not what I used to be."

Jesus makes every repentant sinner a new person and His salvation brings with it a brand new life.

1 Corinthians 6:11 . . . . but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of The Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Thanks to Calvary, I am not the man that I used to be

Thanks to Calvary, things are different than before

While the tears ran down my face, I tried to tell them;

Thanks to Calvary, I don't live here anymore

William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither

The Armor Of God

In the end, God will have the last word, and Satan will be forever defeated (Rev. 20:10). In the meantime, God has provided us with everything we need to "stand" for Him against everything the enemy can throw at us.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

BELT OF TRUTH: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17).

BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Whatsoever is true, honest, just pure, lovely, of good report (Phil. 4:6-9).

BOOTS OF PEACE. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 5:1).

SHIELD OF FAITH. . . . and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4).

HELMET OF SALVATION. . . . he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day ( Tim. 1:12).

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalm 119:11).

Wholly Dedicated

When we get away from the realm of our ability and move into the realm of God's ability, then we will see what God can bring to pass in a life wholly dedicated to Him. 

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Are there strongholds in your life that you need to crucify? Perhaps bitterness or unforgiveness or negative attitudes prevent you from growing deeper in the things of God?

You will never receive all God has for you until you tear down the cripling strongholds and wholly dedicate your life to The Christ who lives in you. He can help you do that. 

A Prison Testimony

When Paul and Silas were thrown in prison for spreading the gospel, they began to sing and praise God. In His awesome, Almighty power, He set them free.

Acts 16:26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

God allowed them to be locked in a dungeon to save the jailer and his family, to testify to the city officials, to encourage the saints, and to teach them  that He is greater than any prison or problem they would face?

God may send you into a shackled experience to use you as a vessel of honor for His glory. But He will be with you.

Psalm 46:1-2  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.

Living Hope

Time distroys many hopes; they fade and then die. But the passing of time only makes the hope of believers more beautiful.

1 Peter 1:3,4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.

Living hope for the believer began at the point of faith and repentance and extends into all eternity.
We are kept by the power of God. We have an inheritance that can never be destroyed or confiscated, and at the appearing of Christ we will receive a new body and enter into a new environment.
Praise God!