Overcoming

John 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The words Jesus spoke to the disciples hit hard. He will soon die on a Roman cross. Following His miraculous resurrection and the renewal of their faith they will face intense persecution for sharing the Gospel, but they will experience great peace in the Lord.

Tribulation isn’t always a sign that believers have been forsaken or out of God’s will. It may reveal the opposite. Those saved by grace have no reason to fear.  Victory was secured at Calvary. God may or may  not remove your trial, but He will give peace and assurance through the storm. . . . . In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

The Magnitude Of God's Majesty

Psalm 104:1  Bless the Lord , O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

I may not understand the magnitude of the majesty of Almighty God, but I know about His grace and love and greatness. I’ve known Him best through trials and suffering.

David Needham put it this way: “When we find ourself confronted with the stark immensity of our most mysterious God---His grace, His forgiveness, His patience, His creativity, His friendship, His judgment---sometimes they will come at the end of what we feared was an endless grade of suffering.”

I am ever so thankful that The Lord walks me through my valleys to victory. God is good!

Does Jesus Care?

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful 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.

The Lord gives us an open invitation to come to Him for help. He knows our needs before we ask. Yet, aren’t we guilty of trying everything else first?  We try worry, pity, self-effort, etc, and  when those fail we run to Jesus.

Does Jesus really care? Absolutely! He wants to give you peace and understanding with it. God cares and has a plan for your troubles. 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Precious Jesus

Philippians 2:10-13  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Of all the names given to our Lord and Savior, none is as precious, as sweet or as majestic as the name “Jesus”. It was a name handpicked by God the Father. By His cruel death Jesus provided Redemption for all who believe on Him and confess their sins.  1 Pet. 1:18-19.

We don’t hang our futures, base our hopes or exalt the name of one who is dead. No. Our Redeemer lives! Because He lives, we will live forever. One day our eyes will see His beauty. Isaiah 33:17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty . . . . .

Beautiful Savior, Lord of all nations

Son of God and Son of Man

Glory and honor, praise, adoration

Now and forever more be Thine 

--- Joseph A. Seiss

Just As I Am

Mark 2:14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

Levi was among the most despised people in Israel, viewed as a traitor to his people and his nation. As a tax collector, He wasn’t allowed to go to the temple or the synagogues. Then Jesus passed by and said,  “Follow Me,” and he followed. Why would Jesus have use for a man like that? Grace! Amazing Grace!

Jesus loved Levi in spite of his past. He delivered him from the bondage of his sins and gave him a new life. That’s what He did for me and others who are saved.  Jesus found me just as I was, without one plea but that His blood was shed for me. I'm glad. So glad.

I Want To Live In Spiritual Victory

Joshua 1:5  There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 

Moses is dead, but the work of God must go on. He chooses Joshua to lead Israel to conquer Canaan. He promises victory over every enemy. He promises His presence and power, and He  keeps His promises. All Joshua has to do is trust Him.

The Lord makes the same promises to believers today, so why wouldn’t we want to live in spiritual victory? I believe we do. By His power we are able to live as close to God as we can. We can put Jesus first and shed whatever is hindering us. Spiritual victory involves reading and obeying God's Word. What about church attendance, money, and talents? You see, God wants all of us. Seek Him.

Thank God For Grace

2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 

Our sufferings are not wasted. God uses them to minister to others and to bring glory to His name. It's easier to sympathize with someone when we've had the same problem.

When I worked in the Neurosurgery Office a lady patient told me she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Seeing her concern, I told her how God got me through the same disease. When she returned for a follow-up appointment she said, "Thanks for what you told me. I needed to hear it."

When the going gets rough God give us the perfect amount of grace---day by day as needed. Down the road we will be prepared to share our experience for His glory. God has a purpose in everything. Thank God for grace.