Elderly Couple Has Baby

Abraham can’t stop laughing. He’s 100 and Sarah is 90 and they're having a baby?  Everyone may be laughing, but Abraham knows in his heart that Isaac will be a miracle baby.

God first told him 25 years ago, and he never stopped believing.  He knows that God doesn’t lie.

Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Paul is telling the Jews that because Abraham believed the impossible, God counted it unto him for righteousness – not because of his works, but because of his faith.

Romans 4:18-20  Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.  And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Against hope, Abraham believed in hope. That’s how faith works. God wants us to have the same faith.

I’m going to enjoy teaching this lesson to the ladies class tomorrow.

Beyond The Sunset

In the summer of 1936  a group of Christians were discussing a fabulous sunset near a lake. Among them were the well known Christian musicians Virgil Brock and his wife Blanche Kerr Brock. Virgil’s cousin, a blind man, said, “My, that sure is a wonderful sunset. Thanks for picturing it for me.”

When someone asked how he could see it, he replied. “I can see through other people’s eyes, and I think I often see more. I see beyond the sunset.”

The subject shifted to Heaven and what happens after the death of saints. Later that evening Mr. and Mrs. Brock wrote  the  precious old hymn, “Beyond The Sunset”.  Only seniors will probably recognize this song, but it’s worth Googling.

We’ve never seen or heard all that awaits us in Heaven, but God in His love and promise has told us in the Bible of the glory that’s beyond the sunset. I find it a comfort in this day and time.

Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

An Everlasting Kingdom

When the smoke settles and the dust clears, God’s will is going to stand preeminent.  So rejoice Christian! Our Father is still on the throne and no one will ever dethrone Him.

Psalm 145:13  Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

All God has ever been --  He still is and will continue to be. After all, He is “I AM.”
Since our Lord controls the kingdom, He has the authority to grant our requests, and He does according to His will.  That’s a reason to rejoice.

God does what He does so that His name might be exalted. He alone is glorious and He alone deserves glory.

“This old world is bound to change, but I’m glad I know the One who always stays the same.”   ---  
Sue C. Smith, Lee Black, and Janice L. Crow

It Is Finished

The multitude following Jesus was spellbound. He spoke in a manner they had never heard. For example:

"Before Abraham was I am...", John 8:58.  --  "I and my father are one.", John 10:30. -- "...he that hath seen me hath seen the father...", John 14:9.  --  "...I will come again, and receive you unto myself...", John 14:1-3.   --  "Verily, Verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath ever lasting life.", John 6:47.   --  “It is finished.”John 19:30.

These theological statements are absolutely necessary in our understanding of who Jesus Christ really is.  “It is finished.” (I believe) are the greatest words Jesus ever uttered.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, “ It is finished.” and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Because "It is finished", you and I can enjoy salvation through the blood of Jesus without having to fear that our works aren't good enough.

Because “It is finished”,  we can enjoy fellowship with the Father, knowing He will accept us because we have accepted His Son. Only believe.

Tribulation, Patience, And Hope

When bad times come, it’s good to know we  have the precious Holy Spirit in us to guide us, to teach us, to constantly remind us of the awesome love of God for His children.

He makes our earthly journey bearable and  the destination believable. If we will but learn to rest in the Spirit of God, He has the power to keep our hearts in perfect peace. The Apostle Paul understood this best.

Romans 5:3-5  And not only so,  but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;   And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

As God carries us through difficult times, we can rest in the deep settled knowledge that He is in control. We have hope for the next trial.

That Precious Place

If you enjoy your salvation and walk in the light of the Lord, you don’t have to be afraid of anybody.

God strengthens and provides a place of safety for His own, especially those who trust Him. David knew that special place.

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When God’s people abide in that precious place, we possess assurance that the rest of the world knows nothing about.  We don’t have to fear. The Lord promises that He will never leave us. God is good.

Let's Praise God

When everything is said and done, we find that concerning God it’s never all said and done.

He's always going somewhere great and doing something big.  As long as there is a God, there will be a reason to praise His great Name.

Psalm 136:26. O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

God knows when to come and wrap His arms around our lives.  He knows when to whisper sweet peace to our soul. We should praise Him.

Since I'm far from perfect, I praise Him for His never ending mercy.