A New Insight Everyday
Written by Pastor Dave Armstrong
GoodNewsBible.net
Hello everyone! I am planning to share key Bible verses and insights with you every day of the year. These short devotionals are intended to provide daily hope, strength and encouragement. Please feel free to share this page with your friends and family. We want to encourage as many people with God's grace as we possibly can!
Written by Pastor Dave Armstrong
GoodNewsBible.net
Hello everyone! I am planning to share key Bible verses and insights with you every day of the year. These short devotionals are intended to provide daily hope, strength and encouragement. Please feel free to share this page with your friends and family. We want to encourage as many people with God's grace as we possibly can!
Sun Jan 17
KING DAVID INQUIRED OF THE LORD
I find King David to be one of the most fascinating characters in the Bible because although he was far from perfect, he left us an amazing legacy. As I see it, a major part of his success was that early in his life he learned to ask for God’s direction and then wait until he got an answer.
1 Samuel 23:2
Therefore David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the Lord said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
1 Samuel 23:4
Then David enquired of the Lord yet again. And the Lord answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.
1 Samuel 23:10-11
Then said David, O Lord God of Israel, your servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? Will Saul come down, as I your servant has heard? O Lord God of Israel, I ask you, tell thy servant. And the Lord said, He will come down.
2 Samuel 2:1
And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Where shall I go up? And he said, unto Hebron.
2 Samuel 5:19
And David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? Will you deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.
2 Samuel 5:23
And when David enquired of the Lord, he said, Youshalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.
2 Samuel 21:1
Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.
1 Chronicles 10:14
And Saul enquired not of the Lord: therefore He slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.
1 Chronicles 14:10
And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? And will you deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.
Each of us will make many decisions this week. How often will we talk to God about it before we act?
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
I find King David to be one of the most fascinating characters in the Bible because although he was far from perfect, he left us an amazing legacy. As I see it, a major part of his success was that early in his life he learned to ask for God’s direction and then wait until he got an answer.
1 Samuel 23:2
Therefore David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the Lord said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.
1 Samuel 23:4
Then David enquired of the Lord yet again. And the Lord answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.
1 Samuel 23:10-11
Then said David, O Lord God of Israel, your servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? Will Saul come down, as I your servant has heard? O Lord God of Israel, I ask you, tell thy servant. And the Lord said, He will come down.
2 Samuel 2:1
And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Where shall I go up? And he said, unto Hebron.
2 Samuel 5:19
And David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? Will you deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.
2 Samuel 5:23
And when David enquired of the Lord, he said, Youshalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.
2 Samuel 21:1
Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.
1 Chronicles 10:14
And Saul enquired not of the Lord: therefore He slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.
1 Chronicles 14:10
And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? And will you deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.
Each of us will make many decisions this week. How often will we talk to God about it before we act?
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
sat Jan 16
WHAT IS GOD LIKE? (PART 14) - GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY
God is Sovereign
God’s SOVEREIGNTY means that He is in charge of everything. Notice the word “reign” is contained within the word sovereignty. God has everything under control. He is never surprised or caught unprepared. He knew all about the Corona virus in eternity past. As terrible as this plague is, God can and will use it to accomplish His purposes. This is especially true in the lives of saved people.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8.28
"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will." Ephesians 1:11
"I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the LORD, who does all these things. “Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the LORD have created it. Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles.’" Isaiah 45.7-9
I" know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42.2
"Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come? Why should a living man complain, a man, about the punishment of his sins?" Lamentations 3.37-39
"The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them." I Samuel 2:6-8
"Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. "
I Chronicles 29.11-12
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
God is Sovereign
God’s SOVEREIGNTY means that He is in charge of everything. Notice the word “reign” is contained within the word sovereignty. God has everything under control. He is never surprised or caught unprepared. He knew all about the Corona virus in eternity past. As terrible as this plague is, God can and will use it to accomplish His purposes. This is especially true in the lives of saved people.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8.28
"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will." Ephesians 1:11
"I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the LORD, who does all these things. “Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the LORD have created it. Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles.’" Isaiah 45.7-9
I" know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42.2
"Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come? Why should a living man complain, a man, about the punishment of his sins?" Lamentations 3.37-39
"The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them." I Samuel 2:6-8
"Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. "
I Chronicles 29.11-12
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
FRI Jan 15
WHAT IS GOD LIKE? (PART 13) - GOD'S GRACE
God is Gracious
In contrast to mercy by which God holds back what we deserve (condemnation), Grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve.
We don’t earn or deserve anything from God. He says “our righteous to Him is like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64.6) and in our fallen nature we cannot please God (Romans 8.8). Grace is defined as “unmerited favor”. We must give up the concept of a “brownie point” system or “quid pro quo”. Our own devotion, dedication, obedience (etc.) is utterly rejected by God for salvation. God blesses us because it is His nature to do so, not because of anything good he sees in us. Read Ezekiel chapter 16 which is a graphic description of God’s grace in contrast to man's sin. Author A.W. Tozer says, "It is by His grace that God imputes merit [righteousness] where none previously existed and declares no debt where one had been before.."
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8,9
"But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness..." Titus 3.4,5
"The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men." Titus 2:11
"Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:24
"For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many." Romans 5.15
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
God is Gracious
In contrast to mercy by which God holds back what we deserve (condemnation), Grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve.
We don’t earn or deserve anything from God. He says “our righteous to Him is like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64.6) and in our fallen nature we cannot please God (Romans 8.8). Grace is defined as “unmerited favor”. We must give up the concept of a “brownie point” system or “quid pro quo”. Our own devotion, dedication, obedience (etc.) is utterly rejected by God for salvation. God blesses us because it is His nature to do so, not because of anything good he sees in us. Read Ezekiel chapter 16 which is a graphic description of God’s grace in contrast to man's sin. Author A.W. Tozer says, "It is by His grace that God imputes merit [righteousness] where none previously existed and declares no debt where one had been before.."
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8,9
"But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness..." Titus 3.4,5
"The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men." Titus 2:11
"Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:24
"For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many." Romans 5.15
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Thu Jan 14
WHAT IS GOD LIKE? (PART 12) - GOD'S MERCY
God is Merciful
Mercy is the attribute of God that causes Him to hold back the judgement and punishment we deserve.
Have MERCY upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. PSALM 51.1
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his MERCY toward them that fear him……But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children. PSALM 103.10,11,17
But God, who is rich in MERCY, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath made us alive together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved) Ephesians 2:4
Surely goodness and MERCY shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. psalm 23.6
Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy MERCY remember me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord. PSALM 25.7
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have MERCY. PROVERBS 28.13
Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in MERCY. MICAH 7.18
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained MERCY, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained MERCY. I TIMOTHY 1.13,15,16
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
God is Merciful
Mercy is the attribute of God that causes Him to hold back the judgement and punishment we deserve.
Have MERCY upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. PSALM 51.1
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his MERCY toward them that fear him……But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children. PSALM 103.10,11,17
But God, who is rich in MERCY, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath made us alive together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved) Ephesians 2:4
Surely goodness and MERCY shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. psalm 23.6
Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy MERCY remember me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord. PSALM 25.7
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have MERCY. PROVERBS 28.13
Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in MERCY. MICAH 7.18
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained MERCY, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained MERCY. I TIMOTHY 1.13,15,16
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Wed Jan 13
WHAT IS GOD LIKE? (PART 11) - GOD'S SELF-EXISTENCE
God is Eternally Self-Existent
God does not depend upon anyone or anything for His existence. He is totally independent. He doesn’t need our help.
Often appeals in churches are presented in a way that suggests that God needs the money or He needs someone to go and do something for Him. To the contrary, God is completely self-sufficient.
"For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself." John 5.26
"Neither is God worshipped with men's hands [idolatry], as though he needed any thing, seeing he gives to all life, and breath, and all things." Acts 17.25
"If I were hungry, I would not tell you: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof." Psalm 50.12
"Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Everything under heaven is Mine." Job 40.1
"Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being his counsellor has taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?" Isaiah 40.12-13
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
God is Eternally Self-Existent
God does not depend upon anyone or anything for His existence. He is totally independent. He doesn’t need our help.
Often appeals in churches are presented in a way that suggests that God needs the money or He needs someone to go and do something for Him. To the contrary, God is completely self-sufficient.
"For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself." John 5.26
"Neither is God worshipped with men's hands [idolatry], as though he needed any thing, seeing he gives to all life, and breath, and all things." Acts 17.25
"If I were hungry, I would not tell you: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof." Psalm 50.12
"Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Everything under heaven is Mine." Job 40.1
"Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being his counsellor has taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?" Isaiah 40.12-13
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Tue Jan 12
WHAT IS GOD LIKE? (PART 10) - GOD'S JUSTICE
God is Always Just, Right & Fair
When we consider God’s justice, the Bible repeatedly states that God is completely fair in His dealings with the human race.
"Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" GENESIS 18.2
"He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." DEUTERONOMY 32.4
"And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice, partiality, or bribery." II CHRONICLES 19.7
"So you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge." PSALM 51.4
The question is often raised, “How can God be fair and send anyone to hell?” An unknown sage responded “How can God be fair and let anyone into heaven?” In light of what God’s word says about the human race, that sage is absolutely right.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." ROMANS 3.23
"For there is not a just man upon earth, that does good, and never sins." Ecclesiastes 7.20
"There is none righteous, no, not one." ROMANS 3.10
Remember; God is the judge, He makes the rules.
"For the wages of sin is death." ROMANS 6.23
"The soul that sins, it shall die." EZEKIEL 18.4
"[GOD] will by no means clear the guilty." EXODUS 34.7
The good news is that because of the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ, God can clear the guilty and still be fair and just.
"But to him that does not work, but believes on him who JUSTIFIES THE UNGODLY, his faith is counted for righteousness." ROMANS 4.5
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
God is Always Just, Right & Fair
When we consider God’s justice, the Bible repeatedly states that God is completely fair in His dealings with the human race.
"Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" GENESIS 18.2
"He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." DEUTERONOMY 32.4
"And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice, partiality, or bribery." II CHRONICLES 19.7
"So you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge." PSALM 51.4
The question is often raised, “How can God be fair and send anyone to hell?” An unknown sage responded “How can God be fair and let anyone into heaven?” In light of what God’s word says about the human race, that sage is absolutely right.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." ROMANS 3.23
"For there is not a just man upon earth, that does good, and never sins." Ecclesiastes 7.20
"There is none righteous, no, not one." ROMANS 3.10
Remember; God is the judge, He makes the rules.
"For the wages of sin is death." ROMANS 6.23
"The soul that sins, it shall die." EZEKIEL 18.4
"[GOD] will by no means clear the guilty." EXODUS 34.7
The good news is that because of the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ, God can clear the guilty and still be fair and just.
"But to him that does not work, but believes on him who JUSTIFIES THE UNGODLY, his faith is counted for righteousness." ROMANS 4.5
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
MON Jan 11
WHAT IS GOD LIKE? (PART 9) - GOD's VERACITY
God's Truth!
Veracity means absolute conformity to truth. God never lies or makes misleading statements. He always keeps His promise.
"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." Titus 1:2
"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" Numbers 23:19
"That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us ." Hebrews 6:18
"He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." Deuteronomy 32.4
"The works of His hands are truth and justice; All His precepts are sure. They are upheld forever and ever; They are performed in truth and uprightness." Psalm 111:7-8
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,
but by me." John 14:6
Since the Bible is the Word of God it is as true as God Himself. Inspiration demands inerrancy.
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17
"For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119.89
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
God's Truth!
Veracity means absolute conformity to truth. God never lies or makes misleading statements. He always keeps His promise.
"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." Titus 1:2
"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" Numbers 23:19
"That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us ." Hebrews 6:18
"He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." Deuteronomy 32.4
"The works of His hands are truth and justice; All His precepts are sure. They are upheld forever and ever; They are performed in truth and uprightness." Psalm 111:7-8
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,
but by me." John 14:6
Since the Bible is the Word of God it is as true as God Himself. Inspiration demands inerrancy.
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17
"For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119.89
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
SUN Jan 10
WHAT IS GOD LIKE? (PART 8) - GOD's PROVIDENCE
God's Provides!
The eighth Divine attribute we will consider is God’s PROVIDENCE. Derived from the word “provide” it refers to the good things we receive from God on a regular basis. God is so consistent in his goodness toward us that we can easily take it for granted. Take a minute today and thank God for some of His gracious provision.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." JAMES 1.17
"The LORD will indeed provide what is good, and our land will yield its increase." PSALM 85.12
"So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" MATTHEW 7.11
"Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." ACTS 14.17
"He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." MATTHEW 5.45
"Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy." I TIMOTHY 6.17
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly." PSALM 84.11
"Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing.
Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing."
PSALM 34.9-10
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
God's Provides!
The eighth Divine attribute we will consider is God’s PROVIDENCE. Derived from the word “provide” it refers to the good things we receive from God on a regular basis. God is so consistent in his goodness toward us that we can easily take it for granted. Take a minute today and thank God for some of His gracious provision.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." JAMES 1.17
"The LORD will indeed provide what is good, and our land will yield its increase." PSALM 85.12
"So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" MATTHEW 7.11
"Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." ACTS 14.17
"He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." MATTHEW 5.45
"Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy." I TIMOTHY 6.17
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly." PSALM 84.11
"Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing.
Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing."
PSALM 34.9-10
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Sat Jan 9
WHAT IS GOD LIKE? (PART 7) - GOD IS OMNIPOTENT
God is All-Powerful !
The seventh attribute of God is OMNIPOTENCE which means that God is all powerful. His ability is unlimited. He can accomplish anything he desires.
"For with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke 1.37
"Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." Genesis 18.14
"Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heaven and the earth by your great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for You" Jeremiah 32:17
“'Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid……if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.'
'If you can?' said Jesus. 'everything is possible for one who believes'." Mark 9:23
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
God is All-Powerful !
The seventh attribute of God is OMNIPOTENCE which means that God is all powerful. His ability is unlimited. He can accomplish anything he desires.
"For with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke 1.37
"Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." Genesis 18.14
"Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heaven and the earth by your great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for You" Jeremiah 32:17
“'Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid……if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.'
'If you can?' said Jesus. 'everything is possible for one who believes'." Mark 9:23
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
FRI JAN 8
WHAT IS GOD LIKE? (PART 6) - GOD IS Holy
God is Separate from Evil & Above All Else
The sixth of God’s attributes we will study is HOLINESS. God abhors evil in all forms and separates Himself from it.
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!" Isaiah 6:3
"You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on iniquity." Habakkuk 1:13
"For you are not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with you." Psalm 5:4
"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:2
"And he said, Do not come near: put off thy shoes from off your feet, for the place whereon you stand is holy ground." Exodus 3:5
God’s holiness excludes us from His presence. Because we are sinners we cannot enter His heaven. This is why Jesus had to die for our sins. Only through His sacrificial death can we come to God.
"Jesus said unto him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.'" John 14:6
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
God is Separate from Evil & Above All Else
The sixth of God’s attributes we will study is HOLINESS. God abhors evil in all forms and separates Himself from it.
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!" Isaiah 6:3
"You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on iniquity." Habakkuk 1:13
"For you are not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with you." Psalm 5:4
"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:2
"And he said, Do not come near: put off thy shoes from off your feet, for the place whereon you stand is holy ground." Exodus 3:5
God’s holiness excludes us from His presence. Because we are sinners we cannot enter His heaven. This is why Jesus had to die for our sins. Only through His sacrificial death can we come to God.
"Jesus said unto him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.'" John 14:6
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Thu Jan 7
WHAT IS GOD LIKE? (PART 5) - GOD IS OMNIPRESENT
God is Everywhere
God can be everywhere at once. There was probably a believer among the astronauts that went to the moon, which means the indwelling Holy Spirit was just as much there as He is in each believer on earth. God told Moses “My presence shall go with you” (Exodus 33:14). This holds true for every believer no matter where we go.
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:7-10
"'Am I a God who is only close at hand?' says the Lord. 'No, I am far away at the same time. Can anyone hide from me in a secret place?
Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?'” Jeremiah 23:23-24
When believers meet together, Jesus promises to be there. On a given Sunday, thousands of churches assemble all over the world to glorify Christ and He is present in each one.
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
God is Everywhere
God can be everywhere at once. There was probably a believer among the astronauts that went to the moon, which means the indwelling Holy Spirit was just as much there as He is in each believer on earth. God told Moses “My presence shall go with you” (Exodus 33:14). This holds true for every believer no matter where we go.
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:7-10
"'Am I a God who is only close at hand?' says the Lord. 'No, I am far away at the same time. Can anyone hide from me in a secret place?
Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?'” Jeremiah 23:23-24
When believers meet together, Jesus promises to be there. On a given Sunday, thousands of churches assemble all over the world to glorify Christ and He is present in each one.
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Wed Jan 6
WHAT IS GOD LIKE? (PART 4) - GOD IS OMNISCIENT
God is All-Knowing
God knows everything. When I take apart a piece of equipment to fix it, I am often reminded that God understands the overall design and function of every part. God knows everything about the universe (He created it!) and He knows about everything in the universe. God knows exactly what will happen in 2021. He knows exactly what will happen in 2025 and 2030. There in no limit to His knowledge. God know exactly how long you will live, as well as when and how you will die. He knows all about our needs and desires. From a practical standpoint, we can pray and seek God’s direction in all areas of life including technology, investments, crops and relationships. God knows about the past, present and future. He hears every word we say and knows everyone of our thoughts (and loves us anyway!).
"There is no creature that is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13
Jesus knew exactly what His enemies were thinking and asked, them “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” Luke 5:22
Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father knowing. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:29 -30
Jesus said, "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” Matthew 6:8
“O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” Psalm 139:1-6
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
God is All-Knowing
God knows everything. When I take apart a piece of equipment to fix it, I am often reminded that God understands the overall design and function of every part. God knows everything about the universe (He created it!) and He knows about everything in the universe. God knows exactly what will happen in 2021. He knows exactly what will happen in 2025 and 2030. There in no limit to His knowledge. God know exactly how long you will live, as well as when and how you will die. He knows all about our needs and desires. From a practical standpoint, we can pray and seek God’s direction in all areas of life including technology, investments, crops and relationships. God knows about the past, present and future. He hears every word we say and knows everyone of our thoughts (and loves us anyway!).
"There is no creature that is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13
Jesus knew exactly what His enemies were thinking and asked, them “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” Luke 5:22
Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father knowing. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:29 -30
Jesus said, "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” Matthew 6:8
“O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” Psalm 139:1-6
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
TUE Jan 5
WHAT IS GOD LIKE? (PART 3) - GOD IS LOVE
3. LOVE.
God is in His very nature love. Human beings love because they find someone lovable or attractive. God does not find us lovable or attractive and yet he loves us.
“God is love.” I John 4:8
"But God demonstrates his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins." Ephesians 2:4,5
"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation (satisfactory payment) for our sins." I John 4:10
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." I John 3:1
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
3. LOVE.
God is in His very nature love. Human beings love because they find someone lovable or attractive. God does not find us lovable or attractive and yet he loves us.
“God is love.” I John 4:8
"But God demonstrates his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins." Ephesians 2:4,5
"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation (satisfactory payment) for our sins." I John 4:10
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." I John 3:1
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Mon Jan 4
WHAT IS GOD LIKE - PART 2
Yesterday we began a study of Gos’s attributes. Understanding God’s character traits will help us know God better.
2. IMMUTABILITY; the unchangeableness of God. He is absolutely dependable. His standards and values never change. He is always there for us. “God does not have mood swings“ - Josh Mc Dowell
"For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." Malachi 3:6
"And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent (change his mind): for he is not a man, that he should repent. " I SAMUEL 15:29
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." HEBREWS 13:8
"The Father of lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." JAMES 1;17
"But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end." PSALM 102:27
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Yesterday we began a study of Gos’s attributes. Understanding God’s character traits will help us know God better.
2. IMMUTABILITY; the unchangeableness of God. He is absolutely dependable. His standards and values never change. He is always there for us. “God does not have mood swings“ - Josh Mc Dowell
"For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." Malachi 3:6
"And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent (change his mind): for he is not a man, that he should repent. " I SAMUEL 15:29
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." HEBREWS 13:8
"The Father of lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." JAMES 1;17
"But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end." PSALM 102:27
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
SUN Jan 3
WHAT IS GOD LIKE?
Today we will begin a study of the attributes of God. These divine character traits help us know God better. They are possessed equally by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
1. ETERNALITY or eternal life. God has always existed and always will exist. He is not limited by time. He doesn’t have to wait for something to happen.
"But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations." Psalm 102:12
"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God." Psalm 90:2
"For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night." Psalm 90:4
"Who only hath immortality…… to whom be honor and power everlasting." I Timothy 6:16
Jesus said: "Before Abraham was, I am." John 8:58
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Today we will begin a study of the attributes of God. These divine character traits help us know God better. They are possessed equally by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
1. ETERNALITY or eternal life. God has always existed and always will exist. He is not limited by time. He doesn’t have to wait for something to happen.
"But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations." Psalm 102:12
"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God." Psalm 90:2
"For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night." Psalm 90:4
"Who only hath immortality…… to whom be honor and power everlasting." I Timothy 6:16
Jesus said: "Before Abraham was, I am." John 8:58
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Sat Jan 2
PROPITIATION
The word I want to to talk to you about today is PROPITIATION. This big word can be simply defined as 'satisfaction'. To understand this concept we must understand the justice of God. He is an infinitely righteous being who will not tolerate sin. As the judge of the universe He must punish sin. Just as our criminal laws demand minimum penalties for certain crimes, God has standards of justice that must be met. One such standard is stated in Ezekiel 18:4; “The soul that sins, it must die”. The suffering and death of Jesus Christ satisfied the righteous demands of God’s law. He took upon Himself the judgement of God that we deserve. God was propitiated - His justice was satisfied because justice was meted out to the fullest extend on the cross.
"Here is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the PROPITIATION for our sins." I John 4:10
"God presented Him as a PROPITIATION through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His restraint God passed over the sins previously committed." Romans 3:25 HCSB
"He (God) shall see of the travail of his [Jesus’] soul, and shall be SATISFIED." Isaiah 53:11
"And he [Jesus] is the PROPITIATION for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
The word I want to to talk to you about today is PROPITIATION. This big word can be simply defined as 'satisfaction'. To understand this concept we must understand the justice of God. He is an infinitely righteous being who will not tolerate sin. As the judge of the universe He must punish sin. Just as our criminal laws demand minimum penalties for certain crimes, God has standards of justice that must be met. One such standard is stated in Ezekiel 18:4; “The soul that sins, it must die”. The suffering and death of Jesus Christ satisfied the righteous demands of God’s law. He took upon Himself the judgement of God that we deserve. God was propitiated - His justice was satisfied because justice was meted out to the fullest extend on the cross.
"Here is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the PROPITIATION for our sins." I John 4:10
"God presented Him as a PROPITIATION through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His restraint God passed over the sins previously committed." Romans 3:25 HCSB
"He (God) shall see of the travail of his [Jesus’] soul, and shall be SATISFIED." Isaiah 53:11
"And he [Jesus] is the PROPITIATION for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Fri Jan 1
NEW YEAR! - NEW BIRTH!
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness of sins and eternal life, we are REGENERATED which means to be “born again” or “born of God”. Birth is how life begins; birth is how we become part of our family. The “again” part means that our first birth is physical while being born again is a new birth - a spiritual birth. Jesus used this phrase with Nicodemus, a respected religious leader, to show him how to go to Heaven;
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be BORN AGAIN, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3
"Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah, Son of God) is BORN AGAIN." I John 5:1
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been BORN AGAIN, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation." I Peter 1:3 NLT
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of REGENERATION, and renewing of the Holy Spirit." Titus 3:5
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness of sins and eternal life, we are REGENERATED which means to be “born again” or “born of God”. Birth is how life begins; birth is how we become part of our family. The “again” part means that our first birth is physical while being born again is a new birth - a spiritual birth. Jesus used this phrase with Nicodemus, a respected religious leader, to show him how to go to Heaven;
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be BORN AGAIN, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3
"Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah, Son of God) is BORN AGAIN." I John 5:1
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been BORN AGAIN, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation." I Peter 1:3 NLT
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of REGENERATION, and renewing of the Holy Spirit." Titus 3:5
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Previous Month's Daily Insights
December 2020
December 2020
Thu Dec 31
SANCTIFICATION - PART 3
The third phase of our sanctification is still future. God promises to make us as perfect as Jesus Christ not only in our souls but also our bodies. This event is also known as glorification. Whether we are dead or alive, this will happen when Jesus returns to remove all believers from the earth (the rapture).
“For our citizenship is in heaven; from where we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Philippians 3:20,21
"When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:4
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." I John 3:2
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible (body) must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." I Corinthians 15:51-53
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
The third phase of our sanctification is still future. God promises to make us as perfect as Jesus Christ not only in our souls but also our bodies. This event is also known as glorification. Whether we are dead or alive, this will happen when Jesus returns to remove all believers from the earth (the rapture).
“For our citizenship is in heaven; from where we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Philippians 3:20,21
"When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:4
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." I John 3:2
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible (body) must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." I Corinthians 15:51-53
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Wed Dec 30
SANCTIFICATION - PART 2
Yesterday we began a study of SANCTIFICATION. We learned that when we believe in Jesus, God sets us apart to serve Him. There is also a progressive aspect of sanctification which makes us more useful to God as we take on the character of Christ.
“He predestinated us to be conformed to the image of his Son” Romans 8:29
The Westminster Shorter Catechism defines sanctification as “the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.” This process of sanctification requires our cooperation with God in the following areas: 1. Separation from personal sin;
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thes 4:3)
"Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness (sanctification) in the fear of God." (II Corinthians 7:1)
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…...My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. (I John 1:9, 2:1)
2. Intake of the Word of God. When we read and study our Bible, the Holy Spirit applies it to our life;
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord [in the Bible] are being transformed into the same image from one degree
of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (II Corinthians 3:18 ESV)
"Sanctify them through thy truth, Thy word is truth” (John 17:17)
There is a future aspect of sanctification, which we will consider tomorrow..
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Yesterday we began a study of SANCTIFICATION. We learned that when we believe in Jesus, God sets us apart to serve Him. There is also a progressive aspect of sanctification which makes us more useful to God as we take on the character of Christ.
“He predestinated us to be conformed to the image of his Son” Romans 8:29
The Westminster Shorter Catechism defines sanctification as “the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.” This process of sanctification requires our cooperation with God in the following areas: 1. Separation from personal sin;
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thes 4:3)
"Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness (sanctification) in the fear of God." (II Corinthians 7:1)
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…...My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. (I John 1:9, 2:1)
2. Intake of the Word of God. When we read and study our Bible, the Holy Spirit applies it to our life;
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord [in the Bible] are being transformed into the same image from one degree
of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (II Corinthians 3:18 ESV)
"Sanctify them through thy truth, Thy word is truth” (John 17:17)
There is a future aspect of sanctification, which we will consider tomorrow..
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Tue Dec 29
SANCTIFICATION
The word I want to talk to you about today is SANCTIFICATION. This word means 'to set apart'. The word "sanctification" is closely related to the words "saint" and "holy". Baker's Dictionary of Theology has an excellent definition of sanctification: "To sanctify someone or something is to set that person or thing apart for the use intended by its designer. A pen is 'sanctified'when used to write. Eyeglasses are 'sanctified' when used to improve sight. In the theological sense, things are sanctified when they are used for the purpose God intends. A human being is sanctified, therefore, when he or she lives according to God's design and purpose." When we believe in Jesus Christ alone for our salvation, God makes us His own, setting us apart for His use. This concept was first seen in the Temple of the Old Testament. The building, the furniture, the vessels were set apart for God's service and were to be used only for that purpose. Our sanctification implies an obligation to serve God. Our time, our energy and our resources should be used to carry out His work in this world.
"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ..." I Peter 1:2
"But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God." I Corinthians 6:9
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." I Corinthians 6:19-20
Sanctification also has a present, progressive aspect which we will discuss tomorrow.
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
The word I want to talk to you about today is SANCTIFICATION. This word means 'to set apart'. The word "sanctification" is closely related to the words "saint" and "holy". Baker's Dictionary of Theology has an excellent definition of sanctification: "To sanctify someone or something is to set that person or thing apart for the use intended by its designer. A pen is 'sanctified'when used to write. Eyeglasses are 'sanctified' when used to improve sight. In the theological sense, things are sanctified when they are used for the purpose God intends. A human being is sanctified, therefore, when he or she lives according to God's design and purpose." When we believe in Jesus Christ alone for our salvation, God makes us His own, setting us apart for His use. This concept was first seen in the Temple of the Old Testament. The building, the furniture, the vessels were set apart for God's service and were to be used only for that purpose. Our sanctification implies an obligation to serve God. Our time, our energy and our resources should be used to carry out His work in this world.
"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ..." I Peter 1:2
"But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God." I Corinthians 6:9
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." I Corinthians 6:19-20
Sanctification also has a present, progressive aspect which we will discuss tomorrow.
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Mon Dec 28
MORE ABOUT PRAYER!
"And all things, WHATSOEVER ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." MATTTHEW 21.22
Today’s verses encourage us to broaden the scope and sharpen the focus of our prayers. If you listen to people pray you will probably hear the word “bless” repeatedly. Words lose their effectiveness when over used. Furthermore, we tend to limit our prayers to health, safety and material needs. Jesus tells us to branch out — ask for anything, whatever you want! Be specific!
"Therefore I say unto you, WHATEVER THINGS you desire, when ye pray, believe that you will receive them, and ye shall have them."
MARK 11.24
"And WHATSOEVER ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” JOHN 14.13-14
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that WHATSOEVER ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15.16
Verily, verily, I say unto you, WHATSOEVER ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” John 16.23
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask ANYTHING according to his will, he hears us:”And if we know that he hear us, WHATSOEVER we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” I JOHN 5.14, 15
Some super-spiritual types may say that this sounds selfish. Well before you limit your prayers to “bless the missionaries and sick people”, take a look at Jabez;
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! AND GOD GRANTED HIM WHAT HE REQUESTED."
1 Chronicles 4:10
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
"And all things, WHATSOEVER ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." MATTTHEW 21.22
Today’s verses encourage us to broaden the scope and sharpen the focus of our prayers. If you listen to people pray you will probably hear the word “bless” repeatedly. Words lose their effectiveness when over used. Furthermore, we tend to limit our prayers to health, safety and material needs. Jesus tells us to branch out — ask for anything, whatever you want! Be specific!
"Therefore I say unto you, WHATEVER THINGS you desire, when ye pray, believe that you will receive them, and ye shall have them."
MARK 11.24
"And WHATSOEVER ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” JOHN 14.13-14
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that WHATSOEVER ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15.16
Verily, verily, I say unto you, WHATSOEVER ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” John 16.23
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask ANYTHING according to his will, he hears us:”And if we know that he hear us, WHATSOEVER we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” I JOHN 5.14, 15
Some super-spiritual types may say that this sounds selfish. Well before you limit your prayers to “bless the missionaries and sick people”, take a look at Jabez;
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! AND GOD GRANTED HIM WHAT HE REQUESTED."
1 Chronicles 4:10
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SUN Dec 27
THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER!
All prayer is to be addressed to God the Father in Jesus name. Today we will look at the purpose of prayer. Why should we pray? After all, the Father already knows what we need before we ask him (Matthew 7:8). Furthermore, doesn’t God determine everything that will happen ahead of time whether we pray or not? (Ephesians 1:11). Here are four good reasons that we should pray:
1. God commands us to pray and do do it often; “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 (NIV) “Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request...” Ephesians 6:18 (HCSB) “Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17 (NASB)
2. Prayer glorifies God. It draws attention to His marvelous character; “And whatever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14.13 (KJV). “...ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit.” John 15.7-8 (NASB). “Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15 (NASB).
3. Answered prayer brings us happiness; “Until now you have asked nothing in my name: ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16.26 (NASB).
4. Prayer clearly changes the outcome of things; "Then Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, and said, 'Lord, why does Your anger burn against Your people?…Turn from Your burning anger and relent of doing harm to Your people. So the Lord relented of the harm which He said He would do to His people." Exodus 32:12-14 (NAS). "And I said, 'Lord GOD, please forgive! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?' So the LORD relented from this plan. 'It will not happen," He said." (Amos 7:2-3)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
All prayer is to be addressed to God the Father in Jesus name. Today we will look at the purpose of prayer. Why should we pray? After all, the Father already knows what we need before we ask him (Matthew 7:8). Furthermore, doesn’t God determine everything that will happen ahead of time whether we pray or not? (Ephesians 1:11). Here are four good reasons that we should pray:
1. God commands us to pray and do do it often; “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 (NIV) “Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request...” Ephesians 6:18 (HCSB) “Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17 (NASB)
2. Prayer glorifies God. It draws attention to His marvelous character; “And whatever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14.13 (KJV). “...ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit.” John 15.7-8 (NASB). “Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15 (NASB).
3. Answered prayer brings us happiness; “Until now you have asked nothing in my name: ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16.26 (NASB).
4. Prayer clearly changes the outcome of things; "Then Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, and said, 'Lord, why does Your anger burn against Your people?…Turn from Your burning anger and relent of doing harm to Your people. So the Lord relented of the harm which He said He would do to His people." Exodus 32:12-14 (NAS). "And I said, 'Lord GOD, please forgive! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?' So the LORD relented from this plan. 'It will not happen," He said." (Amos 7:2-3)
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SAT Dec 26
CHRIST HAS PURCHASED YOUR RIGHT TO PRAY!
“Whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15.16
As we look at the subject of prayer in John 14-16, we are repeatedly told to pray in Jesus’ name. When we are told something six times in rapid succession, it must matter! See John 14.13-14, 15.16, 16.23, 16.24, 16.26
To pray in Jesus’ name is to recognize that we have absolutely no right to approach God. We are sinners, He is righteous. The only reason that God will hear us is because Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins. Believing in Him makes us acceptable to God.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God….” I PETER 3.18
In his Bible Commentary, William Burkitt explains what it means to pray in the Name of Jesus:
“To look up unto Christ as having purchased for us this privilege that we may pray: for it is by the blood of Christ that we draw near to God, and that a throne of grace is open for us. To pray in the name of Christ, is to pray in the strength of Christ, to pray in the virtue of the present mediation [and intercession] of Christ; believing that what we ask on earth, Christ obtains in heaven."
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God….. Let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” HEBREWS 4.14,16
“For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” EPHESIANS 2.18
“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” EPHESIANS 3.12
“…through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand…”. ROMANS 5.2
“No one comes to the Father except through me.” JOHN 14.6
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” I TIMOTHY 2.5
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“Whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15.16
As we look at the subject of prayer in John 14-16, we are repeatedly told to pray in Jesus’ name. When we are told something six times in rapid succession, it must matter! See John 14.13-14, 15.16, 16.23, 16.24, 16.26
To pray in Jesus’ name is to recognize that we have absolutely no right to approach God. We are sinners, He is righteous. The only reason that God will hear us is because Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins. Believing in Him makes us acceptable to God.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God….” I PETER 3.18
In his Bible Commentary, William Burkitt explains what it means to pray in the Name of Jesus:
“To look up unto Christ as having purchased for us this privilege that we may pray: for it is by the blood of Christ that we draw near to God, and that a throne of grace is open for us. To pray in the name of Christ, is to pray in the strength of Christ, to pray in the virtue of the present mediation [and intercession] of Christ; believing that what we ask on earth, Christ obtains in heaven."
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God….. Let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” HEBREWS 4.14,16
“For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” EPHESIANS 2.18
“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” EPHESIANS 3.12
“…through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand…”. ROMANS 5.2
“No one comes to the Father except through me.” JOHN 14.6
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” I TIMOTHY 2.5
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Fri Dec 25
THE MIRACLE OF JESUS' BIRTH
"This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means God with us). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus." Matthew 1:17-25 (NIV)
The following passage was written over 700 years before Jesus was born: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." John 3:16-18 (NIV)
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Acts 16:31 (NIV)
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"This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means God with us). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus." Matthew 1:17-25 (NIV)
The following passage was written over 700 years before Jesus was born: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." John 3:16-18 (NIV)
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Acts 16:31 (NIV)
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Thu Dec 24
GOD GIVES GENEROUSLY!
"Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7.9-11
Yesterday I suggested that the greatest limitation to our prayers is simply that don’t that pray enough. I think we don’t ask God for certain things because we don’t fully comprehend His grace and generosity.
Peter calls Him, “the God of all grace” I Peter 5.10
David says; “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly”. Psalm 84.11
God revealed Himself to Moses as; “The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, patient, and abundant in goodness and truth….” Exodus 34.6
Many people view God as stern, severe, austere, and stingy and therefore they refrain from asking God for anything that might bring pleasure or make them happy. This is not the God the Bible.
“Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” Psalm 35.27
“….you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1.5
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1.17 NIV
“I will make known the LORD's loving devotion and His praiseworthy acts, because of all the LORD has done for us ….. according to His compassion and the abundance of His loving devotion.” Isaiah 63.7
“He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?” Romans 8.32
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"Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7.9-11
Yesterday I suggested that the greatest limitation to our prayers is simply that don’t that pray enough. I think we don’t ask God for certain things because we don’t fully comprehend His grace and generosity.
Peter calls Him, “the God of all grace” I Peter 5.10
David says; “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly”. Psalm 84.11
God revealed Himself to Moses as; “The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, patient, and abundant in goodness and truth….” Exodus 34.6
Many people view God as stern, severe, austere, and stingy and therefore they refrain from asking God for anything that might bring pleasure or make them happy. This is not the God the Bible.
“Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” Psalm 35.27
“….you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1.5
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1.17 NIV
“I will make known the LORD's loving devotion and His praiseworthy acts, because of all the LORD has done for us ….. according to His compassion and the abundance of His loving devotion.” Isaiah 63.7
“He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?” Romans 8.32
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Wed - Dec 23
JUST ASK!
“ASK, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7.7)
In this verse, Jesus introduces the subject of prayer. Prayer is a powerful tool that God has given to every believer. Sadly, it doesn’t get enough use. Jesus re-introduces the subject in His final discourse which he gave after the last supper the night before he was crucified. As Jesus prepares His disciples for life without Him in their midst, He repeatedly tells them to use this powerful tool; JUST ASK!
“And I will do whatever you ASK in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ASK me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14.13-14)
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ASK what you will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15.7)
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ASK of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” (John 15.16)
“Until now have you ASKED nothing in my name: ASK, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full. “ (John 16.24)
Over the next few days, we will look at verses that help us make this tool work more effectively, but our biggest fault is that we just don’t use it enough.
“...you have not, because you ASK not.” (James 4.2)
“Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4.6)
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
(Hebrews 4.16)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
“ASK, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7.7)
In this verse, Jesus introduces the subject of prayer. Prayer is a powerful tool that God has given to every believer. Sadly, it doesn’t get enough use. Jesus re-introduces the subject in His final discourse which he gave after the last supper the night before he was crucified. As Jesus prepares His disciples for life without Him in their midst, He repeatedly tells them to use this powerful tool; JUST ASK!
“And I will do whatever you ASK in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ASK me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14.13-14)
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ASK what you will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15.7)
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ASK of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” (John 15.16)
“Until now have you ASKED nothing in my name: ASK, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full. “ (John 16.24)
Over the next few days, we will look at verses that help us make this tool work more effectively, but our biggest fault is that we just don’t use it enough.
“...you have not, because you ASK not.” (James 4.2)
“Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4.6)
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
(Hebrews 4.16)
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Tue - dec 22
ARE YOU THIRSTY? (PART 2)
Yesterday we began to look at this wonderful invitation from Jesus:
“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture says, streams of living water will flow from within him.” (John 7:37-38)
In this passage, Jesus uses the word “thirst” to represent our need (sin leaves us dry, parched and dying of thirst). He uses the phrase “let him come to me and drink” as an illustration of faith (“He who believes in Me”). Yesterday, we quoted Charles Spurgeon who emphasized that there is just one prerequisite in Jesus’ offer - “If anyone is thirsty.” In contrast to those who teach that a sinner has to clean himself up, or change his behavior, or give up something before he can come to Christ, Spurgeon has these additional comments.
“No waiting or preparation is so much as hinted at [in John 7:37-38]...Drinking represents a reception for which no fitness is required. A fool, a thief, a harlot can drink; and so sinfulness of character is no bar to the invitation to believe in Jesus...Blistered, leprous, filthy lips may touch the stream of divine love; they cannot pollute it, but shall themselves be purified...The sinner must come [only] to Jesus; not to works, ordinances, or doctrines, but to a personal Redeemer...the bleeding, dying, rising Savior is the only star of hope to a sinner.”
“Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree [on the cross]... Christ has suffered for sins once [once and for all], the righteous One for the unrighteous ones, in order to bring us to God. Having been put to death in His body, but raised to life [resurrected from the dead] by the Spirit...All the prophets testify about him [Christ] that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (1 Peter 2:24, 3:18 & Acts 10:43)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Yesterday we began to look at this wonderful invitation from Jesus:
“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture says, streams of living water will flow from within him.” (John 7:37-38)
In this passage, Jesus uses the word “thirst” to represent our need (sin leaves us dry, parched and dying of thirst). He uses the phrase “let him come to me and drink” as an illustration of faith (“He who believes in Me”). Yesterday, we quoted Charles Spurgeon who emphasized that there is just one prerequisite in Jesus’ offer - “If anyone is thirsty.” In contrast to those who teach that a sinner has to clean himself up, or change his behavior, or give up something before he can come to Christ, Spurgeon has these additional comments.
“No waiting or preparation is so much as hinted at [in John 7:37-38]...Drinking represents a reception for which no fitness is required. A fool, a thief, a harlot can drink; and so sinfulness of character is no bar to the invitation to believe in Jesus...Blistered, leprous, filthy lips may touch the stream of divine love; they cannot pollute it, but shall themselves be purified...The sinner must come [only] to Jesus; not to works, ordinances, or doctrines, but to a personal Redeemer...the bleeding, dying, rising Savior is the only star of hope to a sinner.”
“Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree [on the cross]... Christ has suffered for sins once [once and for all], the righteous One for the unrighteous ones, in order to bring us to God. Having been put to death in His body, but raised to life [resurrected from the dead] by the Spirit...All the prophets testify about him [Christ] that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (1 Peter 2:24, 3:18 & Acts 10:43)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Mon - DEC 21
ARE YOU THIRSTY? (Part 1)
“On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever who believes in me, as the Scripture says, streams of living water will flow from within him.’” (John 7:37-38)
What qualifies someone to come to Jesus and take a drink of the water of life (eternal life)?
I’ve heard preachers and teachers tell people that they need to give up sin or sinful habits before they can come to Jesus. Others demand a total commitment or life-change. Still others repeat clever-sounding clichés, like “Jesus must be Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all” or “If Jesus is not president, He is not resident” or “Salvation is free, but it will cost you everything”, etc. How very different are the words of Jesus, as he pleads with thirsty sinners to come him just as they are and drink. “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.”
Charles Spurgeon writes: “No other distinction is made but that of thirst. Whether it be the thirst of avarice [greed], ambition, pleasure, knowledge, or rest, he who suffers from it is invited. The thirst may be bad in itself, and be no sign of grace, but rather a mark of inordinate sin longing to be gratified with deeper draughts [drinks] of lust; but it is not goodness in the creature which brings him the invitation, the Lord Jesus sends it freely, and without respect of persons…Sinfulness of character is no bar to the invitation to believe in Jesus.”
To paraphrase a line from a well-known hymn, “The vilest of sinners who only believes, that sinner from Jesus full pardon receives."
“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let him that hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; and whosoever will, let him take the Water of Life freely. (Revelation 22:17)
Tomorrow, we will continue looking at John 7:38-39.
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
“On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever who believes in me, as the Scripture says, streams of living water will flow from within him.’” (John 7:37-38)
What qualifies someone to come to Jesus and take a drink of the water of life (eternal life)?
I’ve heard preachers and teachers tell people that they need to give up sin or sinful habits before they can come to Jesus. Others demand a total commitment or life-change. Still others repeat clever-sounding clichés, like “Jesus must be Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all” or “If Jesus is not president, He is not resident” or “Salvation is free, but it will cost you everything”, etc. How very different are the words of Jesus, as he pleads with thirsty sinners to come him just as they are and drink. “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.”
Charles Spurgeon writes: “No other distinction is made but that of thirst. Whether it be the thirst of avarice [greed], ambition, pleasure, knowledge, or rest, he who suffers from it is invited. The thirst may be bad in itself, and be no sign of grace, but rather a mark of inordinate sin longing to be gratified with deeper draughts [drinks] of lust; but it is not goodness in the creature which brings him the invitation, the Lord Jesus sends it freely, and without respect of persons…Sinfulness of character is no bar to the invitation to believe in Jesus.”
To paraphrase a line from a well-known hymn, “The vilest of sinners who only believes, that sinner from Jesus full pardon receives."
“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let him that hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; and whosoever will, let him take the Water of Life freely. (Revelation 22:17)
Tomorrow, we will continue looking at John 7:38-39.
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Sun - dec 20
WHAT IS JUSTIFICATION?
Our subject today is JUSTIFICATION. Yesterday we looked at redemption which explains how Christ took care of our sin (liability). In contrast, justification provides us with the asset of righteousness which we must possess to enter heaven. In the Greek language of the New Testament, the word justification comes from the root word "righteousness", thus justification is defined as "to declare righteous". The ironic thing about justification is that God declares us righteous (perfect righteous in His sight) even though we are not righteous in ourselves. As believers we still sin; much of our behavior is not godly. Although we are not righteous, through the act of justification, God gives us His own righteousness. This act is done for us freely by God when we believe in Jesus Christ.
"And to the one who does not work but believes in Him who JUSTIFIES the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." (Romans 4:5)
"[That I may] be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." (Philippians 3:9)
"For he (God) hath made him (Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
(2Corinthians 5:21)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Our subject today is JUSTIFICATION. Yesterday we looked at redemption which explains how Christ took care of our sin (liability). In contrast, justification provides us with the asset of righteousness which we must possess to enter heaven. In the Greek language of the New Testament, the word justification comes from the root word "righteousness", thus justification is defined as "to declare righteous". The ironic thing about justification is that God declares us righteous (perfect righteous in His sight) even though we are not righteous in ourselves. As believers we still sin; much of our behavior is not godly. Although we are not righteous, through the act of justification, God gives us His own righteousness. This act is done for us freely by God when we believe in Jesus Christ.
"And to the one who does not work but believes in Him who JUSTIFIES the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." (Romans 4:5)
"[That I may] be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." (Philippians 3:9)
"For he (God) hath made him (Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
(2Corinthians 5:21)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
SAT - DEC 19
THE MEANING OF REDEMPTION
When we believe that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead, it triggers a series of actions by God on our behalf. Today we will look at the truth known as redemption.
"Being justified (declared righteous) freely by his grace through the REDEMPTION that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:24)
The Biblical doctrine of redemption is based on three Greek words that were commonly used in Roman slave markets. There were millions of slaves in the Roman Empire and these people were bought and sold like property. The Bible uses slavery to illustrate our hopeless condition before we were saved.
Jesus answered them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever commits sin is the slave of sin." (John 8:34)
The first word (Greek: agorazo) means to buy. Jesus Christ, who was free from sin, enters the slave market of sin and buys us. The price He had to pay was His own blood.
"You were not REDEEMED with corruptible things, such as silver and gold... but with the precious blood of Christ." (1Peter 1:18-19)
The second word (Greek: exagorazo) means to buy out. A freeman could buy a slave in the market and immediately "flip" him (sell him to someone else), but Jesus not only bought us, he removed us from the slave market of sin!
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that is hung on a tree"
(Galatians 3:13)
The third word (Greek: lutroo) means to set free. Jesus frees us from both the penalty and bondage of sin.
"You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free" (John 8:36)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
When we believe that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead, it triggers a series of actions by God on our behalf. Today we will look at the truth known as redemption.
"Being justified (declared righteous) freely by his grace through the REDEMPTION that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:24)
The Biblical doctrine of redemption is based on three Greek words that were commonly used in Roman slave markets. There were millions of slaves in the Roman Empire and these people were bought and sold like property. The Bible uses slavery to illustrate our hopeless condition before we were saved.
Jesus answered them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever commits sin is the slave of sin." (John 8:34)
The first word (Greek: agorazo) means to buy. Jesus Christ, who was free from sin, enters the slave market of sin and buys us. The price He had to pay was His own blood.
"You were not REDEEMED with corruptible things, such as silver and gold... but with the precious blood of Christ." (1Peter 1:18-19)
The second word (Greek: exagorazo) means to buy out. A freeman could buy a slave in the market and immediately "flip" him (sell him to someone else), but Jesus not only bought us, he removed us from the slave market of sin!
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that is hung on a tree"
(Galatians 3:13)
The third word (Greek: lutroo) means to set free. Jesus frees us from both the penalty and bondage of sin.
"You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free" (John 8:36)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
(Note: Due to an error on our part, we did not publish Daily Insights on Thursday, Dec 17 or Friday, Dec 18. We apologize for this oversight.)
Wed - Dec 16
THE WORD SALVATION
"What happens when we believe, i.e. when we put our faith in Jesus Christ and rely on His death on the cross as the only payment for our sins? Let's look at just one word and one thing that happens when we trust Jesus Christ alone for full forgiveness and eternal life.
The word is "SALVATION" or being "SAVED".
"Receiving the outcome of your faith, even the SALVATION of your souls." (1 Peter 1:9)
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be SAVED" (Acts 16:31)
The Oxford Dictionary defines salvation as "preservation or deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss....deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ."
God's salvation saves us from the penalty of sin. The Bible teaches that we are all sinners - "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and the penalty for our sins that God's justice demands is death - "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Death in this passage refers to spiritual death which is eternal separation from God in Hell forever. There are horrible consequences for those who refuse to put their faith in Christ.
"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3)
To put your faith in Christ means that instead of relying on your religion, good deeds or personal devotion (etc.); you simply trust that Jesus did everything for you already, when He died on the cross and rose from the dead on your behalf.
"Salvation is found in no one else. For there is no other name [than Jesus] under heaven, known among men, by which we can be saved." (Acts 4:13)
"For by grace are you saved through faith [in Jesus Christ] and this is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God..." Ephesians 2:8-9
"...to those who believed on His name, He gave the right to become the children of God." (John 1:12)
"Whoever believes on Him is not condemned. Whoever believes in Him is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.." (John 3:18)
"I tell you the truth, He who believes has eternal life." (John 6:46)
"Believe in the Light , while you have the Light. So that. you may become sons of light." John 12:36
"I am the Light of the World,.He who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
"For God so loved the world that He send His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
"What happens when we believe, i.e. when we put our faith in Jesus Christ and rely on His death on the cross as the only payment for our sins? Let's look at just one word and one thing that happens when we trust Jesus Christ alone for full forgiveness and eternal life.
The word is "SALVATION" or being "SAVED".
"Receiving the outcome of your faith, even the SALVATION of your souls." (1 Peter 1:9)
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be SAVED" (Acts 16:31)
The Oxford Dictionary defines salvation as "preservation or deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss....deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ."
God's salvation saves us from the penalty of sin. The Bible teaches that we are all sinners - "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and the penalty for our sins that God's justice demands is death - "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Death in this passage refers to spiritual death which is eternal separation from God in Hell forever. There are horrible consequences for those who refuse to put their faith in Christ.
"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3)
To put your faith in Christ means that instead of relying on your religion, good deeds or personal devotion (etc.); you simply trust that Jesus did everything for you already, when He died on the cross and rose from the dead on your behalf.
"Salvation is found in no one else. For there is no other name [than Jesus] under heaven, known among men, by which we can be saved." (Acts 4:13)
"For by grace are you saved through faith [in Jesus Christ] and this is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God..." Ephesians 2:8-9
"...to those who believed on His name, He gave the right to become the children of God." (John 1:12)
"Whoever believes on Him is not condemned. Whoever believes in Him is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.." (John 3:18)
"I tell you the truth, He who believes has eternal life." (John 6:46)
"Believe in the Light , while you have the Light. So that. you may become sons of light." John 12:36
"I am the Light of the World,.He who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
"For God so loved the world that He send His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Tue - Dec 15
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DEPRESSED?
"Ninety-five precent of all adults surveyed readily admit to having occasional times of depression; the other 5 percent were too depressed to respond to the survey.” (This quote is taken from Daily Walk Bible - Introduction to Psalm 36)
This humorous quote illustrates that depression is extremely common in the human race. Even the great heroes of the Bible dealt with it.
Paul: “For we would not have you to be unaware brothers of the troubles which came to us in Asia, that we were depressed out of measure, beyond our strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life itself.” (2 Corinthians 1:8)
Moses: "I am not able to bear all this people [the people of Israel] alone, because this too heavy for me. And if you deal this way with me, kill me, I pray of you, out of hand, if I have found favor in your sight; and let me not see my wretchedness." (Numbers 11:15)
Job: "After this Job opened his mouth, and cursed his day… “Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived.” (Job 3:1)
David: "And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines….I have cried day and night before you. For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth near to the grave." (I Samuel 27:1 & Psalm 88:1-2)
Jeremiah: "Cursed be the day when I was born: let not the day when my mother bare me be blessed. Because He did not slay from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave." ( Jeremiah 20:14&17)
As we will see in the days to come, God met all of these people in their depression and gave them healing and hope. He wants to do the same for you!
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
"Ninety-five precent of all adults surveyed readily admit to having occasional times of depression; the other 5 percent were too depressed to respond to the survey.” (This quote is taken from Daily Walk Bible - Introduction to Psalm 36)
This humorous quote illustrates that depression is extremely common in the human race. Even the great heroes of the Bible dealt with it.
Paul: “For we would not have you to be unaware brothers of the troubles which came to us in Asia, that we were depressed out of measure, beyond our strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life itself.” (2 Corinthians 1:8)
Moses: "I am not able to bear all this people [the people of Israel] alone, because this too heavy for me. And if you deal this way with me, kill me, I pray of you, out of hand, if I have found favor in your sight; and let me not see my wretchedness." (Numbers 11:15)
Job: "After this Job opened his mouth, and cursed his day… “Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived.” (Job 3:1)
David: "And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines….I have cried day and night before you. For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth near to the grave." (I Samuel 27:1 & Psalm 88:1-2)
Jeremiah: "Cursed be the day when I was born: let not the day when my mother bare me be blessed. Because He did not slay from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave." ( Jeremiah 20:14&17)
As we will see in the days to come, God met all of these people in their depression and gave them healing and hope. He wants to do the same for you!
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Mon - Dec 14
DEALING WITH DISCOURAGEMENT & DEPRESSION
"The Lord is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves those who are of a contrite spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
"Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." (Psalm 50:15)
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me [Jesus)], because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are oppressed." (Luke 4:18)
"Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." (John 14:16-17)
"And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." (I Samuel 30:6)
"We were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead." (2 Corinthians 1:7-8)
"For we have not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but He (Jesus) was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. " (Hebrews 4:15-16)
"Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)
Summary:
Upon consideration of the above verses, we have at least 5 resources available for dealing with depression:
1. Reading the Bible. I highly recommend The Psalms. King David had many episodes of despair.
2. Faith. Leaning and depending on God. He is always with us, even when we feel abandoned.
3. Reaching out to others for help. Talk to a mature Christian; he or she has probably been there.
4. Prayer. Giving our problems and concerns to the Lord. He invites us to come boldly to Him.
5. The Holy Spirit. If you have put your faith in Christ, He gives you His Spirit to live in you.
Go back over the verses above and see if you can identify the source of each of the 5 resources. e.g. 1.Who was the person that God used to help Paul out of his depressed state? 2. What was Jesus' favorite name for the Holy Spirit?
*** Be sure to check back daily for a new 2-3 minute insight. ***
"The Lord is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves those who are of a contrite spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
"Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." (Psalm 50:15)
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me [Jesus)], because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are oppressed." (Luke 4:18)
"Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." (John 14:16-17)
"And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." (I Samuel 30:6)
"We were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead." (2 Corinthians 1:7-8)
"For we have not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but He (Jesus) was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. " (Hebrews 4:15-16)
"Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)
Summary:
Upon consideration of the above verses, we have at least 5 resources available for dealing with depression:
1. Reading the Bible. I highly recommend The Psalms. King David had many episodes of despair.
2. Faith. Leaning and depending on God. He is always with us, even when we feel abandoned.
3. Reaching out to others for help. Talk to a mature Christian; he or she has probably been there.
4. Prayer. Giving our problems and concerns to the Lord. He invites us to come boldly to Him.
5. The Holy Spirit. If you have put your faith in Christ, He gives you His Spirit to live in you.
Go back over the verses above and see if you can identify the source of each of the 5 resources. e.g. 1.Who was the person that God used to help Paul out of his depressed state? 2. What was Jesus' favorite name for the Holy Spirit?
*** Be sure to check back daily for a new 2-3 minute insight. ***
DEALING WITH DISCOURAGEMENT & DEPRESSION
"The Lord is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves those who are of a contrite spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
"Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." (Psalm 50:15)
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me [Jesus)], because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are oppressed." (Luke 4:18)
"Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." (John 14:16-17)
"And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." (I Samuel 30:6)
"We were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead." (2 Corinthians 1:7-8)
"For we have not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but He (Jesus) was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. " (Hebrews 4:15-16)
"Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)
Summary:
Upon consideration of the above verses, we have at least 5 resources available for dealing with depression:
1. Reading the Bible. I highly recommend The Psalms. King David had many episodes of despair.
2. Faith. Leaning and depending on God. He is always with us, even when we feel abandoned.
3. Reaching out to others for help. Talk to a mature Christian; he or she has probably been there.
4. Prayer. Giving our problems and concerns to the Lord. He invites us to come boldly to Him.
5. The Holy Spirit. If you have put your faith in Christ, He gives you His Spirit to live in you.
Go back over the verses above and see if you can identify the source of each of the 5 resources. e.g. 1.Who was the person that God used to help Paul out of his depressed state? 2. What was Jesus' favorite name for the Holy Spirit?
*** Be sure to check back daily for a new 2-3 minute insight. ***
"The Lord is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves those who are of a contrite spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
"Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." (Psalm 50:15)
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me [Jesus)], because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are oppressed." (Luke 4:18)
"Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." (John 14:16-17)
"And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." (I Samuel 30:6)
"We were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead." (2 Corinthians 1:7-8)
"For we have not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but He (Jesus) was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. " (Hebrews 4:15-16)
"Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)
Summary:
Upon consideration of the above verses, we have at least 5 resources available for dealing with depression:
1. Reading the Bible. I highly recommend The Psalms. King David had many episodes of despair.
2. Faith. Leaning and depending on God. He is always with us, even when we feel abandoned.
3. Reaching out to others for help. Talk to a mature Christian; he or she has probably been there.
4. Prayer. Giving our problems and concerns to the Lord. He invites us to come boldly to Him.
5. The Holy Spirit. If you have put your faith in Christ, He gives you His Spirit to live in you.
Go back over the verses above and see if you can identify the source of each of the 5 resources. e.g. 1.Who was the person that God used to help Paul out of his depressed state? 2. What was Jesus' favorite name for the Holy Spirit?
*** Be sure to check back daily for a new 2-3 minute insight. ***
Sun - Dec 13
THANK HIM FOR EVERLASTING LIFE
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:18)
Start with a prayer of thanksgiving right now. We all have things we can thank God for. Even if you are feeling very discouraged today, you can thank God for His free gift of everlasting life and full forgiveness of every sin you have ever committed. However, if you are not absolutely certain that you have everlasting life and full forgiveness, we want you to know that you can be sure today! Simply believe that Jesus died for all of your sins and rose again the third day on your behalf.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15)
"Giving thanks unto the Father, who qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." (Colossians 1:12)
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." (Psalm 100:4)
"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." (Psalm 69:30)
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:18)
Start with a prayer of thanksgiving right now. We all have things we can thank God for. Even if you are feeling very discouraged today, you can thank God for His free gift of everlasting life and full forgiveness of every sin you have ever committed. However, if you are not absolutely certain that you have everlasting life and full forgiveness, we want you to know that you can be sure today! Simply believe that Jesus died for all of your sins and rose again the third day on your behalf.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15)
"Giving thanks unto the Father, who qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." (Colossians 1:12)
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." (Psalm 100:4)
"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." (Psalm 69:30)
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
sat - Dec 12
THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT
"For whatsoever things were written in earlier times (in the Old Testament were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4)
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforts us in all our tribulation [and trials], that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted of God." (2 Corinthians 15:3-4)
"Nevertheless God, who comforts those who are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus..." (2 Corinthians 7:6)
"I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." (Psalm 40:1-2)
"I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4)
"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deuteronomy 33:27)
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance ." (Psalm 42:5)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
"For whatsoever things were written in earlier times (in the Old Testament were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4)
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforts us in all our tribulation [and trials], that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted of God." (2 Corinthians 15:3-4)
"Nevertheless God, who comforts those who are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus..." (2 Corinthians 7:6)
"I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." (Psalm 40:1-2)
"I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4)
"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deuteronomy 33:27)
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance ." (Psalm 42:5)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
FRI - Dec 11
GOD ALONE IS OUR STRENGTH!
"Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
"Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Thu - Dec 10
ENCOURAGE THE DISCOURAGED
"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also you do.....comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. (1 Thessalonians 5:11&14)
' This is getting to me.'
Nothing to do, nowhere to go, limited or no social contact, shortages, loss of income, doomsday predictions.
There is probably someone you know who is more discouraged than you. Why don't you call someone today, see how they are doing and try to comfort and encourage them.
"Encourage him [Joshua], because he will lead Israel." (Deuteronomy 1:38)
"But encourage one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin". (Hebrews 3:13)
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (II Corinthians 1:3-4)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also you do.....comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. (1 Thessalonians 5:11&14)
' This is getting to me.'
Nothing to do, nowhere to go, limited or no social contact, shortages, loss of income, doomsday predictions.
There is probably someone you know who is more discouraged than you. Why don't you call someone today, see how they are doing and try to comfort and encourage them.
"Encourage him [Joshua], because he will lead Israel." (Deuteronomy 1:38)
"But encourage one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin". (Hebrews 3:13)
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (II Corinthians 1:3-4)
*** Be sure to check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Wed - Dec 9
FAITH PLEASES GOD!
"Without faith it is impossible to please God. For whoever comes to God must believe that He is and that He rewards everyone who seeks Him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Faith pleases God, because faith believes what God says, depends on God's power, and allows God to be the source of whatever it is we are trusting Him for. God is pleased and gloried whenever we trust Him, and depend on Him as our loving and nurturing Heavenly Father who always has our best interest in mind. Since God is the creator and sustainer of all life and all things, it makes sense that we would choose to believe in Him and trust Him to provide all that we could ever want or need (see Psalm 23:1).
"Abraham believed God and it was credited to Him as righteousness...The words 'it was credited to him' were not written for Abraham alone, but also for us to whom God will credit righteousness. For us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and raised to life for our justification." (Romans 4:3 & 4:22-25)
"The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knows them that trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7)
God takes special notice of the persons who trust Him. Our faith and trust in Him is what honors Him most and what He desires most!
*** Please check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
"Without faith it is impossible to please God. For whoever comes to God must believe that He is and that He rewards everyone who seeks Him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Faith pleases God, because faith believes what God says, depends on God's power, and allows God to be the source of whatever it is we are trusting Him for. God is pleased and gloried whenever we trust Him, and depend on Him as our loving and nurturing Heavenly Father who always has our best interest in mind. Since God is the creator and sustainer of all life and all things, it makes sense that we would choose to believe in Him and trust Him to provide all that we could ever want or need (see Psalm 23:1).
"Abraham believed God and it was credited to Him as righteousness...The words 'it was credited to him' were not written for Abraham alone, but also for us to whom God will credit righteousness. For us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and raised to life for our justification." (Romans 4:3 & 4:22-25)
"The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knows them that trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7)
God takes special notice of the persons who trust Him. Our faith and trust in Him is what honors Him most and what He desires most!
*** Please check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Tue - Dec 8
HE CARES FOR YOU - REALLY!
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." ( 2Chronicles 16:9)
God is busy today looking out for you! Think about it! Right now God is thinking about you! You are very much on His mind and in His heart! His constant attitude of compassion toward you never stops and it will never end!!!
"His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22)
"[Keep] casting all of your cares [concerns, and anxieties] on Him. For He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
Someone has paraphrased 1 Peter 5:7 in this way: "It matters to Him about you!" Right now allow yourself to enjoy these wonderful truths. Revel in the fact that you belong to Him and that He really does care about you!
*** Please check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." ( 2Chronicles 16:9)
God is busy today looking out for you! Think about it! Right now God is thinking about you! You are very much on His mind and in His heart! His constant attitude of compassion toward you never stops and it will never end!!!
"His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22)
"[Keep] casting all of your cares [concerns, and anxieties] on Him. For He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
Someone has paraphrased 1 Peter 5:7 in this way: "It matters to Him about you!" Right now allow yourself to enjoy these wonderful truths. Revel in the fact that you belong to Him and that He really does care about you!
*** Please check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
Mon- Dec 7
"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:16)
The NIV Bible translates this verse: "Making the most of every opportunity [because the days are evil]."
The evil time in which we are living presents more opportunities to discuss matters of faith with others (including family, friends, neighbors and co-workers, etc.). People have time on their hands and therefore are more likely to attend online church services and bible studies. They may also be more open to discussing the more important issues of life. What this verse is telling us is that we should seize the opportunities that God provides! Take a moment to pray for those unbelievers you know and ask God to give you (or someone else) the chance to share about Christ's death and resurrection on their behalf. And, make sure that you are always prepared to give a clear and concise presentation of the gospel when that opportunity comes. Note: Perhaps the the clearest explanation of the gospel of Jesus Christ is found in Romans 3:19-25. Make sure to make time to study and understand this wonderful passage. It can also be memorized in just 2-3 days (with 15 minutes a day of effort).
"...in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect..." (1 Peter 3:15)
*** Please check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***
The NIV Bible translates this verse: "Making the most of every opportunity [because the days are evil]."
The evil time in which we are living presents more opportunities to discuss matters of faith with others (including family, friends, neighbors and co-workers, etc.). People have time on their hands and therefore are more likely to attend online church services and bible studies. They may also be more open to discussing the more important issues of life. What this verse is telling us is that we should seize the opportunities that God provides! Take a moment to pray for those unbelievers you know and ask God to give you (or someone else) the chance to share about Christ's death and resurrection on their behalf. And, make sure that you are always prepared to give a clear and concise presentation of the gospel when that opportunity comes. Note: Perhaps the the clearest explanation of the gospel of Jesus Christ is found in Romans 3:19-25. Make sure to make time to study and understand this wonderful passage. It can also be memorized in just 2-3 days (with 15 minutes a day of effort).
"...in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect..." (1 Peter 3:15)
*** Please check back daily for new 2-3 minute insights ***