BE A LIVING MESSAGE OF HOPE

“Whoever comes to Me, and hears my sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.  And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it for it was founded on the rock.”—Luke 6:47-48

 

God has ways of shaking the world when He is at work. He literally caused the ground to quake when Jesus died on the cross, “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up his Spirit.  Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split” (Matthew 27:50-51).  Hebrews 12:26 describes a time still future when the earth will undergo a similar display of His power and presence.

 

Likewise in our present day, He often lets the foundations of our world be shaken—whether political alliances, financial systems, or other forms of human security.   Then we can see the flimsiness of the structures on which we have based our pride and hopes.   Individual lives are also often shaken when a family experiences crisis or a marriage begins to unravel.   If we have built on the fragile cornerstones of human wisdom, pride, and conditional love, things may look good for a while, but a weak foundation causes collapse when storms hit.

 

While adversity affects everyone, we can have peace in knowing that God always has a greater purpose when He allows upheaval and crisis in our world.  Hard times can also shake believers out of apathy and self-focus, reminding us not to trust in ourselves or the temporary structures of this world.  There is only one secure firm foundation: a genuine, deep relationship with Jesus Christ, which will carry you through any and all turmoil.  No matter what storms are raging all around, you'll stand firm if you stand on His love.

 

It is not enough for believers to simply enjoy the security of knowing that our "house" is built on a solid foundation. As God's ambassadors on earth, we have a responsibility to extend His compassion to people whose lives are crumbling.  Be a living message of hope to those around you today so that they too can stand on a firm foundation.

 

Prayer—Father I repent for the times that I have panic in the midst of a crisis in my life and have trusted myself and others for the answer, and I ask You to forgive me.  Lord, today with Your help I purpose in my heart to stand firm on the foundation of our relationship, knowing that You will never leave nor forsake me, and that You are always helping me even when I cannot see it in the natural realm, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

 

 

YOU CAN BASE YOUR WHOLE LIFE ON GOD’S PROMISES

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”—2 Corinthians 1:20

 

A promise is valuable only if the one making it has trustworthy character and the ability to carry through.  In today’s world, people may promise us many things, but do they possess the character and have the ability to carry through?  Scripture tells us over and over again that God’s promises never fail.  Our heavenly Father is truthful, faithful, loving, and all-powerful.  You can base your entire life on His promises, secure in the knowledge that He will do just as He has said.

 

The Christian’s life rests on the foundation of God’s promises for today and for the future.  That’s why my goal is to encourage you to read your Bible more and help you believe in and take advantage of the wonderful array of promises found throughout His Word.  You can trust everything that our heavenly Father has said because His Word shows Him to be…

 

Truthful—The Lord knows what is true and speaks honestly in all matters.  Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man, that he should lie; … hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”   We humans are pretty weak-willed.  Sometimes out of fear we will make an impulsive promise, even though we know we cannot keep it.  But God does not need to do that.  For one, He never feels threatened or pressured.  But most important, the Bible says He simply cannot lie, “That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God lie, …” (Hebrews 6:18) and, “In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began” (Titus 1:2).   His promises are based on His infinite knowledge and truthfulness. 

Faithful—Scripture compares the Lord to a shepherd who, “He will feed His flocks like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young” (Isaiah 40:11).  What He has planned for us, He will bring to fruition, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).  Our heavenly Father does not waver in His intentions or will.  In Matthew 24:35, Jesus explains, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”  In fact, God goes out of His way to guarantee Himself for all eternity:  “My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of my lips” (Psalm 89:34).  Then He backs it up by doing what He says.

Loving—God is love, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love’ (1 John 4:8).  God’s love for us was demonstrated at the cross.  He sent His son Jesus to die by crucifixion and thereby take the punishment for our sins.  The Savior experienced God’s wrath against iniquity so we might know only His love. “For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).   This is the ultimate proof of His devotion to us.

 

All-powerful—Divine power created the world and raised the Savior back to life, so we know God has the ability to carry out all His plans.   In Colossians 1:17 we find that, “And He is before all things, and in Him all things consists.” And in Revelations 19:6, “And I heard, as it were the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thundering, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!”  Our omnipotent Father will keep every one of His promises.

 

Prayer—Father today I lay all of my insecurities of not trusting You aside.  I understand that I can trust You with everything because You are truthful, faithful, loving and all-powerful.  Today I choose to trust You in everything that concerns my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.