And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB
Category: Jesus
What is invisible, is made visible.
Do you have someone in your life, that challenges you to, and models, being a follower of Jesus? If not, seek them. If so, who can you help? That’s what we call discipleship…….
Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17 NASB
Love God, Love People
Keeping it simple, today.
Galations 5:14
For a the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “ b YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”
The penalty for sin was paid by Jesus, when he died on the cross. For those who follow him, there will be no judgement when he returns.
so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.
Hebrews 9:28 NASB
The Eternal and Holy God, in humble fashion, came to live among us. Imagine, the Creator, caring so much, that he would not only live among us, but would suffer and die, so we might live.
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 NASB
Don’t run or hide, from your problems!
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
James 1:2-3 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.2-3.NASB
Look at it this way. God gives us these trials (not temptations), to affirm our faith. He wants to be able to say to himself, good job you are faithful in this area. Then he will test us in another area of our lives. He doesn’t want us to remain as a baby in our faith. It is through this process, that we are able to help others in THEIR Faith. That is why we count it joy. Not because it may be fun, going through the testing, but because we are becoming mature and complete. One day we can enter heavens gates with the sound of, “Well done, good and faithfull servant”!
Thank You Lord.
Where is Your Hope Placed?
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.
Psalms 42:11 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/psa.42.11.NASB
Gut check time. Look at what you are focused on and where you are placing your hope. Is it time to refocus.
Practice makes perfect, discipline builds character, and focus keeps your priorities straight.
Read Hebrews 12. As an old baseball player, I always call this keeping your eye on the ball.
May the Lord richly help you today, in your tests and trials.
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.
1 John 4:18 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/1jn.4.18.NASB
There is a fear that is healthy for those who do not fear God. There is eternal consequences, for those whose hearts are hardened, by their own selfish desires.
But…..
For those who see clearly, that Jesus sacrificed all for those who believe in him, they are made whole, through his death and resurrection. We are not seen as lacking, but by his amazing love, we need have no fear. Our slate is wiped clean. Not by anything we have done. How wonderful is that to ponder every day, and bathe in his marvelous Grace. We are free to serve him and others, in joy and peace.
Thank You Jesus
You won’t believe what is included in loving your neighbor. It’s something we easily like to forget.
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 6:27-28 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.6.27-28.NASB
Just remember…….WE were enemies of God before we understood the Gospel. He poured tremendous grace on us, even though we didn’t deserve it. As followers of Christ, should we not do the same?
Think about someone you may be at odds with in your life right now. Maybe your brother, sister, father, mother, daughter, son, best friend, etc. I want you to take a moment, and pray for them and your own heart right now. Continue to do this until God changes your heart. Maybe he will change theirs, but you have to worry about your own heart first.
May God’s grace be with you and may it flow to all those around you.
Blessings
Alan
Living Waters 