Category: God’s Promises

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Full Enough?

How full is full enough? Each morning I pour myself a cup of coffee, several cups, but I only fill the cup about 2/3 full. It’s full enough.

If it were any fuller I would probably spill it on my way to the couch or if I’m not paying attention, and I’ve done this before, I spill it as I’m picking it up and then have a stain on my bathrobe. Not a good thing.

When were in a restaurant I watch to see how full the waitress fills my coffee or the water glass. I certainly don’t want to spill and make a mess while out in public. That would be embarrassing.

However, when we take the truck to the gas station and pay for a “fill-up” we want the tank completely full. So much so that a little of the fuel may spill out the neck of the fuel tank. There seems to be levels and conditions of fullness.

For the last several weeks the Lord has been dealing with me on my level of His fullness.

” I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.” Ephesians 3:19 CEV

And right across the page in my Bible are these verses.

“Christ gave these gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger. 13 This work must continue until we are all joined together in what we believe and in what we know about the Son of God. Our goal is to become like a full-grown man—to look just like Christ and have all his perfection.” Ephesians 4:12-13 ERV

Is this really possible? To be filled with ALL that God is, to look like Christ, to be full-grown? It must be or the Bible would be lying to us and that would make God’s word inaccurate and unreliable. Either all of God’s word is true or it’s a lie; we don’t get to pick and choose what we want to be true and disregard the rest.

God, the Father, wants us to grow up to be like Jesus. Jesus’ life was filled with the Father’s power. God wants us to experience His power in the same way that Jesus did. He wants us filled.

“ I say this because all of God lives in Christ fully, even in his life on earth. 10 And because you belong to Christ you are complete, having everything you need. Christ is ruler over every other power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 ERV

This is God’s desire for all of us who have accepted Christ; Christ is our example of what God desires to do in our lives. The more we get to know His word, the more time we spend with Him the fuller we become. My goal is to be filled to the brim and running over with the power of God.

“You prepared a meal for me in front of my enemies. You welcomed me as an honored guest. My cup is full and spilling over.” Psalm 23:5 ERV

I’m not there yet – but I’m on my way!

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How Big Is God?

That’s a good question! How would you answer it?

This morning as I sit here trying to formulate my answer, I am reminded of the many examples of God’s greatness in the Bible. Let me share a few:

  • In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth
  • He saved Noah during the flood
  • Parted the Red Sea
  • Had the sun stand still
  • Delivered Daniel from the lions
  • Helped David kill Goliath with a stone
  • Blinded an entire army
  • Raised Lazarus from the dead
  • Stopped a storm at sea
  • Orchestrated a jail break
  • Opened blind eyes
  • Healed a blood disease
  • Turned water to wine
  • Defeated death

“The Lord is your God. He is the God of gods and the Lord of lords. He is the great God. He is the amazing and powerful fighter. To him everyone is the same. He does not accept money to change his mind. 18 He defends widows and orphans. He loves even the strangers living among us. He gives them food and clothes. 19 So you must also love them, because you yourselves were strangers in the land of Egypt. 20 “You must respect the Lord your God and worship only him. Never leave him. When you make promises, you must use his name only. 21 He is the one you should praise. He is your God. He has done great and amazing things for you. You have seen them with your own eyes.” Deuteronomy 10:17-21 ERV

I guess the next question is this. How big do you need God to be?

“He made heaven and earth. He made the sea and everything in it. He can be trusted to do what he says. 7 He does what is right for those who have been hurt. He gives food to the hungry. The Lord frees people locked up in prison.8 The Lord makes the blind see again.
The Lord helps those who are in trouble. The Lord loves those who do right. 9 The Lord protects strangers in our country. He cares for widows and orphans, but he destroys the wicked. 10 The Lord will rule forever!” Psalm 146:6-10 ERV

What are you facing that is too big or too hard for God to handle?

There is a whole lot of craziness going on in our world but none of it is bigger than our God. All of it combined isn’t bigger than our God!

“God said to Moses: I am the eternal God. So tell them that the Lord, whose name is “I Am,” has sent you. This is my name forever, and it is the name that people must use from now on.” Exodus 3:14-15 CEV

As big and as great as God is He stills gives us an open invitation to come straight to His throne and find help in our time of need!

How big is God? He’s big enough to handle all my worries and concerns. My God, and my Father is big enough to handle it all!

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David & Goliath Revisited

As I was watching some of last night’s news I was reminded of the miraculous story of David and Goliath.

Goliath was a bully. He cursed God and the army of the Israelites who represented God. To both armies, the Israelites and the Philistines, David was a young, unimpressive, naïve teenager.

But in God’s view David was a giant slayer!

Goliath trusted in his experience in battle, his sword, his spear, his size. David trusted in His relationship with the Lord.

“When Goliath saw that David was just a healthy, good-looking boy, he made fun of him. 43 ‘Do you think I’m a dog?’ Goliath asked. ‘Is that why you’ve come after me with a stick?’ He cursed David in the name of the Philistine gods 44 and shouted, ‘Come on! When I’m finished with you, I’ll feed you to the birds and wild animals!’

“David answered: ‘You’ve come out to fight me with a sword and a spear and a dagger. But I’ve come out to fight you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful. He is the God of Israel’s army, and you have insulted him too! 46 Today the Lord will help me defeat you… 47 Everybody here will see that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save his people. The Lord always wins his battles, and he will help us defeat you.'” I Samuel 17:42-47 CEV

I encourage you to read the whole story in I Samuel 17.

David went to the battlefield to take nourishment to his brothers. At the encampment, he found an army literally shaking in their boots as they were taunted by their enemy. He saw an incompetent king who didn’t know what to do. The king was so desperate that he agreed to let an inexperienced teenager, single-handedly fight the opposing army’s star warrior.

The opposing army was just as afraid to fight and more than willing to let their “hero” represent them in battle. The hero was self-confident; he had never been defeated.

David was a shepherd with no battlefield experience. What he had was a confidence in the God of Israel.

Let me explain…all Israelite male babies were circumcised when they were eight days old. This had been done since the time of Abraham and circumcision was a sign that God would always be the protector and provider for all of Abraham’s descendants. David took this promise of God to heart – he believed that whatever he encountered God was with him and would protect him.

“‘Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.’ Saul said to David, ‘Go, and the Lord be with you.’” I Samuel 17:36-37 NIV

David knew Goliath had no covenant promise with God and so Goliath would be no match for the power of God working in his life.

You may be feeling like you are facing a giant, something big, something unnerving. You have the same promise from God that David did. God will never abandon you.

Go out against your giant and let God fight for you!

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Jump Start

Well, this morning it happened. I opened my computer and I had a dead battery. It booted up and immediately shut down. I had to take and plug it in for a while to get it recharged.

Maybe you’re feeling like that – you need to be re-charged! It happens to all of us from time to time and the best way to energize can be found in Scripture.

“This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Jeremiah 8:10 NLT

Start your day thanking the Lord for the many blessings He has given you. Can’t think of any – you have a roof over your head, a computer in your lap or a phone in your hand, there’s probably food in the kitchen and clothes in the closet. Hopefully you have heat on this winter’s morning and some mode of transportation outside. You have people who love you, if you say no to that, let me remind you that I love you and Jesus loves you so that makes you special.

Recharge that battery a little more.

“The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.” Psalm 19:8 NLT

God’s word is a source of joy and strength.

“Praise the Lord!  For he has heard my cry for mercy. 7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. 8 The Lord gives his people strength. He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.” Psalm 28:6-8 NLT

Well, now that I’ve gotten you started, take a little more time and find some more joyful recharging. Open your Bible app and search out the Scriptures or pick up that Bible that’s on the table beside you and read of God’s unfailing goodness.

No better way to start your day!

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Good Winter Advice

Years ago, we moved from California to Washington State for work. We arrived the first week of November. Thanksgiving week we had a “100-year” snowfall. My, oh my!

To this point I had lived in the warmth of Arizona and the milder climate of southern California. I didn’t know how to live in snow. The first weeks we were there required an investment of time and money as we sought out the proper winter clothing; coats, boots, gloves, hats, long johns.

We knew the snow fall was heavier than normal when the church called to cancel services. The guys had to hoist the snow blower up on the roof of the carport for snow removal so it wouldn’t collapse. Not something this desert girl was accustomed to at all.

We seemed to be adjusting well, even walked Kaci to school in the mornings. Everyone was walking – they took it all in stride. One morning my sister-in-law asked me to join her and a friend on a morning walk before breakfast.

Sure.

It was now the first week in February. I felt I was getting the hang of this “winter” routine quite well. We were almost home when I slipped on the ice. My feet went out from under me, and I did what came naturally, but it was the wrong thing. I reached out to brace my fall and broke my right wrist.

X-rays, surgery, a night in the hospital and over five months in a cast. I celebrated my 40th birthday, in July, in a pretty purple cast from my wrist to my elbow.

So, what’s all this got to do with our morning Bible study? Plenty!

Remember a couple days ago the verse I shared with you from Hosea? “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge”. Well, this morning I was reminded of a verse I found several years after that slip and felt impressed to share it this morning with all of you.

“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where will my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your feet go out from under you. He Who watches over you will not sleep. 4 Listen, He Who watches over Israel will not close his eyes or sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you. The Lord is your safe cover at your right hand. 6 The sun will not hurt you during the day and the moon will not hurt you during the night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all that is sinful. He will watch over your soul. 8 The Lord will watch over your coming and going, now and forever.” Psalm 121 NLV

The Bible is practical – very practical. When I found this verse I began to pray it. I now had knowledge of God’s promise and I was putting it in to practice. Now, in 68 years I have had only two broken bones and I thank God for that every day.

Many of you live in cold climate, where the ground will be snow covered for a few more months. I suggest that you add this verse to those you rely on each day.

“Father, protect my readers. Keep them from harm. Don’t let their feet go out from under them. In Jesus name, amen”.

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Unshakable, Immovable Part 2

This morning’s blog will be the conclusion of yesterday’s teaching.

I want everyone to realize that God’s promises are still true. They haven’t lost their power and they aren’t being withheld because we aren’t worthy to receive them. That’s just not the case.

Let’s continue…

But it’s not a given – the promises of God are true, but we have to appropriate them.

We all have electricity in our houses. But if we don’t know to turn on the switch we will sit in the cold and the dark. It’s that simple. Christ paid the bill, the power is flowing, we have to release that power.

2nd reason: There is a very real devil who is working against us. He wants to destroy us and he will if we don’t fight back.

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

When satan came and tempted Jesus, He resisted the devil’s attacks by using Scripture.  We must follow His example.

 “7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.8 Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. 9 But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith.” I Peter 5:7-9 CEV

3rd reason: We get rebellious and want to do things are own way.   Just like a child who is told not to touch the stove because its hot – if the child reaches up to touch the stove, ignoring the father’s advice, and gets burned that’s not the father’s fault. He didn’t allow it or cause it. It was an act of our will.

“16 Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things.”. James 3:16 CEV

4th reason: We get tired of fighting and give up. Seeing God’s promises come to pass is not for the faint of heart.  The Apostle Paul says it’s a spiritual battle. Don’t be moved away from God’s word, therein is our victory!

“Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places. 13 That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.” Ephesians 6:12-13 ERV

Never, ever, are we alone. The Father has promised to never leave us or abandon us.  We might get weary and want to give up but if we ask, God will give us all the strength we need.

“Christ gives me the strength to face anything” Philippians 4:13 CEV

God will not force His protection and blessings on us. We have to believe and receive His promises. There’s nothing the devil wants more than to defeat us and make others think God’s word doesn’t work. If he can deceive, he can defeat.

God’s word has stood the test of time, the very gates of hell cannot prevail against it. When we stand on God’s word, we will be unshakable and immovable!

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Unshakable, Immovable

A few days back a friend and I were discussing all the senseless tragedies that have been in the news lately. Some people want to blame God for what’s occurring. I would like to go on record, “this is not God’s fault”.

What I’m about to share with you now are the words that came pouring from my heart. The word of God is my unshakable, immovable, solid rock foundation. In these uncertain times we need a firm foundation.

“ Anyone who comes and listens to me and obeys me 48 is like someone who dug down deep and built a house on solid rock. When the flood came and the river rushed against the house, it was built so well that it didn’t even shake. 49 But anyone who hears what I say and doesn’t obey me is like someone whose house wasn’t built on solid rock. As soon as the river rushed against that house, it was smashed to pieces!” Luke 6:47-49 CEV

Let’s take a look at God’s word. He has given us a free will and He will not violate that. We are free to choose His blessings or to reject them. The choice of building our lives on the solid rock of God’s word is ours. God will not usurp our will to keep us from going to hell nor will He force us to accept any of his other blessings or His help.

“God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance”. II Peter 3:9 KJV

Psalms 103:1-5 tells us that the Lord forgives all our sins and heals all of our diseases but there are very few people I know who actually live free from the guilt of sin in every area of their lives or who live in divine health, 100% of the time. Does that mean that God lied when He said all, or does it mean we are unworthy to receive those blessings? NEVER!

If we are in Christ, children of the Father, all His promises belong to us.

“We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. 4 God made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.” II Peter 1:3-4 CEV

Why do bad things happen to good people? 

If we don’t know that God’s promises belong to us, all of His promises, then we blindly and ignorantly accept the evil being done without fighting back. If we don’t know that God wants us protected, well, prospered, worry-free, forgiven and loved then that lack of knowledge will destroy us. We will have no foundation.

“My people are destroyed because they have no knowledge…” Hosea 4:6 ERV

But if we know we can fight against those things and be victorious, it changes the outcome.

“I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory.” II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

If we are in Christ, and we are as Christians, we are promised victory. I have more to share on this so there will be a part two tomorrow.

Don’t give up, don’t quit! Build on a solid foundation; we will be unshakable and immovable!

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One More Time!

Yesterday I shared some insights from the book of Joshua. It seemed appropriate to draw on that book again today.

Years ago, I was given a copy of the book, Victorious Christian Living by Alan Redpath. It was written in 1955, long before much was being said about victory in the lives of Christians. Redpath uses Joshua’s experiences to show us how God has designed for us to win. (I would encourage you to find a copy [ebay’s a good place] and read it.)

This morning I was reading about all the kings that came out to fight Joshua and the Israelites when the entered their Promised Land. Moses had led them in successful military campaigns before they crossed the Jordan River but Joshua was given the responsibility to lead the warriors as they defeated the many kings occupying the land.

“…The total number of kings was 31.” Joshua 12:24 ERV

Joshua went from battle to battle. Sometimes he was the aggressor but at other times four or five kings would form an alliance and come out to attack him and the Israelite army. Each time Joshua headed into battle the Lord would give him the same message.

“All these kings met together at the small river of Merom. They joined their armies together into one camp and made plans for the battle against Israel. 6 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid of that army, because I will allow you to defeat them. By this time tomorrow, you will have killed them all.” Joshua 11:5-6 ERV

Don’t be afraid – one more time go out to battle; one more time I will give you the victory.

Joshua wasn’t the only one who faced repeated battles. Young David first fought Goliath and then he battled many enemy armies, including one his oldest son led against him. Jesus also faced many personal attacks. Satan came to him with three different temptations when Jesus was physically and emotionally weak. He had just completed a 40 day fast when Satan tempted him with food, with proving his deity and with world-wide acclaim.

“Jesus said to him, “Get away from me, Satan! The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God. Serve only him!’ 11 So the devil left him. Then some angels came to Jesus and helped him.” Matthew 4:10-11 ERV

Joshua and David won great victories because they trusted God’s word. Jesus was victorious over the temptations of the devil because He placed His trust in God’s word.

The Christian life isn’t void of trials or attacks but like Joshua and even more, like Jesus we can go from victory to victory when we put our trust and confidence in the promises of God.

“But we thank God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Don’t let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 ERV

I just had the feeling that some of you woke up this morning with a battle ahead of you. The Lord wanted me to remind you, you’re not in this alone. “Be not afraid, send the devil running. Our victory comes from the Lord”. You’ve got this – He’s got this!

Trust Him – one more time!

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An Audience with the King

I have a very strong image of God, the Father, as my heavenly father. I often see Him in my mind’s eye, sitting with me, as a father does with his daughter. There is a familiarity that comes with the closeness of His love. It gives me great comfort.

Then I come across verses that I read this morning and if brings me back to the fact that my Father, my heavenly Father, is the ruler of the universe. There is no power greater than His.

He reigns in majesty!

“Our Lord, you are King! Majesty and power are your royal robes. You put the world in place,
  and it will never be moved. 2 You have always ruled, and you are eternal.

3 The ocean is roaring, Lord! The sea is pounding hard. 4 Its mighty waves are majestic,
  but you are more majestic, and you rule over all. 5 Your decisions are firm, and your temple will always be beautiful and holy.” Psalm 93 CEV

You have always ruled…always. And He still does!

I remember the words from a movie I like. The king has disguised himself as a commoner so he could live among his subjects. At a climaxing moment in the movie, he reveals himself as king. He makes this statement, “I am king and as such my words are incontestable”!

The words of a king are law and as such they are not to be argued with. What he says is established.

Our Father, the King, has established His word forever.

“The sky and the earth won’t last forever, but my words will.” Matthew 24:35 CEV

The stars are held in place by his word, the seas hold their ebb by his word, the sun rises and sets according to his word. We can put our trust in His word and know that He will not lie and He will not change. His word is incontestable!

That gives me great confidence and hope. The Almighty God, the One who was, who is and who will always be, is the ruling force behind the words I base my life on. There is no one, no force of nature, no government, no other power who can stop His word from coming to pass.

“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

We are invited to come bravely before the throne of Almighty God and find help. He has extended the invitation. We have full access to an audience with the King!

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Don’t Forget What You See

Have you looked in the mirror this morning? That reflection first thing in the morning can be a bit unnerving. Everything seems a bit undone after a night of sleep. It takes time to get things in order – hair, makeup, men need to shave, etc.

I am reminded of what James says about looking into a mirror.

“Obey God’s message! Don’t fool yourselves by just listening to it. 23 If you hear the message and don’t obey it, you are like people who stare at themselves in a mirror 24 and forget what they look like as soon as they leave. 25 But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey, and don’t just hear and forget.” James 1:22-25 CEV

We are quite intent on having everything look good when we stand in front of a mirror but are we just as intent when we look into the Word of God. The Bible gives us instruction on how God sees us. He was us to reflect His character to the world.

King Solomon put it this way in Proverbs 23:7. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:”

If we see ourselves as God sees us and we meditate on His word, we will be victorious when the battles and the challenges come. Let’s look at a few things the Bible tells us about ourselves:

…I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

…My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.

…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

…If God be for us, who can be against us

…the thief comes but to steal, kill and destroy but I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly

…if any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally

…He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed

…(Abraham) And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

God tells us that the battle is in our minds and we are to renew them to His way of thinking and not to be caught up in man’s natural way of thinking.

“Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That’s the most sensible way to serve God. 2 Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.” Romans 12:1-2 ERV

In preparing for the day, take a little longer looking into the mirror of God’s word. Let the image that He has created for us be the one we hold in your heart. Like Abraham, let’s be fully persuaded that what God has promised He will do.

Don’t forget what the Father sees in us and who He created us to be!

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