Give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ

— Posted inThanks Giving — 6 min read

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving.”

Thanksgiving naturally follows confession and forgiveness! We did not put it in third place right next to worship nor let us be tempted to think that worship and thanksgiving are the same thing.As they are not. Thanksgiving is a distinct act of the will. It recognizes the hand of God and is thankful. It chooses to give God credit for what He has accomplished, and what He has promised, while worship praises God for who He is.

“In Everything Give Thanks“

Thanks giving is to be as much a part of the believer’s life as breathing.  We are exhorted to live in thankfulness to our almighty Heavenly dear caring Father, and to exalt Him with continual expressions of thanks regardless of our present circumstances.

“In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (2 Thessalonians 5:18)

In prayer we are exhorted to give thanks profusely for the goodness of the Lord, for all His great benefits, for His mercies, for His faithfulness, for His steadfast love, for loads of blessings.  Psalm 100 is an excellent guide for entering the mighty wonderful presence of God. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise: Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.” Unthankfulness and silence disobedience God’s name. It brings Him shame.

It was Israel’s ingratitude of heart, the murmuring, the complaining, the grumbling, that brought on the wrath of God.  It was not that God had not blessed.  He had over and over again!  It is that men soon forget the goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ.  We are quick to forget His answers to our prayers, His mercies in our troubles, His healings when we are sick, His forgiveness when we fail, His provisions in our need.  Well did the psalmist groan in Psalm 107, 

“O Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good…Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalms 107:1

The Psalms are filled with marvelous expressions of thanks to our almighty Heavenly Dear Father on every side.  Oh, may our lives, our lips, be continual psalms of thanksgiving!   The apostle Paul commands the same principle in the New Testament, regardless of the circumstances we are to be thankful and think on the good things the Lord Jesus Christ has done.

“Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,  let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep you hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

“Good Mental Health“

Good mental health begins with a thankful attitude of heart.  “A merry heart does good like medicine…He that has a merry heart has a continual feast.” (See Proverbs 15:13;17:22)  Depression and discouragement are the inability to see the goodness of God around you.  David frequently expressed his depression, “I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of God in the land of the living.” (See Psalm 27:13) The eyes of faith see the goodness of God even in the midst of adversity.  God’s purposes, plans, and provisions are always good!  Remember, He is working it out. Be thankful while He works it out. (See Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11)

“Forget Not All His Benefits“

Forgetfulness of God’s multiplied blessings is sin. Forgeting or neglecting to give Him thanks is the sin of ingratitude – at least it is taking God for granted. D.L. Moody in commenting on Psalm 103 said, “I can’t remember all his benefits and blessings, but I dare not forget all of them either.” Thanksgiving is remembering God’s good gifts and giving Him the credit due His name.
 

Psalm 103:2-5 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalm 68:19  “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits…”

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

“Thanksgiving Is a Sacrifice to God“

Hebrews 13:15 points out that thanksgiving is a sacrifice to God. A sacrifice of our lips, that is to be offered up to God continually. It is tough to be thankful and express thanks from the heart for everything.

Wouldn’t prayer be wonderfully transformed if we would offer 10 sacrifices of thanksgiving for every request we make of God?

“Practical Disciplines“

1.  Thank God for His Creation, your own body (Psalm 139:14)
 
2.  Thank God for His provisions. For everything you have. List each thing for which you are thankful.
 
3.  Thank God for people He has put into your life. Name them by name and what you are thankful for.
 
4.  Thank God for little things. Start with the smallest things you can think of for which you are thankful.  From there work toward the bigger things he has done. Never start with the big lest you despise the small. Do not despise the day of small things. (Zech. 4:10)
 
5.  Thank God for hard things. “In everything give thanks…for this is the will of God…” Thank God for the trials and adversities that come to make us strong. They are what make us lean on Him. So thank Him!
 
6.  Thank God for everything. Keep a notebook handy in which you write down your thanksgiving list. It truly helps!

Use these Psalms to guide your thanksgiving. Pray the Psalms. Mark them as “Thanksgiving” in your Bible: Psalm 103; 104; 105; 107; 111; 118; 124; 126; 136; 139…

Much LoVe and JoY through Jesus Christ, our almighty dear caring Lord, Saviour and Redeemer, in who we faithfully abide, trust, believe, and abundantly do receive throughout His marvelous righteous Word, and truth fulfilling Holy Spirit ✝️🔥👑🙏🕊️

💫 Emmanuel 💫

Those Who Are Christ’s

— Posted inHymns — 1 min read 
"Those Who Are Christ’s" based on 2 Timothy 3:12; Galatians 5:24; Luke 22:42-44; Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 
All who desire a godly life Will suffer for His name Counting it joy amidst the trials Knowing that life is gained Those who are Christ’s have crucified The body of the flesh With all its passions and desires And overcome the tests...
Chorus: You drank the cup, O Lamb of God You have endured the cross Poured out Your will, with drops of blood Showing us how to walk Worthy are You, O God The sufferings of this present hour They cannot be compared With all the glory and the power To be, in us, revealed Outwardly we are perishing The inward man renewed Looking to things that are unseen We put our hope in You

By Christ Our Life

http://www.christourlife.ca

Our Lord Jesus Christ helps mend broken relationships.

— Posted inRelationship — 6 min read


The marvelous righteous Word of our Lord Jesus Christ is the book about relationships. It emphasizes the most important relationship any human being can have with our God Himself! It shows how reconciliation with God leads to a right restoration of our relationships with other human beings. From beginning to end the Bible is a book about relationships how they can be revitalized and restored.

Nothing characterizes our modern age more than fractured, dysfunctional personal relationships. Indeed the initial breakdown started not long after the creation of human life itself. Adam and Eve became estranged from God; their elder son killed his brother, and such breakdowns continued from there right down to our modern age of disjointed human relations. Britain’s chief rabbi, Jonathan Sacks, describes the general state of our relationships. “Today many parts of Britain and America are marked by vandalism, violent crime and a loss of civility; by the breakdown of the family and the widespread neglect of children; by an erosion of trust and general loss of faith in the power of governments to cure some of our most deep-seated problems, and by a widespread sense that matters crucial to our future welfare are slipping beyond our control.”
We don’t trust each other anymore. Relationships have lost their permanence. Lifelong marriages have ceased to be the accepted norm. Lasting careers are disappearing. Not so long ago a person could expect to work for one corporation for 40 years and then retire with a company pension and perhaps a gold watch. No more. Young people can now expect to have to learn several trades in a lifetime, with the accompanying disruption to relationships, just to survive economically.


The diagnosis is simple. Relationships that work are based on common rules. When standards become vague and people cannot agree to accept and adhere to the same values, society goes awry. There have to be agreed upon principles for human beings to follow. Otherwise we will continue to experience chaos in our relationships.


The marvelous righteous word of our Lord Jesus Christ is about relationships. It emphasizes the most important relationship any human being can have with God Himself! It shows how reconciliation with God leads to a right restoration of our relationships with other human beings, marriage partners, friends, fellow church members or fellow employees.


What is the nature of God’s relationship with His Son Jesus Christ?


“The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand … For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does …” (Read John 3:35; John 5:20).


Many other scriptures show that Their relationship is one of love, harmony, cooperation and outgoing concern. Theirs is a perfect relationship!


Do the Father and Christ offer to extend Their own harmonious love to men and women made in the image of God?


“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him” (See John 14:21).


God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son extend Their love to men, women and children. But notice that Their love is based on adhering to eternal values and standards that originated with the Father. “He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me” (See John 14:24 and compare 1 John 4:16-19; John 17:22-26). The Father and the Son are fully united in the laws by which They govern humankind. Those laws show God’s way of love and are given for the benefit of humankind (read 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6 and Deuteronomy 5:33).

Those who oppose those laws of love bring untold suffering and misery upon themselves and others. Often these agonies are manifested in the form of broken, dysfunctional human relationships.


What else is offered, both now and forever, to those willing to follow the spiritual standards and values of Jesus Christ and the Father?


“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (See John 14:23).


“… As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (See John 1:12).


“… But godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (See 1 Timothy 4:8).


Salvation is freely offered to those who are called now and willing to repent of past misdeeds, becoming obedient to the Father (compare Acts 2:37-39). Note that repentance, water baptism and the laying on of hands are the specified biblical requirements for the receiving of the Holy Spirit. Having the Spirit of God is essential for salvation (compare Titus 3:4-7).


Should our relationships reflect the harmony between the Father and the Son?


“And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (see 1 John 4:21). “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments” (see 1 John 5:2).


Love is governed and defined by eternal values coming forth from the very throne of God (Read 1 John 2:3-7). The only real solution to our sad state of severed relationships is to repent and begin to keep God’s Ten Commandments, which define true love toward God and neighbor, both in the letter and the spirit (compare James 2:8-12; Romans 13:8-10 and 1 John 3:10-11).


Right relationships with God and man will lead us to a greater understanding of the purpose of life that our almighty dear Heavenly Father desires for all of us to achieve while we live on earth.

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings through Jesus Christ, our almighty dear caring Lord, Saviour and Redeemer, in who we faithfully abide, trust, believe and abundantly do receive, throughout His marvelous righteous Word and truth fulfilling Holy Spirit ✝️🔥👑🙏🕊️

💫 Emmanuel 💫

Show me Your ways

— Posted inHymns — 1 min read 
Show me Your ways - Read Psalms 25:4-5, 8-10, 12, 14; 16:11 
Show me Your ways, Teach me Your paths, Lead me in Your truth O Lord on You I will wait... You are upright, Teaching sinners the way, The humble You guide in justice The humble You teach Your ways...
Bridge: All Your paths O Lord are mercy and truth And Your secret is for those who fear You
Chorus: You will teach me the way I should go You will guide me in the fear of the Lord In Your presence, You will give me rest...You will show me the path of life In Your presence is fullness of joy At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore...

By Christ Our Life http://www.christourlife.ca

The marvelous gospel that Jesus Christ thought us

— Posted inFREEDOM — 3 min read

From the beginning of Jesus Christ earthly ministry, He focused on the Kingdom of God.

What was the main theme of Christ’s message?

“Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God” (Read in Mark 1:14).

“Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him” (Read in Luke 8:1).

From the beginning of Christ’s earthly ministry, He focused on the Kingdom of God. He was continuing the message proclaimed by Daniel and the other prophets. Throughout His ministry He repeatedly used the words king and kingdom to explain the good news He preached.

What other theme was prominent in Jesus Christ preaching?

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Read in Mark 1:15 and compare Matthew 9:13).

Jesus taught that no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless he repents: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Read in Matthew 7:21-23 and compare Matthew 19:16-17; 1 John 2:4).

Obeying in our Lord Jesus Christ is different from simply believing in Him. Submitting to God’s will requires a change of heart. It means we come to trust God and willingly repent of sin, which is lawlessness (Read in 1 John 3:4), the breaking of God’s law. Here is where many sincere people misunderstand not only the truth gospel but what one must do to enter God’s Kingdom and receive His glorious gift of eternal life.

Our faith in God and in the reliability of His promises must lead to a life of active obedience. Otherwise our faith is dead and useless (Read in James 2:26).

What did Jesus say for someone to enter God’s Kingdom and receive eternal life?

“. . . One came and said to Him, ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ So He said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments’ ” (Read in Matthew 19:16-17).

What message was uppermost on Jesus Christ’s mind after His resurrection?

“To [the apostles] He also presented Himself alive after His suffering . . . being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Read in Acts 1:3).

After explaining more details of the gospel of the Kingdom of God, Jesus sent His apostles out into the world to teach the nations the truth of His gospel (Read in Acts 1:8 and compare Matthew 28:19-20).

Much love JoY, Peace and Blessings through Jesus Christ, our almighty dear caring Lord, Saviour and Redeemer, in who we faithfully abide, trust, believe and abundantly do receive throughout His marvelous righteous Word and truth fulfilling Holy Spirit. ✝️🔥👑🙏🕊️

 💫 Emmanuel 💫

All my hope is in You

— Posted inHymns — 1 min read 
My hope is in eternal things, not in what is perishing Seated on Your holy throne, You are God alone Living not for earthly things, but giving all for heaven’s King, Taking up my cross each day for the glory of Your Name. 
Chorus:
All my hope is in You, And my hope is from You, All my hope is in You, Jesus, You suffered for my sin and shame, conquered death and rose again Now You live to intercede, and save me completely, There is life in nothing else, I’ll live for You and not myself Knowing You is endless life, You are God Most High

By Christ Our Life 

http://www.christourlife.ca

The choice to be imparted of God’s Kingdom

— Posted inKingdom of God — 4 min read

Trust in God is the result of a choice. God’s way of life was not the only choice our first parents faced. The serpent presented Eve with an alternative, convincing her that his approach was the better way. He persuaded her that God had withheld important information from her, that God was misleading her (Read Genesis 3:1-6). Eve then persuaded Adam to join her in rebelling against God’s instruction by partaking of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Read Genesis 2:15-17).

As a result, another “ruler” (Read John 12:31), the one who exercises influence over “all the kingdoms of the world” (Read Matthew 4:7-9), could introduce humanity to a different way of life. This ruler is “that serpent of old, called the devil and satan, who deceives the whole world” (Read Revelation 12:9). Over time he has even introduced a counterfeit religious message a “different gospel” (Read Galatians 1:6-8) that is opposed to God’s plan and His purpose for us.

We must understand the significance of satan introducing to humanity a different way of life, a way opposed to God. Satan’s message is cloaked in acceptable sounding language that seems right to our natural way of thinking (Read 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). He has even convinced most people that God’s ways are foolish (Read 1 Corinthians 2:14). In so doing, satan has become not only the ruler but the “god” of this age (Read 2 Corinthians 4:4). Paul refers to him as “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience” (Read Ephesians 2:2).

What prophetic words did God say to “that serpent of old”?

“So the Lord God said to the serpent: ‘Because you have done this . . . I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel’ ” (Genesis 3:14-15).

Here, early in human history, God promised hope for humanity. He promised that the appointed Seed (the Messiah) would deliver mankind from the rule of satan. As we will see, this early prophecy also shows God’s commitment to carry to completion His plan to mold humanity into His own spiritual image to establish a kingdom that will produce the fruit of the tree of life instead of the fruit of satan’s deceptions.

The prophecy of a promised Seed starts a thread that runs throughout the Bible. It is God’s firm promise of an dear caring Saviour and Redeemer, a glorieus King who will reign with righteousness and sovereignty and bring peace and salvation to all who are willing to abide in God with all their heart.

How long has God planned His Kingdom?

“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).

God planned from before the creation of man to establish His Kingdom. Nothing will prevent Him from bringing it to pass. From the opening pages of the Bible God explains why He created us and how He will establish His Kingdom. Let us all remain humble and become sustainable through God’s mighty marvelous, righteous Word and His truth fulfilling Holy Spirit

Much love JoY, Peace and Blessings through Jesus Christ, our almighty dear caring Lord, Saviour and Redeemer, in who we faithfully abide, trust, believe and abundantly do receive throughout His marvelous righteous Word and truth fulfilling Holy Spirit. ✝️🔥👑🙏🕊️

💫 Emmanuel 💫

Love one another

— Posted inJohn — 2 min read

A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another. As I have loved you, you must also love one another.
John 13:34

Note and Biblical Scripter Reference on John 13:34 – On the night before Jesus Christ died one of the things uppermost in His mind was the need of all His disciples to love one another. And He did not merely request or advise them to do so – He issued a command. This command He gave three times We can find references on this in John 15:12, 17). See also Romans 13:8; Galatians 5:13-14; Ephesians 5:2; Philippians 2:2; Colossians 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9; Hebrews 13:1; James 2:8; 1 Peter 1:22; 2:17; 3:8 and 1 John 3:11, 18, 23; 4:7.

There are many reasons to be happy and love one another . Surely in the Psalms chief among those reasons is the joy of salvation: that we have been loved by our almighty dear Lord Jesus Christ; who redeemed us from our sin and death; He cares for us and fulfills us with everlasting love and joy. There is the love of man and woman, the love of parents and children, the love of friends: all of this is celebrated in the Psalms. But here is another reason, a very important reason. We live in a world that is beautiful created by God. If only we open our eyes with intention and understanding, we will find and receive the great marvelous works of our almighty dear Lord Jesus Christ.

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings through Jesus Christ, our almighty dear caring Saviour and Redeemer, in who we faithfully abide, trust, believe, and abundantly do receive throughout His marvelous righteous Word and truth fulfilling Holy Spirit ✝️🔥👑🙏🕊️

Your Ways Are Perfect

— Posted inHymns — 1 min read 
Your Ways Are Perfect Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 42:7; Romans 8:28; 4:18
 Jesus You’re good, faithful and true And all things go through Your hand I know You will work it all for my good At times I don’t understand
 Chorus: Your ways they are perfect Your ways they are high, When Your waves are crashing and I’m asking why, You are still good in all that You do, And I give my praise to You, You light a fire, through every trial Cleansing me deep within Help me to see it’s Your love for me Purging my heart from sin 
Bridge: Lord I trust in You Though there’s pain I will hope against hope I cry out to You For Your mercy, I lift up my voice Christ Our Life

By Christ Our Life http://www.christourlife.ca

The Lord is my light and my salvation

— Posted inHebrews, Psalms — 11 min read

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

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 27:1 – It was a time of danger and slander (see vers 12). David needed light so as to know what to do, and protection from enemies. He never dreamed he could make a light for himself out of the kindling of his own imagination, or ever thought his salvation was in his own strength or goodness. He always acknowledged God as the source of everything good. On “Light” see Psalms 18:28. On “Fear” see Psalms 23:4.

When the wicked, my enemies and my foes, came against me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Psalms 27:2

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 27:2 – See Romans 8:37; Ephesians 6:10-11. Believers now should have the same confidence in God against spiritual foes as David had against human foes.

Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear. Though war rise against me, in this I will be confident.
Psalms 27:3

One thing I have asked from the LORD; I will seek for this: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to see the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His “temple”. Psalms 27:4

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 27:4-6 – David was frequently away from God’s place of worship, in battle, in hiding from enemies, in other lands. He longed for the house of God, quiet meditation and worship in a place of peace and safety, the music and gladness of the tabernacle.

The Hebrew word translated “beauty” also means pleasantness, delightfulness. See also Psalms 90:17. There was no form of God in His place of worship, no idol, no image that men might think beautiful. David is speaking of the spiritual beauty that can be SEEN only with the eyes of faith.

For in the time of trouble He will hide me in His pavilion; He will hide me in the secret place of His tabernacle; He will set me high on a rock. Psalms 27:5

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 27:5 – If God keeps us, hides us in His shelter, and sets us on the rock (Himself – See Deuteronomy 32:4), then we are safe indeed, and will have cause for shouts of JOY and HAPPY singing to His name.

And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me. Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
Psalms 27:6

Hear, O LORD, when I cry out with my voice, and have mercy on me, and answer me.
Psalms 27:7

When You Said, “seek My Face”, my heart said To You, “your face, Lord, I will seek”. Psalms 27:8

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 27:8 – The importance of seeking God’s face is everywhere emphasized in the Bible (see Psalms 105:4; Isaiah 45:19; 55:6-7; Hosea 10:12; Amos 5:6; Zephaniah 2:3; Matthew 7:7 and Hebrew 11:6). God tells us to SEEK HIM because He desires to reveal Himself to those who seek, and He desires them to know that He is the source of true eternal life. His infinite fulfilling love throughout the sacrifice of His only begoten Son Jesus Christ is the most glorious fulfilling gift to receive, so that we may become to walk free without blame.

Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation. Psalms 27:9

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 27:9 – See Psalms13:1.

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will receive me. Psalms 27:10

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 27:10 – See Psalms 68:5; Isaiah 49:15 and Hosea 14:3. The LORD will take on the job of both father and mother to believers who are forsaken of their earthly ones. And He will love and care for them as no human could ever do…

Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me in a STRAIGHT path, because of my enemies.
Psalms 27:11

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 27:11- See Psalms 25:5

“STRAIGHT”– the Hebrew does not mean “Plain” (KJV) in the sense of “Clear”, but “Level” or “Straight”.

Do not hand me over to the will of my enemies; for false witnesses have risen up against me, and those who breathe out violence. Psalms 27:12

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 27:12-14- What should a believer do when he is the object of lies and slander? PRAY (vers12), Trust God (vers 13), and hope in God for the future (vers 14). Faith comes by hearing, and hearing throughout the righteous Word of God.

Now faith is the assurance of things which are to be hoped, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Hebrews 11:1 – This is the only place in the Bible where faith is defined in words (many places show what it is by revealing it in action). Faith has to do with two areas or spheres – the future (for what we hope), and the unseen. God has made promises and given revelations concerning these two spheres. Faith believes these promises and relies on these revelations. This brings assurance to the heart. Faith is not a leap into the dark; it is a leap into the light. It is not wishful thinking; it is based on the powerful evidence of God’s true righteous fulfilling Word. True faith does not believe every idea about God that men may have, or everything that men think is God’s revelation. It believes the truth revealed in the Bible.

“Assurance”– the word also means “Substance” or “Essence” or “Nature” or “Confidence” but here “Assurance” seems best. The Greek is a combination of two words, one meaning “Under”, the other meaning “Standing”. In other words, faith is our fundamental foundation. What else is it that faith stands for? Here in Hebrews it is all that is hoped for in Christ. Faith is a true foundation for our hopes. Without faith we would have no right to hope and no good reason for hoping. And faith is a foundation, a quality, which enables us to stand under every kind of hardship, difficulty or suffering that could possibly destroy hope. Compare Romans 5:1-4

“Conviction”– or “Evidence” or “Proving” or “Exposing” – the Greek word may mean any of these. The verb is used in John 3:20; 16:8; 1 Corinthians 14:24 and Ephesians 5:11, 13. Faith is a conviction that the unseen things the Bible speaks of actually exist. In a way, it brings them to light, enables the unseen to be “Seen”. Compare Hebrews 11:27 and Corinthians 4:18.

For by it the forefathers obtained a good commendation. Hebrews 11:2

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Hebrews 11:2 “forefathers”– here means the people of God who lived in ancient times. God commended them for their faith. The commendation was this: out of the whole human race they alone were on the right road, believed the one true God, were righteous before God. We have a part of that commendation in this chapter. From God’s point of view the history of mankind is a history of those who believed Him. Faith and what it accomplished is what really matters, for that is what will last forever; all else passes away (see 1 John 2:17).

Through faith we understand that the worlds were created by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:3

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Hebrews 11:3 – Observe that faith is not contrary to understanding or reason – faith gives understanding. It is like the eye which lets in the light. Believers know how the universe came into being because God has revealed it. They need not speculate about its origin as unbelievers do. God spoke and creation began Hallelujah Hallelujah! (See Genesis 1:1, 3, 6, 9; Psalms 33:6; Isaiah 40:26; 42:5; John 1:3 and Colossians 1:16).

I would have fainted, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psalms 27:13

Wait on the LORD. Be courageous, and he will strengthen your heart. Wait I say on the Lord. Psalms 27:14

But those who wait on the LORD will renew their strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not be weary, and they will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Isaiah 40:31 – For a holy walk in a fallen world, for strength to finish our earthly course with joy, for ability to serve God acceptably, we need a strength not our own. We must learn to exchange our poor and frail strength for the strength that our almighty God gives (Isaiah 40:28-29 and in Ephesians 1:18-21. What great strength is available to believers in Jesus Christ). This can be done only by looking to Him in faith. We must learn to trust our Lord Jesus Christ to do for us and in us what we cannot do for and in ourselves. Another great encouraging scripture we can find in Matthew 11:28-30.

“Come to me, all you who labour and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

Take my yoke on you, and learn from me. For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:29

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Matthew 11:28-29 – Now Jesus speaks of how He reveals the Father and to whom. He reveals the Father to those who feel their burden (especially the weight of their sins) and come to Him, to those who are willing to be united to Him, to those who will humbly, meekly learn what He has to teach. Such people, and only such, will come to the knowledge of the one true God. And see what He promises – rest, a rest from self-effort, vain seeking, and the burdens of an empty sinful life without hope. This is not rest from troubles, but rest in troubles. Compare John 16:33.

Take my yoke on you, and learn from me. For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:29

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”.Matthew 11:30

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Matthew 11:30 – Compare 1 John 5:3. Trust, obedience and love, and His presence with us are what make His yoke easy and His burden light. Compare Acts 15:10 which speaks of the rules and regulations of the law. Yoked to Christ we find freedom and liberation and peace. His yoke is grace, not law. It is His strength and power, not self-effort on our part. Meekly learning from Him we come to more and more knowledge of God. Christ is both teacher and lesson. To be yoked to Christ is to be joined to one of perfect understanding and kindness and grace and love. How can it be burdensome?

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings through Jesus Christ, our almighty, dear caring Saviour and Redeemer, In who we faithfully abide, trust, believe and abundantly do receive, throughout His marvelous righteous Word and truth fulfilling Holy Spirt.

The Word of the Lord endures for ever

— Posted in1 Peter — 13 min read

For all flesh is like grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. the grass withers, and its flower falls away, 1 Peter 1:24

But the Word of the Lord endures for ever. and this is the word, which, by the gospel, was preached to you.
1 Peter 1:25

Note and Biblical Scripture Reference on 1 Peter 1:24-25 – see Isaiah 40:6-8. All that man apart from God does, or can do, has no permanence. The marvelous righteous word of God (and those who have been given new life through that Word) will stand forever – see note and biblical scripture reference on Matthew 24:35 and 1 John 2:17 below…

The voice said, “cry out!” And he said, “What shall I cry out?” “all flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.
Isaiah 40:6

Note and Biblical Scripture Reference on Isaiah 40:6 – “cry out” cause men to know the truth which follows. There is a contrast in these verses with both the preceding and following verses. god’s great glory is mentioned in verse 5. Man’s glory is a frail, temporary thing, hardly worthy of the name of glory. And man is weak and withering as grass, totally incapable of bringing salvation and comfort by them selves or to Jerusalem (or to anyone). So God must come to live in us to sow and lead us throughout His truth fulfilling Holy Spirit and His marvelous, enriched, righteous fulfilling Word.

Heavenen and earth will pass away, but My Word will not pass away. Matthew 24:35

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Matthew 24:35 – See Mathew 5 :18 below. Jesus knew that both the law God gave, and His own words were the very words of God and would endure for all time.

For truly i say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one not or one title will pass away from the law until all is fulfilled. Matthew 5:18

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Matthew 5:18 – See how God puts His stamp of approval on the Old Testament. See also Matthew 4:4; 15:3-6; 22:43; Luke 24:44 and John 10:35. He obviously regarded it as the Word of God inspired by God’s Spirit. Compare 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1-2 and 2 Peter 1:21. He was God incarnate and knew all things, so we should hold the same views and values of it that He had.

And the world passes away, and its desires also; but whoever does the will of God continues on forever.
1 John 2:17

Note and Biblical Scripture References on 1 John 2:17 – “Passes away” God will shake and judge the the world, and put it away forever (See Acts 17:31; Isaiah 24:1-16 and 2 Peter 3:10-13) Below…

Because He has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom He has ordained. He has given proof to all by raising Him from the dead ”.
Acts 17:31

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Acts 17:31 – On God’s judgment see Matthew 10:15; 11:22, 24; 12:36; Romans 2:2; 14:10; 2 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 14:7; 20:11-15. On Jesus Christ resurrection see Acts 17:18; 2:24; 3:15; 4:10; 13:30; and Matthew 28:6. Observe that Jesus resurrection is proof that God will judge the world.

See, the Lord makes the earth empty, and lays it waste, and turns it upside down, and scatters its inhabitants around. Isaiah 24:1

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Isaiah 24:1 – From the beginning of Isaiah chapter 13 God spoke of the punishment He would inflict on various nations. Now He joins them all together with all other nations and speaks of the destruction He will send on the whole world. This chapter deals with the end of this age, “the day of the Lord ”, the time when God pours out His anger on a godless world. the wording of Isaiah 24:4, 6, 13, 16, 19, 20, 23; 25:6-8; 26:19-21 seems sufficient evidence for thinking this. Those verses speak of events which the New Testament reveals will occur at the end of this age and the beginning of the next chapters. Isaiah 25-27 are linked with this chapter and refer to the same events. These chapters are also tied together by the expression “in that day “Isaiah 24:21; 25:9; 26:1; 27:1-2, 12. “makes the earth empty, and lays it waste ” – see Isaiah 34:1-4; 2 Peter 3:10-12 and Revelation 15—16.

And it will be like this: as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the creditor, so with the debtor. Isaiah 24:2

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Isaiah 24:2 – When God shows the world for its sins He will observe no social distinctions (read Revelation 6:15-17).

When it becomes like this inside the land among the people, it will be like the shaking of an olive tree, and like the gleanings when grape harvest is ended. Isaiah 24:13

The land will be completely emptied, and utterly plundered; for the Lord has spoken this word. Isaiah 24:3

The earth mourns and fades away; the world languishes and fades away, the haughty people of the earth languish.
Isaiah 24:4

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Isaiah 24:4 – The tense of the verbs changes to present and continues so, for the most part, up to v 21. It is as though Isaiah were caught forward and saw what was happening with his own eyes – as indeed he probably did in vision.

The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.Isaiah 24:5

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Isaiah 24:5 – Here is the reason for the destruction described in the previous verses. The earth is part of God’s holy creation. men have defiled it. God gave good and holy laws and covenants for the good of mankind. mankind despised and violated them. this is the history of the world as God sees it. compare Genesis 6:5, 12; Psalms 14:2 and Romans 1:18-32.

Therefore the curse has devoured the earth, and those who live on it are desolate; therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men are left. Isaiah 24:6

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Isaiah 24:6 – “Therefore”– if a people or a land, or the whole world, was unworthy of punishment God certainly would not send it. He sends it because He must  be true to justice and to promote the good of the universe as a whole.

“Curse ”– see Genesis 3:17; 4:11; Deuteronomy 11:26; 27:15-26; Proverbs 3:33; Galatians 3:10, 13 and Revelation 22:3.

“Few men ”– compare the great loss of human life in Revelation 6:4, 8; 8:11; 9:15, 18; 13:15; 19:17-18, 21.

The new wine fails, the vine languishes, all the merry hearted sigh. Isaiah 24:7

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Isaiah 24:7-13 – Isaiah pictures the conditions before the final judgment of the world.

The mirth of tambourines ceases, the noise of the revelers comes to an end, the joy of the harpy ceases.
Isaiah 24:8

They will not drink wine without a song; strong drink will be bitter to those who drink it. Isaiah 24:9

The city of confusion is broken down. every house is shut up, so that no one comes into Isaiah 24:10

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Isaiah 24:10 – “City of confusion” (Possibly the destruction of a city such as Tyre –See Isaiah 23:1, or Damascus) Isaiah 17:1 is given us a picture of what will happen to the whole world. Or possibly the meaning is the city that represents fallen mankind at the end of this age – Babylon (Read Revelation chapters 17 and 18).

In the streets there is a crying out for wine. all joy becomes gloom, , the mirth of the land is gone. Isaiah 24:11

In the city desolation is left, and the gate is smashed to ruins. Isaiah 24:12

When it becomes like this inside the land among the people, it will be like the the shaking of an olive trees, and like the gleanings when grape harvest is ended. Isaiah 24:13

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Isaiah 24:13 – Read Isaiah 24: 6 – comparatively few of earth’s people will remain after the event of Isaiah 24:1.

They will raise their voice; they will sing; because of the majesty of the Lord they will cry out aloud from the sea.
Isaiah 24:14

Therefore glorify the lord in the fires, the name of God the God of Israel in the coast-lands of the sea. Isaiah 24:15

from the ends of the earth we have heard songs, “glory to the righteous one ”. but I said, “my leanness, my leanness! woe to me! the treacherous deal treacherously; yes, the treacherous deal very treacherously ”Isaiah 24:16

Note and Biblical Scripture References on Isaiah 24:14-16 – The few who remain after God’s judgment will sing for joy to God of israel, the only God there is. They will know that it is her who has preserved and saved them from destruction. Read Revelation 7:1-8. “Fires ” (v 15) – the Hebrew word here most likely means “EAST”.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. in that day the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fiery heat. the earth also and the works that are in its will be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10

Note and Bublic Scripture References on 2 Peter 3:10 – “the day of the Lord ”– Read Isaiah 2:12; 13:6-13; Joel 2:1-2, 30, 31; Zephaniah 1:14-18; Acts 2:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:2 and 2 Thessalonians 2:2. In the Bible the word “DAY” does not necessarily mean one single literal day. Read Genesis 2; Isaiah 34:8; John 9:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:5, 8. The “day ” of salvation (2 corinthians 6:2) has continued from paul’s day to ours, two thousand years. the period of time for the last “day”of the Lord  may be a thousand years or more, beginning with the return of Jesus Christ and ending with the final judgment of Revelation 20:11-15.

“Like a thief ”– see 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 and revelation 3:3; 16:15.

Since then all these things will be dissolved, what kind of people you ought to be in holy conduct and godliness,
2 Peter 3:11

Note and Biblical Scripture References on 2 Peter 3:11 – “what kind of people” Is it reasonable to live for the things of the world which is heading for destruction? Compare 1 JOHN 2:15-17.

“Holy conduct and godliness ”– Read Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 1:15 and1 John 1:6.

As you look for and speed the coming of the day of God, in which the heavens will be on fire and dissolve, and the elements will melt with fiery heat! 2 Peter 3:12

Note and Biblical Scripture Reference on 2 Peter 3:12 – “day of God ”– Read 2 Peter 3:10; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 3:13; 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; and Philippians 1:6. How can believers speed its coming, that is, cause that day to come more quickly? By doing what Jesus told us to do. He did instructed us to pray for His kingdom to come (Read Matthew 6:10), and to take His gospel to all the various peoples on earth (Read Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15). when God has completed His task throughout His servants at the end of this age that will come (Read Matthew 24:14).

“Fire ”– Read 2 Peter 3:7. Peter does not give us a schedule of future events. His language does not rule out the possibility that Jesus will return and reign for a thousand years before the final judgment of men and the complete destruction of the heavens and earth (Read Revelation 20:1-6). There will be fiery punishment both before and after that thousand years. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Isaiah 24:6-13; 29:6; 30:30 and Revelation 16:8-9; 20:9, 14, 15.

Nevertheless, in accordance with His promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell. 2 Peter 3:13

Note and Biblical Scripture References On 2 Peter 3:13 – “New heavens and a new earth ”– see Isaiah 65:17 and Revelation 21:1.

“Where righteousness dwells ”– Read Revelation 21:27; 22:14-15; Psalms 15:1-5; 89:14; 118:19; Isaiah 11:4-5 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. it will be the exact opposite of this world where true righteousness, God’s righteousness, is despised and persecuted.

Therefore, dearly loved ones, since you look for such things, make every effort to be found by Him in peace, without spotting, and blameless.
2 Peter 3:14

Note and Biblical Scripture References On 2 Peter 3:14 – Read Daniel 12:10; 1 Corinthians 1:8; Ephesians 1:4; 4:3; 5:27; Philippians 1:10; 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and Hebrews 12:14. If we live as Jesus Christ told us, we can look forward to His coming with joy and confidence. Halleluyah Halleluyah Halleluyah! high abiding, honorable, glorified fulfilling praises to our victorious Lord of Lords, King of Kings, who reigns and is to come to fulfill and restore the new Jerusalem. Hosanna Hosana in the highest! Halleluyah!

Receive this wonderful, enriched, blessed, joyous fulfilling day ahead, with God’s mighty truth fulfilling presence in your midst.

“The LORD bless you, and keep you. The LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you. The LORD lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26

Much LoVe, JoY and Peace through Jesus Christ, our wonderful dear caring Lord, Saviour and Redeemer, in who we faithfully abide, trust, believe, and abundantly do receive throughout His marvelous righteous Word and truth fulfilling Holy Spirit.