GOD’S PLAN God created all His children, every single one of us, for His pleasure. It pains Him when we seek the pleasures of the world instead of Him. Yes, He created this beautiful world and everything in it for us to enjoy, but in relationship with Him, not independently and with one another. Once I realized how much easier things get when God is doing the heavy lifting, I didn’t really want to take ownership of anything again. He promised that if I first seek His Kingdom, everything else would follow. These are probably not exactly what I would’ve chosen, but He has a way of making my desires less important when I’m seeking to serve and please Him. Jesus talks about substituting our difficulties and life’s burdens for His yoke, and to let him do the hard part. God tells us that when we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him.
GOD’S WORD In this world of ever-increasing violence, hatred, disease and natural disasters, many are looking for an antidote. These answers and solutions are found in the Bible, which is the undisputable written Word of God. Many scoffers and mockers seek to undermine its authenticity and inherent truths. This post is not written for them, but rather for those who are genuinely weary of the utter craziness of the world we live in. I have always said that I could not sell to anyone something I would not buy myself. I am convinced that God’s Word provides the solution to every problem that has plagued mankind since the beginning of time.
GOD’S LOVE For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believed in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) While I agree that every word of this scripture is true and accurate, it does not stand alone. The Bible is clear that our assurance of salvation is based on more than our Messiah’s death.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Isaiah 53:7
GOD’S GRACE Ephesians 2:8–9 reads, “For by grace ye are saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Grace is the reason God sent Jesus to die for my sins that I might be forgiven. Grace is the reason that God made me. In fact, by definition, grace is a gift to the unworthy. God’s grace is greater than my deepest, darkest sin.
FAITH Paul speaks of faith as a life-long process, never as a one-time experience (Philippians 2:12). He never assumes he has nothing to worry about. He tells us our faith is living and can go through many stages. It never stays permanently fixed after a single conversion experience no matter how genuine or sincere. Our faith can be shipwrecked, departed from, disowned, wandered from, and missed. Christians do not have a “waiver” that exempts them from these verses.
(1Timothy https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+1&version=KJV)
WORKS Do our works mean anything? According to Jesus they do (Matthew 25:31-46). The people rewarded and punished are done so by their actions. And our thoughts (Matthew 15:18-20) and words (James 3:6-12) are accountable as well. These verses are just as much part of the Bible as Romans 10:8-13 and John 3:3-5.
Heavenly Father, I pray that my thoughts, words, and actions serve only to glorify You. At the end of my life, may I be found worthy to hear the words “well done”. In the precious Name of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen.
EXCELLENT!….Great blog today! Wonderful reminders for an “old soul” who knows, but a blessing and encouraging to read it again! Thank you!
God’s Plan For Us – love this! You include the bigger picture, the multy faceted story of redemption! Our Messiah was promised to us long ago. HalleluYah 🙂
-wm
Very well stated, Marie. Really felt the message. Miss you.love you.
Well said Marie! It’s the never ending story of God’s love for us and His amazing plan to take us back from our adversary. This is our time is His story…as John Wimber used to say “the only time in all of eternity we get to live by faith.” Love how you have jumped into this adventure with both feet!!
Thank you for sharing your faith!!!