God gave us the physical evidence of certain events to help those who need "proof." For example, the many prophecies in the Old Testament that have come to pass. However, while some people have no problem believing in faith alone, some personally needed a balance of both to come to Christ. What does your faith rest upon? The wisdom of man, the power of God, or both?
Before Paul believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, he spoke evil of Jesus, oppressed His followers, and exalted himself. "I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man." Yet, God called Paul from this ungodly religious life and made him a faithful, fruitful servant of the Lord.
Most are anxious to make a good impression on our world. We're concerned about what others might think of us, and this is one reason Paul instructed his young protege Timothy: "Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord..." (2 Timothy 1:8a). I remember the first time a co-worker saw a Bible on the front seat of my car. He asked, "Are you a Christian?" I said, "Yes, are you?" He answered, "No." And so began my evangelical ministry.
By His bountiful grace, Jesus Christ transformed Saul of Tarsus into the Apostle Paul. The Lord did this by enabling Paul, making him a man of faith, and putting him into ministry. As we consider what Paul was before the Lord began to change his life, we will see even more exceedingly abundant grace for transformation.
Paul came to Corinth to make known "the testimony about God." He didn't come to discuss multiple philosophies and how they might interrelate to the Gospel. For me, this is a refreshing reminder. The Gospel message is simple. Only man makes it complicated. Have you avoided witnessing to a loved one or family member for fear you couldn't explain competing ideologies? Don't worry about it -- Jesus and Him crucified needs no defense!
The grace of God is "much more" than our sins and our failure. It is "much more" than our personal inadequacy. It is "much more" than our comprehension of it. God's grace is "much more" than necessary to radically change our lives. In the limitless resources of God, there is exceedingly abundant grace for transformation.
Everywhere we look today there are challenges – economic, social, political, moral - you name it! So, how do we navigate life, not just by ‘hanging on so to speak, but by walking with God in victory? The victory that is real despite the world situation or even despite what may be going on in our own lives. Jesus said, “the Spirit gives life; the flesh (our thoughts and ways) counts for nothing.” (John 6:63).
Our lives are messy, often full of chaos. While getting through daily living, we can be sure of one thing: God’s presence is with us.
Psalm 91 is a warfare psalm about God’s presence. As I read the entire Psalm, especially the beginning, I realized the Psalm speaks of abiding in the presence of God to find safety in warfare.
When we profess God’s name but do not live answerably to it, we take it in vain.
~Thomas Watson~
Jesus doesn’t tell me to fight harder or stay busy; He tells me to give my sorrow to Him and be still. Give Him the hurt, the questions, the fear, and watch Him work.
Heartbreak + Jesus = restoration.
Miracles are not meant to be understood, they are meant to be believed.
~D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones~
Dr. Caroline Leaf cites studies that prove, “DNA actually changes shape according to our thoughts.” She explains that the harmful effects of destructive DNA codes were “reversed by feelings of love, joy, appreciation, and gratitude!”
“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.”— G.K. Chesterton
Holding onto the promises of God and reminding yourself of them is a sweet form of self-care. Give yourself the gift of remembering God’s goodness, what His Word says, and how much He loves you. Take a few moments today and practice the presence of God. Just enjoy Him, tell Him your heart, and listen for His voice. He loves you!
Our high and privileged calling is to do the will of God in the power of God for the glory of God.
~J.I. Packer~
When people start to praise you, the right thing to do is give God the glory. Never take the glory away from Jesus Christ. Whatever gifts and talents you possess, give all the glory to God and not to yourself. Every gift and talent God has given to you came from Him.
A lack of gratitude clouds our thinking and darkens our hearts, Romans warns us (Romans 1:21).
“It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich!”— Dietrich Bonhoeffer
May you remember this Thanksgiving not only the obvious gifts that God has given you but His spiritual blessings, as well. The greatest gift of all is Jesus Christ, and the salvation God offers us in Him.
~Billy Graham~
When others see your transformation and your heartfelt thankfulness to God, they will be drawn to Him.
On October 3, 1789, our first president, George Washington, issued a proclamation. He designated November 26 as a national day of thanks to “Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”
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