Assurance from GOD

Assurance from GOD

Exodus 14: ¹⁵ And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. ¹⁶ But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. ¹⁷ And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. ¹⁸ Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”

 

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Seeing the Egyptian army pursuing them, the children of Israel cried out to the LORD in fear. GOD spoke to Moses and said what HE would do.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew the people were scared and did not scold them for it.
• GOD asks Moses a leadership building question to grow him beyond fear.
• GOD told Moses what HE was about to do through him.

 

“Lift up your rod” is symbolic for what GOD was going to do. GOD was raising Moses up to continue to be their leader. GOD would part the sea, but HE wanted the people to witness a human holding up a rod so they would believe that HE listens to Moses.

 

GOD also wanted the Egyptians to believe there is no other GOD. HE promised that after this encounter with HIM, the Egyptians would no longer be a threat. No military force can withstand GOD. The Egyptian hearts would solidify in thinking they could defeat GOD’s people. GOD reassured HIS people by telling them what HE would do.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS conversation with him concerning HIS promise?
• Has GOD made you a promise that needs reassurance?
• Will you ask GOD for reassurance, knowing HE does not mind if you are afraid right now?

We are Sure

We are Sure

1 John 4: ¹³ We are sure that we live in union with God and that he lives in union with us, because he has given us his Spirit. ¹⁴ And we have seen and tell others that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. ¹⁵ If we declare that Jesus is the Son of God, we live in union with God and God lives in union with us. ¹⁶ And we ourselves know and believe the love which God has for us.

 

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“Are you sure?” was the seemingly undermining question that knocked me down. I had a theory that something could work, but no experience. The question easily exposed my inexperience and my theory was brushed off by others.

 

• I was not sure that my theory would work.
• I was not convincing to anyone because I was unsure.
• I had no evidence that my theory would work.

 

John seems like he was addressing insecurity. He may have seen believers who showed faith, only to be met with trouble and difficulties. Some people may have felt discouraged. John provided  a way to have assurance regarding a relationship with GOD. “Declare that JESUS is the SON of GOD.”

 

My Observations:

• Difficult times blind me to the truth that GOD loves me dearly.
• GOD provided the remedy to all my troubles, namely believe in JESUS with all my heart.
• Saying the words “JESUS is the SON of GOD” to someone solidifies my relationship with GOD so I can have assurance.

 

“There is power in the name of JESUS” was what some folks used to say and sing. I can see that. Just saying HIS name is powerful. But believing in my heart and turning my life over to HIM is very different.

 

Usually when I feel unsure about my relationship with GOD is when things are going wrong or I have blatantly sinned and it can no longer be hidden. I start thinking GOD thinks less of me. I could not be further from the truth. I am glad GOD loves me in spite of my sins so I am ready to declare JESUS is the SON of GOD!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer emphasize “telling” people that “JESUS is the SON of GOD?”
• When you are sure about something small like directions, are you afraid to tell strangers or are you confident?
• Will you increase your confidence in your relationship with GOD by declaring that JESUS is the SON of GOD to someone today?

Assurance

Assurance

1 John 2: ³ If we obey God's commands, then we are sure that we know him. ⁴ If we say that we know him, but do not obey his commands, we are liars and there is no truth in us. ⁵ But if we obey his word, we are the ones whose love for God has really been made perfect. This is how we can be sure that we are in union with God: ⁶ if we say that we remain in union with God, we should live just as Jesus Christ did.

 

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When the new leader arrived, we were all hesitant to immediately follow. I was a longer hold out, because things had worked well the way they were. But after seeing the new direction, I was able to act differently.

 

• It took me some time to change.
• I had to understand the leader.
• I had to make a change to follow the leader’s ways.

 

John reasons with everyone in a gentle way. He appeals to everyone’s logic to address insecurity some people may have felt. Times may have been difficult and hard to understand. Choosing between sin versus following GOD may have needed to be addressed.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave commands to follow so we could have a great relationship with HIM.
• GOD knows the opposition and confusion I will face because the enemy wants me to become discouraged.
• By following GOD’s commands, I can be sure that any trouble I face I am in good standings with HIM.

 

Life is difficult enough without having to question if GOD loves me or not. I mean, Satan has been given a short time in which he is allowed to bribe humans, tempt humans and trick humans to follow him. GOD is not worried because JESUS died for the sins of everyone who will accept HIM.

 

By following JESUS, I can have assurance that any difficult time is not punishment, rather it could be an assault from the enemy to keep me from spreading the love of JESUS. I do not have to worry about GOD when I follow HIM. I am glad GOD is gracious even when I question my relationship with HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use “obey” so often?
• Have you ever wanted to get your own way, even if it was not good for you?
• Do you have more questions about GOD’s love than answers?
• Will you get to know who GOD really is by following the ways of JESUS so you can have a solid relationship and gain peace with HIM today?

Safe and Sure

 

Safe and Sure

Hebrews 6: ¹⁸ There are these two things, then, that cannot change and about which God cannot lie. So we who have found safety with him are greatly encouraged to hold firmly to the hope placed before us. ¹⁹ We have this hope as an anchor for our lives. It is safe and sure, and goes through the curtain of the heavenly temple into the inner sanctuary. ²⁰ On our behalf Jesus has gone in there before us and has become a high priest forever, in the priestly order of Melchizedek.

 

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Wanting to be “rich”, I asked a rich person for investment advice. He told me about investing in  penny stocks. I tried it by investing in a random company. I watched the stock go up and my hope was elated. But when the stock went down, my hope receded. I did not sell fast enough and lost the amount I invested.

 

• My hope was based on the performance of a hunch.
• My hope was placed in the thought of getting money.
• My hope was not stable because money would come and go.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, concludes his discussion about GOD’s promises being reliable. Since the purpose of GOD does not change, we can place our hope in HIM. This hope is strong enough to go into the inner sanctuary of GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Hope is important enough to GOD that HE observes it to see if HE is at the center of it.
• Prayer is something that is important to GOD, so much so, that HE keeps each hope filled prayer in a spiritual bowl.
• Faith is something important to GOD and HE looks at it in measures and rewards me for when I exercise it.

 

Humans value money, fame and power. BUT GOD values hope, prayer and faith. These conflict with one another. I mean, when I try to use human methods to “feel” better, I can leave GOD out of the equation and rely on my own plans and abilities. When things go terribly wrong, I lose hope. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

HE wants me to place my hope in JESUS, who was sinless and died to redeem the world. The tactic of not believing in “sin” or of having “my” truth will not stand up in front of the Living GOD. Only JESUS, who is the High Priest, will have the last word on all that I do. HE will examine my hope, prayers and faith and will deem me as being clean. I am glad I can place my hop in HIM.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer urge you to do?
• Have you ever placed your hope in money or a person or a job and been disappointed?
• Will you place your hope in JESUS, so it can be sternal and know HE has the best for you today?

Reason for Promise

 

Reason for Promise

Hebrews 6: ¹³ When God made his promise to Abraham, he made a vow to do what he had promised. Since there was no one greater than himself, he used his own name when he made his vow. ¹⁴ He said, “I promise you that I will bless you and give you many descendants.” ¹⁵ Abraham was patient, and so he received what God had promised. 

 

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“I will pick you up at 7” were the words I depended on. But when 7 rolled around, I was not picked up. “Oh my goodness, I forgot” was the real, but hurtful statement.

 

• I felt let down.
• I was a little frustrated.
• I wanted to say something, but had nothing to say.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, mentions a promise made to Abraham. He also provides assurance that GOD’s promises are so great, that nothing can stop it. Abraham received GOD’s blessing, only because GOD was faithful.

 

My Observations:

• When I need assurance, GOD gives me HIS promises.
• When I feel lost and alone, GOD promises to be with me.
• When I need encouragement, GOD is there to promise HIS delivery.

 

GOD has nothing to prove. I mean, HE is the most powerful, all knowing being who lives everywhere. I believe the reason HE promises so much, is to give us assurance that HE will remain with us even when we don’t believe it.

 

HIS love is powerful and HIS grace sufficient. HE can and will do HIS plan , and nothing, now anyone can stop it. I am glad GOD promises to love me and there is nothing that can change it!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention Abraham’s promise?
• Have you ever been disappointed when someone promised you something but did not keep the promise?
• Have you ever broken your promise?
• Will you consider that GOD’s plan for you is great and unwavering, so you can have assurance today?

Firm and Sure Foundation

 

Firm and Sure Foundation

Colossians 1: ²³ You must, of course, continue faithful on a firm and sure foundation, and must not allow yourselves to be shaken from the hope you gained when you heard the gospel. It is of this gospel that I, Paul, became a servant—this gospel which has been preached to everybody in the world.

 

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Things were finally going well at the time. After rededicating myself back to the LORD, it seemed like many of my worries and fears were drying up. I felt that I could speak about GOD freely in praise and pay bills at the same time! But as more and more money came in, I ran into some people who were wealthy. “Let’s go to a strip club” one of the rich and powerful married men said.

 

• I wondered If I was going to become an outcast if I did not go.
• I immediately tried to think of excuses versus saying “no.”
• I wanted to remain on the foundation of “wealth” and was almost willing to compromise.

 

Paul tells everyone that the Gospel is the only firm and sure foundation. All other philosophies, learnings, accomplishments or desires outside of CHRIST can present the possibility of discouragement. This would lead to having the “hope” shaken away.

 

My Observations

• JESUS wants me to remember HIM each and every day so I will not forget the hope HE provides.
• GOD wants me to let go of the thing that is causing me to feel discouraged and be willing to go HIS path.
• GOD wants me to stand on HIS firm and sure foundation which is CHRIST’s salvation.

 

“Complicated” is an understated word these days. I mean, anyone with a computer or smartphone can immediately become a philosopher who obtains a great following. BUT GOD  wants the following. HE sees those who dwell in the land of pride and cannot pull him or herself from the philosophy of the day.

 

These wanderers drift from thing to thing with no rest and no peace. GOD wants to provide rest, not more work. HE gives peace through the Gospel of JESUS and wants everyone who is willing to experience HIS love. I gladly give up the philosophies of the world to speak about JESUS and I will not be embarrassed. By GOD.

 

Challenge

• What “must” you do according to the writer?
• Have you ever been excited about GOD and later been discouraged?
• Will you “continue faithful on a firm and sure foundation” of JESUS, so you will not waiver when difficult or plentiful times come your way?

Assurance

Assurance

Ephesians 1: ¹³ And you also became God's people when you heard the true message, the Good News that brought you salvation. You believed in Christ, and God put his stamp of ownership on you by giving you the Holy Spirit he had promised. ¹⁴ The Spirit is the guarantee that we shall receive what God has promised his people, and this assures us that God will give complete freedom to those who are his. Let us praise his glory!

 

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Startled by a loud noise I ran to my parents. I clung onto the leg of one then the other. After investigation, they said to me calmly, “There is nothing to worry about.” It took a little while, but I could go on playing.

 

• I get startled by troubles.
• I get shaken up by bad news.
• I get scared, worried and doubtful when things seem to be going “wrong.”

 

After facing major difficulties, Paul sensed the people needed a word of encouragement. He had face major opposition from the church leaders, regarding following GOD. The murderers of JESUS led the church, making people fear for their lives. Assurance was needed.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to have peace.
• GOD wants me to know the truth.
• GOD wants me to praise HIS glory for setting me free.

 

Heard. Believed. Received. This three-step process gives me assurance that the promises of GOD are sealed up for me. I can do as I please. BUT GOD reigns me in because HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me to guide me away from things that may harm me.

 

I would choose the wrong path all the time. But the HOLY SPIRIT whispers, “Forgive” and “Love those who hate you” and “Serve ‘that’ person.” Recognizing that I am GOD’s possession, I surrender to the SPIRIT. I am glad I can have assurance in all of HIS promises for me!

 

Challenge

• Have you ever questioned GOD’s existence or why JESUS had to die or some other doubt about HIM?
• Have you also feared something or worried?
• How do you feel when you read the writer’s words?
• Will you rest assured that GOD loves you dearly and has a great plan for you, full of HIS promises that completely give you freedom today?

Chosen by Choice

Chosen by Choice

2 Corinthians 2: ²¹ It is God himself who makes us, together with you, sure of our life in union with Christ; it is God himself who has set us apart, ²² who has placed his mark of ownership upon us, and who has given us the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.

 

²³ I call God as my witness—he knows my heart! It was in order to spare you that I decided not to go to Corinth. ²⁴ We are not trying to dictate to you what you must believe; we know that you stand firm in the faith. Instead, we are working with you for your own happiness.

 

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Standing in a line, I awaited being called. I was clumsy and not athletically capable. But somehow I was chosen early. Was this the start of my athletic career? No! But it felt good to be chosen.

 

• I dreaded the thought of not being chosen.
• I did not like being embarrassed.
• I feared not being chosen but I also feared being chosen and not living up to why I was chosen.

 

Paul gives everyone a word of relief. “It is GOD” who did everything to save mankind. He explains that unity, assurance and a guarantee of eternal salvation all come from GOD. We were chosen.by HIS choice.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to accept the gift of unity HE has given me through CHRIST.
• GOD wants me to stand firm in the faith, knowing HE has placed HIS mark of ownership on me.
• GOD wants me to act like I have been set apart by seeking to work for others.

 

Being chosen is more than being saved from eternal pain and misery. I mean, I am chosen for a purpose that is far greater than I could ever dream. GOD uses my sins as examples to others that it is possible for anyone to be saved. It does not matter about the skill or knowledge.

 

GOD saw my entire life, with all my sins and failures, and decided to die for me anyway. This is great news! I am glad HE chose me when I would not choose HIM.

 

Challenge

• Do you notice the love of GOD that the writer is trying to express?
• Why would GOD go through so much trouble if HE wanted you to fail?
• What words of assurance do you see?
• Will you provide these words of assurance to someone today? 

Comes with a Guarantee

 

Comes with a Guarantee

Romans 4: ¹⁶ Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. ¹⁷ As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

 

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Disappointed with the product I was using. I complained. But I looked on the container and saw a guarantee. I could return the product, no questions asked. I did return it and purchased a cheaper brand. This one did not have a guarantee. I used that product and it was much worse, only this time I could not return it. I underestimated the product with the guarantee.

 

• There have been times when I did not believe in guarantees.
• There have been times when I went after a substitute versus using the real thing.
• There have been times when I wondered how could something be guaranteed unless they knew the future.

 

Paul keeps going with his explanation of Abraham because many Jews tried to boast about heritage. Paul keeps trying to explain that it was not just Abraham’s faith that GOD would fulfill HIS promise to make him father of many nations, it was GOD’s faith.

 

• When GOD tells me a promise, HE has already seen the outcome.
• When GOD promises something to me HE has already seen the difficulties and cleared the path.
• When GOD says HE will do something great in my life, HE means it.

 

GOD does not say anything HE cannot do. HIS power is unstoppable. When HE says “I will be with you always”, my response should be “Thank YOU!” Unfortunately, I say, “Where are YOU LORD?” in times of trouble. GOD is not disappointed with me during these times of doubt.

 

HE knew I would not believe in HIM fully and try to make things happen under my own power. HE gently lets my plans fail and picks me up anyway. HIS promise to me is guaranteed and HE took no chance of letting me fail. HE saved me when I was not looking for HIM. I am glad HE guarantees HIS love for me.

 

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Do you feel GOD can leave you when you sin and return when you don’t?
• Will you put your full trust in the LORD and allow HIM to grow you so more faith can be added to you daily?

Assured Thanks

 

Assured Thanks

Acts 27: ³³ Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. ³⁴ Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” ³⁵ After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. ³⁶ They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. ³⁷ Altogether there were 276 of us on board. ³⁸ When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

 

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Everyone around me said encouraging words. “You will get the position” they all said. Some of them were people who knew the decision makers. I was excited and full of praise and thanks. But there was one person who said “You may or you may not get the position.” Why did the person say “May not?” Now my praise and thanks turned to a slight bit of doubt.

 

• There were times when I had more doubt than confidence.
• There were times when my prayers were full of fear.
• There were times when I really wanted to believe something that was a promise, but was uncertain.

 

Paul urged the crew to eat. Many had probably given up hope. Paul, knowing what GOD told him, encouraged everyone that they would be safe. He was so sure, he gave thanks to GOD and ate in front of everyone. They joined in because they were encouraged.

 

• GOD wants me to be sure of HIS promises.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for what HE has already done.
• GOD wants me to be encouraged by HIS plan for me.

 

Human’s define success through sinful eyes. I mean, everyone has to be healthy, wealthy and all lusts fulfilled to meet the standards of success set by humans. BUT GOD has a different measure of success. “If you give even a cup of water to MY littles ones, you are MY disciple and will not lose your reward.”

 

Being thankful means I have already received the reward and I am thankful for it. I may not see it yet, but I have faith that GOD will do just as HE says. I can be assured, so I give thanks to GOD.

 

• Do you know GOD’s promises yet you doubt HIS love for you?
• Do you have fear for the upcoming situation?
• Will you give GOD assured thanks, knowing HE has a plan that looks different than you think, but is great for you and those around you today?

Assurance

Assurance

John 13: ²¹ When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” ²² Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke.

²³ Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. ²⁴ Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke.

²⁵ Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”

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While trying to move my bike over the back porch, I lost my balance and broke the bottom window of the door. Immediately I wondered how I would stay out of trouble. Would it be possible to clean up all of the glass without anyone noticing? After carefully cleaning the glass I saw the gaping hole. I had to accept the fact that I was going to get killed.

• There have been times when I have been scared to confess.
• There have been times when I worried about The things I have done.
• There have been times when I spent more time thinking about my guilt than doing other things.

JESUS says something very unnerving to the disciples. “One of you will betray me.” Everyone got worried about this statement. If I were them, I probably would start recounting my recent sins and work my way back to try to account for each one. Peter was bold enough to ask “Who is it?”

• JESUS wants me to admit I need HIM.
• JESUS wants me to believe that HE is the only way to salvation.
• JESUS wants me to confess that I am a sinner and the only way to be forgiven is to believe that JESUS died for me and is now alive, placed over everything by the FATHER.

Sin will make me feel like I am not saved. I mean, shouldn’t I stop sinning now that I know that GOD abhors sin? Yes, but this is very difficult. GOD knew it would be difficult and made a way back to HIM that gives me assurance. HE simply says “believe.”

When I believe in JESUS, I do not have to worry if GOD loves me or not. HE does love me, so much so, that HE died for me. Does HE need to do more? No, but HE does anyway. HE guides me daily and protects me. I am grateful for HIS deliverance.

• Are you worried about your relationship with GOD?
• Do you question whether there is a GOD, because you don’t seem to be getting “your way?”
• Will you get total assurance about your future by believing that JESUS is your Savior and HIS plans are great for you?

I know that I know that I know

1 John 5: ¹³ I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. ¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

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“GOD please wake me up at 5:00 A.M.” I was told to say as an exercise in faith. I woke at 7:00 A.M. “Heal my eyes” I said with hopes of a self-claimed miracle. I still wear glasses to this day. “Please let my fantasy football team win” I lost. I could have used the cash to buy new golf clubs. I wonder if GOD is even listening to me.

·         Sometimes I wonder if GOD is even listening to me.

·         There are times when I doubt HE even cares because it seems like HIS answer is always “no.”

·         Sometimes I think I shouldn’t even pray because it seems like I’m wrong anyway.

My doubt in prayer leads to doubt in GOD.  It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom when I say to GOD “YOU wouldn’t want to give me what I want, would YOU?” After doubting my prayer then I walk away doubting my relationship with GOD. Then the thought popped in my head, “I wonder if there is a GOD?”

·         GOD says to me “Believe and I will forgive” and HE has never let me down.

·         GOD says to me “I love you and have a great plan for you” and HE has never steered me wrong.

·         GOD says to me “Have a little faith and I will show you MY unfailing, unchanging faith” and I have seen HIS greatness in action.

GOD isn’t a made up being for my amusement and sanity, rather HE is the creator who loves me and guides me daily. I can ask HIM whatever I want that is in alignment with HIS will and HE will provide it abundantly. I have learned to ask HIM “What do YOU want me to have” before asking for my item.

I now know that GOD loves me dearly and HIS answer is usually “yes” but it may be in a form I wasn’t anticipating.

·         Do you believe you will have eternal life through belief in JESUS being GOD and dying for your sins?

·         Do you believe GOD will answer your prayers?

·         Can you start seeking HIS will by asking HIM “is this what YOU want for me?”

Do I have what it takes?

Hebrews 11:¹Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

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⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

  

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“I’m going to do it” I thought to myself. I grabbed the handlebars, took a deep breath and put one foot on the pedal. My father had the seat firmly in hand so I felt I could go as fast as I wanted to. I was riding a two wheeler! In my excitement I did not notice he had stopped running and I was riding all by myself.

When I did notice I fell off my bike. I think a mushroom cloud plumed over the area because I skinned my knee. “I don’t know if I’m going to try THAT again”, I thought to myself.

• When I doubt I can’t move forward.
• When I fear I can’t take a risk.
• When I worry I can’t hear sound counsel.

Many times I have been frozen with fear when it came to crossing over into greatness. I mean it seems like it was right there in my grasp and I did not seize the moment because some doubtful thought would pop into my head. Then after the moment had passed I could kick myself for not acting the way I was supposed to.

• GOD wants me to have faith in the things I hope for.
• GOD wants me to have faith in the things I do not yet see.
• GOD wants me to have faith that pleases HIM through belief in HIS SON.

Faith isn’t confidence in me rather its confidence in the almighty GOD. My plans can fail BUT GOD’s plans will never fail. I can place my confidence and assurance in GOD because HIS plans are everlasting. HE doesn’t want self-confidence rather HE desires total dependence on HIM. I should earnestly seek HIM, desiring that dependence.

• Are you worrying about something?
• Do you have fear or doubt running your decisions?
• Can you let go of what you are worrying about and let GOD handle the situation?
• Won’t you put your confidence in GOD abd believe HE knows what HE is doing?

Being Blessed

Romans 4: ⁶David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

 ⁷“Blessed are those

   whose transgressions are forgiven,

   whose sins are covered.

⁸Blessed is the one

   whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

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Someone asked me to pray that they got a particular job. I prayed they didn’t get the job. Someone asked me to pray for their marriage. I prayed they got divorced. Someone asked that I pray for their spouse to be cured. I prayed and the person passed on.

Wow! I don’t “feel” blessed. “Didn’t I do a lot for YOU GOD? Why don’t YOU hear me?”

• When I think I can “work” my way into GOD’s graces, I fail miserably.
• When I think I can be “good” for a period of time in order to get what I want, I am trying to manipulate GOD.
• When I think I can perform supernatural tasks without GOD’s permission, I am trying to draw the attention to me rather than pointing to HIM.

I often wondered why my requests were being ignored by GOD. I mean they seemed good at the time. Then I wondered if I was “blessed.” If HE ignored my prayer am I really blessed or even worse, am I saved? Oh no! What shall I do?

• When GOD says I am blessed, there is nothing I can do to not be blessed.
• When GOD says my transgressions are forgiven, HE means all my transgressions.
• When GOD says my sins are covered, every sin I have committed or will commit “are covered.”
• When GOD says HE will not count my sins against me, HE WILL NOT COUNT MY SINS AGAINST ME!

One thing I can count on is GOD cannot and will not lie to me. When HE says something HE will do it. My “feelings” and “attitude” and “emotions” sometimes get in the way of seeing how “blessed” I am. No matter how bad the situation seems, “I am blessed!” This is the Great News I can tell someone else.

• Do you “feel” blessed or do you “know” you are blessed?
• Do you doubt GOD can forgive you or do you know GOD “has already” forgiven you?
• Do you tell GOD what to do or do you ask GOD what HIS will is?
• Do you realize GOD knows you are special so can’t you try to act like you “are’ special to GOD?

I am “sure” everything will be alright!

John 10: ²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.”

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Sleep hid from me as the excitement of my first camping trip went through my mind. What was going to happen? It was the unknown. Sleep escaped me the day before my first day of school, my first day of college, my first day on the job or moving to a new city.

Why was my mind racing? Was I sure this was the right thing to do? What if something bad happens to me?

• When new things happen it makes me unsure.
• When bad things happen it makes me more cautious in the future.
• When I sin it only makes matters worse and shakes my faith in GOD.

I wish I had the faith of Abraham who seemed to do things for GOD without question. It seems like I have this habit of trying to predict the future based on past experiences. The tougher my experiences, the more nervous I get and the more I question GOD’s intentions with me.

• GOD knew my faith would be weak so HE grabbed onto my life.
• GOD knew I would serve sometimes and sin sometimes, yet HE holds my life in HIS hands.
• GOD knew fear, worry and doubt would be my comfort zone, that’s why HE put a grip on my life that no one can touch.

GOD is all seeing, all knowing all and all powerful. No one can force HIM to release HIS grip on me. HE made me exactly how HE wanted me to be made. Anyone who has a problem with me has a problem with GOD. That goes for me as well, if I have a problem with someone I have a problem with GOD.

I can be sure, that I am sure, that I am positive, that I am sure that no height, nor depth, nor obstacle can keep me away from the love of GOD. I can’t even get in my own way, that’s how much GOD loves me!

• Do you believe GOD is all powerful?
• Why do you doubt HIS strength to hold onto your life once you believed in HIM?
• Are you making an effort to hear HIS voice?
• Are you “sure” you know HIM and more importantly, HE knows you?

I am “completely” saved.

Hebrews 7: ²³ Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; ²⁴ but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. ²⁵ Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

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“Virus Detected!” were the dreaded words that appeared on the screen just before “it” happened.  I tried and tried to save all of the files, years of pictures and gigabytes of music. For hours if not days I fought to keep our “electronic” life in order.

I managed to save the important files, all the pictures but some of the music and recorded programs were lost. I was just thankful that I could save 98% of our stuff.

• My efforts to be good can never 100% save me.
• My effort to be superior to other humans is not an argument that will work with GOD.
• My effort to rid others of their sin is actually quite arrogant on my part since I still have a log in my own eye.

Laws were put in place to serve GOD in a very unique and specific way. GOD had to point out a flaw in humanity which is “sin” otherwise we would be blind to our way of thinking and end up separated from HIM forever. But knowing right from wrong doesn’t keep me from doing wrong.

Unfortunately sometimes knowing “wrong” is available attracts me to the wrong rather than doing what I know is right. My selfish sin nature kicks in and I want things my way, when I want them and how I want them. BUT JESUS did something remarkable.

• JESUS became a human as a volunteer.
• JESUS faced every temptation, if not more, every minute of every day.
• JESUS walked this earth for years and years not committing a single sin.
• JESUS was falsely accused, treacherously convicted and maliciously murdered for me.
• JESUS is now alive and pleads my case because HE went through my temptations.

JESUS’s death burial and resurrection “completely” saves me. There is nothing missing from HIS efforts. Once I believe in what HE did I am “completely” saved. My prayers and efforts are not meant to keep me saved, rather they are a sacrifice to my LORD who saved me.

It takes practice to “praise” and it takes practice to “complain.” Realizing my sin and understanding GOD’s grace for me helps me praise the one who save me, namely JESUS.

• Do you think you are “good?”
• Are you comparing yourself to other people?
• Is GOD pleased with your actions to be righteous on you own?
• Do you believe you need to be saved from eternal separation from GOD?
• Can you believe that JESUS is now alive interceding just for you?

Stop looking at the future, the present is enough.

John 10:27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one."

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I get excited when I read that GOD is holding onto me tightly. This passage of scripture is used as the "assurance" that I can NEVER lose my salvation. Now that I believe that GOD became a man and died for my sins and is now alive as the ruling authority in my life, I will never perish. No one can snatch me out of JESUS' hand.

But why do I worry about the future knowing that I am saved? I had to think about it for a while this morning, then I realized my worries come from focusing on things GOD should be concerned with. GOD owns the past, present and future and HE allows us to live only in the present.

• When I look at the future, I get worried.
• When I look at the future, I can only see it through sinful fearful eyes.
• When I look at the future, I say to GOD "YOU don't have a plan for my life."
• When I look at the future, I use today's problems and apply them to the future.
• When I look at the future, I try to take control of my life.
• When I look at the future, I doubt GOD.

It takes faith to let go of the past and the future. GOD placed me in HIS hand and no one can ever get me out of HIS hand, not even me! This IS my future and that's all I have to worry about. The sins of the past are just where they belong, in the past.

I can now focus on the present. Right now, at this moment in time, as I read this passage, I see that GOD has taken care of everything. I can see GOD's love and how HE controls HIS wonderful plans for me.

How do I know HE has wonderful plans for me? Because I am in HIS hands. There is no safer place.

• When I am in GOD's hands earthly problems are not really problems.
• When I am in GOD's hands I can actually see what HE is doing even through trials.
• When I am in GOD's hands I don't blame HIM or others for what I am going through.
• When I am in GOD's hands I focus on today, not tomorrow.
• When I am in GOD's hands I see love not punishment.

When I remain in the present and I see that GOD is working in my life, my fears doubts and worries dissipate. I get back to where HE wants me and I let HIM do what HE does best which is handling HIS wonderful plans for me.

• Are you worried about your future?
• What can you do about your future?
• Can you take a moment each day to focus on what HE is doing for you right now?
• Has GOD ever rescued you in the past?
• Will HE continue to rescue you?
• Why do you depend on your faulty fears and not on GOD's strength?