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?

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?

Lifejacket

Matthew 19: ²³ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴ Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

²⁵ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

²⁶ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

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“Lifejacket” I thought to myself. “Why would I need one of those? Will we sink? Is this boat safe? This was my reaction to my first boat ride in a small two oar boat. I clung onto what I thought would save me and did not enjoy the trip, at first.

• I have clung onto things I thought would save me.
• I have broken my neck to remain “insured.”
• I thought doctors, investors and insurance people could protect me.

One item I could not protect with my lifejacket was my soul. As precious as I thought my body was, my soul was so much more important. JESUS talks about this with HIS disciples. “Who then can be saved?” they asked in response to the wealthy having a difficult time entering heaven.

• GOD wants my total trust in HIM
• GOD does not want me to think I can save myself by “my” wealth or diet or exercise.
• GOD wants me to place an impossible task in HIS hands and allow HIM to wipe away my mountain of sins.

It is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven mainly because wealth blinds. With extreme wealth, family and friends soon look like problems rather than sheep who need feeding. JESUS wants me to see others around me who need HIS kingdom. HE especially wants me to see that I need HIM more than anything.

• Are you chasing wealth?
• Are you blinded by your things?
• Can you seek GOD first before you seek wealth?
• Will you allow GOD to steer you in HIS direction today?

I’m Good, You’re Not

Isaiah 39: ⁵ Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord Almighty: ⁶ The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your predecessors have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord. ⁷ And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”

⁸ “The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,” Hezekiah replied. For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my lifetime.”

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“Why would I go to another country?” I said. “I” have everything “I” need here in this country. We have exotic vacation spots, plain vacation spots and exciting vacation spots. My family and friends are here and my stuff. All I need, right?

• Sometimes I think only of my world.
• Sometimes I think only of my kingdom.
• Sometimes I think only of my area.

As I surveyed where I was, I felt pretty content. I mean everyone in my family was healthy, all my bills were paid and I had a pretty full refrigerator. What more could I ask for? BUT GOD wanted more out of me.

• GOD wants me to see other people struggling.
• GOD wants me to see other people in need.
• GOD wants me to see other people around me rejecting HIS SON and following after “the dream.”

Like Hezekiah, I put blinders on and as long as everything was good in my circle, I was fine. BUT GOD wants me to see that homeless person. HE wants me to see the hurting neighbor. HE wants me to see other people in other countries and pray earnestly for them. GOD wants me to live my life with a purpose and that purpose is for others, not myself.

• Are you focused only on your wellbeing?
• Do you worry only about your security?
• When is the last time you prayed for your neighbors instead of complaining about them?
• Will you accept GOD’s great commission and “go” even to the uttermost parts of the world for HIS kingdom?
• Will you start small and go to your family, friends and neighbors?

Seeking Protection

Isaiah 30: “Woe to the obstinate children,”
    declares the Lord,
“to those who carry out plans that are not mine,
    forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit,
    heaping sin upon sin;
² who go down to Egypt
    without consulting me;
who look for help to Pharaoh’s protection,
    to Egypt’s shade for refuge.

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¹⁸ Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
    therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
    Blessed are all who wait for him!

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Convenience was the thing that got me. I mean the agent and doctor came to my office, drew blood for an analysis and brought insurance papers that I signed for a life insurance policy. That same group came to my house while it was being built and gave me another policy. In fact they insured my cars, jewelry and probably my next door neighbor’s dog.

• Sometimes I put my trust in money.
• Sometimes I think that because I am insured, I’m safe.
• Sometimes I place my safety in a job because I think I am not expendable.

Seeking protection of my stuff, my body and my job was something that pleased me. I mean, now that I had a lot of stuff, I had to protect it, right? Maybe. But what kind of protection should I seek?

• GOD says to me “I will be gracious to you even though you did not seek ME first.”
• GOD says to me “After I take you through trials because of your obstinate actions I will show you compassion that I have longed to do.”
• GOD says to me “Be patient and wait on ME.”

GOD wants me to consult HIM on the little things as well as the large. HE wants me to ask if I really need the largest TV in the world that I have to insure for a boatload of money. HE desires that I run my plans for jobs and other activities by HIM so HE can say “yes or no.” GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom first and all these things will be added to me.

• Are you looking for protection?
• Do you think you can buy security?
• Will your job provide you with everlasting life?
• Can you take time today and recognize GOD who saved you?

Serious Security System

Psalm: 121: ¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
⁸ the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

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Returning home from a two day trip I came in through the garage like I normally do. A jolt of fear shot through my body as I noticed that I had forgotten to lock the front door! Thoughts ran through my mind. “Wow what if someone tried the door? They could have come right in and helped themselves!”

• Sometimes I think that locks prevent theft.
• Sometimes I think security systems deter thieves.
• Sometimes I think “I” can protect my stuff.

Thieves have stolen from me, vandalized my stuff and gotten away with my earthly treasure in the past. Well, at least they think they have gotten away with it. I’m not saying to go around with your doors unlocked but I am saying I had to let go of the stuff in order to not fear it’s loss.

• GOD wants me to let go of my earthly possessions in order to see HIM and depend on HIM fully.
• GOD wants me to allow HIM to prune away “stuff” so HE can show HIS marvelous work.
• GOD wants me to know HE watches over me when I sleep, when I’m awake, when I travel and when I stay.

It’s amazing how much I worry about the “stuff” in my life. BUT GOD understands and HE knows my needs. HE provides HIS grace, mercy and peace at the right time!

• Are you worried about losing your stuff?
• Do you fear thieves will take your belongings?
• Can you let go of your stuff enough to let GOD handle protecting it?
• Will you build up your trust in GOD enough to let HIM handle the precious things, and people, in your life?

People Can Only Do So Much

2 Chronicles 16: ¹² In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians.

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Feeling lonely I would frequent the gym. It seemed more bearable when I was around people. I struck up a conversation with some of the guys. We began lifting weights together and one person suggested we go hang out at a bar. Something inside of me said I should not do this because the guy seemed to be doing steroids, but I really wanted to meet people.

The night was going well until the guy started to pick fights and looked at us like we were supposed to jump in.

• Sometimes I join the crowd when I want a solution to my problem.
• Sometimes I join the crown when I want to feel better about my decision.
• Sometimes I join the crowd when I want to do things on my own and in my own time.

Whether it is an ailment or a problem at work, many times I have not sought GOD for HIS deliverance. I think insurance or a physician or the best consultants money can buy will help me out of the situation. BUT GOD says something quite different.

• “Take MY yoke upon you and learn of ME for I am meek and lowly at heart and you shall find rest unto your soul” is what GOD says to me.
• “Turn to ME” is what GOD says to me.
• “I AM a jealous GOD” is what GOD exclaims to me.

GOD is jealous not selfish. HE wants me to seek HIM for even the tiniest problem and trust that HE has the best in mind for me. All blessings flow from HIM and my efforts to circumvent HIS timing and methods will always fail. GOD is excited to help me grow into the being HE created.

• Are you in trouble?
• Do you despise the timing and length of your pain?
• Can you hold on instead of giving up?
• Can you find GOD and pray to HIM for even the tiniest items today?
• Will you add “trust in the LORD’ to your plan today?

Make GOD number ONE

Genesis 34: ² So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes. ³ Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.” 

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Productivity was extremely low around the company as the impending message of doom was going to be announced at the company.  It was early in my career so I felt a little confident but that confidence waned as the week went on.  I had worked so hard, were they going to cut me? I began to pray.

I received a call asking me to move to another city with the company. GOD had answered my prayers. “Well I guess I better put the company first” I thought to myself.

• Many times I have made work my idol.
• Many times I have made money a false god of “security.”
• Many times I have made cars and other toys things to cherish.

I have treated some of the material things better than humans pushing thousands of dollars into them just to maintain them.  I have also treated jobs like they were a god, dedicating more time to it than GOD HIMSELF. What does GOD want from me?

• GOD wants me to make HIM the number one GOD.
• GOD does not want any human or job to be worshipped more than HIM.
• GOD does not want my house, car, money, clothing, jewelry or any other material thing to be worshipped more than HIM.

If anything or anyone gets in the way of worshipping HIM it will soon become a problem. Worry, fear and doubt will permeate my being and that is not what HE wants. GOD wants me to have peace. Anything or anyone that destroys my peace has been placed higher than HIM. GOD says look at ME and you will have peace.

• Are you worried about something?
• Are you thinking about someone and get filled with fear and doubt?
• Won’t you place your faith in GOD, knowing HE has control of every situation?
• Can you accept your purpose with HIM?