Need a sure thing?

Hebrews 7: ²² Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.

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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“I’m going to be rich” I thought to myself. I mean this day trading stuff is easy. All I have to do is pick a stock to purchase on the stock market, buy it and watch my money grow.  I asked a few people which stock they liked and after getting my advice I had my sure thing.

I purchased my stock and watched it climb. I had my sure thing! The next week I noticed the value was down a little, then a little more and more, soon it was worthless.  I received a letter stating the company had gone belly up and all who had invested had lost their money.  What happened to my sure thing?

• When I depend on my plan I am not depending on a sure thing.
• When I depend on money I am not depending on a sure thing.
• When I depend on insurance, doctors or my health I am not depending on a sure thing.

Because life has so many inconsistencies, I sometimes doubt that GOD can be a sure thing.  I mean HE can’t possibly forgive me “this time” for “this sin” right? Wrong!

• When GOD said “It is finished” HE meant death had no power over those who believe in HIM.
• When GOD said “My grace is sufficient” HE meant “MY grace is sufficient!”
• When GOD said “No man can pluck you out of MY hands” HE meant that HE knows I am a sinner and HE will hold onto me anyway.

There is only one sure thing that I can truly depend on and that is GOD. I can truly depend on HIS protection from the accuser who mentions my sins before GOD whenever he gets a change. Since JESUS lives forever HE intercedes for me erasing my sin removing it as far as the east is from the west. HE is my sure thing!

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Are you worried about something?
• Can you put your trust in HIM?
• Won’t you let HIM take care of “that” situation?

Something to depend on

2 Corinthians 1: ²¹ Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, ²² set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

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“I’m going to be there” I said to someone. I sent my response in and noted the event on my calendar. On the day of the event I couldn’t make it.  I was unreliable.

• Many times I have promised things and let people down.
• Many times I have good intentions but fall short on execution.
• Many times I have plans that just don’t seem to come to fruition.

I am so glad GOD didn’t leave salvation totally up to me.  HE strengthens my belief in HIS SON and has set me apart for an eternal relationship with HIM. GOD has placed HIS SPIRIT inside me so I can reap the benefits.

• Faith comes from GOD and it is a gift I desire more of.
• Wisdom comes from GOD and it provides the right guidance to follow HIM.
• Generosity comes from GOD and HIS SON modeled this action to the letter.
• Salvation comes from GOD and there is nothing I can do but praise HIM for it.

GOD did a remarkable thing.  HE placed HIS seal on me and HIS SPIRIT inside me to guarantee my salvation. HE watches over me daily and guides me to peace.  HE holds my future and has protected my past. This is what I depend on.

• Are you uncertain about your future?
• Have you started believing lies about yourself?
• Can you believe GOD has taken care of everything for you?

When all else fails.

2 Timothy 4: ¹⁷ But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. ¹⁸ The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

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“Let’s see… it’s 5:25 A.M., I can get five more minutes of sleep” I said to myself. My plane was going to leave at 7:45 A.M. and the drive was only an hour away. As the alarm went off, I hopped up, got ready in no time and jumped in the car. Everything was going as planned until I hit traffic right at the airport.

I was only two blocks away and at that time there were no cell phones. Sounds ancient doesn’t it? The partner to the firm was going to brief me on the account during the flight I was about to miss. As I arrived at the gate I could see the plane slowly backing up. I disappointed my boss.

• People will disappoint me when my plans are focused on this world.
• People will not be there when I really need them.
• People will deliberately harm me when I expect them to do good.

Humans are very hard to depend on because each one of us is somewhat selfish. I’m no exception. Many times I have truly wanted to keep my promise or be there for another, yet something would get in the way thus disabling my attempt. This news seems disheartening, who can I depend on?

• GOD said HE would “never” leave me nor forsake me.
• GOD shows me HIS love in the middle of my sins.
• GOD can’t wait to protect me and I have no idea how many times HE has rescued me.

The Bible shows many examples of extreme situations that GOD has rescued HIS people without them asking for help. HE knows what trouble I can get into way before I get there and develops a plan to protect me from harm. Why does HE do that?

• GOD made my life for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to proclaim HIS greatness thus giving me a purpose.
• GOD loves me.

I know I have let people down even when I didn’t mean to, and I know others will let me down, BUT GOD will ALWAYS be there no matter what the circumstance.

• Who do you depend on?
• Are you setting “that” person up for failure by putting false expectations on them?
• Have you put your faith in GOD instead of humans?
• Are you trying to control the situation or can you let GOD handle it?