Tag: John 1:1-5

Do Not Be Afraid – Day 1

On By KateIn Devotionals, Do Not Be AfraidLeave a comment

Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

The first time we see a Bible verse exhorting us not to be afraid is found in today’s verse. God called Abram out of his country to go out to a land he had never been to, which undoubtedly required immense faith and courage. As Abram embarked on this journey into the unknown, he was not only leaving behind familiar surroundings, but also stepping into a future filled with uncertainty and promise. God had promised Abram a land for his family and descendants, a covenant that would become central to the identity of God’s chosen people. Genesis 15:1 comes as a result of Abram rescuing his nephew Lot and his family and goods from those who had taken Lot captive. In this moment, God reassures Abram of His protection and guidance, reminding him that even in challenging times, he is not alone and has a divine purpose ahead. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that faith often requires us to venture into the unknown, trusting in God’s plans for our lives and for those we hold dear.

This verse is the first appearance of the phrase “word of the LORD” (Jesus Christ … see John 1:1-5) in the Bible. It is not a coincidence that it is also the first time that the words “fear not” appear! Isn’t it just like the Lord to show up and tell Abram not to fear, and offering him reassurance in moments of uncertainty so that believers can all benefit from it thousands of years later? This divine intervention serves is a powerful reminder that God’s presence can cast out our fears. The second half of the verse tells us why Abram wasn’t to be afraid: God tells him that HE is Abram’s shield and his exceeding great reward. This declaration not only reassures Abram but also emphasizes the protective and rewarding nature of God’s relationship with those who trust in Him. What an encouragement to us all! Just as God was Abram’s shield, He is our shield and protector in our own lives, standing guard against the trials and tribulations that may come our way. As well, He will fight our battles (1 Samuel 17:47b), helping us navigate through our challenges with strength and courage. As well, we shall be exceedingly rewarded afterwards, just as Abram was exceedingly rewarded, reminding us that faithfulness to God yields incredible blessings.

We may wonder why we are going through certain trials: trials we cannot fix in our own strength and abilities. Each challenge seems to test our resolve and push us beyond our limits, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. However, we can trust that the Lord knows the end of the trial and His efforts have been accomplished. It is in these times of struggle that our faith is deepened, shaping us into stronger individuals. Trust in Him as you walk through the fiery furnace, knowing that these experiences are refining you and preparing you for a greater purpose. Don’t rush to bring an end to your trial because your best efforts will produce a flawed outcome. Instead, trust in the perfect God through the journey and learn from it. Since He is perfect, His efforts are perfect, guiding us along the path He has set before us, revealing His wisdom and love in every step we take. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

If you are trying to follow God by being a good person, rest assured that your best efforts will not get you to Heaven. Please follow this link and learn how you can be born again through the Scriptures.

Comfort During the End Times – Day 18

On By KateIn Comfort During the End Times, DevotionalsLeave a comment

Good morning! Spring has sprung and the temperatures are slowly warming up! This season has always been one that I love to compare with being born-again. The newness of the trees and budding flowers are always a spirit lifter! The Creator of all things “spoke” into being everything you and I look at every single day! Genesis 1:3 beings with “And God said,”!

Joh 1:1-5  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  (2)  The same was in the beginning with God.  (3)  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  (4)  Joh 1:1-5  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  (2)  The same was in the beginning with God.  (3)  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  (4)  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  (5)  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Jesus has not left us empty-handed in this world. He gives us His Word to light our way. Have you ever looked at a lighthouse and thought about the Lord Jesus? I sure have! Without these lighthouses, ships would run ashore at night and crash. In this same light, think of your Bible as a lighthouse to your heart and soul!

(Psa 119:105)  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

When I stay at a place I’ve never been to and get up in the middle of the night, I can be sure I’ll stub my toe on something I wasn’t accustomed to having in my path. Everything we go through in life can be compared to this analogy. We don’t know what to expect and so we proceed with caution. But what if you carried a lighthouse with you? I know it sounds silly but think about it for a moment. With its light shining, your path would be illuminated and you’d have a clear picture of which direction to go, amen?

It’s not any different with God’s Word, my friend. Psalm 119:105 is a beautiful picture of God desiring that His children have a “map” or a “lighthouse” to show the way. People need to know the way in order to know where they are going. Our Bible is a literal GPS for man. If we need to know how to be saved, the Bible point us to it. If we want to know about God, the Bible tells us. If we want to know what is going to happen in the end times, the Bible takes us there. It is a spiritual compass which directs us and teaches us. Even a child can learn as he reads the stories laid out in its pages!

Psa 119:130  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Joh 8:12  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

The Lord Jesus doesn’t want us to be in the dark … ever! He gives us clear direction in the Bible so that we can never be lost. His very nature is “light” and He will always point you in the right direction. As we are living in the end times, we are bombarded with the enemy’s efforts at corrupting our world. We are seeing less light and more darkness as the days draw nearer to the Tribulation period. The Bible has everything we need to prepare ourselves, my friend. The Bible repeatedly speaks to us how God doesn’t want us to be ignorant on important topics; one of those topics is Christ’s coming for His Bride, the Church, before the Tribulation begins.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  (14)  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  (15)  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  (16)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  (17)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  (18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

When you read the Bible, read it with the intention that God is going to be shining and pointing to something that will help you. There is nothing in there that will harm you, friend! All of the Bible is there for our learning and for lighting our path. We are so blessed, especially in these end times! What book can you read where its prophecies all come true? It is not your local palm reader, but the words of the Living God. (John 1:1)

Friend, don’t be willfully ignorant of the end times. (2 Peter 3:5) If you are not born-again, confess your sins and repent of them. The time is coming when it will be too late for you to repent. You will remember each opportunity you were given by God to be saved; you will remember each time you laughed it off and ignored it. Please Reader, repent and accept Christ into your life. (Act 16:31, Rom 10:9) I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!