Tag: John 3:16

Do Not Be Afraid – Day 14

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John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

A heart that is at peace with God through salvation in Jesus Christ does not need to fear judgment because Christ took upon Himself that judgment, bearing the weight of our sins so that we might receive mercy and grace. This awesome sacrifice allows us to experience a deep, abiding confidence in our relationship with God, knowing that our sins are no longer held against us. Instead, we are embraced with open arms, freed from the shackles of guilt and shame, and can walk boldly in God’s love. As we trust in His redemptive plan, we find strength in our faith, which allows us to live righteously and share the hope of the gospel with others, so they too may understand the incredible peace that comes from being reconciled to God.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

When there is no condemnation, one does not live in fear of what will happen when he dies. He can live his life freely and peacefully, embracing every moment with hope and joy, knowing that Christ’s work on the cross is complete with nothing else that needs to be done. This assurance allows individuals to walk through life’s challenges with confidence, firmly grounded in the knowledge of their salvation. When Jesus said “It is finished,” (John 19:30) He had completed His mission given to Him by the Father in Heaven: to shed His blood on the cross so we could have forgiveness of our sins, giving us a path to eternal life. This awesome act of love and sacrifice removes the weight of guilt and the burden of striving for perfection, enabling believers to pursue a relationship with God that is based on grace rather than fear. In this light, life becomes a journey of gratitude and reverence, always thoughtful of the immense gift granted through His ultimate sacrifice.

Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Without the shedding of Christ’s blood, there could be no forgiveness, and humanity would remain trapped in a cycle of sin and despair. We would be doomed to Hell because of our sin, with no hope of redemption or reconciliation with God. But praise the Lord that Jesus took our punishment upon Himself, bearing the weight of our sins, so that when we believe in Him and accept His sacrifice, we are offered the incredible gift of eternal life. This profound act of love not only ensures our forgiveness but also transforms our lives, providing us with peace, hope, and a purpose far beyond ourselves, as we walk with Him in faith and share His message of salvation with a world in need.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Knowing this brings great peace, as it reassures the believer of their standing, and the believer no longer needs to fear judgment! Instead, they can rest assured of their security and be comforted; understanding that their faith provides a pathway to grace and redemption. This awareness alleviates any anxiety about the uncertainties of the future.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Born-again Christians can confidently go through life living for the Lord because they know they no longer have to fear what will come when they die; this blessed assurance empowers them to live life’s challenges with hope and purpose. As they embrace their new identity in Christ, they find strength and courage to face life’s uncertainties and challenges.

1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

If you don’t have this confidence, you can remedy that situation right now. Follow this link and it will take you to Bible verses that will explain to you how to be saved. I pray that you will make that decision right now before it’s eternally too late!

Mercy Versus Sacrifice

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Hosea 6:6  For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Matthew 9:13  But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Mercy versus sacrifice … just what does that mean? I was raised a Catholic, and sacrifice is a major tenet in their beliefs. What was the point of sacrifice in the Old Testament? It was to atone for sin, an act that sought to restore the relationship between man and God. These sacrifices were a way for people to express their remorse and desire for forgiveness through the offering of innocent lambs. If sacrificial lambs had been sufficient, then what was the point of God sending His own Son to be the sacrificial Lamb for the sins of the world? This act symbolized a transition from mere ritualistic sacrifices to the incarnation of divine mercy, highlighting that true forgiveness comes not just from the act of sacrifice, but from love, grace, and the ultimate sacrifice made for our redemption. It serves as a reminder that while sacrifices can demonstrate faith and repentance, it is the mercy that follows which completes salvation and offers hope for a renewed life.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Therefore, following a religion and all of its rules cannot gain entrance to Heaven! The only way to Heaven is through Jesus Christ, who stands as the ultimate Mediator between man and God. Jesus frees His followers from sin; He secures their salvation and guarantees them a place with Him in Heaven, a promise that brings hope and joy to those who believe. God’s mercy is beautifully reflected in Jesus’ very entrance into this world, His perfect and sinless life so that He could die for our sins and offer us redemption. God’s mercy is revealed in the mere fact that He knew we could not live a sinless and perfect life, acknowledging our weaknesses and sinfulness, so He provided a way—through grace extended to us through faith. That is love … that is mercy! It is a divine gift that invites us to respond with a transformed heart, leading us to share this beautiful truth with others, encouraging them to seek the path that leads to eternal life with Him.

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:1-4  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  (2)  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  (4)  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Not all roads lead to Heaven, and one must be extremely careful in their choices. If you go by the most “popular” route, often filled with the allure of comfort and acceptance, you will never find the true way that leads to eternal life and true joy. Jesus wasn’t popular in His day; He was often criticized and is even less popular today, as society increasingly favors messages that align with worldly values over spiritual truths. One won’t get kicked out of school for wearing a t-shirt with Buddha on it, celebrated for its perceived inclusivity and tolerance. But if that t-shirt has a cross on it, the child will be sent home, and there will be a considerable uproar, reflecting the cultural clashes around Christianity. This is true for Christians and Jewish people. The slick Joel Osteen’s of the world and their “oily” lectures do not lead people to Heaven; instead, they merely serve to distract their congregations with a feel-good message, enticing them with promises of prosperity and happiness so that they think they are on the right path. These teachings often prioritize human comfort over Biblical truth. But what does Jesus say? Are we truly prepared to follow Him down the narrow path that may lead to trials and tribulations, or will we continue to seek the wide road that many travel, even when it leads away from His teachings? That’s a good question. Look what Jesus says about the two different paths:

Matthew 7:13-14  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  (14)  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Be leery, dear Reader! The only road to salvation and Heaven is through Jesus Christ! Any sacrifices you make before salvation are worthless and will not bring you closer to God. You can give up things during Lent, showing superficial commitment, but they will mean nothing in the eyes of God. You can be the best philanthropist on earth, generously donating your time, money, and resources, but such acts, while noble, will ultimately mean nothing if they are not rooted in faith in Jesus Christ. Once you are born again, however, God wants us to embrace the profound responsibility of showing mercy to others by sacrificing ourselves for their benefit. Just what does that mean? It means that you will think of the other person before yourself, prioritizing their needs and wellbeing above your own desires. You will show the love of Christ through your actions and sacrifices to the unbelieving world, embodying compassion and selflessness that reflects His teachings. Self-giving will not only transform you but will also touch the lives of those around you, revealing the light of Christ in a world often shrouded in darkness.

If you happened upon this post today, please take a moment to follow this link. It will walk you through the Scriptures that will show you how to be born-again according to the Scriptures. This journey towards being born again is not just a change in perspective; it is a transforming act that connects you with God, as a child with his parents. Won’t you take this opportunity to broaden your understanding and strengthen your faith as you delve into the wisdom contained within these Bible verses?

Does Anyone Care?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Hymns for TodayLeave a comment

People who are not born again could care less about their sins because they live in darkness, unaware of the consequences that will come. There is something about the “light” of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that points directly to our sin, revealing the truth that we often try to hide. In my search for truth, I never found anything that brought peace until I found Jesus, who not only opened my eyes to my sins but also offered forgiveness and love that changed my entire life. Through this experience, I learned that acknowledging our sins is the first step towards genuine healing and redemption, leading us from a place of despair into the hope that comes from salvation.

John 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.

Why would God die for me? Why would He die for you? The Scripture is quite clear. God created man for fellowship with Him. Jesus walked in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, but once they fell into sin, that fellowship was broken. God loved His creation so much that He provided a way to restore that fellowship:

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 5:8  But God commendeth [showed] his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Peter 3:18  For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

1 Peter 2:24  Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

God wants that fellowship so badly that He didn’t wait for us to clean up our lives, but instead He died while we were yet sinners!

There is something “freeing” when I finally admitted that I could not possibly rid myself of sin altogether. I could no longer make excuses for them. I was confronted by the truth of the light of God’s Word in the Bible. It is at that point that I met Jesus. I met Him at the foot of His cross where I laid down my burden.

2 Corinthians 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

This beautiful hymn by Horatio Bonar speaks what is on my heart!

I Lay My Sins on Jesus – By Horatio Bonar

1 I lay my sins on Jesus,
the spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all, and frees us
from the accursed load;
I bring my guilt to Jesus,
to wash my crimson stains
white in His blood most precious,
till not a spot remains.

2 I lay my wants on Jesus;
all fullness dwells in Him;
He heals all my diseases,
He doth my soul redeem;
I lay my griefs on Jesus,
my burdens and my cares;
He from them all releases,
He all my sorrow shares.

3 I rest my soul on Jesus,
this weary soul of mine;
His right hand me embraces,
I on His breast recline.
I love the Name of Jesus,
Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;
like fragrance on the breezes
His Name abroad is poured.

4 I long to be like Jesus,
meek, loving, lowly, mild;
I long to be like Jesus,
the Father’s holy Child;
I long to be with Jesus
amid the heav’nly throng,
to sing with saints His praises,
to learn the angels’ song.

Where are you today, Reader? What is the condition of your heart at this moment? Where will your eternal soul go? Won’t you lay your burdens down and let Jesus deal with your sins? He paid for them with His own blood. Let Him speak to you and let His light shine upon your sins so you can confess them and accept His beautiful gift of salvation. Here’s how!

Love/Hate Relationship

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

~Psalm 5:5 — “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.”

~Psalm 11:5 — “The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.”

~John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

What kind of relationship do you have with God? Do you love Him? Are you indifferent? Indifference is equal to hate because it is opposite of love. God hates sin but loves the “person.” God could not possible hate the sinner because it would contradict:

~Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

If God hated sinners, He would not have sent Christ to die for us “while we were yet sinners.” However, I believe it is quite clear in the above text that God does hate those who are wicked, work iniquity and love violence. Unless they repent from their sins and believe in Jesus Christ as Saviour, God has no choice but to cast them into the lake of fire!

You must understand that it is man’s choice to go to Hell, not God’s. Man can choose to continue being wicked, continue working iniquity and continue to love violence. It is these types of sinners that God hates. God is omniscient (all knowing), therefore, He knows if this sinner will come to repentance or not. Once man chooses not to repent, then God in His righteousness must judge that sinner.

God’s love is so great that He sent His own Son to take on the penalty of man’s sin. How great is that love?! Would you give up your own child for the sins of someone else?

Salvation is a choice. Exactly what have you got to lose if you choose salvation? You will go to Heaven at the Rapture or at your death if you are saved. If you believe the lie that God would not send anyone to Hell, then you will go there. God is a righteous Judge and He will send you there, but only because it was your choice. If you want to choose salvation, please follow the link to walk you through the Scriptures on how to be saved.

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Love/Hate Relationship

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

~Psalm 5:5 — “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.”

~Psalm 11:5 — “The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.”

~John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

What kind of relationship do you have with God? Do you love Him? Are you indifferent? Indifference is equal to hate because it is opposite of love. God hates sin but loves the “person.” God could not possible hate the sinner because it would contradict:

~Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

If God hated sinners, He would not have sent Christ to die for us “while we were yet sinners.” However, I believe it is quite clear in the above text that God does hate those who are wicked, work iniquity and love violence. Unless they repent from their sins and believe in Jesus Christ as Saviour, God has no choice but to cast them into the lake of fire!

You must understand that it is man’s choice to go to Hell, not God’s. Man can choose to continue being wicked, continue working iniquity and continue to love violence. It is these types of sinners that God hates. God is omniscient (all knowing), therefore, He knows if this sinner will come to repentance or not. Once man chooses not to repent, then God in His righteousness must judge that sinner.

God’s love is so great that He sent His own Son to take on the penalty of man’s sin. How great is that love?! Would you give up your own child for the sins of someone else?

Salvation is a choice. Exactly what have you got to lose if you choose salvation? You will go to Heaven at the Rapture or at your death if you are saved. If you believe the lie that God would not send anyone to Hell, then you will go there. God is a righteous Judge and He will send you there, but only because it was your choice. If you want to choose salvation, please follow the link to walk you through the Scriptures on how to be saved.

©All content on this site is protected under copyright. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is strictly prohibited.

Any Day Now – Day 45

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Joh 14:1-3  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  (2)  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

These three verses in John are a preview of what is in store for the Church. It answers the question of “Who” will participate in the Rapture. The Rapture is not the same as the Second Coming of Christ when He returns to earth to destroy the Antichrist and the False Prophet. Nor will He establish His earthly kingdom at the time of the Rapture. No, the Rapture is the first phase of the end times to happen right before the Tribulation begins.

Exactly who will take part in the Rapture? The Apostle John tells us in:

Joh 3:36  He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

The born-again believer is promised everlasting life and we do not experience God’s wrath. We are not condemned like those who do not believe.

Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

The Apostle Paul makes it quite clear in the verses below that God’s wrath is to be received by those who do not believe in salvation and who do not obey God’s Word in order to receive it.

Eph 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: [Born-again believers “in time past” walked in disobedience, but after salvation, they ceased.]

Eph 5:6  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Col 3:6  For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

God’s wrath is not intended for the Church. Each person who gets saved is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. That promise is our inheritance, the gift from Jesus Christ to His Bride!

Eph 1:13-14  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  (14)  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. [That inheritance is given to us when the day of redemption arrives.]

Eph 4:30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. [When IS that day of redemption? Jesus encouraged His followers to be aware of the “end time signs”!

Luk 21:28  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

The Apostle Paul compared the Church to Christ’s Bride.

2Co 11:2  For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

2Co 4:14  Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. [Paul tells us that the believers who died in his day would be raised up along with those alive to be presented.]

Rev 22:17  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. [The Bride is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Here we were both the Spirit and the bride speaking. The Bride is in Heaven during the Tribulation.]

Rev 21:9  And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

There are so many other verses but I think you can now understand the “who” in those who will participate in the Rapture. It will be the Groom, Jesus Christ, and the Bride, the Church. I love how Paul compares the Church to ambassadors.

2Co 5:19-21  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  (20)  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  (21)  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Every country has an ambassador who represents and communicates his leader’s wishes to the world. We represent Christ and it is our duty to communicate Christ’s wishes. He wishes that all be reconciled to God. We see this desire in John 3:16! When that country is about to go to war, the first thing that happens is that the ambassador is called home. So will we be called home before God’s wrath comes upon the earth during the Tribulation.

The only way to be a part of the Bride of Christ is to be born again. It is salvation through Jesus Christ and Him alone. Friend, if you are not born again, 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. Don’t you want to be a part of the Church when she is raptured into the clouds to meet Jesus? (1 Thessalonians 4:17) Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Loneliness

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Psa 40:1  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

In this world filled with mind-boggling technology, people are lonelier than ever before. Science of People conducted a poll in 2019 which showed 58% of Americans found themselves lonely! How can this be? Social media is a platform to connect people, yet people find themselves lonelier!

I believe there are a couple of reasons for this:

  • Social media connects people online but does not connect people in person. I attend a Zoom Bible study and it’s wonderful. But it would be so much nicer to be with those people in person! People need actual people in their lives. No man is an island, so they say.
  • Secondly, people need the Lord. Everyone has a God-sized hole in their heart that can only be filled with a personal relationship with the Lord. I have seen people’s lives transformed once they were born-again and received the indwelling Holy Spirit residing with them every second of every day!

If you had a friend who was always there for you, right at your fingertips; a friend who would answer your plea and come running, you would not be lonely would you? Well, Reader, there IS someone who can be all these things. God wants to be your friend. He desires to have fellowship with you. When God created mankind, his initial intent was to have fellowship. We see this in Genesis when God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Gen 3:8  And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

However, when they willfully rebelled and disobeyed God’s warning, He broke that fellowship. (Genesis 3:3) But this account didn’t end there. God had a plan and that plan was to restore fellowship with mankind. God took the form of a man, Jesus Christ, come to earth, and die for the sins that separated God and man. One of the names for Jesus is Emmanuel, which is Hebrew for “God with us.” What a beautiful depiction of God! Christ rose from the dead and anyone who believes on the Son is freed from the bondage and punishment of sin. (John 3:16, John 3:3, John 3:7) That original fellowship was restored and now Christ dwells within us through His Holy Spirit. (John 14:17, John 15:26, John 16:13) Praise the Lord!

Anyone who is born again can have the joy of the Lord living inside him. This joy pushes loneliness away. If you’re not in the Word of God, you have no clear direction. But when you are in the Word, you can learn and glean from its blessings! No one could have been more lonely than David. He was chased by King Saul, and then by many more enemies! He found himself alone and discouraged.

Psa 40:2  He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

We see in the next verse that the results were astonishing! Loneliness and despair were replaced by singing and praise!

Psa 40:3  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

The born-again believer has the power to overcome loneliness if only that believer will spend time in God’s Word and allow it’s healing balm to take root in his heart! David was given a new song to sing! Our praises and songs, in the midst of trials and fears, will lead others to see, fear and trust in the Lord! Wow! Our testimony as believers is what speaks volumes to the unsaved world. Our testimony is a light that points the lost to Christ. (Matthew 5:14) We show others how God comforts us in the midst of turbulent times.

But the unbeliever doesn’t have God to comfort him. It doesn’t have to be that way. One can be born-again if one chooses it. Salvation is a choice. If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. 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 You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Job Loss

On By KateIn Comfort During the End Times, Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times2 Comments

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  (6)  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

If you are reading this and find yourself in the midst of living without a job, I pray this post encourages your heart! But do you know that God is with you, Christian? He has not abandoned you – He is with you through His Holy Spirit! He never leaves you nor will He forsake you in this time of hardship! (Hebrews 13:5)

I find it so personal when I read that one of God’s names is Emmanuel (or Immanuel in the King James Bible). The Hebrew word literally means:

עִמָּנוּאֵל
‛immânû’êl
im-maw-noo-ale’
From H5973 and H410 with suffix pronoun inserted; with us (is) God;

Christ’s title, Emmanuel, is most commonly used at Christmas time to describe His birth. However, the meaning “God with us” goes so much deeper. As I see the news of the unemployment lines getting longer, I can only imagine the distraught and discouraged minds! Worrying over bills and putting food on the table is something that hits everyone. But is it what Christians should be worrying over? Emmanuel is with us. In a previous post about El Roi, we learned that this is Hebrew for “God sees us.” Today, we learn that God is with us. Nothing gets passed Him, Reader. God put specific titles for His name so that we would learn about His character.

God knows your difficulties and He knows exactly what you need, even before you realize that you need it. He is working out the details in the background whether you see that or not. Isaiah 46:10 proves to us that He knows the beginning to the end. Therefore, He will not place you in a situation where it will cause you to sin. Absolutely not! You can trust Him to do the right things in your life! Today’s Scripture passage in Proverbs is so apropos!

As a believer, trust that God sees what you are going through and is present to help you to go through this trial of unemployment. He just asks that you trust Him and to acknowledge that you are not going to lean on your own personal understanding of the circumstances. Allow God to work… He won’t let you down. I think of David as he was struggling with Saul trying to kill him. He wrote many Psalms as he struggled with life and death situations. Spend time in Psalms and encourage your heart! Take a look at what David wrote when he was delivered out of the hands of his enemies and the hand of Saul:

2 Samuel 22:3  The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

Your trial is no less important to God than was David’s trials. The same God that delivered David will help you with finding work. One of my favorite verses depicting how much we mean to Him is:

Mat 6:26  Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Christian, be encouraged because your Father is there and He will help you. Trust in Him and allow Him to open or close doors; allow Him to work, and don’t jump the gun. He loves you (John 3:16); He sees you (El Roi); He is with you (Emmanuel). How more personal can it get? What a wonderfully compassionate God we serve!!!

If you are not truly born-again, you cannot experience the peace that God brings. There is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. 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 You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Hymns 2.0 – Amazing Grace

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Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
This grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home

When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright, shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun

John Newton (written in 1772)

The History Behind the Hymn

This is probably the most famous hymn ever. The 250th anniversary of its writing was celebrated just this past January 2023! Its most popular usage is for funerals and it is played using bagpipes. But funerals were not the author’s original intent. When John Newton was part of the slave trading ship, The Greyhound, a tempestuous storm arose. His fear was so great that he cried out to God for help. He actually made a bargain with God that if He would spare his life, he would live the rest of his life working for the Lord. Ironically, Newton had not been raised in a religious home by his father and stepmother. However, his mother taught him the Scriptures before she passed away when he was six years old. He forgot about her teachings but there was “enough there” that God was his first thought when fear gripped his soul. The ship came close to total destruction but by a miracle, it made landfall with Newton with it. As a result, a few years later, he penned the lyrics to this beloved hymn.

A Lesson for Me

Gen 16:13  And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

The same God who reached down to John Newton during that fitful storm, reached down to me at the lowest point of my life. It was a time of discouragement, loneliness and a despair that reached deep into my soul. With no other way out in my mind, the only choice I thought I had was to end my life. Although unlike John Newton, I did not cry to God for help but yet He saw me, just as He saw Hagar. If you recall, Hagar suffered at the hand of Sarai (Sarah) after Sarai’s plan backfired. Hagar ran away into the wilderness to escape her harsh treatment. Out in that wilderness, God saw Hagar and told her that in her grief she would have a child, Ishmael. Like Hagar, God saw me in my grief! I didn’t know it at the time but He was working in the background – setting His plan in motion for my salvation. He sent my best childhood friend to tell me about His amazing grace! Because of her, I can sing:

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see

Message for today

We are living in very disturbing times. It seems as though the world has gone mad! Are you in a place where you feel there is no other way to escape but to take drastic measures? You are not alone. God sees you just as He saw Hagar and me! He loves you and does not want you to despair!

John 3:16  For God so loved the world (insert your name), that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever (that’s you) believeth in him (insert your name) should not perish, but (insert your name) have everlasting life.

God will give you peace and rest when you come to Him.

Matt 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Phil 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Once you have known the peace that the Lord gives, you will never want to go back. You then can sing along with me:

When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright, shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. 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 You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus – Day 40

On By KateIn Devotionals, Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled By JesusLeave a comment

Prophecy of Messiah:

Psalm 68:18  Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.

Good morning, dear reader! If there are any verses that, in my opinion, separate the doubters from those who confirm Christ as Messiah, these are the verses. The word “gift(s)” referring to the Lord in the New Testament are such a blessing. If only people understood what a true and blessed Gift the Lord Jesus Christ really is! Please, take a moment to read the following verses so you can be blessed:

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 4:10  Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Acts 8:20  But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Romans 5:15-16  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.  (16)  And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
Romans 5:18  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Corinthians 9:15  Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  (9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

I realize that to some this “free gift” may sound like old news and not really taken to heart. But once you understand what it actually means, it makes more sense. As you know, a gift is given to a person and the giver does not expect anything in return, except maybe gratitude and thankfulness. The receiver doesn’t need to pay for the gift; if he did, the gift would not be a gift at all, but would now be a purchase, right? Today’s prophetic verse of Christ being the true Messiah is probably one that stands out the most to me. No other man on earth can say that their death brought salvation to mankind. Psalm 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. Notice the end of the verse says “yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.” John 3:16 tells us that God loved the world! Israel rejected their Messiah and God gave the Gentiles, you and I, the blessed opportunity to receive salvation! Praise the Lord! 🙌 What if Israel had accepted Jesus Christ as their Messiah? Think about it!

Today’s verse speaks of the Messiah’s ascension into Heaven and how Jesus fulfilled that. How many “gods” do you know did that? Surely Buddha didn’t, nor Allah! Only Jesus Christ can claim this! Hallelujah! 🙌 Without Christ’s resurrection and ascension, He would be in the ground and just another prophet. However, Jesus did indeed rise from the dead and He did indeed go back to Heaven to reclaim His rightful throne!

Prophecy of Messiah Fulfilled:

Luke 24:51  And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

Acts 1:9  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Do you know Him personally or do you only know of Him? 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!