John was one of Jesus’s disciples. It is good to hear stories about Jesus from people who walked with Him. Yes, sometimes we doubt and then we wonder whether Jesus really walked on this earth. But here we have it straight from the horse’s mouth: 1 From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in – we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. This gives us peace of mind. Then, when we read the Word of God we can believe it. This is not just a story created by a human being. It gives value to the Word of God. But even more than that: It tells each of us to listen to what is written in the Word of God. We must read carefully and model our lives on it. When I read something and it stands out, or it bothers me when I hesitate a little at the same message every time I read it, I have to realise that the Living God is talking to me. Then I know that God wants to say something to me through His Word. Just as certainly as John believed that Jesus was the Son of God, I believe in God speaking to us through His Word as well. And I quote from Crossroad’s website a small piece of what I believe: † I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, but even more than this: I believe that Jesus is God too. † I believe that Joseph and Maria were not intimate before they got married. † I believe that Jesus played in the dust in front of the temple and heard the nonsense people were talking about God and everything about Him. I can see the surprise on the church people’s faces as this young boy speaks about His Father. I can see them becoming upset. † I believe that Jesus walked on this earth nearly 2 000 years ago and taught His twelve disciples. I believe that Jesus did all the miracles, even feeding a crowd on fish and bread. I also believe that there was a lot left over. † AND the most important for me: I believe that Christ died for all my sins on the cross. His Blood deleted all my debts on the cross and simply because of that I do not have to carry a heavy burden of debt around with me. Because of Jesus I am free! † I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and conquered evil. † I believe that Jesus ascended to heaven alive and also sits on God’s right hand. † Yes! Definitely! I do Believe! It is really sad that so many people miss this bus. They simply cannot believe that Jesus is real. This story is just too good to be true. No, man, it can’t be true. I wonder, is it because they cannot get their heads around the enormity of God’s love for so many sinful people that it sounds like a fairy tale to them? How sad that people’s cleverness trip them up and make them miss the bus of Eternal Life. Every now and then all of us, if we are not on the bus, should pause at the bus stop and reflect on the reasons why we’re not on the bus. Maybe it would be a good idea for you to write down what it is that you believe in. Put it inside your Bible and read it again and again, so that what you believe in can determine the direction for your life. When you have to make a decision, big or small, does it fit with what you believe about Jesus? Does it help you to stay on the bus or does it make you want to get off? And while you are peacefully enjoying your ride on the bus of Eternal Life, look and see if there is someone at the bus stop, a friend or family member, who is wondering whether this is the right bus. Get off the bus and go get them. You may be the last one who can help that person not to miss the bus! Reflection Are you on the bus? What do you believe in? Who do you have to help get on the bus? You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your care you watched over my life. Job 10:12
Discipline is easy for me to swallow. Logical to assimilate. Manageable and appropriate. But God's grace? Anything but. Examples? How much time do you have? David the psalmist becomes David the voyeur, but by God's grace becomes David the psalmist again. Peter denied Christ before he preached Christ. Zacchaeus, the crook. The cleanest part of his life was the money he'd laundered. But Jesus still had time for him. The thief on the cross: hell-bent and hung-out-to-die one minute, heaven-bound and smiling the next. Story after story. Prayer after prayer. Surprise after surprise. Seems that God is looking more for ways to get us home than for ways to keep us out. I challenge you to find one soul who came to God seeking grace and did not find it. When God Whispers Your Name (Max Lucado) When God takes something from your grasp, he's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence: The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you. You may have seen today's quote. Many believe that it's in the Bible. This quote is not a scripture, but very true... There are many sayings that bring us comfort and confidence, and although they may not be word for word out of the Bible, they are based upon Biblical principles from scripture. For instance… "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." - Jer 28:11 NLT But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. - 2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." - Hebrews 13:5 NKJV In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. – Proverbs 3:6 NKJV Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. – Jude 1:24-25 KJV So remember: The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you. Move forward in peace knowing that God is with you today. Open your hands to accept HIS abundant grace as you follow HIS path for your life. Proverbs 16:18 reminds us as humility goes before honor, “pride goes before a fall.”
Ever wonder why churches are powerful in one generation but empty the next? The Bible says, the Lord will tear down the house of the proud. God hates arrogance. He hates it because we haven’t done anything to be arrogant about. Is there a Pulitzer for ink? Can you imagine a scalpel growing smug after a successful heart transplant? Of course not. They are only tools. So are we. We may be the canvas, the paper, or the scalpel, but we are not the one who deserve the applause. David declares who does in Psalm 23, “He makes me, He leads me, He restores my soul… for His name's sake." For His name's sake! No other name. This is all done for God’s glory. He takes the credit, not because He needs it, but because He knows we cannot handle it! From Traveling Light Proverbs 13:12 say that hope deferred makes the heart sick. We all are disappointed when things do not work out the way we want them to. That is when we must remember that when we get disappointed we can make the decision to get reappointed. Let your hope be rekindled by the Power of the Holy Spirit. Focus on His will for your life.
You will be my witnesses—in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world. Acts 1:8
We are witnesses. And like witnesses in a court, we are called to testify, to tell what we have seen and heard. And we are to speak truthfully. Our task is not to whitewash nor bloat the truth. Our task is to tell the truth. Period. There is, however, one difference between the witness in court and the witness for Christ. The witness in court eventually steps down from the witness chair, but the witness for Christ never does. Since the claims of Christ are always on trial, court is perpetually in session, and we remain under oath. Just Like Jesus (Max Lucado) Mat 12:33 says that a tree is known by its fruit . The same is true in our lives. Thoughts bear fruit. If we think good thoughts the fruit will be good. Verse 34 teaches us that out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of heart the mouth speaks. So whatever is hidden will sooner or later be revealed.
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Ana & Andre Schoonbee God uses us to motivate and encourage the body. Authors
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