The Problem We Face - The Solution We Need

 

II Peter 3:17-18 "Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever, Amen"

 

We all face the problem of being overcome by the wicked one (Satan) and wickedness (sin) of this world.

 

In the face of such a danger our hope is in God's grace and in the truth from God's word.

 

We grow in grace as we learn, like Paul did, to surrender our inabilities to His purpose and plan.

 

At the same time we need to grow in our knowledge of the bible. This is our source of knowledge about God.

 

We can not depend upon our own experience or reason; but on the infallible, inerrant and unchanging Word!

 

Today, in the mist of our busyness, let us keep an eye on our walk with God.

 

Let's run to Him in prayer and spend time drinking from His word!

Psalm 107:1 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

How can we always be thankful when life is so uncertain and at times so very difficult?

The answer is because of the object of and reason for our thankfulness.

While we should be thankful for specific things in our lives the object of our thanksgiving is God.

The reason is because of what God does. He always does what is best (good) and is always kind to His people (mercy).

This week in whatever condition we find our lives may our hearts rest in God Himself.

When we face the time that God is all we have, we will find that He is all we need.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

When is the last time you invested energy and time in praying for your boss or others who are in authority over you?

So often we are all tempted to complain and criticize those in authority. And in some situations voicing objections or concerns is not only permissible but is encouraged (i.e.: in politics).While it is true that human authority is faulty, (for we all are);  the fact remains, as believers we are called upon to pray for all those in authority over us.

In politics, family, church, work and throughout society our calling is clear. Pray, intercede and (believe it or not) give thanks!

Do you ever wonder what might have happened if we had prayed as much as we complained.

Today let us commit to praying for those God has placed over us so that we can fulfill God’s will and experience God’s plan for our lives.

II Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil”

When we face times in our lives when the pace and difficulty of each moment is beyond our ability to bear we must throw  ourselves upon the truth that God is always faithful.

He has promised to sustain us today with the indwelling of His presence, the empowerment of His Holy Spirit, and the continual working of His word in our hearts.

Today, turn to Him, trust Him, and talk to Him!

Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

The power of God’s word cannot be denied and must never be ignored.

During the earthly ministry of Christ the WORD was incarnate. In the flesh. It walked and talked in the person of Christ.

Today Jesus is not walking on the earth but has given to us access to His WORD through the Bible.

Many believers live daily with a lack of power and direction, often with an abiding inability to do that which they know they should. While there may be a variety of issues at play in this paralysis,  there is always at least one. The power of God’s word is being ignored or rejected.

Today if you need the power of God (and we all do) then you need the WORD of God.

Read it, study it, memorize it, live it!

Today let us allow the Word of God to have first place in our hearts and in each of our decisions.

II Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

When we experience salvation we receive positional grace and peace. (Eph. 2:8-9; Romans 5:1)

After salvation there is a need and opportunity to grow in both the grace and peace of God.

This happens through the increase in our knowledge of God.  As we fill our minds and hearts with the truth from God’s word, and about God himself, His peace and grace increases.

Today, if you need God’s grace and peace (and we all do), saturate your life with God’s word.  We need to do this by moving from knowing to applying the truths to every area of our lives.  (II Peter 1:3-9).

Remember that grace and peace of God is as accessible as the word of God!

I Corinthians 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing

What you speak, understand or give away (bestow) means nothing if it is not done in love.

Love is not just a good motivation – it is the only motivation that is acceptable to God.

In order to understand the full impact of the truth in verses 1-3 we must understand the definition of love in the following verses.

Love is a choice. While at times it is accompanied by feelings it is not a feeling.

According to I Corinthians 13:4-13 it is a choice to do what is right and best for and in our relationships with others.

Today, in the midst of all our doing and talking, let us love.

Today let us show the world around us the truth of I Corinthians 13 in all that we say and do.