KNOWING
The focus of the devotional posted to this site on January 19, 2009 was Longing.
On March 16, 2010 we discussed Hoping.
This week we will focus on Knowing!
Knowing what?
Knowing the ABSOLUTE TRUTH of GOD’s WORD!
Psalm 25:5
5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
Truth can be defined as a verified or indisputable fact.
But what do we know about the so called ‘facts’ of this fallen world?
- What are sometimes called facts are often people’s opinion.
- Facts are often changed to suit someone’s personal agenda.
- Facts seem to change as time marches on.
Many people in the world believe there is not an absolute truth. No ultimate standard for right or wrong. The world says:
‘Live and let live.’
‘If it feels good, do it.’
‘Don’t judge me and I won’t judge you.’
Key Points for this devotional:
1. Our belief that the Bible is the Word of God.
2. God cannot lie. He is, by His very nature, Truth.
3. The Truth, like God, does not change.
4. Why is the Truth so important?
5. What are some important Truths in God’s Word?
1. The Bible is the Word of God.
2 Timothy 3:16
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Why do we believe this is true?
We believe by faith. But what is faith?
Hebrews 11:1
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
And our faith is a gift from God.
Ephesians 2:8
8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
2. God cannot lie. He is the Truth.
Titus 1:2
2In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Deuteronomy 32:4
4He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
Christ told us He is the Truth.
John 6:44
6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
3. God does not change. Since God is Truth, the Truth does not change.
Malachi 3:6
6For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Hebrews 13:8
8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
4. Why is it important to know the Truth?
John 8:31-32
31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
5. What are some important Truths from God’s Word?
Proverbs 14:12
12There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Romans 3:23
23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 6:23
23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:8
8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 10:9
9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
1 John 5:13
13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Prayer
Father I love You and praise You for the absolute truth of Your Word. Thank You for sharing the truth of the gospel message. May Your love and truth touch every heart that seeks after You. May Your will be done. Amen.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
BLESSED HOPE
BLESSED HOPE
In a previous devotion we talked about ‘Longing for God’ (posted on this site January 19, 2009)
We described longing as having a strong desire for something.
Our greatest longing should be for a meaningful relationship with God.
Psalm 42:1
1As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
This week we will be talking about hope; specifically our Blessed Hope in Christ. So what is the difference between longing for something and having hope?
As we discussed, longing is to desire something.
The definition of hope is – to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence.
So hope is not just wanting something, it is counting on something.
A Christian’s definition of hope should be – a bedrock assurance based on the promises of God. A divine certainty.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
7Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
8For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
So why do you think we used the phrase ‘bedrock assurance’?
Psalm 61:2
2From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Matthew 7:24-27
24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
So our Hope is based in our faith in God. What do you do when your faith waivers?
Mark 9:23-24
23Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
24And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
Our faith in God does not grow like money sitting in the bank earning interest. It grows by experience: witnessing and acknowledging God’s faithfulness to His Word.
So what is our Blessed Hope
Salvation and Eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord
John 3:16
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
When life gets difficult, when you are hurting physically, emotionally or spiritually, it is so easy to get focused on ourselves.
Remember:
The Goal is not Happiness, it is Holiness!
Holiness is to be set apart for use by God.
Holiness is standing apart form sin and evil
We should not waste our time and energy worrying about the basic necessities of life. If we seek after God and trust Him, He has promised to provide these things.
Matthew 6:33
33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Steps of Hope
1. Acknowledge any sense of hopelessness or lack of trust/faith.
2. Ask God for forgiveness and cleansing.
3. Align your heart to God’s will through prayer and Bible study.
4. Let go of your unmet desires. Strive to be Holy.
5. Seek God with all your heart (more prayer and Bible study).
6. Ask God to strengthen you through your journey.
7. Praise God continually. Thank Him for what He has done, what He is doing and what He will do.
8. Cling to Christ, our solid rock, in all circumstances.
Prayer
Father, may our hope as Christian be found only in You and the promises in Your Holy Word. Thank You for the faith You give us to believe. Thank You for being faithful to all You have promised. Help me to be holy. Amen.
In a previous devotion we talked about ‘Longing for God’ (posted on this site January 19, 2009)
We described longing as having a strong desire for something.
Our greatest longing should be for a meaningful relationship with God.
Psalm 42:1
1As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
This week we will be talking about hope; specifically our Blessed Hope in Christ. So what is the difference between longing for something and having hope?
As we discussed, longing is to desire something.
The definition of hope is – to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence.
So hope is not just wanting something, it is counting on something.
A Christian’s definition of hope should be – a bedrock assurance based on the promises of God. A divine certainty.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
7Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
8For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
So why do you think we used the phrase ‘bedrock assurance’?
Psalm 61:2
2From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Matthew 7:24-27
24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
So our Hope is based in our faith in God. What do you do when your faith waivers?
Mark 9:23-24
23Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
24And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
Our faith in God does not grow like money sitting in the bank earning interest. It grows by experience: witnessing and acknowledging God’s faithfulness to His Word.
So what is our Blessed Hope
Salvation and Eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord
John 3:16
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
When life gets difficult, when you are hurting physically, emotionally or spiritually, it is so easy to get focused on ourselves.
Remember:
The Goal is not Happiness, it is Holiness!
Holiness is to be set apart for use by God.
Holiness is standing apart form sin and evil
We should not waste our time and energy worrying about the basic necessities of life. If we seek after God and trust Him, He has promised to provide these things.
Matthew 6:33
33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Steps of Hope
1. Acknowledge any sense of hopelessness or lack of trust/faith.
2. Ask God for forgiveness and cleansing.
3. Align your heart to God’s will through prayer and Bible study.
4. Let go of your unmet desires. Strive to be Holy.
5. Seek God with all your heart (more prayer and Bible study).
6. Ask God to strengthen you through your journey.
7. Praise God continually. Thank Him for what He has done, what He is doing and what He will do.
8. Cling to Christ, our solid rock, in all circumstances.
Prayer
Father, may our hope as Christian be found only in You and the promises in Your Holy Word. Thank You for the faith You give us to believe. Thank You for being faithful to all You have promised. Help me to be holy. Amen.
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