Nothing can separate us from God’s love

Romans 8:39 Paul says “nothing can separate us from the love of God which is Jesus Christ”. NIV

We do not give those we love everything they want, because we know some things would not be good for them, and sometimes we make them do things that are difficult and frustrating because ultimately those things are good for them. In the same way, God lets us struggle, and doesn’t always give us what we want when we want it, but we can know as Paul said, God is doing these things for our good.

You may be tempted to think, God doesn’t know that I am sitting in traffic, late for an important event, or that I got a flat tire, bombed a math test, argued with my spouse, etc, but you would be wrong to think that. Matthew 10:29-30 says that not a sparrow falls to the ground that is not Gods will, and he knows the number of hairs on your head. So remember even when things are not going well, God knows and He is not neglecting you.

Dear Lord, help us to be strong in the knowledge that with Your unlimited power you love us and are looking out for us. In Jesus name. Amen.

Who Are You Relying On?

It is so natural for us to want to rely on ourselves.   We see the tremendous virtue in being “self made”, however God wants us not to rely on ourselves, but on Him.

Our big bank account, security fences, super health and fitness routines are fine, but we have all heard where these things have failed those who rely on them.

Being a responsible person is what we do to honor God in our lives, not to replace him.  When we need to be confident about our health, finances, security or any area of our life, we should turn first to God, by reading the bible, praying and putting our faith in God.

Paul tells in 1 Timothy 6:17, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment”

God is our source of peace, love, joy, and security, in this life and eternally.

Dear Lord, help us to put our trust in you to provide us what we need. In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Tested by Fire

I order to purify gold; to take it from ore found in the ground to high enough quality to use for jewelry, electronics, and other things, it is heated to melting.  When this is done, the impurities and other metals separate from the pure gold and can be removed.

 Peter uses this illustration in 1 Peter 1:6-7,  he says “although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials.  Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold – gold tested by fire. ” NET
God lets us experience trials, setbacks, disappointments, to develop us and make us better.  Our job is to stay in faith and use these trials to refine our faith and character, so we come out of it stronger and more capable.
Dear Lord help us remember that you are there to help us through our trials, and You are refining us so we can be a better Christian person.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

All the Tools We Need

Have you ever noticed that with the right tool every project seems to go smoother and get better results.  Rotating your tires if you have a couple floor jacks and an air wrench makes the project take less than half the time.   Having two ovens when cooking for a big party at home.  A hand truck (dolly) when moving appliances around. The right paintbrush for those tough to paint moldings.  For those of us in the north, a snowblower!  Sometimes a task is impossible without the right tool.

In John 15 Jesus talks about being the vine and we being the branches. He expects us to bear fruit, to go and do his work, spread the gospel, make disciples.  In verses 7-8 Jesus says “ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is honored by this, that you bear much Continue reading All the Tools We Need →

On God’s Team

Can you think of a time when you were chosen to be part of a special group, team, or organization?   Accepted by that university, fraternity, sorority you hoped for, hired by the great employer, for a select few, chosen to be a pro athlete, or fighter pilot.  Wonderful feeling of acceptance, pride and validation of our skills, talent and hard work.
As good as those things have been for us, they pale in comparison to the significance Peter outlines in 1 Peter 2:9-10″. ..for you have been chosen by God Himself- you are priests of the King, holy and pure, you are God’s very own-all this so that you may show others how God called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  Once you were less than nothing; now you are God’s very own.  Once you knew very little of God’s kindness, now your very lives have been changed by it.” TLB
Let us be grateful for being chosen.  Wouldn’t it be amazing to be someone who brings another person to a place he or she could be chosen by God as well.
Dear Lord,  thank You for choosing us to be part of your team, from being less than nothing, doomed to the darkness to which sin pulls us. Now we are with you.  Empower us to share the joy this brings.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

Daily Short Christian Devotional Message

Wordpress Social Share Plugin powered by Ultimatelysocial