Whose Sin Is Forgiven?

Psalm 32:1-7 KJV; 1st Sunday in Lent; We confess our sins and thank God for Jesus who died to take away our sins.

 

Reconciled To God

2 Corinthians 5:18-21 KJV; Reconciled to God through the blood shed on the cross.

In Christ We Have Peace

John 16:33 KJV; Trials will come in this world; but, in Christ we have peace.

Death Has Been Conquered

1 Peter 1:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15:50-55; John 14:1-3; John 14:17; As the flowers fade so do we; but, in Christ we will be revived and live for all eternity in the presence of God.

Herod Was Conned

8th Sunday after Pentecost; Mark 6:14-29 KJV; Herod was tricked by his wife (his brother's wife) and her daughter to kill John. But, all who believe in the Christ shall live for all eternity.

Time Is Elusive

Psalm 90:1-4 KJV; Who can fathom eternity? God's time is not our time.

Our Hope Is Not Just In This World

1 Corinthians 15:17-22 KJV; Our hope lies completely on the risen Son.

Praising Him For All Eternity

Psalm 111 KJV; His righteousness and truth never change. They will last for all of eternity. Praise ye the Lord!

He Answers In His Time

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

                                                                                    (2 Peter 3:8-9 KJV)

Do not doubt that God hears and answers our prayers. He does hear them and he does answer them. They may not be answered in the way that we desire. The answer may sometimes be "no" especially if they are not in accordance with His will. His answer may also not come in the time that you desire it to come. 

 

We might like things done now and the way that we want them done. We judge time by the few years we have on this earth. God has eternity to work with!

When storms arise in your life; do not fear. Do not fret. Be at peace in the assurance that God does hear and He does answer your prayers according to His good will for all of His children. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

We Cannot Live By Bread Alone

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matt 4:4 KJV)  

Hungry? Thirsty? Eat, eat, eat and never get satisfied; only want for more? 

Food was meant to nourish our bodies.  It can be a pretty strong temptation to eat way more than one needs to meet their physical needs. Food might give you temporary satisfaction; but, that sense of satisfaction will be forgotten within an hour or two; maybe less. One meal; not even two or three, will not last you a lifetime. But, the Word of God will nourish you soul for all of eternity.

The tendency to give in to the temptation of momentary satisfaction can lead to all kinds of problems for us; particularly if it goes against the word of God. Temptations to depend on momentary happiness rather than the Word can lead to disasters for us.

After Jesus had fasted in the wilderness for forty days after his baptism; he, like we too often are, was tempted by the devil to turn stones into bread so that he could eat. He; unlike what we would do if we had the ability, refused. "... he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

No, most of us do not have the strength to refuse a temptation like that. If we could we would. But; then again, most of us do not have the fortitude to fast for forty days and nights, either. Our cravings are too much to attempt that. 

Heavenly Father, "... lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matt 6:13)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Virtue

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

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

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

                                                                        (Philippians 4:6-8 KJV)

One of the prayers I've prayed over the years is that He would inspire the entire world to be honest, just, kind; just flat out decent to one another for just one minute. Can you imagine the difference it might make if the entire world could do that for just one minute? No killing, no lying, no slander, no anything that would hurt another human being for just one minute would be just awesome. 

That minute will come; I am sure. But; it will not be just for a minute, it will be for eternity. I wait for that day. I think often of what it would be like for all people to treat one another with respect. 

May God bless us all with the desire to live virtuous lives according to His will that we might all live with the peace that surpasses all understanding and that He might be glorified!

God's Peace - Pr. J