Honest God Truth

 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Living a Christian life is long and we need endurance to finish well.  We must look to Jesus for he gives us the path and the power to succeed.  We must not ignore the cloud of witnesses that are cheering us on.  Running a race with people cheering for you is very important.  It encourages you, gives you self awareness of your progress and keeps you going to the finish.  Jesus uses these witnesses to help you.  Therefore we need to have a community of believers to finish our run of faith. Amen

 “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof,” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭ESV‬‬ It would be great to not have to be disciplined by others or ourself.  We think true joy is doing whatever we want. Unfortunately we don’t have the ability to perfectly do what is right.  God uses discipline to teach us to depend on him and not to become puffed up with our so called success or depressed with our setbacks.  Discipline keeps us on the path of faith in Jesus. It may at times be difficult but it is full of joy each morning.  Jesus help us with discipline today.  Amen 

 Titus 2:11-12 (ESV) “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,” Grace (free undeserved gift) is given to us to change our heart from loving self to loving Jesus. Grace opens our eyes to the truth about the Bible.  Grace gives us the desire to obey Jesus and all of the righteousness found in his word. But our sinful nature still lives and that is where the battle occurs. Believers do overcome sin but it takes a lifetime. God gives us enough grace for today to win the war or repent when we fall short.  Lord Jesus help us to win the battle of faith today and choose to live and obey you.  Amen 

 “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:15-17‬ ‭ESV‬‬ There is evil in the world and we must trust Jesus as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.  Evil destroys our relationship with God but the Lord uses evil to keep us close to him.  Fear God when you fall into sins allure because he hates evil.  But be of cheer Jesus has overcome sin.  We must turn to Jesus everyday and walk by faith and future grace.  He is always there to help because that is what glorifies him most when we depend on him.  Be wise trust Jesus.  Amen 

 “By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:29‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Faith is what God uses to save his people.  God gives us faith to believe him and when we do he sends his power in many ways.  He is God and does what he chooses.  And we praise and worship him when we trust him and learn to obey him.  Then he moves to save us because his glory is seen. What a wonderful Lord we have in Jesus.  Amen 

 “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭11:13‬ ‭ESV‬‬ What do we receive when God gives us the Holy Spirit?  We get the will of God.  We get the desires of God.  We get the Love of God.  We get everything we need for eternal living.  Then why don’t we often experience all that the Holy Spirit gives us?  Our sin of unbelief.  And that challenge God gives us to learn and overcome.  Our sanctification is summed up in these two verses “work out your salvation is fear and trembling for it is God who works in you to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Lord help us to know you and trust you for all of life now and evermore.  Amen 

 Romans 8:1-2 (NIV) “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” The law of the Spirit is submission to the knowledge of the good news of Jesus Christ.  We always obey something, either sin which leads to death or the Spirit which leads to eternal life.  Jesus example is perfect; not my will but your will Father be done. Trust Jesus will give you the desire and power to do the Father’s will.  The freedom we have in submitting to your love Jesus.  Lord I believe help my unbelief.  Amen 

 “By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:11‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We must consider Jesus faithful to save us from our sin if we are going to obtain heaven and eternal life with him.  Jesus said that he goes and prepares a place for us in heaven.  Therefore we must life by faith in the truth of his works.  When we by faith become his children Jesus said he will never leave us or forsake us.  Each day we must put our faith in the one who died for our sins and adopted us into his family our God, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen 

 “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭127:3-5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Children are a gift from God.  Every gift the Lord gives us is much more than a token pleasure.  The Lord’s gift are eternal, full of grace and offer us the ability to become righteous and full of mercy.  God blesses those who he plans to use for his glory.  Children are a challenge but truly are a reward from God.  Amen 

 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Faith is the most powerful attribute if it is put in the one who is faithful and is full of steadfast love.  Faith changes everything because it sees the future with hope and trust in Jesus.  Lord help me to desire faith in you each day.  Amen 

 “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬ To make it my own or to be perfect is my desire.  The desire and ability comes from Jesus.  Jesus makes us a part of him when we put or trust in him.  He is working out all things for his good pleasure and it mostly happens when he motivates us to do righteousness.  The mystery of faith is that everything we are and have are from God.  When we work diligently to live holy lives it is God who is working in us and for us.  Jesus gets all the glory and we get the joy.  Amen 

1 Corinthians 1:17 (ESV) “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” Talking about Jesus is not a separate part of being a believer.  It is sharing your daily walk with him.  When you live by faith in the Lord you constantly are sharing the good news with yourself for sanctification is preaching the gospel to your heart everyday.  When I sin because I am a sinner I need a Savior that takes away my sin.  I am so glad that Jesus the God man loves me so much to die for me. When I trust him he will show me the way to eternal live and glorify his name.  He is the one who gives me the power to love and obey him. My faith in him has given me hope of salvation  and because of Jesus his joy is my joy to share with others   Oh Lord let me live my life and share your love with everyone you bring to me. Amen 

 “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭119:103-104‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The word of God brings love and hate.  It gives you love for God through knowing him and what he loves. It gives you hate of the things that God’s word say lead to condemnation.   Jesus said he wish we were hot or cold but because of being luke warm he spits us out.  Lord let me love what you love and hate anything that keeps me from loving you. Amen 

 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:23, 26‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The mystery of faith which is Jesus died for our sins and we have to believe it is true.  And if you don’t believe or stop believing there is no hope for you.  Everyday we must examine our hearts through our actions and see if we still believe.  Don’t take your faith for granted.  Cherish it as your hope for eternal life.  Lord I believe help my unbelief.  This is serious work!  Jesus help me.  Amen 

 Luke 14:12-14 (ESV) “He said also to the man who invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” For you will be paid at the resurrection of the just.”  Our motivation to serve others comes from a desire to be with Jesus. If our goal is to receive rewards on earth then our treasures will be small in heaven. Don’t let your right hand know what your left hand is doing.  When you pray go to your closet. The “just” who get in heaven will live by faith. Therefore we should be motivated to receive our reward from Jesus and not from this world. And Jesus lived without receiving his reward on earth but “looking to the joy set before him he endured the cr...

 Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV) “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,” Physical needs are important but we need the most help with our hearts.  Our hearts are what keep us from loving God and others.  Our hearts often abuse our bodies with what we do and don’t do to them. God can and does heal the body in his time.  But we need his loving grace to make our hearts soft and open to his love and forgiveness.  Pray that yours and other peoples hearts are open to God’s truth and love for him in the gospel of Jesus Christ. For your glory Jesus and our joy.  Amen 

 “so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9:28‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Remember when you eagerly waited for something; Christmas morning, seeing someone you love, waiting for a person coming to their surprise party?  The eagerness comes because you have experienced it before or have been told it is really good. If we desire to be with Jesus it is because we have tasted and seen that he is very good.  Are you thrilled when Jesus forgives your sin?  He does it out of love for you not obligation.  If someone has shown you so much love you will eagerly wait to see him or her and respond to that person with love, praise and adoration.  Oh Jesus come soon.  Amen 

 Ephesians 6:16-18 “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”  Put on the full armor of God because we are in a war. I have never been to physical war but it seems the most emotional, intense experience possible. You are fully alive because you realize you might die!  Satan said to Eve that you won’t die if you eat of the fruit of disobedience.  He lied to her!  The weapons of war are there to help you stay alive and the better you use them the safer you become.  Satan and our sinful nature wants us to not obtain eternal life so we are constantly questioning Jesus love for us. We must use our spiritual weapons to fight doubt and unfaithfulness.  These weapons keep us close to Jesus and his protection.  Jesus loves u...

 “For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭108:4‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God’s love is a sure thing but so is his hatred toward sin.  God’s characteristics are described throughout scripture but he is more than the sum of them.  He is alive and is relation-able meaning we must not just know about him but really know him.  We can learn to love and fear a person not truths about him.  Jesus please reveal yourself today so we may know you and magnify your holy name.  Amen 

 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Forgiving ourselves is a very difficult thing to do for those who love Jesus.  When you meet people in your life who are so kind and loving it is emotional when you do something that you know hurts them. They forgive you because they are loving people but you feel so rotten inside.  Jesus the perfect Godman loves us so much that he died for our sins. Why would I ever want to sin against him? But every time I sin it is against him so it is easy to feel badly. I know that Jesus will forgive me when I repent and ask for his forgiveness.  Repent in the morning and sin again by the end of the day.  Lord help me to work out my salvation in fear and trembling for it is you who works in me.  With mankind it is impossible to please God because of our sin but with God all things are possible.  Amen 

 Galatians 6:1-2 “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  A gentle spirit comes from a heart that has been broken.  When you live a life trying to please Jesus you become humble because you have to ask for forgiveness over and over. Sin in your heart still lingers on in a believes life.  The closer your relationship with the Lord the more you are aware of your sinfulness. Paul called himself the chief of sinners because he knew Jesus so well. Therefore when you see others sinning you come along side them and in a loving gentle spirit encourage them to repent and ask God for his forgiveness and new plan for them.  Lord Jesus help me not to sin against you today and help others to do the same. All for your glory Lord. Amen 

 “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭103:11‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God’s steadfast love and fear of him are inseparable and yet so difficult to understand.  If you fear the Lord his love is on you.  Does that mean if you don’t fear him then his love is removed?  Love gives, protects, sacrifices, nurtures, longs for and is forgiving.  All that and more comes to those who fear the Lord.  If you are on a cliff of a mountain and  see all its wonder and it’s beauty but don’t fear falling then you are only using it for your enjoyment and not knowing it throughly.  God wants us not to just use him for our good but to know him for who he is, amazing.  And a big part of knowing God is realizing how powerful and righteous he is in his character.  God is glorious and very dangerous if you don’t have his love.  Fearing God is knowing him and loving him.  Jesus help me fear ...

 Matthew 7:1-5 (ESV) “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”  What is my motive when I judge others?  Is it in revenge from the way they have treated me?  Do they represent a group of people I believe are wrong in their words and deeds?  Judging others before listening and learning who they are and what they do is wrong.  We are sinning when we judge others before knowing who they are and what are their needs and desires. Often we have similar problems that cause us to act unloving as much as they seem...

 “O Lord our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭99:8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Scripture is so true but not easy to understand.  God is forgiving and an avenger of wrongdoing.  So how can he do both?  The only answer is Jesus.  God punishes his Son because he chooses to be forgiving.  There is no other way because for God to be just he must punish sin.  Therefore if you have been forgiven and shown mercy realize that Jesus had to die for you.  The only way into heaven is to be perfect or be saved by Jesus.  That is worth praising the Lord!  Amen 

 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV) “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” When we desire to love and obey Jesus we should praise him for the opportunity.  God’s providence let’s us know that he is leading us to do something that will honor him and glorify his name. This truth alone is amazing, God is using us! The plan is the Lord’s and so is the result, so we can rejoice even when it doesn’t turn out like we think. As believers “all things work together for good” and we can rest in that truth. I pray the Lord uses us often for his glory and our joy.  Amen  

 “For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭7:26‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Jesus is the mediator for us between the righteousness of God and the mercy of God.  Righteousness means to obey what the law says, the wages of sin is death.  God must punish sin or he would not be righteous.  Jesus died for our sins.  God is merciful and loves to forgive our sins.  Jesus came that we would have life and be with God forever.  He shows us his mercy by dying for us once and for all on the cross.  Righteousness and mercy kiss on the cross for all who believe in Jesus.  Amen 

 “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice,” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭95:6-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Let us worship the Lord today for all that he is and all that he does for us.  We are his people in his world and he cares for us.  When we hear his voice let us come to him and receive comfort, protection, joy and eternal life.  Jesus give me ears to hear you today so I will worship you and glorify your name.  Amen 

 “So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”;” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We have a God who has an eternal relationship, Father and Son with the Holy Spirit who is forever connecting them. A big part of relationships is honoring the person you love. Jesus honored his Father on earth by doing his will perfectly.  The Father honored the Son by giving him people who loved and obeyed him.  Part of that plan of honoring the Son is to beget him the position of high priest so Jesus could intercede for his people.  Amazing how God’s plan for our salvation is right in the middle of the love relationship between the Father and the Son.  We are so blessed Lord for your love that you freely have given us.  Praise you Jesus. Amen 

 James 5:7-8 “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” We can be patient waiting for Jesus to come again because we trust he is working all things out for his glory and our good. The Lord is working out his plan and nothing can stop or hinder it. Why do all things work together for good to those that love him?  Because God is working out every detail for his children to experience his glory! Our task is to trust him and obey his word and watch Jesus glorify his name. We may not understand what is happening at the moment and long for him to return but we must patiently have faith that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us and know he is the king of kings.  Praise you Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen 

 “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭89:14, 52‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The throng of God has at least four wonderful attributes; righteousness and justice, steadfast love and faithfulness.  The entire universe is established by these four qualities that God possesses and we as his children have inherited by faith. Our sin hinders their full potential but Lord help us to die to our sinful nature and shine with these four wonderful qualities so you may be glorified in us today and forevermore.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen 

Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  If God is for me who can be against me?  When we fear Jesus who has the power to save us and send us to hell all other fears should melt away.  When we finally learn that God loves us and will be with us forever our other fears are just temptations of our faith in him.  Jesus help me to know you and love you so my only fear is doubting your love for me.  Amen 

 Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” The more you see how sinful your heart is the easier it is to forgive others. Jesus knows our heart and chooses to forgive us everytime we ask for forgiveness.  He knows that we will  sin again and yet he forgives us.  Oh to know his mercy and grace it gives us the ability to forgive others who don’t deserve it. Jesus thank you for your love and mercy to me everyday. Help me to desire you more than the deception of sin.  Amen

 Psalm 119:9-11 (ESV) “How can a young man (and women) keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” The Bible is definitely where we need to spend time learning how to live our lives in a sinful world. In the Bible we learn what pleases God and how we can glorify him.  The Bible also tells us that the Lord Jesus is King over this world and has a plan that will glorify him. Our greatest act is to believe that he loves us, has a plan for our lives, and is working all things out for his glory and if we trust him for our eternal joy.  Be of good cheer, Jesus has overcome the evil in our world. Amen 

 “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭5:14‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God gives us the Holy Spirit to direct our paths.  Our task is to learn how to be sensitive to his leading in our life.  Jesus uses his word the Bible and his spirit, the Holy Spirit to lead us from evil unto righteousness.  The more we read, meditate and pray in the word the more power we have to discern between good and evil.  Oh Lord Jesus keep us in your word today so we may glorify you by doing good.  Amen 

 2 Peter 1:5-6 (ESV) “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” The question is how do these Christian virtues manifest in a believers life? How can we act like Jesus?  Scripture tells us that Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. Jesus said without me you can do nothing. A tree produces its fruit by having its roots connect to water. Jesus said drink of me and I will give you living water that will spring up into eternal life. Water often represent the Holy Spirit and his fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self control.  Therefore to demonstrate Christian virtues eat (read, meditate on) the word of God and drink (share your heart with) by praying to God.  This all happens when you be...

 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Jesus is our high priest that came from heaven and was tempted in all things but did not sin.  Therefore we can come to him for forgiveness and help.  Mercy when we sin because he paid for them on the cross and grace for our help because we glorify him when we come to him for our needs. Oh the joy we have in our loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen 

 “again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:7-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God’s words are screaming out who ever is thirsty drink this living water.  You don’t need to be looking to quench your desires anywhere else.  Come to me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.  Ask Jesus to open your blind eyes today so you can see his beauty and great worth.  Oh taste and see that the Lord is good.  He is what your heart needs to be satisfied and content.  Come today and drink!  Amen 

 “Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭148:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ If we lived in paradise where everything was perfect then we would be happy and understand that our creator is good.  But God in his wisdom created Satan to put doubt in our minds to produce questions and concerns and unrest. All creation praises God our creator except humans. That is why all humans sin and need a Savior to forgive doubt and all the sin that comes from unbelief. Without the knowledge of our sin and need of Jesus our Savior we will not acknowledge God as creator or Lord.  We see beauty but sin produces destruction and without Jesus love we doubt his goodness. We need the Lord to open our eyes everyday to see his love and forgiveness to us to keep us from doubting and falling into sin. His creation declares his glory and the redeemed declare his glory by his mercy and forgiveness.  All glory to you Lord Jesus

 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) God desires to do good for you.  When a child comes to know that her parents wants what is best for her, she learns to trust them and not resist their love.  Even discipline becomes something that is good for her.  When we realize that God is on our side and he desires our best we trust that all things work together for our good.  All things!  Jesus give me faith to believe in your love for me.  Amen