Writing On Eagles Wings

Scripture: “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” – Daniel 3:17-18

Examination: Nebuchadnezzar has erected a massive monument to himself with the decree that all will worship him. Three young Hebrew men refuse to bow down, and the king threatens to throw them into a fiery furnace if they do not comply. Their response is that regardless of whether or not the Lord delivers them, they will continue to worship the true God.

Application: Unfortunately in life, bad things happen to good people. When circumstances are overwhelming, it is often difficult to hold on to one’s faith. However, it is vital to remember that in those hard times, the very thing that we should do is cling to our faith with all our might because God is the One who can do anything and everything.

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were cast into the furnace, Nebuchadnezzar fully expected to witness the death of the three men. Instead, he was stunned when he looked into the furnace moments later. Daniel 3:25 records his outburst, “… Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” This seemingly impossible situation was under God’s control the entire time. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego held on to their faith regardless of what the outcome could have been, and the Lord delivered them.

When King Darius sentenced Daniel to death, like Nebuchadnezzar, he was astonished to find the prophet alive and well the following day. Hoping that Daniel’s God had spared him, but fully expecting the prophet to have been torn apart by the lions, Darius called out to him the next day. Daniel 6:22 records Daniel’s response, “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.” Against all odds, Daniel survived without a scratch. His faith was rewarded by His God.

In the New Testament, we read of many occasions when God moved in miraculous ways to save His people… occasions where faith was deeply tested, and it seemed as though the outcomes were against all hope. God cares about each one of us and asks us to share with Him every concern we harbor in our hearts. 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us of what to do, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Whether it be terminal illness, death of a loved one, loss of finances, persecution for your beliefs, rejection from family or friends… regardless of the cross that you are called to bear, hold on to your faith. 1 Corinthians 16:13 states, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” God is faithful and will always be so. 1 Corinthians 1:9 proclaims, “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Unlike the myriad of circumstances in which we find ourselves, God remains our constant. He will hear us when we cry out to Him; He will always respond according to what is best for us and in perfect alignment to His will. He will never fail us, never abandon us, never ignore us. We must remember the truth of 2 Timothy 2:13, “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” Even when our faith wavers, God remains faithful… regardless.

Memory Verse: “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”– Psalm 34:1

As I look back on the road I've travelled,
 I see so many times He carried me through;
And if there's one thing that I've learned in my life,
My Redeemer is faithful and true.

My Redeemer is faithful and true. Everything He has said He will do,
And every morning His mercies are new. My Redeemer is faithful and true.

And in every situation He has proved His love to me;
When I lack the understanding, He gives more grace to me.

My Redeemer is faithful and true. Everything He has said He will do,
And every morning His mercies are new. My Redeemer is faithful and true.

(from “My Redeemer is Faithful and True” by Steven Curtis Chapman)

Scripture: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” – James 2:17

Examination: James writes about the interconnection of faith with works. He declares that it is not the works that save, but rather the works come as a result of one’s life after salvation. It is a direct result of being saved and becoming a child of God.

Application: Believing in God is not enough to be classified as placing one’s faith in Him. The Bible tells us in James 2:19, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” Satan believes in God, as do his evil angels, but there is no repentance or salvation for demonic beings.

Like anything else in life, having faith in someone or something involves active decision-making. Having faith in God means that a person couples their intellectual belief , the knowledge received from the Word of God, with purposeful action related to that belief.

Faith in Jesus involves the intellectual belief that He is the Son of God; He did die on the cross to pay for our sins, and He rose from the grave 3 days later. The purposeful action is repenting of your sins, asking Him for forgiveness, making Him your personal Lord and Saviour, and surrendering your will to His in every aspect of your life.

Once a person’s faith and trust is placed in Jesus, and His gift of salvation has been accepted, that faith is reflected in a new life lived according to the Scriptures. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Being “new” in Christ means there is a life change. Titus 2:11-12 tells us, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”

Our faith in Christ should be manifest in what we say, what we do, how we interact with others, and how we give to God what He deserves from us. Faith in action is our testimony to a lost and dying world that Jesus is the One who makes the difference in our lives. Hebrews 13:21 tells us that faith in Christ will “make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Let your works shout to the world that you belong to Jesus and He belongs to you!

Memory Verse: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” – Colossians 3:23

My life, my love I give to Thee,
Thou Lamb of God who died for me;
O may I ever faithful be,
My Savior and my God!

I'll live for him who died for me,
How happy then my life shall be!
I'll live for him who died for me,
My Savior and my God!

(from “I’ll Live For Him” by R. E. Hudson)

Scripture: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” – Genesis 1:1

Examination: This first chapter of the Bible describes the seven days of creation. God spoke and it was.

Application: The beginning of all things has been debated for centuries. Interesting to note that those who support the theory of evolution mock those who believe in  a divine Creator, and sadly, the opposite is often true as well. The claim of evolutionists is that believing in the biblical account of creation is based solely on faith, whereas evolution bases its validity on facts. The truth is that both paths of creation are based upon faith.

In order for something to be acceptable as fact, science states it must be able to be tested repeatedly for validation. Neither evolution nor biblical creation can meet that criterium, thus both must be viewed as faith-based theories.

The view of an evolutionist is that somewhere along the universal timeline, non-living matter became living matter albeit in its simplest form. One of the most accepted evolutionary origins of everything is the “big bang” theory. At the beginning of time, the universe was a very condensed ball of stuff that exploded to eventually form atoms. As eons of time passed, these atoms chose to “evolve” into some sort of microscopic living organisms, which became the onset of life. These tiny entities then randomly chose to become more complicated in form and evolved into higher functioning organisms. This pattern would continue over billions of years until we see the results of that process today in the form of humankind. Has this ever been proven? Can it be tested for validity? No. There were no eyewitnesses to the original event. It has never been replicated in a laboratory, Therefore, by definition, it can only be a scientific faith-based theory.

The view of the creationist is that there was a divine being who personally created everything. The first two chapters of the Bible explain that God spoke and within a six-day period, the universe was created, and everything in it came into existence. This theory also cannot be proven. No one was there to witness these events; therefore, it is a biblical faith-based theory.

Here are two questions that come to mind when comparing evolution with creation.

1. From where did it all begin?

• Evolution – According to NASA, when cosmic inflation stopped, the energy driving it transferred to matter and light – the big bang. One second after the big bang, the universe consisted of an extremely hot (18 billion degrees Fahrenheit or 10 billion degrees Celsius) primordial soup of light and particles.
  • Human reasoning asks, ‘Who was there to time this or take the temperature?’
  • Answer: No one
• Creation – God spoke the universe and all within it into existence.
  • “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” – Colossians 1:16
  • Human reasoning asks, ‘How did He do this?’
  • Answer: God is omnipotent. “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” – Mark 10:27

2. How did random living matter become so organized and complex?

• Evolution – Simple organic (living matter) molecules are the building blocks of life and must have been involved in its origin. Science suggests that organic molecules could have been synthesized in the atmosphere of early Earth and rained down into the oceans. (University of Berkeley)
  • Human reasoning asks: ‘How can something be “involved” in its own origin?’
  • Answer: Unknown
• Creation – The action of an intelligent divine Creator, God, brought each unique lifeform into existence.
  • “Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” – Nehemiah 9:6
  • Human reasoning asks, ‘Where did God come from?’
  • Answer: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” – Psalm 90:2

There are many other questions that perpetuate the debate between the theories of evolution and creation. Clearly, none of these can be proven. This is where faith comes into play. Upon examination of the evidence that is available, the obvious question is “In what do you want to place your faith?”

Like Joshua, we all need to answer that question. “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (24:15).

As for me and my house, we choose to place our faith in the living God.

Memory Verse: “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” – 1 John 5:4

My faith has found a resting place, not in device nor creed.
I trust the ever-living One; His wounds for me shall plead.
I need no other argument, I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died, and that he died for me.

Enough for me that Jesus saves, this ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him, He’ll never cast me out.
I need no other argument, I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died, and that he died for me.

My heart is leaning on the Word, the written Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior’s name, salvation thro' his blood.
I need no other argument, I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died, and that he died for me.

(from “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place” by E. E. Hewitt )

Scripture: “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;”  – 2 Thessalonians 1:3

Examination: Paul is commending the church in Thessalonica for their faith. They have endured persecutions, but still held on to the gospel that had been shared with them. He tells them that their faith will be rewarded when Jesus returns.

Application: It’s so easy to have faith when things are going well, but when life throws a curve ball, it becomes much more difficult to trust the Lord for the outcome. Additionally, when God doesn’t answer our prayers within our expected timeline, faith sometimes wanes.

According to Hebrews 12:1, faith is “… the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It requires trusting the Lord to answer our prayers the best way possible in the best time frame, believing that He is acting according to His perfect will for our lives. Not always easy to do!

Most likely, if someone were to conduct a survey of Christians asking them if they believed their salvation was true and that one day they would be with Jesus in heaven, the response would be an overwhelming, “Yes!” It seems so easy to trust that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead to be the Saviour of the world with the ability to forgive every sin. The faith needed for salvation comes easy, while faith in God for meeting financial needs, healing sickness, restoring broken relationships, etc., is so hard to hold on to. So how do we cultivate more faith?

Romans 10:17 gives us the answer. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” By reading and studying the Bible, we learn how God has worked in the lives of others. Since the Bible records God as saying, “For I am the LORD, I change not…”, we can know that the God that worked in the lives of Ruth, Daniel, David, Paul, etc., is the same God that works in our lives today.

I’m Growing our faith requires choosing to trust God and what He says in His Word. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” It’s important to remember that God is under no obligation to explain His actions to us; He is the Creator; we are His creation. As a child trusts his or her parents without necessarily needing an explanation from them, we need to trust our heavenly Father also. Then, as we begin to experience His hand in our lives, our faith will grow more and more.

Memory Verse: “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.” – Mark 11:22

I care not today what the morrow may bring,
If shadow or sunshine or rain,
The Lord I know ruleth o’er everything,
And all of my worry is vain.

Living by faith in Jesus above,
Trusting, confiding in His great love;
From all harm safe in His sheltering arm,
I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.

(from “Living By Faith” by James Wells)

Scripture: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” – 1 Peter 2:2

Examination: Peter compares our faith to a building in which Jesus is the foundational cornerstone, and we are the construction materials upon which the rest of the structure is built. He details the responsibilities that believers have as the “lively stones” that are to be laid upon the foundation of the Saviour.

Application: As with any structure, the base must be strong enough to support the rest of the construction materials. With Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith, the early church apostles and leaders become the first level of our spiritual edifice. Ephesians 2:20 states that those who place their faith in Christ “…are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;”. We must be like the wise man who built his house upon the rock (Matthew 7:24).

In construction, cement, sand, rock, and water are combined to create the concrete needed for a strong building. If one ingredient is missing or tainted, the concrete is not as effective as a building material.  Likewise, “… as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5), we must be composed of the right materials without contamination or we risk the destruction of our “spiritual house”.

The purest material that provides all we need to grow in our faith, and build our house, is found in God’s divine manual, the Bible. Romans 10:17 states, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” To help us understand the Scriptures, God has given us faithful men to preach His Word and Sunday school teachers to help us learn the basics of the Bible. This is similar to superintendents or foremen who help the workers correctly interpret and follow the plans as they build.

The more we understand what God is telling us in His Word, the more we will be able to construct a strong spiritual house and “… walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;” (Colossians 1:10). Let us make time this year to build our own spiritual monument of our growing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Memory Verse: “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6

Jesus is the cornerstone came for sinners to atone
Though rejected by His own, He became the cornerstone
Jesus is the cornerstone

'Til the breaking of the dawn, 'til all footsteps cease to roam
Ever let this truth be known, Jesus is the cornerstone
Jesus is the cornerstone!

(from “Cornerstone” by Lari Goss)

Scripture: “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Examination: Paul describes the characteristics of a love that can only come from God. He is explaining that while there are various gifts that God gives to believers, the greatest gift we can have, and share, is His love in us.

Application: The 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians is often called “The Love Chapter” of the Bible. Many of its verses explain “charity” as a love that only can come from God. This is sometimes referred to as “agape” love, and means a sacrificial, selfless, divine love as seen in the Lord Jesus Christ. Here are the characteristics of the charity (love) of God.

• “Charity suffereth long…” (v4)
  • “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 3:9
• “… is kind…” (v4)
  • “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” – Jeremiah 31:3
• “Charity envieth not;” (v4)
  • “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” – Romans 8:32
• “Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,” (v4)
  • “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” – Philippians 2:8
• “Doth not behave itself unseemly…” (v5)
  • “The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” – Psalm 145:17
• “… seeketh not her own…” (v5)
  • “For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” – Romans 15:3
• “… is not easily provoked…” (v5)
  • “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.” – Psalm 145:8
• “… thinketh no evil;” (v5)
  • “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” – Jeremiah 29:11
• “Rejoiceth not in iniquity…” (v6)
  • “For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.” – Psalm 5:4
• “…but rejoiceth in the truth;” (v6)
  • “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6
• “Beareth all things…” (v7)
  • “And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” – Isaiah 46:4
• “…believeth all things…” (v7)
  • “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10
• “…hopeth all things…” (v7)
  • “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” – Romans 15:13
• “…endureth all things.” (v7)
  • “I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.” – Ecclesiastes 3:14
• “Charity never faileth…” (v8)
  • “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” – Luke1:37

Stop for just a moment and consider this. When God says He loves us with an everlasting love, this list is what it encompasses. This is the “agape” love that He has for you and for me.

Memory Verse: “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” – John 15:12

Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong; they are weak, but he is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

(from “Jesus Loves Me” by Anna Bartlett Warner)

Scripture: “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”– Jeremiah 31:3

Examination: Jeremiah sends a message to the broken nation of Israel that offers the hope of future restoration through God’s intervention. He tells them of a new covenant that God will establish, and that His love for them has not ceased.

Application: Years ago, my husband and I attended a program at my church about love and marriage. The most important takeaway for me was that love is not a feeling. It is a decision. In fact, it is a daily conscious decision to remain committed to someone, supporting them and caring for them no matter what happens. Frankly, there are times when I am not very lovable, but I am so glad my husband made the decision to love me “for better or worse”.

God’s decision to love us is also a forever decision. All through the Scriptures, we can find the evidence of God’s eternal love for His children. Even when Israel rebelled against Him time and time again, His love remained steadfast. Jeremiah 31:37 records God’s regard for Israel, “Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.” His love for His chosen people will never cease despite their sin.

It is the same for us today. Even before we were conceived, God knew each of us individually. “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee…” (Jeremiah 1:5). David rejoiced in this when he wrote, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139:14). We are each unique creations of the Lord, and He loves each person that He brings into this world even knowing that many will not reciprocate that love. However, because of His great love, He made the way for us to be reconciled to Him forever if we so choose through the sacrifice of His Son. In fact, God loves us so much that when we accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour, He abides in us!! 1 John 4:12 states, “No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” We are deeply cherished by God. “Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee:” (Isaiah 43:4).

Jonathan Edwards wrote a well-known sermon entitled, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”. He spoke of the judgment that an unrepentant sinner would one day face. As one of those sinners, it is such a blessed reality to know that God loves me so much, He made a way for me to be forgiven of my sins and reconciled to Him forever. The new message for those who have accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour becomes, “Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God” for we are no longer enemies of God nor are our sins to be held against us. 1 Thessalonians 6:9 promises, there will be no future judgment for those saved by His grace. “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,”.

One last truth that verifies God’s eternal love for me is found in Romans 8:38-39. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” There is nothing that will ever separate me from God’s eternal love!

Giving one’s heart to Christ is so easy. It requires nothing but the decision to do so, and it is not hard to make the decision to love Him when you know He already loves you and will continue to do so for all eternity!

Memory Verse: “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace…” – 2 Thessalonians 2:16

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me– now safe am I.

Love lifted me, love lifted me,
When nothing else could help, love lifted me;
Love lifted me, love lifted me,
When nothing else could help, love lifted me.

(from “Love Lifted Me” by James Rowe)

Scripture: “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;” – 1 Corinthians 15:3

Examination: Paul explains the gospel and the validity of it. He explains the reason for the hope that we have in Christ. This chapter of the Bible has often been called “the gospel in a nutshell”.

Application: When I taught creative writing to my students, we often used a plot diagram. This method had 5 steps: the setting, rising action, climax, falling action, and conclusion. Using this format, students could write a story that flowed and led to a complete narration. The Bible also has a glorious narrative woven throughout its pages. Here’s the synopsis of the most beautiful story ever told… the story of God’s love.

The Setting – This is where the majority of the story is set. The setting to God’s love story is stated in Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Brought into existence by Him, the world is perfect in every aspect… from the majestic mountains and vast seas to the stunning plants and flowers. From the incredible creatures that roam the planet to the culminating masterpiece of His creation… man and woman. Genesis 1:31 records God’s thoughts regarding His completed creation. “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” God’s love story is primarily set in the land we know as Israel, beginning in a beautiful location called the Garden of Eden. Biblical scholars, both Christian and Jewish, place the Garden of Eden in the same location as the city of Jerusalem.

The Rising Action – These are the events that expose the major problem or conflict of the story. In God’s love story, Satan lays a trap for Adam and Eve, and sin is introduced to the beautiful world that the Lord created. Because of sin, the relationship between God and His creation is severed. No longer will the Lord commune personally with mankind. Sin has created a barrier between the Creator and His creation. God is grieved, yet promises future restoration in a Saviour. Genesis 3:15 is the first promise. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

For the next 4,000 years of the story, sin runs rampant in the world, and the people repeatedly rebel against God. Romans 5:12 states, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Nations rise and fall. Kings come and go. Lessons are learned, while others are ignored. Judgments from God, such as the great flood and the Babylonian captivity, are pronounced and then carried out as Romans 1:18 explains, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;”, Sadly, His people stubbornly continue to sin. This part of God’s love story reveals the problem as sin and its devastating consequences. However, throughout this part of the story, there is a remnant who remember God’s promises and cling to the hope of His salvation.

Climax – This section of a story is the resolution to the problem as well as the immediate events surrounding it. In God’s love story, the resolution is found in the coming of the promised Saviour, Jesus Christ, God’s beloved Son. The fulfilled prophecy of the coming Messiah is the remedy for a sin-sick world, yet Israel refuses to recognize Him as such. John 1:10-11 speaks to this, “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” Jesus ministers in the land for 3 years, but the people reject Him. Only a few followers accept Him for who He says He is, the One foretold by the prophets, and accept Him as the Messiah promised in Genesis. At the culmination of His ministry, Jesus is crucified as prophesied to pay for the sins of the world. He rises from the grave three days later proving His claims are true, and He is the Saviour of the world. John writes, “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” (1 John 4:14). The climax of God’s love story is the gospel… the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus!

Falling Action – These are the events that follow the solution to the problem. 40 days after His resurrection, Jesus ascends to heaven. Before departing, He gives His followers their last assignments. Matthew 28:19 records His words, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” His last recorded words just prior to His ascension are found in Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” This “great commission” has continued from then to now through churches, missionary work, and individuals sharing the gospel with family, friends, co-workers and even social media platforms.

There are a few more events in this section that are yet to come before this story ends. The next event will be the rapture of the Church, the time when all who have accepted Christ as Saviour will be “caught up” to be with Jesus forever. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Following the rapture, there will be a period of great tribulation for the world as it faces the judgment of God for their rejection of His Son. Matthew 24:21 states, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” After this 7-year period, Jesus will return to the earth to physically rule and reign from Jerusalem for 1,000 years, and then the final destruction comes for Satan and his evil angels.  We are currently living in this part of God’s love story just prior to the rapture of Jesus’ true church.

Conclusion – This part of the story brings everything together to its logical ending. God’s conclusive ending is two-fold. For Satan, the antagonist in the Lord’s love story, he and those who have chosen to align themselves with the devil by denying God and His Son, will be banished from the presence of God to an eternity of darkness and suffering. The second ending of the divine story is reserved for all who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross; those who have accepted Him as their Lord and Saviour. All who belong to Christ will live with Him in heaven forever. It will be a time where sin is no longer present, and there will be no sadness or tears. We will dwell in peace and joy in the presence of God eternally. John 3:16 affirms this, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This is the glorious ending… or perhaps, it should be relabeled as the glorious “unending” of God’s beautiful love story!

Memory Verse: “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” – Psalm 107:20

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story because I know it's true.
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

I love to tell the story! 'Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

(from “I Love to Tell the Story” by Kate Hankey & William G. Fischer)

Scripture: “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”  – Zephaniah 3:17

Examination: Zephaniah writes about the judgment to come on the nations that have rejected God, including those in Jerusalem who have chosen to do the same. The latter portion of the chapter speaks to the restoration of a remnant in Israel who have remained humble and meek, and still trusting in God.

Application: When my children were young, they often would wake up before me and come bouncing on to my bed in the morning to rouse me from my sleep with their hugs and kisses. As much as I wanted to continue dozing, I cherished those mornings when my little human alarm clocks came to wake me, and I would grab them both and cuddle with them a bit before rising. Now as a grandmother, my granddaughters often trot downstairs to say goodnight and drop a little kiss on my cheek with a quick “love you” before they retire for the evening. These special moments of love generate sweet memories in my heart that will last a lifetime.

God’s love is also shared with us every day, creating moments of joy when we realize how much He cares for us! In response, we “love on Him” through prayer, songs, service, and time!

Mornings with God

Starting my day with the Lord sets the tone for the rest of day. Psalm 5:3 shares how David, the man after God’s own heart, began his day. “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”  Morning time with God is a two-way road for love to travel. My heart speaks to God through prayer, and His speaks to me through His Word. When I pray for guidance or wisdom, I must be sure to “listen” to His response through His Word. Psalm 143:8 states, “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.” What a great way to start my day!

Midday with God

Imagine if your spouse or child only spoke to you once a day! It certainly wouldn’t seem like there was much love there. God shares His love with us continually and desires us to share our love with Him throughout the day as well. Psalm 55:17 records David’s frequency of prayer, knowing God desires to hear from him, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” When people love and care about each other, they make time to be together, even if they have busy lives. I am often busy during the day, but I am never alone as I do my errands or chores for God is with me. Deuteronomy 33:12 records how God stayed with His people, “… The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.” God loves me, spending time with me “all the day long”!

Evenings with God

After things have calmed down in the evening, my husband and I like to share our day’s activities and read a devotion before going to sleep. Those times together are so special, and they serve to fortify our united love. It is the same for the love we share with the Lord. Ending our day with God is a time to reflect on what He’s done for us through the day and thank Him for His care and blessings. Psalm 92:1-2 states, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,”. Remembering how much God loves me, and how much I love Him is a wonderful way to end my day!

Memory Verse: “Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.” – Psalm 42:8

Day by day, and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure, gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly it's part of pain and pleasure, mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me, with a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me, He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,” this the pledge to me He made.

(from “Day by Day” by Lina Sandell)

Scripture: “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” – 1 John 4:16

Examination: John writes about God’s character in this chapter. He starts by telling the believers to use discernment regarding those who teach about the Lord. He cautions the Christians that there are many false teachers, so they must be diligent. Additionally, John writes that it is God’s indwelling Spirit in one’s life that allows believers to show love to others because the love is from the Lord. We will naturally radiate God’s love when we belong to Him.

Application: Today is National Polar Bear day. These huge bears live in the Arctic and spend a great deal of time in the water. Their thick white fur is water repellent and covers black skin that helps absorb and retain heat. I was very surprised to learn the actual color of the polar bear’s skin as I had believed it to be a pinkish-white color!

This reminded me of sin. It rarely looks as destructive and deadly as it really is. James 1:14-15 explains, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed, then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” Satan uses every trick possible to lure us into sin, but it is always deceptively presented. Why? Because if the temptation to sin is disguised, we stumbled more easily into the entrapment of sin, and that can destroy our relationship with God. 1 Peter 5:8 compares Satan to a dangerous predator. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

Choosing sin creates a barrier between us and God. Isaiah 59:2 warns, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Satan never reveals the consequences when he tempts us to sin. His lies cause us to rationalize and choose the disguised evil, thus alienating us from our Lord.

On the other hand, God’s love for us is completely transparent. He doesn’t hide who He is or what it means to follow Him. 2 Timothy 3:12 states, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” However, Jesus has also promised us a victorious life on earth and a glorious eternal life with Him in heaven when we choose to follow Him. John 16:33 records Jesus’ words, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

In James 1:12, we are assured, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” Following Christ is not an easy carefree life; we will have challenges and struggles, but with His power, we can have victory. 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

When Jesus faced struggles in His earthly life, He prayed. When He was tempted by Satan, He quoted Scripture each time. When we do as Jesus did, we can be assured that God will hear us and deliver us from evil… every time.

After all, His love is an open book… and that book is the Bible.

Memory Verse: “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” – Titus 1:2

Our God is truth, most faithful is His Word;
Beyond thy strength He’ll suffer no temptation;
In all thy need He’ll aid to thee afford;
A Father’s love may be thy consolation;
O hear His voice in such kind accents cheer!
Why shouldst thou fear?

Then hope in God, on Him cast all thy care,
Thy Father ne’er will leave His child in danger;
He knows thy case, O why shouldst thou despair?
To all thy grief thy Savior is no stranger;
He hears thy sigh; to Him tell thy complaint;
Why shouldst thou faint?

(from “Our God is Truth, Most Faithful is His Word” by Johann Daniel Herrnschmidt)