Category: Devotionals

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

Every now and then I find myself driving down the freeway and someone cuts me off. What do I do? I yell at the driver, who, of course, cannot hear me… thankfully. Sometimes I’ve said things out of anger to someone I really cared about that I later regretted, but it was impossible to take those hurtful words back. Shamefully, I have even caught myself gossiping about another person.

The Lord heard every word.

What about my thoughts? Ever catch yourself thinking something you really shouldn’t? I have. Maybe it was when I saw a teenager with hair the color of cotton candy, or maybe the time a crying child disrupted a church service. Or maybe it was the bitter thoughts that erupted every time I saw someone who had hurt me in the past. Maybe it was simply the thoughts generated by a particular television show or movie.

The Lord knew every thought.

Psalm 139:2 states, “Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.” When I am thinking of things, whether positive or negative, good or bad, God knows. He is aware of every thought I have.

God also hears every word I speak. Jesus said He was always with us (Matthew 28:20), so everything I say is heard by God. Whether it is complementary or destructive in nature, it falls upon the ear of the Lord. He hears everything that comes from my mouth whether it is intended for Him or not!

The book of James states that the tongue is like a fire and full of deadly poison! We must exercise control over it continually. In Psalm 34:13, God instructs us to “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” Proverbs 15:4 reminds us that “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” It can be difficult to bridle our tongues, but a sincere desire to do so can yield positive results. The Bible reminds each of us that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Likewise, God tells us what we are to think about in Philippians 4:8. “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.” If we fill our mind with these things, there will be no room for evil thoughts, gossip, or hatred. Allow the Holy Spirit to purge your mind of sinful thoughts and replace them with those that are godly.

Search me, O God, and know my heart today,
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray;

See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.

(from “Search Me O God” by James E. Orr)

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

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God knows every thought and hears every word, so let’s fill our minds and our speech with His Word and His words!

“For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.” Isaiah 64:4

I’ve traveled a lot and seen some amazing places. I can still remember how glorious the Matterhorn appeared as the morning sun reflected off its snow-covered summit. In my mind’s eye, I can still see and hear the cascading waters of the Iquazu Falls in Argentina, and I will never forget the breathtaking beauty of the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee.

God has created so many spectacular things to see in this world, but I imagine they will all pale to the glories we will see in heaven. While the Bible speaks of jeweled gates and walls, a city of pure gold, a river whose water is as clear as crystal, and the light of God shining eternally (Revelation 21 & 22), I cannot even begin to imagine the splendor of heaven. Its beauty is beyond my comprehension. Isaiah tells us that we cannot fathom what God has prepared for us in heaven!

I do know I have a home there that Jesus is readying for my arrival, and soon He will come to get me and take me back to heaven to live forever in the presence of God. I know that there will be family and friends who have gone before me, and the reunion will be sweeter than I could ever imagine. I will be introduced to those whom I have only read about… Noah, David, Ruth, Paul, and so many more! Oh, what a moment that will be!

But the most wonderful sight to see in heaven will be my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I cannot imagine what it will be like to finally see Him face-to-face, but I will see those wounds that were a result of my sin, and I believe I will finally grasp the depth of love that Jesus has for me. I will see His eyes full of love and compassion for me, and I will fall at His feet thanking Him and praising Him. I will see Him as He is, and I will be amazed that He could love someone like me. And then I will join all the hosts of heaven as together we sing praises to Jesus, the Son of God.

Can I imagine what it will be like? No, I cannot, but I do know that when I do get to heaven, it will be the most glorious moment of my existence, and it will never end! I can’t wait to get there!

I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene,
and wonder how he could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean.
How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful
Is my Savior’s love for me!

(from “I Stand Amazed” by Charles Gabriel)

“And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” Revelation 5:13

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The invitations have been sent. Will you be there?

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,in a moment, in the twinkling of  an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

When we lived in California, we were advised to anchor heavy furniture to the walls and keep a supply of freshwater and canned goods in our homes in the event of an earthquake. Because earthquakes were few and far between, there wasn’t much thought given to them until after one had happened, and frankly most people did not heed the warnings to be prepared, so when an earthquake of significant magnitude occurred, most people were not ready for it.

Now that I live in the southeast, preparations for natural disasters are quite different due to the fact that both tornadoes and hurricanes can be predictive, thus allowing for the opportunity to be more prepared for these weather events. When news of impending storms is broadcast, scores of people flock to the grocery and hardware stores to purchase items deemed necessary for survival. People take shelter; cell phones are fully charged to receive weather updates; generators are fueled, and pantries are stocked. When the storm hits, they are ready!

There is a very significant Biblical event on the horizon that will be more similar to an earthquake than a tornado when it comes to preparedness. Like an earthquake, there will be a few indicators of its coming, but there will be no one to say that it will happen in the next day or week. The only thing we can determine at this point is that will happen very soon. I am referring to the moment when Jesus appears and takes all of those who have trusted Him as their Saviour to heaven to live with Him forever

Recently, there has been a renewal of life in the region around Israel’s Dead Sea due to the unprecedented rainfall in the region. These signs of reawakening are the precursors to the most anticipated post-Resurrection-of-Christ event in the Bible… the Rapture!

• Isaiah 35 tells us that “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.”
  • This month there have been reports that the region surrounding the Dead Sea is blanketed with blossoming flowers. According to Prophecy Today, the increased rainfall in Israel had awakened the long-dormant seeds in the desert and wildflowers are blanketing the area.

• Ezekiel 47 states, “And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.”
  • En Gedi is located on the western shore of the Dead Sea, and Eneglaim is thought to be an ancient city also on the shores of the Dead Sea.
  • Recent rains are overflowing the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River impacting the underground water table as far south as the Dead Sea. Flashfloods are sending torrents of water into the Dead Sea.
  • Breaking Israel News reports that sinkholes around the Dead Sea are now filling with freshwater and fish are reappearing.

• Isaiah wrote in chapter 2:3, “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”
  • Israel is near completion of its high-speed train from Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Jews can come from all over the world and within 30 minutes of landing, they can be at the western wall in Jerusalem.

When we see the signs of a prophetic event coming to pass, we need to take notice! Although there are other signs of which people are more familiar, such as those mentioned in Matthew 24:6-7, these three are the most recent that have come to fruition. God is reminding us that His Son is coming soon, and we need to be ready, or we will be left behind. Titus 2:13 tells us that we should be “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Jesus’ return is closer than ever, and when He does comes, it will happen so quickly that there will be no time to get ready. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15 that Jesus’ coming would be “in the twinkling of an eye”! If you don’t believe you are ready for the return of Christ, you can change that today. Simply accept Christ’s free gift of salvation! You can pray to Jesus right now, admitting that you’re a sinner who needs the forgiveness that only He can give. Accept that forgiveness and invite Him to be the Lord and Saviour of your life. Romans 10:13 states, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Some glorious morning sorrow will cease
Some glorious morning all will be peace
Heartaches all ended, school days all done
Heaven will open – Jesus will come.

Some golden daybreak Jesus will come
Some golden daybreak, battles all won
He’ll shout the vict’ry, break thro’ the blue
Some golden daybreak, for me, for you.

(from “Some Glorious Daybreak” by Carl Blackmore)

“Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11

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The signs are all around us. Are you ready?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Have you ever eaten an orange freshly picked from a tree? Wouldn’t it be great to bite into it, and never hit a seed? It might be nice for eating purposes, but it wouldn’t be very helpful when trying to grow more oranges.

Seeds serve a very important function. They are the offspring of the parent plant, and they are formed in the fruit of the adult plant. Some fruits have many seeds, like the watermelon or apple. Other fruits have only one seed, such as the avocado and peach. When the time is right, the seeds will be dispersed and implanted. If a seed receives the nutrients it needs to continue its growth, one day a tiny plant will emerge from what was once the seed. Growth will continue until the plant is mature, producing fruit with seeds of its own.

If we are saved, the Bible tells us we have the Spirit of God within us. “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (I Corinthians 6:19) If we have the Holy Spirit within us, then we also have His fruit within us. The Holy Spirit is like a tree that can yield fruit in our lives. Like a tree that will only yield one type of fruit naturally, the Spirit also yields only one fruit, but it is a fruit with many seeds in it. Those seeds are the nine attributes of Galatians 5:22-23.

There is the thought that the word “fruit” means more than one type of fruit. Grammatically, the word “fruit” is an exception where the noun is both countable and uncountable. So the plural of “fruit” can be either “fruit” or “fruits”. When we think of “fruit” as a group collectively and in a non-specific way, then we tend to use the word “fruit” without the “s”. However, in these two verses, the fruit is very specific. If we are emphasizing the different kinds of fruit, then it would be correct to use “fruits”. If each “fruit” of the Spirit was a different type, it would be grammatically correct to use “fruits of the Spirit.” So what does this all mean? It means that the “fruit” of the Spirit is one type of fruit.

Why is this important? It is important because when we have the fruit of the Spirit, we don’t arbitrarily “pick” one fruit and get “self-control,” and then at a later time, pick another fruit and get “love.” We are given one all-encompassing fruit from the Holy Spirit when we get saved. We receive all the seeds (attributes) at one time. Therefore, the attributes of the Holy Spirit are not items on a list that we check off as we acquire them, nor must we attain one before having the next one on the list. Instead, we are endowed with the whole fruit of the Spirit, which means we have the capacity to love, rejoice, be at peace, be patient, be gentle, be good, be meek, be faithful, and be self-controlled… all at the same time. We cannot claim that we are “working on love,” so that is why we haven’t had any patience. It doesn’t work that way. We are able to exercise all of the “seeds” because we have the entire “fruit” through the empowerment of God’s Spirit.

Because we have the entire fruit of the Spirit, we have the responsibility and the capability of dispersing its seeds to the world around us. We can spread love, gentleness, faithfulness, etc. to those with whom we interact at any time. The Holy Spirit empowers us with this ability. Then as those divine seeds are dispersed through the gospel message, they take root. Lives are impacted, and souls are won for Christ as God takes those seeds and nurtures them until they begin to grow and produce spiritual fruit themselves. Once “ripe” in the faith, they then go out and share their fruit with others!

Let’s make sure we have a bountiful harvest this year!

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me,
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.

(from “Spirit of the Living God” by Daniel Iverson)

“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” John 15:8

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Tomorrow’s harvest depends upon the seeds sown today.

“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” 1 Peter 1:8

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to actually see Jesus? To be able to sit at His feet and listen to His words? To follow in His real footsteps as He explained the Word of God? Oh, what a blessing to be able to look into His face and see the love He has for us reflected in His compassionate eyes! Oh, to see Jesus!

While I know that one day, all of these wonderful moments will happen, I realize that I can see Jesus every day if I look for Him. I can see Jesus in the opening blossoms of the flowers as they stretch toward the morning sun. I can see Jesus in the red-headed woodpecker who bangs away on the tree without getting a pounding headache! I can see Jesus in the caterpillar who emerges from its cocoon as a transformed butterfly. “The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;” Song of Solomon 2:12

I can see Jesus in the silent snowflakes as they fall gently through the sky. I can see Jesus in the tall pines swaying ever so slightly in the summer breeze. I can see Jesus when the millions of glittering stars twinkle in the black velvet night sky. I can see Jesus in the ocean waves that advance to their designated point on shore and no farther. I can see Jesus in the powerful display of lightning shattering the darkness of the storm. Romans 1:20 states, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

I can see Jesus in the helping hand of a teenager as he holds the door open for an elderly lady. I can see Jesus in the contented face of a sleeping baby whose cooing delights my heart. I can see Jesus in the mother who puts a band-aid on a skinned knee and kisses her child, making everything good again. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

I can see Jesus in the pages of the Bible. He is there from Genesis to Revelation. Jesus is the living Word. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

I can see Jesus everywhere if I look for Him.

Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus,
To reach out and touch Him
And say that we love Him.
Open our ears Lord
And help us to listen,
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus.

(from “Open Our Eyes, Lord” by Robert Cull)

“Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice.” Psalm 96:11-12

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Where have you seen Jesus lately?

“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:” Acts 2:23

I have often read things in the Bible and wondered, “How could they have done that?” How could Adam and Eve have disobeyed God in the garden? How could the Israelites have worshipped the golden calf after crossing the Red Sea? How could Peer have denied Jesus three times? And then, when I consider the crucifixion of Jesus and the people’s rejection of Him, even after hearing His words and seeing the miracles He performed, I wonder how could they have cried, “Crucify Him!”? Even those who were learned in the Scriptures denied His deity!

Then I think of the here and now. As I examine my own life, I find I am guilty of the same actions. I know who He is, and I know what He desires of me, yet many times I fail to obey. I cannot blame it on my humanity as if I had no control over it because frankly, I do. I’ve made decisions that do not honor God. In my own way, there have even been times when I have chosen to worship an idol over God. It may not have been in the form of a golden calf, but if it replaced God in my heart, even if only for a few minutes, it was an idol.

When I have kept silent when others have spoken out against God, I have denied Him. When I have refused an opportunity to share the gospel due to my “discomfort,” I have denied Him. When I have not taken a stand for my faith, I have denied Him.

And then I have to wonder, have I also cried “Crucify Him!” as well when I embrace sin by rationalizing it with excuses? Things that are abhorred by God are now readily accepted by the world. With whom do I stand? Each time I make excuses and allowances for the things that God’s Word tells me He hates, it is like a hammer blow to the nails that were driven into the hands and feet of Jesus. Yes, in my own way, I have also cried out, “Crucify Him!”

The enormity of my sin threatens to engulf me, and I am overcome with sorrow.

Yet, despite all of my sin, God loves me! He loves me with an everlasting love! (Jeremiah 31:3) Jeremiah 1:5 tells me that God knew me before I was born. “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee…” God knew how flawed I would be, how many times I would disappoint Him, how many times I would fail, yet He still loved me. In fact, He loved me so much He chose to send His Son to die for me, so I could have a personal relationship with Him!

Jesus left the glory of heaven for one purpose – to become the Saviour of the world. That means me and you. He chose to shed His own precious blood for us, to suffer great agony, and to die alone on the cross because we needed to be forgiven of our sins in order to have a relationship with God. Romans 5:8 states, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

There are not enough words to express my gratitude for all that Jesus has done for me even though I will have an eternity to try to do so. Through His sacrifice on the cross, I have been forgiven and promised eternal life in heaven with God. I cannot imagine standing before Him, seeing those nail-scarred hands and feet, and knowing my part in it, but I will finally understand the depth of His love for me. And despite all my past sins, I will stand before God blameless forever because of Jesus. The Bible records that God said, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:12)

I am forgiven. I am made whole. I am a child of God for all eternity.

All because of Jesus.

I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”

Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

(from “Jesus Paid It All” by Elvina M. Hall)

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

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There is nothing we can do to merit God’s love. He loves us simply because He chooses to do so. What amazing love!

“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Romans 12:12

George Washington once said, “Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.” Perseverance is the “stick-to-it” attitude; the “keep on keeping on” philosophy; the “never give up” way of thinking. However, persevering in difficult times is challenging. Opposition can be formidable, and hope can seem a distinct and remote flicker, but those who persevere in the Lord will be rewarded. Galatians 6:9 states, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Sometimes, however, we feel like we just can’t go on. It is then that we must rely on the strength of the Lord. The Bible reminds us that “The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.” (Psalm 28:8) He is “… our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) In Isaiah 55:6, His Word tells us, “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” When we draw near to God, He draws near to us (James 4:8), and He provides the strength we need to persevere through any situation, whether it be big or small. There is nothing too trivial for God. When He said to cast all our cares upon Him, He didn’t include, “but only the big things.” It is through God’s strength that the victory becomes ours. (Exodus 15:2)

Because we know that God is with us and victory is assured, we can rejoice in that hope! The Bible states in 1 Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Even before we see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, we can rejoice knowing that God will give us exactly what we need to prevail. Therein lies our hope! “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) No matter what lies ahead, God will see us through if we call upon Him, and we call upon Him through prayer.

Prayer is the key to unlocking the strength of God in our lives. Prayer is our lifeline. It connects us to God, our Creator and our Father. It is through Him alone that we can find the ability to persevere and the hope that we so desperately seek. We must make all our requests known to God (Philippians 4:6); we must believe God hears and answers prayer (Matthew 21:22), and we must pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). There is no higher honor than being able to communicate with God.

The Bible says we can come boldly before His throne. How can that be? Because when Jesus died and rose again, the temple veil tore in half from top to bottom in the temple revealing the area known as the Holy of Holies… the place where God was, and the place where only the high priest could enter. The torn veil symbolically demonstrated that access to the Lord was now available to all! God desires to hear from us. His arms are open wide, and He waits for us to come to Him. Why? Because He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3), and He wants no one to perish. (2 Peter 3:9) He wants to have a personal relationship with each one of us, and that relationship is just a prayer away.

If you have never asked Christ to forgive your sins and become your Saviour, you can do that right now. If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross and rose from the dead to become the world’s Saviour, simply bow your head and pray to Him. Admit you are a sinner who needs to be forgiven, and then ask Him to forgive you of those sins and come into your life as your Lord and Saviour. He’s waiting to hear from you!

My hope is in the Lord who gave Himself for me
And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary.

For me He died; for me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

His grace has planned it all, ‘Tis mine but to believe
And recognize His work of love and Christ receive.

For me He died; for me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

(from “My Hope is in the Lord” by Norman J. Clayton)

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2

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A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the only one that will cause you to persevere through the trials of today and rejoice in the hope of tomorrow.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

We like to think we don’t judge people, but the truth is, we do. Everyone does. It may not be intentional, but it happens all the time. Maybe it’s someone we see in the grocery store whose clothes or hair are a bit unconventional. Maybe it’s someone who cuts us off when we’re driving on the freeway. Maybe it’s in the past of someone that we refuse to let go. Whatever the reason, we tend to make judgments.

Sometimes we say things that come out totally wrong, and we offend someone even though we never intended to do so, and so we are judged by our words. Sometimes we are judged by the actions of a family member. Sometimes we are judged by past sins, and sometimes we are judged simply for who we are. Sometimes we judge, and sometimes we are the judged. No one is immune. We may not admit it to ourselves, but it happens.

I may be judged by people, but I am so glad that I am no longer judged by God. When I accepted Christ as my Saviour, He forgave all my sins, past, present, and future! I am no longer judged for my mistakes, my misguided thoughts, my wrong actions. Why? Because of Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” None. However, the removal of God’s judgment does not remove the responsibility I have to live my life in a godly manner.

Therefore, I must work hard to avoid judging people. It is wrong of me to do so. From God’s perspective, I am no different than them. No better, no worse. I must learn to look at people through the eyes of Christ. The loving, forgiving, accepting eyes of Christ. When I consider those who have hurt me, or those who don’t exactly do what I would do in given situations, or those who are different from me, I must remember that Jesus loves them as much as He loves me. He died for them, just like He died for me. I have no right to judge others for any reason. I do have the responsibility to love them like Christ loves them. With His help, I am learning to do just that, and I know I can do it because Philippians 4: 13 reminds me that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

(from “Just As I Am” by Charlotte Elliott)

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” 1 Corinthians 4:5

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“Do not judge someone’s story by the chapter you walked in on.” – Anonymous

“But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.” Psalm 22:19

As citizens of the United States, we have certain rights that are guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. A few examples of these rights include the freedom of worship, the right to keep and bear arms, the right to due process, and the right to peaceful assembly. These rights are not earned; they are a part of one’s citizenship. If people feel that their rights have been infringed upon, they will often become upset and demand their rights be reinstated.

As Christians, we have certain “rights” as well. The Bible explains the rights that God gives us when we accept Christ as our Saviour. There is nothing we have to do to receive them except first accept God’s gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Like our political rights, we cannot earn our spiritual rights. They are part of our citizenship in heaven, which we obtain upon becoming Christians. Here is a partial list of our “rights.”

In America, a citizen also has certain responsibilities, such as voting or defending the Constitution. It is interesting to note that our civic responsibilities are often not demanded or exercised. Sometimes they are not even regarded as important, so they are often neglected or ignored. Citizens can be quick to demand their rights, but reluctant to meet their civic responsibilities.

Along with the rights, Christians also have responsibilities, but sadly, sometimes those responsibilities are disregarded as well. Here is a partial list of spiritual responsibilities.

Rights, whether civic or Christian, are passively acquired; responsibilities require action. It’s easy to accept one’s rights, but it takes courage to step up and be responsible as a citizen and as a Christian.

It may not be on the mountain’s height, or over the stormy sea;
It may not be at the battle’s front, my Lord will have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls, to paths that I do not know,
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine, I’ll go where You want me to go.

I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord, o’er mountain, or plain, or sea;
I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord, I’ll be what You want me to be.

(from “I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go” by Mary Brown)

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

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Are you a passive or active follower of Jesus?

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4

A promise is “a declaration, written or verbal, made by one person to another, which binds the person who makes it, either in honor, conscience or law, to do or forbear a certain act specified.” (Webster’s 1828 dictionary). There was a time when promises were made by the spoken word or a handshake, and there was no doubt that those making the promises would keep them. That is not so today.

A person’s word or handshake doesn’t mean the same today as it did in bygone years. Promises are broken much more often today than in the past. For example, marriage vows traditionally include the promise to remain married until death, yet divorce rates skyrocket with approximately 40-50% of marriages in America ending through legal separations. Another example is seen when politicians make a plethora of promises during their campaigns. Often those promises fall by the wayside once the politician is in office. Lastly, think about advertising. How many products promise outcomes that never come to fruition? Use a specific toothpaste for shiny white teeth, or drink a particular drink and the pounds will fall off. We are faced with broken promises in so many aspects of life that it can make a person skeptical when hearing someone say, “I promise!”

There is, however, one who has never broken a promise. When God makes a promise, He keeps it! His promises are all throughout the Bible. A few examples include the promise of a son to Abraham and Sarah, the promise to never again destroy the world by a global flood, and the promise to send us a Saviour. Each of these promises was made and kept by God, and there are many more promises in the Scriptures that record how God has kept His word.

Here are five promises made by God that I especially love. One has been fulfilled in my life; one is in progress, and the last three are those whose fulfillment I am highly anticipating!

Great and Precious Promises of God

1. Promise of the Holy Spirit – “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” (Acts 2:33) God fulfilled this promise to me when I accepted Christ as my Saviour.
2. Promise of long life – “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)” (Ephesians 6:2; see also Exodus 20:12) The Bible says that man lives approximately threescore and ten (70) years. I am not that old yet, but I am living out that promise right now!
3. Promise of eternal life – “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” (1 John 2:25) One day, I will go to heaven and eternity with God will begin. This is a future promise for me.
4. Promise of the crown of life – “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.” (James 1:12) This is a future promise that will be fulfilled when I am in heaven.
5. Promise of Jesus’ return – “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) This is a future promise, but there are signs that it could be fulfilled very soon.

Because God has never failed to keep a promise, it gives me the assurance that what He has promised regarding the future will come to pass. God has never made a promise He did not intend to keep. His Word is solid and true; we can depend upon it forever.

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

(from “Standing On The Promises” by Russell Kelso Carter)

“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.” Isaiah 54:10

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“I build on Christ, the rock of ages; on his sure mercies described in his word, and on his promises, all which I know are yea and amen.” – John Wesley