Tag: Obtaining our Living Hope

So, I Am Pondering the Revelation of God. I Am Deciding if Jesus is Worthy.

How many times in a single day, do we just wish that we knew the ‘right’ thing to do? We might be faced with a decision on where to shop for food, what is most healthy for us to eat and drink, what career paths do we follow, where to go to school, who to date, or which sport to play this year. All of these decisions have consequences and you wish that someone would just tell you what to do.

When it comes to making decisions, it’s often easy to ignore what relevant Bible verses tells us about seeking a wisdom greater than our own. It says the Bible is a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path. This verse tells us that when we do not know what the right first choice is, we should rely on God’s word for our help. God’s word can be the answer to your questions. It can be the light to show you which path to take. The key is to spend time in God’s word and get to know what God says. God’s word will bring light and help you make the right decision.

If we spend time reading the Bible and getting to know Jesus, we find that often the decision we are to make seems much clearer. So the next time we are faced with a tough decision, do what this Bible verse says. Spend some time in God’s word, let them reveal Jesus to you. let it guide you into making good decisions. The revelation of Jesus, the image of that revelation, is what is most impactful.

But, what about the revelation, the vision of Jesus, will help us make the final decision to follow him with the entirety of our lives, If we are to be choosing what we hope and pray are the right career paths, the right relational paths, the healthiest paths, what image or vision of Jesus projected upon our hearts and our souls will “click on the light at the end of our tunnels,” illuminating paths of worthiness, towards steadfastly believing; “I’m on exactly the right track?”

Revelation 5:1-14 (NKJV)

The Lamb Takes the Scroll

5 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it.

4 So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open [a]and read the scroll, or to look at it. 5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and [b]to loose its seven seals.”

6 And I looked, [c]and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

Worthy Is the Lamb

8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
10 And have made [d]us kings[e] and priests to our God;
And [f]we shall reign on the earth.”

11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

13 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, I heard saying:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and [g]ever!”

14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the [h]twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped [i]Him who lives forever and ever.

The Word of God for the Children of God. In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen.

A preacher was showing a child a painting of Jesus. Trying to explain that we didn’t really know what Jesus looked like he said: “It’s not really Jesus. It’s just an artist’s conception of him.”

The child looked long and hard at the picture and said; “Well, it sure looks like him,”

(Dick Van Dyke Readers Digest 2/71 p. 232)

Most people already have a picture or a vision in their mind of what Jesus is supposed to have looked like. But – if they saw a picture of what John describes Jesus to be in Revelation 5 – that wouldn’t be precisely what they’d imagine.

At the beginning of this chapter, John is weeping because it seemed no one could be found who was worthy to open the mighty book. Then one of the elders said to him,

“Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5

Now I can get into Jesus being the Lion of Judah.

Lions are regal, powerful, majestic. They’re cool!

But when John looks around… he doesn’t see a Lion does he?

What does John see? (a lamb)

“… between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.” Revelation 5:6

Now take a look at the lamb in the image above.

Notice anything different about the image from what you would usually expect to see in any farmers field?

That Lamb doesn’t look in the least bit normal does it?

It doesn’t look in the least like how I would picture Jesus.

So… is this really how Jesus looks?

Well… yes.

And no.

You see, Revelation is a book of imagery.

Most of what it tells us is not meant to be taken literally.

Now there are scholars, teachers of Revelation who try to teach that practically everything in Revelation is literal. And if you were to suggest to them that some part of Revelation should be seen as a spiritual picture God was painting… those prophetic teachers would try to ridicule, criticize you before “correcting” you.

But this is definitely not a literal snapshot of how Jesus actually would look in heaven. For no such snapshot exists or is ever likely to exist absent photoshop.

This is a spiritual portrait of WHO Jesus is.

How many of you have ever been to the fair and seen one of those artists who will make a drawing of you for $5 or so. Have you ever had your portrait done?

Does it look exactly like you?

No, it doesn’t does it?

It’s called a “Caricature .”

What the artist does is take one of your physical characteristics, magnifing it.

If you have bushy eyebrows… they are larger than life.

If you have a strong chin… they give you a BIG chin.

If you have toothy smile… they give LOTS of teeth.

And it’s all in the spirit of family and fun and almost everybody will take it home, frame it and put it on the wall someplace and later boast like crazy .

Now, what we have here in Revelation 5 is a portrait of Christ where the artist is essentially making the TRUTHS about Jesus to be larger than life.

Notice – He is the Lamb that was slain.

This is a repeated image of Christ in the Scriptures

In John 1:29 we’re told that John the Baptist “…saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the LAMB of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

In Isaiah 53:7 which goes into great detail describing the coming Messiah, we’re told:

“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a LAMB before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth.”

And throughout Revelation… Jesus is repeatedly referred to as THE LAMB

• Revelation 7:10 “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

• Revelation 7:17 “… the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd…

• Revelation 12:11 “… (Christians) have conquered (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb…”

• Revelation 19:7 “…the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready”

• Revelation 21:27 tells us that the only ones who will enter heaven will be “… those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

This is the IMAGE that God wants to BURN into our minds when we are trying to make a deeply personal decision – “Is Jesus worthy to be my Lord and Savior?”

When we see Jesus in heaven he’s NOT going to be a literal LAMB.

But that is the picture of WHO Jesus really is to us.

He is the Lamb of God who took away our sins.

Now I can grasp that.

But then we get to this 7 horns and 7 eyes thing… that’s a little too much like mega-super duper-ultra overload to wrap my all too finite mind around.

Look at the image of the Lamb again.

What’s this all about?

Well, let’s take this one step at a time.

First, Let us consider the horns.

Most scholars will teach you that a HORN in the pages of scripture stands for divine kingly power or authority.

Several times in prophecy a King and his power is symbolized by a horn.

So the horns on the lamb symbolize the power and authority that Jesus has.

Then there’s the EYES.

We’re told that these are “…the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.”

Now, I am not seminary trained and I’m going to be honest with you… I have not got a clue what that “7 spirits” thing is all about/ what it means. And most of the commentaries I’ve read didn’t seem have a good explanation of it either.

This is the best I can do right now to give some study material for Verse 6: https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/rev/5/6/t_conc_1172006

I encourage you to break it down for yourselves to see what God reveals.

But I do know what an EYE does.

Do you know what an eye does? (it lets you see)

And this Lamb doesn’t just have just 1 or 2 eyes… He has 7 over them.

That would seem to symbolize the fact that Jesus can see much more than you or I can.

Then there’s the consistent mention of the NUMBER 7,

There are SEVEN horns and SEVEN eyes.

Most scholars tell you SEVEN is one of the numbers that’s tied to who God is

ILLUS: SIX is considered the number of MAN because man was created on 6th day. But SEVEN seems to be God’s number because God rested created the world in 6 days and then rested… on the 7TH DAY.

SEVEN is also considered to be the number of completeness and perfection

So essentially – the 7 horns and the 7 eyes on the Lamb of God are meant to symbolize the divinity, the power and omniscience of our King, Savior Jesus.

This Lamb Is All About Who Jesus Is.

He is the Lamb of God who was slain for our sins.

He is God in the flesh.

He is ALL POWERFUL.

And He is ALL SEEING.

But it does not stop there.

This picture is of Jesus is that He is WORTHY of our worship and praise.

We’re told that the 24 elders and the 4 Living Creatures who stood around the throne all fell down before Jesus … and they sang a new song,

“WORTHY are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation…

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “WORTHY is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” Revelation 5:9-13

Everybody in heaven and on earth, and under the earth and in the seas…

Men and Angels, and Creatures of every kind …

are singing and shouting praises to the Lamb of God.

Everywhere you look there is worship and rejoicing OF Jesus!

HE IS WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE!!!

HE IS WORTHY TO BE OUR LORD AND SAVIOR!!!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen?

Now, why is that important?

Revelation 5 focuses on Jesus, because Jesus is the focus of Revelation.

He is the pivot point of everything else that’s going on here.

Revelation is all about Jesus.

Later in Revelation we find there’s a beast and there’s a whore of Babylon, and there is also all kinds of enemies and villains that will attempt to destroy God’s church.

This is an echo of what Jesus told His disciples:

“In this world you will have trouble…”

But do you remember the rest of what Jesus said:

“But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

That’s essentially what Revelation is saying to every church, in every age, in every nation.

You and I will absolutely have trouble of every manner, every conceivable kind .

There will be circumstances too much for you and me to overcome alone.

There will be forces in this world you and I will NOT be able to control.

You and I will face persecution.

You and I might spend some time in prison.

You and I might even lose your possessions – or even our lives – because you and I belong to Jesus.

There’s pictures in Revelation of Christians who become martyrs for their faith.

God is not pulling any punches in painting this picture for us.

But before God introduces us to the difficulties we will face, He takes us into His throne room and introduces you to the Lamb who was slain for our sins.

Why?

Because Revelation is declaring: TAKE HEART!

God is on His throne.

Jesus has stepped up.

And all the forces of Heaven are in play on our behalf.

We are NOT on the losing side – even though there will be times it will seem that way.

The problem is… too many Christians think that Jesus came into their lives so that they’d be assured of a “good” life where they’d have all the money they need in their 401K, a beautiful family, a wonderful home, and that great car.

But it doesn’t always work out that way.

Revelation says that life may not always been easy and comfortable.

In fact, Revelation’s message is that: this isn’t about having an easy life.

This is all about being part of something that’s bigger than you are

You see – there’s a spiritual war going on for our hearts and our souls, folks.

And war is never pleasant.

We are called to be the soldiers of the King.

And we have an enemy – his name is Satan.

We have a task at hand – storming the gates of Hell – we are taking back the people Satan has enslaved to do his will.

If you think Satan is going to roll over play dead for you… you got another thing coming.

But the promise is this:

Revelation 12:10-12 NKJV

10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath,  because he knows that he has a short time.”

Satan is the big bad bully on the block.

His intention is to take you out, beat you up, and then demand your lunch money.

But Revelation’s message is that no matter how big and bad Satan may be.

Revelation’s vision of Jesus is echelons beyond bigger, and better and bolder.

And you are on the winning team.

No matter what happens to you in this earthly life you will come away the winner in this contest because YOU HAVE JESUS FOREVER on your side!

And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.— Revelation 5:9

Worthy! What a beautiful word! For those of us who are disciples of Jesus, we know of only one who is truly worthy. He is worthy to open the scroll and reveal the future. He is worthy of praise and adoration. Why? Because even though he was holy, perfect and heavenly, his death on the cross to purchase our pardon, forgiveness, and salvation made him worthy. And he did it not just for us, but also for people of all races and languages and cultures. Jesus, you are worthy!

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, let us come and Pray;

Holy Lamb of God, you are worthy! You are worthy of my adoration and love. You are worthy of my worship and my devotion. And Holy Father, I thank you for your plan to send him to save me. Because of your grace in Jesus, I want to live my life in devotion to you and your will. Please forgive me for the times I’ve gotten side tracked. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to return to you. In the name of Jesus, your holy Lamb slain for my sins, I offer my love. Amen.

I Am Pondering the Promises of God! I Am Pondering the reputation of The Lion, The Lamb, The Throne Room!

Premise for Today: In these contemporary days, what about the importance of understanding how our actions, attitudes reflect upon the character of God, how our actions reflect back upon His reputation affecting the world at large.

Throughout history, there have been a proliferation of sports scandals at the amateur and professional levels. Most recently the “sign stealing” scandal in professional baseball. In most, if not all of these situations, there was a key moment of decision when the decision was made to cheat and when allegations inevitably surfaced. The cheaters choice was between character and reputation.

Ideally, each of us would like to have both – both a strong character and a good reputation. However, circumstances often force us to choose one or the other. If I choose character, then my integrity will lead me to do the right thing, perhaps even at the expense of the reputation of my organization, family or myself. If I allow the most important issue to be how something will look to others, then I will immediately go into damage control and take actions to limit any news getting out. This can easily lead to a delay or absence of proper accountability.

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” –Late UCLA Basketball Coach John Wooden (1910 – 2010).

You and I will have opportunities throughout our lives to uphold both our reputations and our characters. Sometimes we might have to choose one. May you and I always desire to please God and make the choice that honors Him.

But, what of God’s reputation? God has given His children many promises to hold on to. Jesus relied exclusively on His Fathers reputation when ministering to the people of His day. Jesus Implicitly trusted His Father’s reputation and His Character. This implicit trust never even minimally wavered. This measure of trust in His Heavenly Father was such that He willingly chose Death at Calvary! Considering the intervening years between Calvary and 2021, Is this where our measure and degree of trust in the reputation of God and Jesus Christ remains?

The question of whether or not we choose to accept God’s free offer of salvation rests squarely upon our own degree and measure of trust in the one giving the promise in the first place. Because the great and final issue of redemption is to be the reputation of God and His Son and Holy Spirit too. That’s the goal of all spiritual achievements. That’s the glorious climax of all things. Father God, His Son Jesus Christ will have a universal and glorious and everlasting reputation!

I know there are uncountable numbers of individuals across the great expanse of the earth who likewise have questions about the worthiness of God and the reputation and character of His Son, Jesus Christ. These questions and concerns are definitely righteous ones to be asked and worthy of being given a response. I do not know if anything I write may change your minds about God and/or His Son, Jesus, to which I only respond, changing your mind is out of my pay grade.

  1. What matters more to you: the opinion of others or the opinion of God?
  2. When you do wrong, are you more focused on the wrongdoing or on getting caught?
  3. Could you be satisfied if God were pleased with you but everyone in the world was displeased?
  4. What if everyone in the world was pleased with you, but God was displeased?

So, what does the Word of God say and teach us about the Reputation of God?

Ezekiel 36:16-28 HCSB

Restoration of Israel’s People

16 The word of the Lord came to me: 17 “Son of man, while the house of Israel lived in their land, they defiled it with their conduct and actions. Their behavior before Me was like menstrual impurity. 18 So I poured out My wrath on them because of the blood they had shed on the land, and because they had defiled it with their idols. 19 I dispersed them among the nations, and they were scattered among the countries. I judged them according to their conduct and actions. 20 When they came to the nations where they went, they profaned My holy name, because it was said about them, ‘These are the people of Yahweh, yet they had to leave His land in exile.’ 21 Then I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel profaned among the nations where they went.

22 “Therefore, say to the house of Israel: This is what the Lord God says: It is not for your sake that I will act, house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you profaned among the nations where you went. 23 I will honor the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. The nations will know that I am Yahweh”—the declaration of the Lord God—“when I demonstrate My holiness through you in their sight.

24 “For I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25 I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone[a] and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will place My Spirit within you and cause you to follow My statutes and carefully observe My ordinances. 28 Then you will live in the land that I gave your fathers; you will be My people, and I will be your God.

The Word of God for the Children of God. In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen.

Ezekiel 36:22 Amplified

Israel to Be Renewed for His Name’s Sake

22 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/eze/36/22/t_conc_838022

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8034/kjv/wlc/0-1/

Here in Ezekiel 36:22, the term “name” speaks of God’s reputation. We often say, “That man has a great name.” What we really mean is that his character results in a far-reaching reputation. O we might hear it said that someone’s name has been dragged through the mud—scandalized, tarnished, or soiled.

Webster says that a reputation is “an estimation, favorably or unfavorably, in which a person or thing is held.”

Think of some names with me. What reputation(s) do they conjure up in your mind? What does history tell us about their character as they lived their days?

– Joseph Stalin, Adolph Hitler: Genocidal evil

– Albert Einstein: Scientific genius

– Moses: deliverer

– Joshua: Leadership

– Michelangelo: art

– The Carnegies and the Rockefellers: Titans of Industry and Philanthropy

– Pope John Paul 2, Mother Teresa: Saintly compassion

– Thomas Stephen Monaghan: American entrepreneur who founded Domino’s Pizza in 1960.

– God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – Genesis 1-2, John 1:1-5, Acts 2

Where does God derive His reputation from?

– His creation

– His mighty acts on behalf of mankind

– His Word

– His spokesmen

– His people

– His enemies

We find God’s reputation described by the term “name” in many places in the Bible. One impressive instance occurs in the record of Joshua. When Israel was defeated by the men of Ai, Joshua pleaded with the Lord. He said, “O Lord, what am I to do now that Israel has fled from her enemies? For when the Canaanites and the nations hear about it, they will wipe us out. And then what will happen to the honor of your great name? (Joshua 7:8-9).

Joshua dreaded that God’s reputation might be ruined. And so should we!

Let’s consider some features of God’s reputation.

1. GOD MUST HAVE A NAME

It’s an absolute necessity, for His own sake, for His people’s sake, and for the world’s sake.

We hear much these days about the rights of the individual. What about God’s rights? Is He not entitled to a name, a reputation? He is declared to be the Creator of all that is. He is the Author of Life. He is perfect in all His ways. His love knows no limits. He is the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Surely He is deserving of a reputation that is above all reputations.

God is not impassive. He has feelings. He has personal desires. And He desires a reputation widespread and splendid. But He doesn’t desire it for His own sake alone. He desires it for His people’s sake.

One of the greatest blessings is to know what the character of God is like. We need to study the attributes of God. We need to become more and more familiar with His desires and goals so that we might understand His will for our lives.

It’s also necessary that God have a perfect reputation for the world’s sake. Man, considered as separated from God by sin, needs to know His redeeming name. Give God a name! The world needs to hear of His reputation as the Lover of our souls!

2. GOD’S DELIVERANCES GIVE HIM A NAME

– He delivered the Hebrews from Egyptian bondage

– He delivered Daniel from the lion’s jaws

– He delivered Jonah from a sea monster

– He delivers sinners from condemnation

– He delivers us from fear, evil habits and Satan’s control

– He delivers us from sorrow and depression and a feeling of worthlessness

Again and again He has done it! Spread His fame abroad. Proclaim it everywhere. He deserves it. We owe it to Him.

3. THE CHARACTERSITICS OF GOD’S PEOPLE

GIVE HIM A NAME

It can be truthfully said that we, as believers help shape the reputation of God in the minds of others by the way we live. God’s reputation as an “Enabler” is enhanced or tarnished, depending on how well we manifest the fruits of the Spirit.

Men always think more highly of God when they see the qualities of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness and self-control in His people. Our lives are the only theology most people will read. We should make it our aim to give the world an adequate and lovely impression of God.

A pious long standing church member, who thought himself to be a truly great Christian, visited a junior department of the Sunday school. The Superintendent asked him to say a few word to the boys and girls. He stood pompously before them and asked, “Why do you think people call me a Christian?” There was an embarrassing silence. Then a small voice from the back of the room said,

“Is it Because they don’t know you?”

The story is also told of a soldier in the army of Alexander the Great, who was brought before the great world-conqueror for court martial. When the emperor had listened to the charges and the evidence, he turned to the soldier facing condemnation and said, “What is your name?” “Alexander!” was the reply.

Again the emperor questioned, “What is your name?” And the second time the soldier answered, “Alexander.” With a cry of rage, the emperor roared, “I say, what is your name?” And when the soldier answered for the third time as he had before, the great general angrily replied, “You say your name is Alexander? You are found guilty of your crime as charged and now you must truly pay the penalty. Either change your conduct or change your name, for no man can bear the name of Alexander, my name, and do any of the things that you have done.”

4. TRANSFORMATIONS GIVE GOD A NAME

The crowning work of God is the transformation of a soul—from a sinner to a saint—from self-centeredness to God and neighbors-centeredness—from darkness to light—from wickedness to righteousness—from fear to faith—from bondage to freedom.

And who else could do it but God? Nothing gives God greater fame in all the world than a regenerated individual! Men may argue theology and doctrine but not a changed life.

When the Lord wanted to make an impression on this old world that men or devils, time or eternity could not erase, he met Saul of Tarsus on the Damascus road and pulled him off of his little donkey, blinded him and put him to praying. True transformation of the soul leads to a life of service, sacrifice, and praise. These qualities will not go unnoticed by the unbelieving world. They will serve to remind them of the nature of God, reputation of Jesus. (Galatians 2:19-21)

The apostles and other 1st century Christians lived such consecrated lives that people from all walks of life sat up and took notice (Acts 2 – 3). Many of them were drawn to Christ because they were amazed and astounded when they asked themselves, “What kind of a God must this Jesus Christ be that He could command such unyielding loyalty, such willing sacrifice, such total service?”

5. PRAISE GIVES GOD A NAME

This involves not only gratitude, but also speaking up whenever God’s name is blasphemed or brought into question. We must not be ashamed to testify as to His greatness and grandeur.

Our steadfast praise and devotion speaks of and decisively to God’s goodness, faithfulness, and unchanging devotion to His children. We especially enhance the reputation of God when we praise God during severe trials and suffering. His grace and strength are testimonies to His enduring love and undying hope.

Worthy! What a beautiful word! For those of us who are disciples of Jesus, we know of only one who is truly worthy. He is worthy to open the scroll and reveal the future. He is worthy of praise and adoration. Why? Because even though he was holy, perfect and heavenly, his death on the cross to purchase our pardon, forgiveness, and salvation made him worthy. And he did it not just for us, but also for people of all races and languages and cultures. Jesus, you are worthy!

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Let us now Pray!

The Reputation of Love
has its source in you
Creator God
flows from you like an ocean
into a world as unyielding
as any shoreline cliff And like the ocean
which batters
erodes
and wears away
even the hardest stone
your love persists
finds cracks and inlets
in hardened hearts
flows inside and works a miracle. Who would think that water
was more powerful than granite
love mightier
than the hardest heart
Thank you, Creator God
for the power of your love and reputation of your name!

In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen!

A Promise is A Promise is A Promise: God’s Promises Light Up Our Tunnel!

“Due to the current financial constraints, the light at the end of the tunnel will be turned off for the foreseeable future!” “With the raising costs of energy and our budget already constrained beyond its reasonable limits, with no desire to enter bankruptcy anytime or ever ….” so reads a notice on a local notice board. 

Someone has deemed it necessary to shut off the light at the end of our tunnel! With no expressed promise the light will ever be turned on again? How does it sound for someone contending for a gold medal in ultimate pessimism? Not one press release extending hope will be forthcoming from anyone in any authority!

Now, who has the right to make such a statement? Who has both of their hands on the switch which permanently shuts off down Tunnel of Hope’s power grid?

Answer is quite obviously – no one! Nobody can take away the power of hope unless you let him.  Hope is as essential to life as oxygen is to your human body.

Yet, how can we find even the slightest evidence of hope in “impossible” times?

Stand in God for He will be with you now and forever. When we are laid low, He is the ONE with the power to stand us up, He watches over you and He shields you. Pray! Do not be afraid for He is the never ending source of your strength.

Job 5:1-11 HCSB

5 Call out if you please. Will anyone answer you?
Which of the holy ones will you turn to?
2 For anger kills a fool,
and jealousy slays the gullible.
3 I have seen a fool taking root,
but I immediately pronounced a curse on his home.
4 His children are far from safety.
They are crushed at the city gate,
with no one to rescue them.
5 The hungry consume his harvest,
even taking it out of the thorns.[a]
The thirsty[b] pant for his children’s wealth.
6 For distress does not grow out of the soil,
and trouble does not sprout from the ground.
7 But mankind is born for trouble
as surely as sparks fly upward.

8 However, if I were you, I would appeal to God
and would present my case to Him.
9 He does great and unsearchable things,
wonders without number.
10 He gives rain to the earth
and sends water to the fields.
11 He sets the lowly on high,
and mourners are lifted to safety.

The Word of God for the Children of God. In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen.

Job’s life has been turned completely upside down and utterly backwards. His children are all “suddenly dead.” All of his vast storehouses of property and wealth have suddenly evaporated. And if things seemingly could not get any worse, his whole body is afflicted by weeping sores and his wife tells him to “just curse God” and go off somewhere all by yourself and end it all and die. From every possible blessing he could hope for to every curse he did not want.

In the twinkling of an eye someone has pulled the switch on the light in Job’s tunnel. At the snap of some finger from somewhere Job could not identify, his very existence was unceremoniously thrown into chaos. He could not identify who it was who had done such a thing without even one warning whatsoever. Now, he is thrown into a situation where he must figure out; “what’s next?” Where does one even begin, aside from “cursing God and dying” to answer it?

Can you hear Job’s Lament across the great expanse of time from his wilderness unto these contemporary times where it seems Covid pandemic has turned off the lights at the end of too many of our tunnels? Where the economics does not yet support giving someone the authority and the power to turn them back on? It is crystal clear that there is nowhere on earth where our tunnels are all lit up at the same time! Do we hear our Lament coming from those darkened tunnels?

Psalm 42

Longing for God!

1 As a deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for You, God.
2 I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night,
while all day long people say to me,
“Where is your God?”
4 I remember this as I pour out my heart:
how I walked with many,
leading the festive procession to the house of God,
with joyful and thankful shouts.

5 Why am I so depressed?
Why this turmoil within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him,
my Savior and my God.
6 I[a] am deeply depressed;
therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan
and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls;
all Your breakers and Your billows have swept over me.
8 The Lord will send His faithful love by day;
His song will be with me in the night—
a prayer to the God of my life.

9 I will say to God, my rock,
“Why have You forgotten me?
Why must I go about in sorrow
because of the enemy’s oppression?”
10 My adversaries taunt me,
as if crushing my bones,
while all day long they say to me,
“Where is your God?”
11 Why am I so depressed?
Why this turmoil within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him,
my Savior and my God.

Do you ever ask yourself, “Why am I so down?” “Why should I trust in any of the Promises of God to change anything? Is my answer because God has “failed me?  Has He gone home, and turned off voice mail for a little uncluttered time? 

No–of course not.  Is it because He is powerless to minimally change the angle of trajectory of the circumstances which now greatly trouble you? In effect, my worry says, “God, my problem is bigger than You are.  I’m not sure that You can handle any of this for me, so I guess I am on my own to figure this thing out.” “Why should I even put one ounce of my hope into thinking my God’s hope is by far, way bigger and higher than the depths of my sorrow in my life right now?”

Can anybody turn out the light at the end of the tunnel? Have I given anyone my permission to temporarily or permanently flip the switch on my tunnel of hope? Nope! –but somebody or something can surely stand between me and the light of my Savior Jesus Christ, blocking His radiance throwing shadows everywhere.

And as much or as little as it has happened to you, if it has happened to you or even to someone you have come to love, care a great deal about, there’s only one thing to do: Return to the Promise of Jesus Christ (John 1:1-5)!  Get rid of that pessimism, Pray God and the Holy Spirit directly into that situation. Go straight to the heart of the matter (Joshua 1:1-9).  Push your way past, but get focused on the forever visible light of Jesus Christ at the end of your tunnel.

The first step is making the decision to get on with life and do something about your gloom.  I don’t know who wrote the following which someone gave to me, but I do know I like what the author wrote.  It’s entitled, “Today,” and it goes:

“And only I can determine/ What kind of day it will be./ It can be busy and sunny, laughing/ and gay; or boring and cold, unhappy and gray./ My own state of mind is the determining key,/ For I am only the person I let myself be./ I can be thoughtful and do all I can to help,/ Or be selfish and think just of myself./ I can enjoy what I do and make it seem fun;/ Or gripe and complain and make it hard on someone./ I can be patient with those who may not understand/ Or belittle and hurt them as much as I can./ But, I have faith in myself and/ believe what I say/ And I personally intend to MAKE, GIVE, GOD THE BEST OF TODAY.”

The Psalmists response was the “full throated” determination to yet praise Him whom he called “my Savior and my God.” God did not leave David in any cave of depression and gloom.  He eventually led him back home and to God’s throne.

Job’s response, his own personal affirmation of faith immediately afterwards:

Job 1:20-21 (HCSB)

20 Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head.[a] He fell to the ground and worshiped, 21 saying:

Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will leave this life.[b]
The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.
Praise the name of Yahweh.

To which he would later build upon with,

Job 19:19-27 (HCSB)

19 All of my best friends[a] despise me,
and those I love have turned against me.
20 My skin and my flesh cling to my bones;
I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.

21 Have mercy on me, my friends, have mercy,
for God’s hand has struck me.
22 Why do you persecute me as God does?
Will you never get enough of my flesh?

23 I wish that my words were written down,
that they were recorded on a scroll
24 or were inscribed in stone forever
by an iron stylus and lead!
25 But I know my living Redeemer,[b]
and He will stand on the dust[c] at last.[d]
26 Even after my skin has been destroyed,[e]
yet I will see God in[f] my flesh.
27 I will see Him myself;
my eyes will look at Him, and not as a stranger.[g]
My heart longs[h] within me.

I am convinced that only we ourselves can allow clouds and shadows to obscure the light at the end of our tunnels of hope. Praising God for what He is and what He has done, what HE HAS PROMISED TO DO allows us to realize He is the light at the end of the tunnel and nothing can obscure that when we stay focused on Him. This turns despair to hope–something you and I can learn for ourselves.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Let us now PRAY;

Prayer:  I Have Hope

God, my soul is sad. My heart is hopeless.  I’m frowning within and without. But I know the cure. The crack in my heart can be mended by you. The thirst in my throat can be quenched by you.  How refreshing you are! I spend a few minutes in worship and you will fulfill your promise made to the Psalmist to abundantly replace everything that is missing. You rehydrate my heart. You rehydrate my hope! You replenish my depleted spirit. So I’m telling my soul, “Cheer up!” I’m counseling my heart, “I Have hope!” For you, my God, are all I need and more. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

Isaiah 55:6 Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. “Promises, Promises.”

A Promise is a Promise is a Promise!

Promises, Promises, Promises!

What is the real meaning of Promise?

A promise is a commitment by someone to do or not do something. As a noun promise means a declaration assuring that one will or will not do something. As a verb it means to commit oneself by a promise to do or give. It can also mean a capacity for good, similar to a value that is to be realized in the near future.

How does the Bible define promise?

In the New Covenant scriptures, promise (epangelia) (https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/luk/24/49/t_conc_997049) is used in the sense of God’s design to visit his people redemptively in the person of his son Jesus Christ. W. E. Vine says that a promise is “a gift graciously bestowed, not a pledge secured by negotiation.”

Luke 24:49 NASB (The Only Time in the Gospels a Promise is made by Jesus)

49 And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Why do we promise?

Fulfilling promises to yourself to do better or be better is just as important as following through on your promises to others. When you make a promise to yourself, you are taking the time to work towards improving your life. When we work on ourselves, it gives us the ability to better take care of others.

What are the Seven Promises of God?

  • I am your strength.
  • I will never leave you.
  • I have plans for you to prosper.
  • I hear your prayers.
  • I will fight for you.
  • I will give you peace.
  • I will always love you.

How many believe God can answer every prayer request, no matter what?

Isaiah 55:6 NASB

6 Seek the Lord while He may be found;
Call upon Him while He is near.

Matthew 21:21-22 NASB

21 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive it all.”

The Word of God for the Children of God. In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen.

How many here can genuinely say, with 100% blessed assurance they 100% truly believe God can answer their prayers, no matter what may come along?

If there is a hesitation in your spirit, when you hear that question asked, there shouldn’t be, should there?

I mean, do some of us really, seriously think that our problems and situations are impossibly harder for God to answer and then work out, than the problems, needs, wants and desires of our friends and neighbors!

Should we not expect, as great or greater miracles to be done in our lives, than the fantastic miracles we read about in the Bible?

If we believe the promise of the scripture and we can take Jesus at His Word, we should! We ought to do so without any hesitation or without purpose of evasion.

Well, I do not know that’s setting the bar awfully high, Reading through each of the Gospel Narratives, Can we not say Jesus did some pretty amazing things?

And I would say to that…….you are more than just a little bit correct with that summation, His actions were and are 100% amazing, His words were and are also quite amazing, everything about what we read of Jesus is 100% Amazing!

For myself, this Word from John’s Gospel Narrative transcends 100% amazing.

John 1:1-5 NASB

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 [a]He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him [b]not even one thing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind. 5 And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not [c]grasp it.

I share this next passage of scripture with you, because I so much want you to realize, truly “beyond 100%” we have been given by God, through and by our relationship with God, that we have with His Son, Jesus, our Lord and Savior!

John 14:7-15 NASB

Oneness with the Father

7 If you [a]had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”

8 Philip *said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus *said to him, “Have I been with [b]you for so long a time, and yet [c]you have not come to know Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own, but the Father, as He remains in Me, does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. 12 Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God’s capabilities!

God wants to bless and give to His Children! Are you, right now, a child of the most high God?

Well then Let me say that again, with Greater Clarification!

“God…….wants…….to…….Bless…….you….and…..Give…….to……you!!

Do you believe you are beyond 100% blessed by the abundance of God?

You should, before your feet ever hit the ground in the morning you need to remember and declare God this amazing truth, “God has already prepared uncountable blessings, all waiting for you to arrive at each and every day!”

God not only wants to Bless you, God is willing to go to greatest length’s to do whatever it takes to make your request and desires come to fruition!

Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of Gods capabilities!

Absolutely everything? Yes everything! Every single solitary concern! To Be Sure and absolutely assured. all of Gods promises, are Yes and Amen!

God is very aware of how much power His Words possess, when you proclaim them and speak them in and over your life!

Do you know what happens when you make promises?

You’re held accountable and expected to keep them aren’t you?

God can never, God would have never made any promises, if He did not mean them and utterly intend on keeping every single one of them and being 100+% true and responsible for each and every one of them! Who of us could say that?

Isaiah 55:8-11 HCSB

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
and your ways are not My ways.”
This is the Lord’s declaration.
9 “For as heaven is higher than earth,
so My ways are higher than your ways,
and My thoughts than your thoughts.
10 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven
and do not return there
without saturating the earth
and making it germinate and sprout,
and providing seed to sow
and food to eat,
11 so My word that comes from My mouth
will not return to Me empty,
but it will accomplish what I please
and will prosper in what I send it to do.”

In this moment, as I am listening to my Pastor and several of my brothers and sisters in Christ praying to and praising God, I am thinking about a lot of things.

So many Prayer requests, so many praise reports, and the great number of things on my to do list and the shorter hours of day light to accomplish them. Looking forward or backwards to the time change coming up again in a short matter of days, the “Day Light Savings Time” which takes place twice a year.

Altering time…….after thousands of years of trying by man, a simple law by congress, somehow, we made it a reality, well at least upon paper anyways.

Man trying to manipulate the works of God to achieve his end! Man has never had an original thought that was not Gods idea or thought, in the first place.

I remember reading a story some years ago,

The famous American author, Samuel Clement, Mark Twain, attended a Sunday service. He met the preacher at the door afterward to shake his hand. And he told him that he had a book at home with every word he had preached that morning.

The minister assured him that his sermon that morning was an original. But Twain was adamant. The preacher asked to see the book. So, Twain sent it over the next day. When the preacher opened the package he found a dictionary. And inside the cover Twain had written, “Words, just words.”

Jeremiah 23:28-30 HCSB

28 The prophet who has only a dream should recount the dream, but the one who has My word should speak My word truthfully, for what is straw compared to grain?”—this is the Lord’s declaration. 29 “Is not My word like fire”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“and like a hammer that pulverizes rock? 30 Therefore, take note! I am against the prophets”—the Lord’s declaration—“who steal My words from each other.

Jeremiah 32:26-27 HCSB

26 Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 27 “Look, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me?

One word from man may help for a moment, One Word from God, is all that you and I will ever need! One word from God, can and will propel you to victory your whole life long and shower you with beyond a lifetime of His Grace and Favor!

God is omnipresent, which means; always present everywhere: continuously and simultaneously present throughout the whole of creation.

God knows no time, because He owns time! He can start time He can stop time!

If God chooses He can make more time, or speed up or slow down time!

He has already been to the future, there is no place in time God hasn’t already inhabited.

God has already been at this very moment, where we are at right now…….thousands of years ago and maybe even as recent as yesterday.

Absolutely everything all of the time, ranging from small to large, as you and I make it an essential part of our believing prayer, gets included as we lay hold of, as we come to possess the God given strength to grasp each of Gods capabilities!

There is power, there is life, there is Victory in His words! There is power, there is life, there is Victory in your words when you believe and declare His Words!

Is there no length, that God will not go to for His Children?

Is there nothing that God won’t do for those that Love Him?

Is there nothing that is not possible, when you put your faith and trust in God?

Praise God, shout Hallelujah, God is a prayer answering God!

Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God.”

Is there nothing that God can’t and won’t do for His Children? The answer is no, nothing is to large a task for The God Of All Things Possible!!

Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you and I lay 100+% hold of God.

The scoffers still say that was then, that was a long time ago, yes it was, in our limited way of thinking and understanding, yes it was.

But to the God of unlimited possibilities, to the God who knows no time constraints and is not bound by our understanding of time. For all we know, the battle at Gibeon could have happened, in Gods realm of possibilities, as recent as just yesterday!

What we do know is this, Gods Word is true, God is not a respecter of persons, Gods Word never returns void and there is just as much power in the words of that time stopping miracle today, as the day it happened!

God is the same yesterday, today and forever! The amazing this battle took place before the promise of Jesus, was delivered.

How much more is possible in our lives, for us who have received the Promise of the salvation message Jesus offers?

Whatever you hath need of today, is 100+% possible, when you put 100+% of your hope, your faith and trust in God, through your relationship with Jesus!

What Jesus has available to Him, we have available to us. As Jesus is the Way and the Truth and the Life of and in this world or these are not just words that we will only find in the dictionary! Those words are God’s biblical declaration, that life changing declaration is 100+% promise from the God of all things possible!

The Everlasting God, the Great I Am who not only makes Promises, but also absolutely Keeps His Word!

Start declaring and proclaiming God’s Promises over your life, God’s Words over your every situation. Something supernatural happens when you release God’s Words over your life into the atmosphere!

They go relentlessly to work accomplishing everything their assigned to do, until. Until they complete the assignment!

There is power, there is life, there is Victory in His words!

There is power, there is life, there is Victory in your words when you believe and declare His Words!

*Life giving,

*life altering!

*life changing!

*life extending!

*abundant 100+% far, above and beyond life to be lived starting right now!

Alleluia? Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Amen? Amen!

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Let us now Pray,

Psalm 100 HCSB

Be Thankful

A psalm of thanksgiving.

1 Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
3 Acknowledge that Yahweh is God.
He made us, and we are His[a] —
His people, the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
5 For Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal;
His faithfulness endures through all generations.

Obtaining Our Living Hope: That In My Flesh, I Know That I Shall See God

“Obtaining A Living Hope”

I would like to introduce, or perhaps reintroduce or reacquaint us with a very unusual text. It was a statement made that very few people would have ever made given the circumstances this person found themselves in. It was Job.

Job 19:23-27 NRSV

23 “O that my words were written down!
    O that they were inscribed in a book!
24 O that with an iron pen and with lead
    they were engraved on a rock forever!
25 For I know that my Redeemer[a] lives,
    and that at the last he[b] will stand upon the earth;[c]
26 and after my skin has been thus destroyed,
    then in[d] my flesh I shall see God,[e]
27 whom I shall see on my side,[f]
    and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
    My heart faints within me!

The Word of God for the Children of God. In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen.

These words are not what someone would normally say under such horrific circumstances. Not only did Job ‘suddenly’ lose everything that he had, all of his flocks and herds, but he also lost all of his children to a freak storm. Later, he was smitten with a horrendous disease of boils from the top of his body to the souls of his feet. And these were not little boils, but big huge form altering boils.

What we might say, to an extent, is that this man, Job, is where many people are suddenly finding themselves today in the midst of this current Covid pandemic sweeping the globe, as they are experiencing the loss of a job, finances, a place to live, their family, freedoms, and even their health, or the loss of a loved one.

But here’s the kicker, and what holds this life gripping story out amongst so many, and that is in the midst of these horrendous circumstances, Job not once had a “once in a lifetime” temper tantrum, criticized nor complained against his God. Instead, we see from our verse that he worshipped God through it all.

And when we take a considered look at what Job said, and understand its vast implications for us today, we wonder ‘how could he say this,’ especially seeing all the horrible things that happened to him and the adversity he had to endure, including his wife telling him to “Cancel his Faith” and “Curse God and die.”

But Job knew God, and knew the folly of criticizing and complaining against God even though everything had been taken away on the physical side of the equation. But what we see is that Job still possessed a faith and a hope that is far too often missing in our “cancel” culture and society, not to mention, church.

Today, too much of humanity places its living hope upon science and education, that these will in some way come up with the solutions to what has plagued our world since the beginning of time. But, reality is, in the end, all these things which humanity has pegged their hopes upon have come up severely, seriously empty, and it’s because all the scientists, philosophers, and educators have yet to find the cure for what plagues humanity, which is nothing less than death.

Except, Job’s hope was not placed in humanity’s solutions. Instead, Job’s only hope was in the Lord. Job knew death is the inevitable outcome of life, but he also knew this life isn’t all that there is to life. He knew that one day he would die, and that after death he would be in the presence of the Lord in bodily form.

Job 19:26-27 NRSV

26 and after my skin has been thus destroyed,
    then in[a] my flesh I shall see God,[b]
27 whom I shall see on my side,[c]
    and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
    My heart faints within me!

Job knew he only had exactly one shot at this life, and when once this life was over he would stand before his God and give an accounting of the life he lived.

This is what the author of Hebrews brings forward saying, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27 NKJV)

Further, Job knew that this had nothing to do with his righteousness, how good he was, or if he had ever done enough good deeds to outweigh the bad ones, but rather he knew that it all had to do with his faith and his living hope in the Lord.

The Apostle Paul knew this same truth when he penned these words,

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” (Ephesians 2:8-10)

So, in the midst of his greatest personal tragedy, Job did something that most would never consider doing, and that is, he blessed and thanked God, having an abiding faith and an ever living hope, in Him and Him alone. And it was such a living hope and faith that saw Job return to health and even greater prosperity.

The anonymous writer of Hebrews wrote of this hope that the men and women of the Old Testament had as they went through horrendous times as well, and that, in and by faith. So, Why? So that they could “obtain a better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35 NKJV).

Consider what it says about Abraham; that he dwelt in a foreign land that was not his own, and by faith Abraham waited, “for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10 NKJV).

This man Job was able to handle the worst tragedies of life because he believed and hoped in the Lord. Therefore, he had this hope that even after his death that he would still see the Lord, not only in his soul and spirit, but also in his body as well. And for Job, this became his “pearl without price,” it became a living hope.

Matthew 13:44-46 ESV

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

It is this same living hope that we can each have as well through the tragedies and disappoints of life. And this living hope only comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Faith in what he did for us upon the cross, as He took our place and died our death because of our sins, and then on the third day rose from the dead. And it is this hope, that is the hope of the resurrection, that Jesus gives to everyone.

John 14:1-4 ESV

I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life

14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;[a] believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”[c]

And the reason we can implicitly trust our Living Hope in Jesus in this promise is because of what He went on to say just a few verses later;

John 14:6-7 ESV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.[a] From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

It is this living hope that Jesus talked about, that through faith in Him we will likewise be raised up on that last day to be with Him.

“This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:39-40 NKJV)

When we place the entirety of our lives into the hands of God and Jesus, and into the ministry and works of the Holy Spirit, we will never need to fear the pain and horror of being forever separated from Him. Nor will we ever have to worry about whether we are good enough. And here is the promise, that no one who places their faith and hope in Jesus would ever be lost, but have that living hope.

“We do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NIV)

And then Paul ends saying, “Comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18 NKJV). It has been, and always will be God’s desire to comfort us in our darkest hour. Therefore, In inexplicable love, He sent Jesus to live among us and take our place and die our death; to be that perfect sacrifice for sin that we can have this assurance that we will be with Him for all eternity.

Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, had asked Jesus to come and heal their brother who is close to death. But Jesus did not come when they had asked Him to. So when Jesus finally arrived, the sisters asked why He did not come sooner when their brother was still alive so that he could then have been healed by Jesus, because they believed that if He did, then Lazarus would not have died.

Jesus, seeing their distress asked them if they possessed this same living hope that we saw in Job. He said, “Your brother will rise again.” And then He said,

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26 NIV)

He then called into Lazarus’ sealed tomb, and raised Lazarus from the dead, and after they unwrapped him, the very first face Lazarus saw was that of his Jesus.

It is when we make this our own belief; when we make this living hope that Job possessed that saw Him healed and restored, then abundantly blessed, when we make our own “being called out” our living hope, then we too, will see Jesus.

And this hope, this faith will bring to us new life, which will not only see us through this world full of “limitless” pain and sorrow, but it will also bring us into an eternity in the presence of a living Jesus where we will immediately see His smiling face when those death shrouds are remove from our eyes as well.

So why write and publish this devotional message? It is because it is my hope that everyone will find this same living hope for their lives. That through the losses we experience, loss of loved ones, health, finances, or whatever else these losses may be, that we do not have to grieve as those who have no hope.

Instead we can possess that living hope for our lives through faith in God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, fully knowing that, with maximum assurance, when death inevitably overtakes our bodies, that we will be in the presence of Jesus.

This is brought out quite beautifully in Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church.

“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:1-8 NASB)

And so, no matter what tragedy strikes, when tragedy strikes, how tragedy strikes, we can have this living hope, the same living hope which carried Job through a time of suffering that very few have ever, or if ever, experienced.

But that’s not all. There were a couple of other things which Job did which helped see him through these tragedies, and I would like to take this time to share them with you in order to help us strive to get through them as well.

1. Express Our Grief

Job expressed his grief through tearing his robe, shaving his head, and falling down to worship. These were acts performed by those who were experiencing grief. But then he went even further; he sat in the midst of ashes so everyone would know the immense grief he was going through.

We should not be ashamed or think that it’s a lack of faith to grieve our losses, and I am not just talking about death. There are other losses that we grieve as well, like the loss of our health, marriages, jobs, finances, security, freedoms, and even treasured possessions. Losses come in all sizes and shapes, and the normal response to these losses is that of taking the time to be in grieving.

But there is the blessing that Jesus gives to those who express their grief.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)

Here is God’s promise that when we express our grief, that is, when we mourn, that He will comfort us through it. And because of that living hope, that is, the hope of heaven for those who believe, there is the comfort knowing that God will wipe away all our tears (Revelation 7:14-17, 21:4).

2. Acknowledge God is in Control

This was Job’s acknowledgment when he said, “Naked, I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away” (Job 1:20-21). And at the end of his time spent with the Lord, Job made this same declaration that God is in control. (Job chapter 39 through 42)

It was such an acknowledgment that the Apostle Paul made as well.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Read Romans 8:28-39)

Knowing that God works all things out to the good brings me to the third thing we should do during these times of loss, and that is to look for the good.

3. Look for the Good

After it was all over, Job received blessings from the Lord, where it says that his latter days, that is, the days following his trials, were more than his beginnings (Job 42:12).

Far too often we get so caught up with what has happened that we do not take time to look around to see the good, and the good God is bringing into our lives.

To help, Paul gives us this bit of advise,

“I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV)

He was looking to the ultimate good that is available to all those who believe in Jesus Christ.

To bring this devotional offering to a conclusion,

The Bible’s idea of hope is very different from our normal thinking about hope. The world’s current thinking of hope is more like wishful thinking. Like, “I hope this or that will or won’t happen.” But this is not a living biblical hope.

A living Biblical hope is observed and experienced from what Peter says in 1Peter 1:13, “Hope fully in the grace that is coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” To “Hope fully” means to be intensely desirous and 100% fully confident that Jesus Christ is coming again with grace and hope for his people.

Hope, is then the full assurance, and having complete confidence, that God is going to do good by us through our faith in Him, not only right here and now, but in the future as well as heaven awaits.

Therefore, we obtain that living hope by faith, and it is this living hope that has the power to change our lives.

And so, I would like to end where the Apostle Peter began.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5 NKJV)

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Let us take time to Pray,

Father I thank you for this day and breath of life in Jesus name

My father forgive me in any way I have allowed the trials of life to create a doubtful mind towards your resurrection power in me in Jesus name.

Heavenly father open my eyes to see beyond my trials so that I can continuously glorify you in all situations of life in Jesus name

Father increase my trust in you and let me always remember that you will never walk out on me in Jesus name

Heavenly father give me grace to live my life in a way that my trials will not draw me away from you but draw me closer to you in Jesus name

Lord help me to stand firm in you in my strength and weakness father put me on your shoulder in Jesus name

Father increase your fear in me so that my heart will continue to yearn for more of you in Jesus name

Thank you Jesus for answered prayers in Jesus name.