Living Eternally Now

God uses trials to perfect us (Jas. 1, Rom. 5:1-5; chapters 7-8, Heb. 12). They foretaste what's to come. Jesus was perfected through suffering (Heb. 2, 5:8-9, 7:28). Though He was perfect, He became flesh and learned obedience through suffering. He is now a great and sympathetic High Priest Who aids us in our weaknesses. This is leading to sanctification and the glory of Christ and His redeemed one day. So as you continue on in this life, whether it's sin, sickness, or persecution, look to Christ and what's the come! (2 Cor. 4, Heb. 12, 1 Pet. etc).

New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Jas 1:2–4). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

Confidence In Christ

I was praying the other evening and was amazed at the reality that we have "...boldness and confident access through faith in Him (Christ)." - Eph. 3:12

May we remember who God is and rejoice that we can come to Him, our heavenly Father, through the way which He has provided - through Christ! The book of Hebrews is an excellent book in which the ministry of Christ as our perfect priest and sacrifice is so clearly delineated. Take some time to read through it and rejoice in your glorious Christ!

New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Eph 3:12). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

The Sufficiency of Christ

          16      For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

          17      For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” - Romans 1:16-17

When struggling with sin, either internally or externally, we must "live by faith." When lies arise like, "you're note righteous", and lusts draw us such as, "...this is better than what God offers", our saving God is there assuring us of His power worked in us through the gospel of His Son (Eph. 2, Rom. 5-8 etc.). We must not think we can overcome sin, but rely on our our great God, who alone has accomplished salvation through His Son. He has saved. He continues to save. He will ultimately, fully save.

Further reading: The book of Hebrews

New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Ro 1:16–17). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

Extol Your God!

How great is our God! I read this Psalm last night and worshiped my LORD. He is revealed in His word and through His Son, the Word (Heb. 1:1-4). As you read this Psalm, think upon the glories of our God in eternity past to eternity future. By His grace, we are His (Eph. 2:1-10). Praise the LORD!

 Ps. 145

     A Psalm of Praise, of David.

               1      I will extol You, my God, O King,
         And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
               2      Every day I will bless You,
         And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
               3      Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised,
         And His greatness is unsearchable.
               4      One generation shall praise Your works to another,
         And shall declare Your mighty acts.
               5      On the glorious splendor of Your majesty
         And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.
               6      Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts,
         And I will tell of Your greatness.
               7      They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness
         And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness.

               8      The LORD is gracious and merciful;
         Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.
               9      The LORD is good to all,
         And His mercies are over all His works.
               10      All Your works shall give thanks to You, O LORD,
         And Your godly ones shall bless You.
               11      They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom
         And talk of Your power;
               12      To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts
         And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom.
               13      Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
         And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

               14      The LORD sustains all who fall
         And raises up all who are bowed down.
               15      The eyes of all look to You,
         And You give them their food in due time.
               16      You open Your hand
         And satisfy the desire of every living thing.

               17      The LORD is righteous in all His ways
         And kind in all His deeds.
               18      The LORD is near to all who call upon Him,
         To all who call upon Him in truth.
               19      He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
         He will also hear their cry and will save them.
               20      The LORD keeps all who love Him,
         But all the wicked He will destroy.
               21      My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
         And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.


New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Ps 145:title–21). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.