First principles. Heb 11:6 6 “But without FAITH it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Do we give much of our money to the poor in the secret hope that this will justify us? Do we do grand works thinking God could not possibly turn us away on that eternal day? Do we attend services twice every Sunday and on Wednesday thinking surely we can rest easily? Do we accumulate knowledge and have the entire alphabet next to our name showing our theological or other degrees helping us believe we are saved? How about a vow of poverty or chastity or maybe living on a mountain alone praying? Mk 16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned”. Good news. The answer is that all of these things are good but we must never seek God on our merits – if we have any. It is only grace through faith that will save. Think upon your worst failure and sin (just briefly😁). Let it remind you that you are not able to cleanse this (or Christ would have died in vain) and you have no place in heaven on your merit – AND THEN REJOICE – this gift of eternal life has been freely bestowed upon those who please God. SO – how do we please God? Jn 6: 28 “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye BELIEVE on him whom he hath sent.” AND by the way this is not a change in plan! Rom 4: “3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham BELIEVED God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Do you question His power to forgive your greatest sin? You insult Him. FEAR NOT – ONLY KEEP ON BELIEVING. You will please God and all of your efforts shall receive a great reward.
Remain Steadfast Under Trial
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. Psalm 31:24 Be strong, & let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! Gal 6:9 Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord & in the strength of His might. —When things are falling down around you, choose to stand & believe that God is able to provide! We must believe what God says & stand firm against the enemy. No matter what the situation is, we must know that we are never ever alone, for He promised to never leave us or forsake us. Love Mel
Laughter
Prov 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Prov 3:1-6 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days & years of life & peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love & faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor & good success in the sight of God & man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, & do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, & he will make straight your paths. — Laughter is the best medicine. Well science now agrees, below are some of the benefits listed by Mayo Clinic,
•”Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
•Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
•Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.”We must remember that the Bible is filled with wisdom from our creator! Believe it! Love Mel
If God is For Us!
Rom 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Psalm 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? Hebr 13:6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Deut 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” 1Peter 5:7 Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. —If God be for us! Who or what can stand against us? Nothing! Within each of us is what I call grit! Sometimes there is a fight that requires us to reach deep within to stop the enemy against us! But if we can just remember that God is for us & has promised to NEVER leave us nor FORSAKE us! So stand strong knowing this one thing! When one door closes another door always opens! Look for the open door! Love Mel
Our God is The God of the Impossible
Matt 19:26 (ESV) Jesus looked at them & said, “With man this is impossible, but with God ALL things are possible.” Phil 4:13 (ESV) I can do ALL things through Him who strengthens me. Eph 3:16 That according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being. Jer 32:17 ‘Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens & the earth by your great power & by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. — God tells us many times that He is able & nothing is too hard for Him! But we continue to limit Him by our minds! —2 Cor 10:5 We destroy arguments & every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, & take every thought captive to obey Christ. — We must learn to take those limiting thoughts captive! Believe in God! Love Mel
