Hiding from God

Hiding from God. That’s impossible – He knows exactly where you are.

“…when I sit…when I rise…my going out…my lying down…”

But that’s not all. “…you perceive my thoughts from afar…Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely…”

So you can never hide from God.

Is there anything you don’t want God to know? Are there closets you don’t what Him to visit? Are there imaginations you don’t want exposed to Him?

But…there is another side. Rejoice that He knows everything — and that knowing all He still loves and cares about you?

And further…as you submit to His Lordship…He covers your life with His grace and mercy.

Quit trying to hide…and openly live in God’s abundance.

The Love of God

The love of God. It is displayed in historical events.

In creation – “His love endures forever.” In victory over enemies – “His love endures forever.” In God’s provision of food for every creature – “His love endures forever.”

What is the truth expressed here? Behind the flow of history you will find an illustration of God’s love.

But how can that be…when there is much pain and suffering?

Yet behind it all you will find a God of love. Love is the most basic attribute of God.

This God of love reaches out in a great redemptive mission – to save those who are lost and bring them to Himself.

“His love endures forever.”

Surrounded

Surrounded. But by what…or by whom?

It could be adversity…plotting enemies…poverty…or any other challenge or circumstance.

Maybe this is you – you feel surrounded by hostile people…great disappointment…and cruel adversaries.

But God’s Word declares — “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.”

Now you can relax. Like mountains around you…so the Lord encircles your life. Look to the right…the left…north and south – every place you look there is the Lord. You are surrounded.

And His presence is sometimes expressed by His people – the church. Recognize God’s presence in the lives of fellow Christians.

You are surrounded.

No One is Listening

No one is listening. That can make you feel isolated and alone.

You are talking…but it is as if your words are being lost and ignored.

But the psalmist has the right perspective…because he knew someone was listening. In that he took great courage.

“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.” The psalmist knew he was being heard.

Experienced Christians have learned this lesson – people can find great comfort when they feel that someone is truly listening.

But the psalmist goes further. Not only is he assured that the Lord is listening…he is confident that He will answer.

You can have the same confidence in your distress — the Lord not only hears but He will answer.

Lawlessness

Lawlessness. It’s a sign that these are the last days.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves…”

Violence on the streets goes unchecked. Stores go out of business because of thievery. People assume that possession of goods is a right – regardless of their ability to pay.

But it should not surprise you. As the commandments of God are laid aside…lawlessness continues unabated.

The only hope is a great spiritual awakening. What is needed is a new heart – reflective of an empowered conscience…a return to God’s Word…and a spirit of deep repentance.

And as you embrace these truths…and live them…you are doing your part to war against lawlessness.

“Indignation grips me because of the wicked who have forsaken your law.”

To Whom Belongs the Glory?

To whom belongs the glory? Every Christian must give an answer – and then make it an abiding principle of life.

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory…”

This should be the motto on the wall for every minister of the gospel – and read often and always obeyed.

But it’s easy to fail…because ego keeps asserting itself. Its goal is to steal God’s glory…to internalize the praise of men.

Instead…it is a mandate that authentic ministry finds its roots in humility. There is no place for coveting the praise of men.

But…it’s not just ministers. Every follower of Jesus must refuse to steal the glory that belongs alone to God. There is no place for arrogance…self-glorification…or pride.

“Not to us…not to us.” All glory is God’s alone.

Light in the Darkness

Light in the darkness. That is God’s promise for the righteous.

“Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.”

How true. The righteous experience it over and over. Yes…there is darkness. Yes…the way can seem gloomy and hard.

But just wait. The light will break through. The night will be gone. A new day will dawn.

However…there are requirements. The promise is for the upright…gracious…compassionate…and righteous. These are the conditions.

Are you in a dark place? If you wait…if you are faithful — the light will break through and dispel darkness.

Fear Not

Fear not. That is the clear admonition of Scripture.

Let this divine promise provide a sure foundation for your life.

Why is it needed? Because living is often threatening. Godlessness is ever more prevalent. Violence is on the increase. The threat of war looms on the horizon. And government seems even less effective in controlling and giving good direction to society.

And the world of technology has created a world of isolation. There is less and less opportunity for engagement and relationship.

Still more. The pace of life continues to increase. People have less and less space in the margin.

But thankfully…God is still in control – and His power will never diminish.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

The Unfiltered Gospel

The unfiltered gospel. Embrace it with all your heart.

Sadly…that is not always the case. Instead…the gospel is filtered through hypocrisy…childhood abuse…broken promises…unprincipled spiritual leadership…and a host of other corrupt practices.

The gospel is presented…but the listener only hears all of the negative messages in his mind. He thinks of an abusive father …who gives lip service — a pastor whose life was lived in questionable ways — a denomination that lost its way.

So…seek to hear the unfiltered gospel once delivered to the saints – pure…unadulterated…and anointed by the Spirit.

Listen for the clear message of the redemptive love of Jesus – holy…pure…true…life-changing and powerful.

God-given Benefits

God-given benefits. They are yours through Jesus.

“…who forgives all your sins…heals all your diseases…redeems your life from the pit…crowns you with love and compassion…satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

This is a comprehensive provision – it’s all you need for living. There is provision for body…soul…and spirit.

But how do you activate these benefits? By living a life of complete trust in God…being a faithful steward of all that God has given you…and then committing your life into the hands of the Lord.

Here’s the challenge. Doubts creep in and war against your life of trust. The what-ifs creep in. The I-don’t-knows exerts itself.

Today – put all doubts away…and claim God’s bountiful benefits.