Looking to God

As God has forgiven us, let us forgive others. No manner of sin should rule in our heart. Put away bitterness and draw nearer to God, for His love for us is good and His troubles are light. Worship him always, giving thanks for His love.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

(Ephesians 4:31-32)

Be rid of bitterness, for it is as a weed that wastes the heart and strangles life. Hate rises from its roots and threatens all who keep company with us. Purge its ground with God’s love and allow His kindness to flourish within you.

Be gentle toward one another. Never allow a slight to turn us from God’s truth. Through Jesus, we have salvation. Is there anything more we ought to desire than to be with God always? Show compassion toward all, for we do not know their plight.

Give to those in need. Bless the homeless. Show mercy to those who struggle inwardly. Visit the infirm. Bestow heavenly treasures to the elect, guiding them toward God. See that no one leads you astray. Be kind to one another.

If we believe Jesus is the Son of God, who came to take away sins, who died on the cross and three days later rose from the dead, then we do well. Salvation is ours. Jesus is Lord and one day, we also will rise from the dead.

“Then he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’”

(Acts 16:30-31)

Prior to His crucifixion, Jesus grew up a carpenter. His first miracle was at a wedding feast where He turned water into wine. Soon after, he would cast out demons, heal the sick and raise the dead, for He is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Jesus’ last miracle was healing the ear of a servant of the high priest who had come to take Him away. He could have commanded more than twelve legions of angels to rescue Him, but instead He said, “All who take the sword will perish by the sword.”

Jesus fulfilled the scriptures. He now sits at the right hand of the Father, and one day soon, He will return. Once He does, we will rise and be with Him always. His dominion will have no end, and its breadth will be from everlasting to everlasting.

As many times as we lift our hands in worship to God, He blesses us with hope. As many times as we drop to our knees in prayer, giving thanks to Him, He listens and grants His will in our lives. If we humble ourselves before Him, He will always rescue us from our trials.

O LORD My God, You Are Very Great
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
O LORD my God, you are very great!
You are clothed with splendor and majesty,
covering yourself with light as with a garment,
stretching out the heavens like a tent.

(Psalms 104:1-2)

How great is our God? He creates the mist on a lake, quieting the fish to sleep. He forms the morning dew that rolls from a leaf, giving moisture to the ground underneath. He blossoms the rainbow after a heavy storm, a promise He would protect us from destruction.

How great is our God? He gives us what we need, never allowing us to suffer more than what we can bear. He continually watches over us, delivering us from evil. He saved us by offering His Son Jesus as a sacrifice to pay for the penalty of our sins.

No one can separate us from God. His love for us will never fail. He will bless us in our trial, give us hope when we need it most and rescue us always without restraint.

Great are you, Lord!

God created the heavens and the earth, made all living creatures, gave breath to us so that we could live and flourish; nothing is too great for God. If he can save a sinner through Jesus’ sacrifice, how difficult would it be for Him to rescue us from our trials?

“‘Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.’ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, ‘Who then can be saved?’ But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”

(Matthew 19:24-26)

God has no beginning of days or end of life. His power is everlasting and His dominion will never cease. He parted the Red Sea, defeated Goliath, made David king and protected Daniel from the lions. Nothing is beyond God’s power. He can do anything.

Is anything impossible for God? He guides the winds back and forth on the earth. He forms the clouds, giving rain in due season and tossing snow to the coldest peaks. Nothing is beyond God’s power and nothing can come against His sons and daughters in this age.

Brethren, persevere until the end. Do not give that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, a place in your heart. Bring all your troubles to the Lord, and He will rescue you, for with God all things are possible.