Simple Thoughts On Promises
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Desire to be a vessel of honor unto the Lord Jesus Christ?
Join For His Glory for a discussion on how
https://christianforums.net/threads/a-vessel-of-honor.110278/
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Taking the time to pray? Christ is the answer in times of need
https://christianforums.net/threads/psalm-70-1-save-me-o-god-lord-help-me-now.108509/
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Simple Thoughts On Promises- 98
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (Psalm 103:2, 3)(NIV)
I was just comparing these verses in different versions of the Bible. These were the findings:
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; (Psalm 103:2, 3)(NAS)
Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits-- Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, (Psalm 103:2, 3)(Amplified)
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; (Psalm 103:2, 3)(KJV)
Bless Jehovah, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases; (Psalm 103:2, 3)(ASV)
There's not much change in the meaning of the verses in any of these versions. The points to note being that God forgives all our sins/iniquities and heals all our diseases.
Many do believe in the sin-forgiving ability of the Lord, but when it comes to healing many doubt.
There can be many arguments regarding this, but the point is whether we are willing to take the Word literally as it is, for "today".
Can anyone of us say that the verse is untrue?
Even if we haven't seen healing in a specific case/ many cases, we cannot state that the Lord does not heal now.
He does heal and many of us are witnesses of it. So even today, shall we believe that he is still the disease-healing God as he is the sin-forgiving God?
Can we emphatically say, "Yes God, you heal all my diseases as I read in your Word and may your name be glorified".
Can we exhort ourselves and say what the psalmist sang:Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. That would be wonderful.
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (Psalm 103:2, 3)(NIV)
I was just comparing these verses in different versions of the Bible. These were the findings:
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; (Psalm 103:2, 3)(NAS)
Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits-- Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, (Psalm 103:2, 3)(Amplified)
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; (Psalm 103:2, 3)(KJV)
Bless Jehovah, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases; (Psalm 103:2, 3)(ASV)
There's not much change in the meaning of the verses in any of these versions. The points to note being that God forgives all our sins/iniquities and heals all our diseases.
Many do believe in the sin-forgiving ability of the Lord, but when it comes to healing many doubt.
There can be many arguments regarding this, but the point is whether we are willing to take the Word literally as it is, for "today".
Can anyone of us say that the verse is untrue?
Even if we haven't seen healing in a specific case/ many cases, we cannot state that the Lord does not heal now.
He does heal and many of us are witnesses of it. So even today, shall we believe that he is still the disease-healing God as he is the sin-forgiving God?
Can we emphatically say, "Yes God, you heal all my diseases as I read in your Word and may your name be glorified".
Can we exhort ourselves and say what the psalmist sang:Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. That would be wonderful.
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 99
Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. (Psalm 91:3)
This promise is for all who dwell in the shelter of the Most High. Such a person can confidently say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:2)
Most of us must have had enough encounters with the fowler and his snares in our lives. Of the fowler (satan), Jesus had some exceptionally caustic statements to make and it is nothing but profound truth:
"He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.....(John 10:10)
Of course, there are many so called christians who do not believe that the fowler exists and is planning and orchestrating evil continually.
There are others who ignore him even when they know that it is because of his tricks that they are suffering.
The Apostle Paul had this to say regarding the unforgiving attitude in some of the believers in the Corinthian Church and the possibility of satan taking advantage of it.
If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven - if there was anything to forgive - I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:10,11)
Are you attentive to the voice of God in your life? It is most essential if you have to escape the fowler's snare.
He can outwit you with his schemes if you do not continually dwell in the shelter of the Most High.
If you do dwell in the shelter of the most high and abide in his shadow, this promise (surely he will save you from the fowler's snare...)will continually be fulfilled in your life too. God bless you.
Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. (Psalm 91:3)
This promise is for all who dwell in the shelter of the Most High. Such a person can confidently say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:2)
Most of us must have had enough encounters with the fowler and his snares in our lives. Of the fowler (satan), Jesus had some exceptionally caustic statements to make and it is nothing but profound truth:
"He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.....(John 10:10)
Of course, there are many so called christians who do not believe that the fowler exists and is planning and orchestrating evil continually.
There are others who ignore him even when they know that it is because of his tricks that they are suffering.
The Apostle Paul had this to say regarding the unforgiving attitude in some of the believers in the Corinthian Church and the possibility of satan taking advantage of it.
If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven - if there was anything to forgive - I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. (2 Corinthians 2:10,11)
Are you attentive to the voice of God in your life? It is most essential if you have to escape the fowler's snare.
He can outwit you with his schemes if you do not continually dwell in the shelter of the Most High.
If you do dwell in the shelter of the most high and abide in his shadow, this promise (surely he will save you from the fowler's snare...)will continually be fulfilled in your life too. God bless you.
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 100
"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (Proverbs 30:5)
Interestingly, there are many who are fond of finding flaws in the Word of God, the Bible. Actually the Bible was written over a period of 1400 to 1800 years by more than 40 different authors. Certain mistakes and discrepencies can be found because of human errors. But the fact remains as Agur son of Jakeh says here- Every word of God is flawless.
Do you question the validity of what you read in the Bible everyday? Of course all of us have many doubts and there are many things that we don't understand when we read the Word. Yet, whatever God wanted mankind to know and understand is very clear. That's because the Bible was written by men under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God.
Yes, every word of God is flawless because God himself is flawless. His promises are flawless. Do you believe that?
King David, that great psalmist of Israel says,
And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. (Psalm 12:6)
Again David affirms the same when he says,
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30)
Believe in the Lord. Believe in his words. Believe in his promises. That will bring you peace that passes all understanding. God bless you.
"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (Proverbs 30:5)
Interestingly, there are many who are fond of finding flaws in the Word of God, the Bible. Actually the Bible was written over a period of 1400 to 1800 years by more than 40 different authors. Certain mistakes and discrepencies can be found because of human errors. But the fact remains as Agur son of Jakeh says here- Every word of God is flawless.
Do you question the validity of what you read in the Bible everyday? Of course all of us have many doubts and there are many things that we don't understand when we read the Word. Yet, whatever God wanted mankind to know and understand is very clear. That's because the Bible was written by men under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God.
Yes, every word of God is flawless because God himself is flawless. His promises are flawless. Do you believe that?
King David, that great psalmist of Israel says,
And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. (Psalm 12:6)
Again David affirms the same when he says,
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30)
Believe in the Lord. Believe in his words. Believe in his promises. That will bring you peace that passes all understanding. God bless you.
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 101
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:14)
When Jesus was born, there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
If you are reading this, God's favor rests upon you and that will bring peace to you amidst all the troubles that you face in this chaotic world.
It's not a trivial matter if God's favor has rested upon you. The Apostle Peter puts it this manner:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9, 10)
Yes, we are the people of God and God's favor rests upon us. Let us rejoice that God has chosen us as a people for himself, that we have received mercy and that we are a people belonging to him. Praise the Lord.
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:14)
When Jesus was born, there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
If you are reading this, God's favor rests upon you and that will bring peace to you amidst all the troubles that you face in this chaotic world.
It's not a trivial matter if God's favor has rested upon you. The Apostle Peter puts it this manner:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9, 10)
Yes, we are the people of God and God's favor rests upon us. Let us rejoice that God has chosen us as a people for himself, that we have received mercy and that we are a people belonging to him. Praise the Lord.
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 102
He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love. (Song of Solomon 2:4)
Do you believe that the love that Jesus has for you is much much greater than the love that the woman here had for her lover?
God says,"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3)
Everlasting love can come only from an everlasting God. The Bible says,
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
The Apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians says,
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)
The love that Jesus has for you is one that surpasses knowledge and if you have to really grasp how wide, long, high and deep it is, you would need more than a lifetime.
Yes, Jesus loves you, much more than you can ever imagine, much more than you can ever grasp. In fact, the banner that he's held over you is the banner of love. God bless you.
He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love. (Song of Solomon 2:4)
Do you believe that the love that Jesus has for you is much much greater than the love that the woman here had for her lover?
God says,"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3)
Everlasting love can come only from an everlasting God. The Bible says,
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
The Apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians says,
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)
The love that Jesus has for you is one that surpasses knowledge and if you have to really grasp how wide, long, high and deep it is, you would need more than a lifetime.
Yes, Jesus loves you, much more than you can ever imagine, much more than you can ever grasp. In fact, the banner that he's held over you is the banner of love. God bless you.
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 103
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:8)
Do you feel that you may not be able to endure all the trials that you are facing and reach the desired end of it all- eternal union with God?
Is there a question frequently popping up in your mind whether you should have signed up for this trip- living for Jesus? Here's a promise for you right from the Word of God- He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
How can a person say with surety that he/she will make it to the desired end? Well, that's what the gospel is all about. It's not on our merit, but by his Grace. The Bible says,
"God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." (1 Corinthians 1:9)
So, be assured this day, brother/sister in christ. Jesus will keep strengthening you with his Holy Spirit till the moment you join him in eternity or at his coming. You are precious to him. As precious as Jesus is to his father.
"As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him." (1 Peter 2:4)
God bless you.
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:8)
Do you feel that you may not be able to endure all the trials that you are facing and reach the desired end of it all- eternal union with God?
Is there a question frequently popping up in your mind whether you should have signed up for this trip- living for Jesus? Here's a promise for you right from the Word of God- He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
How can a person say with surety that he/she will make it to the desired end? Well, that's what the gospel is all about. It's not on our merit, but by his Grace. The Bible says,
"God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." (1 Corinthians 1:9)
So, be assured this day, brother/sister in christ. Jesus will keep strengthening you with his Holy Spirit till the moment you join him in eternity or at his coming. You are precious to him. As precious as Jesus is to his father.
"As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him." (1 Peter 2:4)
God bless you.
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 104
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." (Acts 23:11)
A promise to the apostle that his ministry is not yet over and that he has to testify about Jesus in Rome. God spoke to the apostle not vaguely but specifically. It was not something said haphazardly but pinpointing a place where God would take him to, come what may.
In the very next verses, we read of a plan by the Jews to kill him. But since God had given him the promise, could anyone kill him?
The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot. (Acts 23:12, 13)
God foiled their plans.
Later on in Chapter 25, we read of another plan to kill Paul.
They urgently requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. (Acts 25:3)
God did not allow it to happen.
Travelling to Italy later on, the ship that Paul travelled by was hit by a violent storm.
Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. (Acts 27:14, 15)
God protected Paul because of his promise and plan.
He landed up on an island called Malta where God had a ministry for him to do.
3 months later he travelled again and finally landed in Rome.
Luke, the physician writes,
When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him. (Acts 28:16)
The book of Acts ends with these verses:
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 28:30, 31)
God is faithful. He will foil every plan the enemy brings against the promise that he has given you. If he has promised you something, he will definitely bring it to pass. Just walk with him. God bless you.
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." (Acts 23:11)
A promise to the apostle that his ministry is not yet over and that he has to testify about Jesus in Rome. God spoke to the apostle not vaguely but specifically. It was not something said haphazardly but pinpointing a place where God would take him to, come what may.
In the very next verses, we read of a plan by the Jews to kill him. But since God had given him the promise, could anyone kill him?
The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot. (Acts 23:12, 13)
God foiled their plans.
Later on in Chapter 25, we read of another plan to kill Paul.
They urgently requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. (Acts 25:3)
God did not allow it to happen.
Travelling to Italy later on, the ship that Paul travelled by was hit by a violent storm.
Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. (Acts 27:14, 15)
God protected Paul because of his promise and plan.
He landed up on an island called Malta where God had a ministry for him to do.
3 months later he travelled again and finally landed in Rome.
Luke, the physician writes,
When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him. (Acts 28:16)
The book of Acts ends with these verses:
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 28:30, 31)
God is faithful. He will foil every plan the enemy brings against the promise that he has given you. If he has promised you something, he will definitely bring it to pass. Just walk with him. God bless you.
God is faithful. He will foil every plan the enemy brings against the promise that he has given you. If he has promised you something, he will definitely bring it to pass. Just walk with him. God bless you.
:amen
Even when we don't think things are on track, His work will be done.
:amen
Even when we don't think things are on track, His work will be done.
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 105
The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 51:11)
Are you frequently haunted by painful memories of the past? The injustice that was meted out to you. The gall and bitterness of it all. How could it happen? Why did it happen?
Does God hear you and see you sighing regarding it?
Yes he does. And he wants to comfort you this day.
Remember, he heard the cry of the Israelites in Egypt and put an end to their misery by setting them free. He also brought them back from captivity in Babylon even though he had decreed that punishment for them because of their sins.
Regarding Israel the Lord had this to say though they did not follow him whole-heartedly:
Is not Ephraim my dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 31:20)
The Lord's heart yearns for you, he has great compassion on you. He will give you so much of love that gladness and joy will overtake you, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Trust in the Lord. Live for him. He will never leave you nor forsake you. God bless you.
The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 51:11)
Are you frequently haunted by painful memories of the past? The injustice that was meted out to you. The gall and bitterness of it all. How could it happen? Why did it happen?
Does God hear you and see you sighing regarding it?
Yes he does. And he wants to comfort you this day.
Remember, he heard the cry of the Israelites in Egypt and put an end to their misery by setting them free. He also brought them back from captivity in Babylon even though he had decreed that punishment for them because of their sins.
Regarding Israel the Lord had this to say though they did not follow him whole-heartedly:
Is not Ephraim my dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 31:20)
The Lord's heart yearns for you, he has great compassion on you. He will give you so much of love that gladness and joy will overtake you, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Trust in the Lord. Live for him. He will never leave you nor forsake you. God bless you.
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 106
When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." (John 11:4)
The story starts in this manner:Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." (John 11:1-3)
That's when Jesus said the words in the verse above.
Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death." A promise from the master for the sisters.
The sisters must have been happy on hearing that. Perhaps they must have told a few friends and close relatives what Jesus said. They must have reassured Lazarus that he was going to recover.
But alas! Lazarus died....How shocking it must have been for the sisters. The many questions that must have hounded them. The many whispers they must have had to hear about them telling others that Jesus had said that Lazarus would not die. The gall of it all being that Jesus didn't even come and visit Lazarus or pray for him.
Well, Jesus had a surprise in store for them. And no one other than their Master & Lord knew it.
Who would have imagined that this man Lazarus who was dead and his body kept in a cave would be brought back to life? That too after 4 days of dying.
"Take away the stone," Jesus said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:39, 40)
That sounds preposterous, doesn't it? But this was no ordinary man speaking into the air. This was the Son of God, the one who said, "I am the resurrection and the life."
And then...the miracle...Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." (John 11:43, 44)
Imagine the aahhs...and the ohs....that could be heard. The rejoicing and the hugs. That's my Lord Jesus for you, even today.
Now what's that thing you were saying is impossible in your life?
Remember my Lord's words:"Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
Will you believe? Good!!!
When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." (John 11:4)
The story starts in this manner:Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." (John 11:1-3)
That's when Jesus said the words in the verse above.
Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death." A promise from the master for the sisters.
The sisters must have been happy on hearing that. Perhaps they must have told a few friends and close relatives what Jesus said. They must have reassured Lazarus that he was going to recover.
But alas! Lazarus died....How shocking it must have been for the sisters. The many questions that must have hounded them. The many whispers they must have had to hear about them telling others that Jesus had said that Lazarus would not die. The gall of it all being that Jesus didn't even come and visit Lazarus or pray for him.
Well, Jesus had a surprise in store for them. And no one other than their Master & Lord knew it.
Who would have imagined that this man Lazarus who was dead and his body kept in a cave would be brought back to life? That too after 4 days of dying.
"Take away the stone," Jesus said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:39, 40)
That sounds preposterous, doesn't it? But this was no ordinary man speaking into the air. This was the Son of God, the one who said, "I am the resurrection and the life."
And then...the miracle...Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." (John 11:43, 44)
Imagine the aahhs...and the ohs....that could be heard. The rejoicing and the hugs. That's my Lord Jesus for you, even today.
Now what's that thing you were saying is impossible in your life?
Remember my Lord's words:"Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
Will you believe? Good!!!
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 107
And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. (2 Thessalonians 2:8)
Referring to the Antichrist, Paul the Apostle here says that Jesus will destroy him by the splendor of his coming. The end of this age will see the final conflict between good and evil, God and satanic forces. Of course their fate is sealed as is written in the Word Of God.
And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)
The Bible also says,
If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)
The Lake of Fire is the second death. Only those whose names are found in the book of life and who overcome will escape the second death.
He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. (Revelation 2:11)
Is your name in the book of life? If yes, you are blessed and you will enter your eternal home in heaven when God calls you. If you are not sure that your name is in the book of life, take a decision today to live for Jesus. Repent of your sins. Accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord. The Bible says,
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12)
Your decision is vital. God bless you.
And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. (2 Thessalonians 2:8)
Referring to the Antichrist, Paul the Apostle here says that Jesus will destroy him by the splendor of his coming. The end of this age will see the final conflict between good and evil, God and satanic forces. Of course their fate is sealed as is written in the Word Of God.
And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)
The Bible also says,
If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)
The Lake of Fire is the second death. Only those whose names are found in the book of life and who overcome will escape the second death.
He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. (Revelation 2:11)
Is your name in the book of life? If yes, you are blessed and you will enter your eternal home in heaven when God calls you. If you are not sure that your name is in the book of life, take a decision today to live for Jesus. Repent of your sins. Accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord. The Bible says,
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12)
Your decision is vital. God bless you.
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12)
:amen
It's sad that I'm the only one to post responses in here. But I know you're reaching more people than me.
God Bless Jeremiah.
:amen
It's sad that I'm the only one to post responses in here. But I know you're reaching more people than me.
God Bless Jeremiah.
Fembot said:
Thanks Fembot. God bless you. The rewards are kept in heaven. Here we just work for Christ till we can.
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 108
He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you." (Exodus 15:26)
A promise from God to the Israelites in the wilderness. The key words for them in this verse were- listen carefully....do what is right....pay attention....keep all decrees......
Most of them later on neither listened carefully, nor did what was right, nor paid attention and neither kept his decrees. They suffered as a result. Some of the curses resulting in sicknesses for not keeping God's commands are outlined in Deuteronomy Ch. 28.
The LORD will strike you with wasting disease, with fever and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, with blight and mildew, which will plague you until you perish. (Deuteronomy 28:22)
The LORD will afflict you with the boils of Egypt and with tumors, festering sores and the itch, from which you cannot be cured. (Deuteronomy 28:27)
The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness and confusion of mind. (Deuteronomy 28:28)
That's a nerve shattering list...and there's more in that chapter.
The point that God stressed upon the Israelites was- If you obey me, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.
Well, He is still the God who heals, whether someone believes it or not. He's not changed...He is the One and Only Unchanging God. Praise the Lord.
He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you." (Exodus 15:26)
A promise from God to the Israelites in the wilderness. The key words for them in this verse were- listen carefully....do what is right....pay attention....keep all decrees......
Most of them later on neither listened carefully, nor did what was right, nor paid attention and neither kept his decrees. They suffered as a result. Some of the curses resulting in sicknesses for not keeping God's commands are outlined in Deuteronomy Ch. 28.
The LORD will strike you with wasting disease, with fever and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, with blight and mildew, which will plague you until you perish. (Deuteronomy 28:22)
The LORD will afflict you with the boils of Egypt and with tumors, festering sores and the itch, from which you cannot be cured. (Deuteronomy 28:27)
The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness and confusion of mind. (Deuteronomy 28:28)
That's a nerve shattering list...and there's more in that chapter.
The point that God stressed upon the Israelites was- If you obey me, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.
Well, He is still the God who heals, whether someone believes it or not. He's not changed...He is the One and Only Unchanging God. Praise the Lord.
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 109
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:11)
In the book of Esther we read of a wonderful blessing that God bestowed upon the Jews who were fearing annhilation because of a deadly plan by a man called Haman who had decided to wipe out every Jew. God overthrew his plan and instead of pain and death, they were blessed in this way as we read in Esther Ch. 8
The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour. (Esther 8:16)
Darkness, sorrow and belittling were replaced by light and joy and honour.
How remarkable.
Esther, Mordecai and the Jews fasted and prayed and God brought a total reversal of things as they were to be.
So do not despair because of the circumstances you are facing. Go into God's presence with prayer and fasting and God will stretch forth his hand to bless you just as King Artaxerex held out the golden sceptre for Esther.
Jesus loves you and he will give you light and joy and honour just as he gave it to Esther, Mordecai and the Jews. God bless you.
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:11)
In the book of Esther we read of a wonderful blessing that God bestowed upon the Jews who were fearing annhilation because of a deadly plan by a man called Haman who had decided to wipe out every Jew. God overthrew his plan and instead of pain and death, they were blessed in this way as we read in Esther Ch. 8
The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour. (Esther 8:16)
Darkness, sorrow and belittling were replaced by light and joy and honour.
How remarkable.
Esther, Mordecai and the Jews fasted and prayed and God brought a total reversal of things as they were to be.
So do not despair because of the circumstances you are facing. Go into God's presence with prayer and fasting and God will stretch forth his hand to bless you just as King Artaxerex held out the golden sceptre for Esther.
Jesus loves you and he will give you light and joy and honour just as he gave it to Esther, Mordecai and the Jews. God bless you.
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 110
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. (Exodus 14:15, 16)
Are you stuck at some place dear brother/sister in Christ? Stagnating in your spiritual life? The Lord says, "Move on!"
How long are you going to latch on to your family traditions and stagnate in your spiritual life?
What are the things that are hindering you from having a close walk with Jesus? Free yourself from those shackles and move on.
You have to reach the heavenly Canaan and there are so many obstacles. God told Moses, "Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground."
Piece of cake? No way! But that's the Lord for you. Stretching Moses' faith to the limits, just to see whether he would snap. Almost did snap a few times, yet here, his obedience to God's command made him and the Israelites see the unbelievable.
There's a way in the Red Sea or the monstrous problem that you are experiencing in your life, dear brother/sister in Christ. You may not be able to see the way but God can and he will open the way if you trust in his words and be obedient to him. Move on.
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. (Exodus 14:15, 16)
Are you stuck at some place dear brother/sister in Christ? Stagnating in your spiritual life? The Lord says, "Move on!"
How long are you going to latch on to your family traditions and stagnate in your spiritual life?
What are the things that are hindering you from having a close walk with Jesus? Free yourself from those shackles and move on.
You have to reach the heavenly Canaan and there are so many obstacles. God told Moses, "Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground."
Piece of cake? No way! But that's the Lord for you. Stretching Moses' faith to the limits, just to see whether he would snap. Almost did snap a few times, yet here, his obedience to God's command made him and the Israelites see the unbelievable.
There's a way in the Red Sea or the monstrous problem that you are experiencing in your life, dear brother/sister in Christ. You may not be able to see the way but God can and he will open the way if you trust in his words and be obedient to him. Move on.