By trusting the Lord, Abram ventured into the unknown. Where the Lord revealed Himself. Transforming Abram and his life into one of abundance— good fruit. Rejecting every kind of evil. Living a life of righteousness in word and deed.
Yes, all believers were once foolish, disobedient, deceived and slaves to our desires and various pleasures too. We were spending our lives in evil behavior and jealousy. We were disgusting, and we hated other people.
But when God our Savior’s kindness and love appeared. He saved us because of His mercy. Not because of righteous things we had done. He did it through the washing of new birth and the renewing by the Holy Spirit. Which God poured out upon us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior. So, since we have been made righteous by His grace. We can inherit the hope for eternal life. Titus 3:3-7
So don’t be misled. Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father. Who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us His true word. And we, out of all creation, became His prized possession. James 1:16-18
God is love. Because of this, the love of God is a reality among us. God sent His only Son into the world so that we could find true life through Him. This is the embodiment of true love. Not that we have loved God first, but that He loved us and sent His unique Son on a special mission to become an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:8-10
We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that He made us alive with Christ. God’s wonderful kindness is what saves you. God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and He has given us a place beside Christ in heaven.
God did this so that in the future world He could show how truly good and kind He is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. You were saved by faith in God. Who treats us much better than we deserve.
This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn’t something you have earned. So there is nothing you can brag about. God planned for us to do good things and to live as He has always wanted us to live. That’s why He sent Christ to make us what we are. Ephesians 2:4-10
Therefore be imitators of God as dearly loved children. Walk in love as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. Ephesians 5:1-2
Is your heart infected with pride— self-righteousness? Immediately check yourself into Righteousness Memorial for treatment. Jesus, your attending physician, is willing and able to heal your diseased heart.
Antibiotics will be prescribed. Repentance. Forgiving those who wounded you, including yourself. Discarding the “if onlys” of life. Destroying idols that dominate your life.
Although the medicine may leave a bitter taste in your mouth, it is for your own good. Until you are willing to bow before the Lord in humility, an authentic union with Him is impossible. Acknowledging the fragility and impotence of man. Worshiping the majesty and sovereignty of the Lord.
The Lord expects you to make tough decisions so that He and His Kingdom are glorified. Decisions that are not politically correct. That rubs people the wrong way. That ends relationships, careers and dreams.
Yes, following the Lord is not all fun and games. At times it is difficult, lonely and filled with sacrifice. But if you are willing to pay the price, there is hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.
Treasure that is precious and worthy of your pursuit because God’s love created it. That will not succumb to the ravages of time. That when given away does not diminish in value but increases exponentially. That one day will be revealed in its entirety. Blessedness perfected!
This extraordinary treasure is the Kingdom of God that Jesus embodied. A Kingdom birthed through the sacrifice of God’s only begotten Son. Yes, God so passionately loved us that He allowed His heart to be broken so that He could heal ours.
What a wonderful Father!
Be a VOICE shouting into the wilderness.
“CHRIST is returning!”
letsloveothers 